Bathurst

As the humans drove through Bathurst - our furry heads peeking out windows - something big, yellow and prickly caught my eye. 

The world’s largest, artificial pineapple (aka: The Big Pineapple).

A rather odd record, don’t you think? But then again…I hold the top score for “peeing on the world’s largest pineapple”. Who am I to judge?

If you are driving through on a Sunday, bark persistently until the humans stop at the Farmer’s Market. Rory and Carol Mason-Jones (and their four-legged friend, Gidget) own a stall where fresh, crispy dog biscuits are sold.

While Rory was giving me a taster, Carol said something about being retired, moving to Bathurst and making doggie treats. I can’t really remember; Rory had my full attention.

If your owners aren’t too fond of canine cookies, you can lead them to Pickwick’s Oven for a delicious thin base, wood-fired pizza. 

I don’t actually know if they are delicious; our humans are rather selfish. But judging by all the happy customers (with and without fur), we will be returning soon.

The Adventure

Place: Bathurst, Eastern Cape.

Map: link

Activities:

- Me: Running towards, barking at and weeing on The Big Pineapple; meeting dogs at the Farmer’s Market; eating doggie treats; begging for pizza.

- Humans: Visiting The Big Pineapple; shopping at the Farmer’s Market; eating pizza and drinking beer at Pickwick’s Oven.

Hogsback part 2

Roughly a year after our first Hogsback trip, the humans finally decided to return to the quirky town in the Amatola Mountains.

A year. It took them a whole year to realise how much I desperately need to look at pine trees, smell pine trees and pee on pine trees. Lazy if you ask me.

On a higher note, I now own a lot of pine trees; and this time we didn't just stay in the cabin and drink red wine. Well, at least not only that.

We did The Bluff Scenic Walk at The Edge Mountain Retreat, which is situated at - wait for it - the edge of the mountain. 

As always, the tiny human's voice screeched to ultrasonic levels as I approached the cliff. This also happened on the hike to the top of Kettlespout falls.

We explored gravel roads to Cathcart and, on the way, I barked at some sheep in Happy Valley. This made me happy.

There isn't much in Cathcart, but if you are into antiques, you might want to stop at The Art Bus. My humans are rather thrifty; they even bought me second-hand.

At the end of the day, we all huddled around a venison stew simmering on the wood stove; aromas of smoke, meat and red wine filling the cabin.

I had dog pellets for dinner.   

The Adventure

Place: Hogsback, Eastern Cape.

Map: link

Activities:

- Me: Claiming pine trees, running, swimming, barking at sheep, guarding the     Starways cabin (from chickens and Samango monkeys) and begging for           venison stew. 

- Humans: Hiking, cycling, drinking red wine, chasing away Samango monkeys   and cooking the stew.