The big Staycation {Van Gaalen}

So last year was our big staycation. While most of our province's inhabitants have planned their yearly coastal holidays, we had to stay home. Weddings are not cheap! But before you pity me in my parity with the lesser-privileged - this girl does not sit still for a minute. As soon as I felt I had the strength to do something, after my stint with lung disease, Flip and I set off to the Van Gaalen Cheese Farm in Skeerpoort.

At the foot of the Magaliesberg, the farm has hiking and biking trails, which is a great hit with the offroad bikers from Joburg. We sat down for breakfast just as most of them came back from their early morning ride. I overheard some riders saying that it was a tough ride, they left at five in the morning and only came back at 10ísh. The scrapes, mud and bruises on their arms and legs, paired with red and sweaty faces, further testified to the difficult path. With 60 km of trail to trek, I'd think I'd look far worse off than these experienced riders. Kudos to them!

Of course it also offers something to eat, with a little outdoor restaurant, shaded by age-old trees. You won't be spoiled for choice with their menu, but I was quite surprised when I received my platter for one. I couldn't finish it, it was just too much. While I had the Chef's Platter, for R89, Flip enjoyed a farm breakfast with tomato and mushroom relish.

With bookings, the folks at Van Gaalen will prepare a picnic basket, which you can enjoy next to a stream somewhere on the trail. I might take that option the next time we go there. It sounds awfully romantic.