The Adventure Begins

Thanks for popping in!

Hello world!

Welcome to my very first blog – all about my exciting adventures on a Karoo farm. I am Bella, and this is Bella’s Blog.

I am a long-legged, vivacious adventure seeker (also sometimes referred to as Bella the Bulldozer. Ugh, parents!). As a professional farm explorer, I hope to entice you with the magical stories of Country life in the Karoo.

Now that I have introduced myself, let me tell you a bit about my playground – Groenvlei Farm. Our farm is situated in the midst of the Karoo, 65 km outside of the historical town of Graaff Reinet.

Daily exploring activities start with helping Dad round up the sheep for stock work in the mornings – before it gets too hot, you know, as the Karoo tends to do! Then, we hop on the bakkie and we are off to the veld to check windmills and dams. While dad is busy with this, I usually take on the very important task of stock taking. Saying hello to my favourite cattle is an important part of the day. Phew, but now I am a tired pupper. The drives in and out of the veld are mesmerizing! Wind blowing through my hair (ears if you must know), and breathtaking scenery of mountains and valleys.

After lunch it is very important to check on the guests down in the guest house – please note snacks are always welcome. At this point my favourite guests are waiting for me to take them exploring. Oh how I love to show them our beautiful hiking trails and walking paths, of which we have MANY! On hot summer days we walk down to the dam for a swim – a swim with a view of the mountain, might I add! After some adventuring we head on back to the guest house for a nap on the porch (for some reason the humans have not cottoned on to this, and choose to sit up right in their chairs). By this time we have been joined by Charlie, one of Groenvlei’s resident Kitty’s. Charlie and I sit with the humans on one of the guest house porches, enjoying a peaceful view of the mountains, or the guest house garden.

Later I usually head on home, as it is time for my evening walk with mom (most importantly, time for dinner). Mom and I usually go for a beautiful evening walk amongst the American Aloe’s (of which there are plenty in the Karoo). My last task for the day as professional farm explorer, is to check on our favourite dam near the house. Water levels are best checked by means of chasing the geese, followed by a gentle swim back to mom waiting patiently on the land. Water levels checked, large stick in mouth, and it is time to head home. Our walk home includes a beautiful farm sunset. Believe me, you have not seen a sunset until you have seen a Karoo sunset!

Now I really am a tired pupper, and it is time to retire for the day. Luckily, being situated in the Karoo, Groenvlei is peaceful and calming. When darkness falls and I have ensured my humans are safe in their home, I am blessed with the view of a million stars!

That is it for now!

Tune in for next weeks post.

Until then,

Bella!!