The market at Vergenoegd Estate, just off Baden Powell Drive heading to Stellenbosch, is the perfect spot for a bit of family time, good food, live music, arts and crafts… and, if you time it right, watching the duck parade. Bolander editor Carolyn Frost visited this beautiful, historic estate on Saturday, in glorious weather, and as per usual, ended up having conversations with interesting people (and animals), capturing gorgeous images (far too many to publish), and coming away replenished and restored by the experience. And being a dog lover (especially of Great Danes), Carolyn was like a duck to water, approaching the gentle giant, pictured, who accompanied his family on the outing. And it was no ordinary day for the Rossouw family, who are from the Cape originally, and relocated back here after a hiatus of many years in Johannesburg. Proud dad Jacques, who is holding the birthday girl Jaime on his shoulders, said this was the perfect venue to celebrate Jaime turning one! Jacques’ family lives in Stellenbosch, and wife Emma, left, is originally from Paarl (they met at Stellenbosch University), and all the extended family were there for the festivities, including furry four-legged big brother Rufus, the majestic Harlequin Great Dane. During the duck parade, above, Rufus looked a little taken-aback, not quite sure what the deal was, with these (rather redolent) feathered friends filing past the happy crowds. The duck parade is a firm favourite at Vergenoegd, and some sport fuzzy hairdo’s that add an even more comical element, given their peculiar 45 degree slant as they waddle past everyone, unperturbed by excited children and snapping cameras. They know they’re the stars of the show.
