The Old Wagonhouse

The Old Wagonhouse

Saturday, November 26, 2011

Death of Monster

As most of you that might be traveling past Calitzdorp know, the apricots is a bit late this year.  About nearly 6 to 8 days.  Which is surpising is the earlier cultivars was on time.  The waite won't go without any benefit.  The sizes looks promising.  I would guess they would be about 20% larger than usual.  Not a bumper of a harvest but with bigger sizes it certainly will make up for the less fruit.  Quality also very  good and it seems to have a lot of substance.  I did fertilize with a lot of potasium which enhance size and quality but the rest of the Calitzdorp farmers observe the same - so maybe just a 2011 thing. 

This week a Rhodesian Ridgeback called Monster passed away.  Every body knew the late Monster.  Especially us that visited 'The naked Lady' for a breakfast or just a drink.  Now Monster was to put it mildly a straying dog.  Had probably as many masters as meals.  Well known in town where he went to visit everyone and the neighbour.  Hope you have enough space up there Monster.

The weather in Calitzdorp is also playing games with really cool nights and very mild days.  Seems like spring is going to continue forever.  In combination with the extreme dry conditions with not a lot of rain coming down we really have excellent fruiting weather.  The fruit all seems healthy and the vineyards are all in excellent condition.  The yields of the apricots look average while the plums are at a alltime low.  Only 3 tonnes a hectare.  Not at all viable.  The vineyards looks excellent with a good harvest hanging.  If the weather plays with this might end up being a great season. 

As most of you heard the Port Festival is happening this next year.  I think most of us is very excited about this new developement.  The Festival has really made a turn for the good with more emphasis on lifestyle.  This is really a story about less is more.  

Well I have to leave to go and have a look at those apricots ripening.