Making normality of Load-Shedding

As Load-Shedding becomes an increasingly despised word around South Africa, the fact of the matter is that Load-Shedding is a reality.

Our reactions range from, “Now what?” to “I think I’ll take a nap” or “Let me flick that switch 700 times”, denial is a problem, let’s face it.

Instead of cursing ourselves for not investing in a solar unit when we had the chance or the fact that we forgot to charge our cellphones, let us focus on the positives and what we can do to turn the nuisance into an enjoyable experience,

Here is a list of things to do that do not require electricity:

Early Mornings: 04:00am – 06:30am

Preparation in early morning cases like these are key – get up, take the car out of the garage,  do your hair, boil the kettle and store some extra coffee water in flasks. or in fact, do these things the night before. Set your phone alarm, store hot milk and water in flasks, ready for the kids in the morning before school.

For the lucky few that own gas stoves, hot water for the win, for those who don’t, pop into Handigas and organise your household a gas run hob – it provides a variety of uses, especially when the electricity is out, you can cook, make hot drinks and warm your food.

Early Morning Sunrise

Take advantage of the beautiful sunrises in our stunning town, head down to the beach with the dogs and take a mind-clearing refreshing walk, the best start to your day.

Lunch Time: 12:00am – 02:30pm

Although this throws a spanner in our works during business hours, you can always catch up on those things that linger in the work schedule like filing, following up on queries and answer e-mails and leave them in the outbox. Even clean up your laptop – remove all the unwanted files and clutter.

Other activities that one can partake in during these two hours:

Take time to refresh your mind from your busy schedule and make a trip down to one of your local wine farms:

Bramon: Sitting among the beautiful mountain range on one of Plett’s crispy days is definitely one for the books and does not require any power, whether it be a free sampling of wines or enjoying their delectable cheese and wine selections, this is an enjoyable way to pass the time.

Packwood: Get into that home away from home vibe, with good wine and tons of fun activities, such as hiking and cycling trails, birdwatching and dam fishing, or a beautifully relaxing display of fauna and flora for artists or those who like to read amidst nature – Get that taste of Country Living!

Redford Lane Wines: A beautiful family trip to Redford Lane Wines is perfect for a relaxing, quality time with family or friends. Explore the light palate wines with the refreshed sense of ripe melon, pineapple hints, floral tones with a light lime finish.

Weekend Load-shedding?

Instead of being bored and frustrated, grab your swimsuits and head down to Paddle Plett at Central Beach for a guided paddle on Plett’s lagoon and ocean – its safe and suitable for all.

Walk the dogs on the beach

Make a day of activities – entertain the kids by surprising them with a ride at the Elephant Sanctuary or Knysna Elephant Park; spend time in Tenikwa, the animal rehabilitation and awareness shelter where you can get in touch with your wild side and connect with the beauty of the wild animals.

Personal Family Time – pack a picnic and head down to Poortjies, let the kiddies swim and have a blast whilst you read and relax, enjoy the natural beauty by which you are surrounded.

Evening 08:00pm – 10:30pm

Evening activities are fun to do; visit your local pizza like The Table and Enrico’s and enjoy their delectable pizzas by candlelight.

School night or want to stay in?

Pansy Shell

Enjoy a braai with family or friends and make a no-power required greek salad to accompany your meal.

For winter, heat up some homemade soup on the braai. Melt some marshmallows over the fire for a delicious sweet dessert, and something for the kids to look forward to.

Wrap yourself in a blanket and layout on the deck chairs and look at the stars, spot satellites and watch out for shooting stars to make your wishes come true!

When last did you play a board game…. By candlelight? Make use of that dusty monopoly set or teach the little ones spelling with Scrabble. This is a great way to spend the evening and catch up on well-deserved family time. Family time is the biggest benefit of load shedding!

One of the benefits load shedding in the evening provides us with is the opportunity to catch an early night. Take advantage of this opportunity, switch all the light switches off and make sure your TV’s and radios won’t rudely awaken you.

In the morning, you will feel refreshed and well-rested, ready to take on another day.