JANUARY 2012

Hello from the team at Dragon Peaks and all the best for what 2012 has in store for you.

The high season has passed over us like a wave; thousands of holiday makers passed in and out of Champagne Valley over December, making our quiet little corner of the country feel very cosmopolitan. The resort took a little while to get really busy, reaching maximum capacity just after Christmas. It seems many people felt the pinch this year on their pockets and chose to go away for only one week over New Years.

We salute the last few regulars who still make it up for a three week stay over the high season.

Overall we had a trouble free December. The mood was mellow and relaxed, families kept busy around and about hiking, swimming, cycling or making use of the Adventure Centre zip lines and canoes. It was an unusually dry high season with heavy rains starting towards New Years. This meant that the usual favourite past time of tubing down the flooded Sterkspruit only kicked off the last three days of the month.

I thought that the New Year's party went off well, we had a respectable crowd who danced the night away until just after 1pm the following morning. Vandalism was minimal, the teenagers behaved themselves and no thefts were reported to me - which is always a good outcome for us.

I think the primary area of concern looking ahead to the next high season is the aging state of our ablution blocks. They will all be getting some TLC over this year which we hope will make a big differance. We are also hoping to paint the large swimming pool - a major job in itself, but needed.

Controlling the spread of alien plants on our property is an ongoing concern. 'Working for Water' a government contractor has been through cutting and spraying, but their results have been limited in scale. Jakes from the adventure center is putting his head around a strategy for this year - in particular bramble and bracken.

John-Mark Hammersley continues to head up the office and housekeeping staff and is the senior manager on duty. His office staff includes Hlobi Hadebe, Genna Stockdale, Chelly Bloem and Charl Muller.

Greg Strydom, previously our Maintenance and Grounds Manager has been flying for Brett over this year. The attempted base at Piggly Wiggly in the Midlands proved a disappointment and has resulted in a move to the Northern berg where it is hoped the helicopter will be kept busy servicing the hotels in that region.

I (Glenn) stepped in over the last quarter of 2011 running the maintenance side with the help of John-Mark. This week we will be joined by Mr Meij, recently a retiree from Durban who will be taking over the workshop and maintenance staff. He is a hands on man with a talent for DIY so we are looking forward to seeing a higher level of detail and care being paid to our unit and estate maintenance.

Mr Meij's arrival is impeccably timed as I will be leaving for Australia on the 5th of February where I will be marrying Shannon Buchbach in March before returning to continue managing at the resort.

Tino continues on faithfully behind the scenes as our book keeper. His wife Hester who used to manage housekeeping is enjoying her retirement.

Outside of his resort interests, Brett with his wife Adri run Westline Aviation and continue their support of local and international Round Table events. Brett is serving a two year term as the International Relations Officer for Round Table SA, and as such will be travelling widely again this year of official duties.

Ray and Rene Mattig continue to pastor 'Turning Point Church' which meets at 10am every Sunday on the island next to the reception. All visitors are welcome to attend.

DEPOSITS

Please note that no deposit exceptions will be given any more to regular visitors, both for accommodation or camping. While we appreciate your patronage, we simply cannot afford to carry the loss on last minute cancellations. Please accept this as our policy going forward from this year onwards.

NEWS FROM THE TRAIL CENTRE

The horses have come through winter looking well and happy.

Myself, Rosie and Lwazi have just completed our Level 1 First Aid course and we are hoping that we don't get the opportunity to put our skills to the test.

Look out for Witch Craft, Shadow and Tokoloshe making their debut TV appearance on SABC2 in the Travel Documentary "Rough or Smooth/ Rof of Spog" starting 9th December. One of the hosts, Terence Bridgett, attended the Drakensberg Boys Choir School in the 80's and they have filmed one of the series in and around the School incorporating a horse ride. My niece Leigh-Ann plays the part of Trail Leader cause she is younger and blonder than any of us!

Warm regards from Lynn and the riding staff.

Kind Regards and all the best for the rest of 2012,

Glenn Tungay