We spent the weekend at Zinkwazi beach, a once-sleepy little town about an hour up the north coast. I say once-sleepy, because it seems as if the development craze that has hit the more southern parts of the dolphin coast, seems to be catching on up there too. I’m not really opposed to new development, but I guess I just prefer traditional houses instead of massive golf and luxury estates. They just don’t fit in with my view of what a relaxed little town should contain, I rekon the boom gates, massive walls, beefed up security and castle-like pillars detract from the atmosphere of the town as a whole. Never mind the fact that Zinkwazi’s water comes from a bore-hole, and during the December months there’s always a severe shortage.

One of my mates pointed out how similar the beach is to Tofo, Mozambique. The similarities are quite striking when you think about it, there are untouched sand dunes and forests as far as the eye can see, and it’s all largely unspoilt. The only major difference would probably be the temperature and clarity of the water, although in the dry season when the Tugela river isn’t pumping mud and filth into the ocean, it gets pretty close. How long will it be before the whole coast is one long megalopolis like New York, with ugly luminous pink-and-purple casinos every two kilometers? I don’t want everything to get developed! I live in Africa because I like being able to drive a few hours and get away from modern developments and luxury Tuscan estates.

But back to the weekend - the weather was pretty bad, which is to be expected of KZN this summer. Seriously, haven’t we had enough rain yet? It just never ends! I can’t wait for winter, just so I can see some sunlight shine for more than just a few minutes between downpours. It didn’t stop everybody from having a brilliant time though. I wanted to catch a surf, but the lagoon mouth was open and was spewing grime into the sea, destroying the waves and muddying the water. Bah. Just wait for winter!

p.s. Crayfish season started on the 1st March... anybody game for some diving?