Animals.

I knew it was going to be an animally kind of day when I woke to the sound of monkeys on my roof. The soft thud had me question whether I was dreaming, but then I saw the trees sway violently so I got up to investigate. I saw a few tails but they didn't linger so I went back to bed after realising that it was only 5am and not 6am. My brain popped awake at the remembering that it was the starting day of the big trek inland. I debated on getting up to run being so early and I realised that I wouldn't get back to sleep now, so I got ready for my run.

On my approach to my parking I jumped in surprise at the sudden movements of the imps who were searching for open windows and rubbish bins. I stopped long enough to take photos and was convinced they were going to run over the car roof.

I knew that the promenade would be busy but was surprised by how many people were swimming. There was all sorts of exercise types getting their calories down under the watchful eye of security, police and the hungry monkeys. Some of these Vervet monkeys are so used to people that they don't even flinch when runners brush by. I was fascinated.

Then the feral cats of the more established dunes were being treated by a group of kind volunteers. These cats are a help to the community by catching rats so the volunteers tag, steralise and monitor them.

My next excitement were the dolphins in the bay that had come to bid me goodbye. The moody clouds kept the sea calm so I could see the fins from quite a distance and somehow even from afar these creatures lift my spirits.

After absorbing the atmosphere enriched by iced coffee and chocolate croissant, I finished up packing and readied myself to set off. My car was full and I let my friends know that I was about to leave.

My first port of call was only 40 minutes away and I drove up Fields hill and behind last week's train station, through a very twisty valley with light drizzle annoying me almost as much as impatient arse creepers in their big cars.

All was quickly forgotten when I set eyes on the cutest bundle of shark teeth and puppy breath.

I have been friends with my ex neighbours since 1989 which is a very long time and 8 hours later, we finally called it goodnight in the midst of loadshedding. A great day (and night).