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SO the saying goes something along the lines of, "Up the creek without a paddle", but when you have Lilo, what on earth do you need a paddle for?

Floating along in the cool water of the Breede River, chilling in the sunshine, sipping a "dop", having a laugh with friends and strangers, being serenaded by a band perched on the edge of a jetty strumming their guitars... now doesn't that sound like the makings of a perfect Saturday afternoon?

The hours on the road the day before, enduring the blasting heat, with no Wimpy in sight for miles (a catastrophe for a group of hungry girls who haven't had breakfast yet), were totally worth it for the end result, which was a fantastic weekend at the Up the Creek Festival.

Even the "battle wound" I acquired by running full force into a giant boulder (WARNING: possible exaggeration), now only serves as a warm reminder of this great trip (excuse the pun).

In my defence the rock ? I mean, giant boulder ? was submerged in the water, which wasn't very transparent, and we were desperate to get into the river after the sweaty task of pitching the tents!

I don't usually consider myself a camping sort of person, but with fairly decent toilet facilities, a fully stocked bar two minutes away from our tents, a full programme of top quality bands performing all day long (and I mean TOP ? those guys rocked), and even life guards on duty at the edge of the river... I suppose you can't exactly call that roughing it!

Although three bikini clad girls having to share one Lilo because they don't want to touch the slimy bottom or anything else that may be lurking below ? now that?s rough! (I promise I'm kidding, in case you really start to think I am a real sissy.)

If I had to choose just one, the best band for me would be The Parlotones. They are one of my favourite bands and man, do they rock the house. Or tent, as the case may be.

But the fact is, every single act was really amazing.

In case there were any doubt, South African music is not just hot, its blazing! There is molten lava pouring from its seams!

Seriously, the line-up was 100% local, but 100% international quality.

And don?t even get me started on the hysterically disturbing duo of Corné and Twakkie. Watching those guys at 08:30 while you are still drinking your first cup of coffee is just insane!

My sides still hurt when I think of them trying to give this horribly hung-over guy (they called him Denver for no apparent reason) a CIE ? Caffeine Injected Enema! Don't worry, I said "tried". It wasn't that kind of show...

There are some things I will never know for certain, like how we managed to finish almost all our weekend booze on the first night, what kind of freaky insect gave me these two itchy bites on my ankles, or how my friend Petro managed to convince me to lend my pretty, floral, lacy top to Anthony the MC.

But one thing I do know for sure, South Africans know how to put on a great party.

If you ever get the chance, go for it! You won't be sorry. Partying at the riverside is something you all need to try.

Just look out for those giant boulders ? they're tricky!

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