Time to hit the road again.
This time I was headed to Mpumalanga,
to revisit two destinations.
Kaapsehoop as well as Sabi Sabi Bush Lodge.
I visited the former in November, 2017,
and I was last at the latter in 2013.
The cool winter weather and clear but cloudy skies
as I travelled made me stop to capture this image
Although there are roadworks on the N4 currently,
there was only one “Stop & Go”.
The wait was about 15 minutes and I utilised the time
to take photographs.
An unplanned stop along the way.
The war graves cemetery in Machadodorp.
It is well maintained by the South African War Graves Project.
Part of our South African battle history,
and travellers going North should consider
taking the time to stop and investigate.
My real reason for stopping off in Machadodorp!
Coffee and cake with Mike and his family that own and run
the Purple Orchid coffee shop in the main street.
Looking like a dystopian setting for a futuristic movie.
This is the SAPPI owned and operated Ngodwana paper mill.
You can actually smell the processing pulp BEFORE you see the plant.
But no time to stop…
I turned right towards Kruger Street and headed
through the forests for 14 km
to get to my overnight stop…
Silver Mist Country Inn,Kaapsehoop
This is what this artistic town is known for,
both locally and Internationally.
Wild horses that roam the streets…
And, as a bonus, at this time of year,
the Aloes are in full bloom.
A stunning splash of colour against the grey of the rock formations.
Silver Mist Country Inn.
My accommodation for the night…
Even though I was alone, I had been assigned the honeymoon suite.
I have to say that for the first time in MANY trips.
the pillows that were on the bed met my comfort standard.
And my well travelled pillow was not even taken
out of my suitcase.
The view from the front door of the Silver Mist Country Inn
where I was staying.
The “house” across the road is part of the accommodation
that belongs to the main hotel.
(FYI the hotel now stands where
the old Post Office used to be)
I found this sign outside a gents toilet
at a filling station in White River.
Is this the Batman legacy?
A sign outside a public toilet?
My ultimate destination.
Sabi Sabi Bush Lodge.
The main reception area is welcoming and airy.
It is set up in such a way
as to make the space feel like it is outdoors.
It is here that guests are asked to sign the ubiquitous indemnity forms.
I wonder if ANYONE reads the entire form before signing?
I know that I never have.
My welcome to Sabi Sabi Bush lodge.
There have been major decor changes since my last visit.
I will feature those in another posting.
Once again there was no need to take my pillow out of my suitcase!
But for me being in the bush is all about the wildlife experiences.
And the Sabi Sabi Reserve is well know for one specific species…
Leopard!
And I was not disappointed as we encountered
three different individuals on our game drives.
The Lilac Breasted Roller
This was/is the National bird of Botswana…
We got to see them on almost every game drive.
One of three Roller species that are found in the area.
This little fellow is all fluffed to to try to maintain its body heat
as the early mornings are getting decidedly chilly.
A morning road block!
There was no getting past this elephant,
so we sat and watched it do what an elephant does…
eat and poop…
And when it decided it needed to move away,
it did…and so did we.
ANOTHER African sunset.
This is part of why I love being in the bush.
Not only does the time here feed my soul,
it allows me the opportunity to just be me.
My camera brand of choice for more than 4 decades!
When it is time to print out my special images,
this is the company that I rely on to do that.
Bush gear to make me blend in…
in comfort and style.
https://www.ruggedwear.co.za
I have worn these shoes in the jungles of India
and on the beaches of Croatia.
Not to mention, many game reserves in Africa.
They are probably the most comfortable pair of shoes
that I have ever owned.
When I get home. I rely on this ISP
to provide me with high speed fibre connectivity
to enable me to get my postings published in record time.
www.cisp.co.za
This powerbank is my constant companion
while I am travelling.
It can do up to 4 full re-charges of my phone before
needing to be charged.
Supplied by…
When offered an option…
ALWAYS be Batman.
The newest of my travelling companions.
To find out more about the collectable Funko range of figurines,
visit:
My new addition, this awesome laptop bag from Solo.
Padded for protection and with enough pockets to keep
almost everything INCLUDING the kitchen sink in,
this is definitely an stylish addition to any business presentation.
Be it in the boardroom or the bush.
This bag can also be worn as a backpack.
There are straps in a hidden compartment that can be deployed
when you need both hands for other purposes.
To find out more about the stylish Solo range,
visit:
A new “tool” in my camera bag.
This locally made product was indispensable when using a long lens.
The ball and socket might look simple…and it is,
which is why it should be in the gear bag of every serious photographer.
This locally made, deceptively simple device is ideal
for tracking birds in flight or animals in motion.
The base can be used on a beanbag or a tripod,
with the ball being fitted to the camera.
The simplicity of the device allows to to move from supported
to hand held in a fluid motion.
There is also a version that can be used on a car window.
To see more about the product,
visit their Facebook page:
Or order directly from:
www.sablogawards.com
All images are the copyright property of
and may not be used without permission
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Coming soon: http://www.db-photo.co.za/ and www.fbtours.co.za
