A Landie with no name?
How can that be…
Given its quirks, it definitely deserves one.
“How quirky is it”? I hear you ask.
Let me share with you…
None of the doors opens or closes as it did when it left the factory.
The driver side door needs to be opened with a key,
as the handle is missing.
The front passenger door does not close properly
and has to be held or it flies open.
The rear passenger door only opens from the inside
and has to be closed from the outside.
But those traits aside, it is still getting the owner
and staff from A to B without too many issues.
It is no longer roadworthy so it can only be used on the farm
and the surrounding areas.
I was told that this door was famous.
So, I took a picture!
Not so much the door, but what is behind it
is what we had come to see.
People who attended the music festivals here back in the day
might recognize it
It is unfortunate this house burned down.
And it is not the only ruin on the property.
Since the owner died, it seems to have largely fallen into a state of disrepair.
But that is slowly being addressed and volunteers together with
members of the local community are starting to make inroads into the chaos here.
The biggest challenge at present is getting this art centre up and running.
The final vision for this space is extensive and slowly, as funds allow,
the work is being undertaken to make this
 centre a hub for the local community.
Constructed out of repurposed containers,
it will eventually comprise areas for
everything from music rooms to art spaces as well as a library.
Just one of the spaces that were recently painted by a volunteer.
I wonder what the locals make of the underwater theme,
seeing that the farm is in the Eastern Free State
 and far from the nearest ocean.
The views from all of the windows are stunning.
With the Maluti Mountain range being the predominant feature.
A variety of vegetables are grown in these greenhouses.
They are packed in nearby sheds before being sold off.
Just one of many ruined buildings that have been left behind.
The non-profit EarthRise Trust is hoping that all of these buildings
can be rebuilt and re-proposed for a variety of activities.
The local population will be involved in the establishment
of community-driven projects.
One of the buildings that have been restored,
is this one that houses volunteers as well as extra guests
 from the two lodges on the property
This part of the Maluti Mountains is known as Dragons Back.
Guests are able to walk to the summit,
with only the last part of the walk being just a little difficult.
There is a healing centre not too far from the art centre.
Interestingly for me, the windows are made from reused car windscreens.
Hence the reflection of the car-with-no-name in this picture.
Just one of the rondavels at the foot of the mountain
A panoramic view…
Reward indeed for those who are currently working here.
That being said, who could resist THIS as their office view on a daily basis?
Back in the Naledi Village,
a home caught my attention.
It was the variety of materials which made this property unique.
This is the creche was built by the local community
together with help from volunteers
and the Nelson Mandela Fund.
There is a lot more still in the planning stages
but the beginnings are exciting and I hope
that this ongoing project goes from strength to strength.
Guests who visit the lodge can contribute to the various projects.
To find out more about what the EarthRise Trust
 is doing and how you can contribute,
visit their website:
A big thank you to each of these brands
 for coming on board.
This has been my constant travel companion
for the past several years.
It might look worn,
but that represents the kilometres/miles
we have shared together.
From Kilimanjaro to the beaches of India.
To coach trips across Europe and Vietnam
and to a variety of game lodges and road trip destinations
 in South and Southern Africa.
BEST SUITCASE EVER!
Check out their Facebook page:
This torch has been turning heads!
The Olight SRS2UT Intimidator.
Marketed locally by:
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.
They are probably the most comfortable pair of shoes
that I have ever owned.
Now to try out the rest of the colours in the range.
When back 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.
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…
Â
ALWAYS choose to be Batman.
My constant travelling companion.
To find out more about the collectable Funko range of figurines,
visit:
I could not do without 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 a 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:
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 moving from supported
to handheld 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:
Â
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To see who else were winners in 2018, visit:
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