Time to catch up
Well finally I can catch up and let you all know what has happened and what we have seen whilst travelling; the internet has been bad so I have a lot to talk about.
So the Cullinan Diamond mine was fun and Betty won the lucky draw, a replica of the Cullian Diamond found in 1905 3106 carets, Congratulations.
We then continued to Pilgrims rest and saw a Black Wildebeest along route and a nice flock of Red Bishops (a bird) sitting on a fence a pretty contrast but could not get a photo.
The next day we went on to Gods window sadly fogged in but we did the hike any way.
Then we went on to Blyde canyon and it cleared up a bit and the to the three rondawels where we had a nice walk before lunch. On our way back to the hotel we found a place that had cleared up called the Panicle and gave us an idea what gods window would have been like. The photo is below.
Up until now we have had a lot of rain but the group has kept a positive attitude and it paid of our trip to Kruger was hot and by 9am was in the mid 90’s, so my answer was “ you were asking for the African bush and sun I give it to you all in one” we had a long distance sightings of Elephant , Buffalo, and Rhino but it was a close call we almost missed a lion but we found him and stayed with him for a while till he disappeared.
The first drive at Lukimbi we found 13 lions , 4 lionesses 6 cubs and 3 males , wow it was great and of course the Rhino and Elephant and loads of Impala etc….
The next morning we found another three lionesses with 10 cubs and that was great. Sadly no Leopard but that is the bush, so those who have been with me in the past and we got Leopard it was very good luck.
The drive to Swaziland was also a small learning and discovery as we visited the glass factory and it was really a good stop all enjoyed it.
The drives at Mkyaha lodge were fun but a little wet our last drive Thulani our ranger tried to get a black rhino closer for us to get some photos and to see the difference and got charged it was really funny to see him run so fast still with a smile on his face.
So now we are back in south Africa with no events at the border, St. Lucia was a hit as usual all enjoyed visiting the Indian Ocean, a lot busier than normal as it is Christmas and it is our Summer vacation time, on our way to Shaka land We stopped and bought some Leetchees a small L&D nice and juicy then a few Kilometers down the road we stopped and bought some pineapples, I peeled them with my Leatherman and served it to all, it was great, then just as all excitement settled down we came across a traditional Zulu 21st birthday celebration, we stopped the bus and asked if we could join the family said the ancestors are happy please join, so all the guests got involved with the dancing and drank the local brew called Umqombothi, some liked the taste others weren’t so happy but enjoyed the experience, again photos below , Thank you Nomcebo Ngbe of Mevemhlophe Zulu village for allowing us to celebrate with you This was a great L&D and risk taking ,as all schools are closed and this helped filled the gap.
We arrived at Shakaland and had a great evening with the entertainment of the Zulu dancing,
Then the next morning we all gathered outside as finally the sun has come out and turned out to be a fantastic day, all had Breakfast outside and were still happy about the Birthday Experience.
We all then had phase two of the cultural experience and were shown how things were done by the Zulus, I even got involved with stick fighting (Photo below).
All had a great day and experience at the village, most enjoyed the children and were able to ask the view of the Zulus out of the tourist line.
Then we moved on to Durban and visited the spice market at the famous Victoria market and the went down to the beach front of Durban where we had the group photo taken in the jaws of a Megaladon , a prehistoric shark that grew to about 12 meters in length. The beach was busy but rather windy, some ventured into the water others just shopped, but all were happy with the break before the long journey up to Sani Pass.
The trip up to Sani Pass was not too bad, the next day we ventured up the pass and yes one of the vehicles did break down 1.5km before the top so we walked the rest of the way. Eventually got to the top and Helen Laughlin checked in on her 100th country, congratulations on your quest.
Then the strangest thing ever there were three British Tourists that drove in from Maseru the capital city in a dinky toy car (Hyundai Atos) and asked us at the top of Sani do we think they can go down with this car everyone laughed and said no, and the customs won’t let them through so they set of didn’t stop at the customs office and went down they got stuck a few times but strangely enough they did it but also did not stop at the South African Boarder.
So we get back to the hotel around 3:30 two of the ladies decide to play a round of golf, and rope the driver Given, in to be there caddy, he obliged and went a long, when they all got back the stories of the game started, they were quick to lose the balls in the water holes, given being the great help he is offered to get the balls, wearing his Nike tennis shoes realized he is not a swimmer and started to scratch along the side Janice then tried to help sliding on her but, starting with 4 balls ending with 5 a great day had by all.
Givens fare well dinner was great, at the end Marty stood up and wished me a happy birthday and the group arranged champagne and got me a photographic bird field guide, WOW what a great gift, a very nice book. Thank you to all of you on this trip.
