Beau Constantia

What a lovely setting to sip wine (delicious Appletiser in my case) and sample cheese. I'd forgotten just how beautiful the winelands are.  Amazing beauty just 10 minutes from where the family live.

Kirstenbosch

Jo, Matthew and I had a fun afternoon ambling through Kirstenbosch.  This surely must be one of my favourite places in the world.  The guinea fowls, flowers and spiders put on a great display for us.

Harvest Festival

Matt and Sam's school put on an evening festival at a lovely wine farm. Good food and wine and some nice chatting with parents from the school.

Lunch at Buitenverwachting

Reunited with Matthew again

How I've missed him!  So wonderful to hang out again.  I could eat him up.

Lovely photos of Mary-Anne

Wow, great photos, Jo.

Jason with his hair pimped!

Adorable Mack

Oh how I love this little guy.

Email to Chrisel after hike

Hi there Chrisel

I hope you had a really fun St Patrick's party today and got to enjoy some Guinness. The weather today was a wee bit Irish at times - hope you didn't get too wet if it was an outdoor affair.
I was thinking of hiking again today (a 27 km one!!). Pretty glad I wimped out. Nothing like the incessant squelch of soggy boots. My boots are totally waterproof; they never let a single drop of water out once it gets in.
It was great seeing you again yesterday. You have such a wonderful and warm energy about you. When you do get to guide people through nature's wonders, you're going to be absolutely amazing at it.

Below are two links to my Kruger photos. I had a very special time there, and felt so connected to it all. It was Spring and the bonds I saw between parents and their young touched me especially deeply. To me, there's nothing comparable to African wildlife and wilderness. That and the people. Together, they capture the very "soul" of Africa that we spoke about yesterday.

Animal photos at http://www.graemex.blogspot.com/2012/11/exploring-kruger-national-park.html

Bird photos at http://graemex.blogspot.com.au/2012/11/birds-of-kruger-national-park.html

I'm running around like a headless chicken before South Africa, but would love you to introduce me to The Comedy (Store?) if you're up for that sometime after I get back (22 May).

My email address, if it doesn't come through with this, is graememyburgh@gmail.com

Bye for now,
G

Hi Graeme,

I had a lovely St Patrick’s day thanks despite the first drops of rain falling at exactly 12pm which was also the start of the parade! But the thunder, lightning and torrential rain that followed was just a good excuse to end up in the pub drinking Guinness ;o)

Oh but you are talented! Your blog and photos are absolutely amazing! Your connection with the animals and environment really shines through. Normally I would pick a favourite, but I just can’t – they’re all that good - truly inspiring. Thanks for sharing your treasure trove with me.

Well I hope you have a lovely time with your friends and family and come back saturated with quintessential South African traditions!

Looking forward to some comedy (and more amazing photos) when you return.

Chrisèl

Royal National Park - Uloola Track

Yet another gorgeous hike with lovely people. The highlight was a swim in refreshing rock pool and a shower under the waterfall.  

The Goanna Track Circuit - Royal National Park

Another gorgeous hike in The Royal National Park.  The highlight was the stunning  reflections in the water and an invigorating swim.  Doesn't get any better.