Friday 2 December 2011

Images of the Fig Forest


There is no activity more calming for me than a stroll through the Fig forest in Mkhuze. Spending time in the shade this sprawling canopy listening to the myriad of sounds of birds, insects and (if you are lucky) the crash of elephants feeding is magical.
Crossing the Swing Bridge
Patrick Pointing Out Something Interesting
For The Extremely Lucky a Chance of Pel’s Fishing Owl
Jean and Jabulani in the Base of the Oldest Fig in this Section of Forrest


Thursday 17 November 2011

Highlights of Yesterdays Mkhuze Drive


Mkhuze Game Reserve looks absolutely stunning at the moment. We had our first rains and the grass looks like a manicured lawn where the burns were, the bush is sprouting new shoots and everything has that new clean washed look. On top of that it is time for baby impalas – oh so cute.

Sunset at Nsumo Pans

Believe it or not there is a Giant Eagle Owl chick in the fork of the tree
Path down to Nsumo Pans for sunset

Wednesday 2 November 2011

A Lighter Mood


Lake Jozini was definitely in a better mood this morning. Not only did the sun shine for us but I saw the elephant herd for the first time in days. We saw them as they came out of the tree line, anchored the boat and waited patiently. The wait paid of and after a while the whole herd came down to drink.

Elephants appearing out of the trees

Thinking of moving down to the water
Ingane and friends first
Payoff for patience

Thursday 11 August 2011

Tree Planting


I did another tree planting on behalf of a tour group at Mtwazi the other day. The trees were so cheap I also donated some – another four fruit trees planted to give shade to an otherwise barren playground and, hopefully, fruit to generations of kids.

I said to some older boys helping me to plant “It is a pity you won’t benefit”. “No problem” was the answer “We will when we come back as teachers”.  This is the spirit that makes helping the school in our little way all worthwhile.
In with an orange tree

In goes an orange tree

Breaking Ground

Happy Kids

On the Playground