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Gecko 109 on Safari – Final Episode -Wildlife Encounters at Kruger: Elephants and More by Guest Blogger, Cathy.

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Solar Struggles and Starry Nights: Tsendze and Beyond

As I mentioned in our last post, our departure for Tsendze was delayed by a bit of roadside camaraderie. Waldo and Desiré, fellow campers, had car trouble, and Alec offered to help. After a trip to Phalaborwa and some mechanical magic, the comforting roar of Waldo’s engine signalled success. We packed up, said a warm farewell to our new friends, and finally hit the road.

The drive to Tsendze was lovely—clear skies and a gentle warmth that would later climb to a blistering 37°C. We stopped at Mopani Camp to check in, where the ever-friendly ladies at reception greeted us with their usual friendly faces. Tsendze is one of the few Kruger camps where sites are allocated, so after receiving our spot, we drove the eight or so kilometres back to the entrance.

The gates at Tsendze are a bit of a landmark, and as always, Alec did a quick scan of the bush to ensure I wouldn’t become a widow before opening them. We found campsite #5 and were thrilled to see a large tree offering generous shade—much needed, as the heat had become oppressive and there’s no electricity at Tsendze. Our aircon was out of the question, so we relied solely on our 12V system to keep the fridge and lights going.

Once the van was set up and the solar panels laid out to catch what sun they could, we returned to Mopani for a lazy lunch on the deck overlooking Pioneer Dam. The elephants were having a glorious pool party—splashing, playing, and generally making us wish we could join them.

An Elephant Pool Party at Pioneer dam

Back at camp, the afternoon drifted by as we enjoyed the birds and squirrels in the surrounding bush. As evening fell and the heat softened, we settled in with our customary drinks and opted for a simple sandwich supper, still full from lunch and not quite ready to brave the stove.

As tradition goes, Roger popped by to welcome us. He’s a fixture at Tsendze — knowledgeable, kind, and always ready with a story. He apologized for the foot traffic near our site; a nest of barn owls had drawn curious children from across the camp. Roger’s passion for and knowledge of the birds and animals of the area is encyclopaedic, especially when it comes to owls. It’s always a pleasure chatting with him.

Kruger’s bird life felt like a living field guide. We enjoyed watching them in camp and on our drives. There were many different species but there are a few that are our favourites.

A majestic martial eagle

Marabou Storks were at the end of the line when looks were handed out

A Pale Chanting Goshawk peers out

Mocking Cliff Chat poses beautifully

Ford Tailed Drongos were everywhere

A Kurrichane Thrush looks for supper

Egrets and a Cormorant look for supper

Alec’s favourite Bird – Yellow Billed Hornbill

Burchells Coucal dozes in the sun

Crested Francolin are accomplished beggars

Gorgeous Tawny Eagle

Bennet’s Woodpecker

Southern Ground Hornbills

Beautiful mature Bataleur

White fronted Bee Eater waiting for prey

Busy Magpie Shrike

African Jacana forages in the shallows

After a refreshing shower, we turned in early, eager to explore the area the next day. But morning greeted us with thick cloud cover — a camper’s nemesis when relying on solar power. Our panels, usually reliable in partial sun, couldn’t keep up under the heavy skies. With our battery struggling, we made another trip to Mopani to see if we could swap our booking for a powered site at Letaba. The receptionist worked her magic and found us a place one night, which was better than nothing, especially with school holidays filling up the camps.

We packed up and headed back to Letaba, grateful for the reprieve and already making mental notes about upgrading our electrical setup. Lithium batteries? Better panels? A puzzle for another day.

Letaba welcomed us with a lovely site, and we spent the afternoon revisiting some of our favourite spots—the bridge over the river, Engelhart Dam, and the loops off the Phalaborwa Road. Kruger, as always, delivered. One of my favourite sightings was a line of elephant bulls marching out of the bush to drink at a reservoir—majestic and utterly grounding.

On a blazing day these zebra needed a drink

Buffalo also drinking at the same waterhole

An unusual Kruger sighting – Tsessebe

Five Bulls in a row

Enjoying the freshest water

Hippos ignore the Yellow-billed Storks

Some of the most fearsome jaws in nature

Giraffe necking – some of those hits must have hurt

Waterbuck bulls are more interested in the ladies than us

Just outside camp on our final drive, we had one of those rare sightings that makes you blink twice and wonder if your eyes are playing tricks. We were meandering along the river loops when a flash of white darted across the road in front of us. We stopped immediately, and there it was—perched to the left, a pure white squirrel. I scrambled for my camera, but of course, it chose that moment to focus on the nearest leaves. By the time I’d adjusted, the squirrel had vanished into the undergrowth.

Whether it was a true albino or leucistic, I couldn’t say. But what struck me most was how starkly its snowy coat stood out against the muted tones of the bush—like a tiny beacon in a world of camouflage. It’s a wonder it’s survived to adulthood, given how visible it must be to every predator, feathered or four-legged. We could only hope this little ghost of the veld continues to evade its predators. 

My out of focus pic of the squirrel

Back at camp, we found ourselves surrounded by twelve Maui motor homes, all part of a French tour group. They’d formed a loose circle, and our little Gecko stood out like a lone ranger. The evening was quiet, punctuated by night sounds and snippets of French conversation drifting through the air.

The next morning marked the start of our 2,000-kilometre journey home. As always, leaving Kruger felt like leaving a piece of ourselves behind.

Sunset on our holiday!

Impressions of Kruger

This visit brought a pleasant surprise: signs of real maintenance. Letaba now has a new electrified diamond mesh fence, and the new shop is a welcome upgrade. The debris from the old, burned-down shop has finally been cleared. Though we were a bit unsettled by the sight of a large animal trap near the campsite—what exactly were they hoping to catch?

Across the camps, things looked more cared for. Gardens were tended, paths swept, and for the first time in ages, we didn’t spot toilet paper strewn along the loops near the Letaba River. On our last visit, it had been a real eyesore.

We had a wonderful time—short, but rich with wildlife, quiet moments, and the kind of peace only the bush can offer. There’s nothing quite like sitting under a sky full of stars, drink in hand, the scent of roasting meat in the air. The calls of Scops Owls and nightjars blend with jackal howls, hyena whoops, and every now and then, the deep, primal roar of a lion.

Kruger is more than a destination—it’s a balm for the soul. And it’s a place we’ll keep returning to, again and again.

Share Your World 6 October 2025 – Changing Seasons and Traditions

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Here are my answers to this week’s SYW from Di

1.  The clocks go back at the end of October here in the UK. Does your country do the same?
Here in South Africa, our clocks stay put all year round. We do not spring ahead in Spring or fall behind in Autumn (Fall)
I live in Struisbaai in The Western Cape, which sits farther south—closer to the 35°S latitude—which means it experiences more pronounced seasonal shifts in daylight when the sun rises earlier and sets later in the warmer months. On the Summer Solstice (21 December), we enjoy 14 hours and 32 minutes of daylight, with the sun rising at 05:00 and setting at 19:32. First light tiptoes in around 04:30, and full darkness settles by 20:30.
In contrast, the Winter Solstice (21 June) brings a more modest 9 hours and 50 minutes of daylight. The sun rises at 07:46, sets at 17:36, and true darkness arrives by 19:00.
Inland and northern regions like Pretoria or Limpopo are closer to the equator, so their daylight hours stay more consistent year-round.
South African Standard Time is two hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time.

Not in South Africa

2.  Do you enjoy Halloween?
In Struisbaai, where I live, they haven’t a clue about Halloween. Most of the permanent residents are retirees, and our local shops will not be stocking broomsticks, witches’ hats, or bat-shaped biscuits. Nor will giant pumpkins or jack-o-lanterns decorate the front gardens of our neighbours’ homes.
In the ten years that I’ve lived here, no scary creature has threatened me with trick or treat.
My first inkling that Halloween had crept into South Africa was in the early 2000s when my grandson was just four years old. I’d picked him up from pre-school and he’d solemnly declared:
“Granny—if a monster comes to the door, don’t worry, I will protect you.”
Clearly, something spooky had been discussed at preschool. And sure enough, at 5 PM, a witch knocked. Did my brave protector leap into action? Not quite—he clung to my knees with a terrified look in his eyes.
A year or two later, all fear of monsters disappeared, and he and his brother joined the goblins and fairies who would trawl the neighbourhood in supervised groups, knocking on doors and demanding sugar in exchange for cuteness.

Dracula

These days, Halloween parties are popping up here and there. But in Struisbaai, it’s still just another day. I do keep a jar of sweeties on standby. The local kid count is rising, and it’s only a matter of time before they realise they’re missing out on a perfectly good excuse to dress up and get free sweets!

3.  Dare I ask if you are preparing for Christmas? If you do not celebrate it in your country, do you have any December traditions?
Christmas is all about family for us. Each year, our three daughters, son-in-law, and four grandchildren gather for two blissful weeks at our second-born’s home in Plettenberg Bay. Now that the “kids” are older, we’ve embraced the simplicity of Secret Santa—just one thoughtful gift each, which keeps the pressure low and the laughter high. Our money is better spent on outings, adventures and memory-making experiences.
When it comes to Christmas dinner, it’s a team effort. Everyone pitches in, and I usually take the reins on the Leg of Lamb and Greek Salad—my festive specialties. The day itself? Always fabulous. Full of food, fun, and the kind of togetherness that makes the season truly sparkle.

Our Christmas Table

4.  Are you likely to have snow anytime soon?
Not very likely in the Western Cape but snow can fall in the Drakensberg Mountains at any time of the year, though it is less likely in the summer months.

Santa on Struisbaai Beach – Look guys, no snow!

Gratitude

I am certainly grateful that the cold of winter is retreating in favour of Spring sunshine and warmer day, Although, having expressed that, it is blowing a gale and raining here today. No complaints about the rain – it is always welcome.
Our car is in need of a service and repair to the automatic gearbox – it refused to go into reverse the other day. I’m grateful that it did come right but we haven’t driven the car since for fear it will happen again.
I am grateful that we have a car and that it will just take a tweak to get it back to full, reliable working order again. Imagine if it had happened in the bush with an elephant charging toward us!

Reverse Grandpa, Reverse! – shouted the grandkids

Gecko 109 on Safari – Episode 3 – Wildlife and Tranquility in Kruger – By Guest Blogger, Cathy

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In my previous blog, I mistakenly referred to our meal stop as the Farmers Market at Alzu. The correct name is the Farmer’s Bistro. I also mentioned we were heading to Mopani, when in fact it was Maroela—clearly, I mixed up my trees! These slip-ups have now been corrected in the earlier posts.

From Kopjies to Riverbeds: A Journey Through Kruger
We left Berg-en-Dal early, eager to explore a new corner of the Park—Maroela, a satellite campsite near Orpen. The drive was, once again, a joy. Kruger never disappoints when it comes to wildlife, and this leg of the trip gifted us one of the Park’s most elusive treasures: a pack of wild dogs lounging in a riverbed. These endangered canines are high on every visitor’s wish list, and although we’d hoped to spot the resident pack near Satara, we were lucky enough to encounter them much earlier.

Not long after, we found a young leopard trying to get comfortable in a tree. Choosing the right, smooth branch for a lazy day is very important.

Young leopard doing its best to get comfortable

Our First Glimpse of the Dogs

Wild Dogs in the river bed

Every river has its crocodiles!
Not long after, we came across a pride of lions—albeit far from the road. It always amazes me how some people can spot the faintest flicker of movement or a subtle shape in the distance. One kind soul pointed out a green mound near a cluster of trees, and sure enough, through binoculars, nine lions lay dozing in the sun. I’ll never stop marvelling at the eyesight of seasoned bush-goers!

Lions Lazing in the sunshine

One young male keeps watch

A Pitstop at Satara
By midday, we reached the Orpen turnoff and decided to pop into Satara for lunch and fuel. A delicious chicken salad at the Cattle Baron hit the spot, and with a full tank, we made our way to Maroela.

Along the way, we were lucky to encounter another rarity at Kruger, the Southern Ground Hornbill. In fact, we saw these magnificent birds a few times. Did you know that these birds are the largest hornbill in the world and one of the heaviest flying birds in South Africa?

A Gorgeous Ground Hornbill

Another prime viewing was watching this young Bataleur play in a puddle! This daft young bird hopped around, sipped a little, and thought about bathing. It fluffed its feathers, dipped down, and then hopped away again.  It went through this performance a few times before tiring of the game and moving off. What a pleasure to see a young animal just enjoying itself.

A young Bataleur playing in a puddle

Maroela: Quiet Charm by the River
After the bustling energy of Satara, Maroela was a breath of fresh air. Small, quiet, and reminiscent of Tsendze, it offered a peaceful retreat. The gate system is self-managed, and many sites overlook the river—dry at the time, but still frequented by elephants and giraffe.
The ablutions, though a bit dated, were spotless. And the showers? Miraculously well-behaved! No rogue spray patterns—just a steady stream of water where it was meant to go. We quickly settled into a lovely site and headed out for our first drive.
The veld around Maroela looked tired, a clear sign of the dry season’s end. Still, the area was alive with elephants, giraffe, impala, kudu, and more. We’ve never been the type to chase only the big cats. There’s so much beauty in the quieter creatures, and we find endless joy in watching them go about their day.

Everyone waiting to drink from the last pool of water

So many beautiful giraffes

A roadblock you don’t argue with

Side-eye from a Hippo

Zebra drink at Nsemani Dam

Rain and Reflection
On our last night at Maroela, the heavens opened. Rain at last! I swear the bush sighed in relief. Thankfully, we’d packed away our awning the night before, so there was no soggy canvas to wrestle with in the morning. After a leisurely breakfast, we set off for Letaba—one of our favourite camps.

Letaba: The Place of Sand
We made good time and arrived late morning, finding a semi-shady site near the fence. Most trees here are Mopani, and at this time of year, they’re bare. It’s a blessing for game viewing—you can see much deeper into the bush, but shade is scarce in the camp.
One of Kruger’s prettiest sights is the Letaba River from the bridge. It’s a haven for waterbuck, hippos, and birds. We spotted African Spoonbills, Three-banded Plovers, Goliath and Grey Herons, Saddle-billed Storks, and the resident Fish Eagle pair.

One of the prettiest views – Letaba River from the bridge

A Waterbuck ram dines on water plant

A pied kingfisher waits for a meal to swim by

Drives and Discoveries
Letaba offers a variety of scenic drives, and we explored most of them during our three-day stay. Elephants were everywhere, and giraffe sightings were particularly lovely. Wildebeest, zebra, and kudu kept us entertained throughout.
On our final afternoon, we stumbled upon a lion kill—perhaps one of the most dramatic sightings we’ve had. Two lionesses were feasting on a buffalo right beside the road. The sound of bones cracking in the silence was a visceral reminder of their power. It’s no wonder the bushveld lives in awe—and fear—of these magnificent creatures.

Lions feast on a buffalo

We could clearly hear the crunching of bones

Elephant Hall – A Must Visit
Of course, no visit to Letaba is complete without once again standing in awe of the tusks of the magnificent tuskers that have lived at Kruger. The Elephant Hall museum is a mine of information about the elephants of the Kruger, and there are many fascinating exhibits to look at, all related to elephants and their life cycles.
There is also a small exhibit of different skulls and skins of other animals in the park. This small museum is well worth a visit if you are in the area.

Life-size statue outside the Elephant Hall

Loads of info about elephants

Each tusker has his own display with his tusks

Selection of skulls and skins from other critters

Stars, Braai, and a Glass of Merlot
That evening, we watched the resident hyena pace along the fence, enjoyed a sundowner, and soaked in the peace of camp life. There’s nothing quite like a star-filled sky, the scent of braai in the air, and a glass of merlot in hand.
Again that night, the heavens opened, and we had a terrific thunderstorm. The wind howled and the rain pelted down. Again, the bush got a good watering so I am sure that the green grass is not far away!
A Morning Mishap and a Friendly Fix
The next morning brought a hiccup—our neighbours’ Toyota battery had died overnight. Even a jumpstart couldn’t revive it. Alec drove Waldo to Phalaborwa for a replacement, which delayed our departure for Tsendze. But in true bush spirit, we made new friends, so it was a win-win.
Now, as we head off to Tsendze—where there’s no 220v—the next chapter of this blog will have to wait. But something tells me it’ll be worth the pause.

Gecko 109 on Safari Episode 2 – Discovering Crocodile Bridge: Warthogs and Wildlife – by Guest Blogger, Cathy

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From Bass Lake to Crocodile Bridge: Surprises, Sightings, and a Mop-Wielding Warthog Wrangler

We left Bass Lake early, slightly anxious about finding our way back to the N4 and bracing ourselves for the inevitable convoy of trucks. Thankfully, we navigated back to the N1 without a hitch and soon merged onto the N4. It was busy, as expected, but the dual lanes made for a smooth enough drive.

With no breakfast in our bellies, we decided to stop at the next promising spot—and that turned out to be Alzu. What a surprise! We expected the usual roadside pit stop: a fuel station, maybe a tired-looking restaurant. Instead, Alzu felt like someone had plucked a strip mall from Joburg and dropped it in the middle of the bush. Multiple restaurants, a shop that could rival a small city, and crowds of people everywhere.

After peeking into Mug & Bean and Spur, we opted for the quieter Farmer’s Bistro. Good call. They served up toasted egg and bacon sandwiches on thick farm bread—hearty, delicious, and paired with the obligatory mountain of chips. Alec and I couldn’t even finish ours.

Back on the road, we made good time until we hit a jaw-dropping queue of trucks near Komatipoort—15 kilometres of slow-moving metal. It made us wonder: where do these drivers eat, sleep, or even find a bathroom? Most of the ore trucks don’t have sleeper cabs, so it must be a rough few days inching forward.

Eventually, we turned off towards Crocodile Bridge and felt that familiar thrill—Kruger time. We’d never stayed at Croc Bridge before, and it turned out to be a gem. Neatly demarcated campsites (a rarity!), a warm welcome from the resident bushbuck, and a shady, safe spot for Lizzie, our caravan.

The camp was spotless, with beautifully tended gardens. We met a man wielding a bright green, slightly moth-eaten mop—his warthog deterrent. Apparently, the warthogs like to sleep under vehicles and have midnight tusk-fueled brawls that wreak havoc on wiring. Mop diplomacy at its finest.

Our game drives were fantastic. A courting pair of lions stole the show, but we also saw herds of impala, elegant kudu, and some lovely birds. Croc Bridge was the perfect start to our holiday.

That said, Monday marked the beginning of SAN Parks’ free access week, and the roads turned chaotic. Sightings always cause traffic jams, but with the surge in daily visitors, it was borderline gridlock.

Our courting couple off to find a room
A cute steenbok stopped to say hello
Our first Ellies – Always a treat
Plenty of beautiful giraffe
The scourge of Crocodile Bridge!

The Long Drive to Berg-en-Dal: Rhinos, Rock Formations, and a Camp That Could Use a Map

After two nights at Croc Bridge, we headed to Berg-en-Dal. We had three options: backtrack to the N4 and brave the trucks again, take the bone-rattling gravel road between Croc Bridge and Malelane, or enjoy a leisurely drive up the tar road via Skukuza. No contest—we chose the tar road and stopped at Lower Sabie for breakfast.

Berg-en-Dal was bustling. Cars, vans, tents—everywhere. It took a while to find a spot, and honestly, I wish SAN Parks would follow Croc Bridge’s lead and demarcate sites. At Berg-en-Dal, it was hard to tell where one site ended and another began. At one point, a tent was completely boxed in by vehicles, and a mini reshuffle was needed just to let the poor campers out.

Still, the sightings were wonderful. The landscape here is stunning—rocky kopjies and dramatic rock formations. It’s prime rhino territory, and we were lucky to spot a cow and her calf. The highlight, though, was a female leopard doing what leopards do best: napping. She was so relaxed, it felt like a privilege just to watch her breathe.

After two lovely days, it was time to pack up and head to Maroela—another first for us.

Such an elegant lady – female Kudu
A stunning lilac-breasted Roller
Buffalo by the dozen
Alec’s favourite bird – yellow-billed hornbill
Grey Heron – head on!
Mama Rhino with her calf

One sleepy leopard
Wonder if the elephant wanted to admire the fig

The Curse of the Smartphone: A Rant from the Riverbank

One thing I just can’t wrap my head around is the obsession with phones. At Lower Sabie’s Mug & Bean, we sat on the veranda overlooking the magnificent Sabie River. Birds flitted across the water, animals moved in the distance—and yet, most people were glued to their screens.

Before even greeting the waiter, phones were out, thumbs scrolling. No eye contact, no conversation, just a sea of faces lit by blue light. And it’s not just teenagers—it’s everyone. Why come to the park if your main interest is a 4×6 inch screen?

Don’t get me wrong—my phone’s a useful tool. But I sincerely hope it never becomes the most important thing in my life.

Exploring Campgrounds on the Journey to Kruger National Park – By Guest Blogger, Cathy

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The Long Trip Up
Living in the Cape means any visit to Kruger—or really anywhere up north—is going to be a proper road trip. So instead of just gunning it up the N2, Alec and I figured we’d take our time and enjoy the journey.

We hit the road bright and early on Monday, 15th September, knowing the first leg to Camdeboo Reserve near Graaff-Reinet would be our longest stretch. Things were going smoothly until just before Swellendam, where we found ourselves trailing behind a combine harvester being moved between farms. With steady traffic coming from the other direction, overtaking wasn’t an option—so we leaned into the moment, slowed down, and soaked up the scenery.

We stopped in De Rust for a late brunch at Johnny’s Café, then pushed on to Camdeboo, arriving just in time before the gates closed. We picked a campsite and settled in for the night. It’s a great stopover—close enough to Graaff-Reinet for a quick bite in town, but also perfect for a quiet braai if you’d rather stay put. The sites are nicely spaced and feel private, and while the ablutions are a bit dated, they’re perfectly functional. All in all, a comfortable start to the trip.

Onward to Bloemfontein
The next morning, we hit the road toward Bloemfontein, with our second stop planned at Bietjie Rus—a campsite that came recommended by the Gecko Owners Group. The drive itself was smooth and uneventful, and we gratefully tucked into a late breakfast in Colesburg before continuing on.

We reached Bietjie Rus with time to spare. It’s a decent spot for a quick overnight stay, though the stands are quite close together, so don’t expect much in the way of privacy. The ablutions were clean and tidy, which made things comfortable enough, but the nearby truck stop meant the night wasn’t exactly quiet.

Friends, Farms, and Gecko Gatherings
On Wednesday, we headed to Kroonstad to stay with our good friends, Paul and Maureen Lindsay. After a bit of a squeeze getting the caravan through their gate and nudging the Ranger into the garage, we settled in for two lovely nights of catching up.

Thursday was a treat—Paul took us out to his farm to show off his herd of beef cattle, flocks of sheep, and a group of Blesbok. Like many farmers, he’s keeping a hopeful eye on the skies for rain, but his animals are looking fantastic. It was a relaxed, memorable day spent with great company.

Cathy & Maureen admire the horses

Beef Cattle

Friday morning, we packed up and made our way to Bass Lake near Pretoria for the Gecko Owners Get Together. That meant braving the traffic through Johannesburg and Midrand, but we navigated it without too much fuss and soon found ourselves at the most impressive gates I’ve ever seen—so big, I’m convinced a double-decker bus could cruise right through.

Bass Lake is a beautiful lodge, with large, tranquil lakes stocked with trout and bass for catch-and-release fishing. The campsites are level and well laid out, and the paved paths make it easy to wander around.

The weekend was a joy. It was wonderful reconnecting with old friends and meeting new ones. Kobus, our host for the weekend, greeted us with name tags and a thoughtful welcome gift of rusks and coffee sachets—a lovely touch to start things off.

Friday evening’s braai was our first group meal, and it was our turn to bring a salad, so we contributed a mixed one. Each couple took a turn providing a salad, which made catering simple and stress-free. Saturday started slowly, with a relaxed morning followed by tea at the lodge. Sitting on the patio overlooking the lakes, sipping tea and enjoying a slice of Lemon Meringue Pie—it was just perfect.

After another great braai on Saturday night, we turned in early, ready for the next leg of our journey: the long drive along the N4 to Komatipoort, where we’d enter Kruger at Crocodile Bridge.

Some standout moments from the weekend included Rudi and Mariaan’s delicious pudding, and watching Herman and Marie teach Margie and David how to make Pot Bread. And a special thank you to Margie for the gift of homemade cookies—absolutely delightful. It was also great to hear how our old travelling companions, Earl and Helen, were sorely missed!

We also enjoyed chatting to Johan about the plans for Gecko going forward. It seems there are some exciting new ideas in the works, so we will have to watch out for them.

Alec Packing up at Bass Lake

All the Geckos in a Row

Morning Tea at Bass Lake

Alec enjoying the view at Bass Lake.

Share Your World 22 Sepetmeber 2025 – The Joy of Photography Through the Years

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Here are my SYW answers to this week’s questions from Di

Do you like having your photograph taken?
I used to dislike being photographed, convinced that I wasn’t photogenic. But stepping behind the lens changed everything. I’ve learned how to coax hesitant subjects into engaging with the camera. When you shrink from the moment, the photo reflects that hesitation. But the instant you lean in, and let a little joy shine through, the results can be flattering. These days, I follow my own advice—and I’m pleasantly surprised by what I see.

Speak to the camera! (Grandsons and friends – Koppie Alleen, De Hoop Nature Reserve 2010)

Did you have a school photograph taken every year?
We had class photos taken every year at the schools I attended but very few are in my photo collection. Either my parents didn’t order them each year, or they have been lost over the years. I have all the school photographs taken of my own kids.

A nursery school photo of my grandson aged 4.

Do you take photographs using a phone or stand alone camera?
My bridge camera—specifically the Canon PowerShot SX70 HS— lives in my handbag, and I use it often. Bridge cameras are a happy medium between point-and-shoots and DSLRs, offering generous zoom and manual controls without the fuss of interchangeable lenses. I occasionally reach for my phone camera too, especially when spontaneity calls.

Latest photo taken with my Canon – My gardener after enlarging and planting a flower bed.

Are you any good at taking photographs?
I wouldn’t call myself a photography expert but I am an obsessive documenter. I record life as I live it both in words and images. The point of taking photographs is to capture the beauty I observe in nature and to record experiences with friends and family.
My photographs are filed in date order, with subject titles. All my favorites are in PowerPoint Presentations. My children and grandchildren know who to come to when they’re looking for a photograph from any past occasion!
Looking back at old photographs gives me great pleasure.

One of my favourite photos of Grandpa with all four grandchildren – December 2014 Struisbaai

Gratitude:
Today’s meme resonates with me.

I’m fortunate to be surrounded by wonderful friends and family whose presence brings joy and meaning to my life. I’m deeply grateful for each of them.

Share Your World 15 September 2025 – Personal Reflections on School Uniforms and Colors

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Here are my answers to this week’s SWY from DI

What colour was your school uniform (if you had one)?
Absolutely—government schools in South Africa have always required students to wear uniforms, and we wore ours with pride. I began school in the late 1950s and completed my education in 1970. While the style of the uniform evolved over time, the signature colour remained consistent.

During summer, girls wore a red tunic layered over a short-sleeved white shirt, paired with a red cardigan and red blazer. Footwear consisted of black lace-up shoes or Mary-Janes with white ankle socks. Topping it off was the mandatory white Panama hat, secured with an elastic under the chin to prevent it from blowing away. A red headband featuring the school badge completed the look.

Boys wore grey shorts with a white open-neck shirt and a cap, which they were expected to raise when greeting adults. Their uniform also included a red V-neck pullover and a red blazer.

In winter, boys continued wearing grey shorts, but switched to long-sleeved shirts and added red-and-white striped ties.

Girls’ winter attire featured navy blue tunics with a red girdle over a long-sleeved white shirt, complemented by a school tie. We wore long grey socks with either Mary-Jane buckle shoes or lace-ups, and our winter hats were made of felt.

By the end of primary school, the uniform transitioned to a cotton red-and-white check dress for summer, and a grey skirt for winter.

Only black and white school photos in 1965 – some of the girls were already in skirts, while the rest of us outgrew our tunics. I am behind the seated row with the teachers, third from the left

The school attended by my grandsons and where I taught for a few years had a sensible, child-friendly uniform – shorts and a golf shirt for both boys and girls, a white golf shirt for smart occasions, navy for everyday wear, and a red t-shirt for sports. Track suits for winter. Footwear: flip-flops, Crocs, or sneakers. If so desired, you could even come barefoot!

When working, did you have to wear a uniform or dress colour code?

As a teacher, I didn’t wear a uniform, but there was definitely a clear dress code. Back in college, the rules were quite strict—open-backed shoes were off-limits during summer, though slingbacks were permitted. In winter, stockings were mandatory, and trousers were completely forbidden.

I was stunned when my daughter went off to college wearing shorts—it was such a contrast to what I had known! In the early years of my teaching career, the idea of wearing trousers to school was merely a dream. Eventually, trouser suits became acceptable, and by the time I retired, even denim was allowed.

Me on my last day as a teacher – still wearing a dress to school!

What is your favourite colour to wear?
Red is my favourite colour.
I would always go dinner-dancing with my hubby in a red outfit. Our song is, “Lady in Red!”
The fact that my school colour was red has nothing to do with this choice! I didn’t much like red as a child.

I got married in red!

What colour would you never wear unless there was no alternative?
Ever since I was a child, I disliked wearing green but I will wear it on the odd occasion now.

Me on a rare occasion I wore green!

Gratitude
Looking back on the years in which I grew up with rules, dress codes and pride in your appearance, I am grateful for the values I learned. I also appreciate that times change and rules evolve accordingly. During my teaching career I had to adapt to the different approaches to learning, discipline and teaching creatively. I loved it all and am grateful that many of the new approaches have saved children who learn ‘differently’ from having a miserable school career.

Visiting the Stanford Chelsea Flower Show

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On Friday, our guest and friend, Nicoline, took The Earl and me, to the quaint village of Stanford, the proud host a full-scale recreation of South Africa’s Gold Award-winning exhibit from the 2025 Royal Horticultural Society, Chelsea Flower Show, in London. Since the original display couldn’t be transported home, it was lovingly rebuilt for the Stanford “In Bloom Festival”, showcasing the Cape Floral Kingdom.

It was designed by Leon Kluge and Tristan Woudberg, and the exhibit featured over 25,000 stems of fynbos, a canyon of amber water, and a sculptural tribute to South Africa’s cultural heritage.

At the Chelsea Show in London, a sleeping wild fox was spotted curled up among the fynbos. The display’s water, tinted with rooibos tea, famous for its herbal virtues, might have tempted him to take a sip. If so, he might wonder if that is why his coat became so glossy.

Those footprints suggest he might just have been heading to the water for a drink!
AI Generated

There were also botanical artworks from the Grootbos Florilegium on display and one could purchase prints in various sizes. They were absolutely stunning, and the Florilegium was a delight to page through. While I was admiring it a man approached me and said he’d get one of the artists to sign me a copy.
“Thank you, but I’m not buying,” I replied.
“Why not?” he asked, “It’s only R 2000 for the full-sized book and R 800 for the smaller one.”
“Sorry, I’m just too poor,” I smiled.
He laughed. “I feel so sorry for you!”
He was, of course, teasing.
Nicoline has been coveting one, and it was with great effort that she stopped herself from indulging her wish.

Some of the prints
The Earl took a photo of this print with his cell phone,

The town was alive with scarecrow-like effigies as part Stanford’s annual ‘In Bloom Spring Festival’. They were displayed in front of shops, in gardens, and in public spaces, each handcrafted by local residents, including schoolchildren, families, businesses, and artists. A prize will be awarded to the best contributors at the end of the festival.

Nicoline shares a moment with one of Stanford’s effigies
The Earl and I having a chat with Oupa.
The Earl waits patiently as we are delayed by another stunning floral display,

On our journey back to Struisbaai, we made a delightful stop in Gansbaai to visit my friend, Belinda, who is curating a captivating art exhibition. Titled Dancing with the Universe, the show features an array of beautiful works—and I was especially taken with Belinda’s own contribution. It’s truly a piece that speaks to the soul. With her permission, I am publishing the video of the opening function.

Dancing with the Universe by Belinda Batt

As we headed home with a new protea tucked safely in the boot and a radiant yellow clivia gifted to us by Nicoline, our hearts felt just as full as our garden will soon be. The Stanford In Bloom Flower Show was a visual feast which left Nicoline, who is passionate about flowers, uplifted with joy and her enthusiasm certainly affected us profoundly.

SYW 8 September 2025 Reflections on 16 Years of Blogging

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Here are my answers to this week’s SYW hosted by Di

Do you revisit or reblog some of your earlier posts?
I’ve only re-shared two posts I think. One was a guide with tips for booking and visiting the Sanparks Game Reserves. The other was in response to a challenge to repost something written on a particular date in the past. I don’t remember what that was about. That said, I often revisit my older blog entries. They serve as a memory box and a lovely extension of my personal diary. My husband frequently asks me to pull up posts from our past travels and adventures, and each one brings back such joyful memories.

One of the memories – Elephant at Punda Maria Waterhole, Kruger National Park

Do you have a favourite post/posts?
One that stands out is the series titled Taking the Kids to Kruger. Back in 2012, we took all four of our grandchildren—then aged 15, 14, 10, and 7—to the Kruger National Park. Three boys and one girl, all packed into a Volkswagen Caravelle for ten days. I expected chaos, but it turned out to be one of the most unforgettable trips we’ve ever had. The two older boys took the lead, organizing spotting competitions for animals and birds, and everyone had an absolute blast. Grandpa and I got to experience the park through their fresh, excited eyes—and we simply relaxed and soaked it all in.

My oldest grandson happily braaing in the rain

How long have you been blogging?
I’ve been blogging for 16 years now! I believe I first started out on MySpace, and eventually transitioned everything over to WordPress.

Me at the computer -probably blogging – many years ago!

Do you have another blog elsewhere?
I currently manage three blogs on WordPress. When I ran out of free space on my first, I launched a second—only to eventually reach the limit there as well, which led me to start paying an annual fee. Both of those blogs are still active. The third is dedicated to the Grahamstown Training College Old Girls Guild, where I share member-submitted articles and updates from OGG meetings and reunions.

Grahamstown Training College Chapel

Gratitude
For the past two weeks The Earl and I have been in Cape Town with a two-day break to the West Coast. It has been a whirlwind of catching up with friends and family, exploring nature reserves, attending doctors’ appointments, and meeting with our financial adviser. I am grateful for all that we have achieved and experienced.

I had a colonoscopy, which was a breeze and the doctor assured me that surgery was not necessary and that although my Diverticulosis Colon, still had its pouches, it was looking good.

And then it all went pear-shaped! On the last day of our wonderful visit to The West Coast, I came down with my third diverticulitis attack in nine months! This meant an extended stay at our daughter’s to recover.

So here’s to the humble broth, the mashed banana, the applesauce that asks nothing of me but patience. My insides may be tender, but they’re still hanging in there—and for that, I’m grateful.

Spring Awakening: Exploring South Africa’s West Coast

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After three years away, spring lured us back to South Africa’s West Coast—when the land wears its most dazzling colours and the air hums with renewal. Our journey had both heart and purpose: a long-overdue visit to a dear friend in a Langebaan retirement home, and a financial check-in with our adviser based in Dwarskersbos.

Note: To view the group of photographs, click on the first one to enlarge it. Use the arrows to navigate the slideshow. Press ‘escape’ to return to the blog post. On your phone, swipe to view each photo and tap the ‘x’ to return to the blog post. You may also need to tap the information icon to view the captions.

Before settling into our Airbnb in Langebaan on Day One, we made a beeline for the West Coast National Park. The Postberg section, open only in August and September, was in full bloom.

The bird life flitting among the spring blooms was a true delight which stirred a memory from long ago: an Afrikaans liedjie we once sang at school.
Al die veld is vrolik
Al die voeltjies sing
Al die kriekies kriek daar buit
Elke springkaans spring.

Loosely translated – The whole veld is cheerful, the birds sing, the crickets call outside, and each grasshopper hops.

Black-banded Martin
Black-banded Martin
Black-banded Martin
White-throated canary
Levaillant’s Cisticola
Cape Bulbul
White-backed Mousebird
Double collared sunbird and speckled mousebird
Double-collared Sunbird
Karoo Prinia
Cape Robin-Chat
Karoo Scrub Robin

The Cape Francolins certainly enjoyed the fields of flowers

The only mammals we found were these beautiful Cape Mountain Zebra.

Though primarily scavengers, yellow-billed kites also hunt small vertebrates and insects. Flower-rich fields attract pollinators and other insects, which in turn draw insectivorous birds like kites. We were thrilled to witness this in Postberg.

We also explored the other section of the West Coast National Park and the highlight was finding the Grey-Winged Francolin.

The ostrich family was also fascinating to watch. Those babies must be a lot of work!

Day Two led us to Velddrif for a financial meeting, followed by an impromptu river cruise on the Berg River. With no booking in hand, we simply Googled “boat cruises,” followed the directions, and hoped for the best. Luck was on our side. We spotted Nico’s sign, dialed the number, and he cheerfully invited us to join a group departing at 12:30. It was 12:10—we made it just in time.

The Earl, ever at peace on the water, was in his element. The cruise was pure magic. The vessel—a humble West Coast Chuckie—was far from fancy, but with only six of us aboard, it offered the perfect vantage for soaking in the scenery and spotting birds. The river mirrored the sky, and the bird life was a quiet joy.

The sign that attracted us
Nico and his chuckie
Grey Heron
Egret
Guineafowl
Little Grebe
Giant Kingfisher
Water Thick-knee
Black-ctowned NIght Heron
African Darter
Pied Kigfisher
Egyptian Goose
Grey Heron
Spur-winged Geese
Diving Blacksmith Lapwing

As we were driving back to Langebaan we passed a wetland and stopped to observes some teal with their babies. A few stilts were wading in the ponds too,

Black-winged Stilt

Day Three
After packing up for departure from our accommodation, we enjoyed a lovely lunch with our dear friend Hanny, in Langebaan, then drove back to Cape Town, grateful for the springtime beauty, the meaningful connections, and the chance to revisit familiar places with fresh eyes. The West Coast gifted us not only wildflowers and birds, but moments of reflection and renewal.