One of the must-do-tours in Mpumalanga is the Panorama Route. We started off in Graskop, having a quick walk about town (mainly to get Jake new shoes, the ones I packed were too small for him). Jake loved the silk shop, where he was able to see how the silk is processed into woven scarves, etc. He managed to 'score' a few samples of the raw silk and I'm sure, one day when he's a little bigger, it'll be the subject of many school projects and orals. Once we'd regrouped, we set out for the day.
Our first stop was 'The Pinnacle'. At this point, Jake was still excited, he had no idea how much walking was in store...
This is the famous Pinnacle. It's a lot bigger in reality...
From the Pinnacle, we went on to God's Window. It was a beautifully clear day (for this part of the world) and the view was stunning...
Soon after, Jake began to realise that he was in for a day of it. Don't feel too sorry for him though, even though he looks like an angel in this picture, I ended up carrying him most of the way on my back...
Something pretty along our way...
The next stop was the Berlin Falls. They're huge...
From there, it was onto Bourke's Luck Potholes. This is Jake with an anthill at the picnic site outside...
And these are the potholes. Across the bridge on the other side is a school group. They were extremely friendly and waved like mad at us from over there. Once we were all on the same side, they couldn't help but chat to us. I think they enjoyed practising their English on us...
The potholes have been turned into wishing wells by the many tourists. Jake added one from us...
The poor boy was exhausted...
Next stop was the 3 Rondavels...
From there, it was a rather long drive on to Pilgrim's Rest, which is an old mining village. It's a bit commercialized, especially after Kaapsche Hoop, but still fun. Here's Jake enjoying an ice- cream on the lawns. It was his reward (read: bribery) for good behaviour...
A crane - I have no idea what the proper name is for this flower. I never liked them as a kid and I still wouldn't grow them in my garden, but it came out alright in a photo...
Next week, I'll start with some of my favourite Kruger snaps. It's going to be tough though and I'm sure you'll all hate me for posting so many, but that's next week's problem.
Enjoy the weekend!! Sue xxx
6 comments:
hey so beautiful canyons and great pictures. i think you did a wonderful journey. have a nice weekend sue. many kisses
What a stunningly beautiful and diverse country!
Thanks again for all the photographs.
I think the plant you call Crane might be a Bird of Paradise.
;o)
- Lee
Thanks, Lee, I'll take your word for it!! I always think of it as being an Afrikaans flower, since it's the colours of our old flag ;)
This flower has now been named Madiba's Gold its botantical name is Stralitzia...they are beautiful, Lee was right it is also knows as Bird of Paradise and they are indigenous to South Africa. I just love Mpumalanga...that is real Africa hey? I wish I had known you were going as I would have told you a couple of beautiful places we found when we were there in March. Love Fiona xxx
That's it!! Stralitzia! It still reminds me of the Old South Africa though, perhaps that's why they changed the name to Madiba's Gold...
Sue x
it really is stunningly beautiful. I will be making plans to go up that way I have never been. mum beat me to it ,strelitzia. I always found them a hard flower because I like vintagey rosey flowers but I quite like their lines now and i like their south african story. perhaps you will plant some in the garden of your new house when you move in. the new south africa
much love and keep them coming
xx
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