tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-53671741685418543942024-03-13T07:43:08.964-07:00robminter.com - photography and other storiesRob Minterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05450562366242991830noreply@blogger.comBlogger71125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5367174168541854394.post-27103384682987909172023-03-08T05:33:00.002-08:002023-03-08T05:33:34.174-08:00APSSA Honours<p> </p><p>On Sunday afternoon, March 5, 2023, I received an email informing me that my application for the Associate Photographic Society of South Africa honour, APSSA, was successful!</p><p>This after a terrible attempt about 3 years ago, when I really had no idea of the quality expected, an attempt in July last year, and finally this attempt in January 2023. Of the 15 images submitted in July last year, 9 received acceptances, and these acceptances stay valid for a period of 2 years. So I had to find or take 6 new images that would blend into the panel and get them accepted. Thankfully this last attempt succeeded.</p><p>There is a panel of 12 judges who sit and evaluate one's images. In order for an image to gain acceptance, at least 8 of the 12 judges have to rate it as being to the required level. This applies to every image in the panel of 15 submitted. On top of it all, the total panel has to be in harmony and flow smoothly when the images are viewed one after the other and as a panel as a whole! So it's not easy, but very rewarding when it happens.</p><p>I have a number of people to thank for helping along the way, especially Evelyn Gibson, Kim Stevens, and Nicol du Toit - these three were the leaders of an "Honours" group in the Western Cape for the July submissions, and finally to Jill Sneesby, for her invaluable insight into the selection of the final 6 images.</p><p>My successful panel can be viewed <a href="https://robminterza.blogspot.com/p/apssa_7.html">here.</a></p><p><br /></p>Rob Minterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05450562366242991830noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5367174168541854394.post-34311046908777708502022-09-05T07:21:00.004-07:002022-09-05T07:34:51.222-07:00Bon Accord Farm Cottages 2<p> </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2G7cKn2N4yqnrGMFogiNk-z88eb_X40-ucCL6Be-IfdJ8EzS3VKDUg9jyDPFRY50-UZXJboFKpmMO1pN4K4WzkdqI0zOwq60sFOUyBThhgx-tzzWHPI9UtOQiTwQGC7NzoiB-g_6xyRRLQ11yBgfSajaCdVEzNta1acH8YTMuMYydo0682UxH7fRQ/s2688/DSCF8586.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="2688" height="327" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2G7cKn2N4yqnrGMFogiNk-z88eb_X40-ucCL6Be-IfdJ8EzS3VKDUg9jyDPFRY50-UZXJboFKpmMO1pN4K4WzkdqI0zOwq60sFOUyBThhgx-tzzWHPI9UtOQiTwQGC7NzoiB-g_6xyRRLQ11yBgfSajaCdVEzNta1acH8YTMuMYydo0682UxH7fRQ/w640-h258/DSCF8586.jpg" width="880" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Early morning view from the patio</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div><i><span style="color: #3d85c6;">Please click on the photos to bring up larger versions.</span></i><br /><p></p><p></p><p>I recently celebrated my 75th Birthday. My lovely wife, Jacqui, treated us to 3 nights away at what has turned out to be our favourite place away from home - Cottage No 2 at Bon Accord Farm Cottages in Montagu.</p><p>It was as, if not more, beautiful as our first visit earlier this year - which you can read about <a href="https://robminterza.blogspot.com/2022/06/bon-accord-farm-cottages-montagu.html">here</a>! This time, however, the effect of the recent rains can be seen from comparing the two main photographs.</p><p>This visit we spent most of our time in and around Montagu, except for a short trip out to Barrydale - 62 kilometres away along the R62! I will shortly do a separate blog post on our visit there - we had a specific destination, and spent most of our time there - a fascinating place!</p><p>An added bonus for us was that this time we got to meet Elsje, the owner and manager of all the cottages, and she treated us to a delightful extra large bowl of her Mom's home-made soup and a fresh loaf of bread. Totally appreciated and a great help in combatting the cold weather!</p><p>Most of the birds that visited were the same as last time, but we did have a visit from a bokmakierie (photo below), whose distinctive call could be heard from a long way away, plus a green sunbird (also below).</p><p>Otherwise, here are just a few views of the farm and surrounds to end off with. The photo showing the moon was taken on the Saturday morning after the recent blood moon. The third photo shows a small section of the tango (a late-harvested seedless mandarin) fruit trees, while the colourful vygies just show a very small section of the plants that greet one upon entering the farm.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWHOtW4vxrkL76dbYQ5ZrckH3vTVRj-uMoSiFVY0adLzD5yhQaMRLvgqfZFBv4Yry76RiELVLtymo5TjrPvAcPDPRXJe-7r62QejFkeEgjgO-uUsb8NrysZCaPYBVJufOdEZ9lNMvUIawjOlFKJUT3Wp9JAquXdXEn9Lr9ecLGqAyGHSPBc1RwYf0q/s1620/DSCF8531.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1620" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWHOtW4vxrkL76dbYQ5ZrckH3vTVRj-uMoSiFVY0adLzD5yhQaMRLvgqfZFBv4Yry76RiELVLtymo5TjrPvAcPDPRXJe-7r62QejFkeEgjgO-uUsb8NrysZCaPYBVJufOdEZ9lNMvUIawjOlFKJUT3Wp9JAquXdXEn9Lr9ecLGqAyGHSPBc1RwYf0q/s320/DSCF8531.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; 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margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1620" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHtKdyuzTdeYh4rpxVhbXswTkSauubdwxHONzjV78b-YJOhjrshgZZnO0I_zfSUggShxvirQNwiDnL7luiEqeqLU3SKbqnqRVkpZDnFJlHVZAu42Qw9_rDXbqYcrvpSD_80TfN1yop0ZimRg6ejCHqoliNerxe5A7-pfCr99qG8iJRucaKCLl42Peb/s320/DSCF8667.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUPxlAQQGt6uDcmpGpk7dBWigJ8F2nIdCPeqwHibed5lmIwGgQr4bVdqb-sk_E1O27h26ZnccRKy3o8QgRzGLiwmDK0-vqTnpZEVknMGMi9frF6sD4UQTyvZADaNDlbYSvLEuFxq2EkEyTCwa4Xs8A5y1xsiuXc-_6Q0AninfL9fA97i_JsMEAkw-h/s1620/DSCF8524.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1620" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUPxlAQQGt6uDcmpGpk7dBWigJ8F2nIdCPeqwHibed5lmIwGgQr4bVdqb-sk_E1O27h26ZnccRKy3o8QgRzGLiwmDK0-vqTnpZEVknMGMi9frF6sD4UQTyvZADaNDlbYSvLEuFxq2EkEyTCwa4Xs8A5y1xsiuXc-_6Q0AninfL9fA97i_JsMEAkw-h/s320/DSCF8524.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p></div>Rob Minterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05450562366242991830noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5367174168541854394.post-60492840951927943182022-06-13T10:25:00.002-07:002022-06-13T10:48:04.521-07:00Bon Accord Farm Cottages - Montagu<p> </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhrlVfn5wz1aJyQL-P1VsfE5W9JmnZVp8qre6GgB4jDrbFBeOWN4knSLkxnIHB-yK2ezKU0EEi1nawMBdA2R2zO3jqQuitFHgZL0PllJz-49dsi62oQ0IXbTu_GlomsJXtDEJK6cgbyWR-NwbeghSQcgFjNQ3YIHIwuqsu9RbmW6HjmSbYJTw-uxV4/s4799/View%20from%20patio.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="4799" height="198" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhrlVfn5wz1aJyQL-P1VsfE5W9JmnZVp8qre6GgB4jDrbFBeOWN4knSLkxnIHB-yK2ezKU0EEi1nawMBdA2R2zO3jqQuitFHgZL0PllJz-49dsi62oQ0IXbTu_GlomsJXtDEJK6cgbyWR-NwbeghSQcgFjNQ3YIHIwuqsu9RbmW6HjmSbYJTw-uxV4/w640-h144/View%20from%20patio.jpg" width="880" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><p>As part of our annual break, we spent 3 days in Montagu. As is normal when we go away, I used <a href="https://www.safarinow.com/">https://www.safarinow.com/</a> to find suitable accommodation, and went through a large number of possible places to stay. Our normal preference is for a self-catering unit with wi-fi, a shower, and, especially, either a king-sized bed or two single beds.</p><p>While it might sound simple, the places available fulfilling these three requirements are few and far between, but at least Safarinow supplies really good descriptions of the properties and what they offer, whereas their competition normally falls short on detailed information.</p><p>We decided on a place that we hadn't heard of before. It looked and sounded great, and one of the three cottages at Bon Accord Farm Cottages was the final choice. And that was the best decision we've made in a long time!</p><p>We chose Cottage No 2, and it turned out to be where the owners' first lived when they came to the farm. It was beautifully equipped, with everything one could ask for. The photo below shows the living area as one walks through the front door. The patio outside is huge, running the full length of the cottage, with a braai place and complimentary bag of wood and firelighters ready and waiting. The photo at the top of this post shows the magical view from the patio, though it doesn't quite do it justice!</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinxZKTgXFXTCp-mT073euMC6Zg4nxBh1YM_HI2Ae2G0voCriMxEBdB1jwOvfVTx-X_3wb3r4jNk1Vobd3QFgVOaxIhPXv-Z3rP9YPbd5mRPThr5R3N1JmPheZLX-ce1H-QKhxbmbJHIs-pqGzx5URPQo3HZLN43tdZ976lzSd3xlx1AeZhcoDAjqzV/s1620/Living%20area.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1620" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinxZKTgXFXTCp-mT073euMC6Zg4nxBh1YM_HI2Ae2G0voCriMxEBdB1jwOvfVTx-X_3wb3r4jNk1Vobd3QFgVOaxIhPXv-Z3rP9YPbd5mRPThr5R3N1JmPheZLX-ce1H-QKhxbmbJHIs-pqGzx5URPQo3HZLN43tdZ976lzSd3xlx1AeZhcoDAjqzV/w640-h426/Living%20area.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>I have not included photos of the rest of the inside, but there are two bedroom with en-suite bathrooms (one full and one with shower only). The main bedroom features a queen-sized bed, and the smaller bedroom two single beds. All are equipped with electric blankets.</p><p></p>I can honestly say that it is the best accommodation we have experienced during the many years that we have travelled locally on holiday. Most of all, I have never felt as relaxed and peaceful as I did during this particular stay.<p></p><p>There are a few landing spots right in front of the patio for the birds that frequent the farm to perch, and shown below is just a few of the birds that visited while we were outside enjoying the serenity.</p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsaXPWFAK2AOn-AmgW0VmiIiVq1lNOuuavoxQd9u7xWTfihqrFD70QnQlikUBsOS1QbGgGdHvJypQk6VJnOKzfIi8la8j2sjKtfJNx5DNLF3qzVpdmvvQf_tDuIqcSM-vZoQL1rVN05uO2Np-iAaNdOuGt5QlE7i0ya1sw7JWgJYWWuTRQEfup4h_h/s1620/20220524-DSCF7036.jpg" style="clear: left; display: inline; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1620" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsaXPWFAK2AOn-AmgW0VmiIiVq1lNOuuavoxQd9u7xWTfihqrFD70QnQlikUBsOS1QbGgGdHvJypQk6VJnOKzfIi8la8j2sjKtfJNx5DNLF3qzVpdmvvQf_tDuIqcSM-vZoQL1rVN05uO2Np-iAaNdOuGt5QlE7i0ya1sw7JWgJYWWuTRQEfup4h_h/w400-h266/20220524-DSCF7036.jpg" width="400" /></a></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; 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text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-yQtSbo5sZRP5NqlJrFSoDoADis-nnYCXf-T5TJfVSG8FDhRC55sBCJxuPjjD1FA2d2N4_inU2MkaaiWDiKVmw5IMUxKyjbCcvJGN1DczapqScqK-b1NzVYTg6UgwVx9cvQ3RunonDMG_qkrXnALs6f5mnh0DbTfWhyZHm0zrag0ZI4DDgMMVnigQ/s1620/DSCF7043.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1620" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-yQtSbo5sZRP5NqlJrFSoDoADis-nnYCXf-T5TJfVSG8FDhRC55sBCJxuPjjD1FA2d2N4_inU2MkaaiWDiKVmw5IMUxKyjbCcvJGN1DczapqScqK-b1NzVYTg6UgwVx9cvQ3RunonDMG_qkrXnALs6f5mnh0DbTfWhyZHm0zrag0ZI4DDgMMVnigQ/w400-h266/DSCF7043.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOzKfAT6T3ecGdVlIJkcIZG2xjJ1IH32P9AzKAuNugz0fL_-EP6Y4THwsT6C0YVwFuPPj87K3o0rsiUaQVeNV6-KsPo2Iwuon8m8TZc4EIHyj-F3eBRTE9Pd279pV_9wTlVLXcWSnIaqB7NwTrL0d76i61zivS43fdfSWYEZAsy-ZXoQSspQIl_XsA/s1620/DSCF7026.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1620" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOzKfAT6T3ecGdVlIJkcIZG2xjJ1IH32P9AzKAuNugz0fL_-EP6Y4THwsT6C0YVwFuPPj87K3o0rsiUaQVeNV6-KsPo2Iwuon8m8TZc4EIHyj-F3eBRTE9Pd279pV_9wTlVLXcWSnIaqB7NwTrL0d76i61zivS43fdfSWYEZAsy-ZXoQSspQIl_XsA/w400-h266/DSCF7026.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>All photos taken with the Fujifilm X-T4 and 70-300mm lens.</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Our hosts at the farm were Anton and Elsje (pronounced "Elsha"), and while we did not get to meet them in person, Elsje was always available for information and queries on 0828541457. She was extremely helpful and accommodating.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We look forward to staying there again.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><p><br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguyQQGpqSAIn8q7t2ddFXbP6h8wK5owPyGmbkEGKww9rM6U1DCKGJu6hyfgoNC_AyCXyQA3z3HT6rt4y6WDD2wcjxKbz7svON6c6t3XGPX1oQhPbYO_1n8wblMNJ4UxLlM12F689PMBeXX_-Dv7kSCgiXhHQ8UPJrKS6GEQ7N0UempuNi0j9it12LA/s1620/20220524-DSCF7036.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguyQQGpqSAIn8q7t2ddFXbP6h8wK5owPyGmbkEGKww9rM6U1DCKGJu6hyfgoNC_AyCXyQA3z3HT6rt4y6WDD2wcjxKbz7svON6c6t3XGPX1oQhPbYO_1n8wblMNJ4UxLlM12F689PMBeXX_-Dv7kSCgiXhHQ8UPJrKS6GEQ7N0UempuNi0j9it12LA/s1620/20220524-DSCF7036.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtinO1PN6G9QzTWk1qRC34nw6A3qUx8wTIDr-hnsdWkpTpFqXXBFle0QtDziohxK-IH_Y9ugbLA0rvNW5HQq_H89DDZqwZpHYKBJHVlzXcnJY2UikfxKJOgZiCJYx-DcYitoa9_m42XPz7PlFFc3ybVrD1x_R7vkgXWJxC82ZOrLIPuLAb-EhsJDMD/s1620/DSCF7022.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br /></a></div></div><p></p><p><br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><br /><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhctLXzLfdA0IZY9AgTcSQqjc-2jIVG8uC2KdNGq5OKHhGlcGvukxKfZnjl0r0uVgFfCKMuJ3QvNpZO9dD5jt0fNB2zJGpRrHuyKjF1l-BEXNj6UAdiQb_bycVzD9DMlnkZG7iwAHvmQfQ4c6D48dTIuR5zSVaZPP-7yKWsXj3QoITqopX0dUZmPCEG/s1620/20220524-DSCF7036.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div>Rob Minterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05450562366242991830noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5367174168541854394.post-84137091561500766252021-12-02T06:21:00.003-08:002023-03-07T05:13:14.133-08:00Remembrance and Hope<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgur7q381TTIqIm6-Alifcurrm_emLPAXkmDTfg-JAASiJuv9QJo_lJdKlMIclWnKl7RNHutDYq3q2xHRjzXukwD4pS3LNzurMDdFCuMI95XVUJ1uqJWWa8khXMiox4vnP7-S8DYmB2-50aCxLdOAi9Nbl2M_8nF6envMCxj4GqFtv69sz0BDBZlh6B=s1620" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1620" height="495" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgur7q381TTIqIm6-Alifcurrm_emLPAXkmDTfg-JAASiJuv9QJo_lJdKlMIclWnKl7RNHutDYq3q2xHRjzXukwD4pS3LNzurMDdFCuMI95XVUJ1uqJWWa8khXMiox4vnP7-S8DYmB2-50aCxLdOAi9Nbl2M_8nF6envMCxj4GqFtv69sz0BDBZlh6B=w640-h426" width="742,5" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Every year the Photographic Society of South Africa hosts a competition, the Marike Bruwer Award for Visual Art (<a href="https://www.pssa.co.za/competitions/marike-bruwer-award">https://www.pssa.co.za/competitions/marike-bruwer-award</a>). I took a chance this year and entered the above photo into the competition, and am absolutely honoured to have won the award for 2021! Reading the <a href="https://www.pssa.co.za/results/marike-bruwer-award/2021-marike-bruwer-results" target="_blank">judges' comments</a> was the cherry on top!</div><p style="text-align: left;">The idea for the photo started with all the talk and excitement regarding the introduction of the Covid-19 vaccine into South Africa. One couldn't escape from all the news about it - with not all the reporting being positive. During the same period I came across a photo of candles that had been lit for people who had died after contracting the virus and wondered whether the whole situation could be captured in a single photograph.</p><p style="text-align: left;">It took a while for me to get the concept together. I wanted to keep it as simple as possible, and once I had the picture in my head, it was fairly straightforward from there. First thing was to get all the pieces together, and after unsuccessfully asking a few friends if they had an old-fashioned candlestick holder that I could borrow, eventually put a query on the Facebook Somerset West Community page for one. I had a few responses, and the one in the photo was my favourite. It turned out the lady had no use for the set of two anymore, so gave them to me.</p><p style="text-align: left;">I decided on the large black background to represent the huge amount of darkness that the virus had caused, from things like loss of freedom and jobs, to, of course, lives. I thought about which colour the vaccine should be, and while this represented the "hope" side of the equation, I chose to make it red to indicate caution, as there was still a huge amount of discussion and argument around whether the vaccine would work or not.</p><p style="text-align: left;">I had the syringe from a previous shoot when I was working with some water droplets, but getting the flame proved a little more difficult. I tried copying and pasting from flames from matches, etc., but they didn't work that well, so in the end my wife used a chef's blowtorch to heat up the end of the needle until it got red hot and looked like a flame. </p><p style="text-align: left;"><i>Camera and settings:</i><br /><span> </span>Camera: Fujifilm X-T4<br /><span> </span>Lens: Fuji XF 35mm F2 R WR<br /><span> </span>Exposure program: Manual<br /><span> </span>Exposure: 1,5 sec at f/5.6<br /><span> </span>ISO: 160<br /></p><p style="text-align: left;">Please click on the photo to bring up a higher quality version.</p><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p>Rob Minterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05450562366242991830noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5367174168541854394.post-85282448017758795582021-09-30T12:22:00.001-07:002021-10-01T03:17:12.160-07:00Helderberg Nature Reserve<p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gdL8wXnrIng/YVX84gmYREI/AAAAAAAAAqE/9NtzMpAiU08rVxCcHBF8g-Jy5mz_lp2RgCLcBGAsYHQ/s880/20210915-DSCF2712-3.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="495" data-original-width="880" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gdL8wXnrIng/YVX84gmYREI/AAAAAAAAAqE/9NtzMpAiU08rVxCcHBF8g-Jy5mz_lp2RgCLcBGAsYHQ/s16000/20210915-DSCF2712-3.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View from the dam on the reserve</td></tr></tbody></table><br />On Wednesday 15 September, Jacqui and I took our first walk around the Helderberg Nature Reserve. It started off as a cloudless but cool day, with a very mild breeze, but the clouds came in while we were walking. Ideal for photographs.<p></p><p>Total cost for our one-time visit, 2 pensioners plus one car, was the princely sum of R45 (R15 each)! For those who might be interested, annual memberships are very reasonable at R140 per annum for ordinary members, and R80 per annum for the over-sixties.</p><p>Both Jacqui and I are very unfit, and so we decided to start off with what is the shortest trail. It is the "Sugarbird walk" and is supposed to be just under 3 kilometres long. Ya well no fine, if they say so, but I can tell you that it felt more like 10 kilometres! From the parking area it was a steady but gentle climb to to top, and then happily downhill all the way back! </p><p>Then again, I can't swear to it that what we did was the Sugarbird walk. The paths are not nearly as well-marked as we expected them to be, and so there were times when we chose a path more by instinct than anything else. Maybe we missed a turn or something, so next time we will definitely spend some time asking questions at the Information office before we set off.</p><p>And we will be back, even though it took me about three days to get rid of the stiffness so that I could walk normally again! It was lovely being out in the fresh air and being surrounded by the natural and diverse vegetation that Cape Town with which is blessed. </p><p>To end off, some photographs taken along our walk.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bVBA5nKGfoM/YVYIibt1MrI/AAAAAAAAAqU/wpzc7QHvp5w5b5jQdazcEvs8ceXognp3wCLcBGAsYHQ/s1920/DSCF2654.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1920" height="226" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bVBA5nKGfoM/YVYIibt1MrI/AAAAAAAAAqU/wpzc7QHvp5w5b5jQdazcEvs8ceXognp3wCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h226/DSCF2654.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-q-Kn48aAM4s/YVYKoVJ6aUI/AAAAAAAAArU/BML-EIbOVokGaUb2OruFVqAve1QpeyYXACLcBGAsYHQ/s1620/DSCF2672.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1620" height="266" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-q-Kn48aAM4s/YVYKoVJ6aUI/AAAAAAAAArU/BML-EIbOVokGaUb2OruFVqAve1QpeyYXACLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h266/DSCF2672.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yMyHyXLG0yU/YVYK5Y1snUI/AAAAAAAAArc/tLgtiSH8tvoTL-0sQFsT9jcY78Qk722ngCLcBGAsYHQ/s1620/DSCF2666.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1620" height="266" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yMyHyXLG0yU/YVYK5Y1snUI/AAAAAAAAArc/tLgtiSH8tvoTL-0sQFsT9jcY78Qk722ngCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h266/DSCF2666.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5IYT3WtIS1Q/YVYLDxc1LCI/AAAAAAAAArg/gmjHVC2XNGEZBWJulzHHm9SR8AFscbA5ACLcBGAsYHQ/s1620/DSCF2661.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1620" height="266" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5IYT3WtIS1Q/YVYLDxc1LCI/AAAAAAAAArg/gmjHVC2XNGEZBWJulzHHm9SR8AFscbA5ACLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h266/DSCF2661.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XlfsgF5wyp0/YVYLSfyEUQI/AAAAAAAAAro/4P68H2_AdWgDYuzEMvfKgu9npXq8r0a6gCLcBGAsYHQ/s1920/DSCF2679.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1920" height="225" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XlfsgF5wyp0/YVYLSfyEUQI/AAAAAAAAAro/4P68H2_AdWgDYuzEMvfKgu9npXq8r0a6gCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h225/DSCF2679.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-frEUYHcVrQM/YVYLeUjegLI/AAAAAAAAArw/sSL3IFaT11kDL8x5eX__h04tu1XIjzLgACLcBGAsYHQ/s1620/DSCF2705.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1620" height="266" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-frEUYHcVrQM/YVYLeUjegLI/AAAAAAAAArw/sSL3IFaT11kDL8x5eX__h04tu1XIjzLgACLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h266/DSCF2705.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Q6BnNUsxKko/YVYLwcmEqUI/AAAAAAAAAsA/fIU-ZE73GtAOU5ETgOT7gSEB2MvE5LLFwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1920/20210915-DSCF2700-2.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1920" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Q6BnNUsxKko/YVYLwcmEqUI/AAAAAAAAAsA/fIU-ZE73GtAOU5ETgOT7gSEB2MvE5LLFwCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h360/20210915-DSCF2700-2.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>Rob Minterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05450562366242991830noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5367174168541854394.post-55726004841270451242021-08-28T10:09:00.010-07:002021-08-30T03:14:59.977-07:00Saturday 28 August 2021<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Pj3XRxjV-tM/YSpipYer_6I/AAAAAAAAAoA/_xh2cnaXc3IW_hROCYWDvAY1UGqTFStmgCLcBGAsYHQ/s3328/DSCF2559-Pano.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="945" data-original-width="3328" height="251" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Pj3XRxjV-tM/YSpipYer_6I/AAAAAAAAAoA/_xh2cnaXc3IW_hROCYWDvAY1UGqTFStmgCLcBGAsYHQ/w668-h190/DSCF2559-Pano.jpg" width="882" /></a></div><br /> End of August - end of winter - right? Wrong!<p></p><p><br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OyKs2I1T0SI/YSpkLXw7ShI/AAAAAAAAAoI/sdtIl4Em984bZEWofVd7WGCmeUfsW3CAACLcBGAsYHQ/s1620/Pam.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1620" height="266" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OyKs2I1T0SI/YSpkLXw7ShI/AAAAAAAAAoI/sdtIl4Em984bZEWofVd7WGCmeUfsW3CAACLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h266/Pam.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>After two days of fairly consistent downpours resulting in just over 75mm of rain, we woke to a very cold morning with lots of snow around. There was even a sprinkling of snow on one of the really low mountain peaks close to us - this shot taken from our patio. First time in four years that snow has hit this peak!</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>So we set off early to see if we could find some decent falls. And what a correct decision that was! Straight onto the N2, over Sir Lowry's Pass, and as we took the turnoff to Grabouw, we were treated to the following sight, and knew it was going to be a good morning:</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5ml97XaBvHs/YSplPqlul9I/AAAAAAAAAoU/2vvx8g7IvNkVYVOmnBDFtKEwGAMISN1zQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1620/DSCF2553.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1620" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5ml97XaBvHs/YSplPqlul9I/AAAAAAAAAoU/2vvx8g7IvNkVYVOmnBDFtKEwGAMISN1zQCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h426/DSCF2553.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p>A short while further along the road to Theewaterskloof, we stopped for the next shot.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-N-jqV70z3mM/YSpmLwlVulI/AAAAAAAAAog/cZvnV7aWLpwFreidkPMcqBCnLfnw8dCKgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1620/DSCF2554.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1620" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-N-jqV70z3mM/YSpmLwlVulI/AAAAAAAAAog/cZvnV7aWLpwFreidkPMcqBCnLfnw8dCKgCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h426/DSCF2554.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>As we reached the first proper sighting of Theewaterskloof, I took the panoramic image that starts this post, plus the following to show just how far down the mountain the snow had fallen.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6OdOVQaNexk/YSpm4xzGp6I/AAAAAAAAAoo/awkhmcYCJqQtGxSTgzrxKgsQK08ym-ueACLcBGAsYHQ/s1620/DSCF2565.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1620" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6OdOVQaNexk/YSpm4xzGp6I/AAAAAAAAAoo/awkhmcYCJqQtGxSTgzrxKgsQK08ym-ueACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h426/DSCF2565.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p><br /></p>At this stage we decided to go home via the Franschhoek Pass, and that also turned out to be a good decision! Here are some photos taken along the way, on both sides of the pass. It's worth mentioning that at the top there were hundreds of vehicles parked in legitimate parking areas, as well as illegally on the side of the road, encroaching onto the driving area. Added to that was the fact that visibility was absolutely minimal with the low cloud that had descended onto the pass. But it was a small inconvenience and did not at all detract from a wonderful drive.<p></p><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZCKDgZ71rIc/YSpqW8GNhnI/AAAAAAAAAo4/ditfguMaXEsnB2ohXCrUgH4jdHRCkYePACLcBGAsYHQ/s1920/DSCF2571.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZCKDgZ71rIc/YSpqW8GNhnI/AAAAAAAAAo4/ditfguMaXEsnB2ohXCrUgH4jdHRCkYePACLcBGAsYHQ/s1920/DSCF2571.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1920" height="180" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZCKDgZ71rIc/YSpqW8GNhnI/AAAAAAAAAo4/ditfguMaXEsnB2ohXCrUgH4jdHRCkYePACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/DSCF2571.jpg" width="320" /></a><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pTLxOqnidJc/YSpqW0Zo4UI/AAAAAAAAApA/FNdVZ7dAhfUT--M2ktk11yqnvDLS-ACbQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1920/DSCF2568.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1920" height="180" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pTLxOqnidJc/YSpqW0Zo4UI/AAAAAAAAApA/FNdVZ7dAhfUT--M2ktk11yqnvDLS-ACbQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/DSCF2568.jpg" width="320" /></a></div></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7ZbnTk-il9I/YSpqWypID1I/AAAAAAAAAo8/abxM5xzSTYYoHCdXvVVW_wkoIFVDRLT6wCLcBGAsYHQ/s1620/DSCF2567.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1620" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7ZbnTk-il9I/YSpqWypID1I/AAAAAAAAAo8/abxM5xzSTYYoHCdXvVVW_wkoIFVDRLT6wCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h426/DSCF2567.jpg" width="640" /></a></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ctkXiZlM3X8/YSprIyNPOAI/AAAAAAAAApU/_7MxmcaMA_gDRJ03v4e3-EZf5wXIRpHvgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1920/DSCF2574.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1920" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ctkXiZlM3X8/YSprIyNPOAI/AAAAAAAAApU/_7MxmcaMA_gDRJ03v4e3-EZf5wXIRpHvgCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h360/DSCF2574.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Our only poor choice during the morning was to then finish off the trip with coffee and photos at the Postcard Cafe in Stellenbosch, as we knew there would be some spectacular snow views from there. But unfortunately the cloud was so low and the rain so heavy that we could only juts make out the snow areas, and so gave that a miss.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0000ee;"><u><br /></u></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0000ee;"><u><br /></u></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0000ee;"><u><br /></u></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0000ee;"><u><br /></u></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0000ee;"><u><br /></u></span></div><p></p><br /><p><br /></p>Rob Minterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05450562366242991830noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5367174168541854394.post-7868108128182495112021-08-04T12:33:00.006-07:002021-08-05T08:00:47.605-07:00Theewaterskloof Dam<p> </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NNPGS949EFA/YQrpqRphojI/AAAAAAAAAlA/clFxzD1rfKkiBveHqBngeakMI0w5lNYGACLcBGAsYHQ/s1920/Theewaterskloof%2BDam%2Bat%2Bfull%2Bcapacity.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1920" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NNPGS949EFA/YQrpqRphojI/AAAAAAAAAlA/clFxzD1rfKkiBveHqBngeakMI0w5lNYGACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h360/Theewaterskloof%2BDam%2Bat%2Bfull%2Bcapacity.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p></p><p>On Saturday, 17 July 2021, Jacqui and I took a leisurely drive along the N2 towards Caledon, and then turned off on to the beautiful scenic R43 to Villiersdorp, where this year's canola fields were just starting to show themselves. We wanted to view the dam from the wall side. The above shot was the first view we had.</p><p>It brought back memories of that horrible time not that long ago when the words "Day zero" were on everyone's lips. It had been forecasted that Cape Town would run out of water during April 2018, though luckily it didn't happen. Just in case anyone doesn't remember, here are two images showing what the dam looked like in November 2017, albeit these were taken from a different viewing angle to the images taken this year.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7NeDUHc3dxk/YQuW3E95_vI/AAAAAAAAAlg/d9tSSw5pZogAI_zhfHBL9EZn6Nn1XjboACLcBGAsYHQ/s1920/TWK%2BNov%2B2017%2B1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1920" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7NeDUHc3dxk/YQuW3E95_vI/AAAAAAAAAlg/d9tSSw5pZogAI_zhfHBL9EZn6Nn1XjboACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h360/TWK%2BNov%2B2017%2B1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-p0BsGglVw7g/YQuW3MZZhNI/AAAAAAAAAlk/zl-BWHmdEioewlz_Q4ovXR7SkXIoXyTIwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1920/TWK%2BNov%2B2017%2B2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1920" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-p0BsGglVw7g/YQuW3MZZhNI/AAAAAAAAAlk/zl-BWHmdEioewlz_Q4ovXR7SkXIoXyTIwCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h360/TWK%2BNov%2B2017%2B2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p>Back to July 2021 - a short while further and we came across the area of the dam wall where the water overflows when the dam is full, and saw the wonderful sight below - the dam at 100% capacity and overflowing! Long may it last!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-B-xHFxNa08Q/YQrrWh3ZToI/AAAAAAAAAlI/Fphvspv4FFAi2s1XwsT9RRzp6CxfKfH-QCLcBGAsYHQ/s1620/Theewaterskloof.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1620" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-B-xHFxNa08Q/YQrrWh3ZToI/AAAAAAAAAlI/Fphvspv4FFAi2s1XwsT9RRzp6CxfKfH-QCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h426/Theewaterskloof.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p>Rob Minterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05450562366242991830noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5367174168541854394.post-72549198020900495102020-11-09T10:52:00.001-08:002020-11-09T11:25:16.064-08:002020 Holiday - Last days<p><br /></p><p><b>Day 3 - Wednesday</b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iL1lTYQvitE/X46XPcBiWOI/AAAAAAAAAbQ/PuybQ_LXJp8QLTJ7xmRh9m-1HY9eht3JgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1920/DSCF2659.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1920" height="225" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iL1lTYQvitE/X46XPcBiWOI/AAAAAAAAAbQ/PuybQ_LXJp8QLTJ7xmRh9m-1HY9eht3JgCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h225/DSCF2659.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p>We woke to a very pleasant, though cold, morning.</p><p>We again had breakfast outside on the patio, and were treated to the (well, for us anyway) unusual site of a number of paddlers out in the bay, but all without paddles. Everyone was simply using their arms and hands to propel themselves! Talk about hard work!</p><p>After breakfast, we went off in search of Boulders Beach, where the penguin colony is situated. I'm ashamed to say that after all these many years, both of us have never visited! We found parking just outside Seaforth Beach, and received some information about Boulders from the car attendant who was on duty at the time. It was quite a cold morning, and we decided to warm ourselves up with a walk from there to Boulders - not very far at all.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PROMfqx5NIg/X5E4S8LDpKI/AAAAAAAAAcM/Y61M3e1c_m01dMIfh58OGEgKnxgFxaBwgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1620/DSCF2666.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1620" height="266" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PROMfqx5NIg/X5E4S8LDpKI/AAAAAAAAAcM/Y61M3e1c_m01dMIfh58OGEgKnxgFxaBwgCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h266/DSCF2666.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><br />We arrived at the entrance a few minutes later, and decided just to take a walk along the boardwalk, instead of entering the reserve itself. Almost immediately we saw our first bits of life - not penguins, just a dassie and one of the many attendants who are on duty there!<p></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yWtuAmhOb1A/X5E5V1ibilI/AAAAAAAAAco/hhbTChmp47UuVp-70tlslc1R8Cx8ndaxwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1620/DSCF2669.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1620" height="266" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yWtuAmhOb1A/X5E5V1ibilI/AAAAAAAAAco/hhbTChmp47UuVp-70tlslc1R8Cx8ndaxwCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h266/DSCF2669.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p></p><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>As usual, there were many more than just one dassie, and being as curious as they are, we had two come quite close to have their photos taken (and of course, to see whether there might have been any titbits forthcoming)!<div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-raVGc7miKcw/X58RtEwGB_I/AAAAAAAAAdM/clPl07sdoUQkPAzU_EPoBFUZNE-Mkr1MgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1620/DSCF2670.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1620" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-raVGc7miKcw/X58RtEwGB_I/AAAAAAAAAdM/clPl07sdoUQkPAzU_EPoBFUZNE-Mkr1MgCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/DSCF2670.jpg" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>The stroll along the boardwalk was fabulous. Lots to see along the way, including some penguins living in some specially designed "homes". Couldn't believe the amount of noise the penguins make, nor the amount of "guano" they leave behind! One of the authorised "locals" is shown on the left, and two "squatters" below!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ilGzYS4_kG4/X6lcFZF-I-I/AAAAAAAAAd4/NWVcJ-G-3DIow-dhN7YyfkV2zyTO2allQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1620/DSCF2671.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1620" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ilGzYS4_kG4/X6lcFZF-I-I/AAAAAAAAAd4/NWVcJ-G-3DIow-dhN7YyfkV2zyTO2allQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/DSCF2671.jpg" /></a></div></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>There was also a fair number of the natural structures from which "Boulders Beach" got its name, and you can see some of them here, together with some of the colony's local residents.<br /></div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ayJSQNkmB98/X58M604tcRI/AAAAAAAAAdA/pzNAKcWRzask9RPdeVEZALab4fEEe3AbgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1620/DSCF2681.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1620" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ayJSQNkmB98/X58M604tcRI/AAAAAAAAAdA/pzNAKcWRzask9RPdeVEZALab4fEEe3AbgCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h426/DSCF2681.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />When we got back to the parking area, we stopped off at the local curio shop, where Jacqui found an addition to her fridge magnet collection. Both of us were extremely warm when we arrived at the car, so Jacqui removed her jacket, and I took off the jersey I was wearing. Problem was that in order to remove the jersey, I had to take off my spectacles. Having yet another of my "senior" moments, I decided to put them on top of the car. And then having yet another moment (they must have been on special that week!), we drove off leaving the specs on the roof of the car. </div><div><br /></div><div>We went off in search of some whales that we were told were out, and after passing Miller's Point, driving for about ten minutes, Jacqui spotted a few. So I pulled over so that we could get a better view, and then the realisation struck that I didn't have my specs with me! Realising what had happened, we rushed back to the parking area, but couldn't find them. We spoke to the car guard on duty, who told us he had spotted them on the ground just a few minutes before a Mercedes drove over them. He went and fetched the mangled remains from his hut, and they were damaged way beyond repair!</div><div><br /></div><div>I had my cataracts removed and replaced with new lenses about 4 years ago, with the result that my long distance viewing is quite good, so driving without specs is not a problem at all. So it wasn't a total train smash!</div><div><p>We had planned to take the drive around Cape Point. through Scarborough, and past Kommetjie on the way to Chapman's peak anyway, and I said to Jacqui that there must be a Clicks store somewhere along the way, where I could buy a cheap pair of reading specs to tide me over till I could get an optometrist appointment once we got back home. I found a pair of specs at Clicks at the Longbeach Mall, and they proved adequate for the remainder of our break.</p><p>A quick lunch at the Spur there, and then we took the long, but scenic, drive back to Fish Hoek along Ou Kaapse Weg and then Boyes Drive.</p><p>Spent the rest of the evening relaxing, while it got colder and colder outside.</p><p><b><br /></b></p><p><b>Day 4 -Thursday</b></p><p>We woke to a morning that was freezing cold, and which was accompanied by gale-force winds. We decided to have breakfast at the local Spur, and it was good value, well-cooked and very presentable. </p><p>We followed that with a drive back along Boyes' Drive, and then went back to the Noordhoek area along Ou Kaapse Weg. We decided to have a stroll around the Sunny Cove Mall (we hadn't been there for years and years), and were surprised to see how little it had grown since our last visit. The development of the Longbeach Mall, which we visited on the previous day, seems to have been preferred for development both by developers and outlets. </p><p>I was hoping to get a shot of Long Beach, so we took a short drive up the start of Chapman's Peak, looking for a suitable spot to stop. Eventually found one and parked, and then went to take the shot. Well - the wind was so strong I could hardly stand! The weather generally was poor anyway, but even a tripod would not have helped get a decent shot. I took a couple anyway, and this is the best of the bunch. The Kommetjie lighthouse can be seen in the far top right of the image.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HT6IsNPYAOU/X6l02WTNKyI/AAAAAAAAAeE/r5UavvuKrxMY9tK7QF2WMmwZuZIhnnEbACLcBGAsYHQ/s1920/DSCF2695.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1920" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HT6IsNPYAOU/X6l02WTNKyI/AAAAAAAAAeE/r5UavvuKrxMY9tK7QF2WMmwZuZIhnnEbACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h360/DSCF2695.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>Freezing cold, I got back into the car and we went off in search of lunch. The obvious stop was the popular Noordhoek Farm Village, so that's where we went. First stop was Cafe Roux. We had visited many years previously, but it would appear that the Covid-19 curse has taken its toll on what once was a fine restaurant. All that was on offer was a pay upfront and order your food section, a place to wait to collect your order, and then some tables where you could choose to sit! Nice for some, but just not our style!</p><p>From there we went to The Foodbarn, an eatery that had received many rave reviews on the internet. It was quite full, so it looked like a good choice. When we checked the menu, however, we found that the cheapest bottle of white wine (the "house" wine") was R180. Now we don't mind restaurants making a fair profit on the food (especially the food) and wine that they serve, but really today, especially after how Covid-19 has wrecked the economy, and the income of individuals, that's pushing it! Once we saw the prices of the food on offer, and the selection on offer, we politely got up, excused ourselves, and left! Just not for us, thank you!</p><p>We then decided to go back to the Brass Bell for lunch. Took a lovely drive through Sunny Cove, and then along the road leading to Fish Hoek, where we passed a flat that we once had a look at as one of our options to purchase as a holiday weekend place. In the end we chose the flat in Melbosstrand, and in retrospect, it was a fantastic choice. If we hadn't chosen Melkbos, I would have missed all those wonderful shots that were on offer from our balcony. If you would like to see what I mean, click on this link: <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/147104316@N07/albums/72157673797426976" target="_blank">Views from the balcony</a>.</p><p>When we arrived at the Brass Bell, the weather was so poor, and the seas were so rough, that the whole bottom section of the restaurant was closed. So upstairs we went. They had just started with their Summer specials, and while Jacqui decided to try their burger, I decided to give their chicken curry a go. Ordered it done medium, and I can honestly say it was absolutely delicious. It was served with a pappadom, white and yellow rice, chutney, a tomato and onion salsa, and a tzatziki sauce, and I left nothing on the plate except the spoon and the fork! Seriously recommended!</p><p>We had a window seat and thoroughly enjoyed seeing the waves break over the pool walls. After lunch we went to the outside dining area (obviously deserted at the time) to take some more shots. It proved more difficult than I thought, with lots of spray from the waves and wind meaning that the camera had to be constantly wiped off. The following demonstrates what I mean.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-INwwWf6xdMw/X6mFqPwkDtI/AAAAAAAAAew/AwIeSiLWTocBo0z1mrCPXvptzKhNyeH0ACLcBGAsYHQ/s1620/DSCF2856.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1620" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-INwwWf6xdMw/X6mFqPwkDtI/AAAAAAAAAew/AwIeSiLWTocBo0z1mrCPXvptzKhNyeH0ACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h426/DSCF2856.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">After trying for about half an hour to get a really decent shot, we were so cold that we decided to call it a day and return to the warmth of our flatlet. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Day 5 - Friday</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I had been able to secure an optometrists' appointment at 12h00 that day, so we packed up nice and early. But not before being able to admire and appreciate a beautifully moody morning. This was the view from the outside balcony.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Eh1cAQ24N80/X6mF83u7FSI/AAAAAAAAAe8/sLVKqWJdNZIu2fbJaw1fvi2-SE3BmG3EACLcBGAsYHQ/s1920/DSCF2893.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1920" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Eh1cAQ24N80/X6mF83u7FSI/AAAAAAAAAe8/sLVKqWJdNZIu2fbJaw1fvi2-SE3BmG3EACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h360/DSCF2893.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /></div>It was a fabulous and different break - short but most relaxing. Our thanks again to our hostess, Lorraine. We will be back!<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p><br /></p></div>Rob Minterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05450562366242991830noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5367174168541854394.post-4771734466489538352020-10-16T10:18:00.000-07:002020-10-16T10:18:00.495-07:002020 Holiday Day 2 (Tuesday)<p><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit;">We awoke to some early morning showers, but they didn't last long and cleared up by 10h00. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit;">Contrary to the extremely flat seas we experienced on our first day, they were a fair bit rougher, with the promise of some strong seas later in the day. </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fvyYvNxgTWY/X4lJmGl9ocI/AAAAAAAAAXw/5V4V9t8G0YgkIKnAMjGwZjvozSZ1lfNygCLcBGAsYHQ/s1620/DSCF2510.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1620" height="266" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fvyYvNxgTWY/X4lJmGl9ocI/AAAAAAAAAXw/5V4V9t8G0YgkIKnAMjGwZjvozSZ1lfNygCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h266/DSCF2510.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-family: inherit;">Looking at this photo of a fellow photographer doing his thing at one of the tranquil rock pools immediately below our balcony, one just can't imagine what was to follow later in the day.<br /></span><p><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit;">For some time now, I have been wanting to pay a visit to the Dalebrook tidal pool to see the various stone statues that someone must have spent hours putting together. I must confess to having being somewhat disappointed, as there were only a few of them left when we got there. Not sure what happened to them all, possibly broken down by the wind and seas? Anyway, it was still worth the visit, with quite a few people making use of the swimming pool while we were walking around. Here is just one of the remaining statues, followed by a shot of the waves breaking against the rocks. The second photo shows the promise of the larger swells that followed later in the day. The last photo shows just how beautiful the colours are in the tidal pool itself, plus the clarity of the water there.</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_l_6HSGWxTU/X4lagzBSH4I/AAAAAAAAAYs/w1O_KFSH0A0O8z3LBHpJir_Ujd7DJM20wCLcBGAsYHQ/s1920/DSCF2535.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1920" height="225" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_l_6HSGWxTU/X4lagzBSH4I/AAAAAAAAAYs/w1O_KFSH0A0O8z3LBHpJir_Ujd7DJM20wCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h225/DSCF2535.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3nvT4lEIe3E/X4lakfyTkyI/AAAAAAAAAYw/Ozasv239iWIpSRkzqUkUaP3_vu6Mf2ZBwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1920/DSCF2571.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1920" height="225" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3nvT4lEIe3E/X4lakfyTkyI/AAAAAAAAAYw/Ozasv239iWIpSRkzqUkUaP3_vu6Mf2ZBwCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h225/DSCF2571.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-S0Fqm3E-ehA/X4lacrc-NkI/AAAAAAAAAYo/UXMcIviLLMod-IXGpGmSH2ZR4hP3jFE7QCLcBGAsYHQ/s1620/DSCF2537-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1620" height="266" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-S0Fqm3E-ehA/X4lacrc-NkI/AAAAAAAAAYo/UXMcIviLLMod-IXGpGmSH2ZR4hP3jFE7QCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h266/DSCF2537-2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">After our time spent at the pool, we decided to take short walk around St James to have a look at the various sets of steps that lead all the way from the Main Road right up to Boyes Drive.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-J-wq2GDpShU/X4muXy_I5EI/AAAAAAAAAZw/CoAp-7W7Cs0KxaiLLQpVcVxo9JffhJAZQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1620/DSCF2544.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1620" height="266" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-J-wq2GDpShU/X4muXy_I5EI/AAAAAAAAAZw/CoAp-7W7Cs0KxaiLLQpVcVxo9JffhJAZQCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h266/DSCF2544.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> We started off at Jacob's Ladder. Unfortunately I have not been able to find out how many steps there are, and I wasn't going to count them myself! Jacqui passed up the opportunity as well! Suffice to say that when originally built, it consisted of 120 steps, but these were added to as and when extra residences were built up the mountain, until it finally reached Boyes Drive.</div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5S2zCqcg1PY/X4mvq9kIfAI/AAAAAAAAAaA/guC35-nJTxAlXQTuksQG8qjm6h8F1MzMACLcBGAsYHQ/s1620/DSCF2551.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1620" height="266" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5S2zCqcg1PY/X4mvq9kIfAI/AAAAAAAAAaA/guC35-nJTxAlXQTuksQG8qjm6h8F1MzMACLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h266/DSCF2551.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> From there we went to Ley Road, two streets away from Jacob's Ladder. Right at the top of the steps, on Boyes Drive, is where Jacqui rented a room when she was much younger (before we met). So it was a bit of a nostalgic visit.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">After that it was a trip to the iconic changing huts on the beach. Unfortunately, as you can see, many of them (if not all) are in serious need of repair or refurbishment. There were two huts that were destroyed by a fire recently, and some fire damage can be seen on the first hut. I was standing on the area previously occupied by the huts before the fire when I took the photo.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ialqMCTXp-Y/X4my0lf30VI/AAAAAAAAAaQ/rgRHk0e27PEr85rOt7GZ528-VbrdPHquACLcBGAsYHQ/s1920/DSCF2552.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1920" height="225" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ialqMCTXp-Y/X4my0lf30VI/AAAAAAAAAaQ/rgRHk0e27PEr85rOt7GZ528-VbrdPHquACLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h225/DSCF2552.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>And then our explorations took us to Kalk Bay harbour. We could see the waves outside were building up, but it was still a little while off high tide, and it was quite calm inside the harbour walls. Here are a few images taken while walking around.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9sKgQVw4Fw4/X4m0jHnWHII/AAAAAAAAAak/sz1Jl5qUBecLxZBuUgDwvsX2XlsIcHzCACLcBGAsYHQ/s1620/DSCF2555.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1620" height="266" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9sKgQVw4Fw4/X4m0jHnWHII/AAAAAAAAAak/sz1Jl5qUBecLxZBuUgDwvsX2XlsIcHzCACLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h266/DSCF2555.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GCC7je940iM/X4m0jEI3A7I/AAAAAAAAAag/2uHHqY2aRQEdYhz4iU9qsEbosa5Ov2vqwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1920/DSCF2561.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1920" height="225" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GCC7je940iM/X4m0jEI3A7I/AAAAAAAAAag/2uHHqY2aRQEdYhz4iU9qsEbosa5Ov2vqwCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h225/DSCF2561.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5PhxsqTQt9I/X4m0jPhjxoI/AAAAAAAAAac/I-xlIOsqPzgZC2btfBUN_DjXUULepJSagCLcBGAsYHQ/s1920/DSCF2559.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1920" height="225" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5PhxsqTQt9I/X4m0jPhjxoI/AAAAAAAAAac/I-xlIOsqPzgZC2btfBUN_DjXUULepJSagCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h225/DSCF2559.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>At this stage we were quite hungry and thirsty. The restaurants in the harbour itself, apart from the Lucky fish and chips restaurant, which we didn't fancy that day, were closed. So we forced ourselves to once again try the Brass Bell restaurant on Kalk Bay station. The last time we visited, we were seriously unimpressed with the poor service and over-rated food, but were hoping that things had improved since then. <div><br /><div>And it turned out to be a great choice in the end. We both thoroughly enjoyed their grilled calamari, prepared with a hint of chilli. Jacqui chose to have salad with hers and I had the chips. All washed down with a chilled bottle of Protea Sauvignon Blanc. Gorgeous! In addition to the great meal, we were treated to a floor show as well! At this stage of the afternoon, high tide was just minutes away, and the crashing waves started to make their presence felt inside the restaurant! We fortunately were unaffected, as the window at the table we chose was closed. But the windows at the table in front of us did not close properly (one of the problems of living at the sea) and the couple sitting there received a good helping of sea water! The cushions they were sitting on got drenched, but they themselves escaped largely untouched! Needless to say, they moved tables after that.</div><div><br /></div><div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div><div class="separator" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1920" height="225" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yI5CTSfshL8/X4m47yo_Z9I/AAAAAAAAAa4/ti1rFqBHMvImp9INDPN8TdOS0XVwTIPHQCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h225/DSCF2622.jpg" width="400" /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>We stayed for a few minutes while finishing the wine, then paid and went to the deck outside the restaurant, from where the following photo was taken. Part of the restaurant can be seen on the left.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Finally back to On the rocks, where we spent a relaxed late afternoon and evening.</div><div><br /></div><div>To be continued.....</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div></div></div></div></div>Rob Minterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05450562366242991830noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5367174168541854394.post-76111982479965750712020-10-14T08:07:00.001-07:002020-10-14T08:07:17.991-07:002020 Holiday - Day 1 (Monday)<p>We normally go for our annual holiday earlier during the year, during the cooler months - April or May, but with the Covid-19 lockdown regulations, it was just not possible this year. We had originally planned to spend some time up the West Coast.</p><p>When we eventually were allowed to travel again, we decided to keep it really simple this year - both in time spent away from home and distance from home. I have often talked of making a trip down to the Fish Hoek area for a day visit, and Jacqui suggested that maybe that should be our destination for the holiday.</p><p>We aren't the easiest people to cater for, with one of our main considerations being whether the place we stayed at had a king-sized bed. Neither of us are small people and we simply enjoy the extra space it allows to get a good night's rest. Next on the requirements list is a wi-fi connection, and finally the ability to have the option of watching the news on TV in the evenings. On-site parking is an added benefit.</p><p>So automatically a large number of accommodation options gets eliminated, and sometimes we get what we want with the rest of the offering slightly inferior to what we would like. My favourite accommodation search engine is <a href="http://Safarinow.com">Safarinow.com</a> - their presentation of what's on offer is for me the most comprehensive and normally answers most of the questions one might have.</p><p>And this time we narrowed our search down to one major possibility - "On the rocks" in Sunny Cove, Fish Hoek. What a gem! Not only does it have everything we need and want, there is a view and a lock-up garage thrown in! And on top of it all - a friendly and accommodating hostess! There is a large bedroom, tiny bathroom, and small living area - all beautifully equipped. And then two balconies - one small one leading out from the living area, and an under-cover one leading from the bedroom. We thoroughly enjoyed our stay and can recommend the place unreservedly!</p><p>After we left home, we took a nice leisurely drive through to Fish Hoek, this time opting for the route along the Main Road from Muizenberg rather than taking Boyes Drive. We had a relaxed lunch in Fish Hoek itself and contacted our hostess as we left for the venue. She was waiting for us when we arrived, after opening the garage door, situated on Simonstown Road.</p><p>We spent the rest of the day just unpacking and relaxing, planning our routes for the rest of the trip, had a drink or two and a light supper, and took some photographs of the accommodation and the view from the small balcony.</p><p>Here are a few photos.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-s2SI5aBF-f8/X4aw1lO-25I/AAAAAAAAAVI/NB7mfymOETYwJKmYdd7dndC7qm4b2tPoQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1620/DSCF2458.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1620" height="266" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-s2SI5aBF-f8/X4aw1lO-25I/AAAAAAAAAVI/NB7mfymOETYwJKmYdd7dndC7qm4b2tPoQCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h266/DSCF2458.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>This is the view of the under-cover patio as one walks out of the garage. The door to the bedroom is on the right.<br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-s1VzhagQExE/X4XseAZYlOI/AAAAAAAAASg/NyaR8QQGV2ElV0r9Nq7r247KcrX-ph8RQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1620/DSCF2459.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1620" height="266" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-s1VzhagQExE/X4XseAZYlOI/AAAAAAAAASg/NyaR8QQGV2ElV0r9Nq7r247KcrX-ph8RQCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h266/DSCF2459.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The view of the same patio, but this time from the sea end.</div></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XoRpPLGaotw/X4XscaEDhWI/AAAAAAAAASY/zNvRMksqR-0BVteTwRVnORxJDQ83TowsgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1620/DSCF2457.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1620" height="266" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XoRpPLGaotw/X4XscaEDhWI/AAAAAAAAASY/zNvRMksqR-0BVteTwRVnORxJDQ83TowsgCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h266/DSCF2457.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>The bedroom and en-suite bathroom.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-q4aozrb3N98/X4XscmJeBzI/AAAAAAAAASc/9lRoifl-7kcSxt8g8WscRgiBHe2tVcwhwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1920/DSCF2455.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1920" height="225" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-q4aozrb3N98/X4XscmJeBzI/AAAAAAAAASc/9lRoifl-7kcSxt8g8WscRgiBHe2tVcwhwCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h225/DSCF2455.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Living area leading to the second patio. Not seen is a cupboard/shelf unit with kettle, cups and saucers, etc. and tea, coffee and sugar.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HI_LvUPycss/X4XsecDFz6I/AAAAAAAAASk/DPOG3nxjKMQuMVMeogAL0t7jHF-8urUvgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1920/DSCF2461.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1920" height="225" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HI_LvUPycss/X4XsecDFz6I/AAAAAAAAASk/DPOG3nxjKMQuMVMeogAL0t7jHF-8urUvgCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h225/DSCF2461.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Part of the view from the second patio.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QHYkQqQBQdg/X4Xu0RyGkpI/AAAAAAAAATk/3sBZPMjwpXkFT6rT0EykvW1tbVoNNSMqACLcBGAsYHQ/s1920/DSCF2465.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1920" height="225" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QHYkQqQBQdg/X4Xu0RyGkpI/AAAAAAAAATk/3sBZPMjwpXkFT6rT0EykvW1tbVoNNSMqACLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h225/DSCF2465.jpg" width="400" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>Close-up of the opposite side of the bay, with the Kalk Bay lighthouse just in view.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nHWqCTNaiVY/X4Xu0-YuWuI/AAAAAAAAATo/XAMsFjpkE8k6fdQWNtOSWHzNXfRr2y6agCLcBGAsYHQ/s1920/DSCF2480.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1920" height="225" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nHWqCTNaiVY/X4Xu0-YuWuI/AAAAAAAAATo/XAMsFjpkE8k6fdQWNtOSWHzNXfRr2y6agCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h225/DSCF2480.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><span style="text-align: center;"><div><span style="text-align: center;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="text-align: center;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="text-align: center;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="text-align: center;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="text-align: center;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="text-align: center;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="text-align: center;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="text-align: center;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="text-align: center;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="text-align: center;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="text-align: center;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="text-align: center;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="text-align: center;"><br /></span></div>The 4 o'clock Metrorail passenger train on its way from Fish Hoek.</span><br style="text-align: center;" /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zdgxvj3EpxA/X4Xu1EMRZ7I/AAAAAAAAATs/3b9bcoRZhXwEQBJvcLH1jjTxIBxTsaO6QCLcBGAsYHQ/s1920/DSCF2485.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1920" height="225" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zdgxvj3EpxA/X4Xu1EMRZ7I/AAAAAAAAATs/3b9bcoRZhXwEQBJvcLH1jjTxIBxTsaO6QCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h225/DSCF2485.jpg" width="400" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>Paddlers on their way out of the bay for an evening training run.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0451B5_ZZGc/X4Xu1BmPpsI/AAAAAAAAATw/TR5KOs-ERDk1poR7ixdksiBj9PhGIwnzACLcBGAsYHQ/s1920/DSCF2504.jpg"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1920" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0451B5_ZZGc/X4Xu1BmPpsI/AAAAAAAAATw/TR5KOs-ERDk1poR7ixdksiBj9PhGIwnzACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h360/DSCF2504.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Beautiful early evening to end the day</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><br /></div>Unusually for this time of year, the evening was actually extremely cold. Both Jacqui and I froze our butts off that night, but there were plenty of warm extra blankets available, and we made use of them for the remaining part of our stay.<div><br /></div><div>To be continued.....<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><br /><p><br /></p></div>Rob Minterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05450562366242991830noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5367174168541854394.post-82902581774927639762020-09-26T07:46:00.002-07:002020-09-28T07:51:53.056-07:00Saturday morning drive to Theewaterskloof Dam<p>After seeing a Facebook post from my friend, Selwyn Lloyd, showing Theewaterskloof virtually overflowing, Jacqui and I decided to take a trip to the dam to see for ourselves. </p><p>It was quite a cloudy morning, with intermittent rain, and when we left Somerset West the temperature was around 12° C. Once we had passed the top of Sir Lowry's pass it dropped to 11°, and then to 10°, then to 9°, and finally to 8°. With the wind blowing gently at the dam, it felt like much less!</p><p>When we reached the bridge crossing the dam, I took two shots, the first looking north, the second looking south. It had just started to rain again, but I was inside the car before it got too heavy.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-W7wTnOFeeG8/X29KI0NUEGI/AAAAAAAAAOY/9XkNcuCNisImtjvzPHErvjT5ah3TKtAvwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1620/DSCF2398.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1620" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-W7wTnOFeeG8/X29KI0NUEGI/AAAAAAAAAOY/9XkNcuCNisImtjvzPHErvjT5ah3TKtAvwCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h426/DSCF2398.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking North<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-y1wAo2R9kqg/X29KXv0Ei1I/AAAAAAAAAOc/sbs0NLzy9J0_-Gh-du-t8Z3kOQAGu5h4ACLcBGAsYHQ/s1620/Looking%2Bsouth.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1620" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-y1wAo2R9kqg/X29KXv0Ei1I/AAAAAAAAAOc/sbs0NLzy9J0_-Gh-du-t8Z3kOQAGu5h4ACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h426/Looking%2Bsouth.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking South<br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">From there we took a short drive along the road turning off to Franschhoek, and I took some more photos. I am including some shots taken in previous years just for comparison purposes to show just how times have changed. The photos aren't exactly comparable, but they aren't too far off.</div></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1620" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0foHFdr5hiw/X29LW-LcOeI/AAAAAAAAAOw/tqoW3IDsBz42EH6PIznPZmZjQ8DXZCodQCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h426/TW%2B2017.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">November 2017<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Xy1l_HXoqgg/X29NHE67exI/AAAAAAAAAPU/8sGhZmcQfx0bGoCzOPXjvXsmKIPiHWlzQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1620/TW2017.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1620" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Xy1l_HXoqgg/X29NHE67exI/AAAAAAAAAPU/8sGhZmcQfx0bGoCzOPXjvXsmKIPiHWlzQCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h426/TW2017.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">November 2018<br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-k9FEG-M6FHQ/X29NdVD6SgI/AAAAAAAAAPc/Y0D-k7r0G-4xvgZO4qvziZerjGR0Mh_RQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1620/TW2020.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1620" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-k9FEG-M6FHQ/X29NdVD6SgI/AAAAAAAAAPc/Y0D-k7r0G-4xvgZO4qvziZerjGR0Mh_RQCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h426/TW2020.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">September 2020<br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: left;">Then turning back and looking towards the bridge, here are two more comparative shots.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--A5DcuBrzns/X29OxF3LWVI/AAAAAAAAAPo/k3-LXfQ5x7wHn3It-AI0QV5dF85Oy1wjACLcBGAsYHQ/s1620/Bridge%2B2017.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1620" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--A5DcuBrzns/X29OxF3LWVI/AAAAAAAAAPo/k3-LXfQ5x7wHn3It-AI0QV5dF85Oy1wjACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h426/Bridge%2B2017.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">2017<br /><br />and then today, 26 September 2020.<br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IWjDSMXDG0s/X29POWp1NHI/AAAAAAAAAPw/CxpesvaXohQYvU_RJoiOIW24S6HQOy_9QCLcBGAsYHQ/s1620/20200926-DSCF2403.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1620" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IWjDSMXDG0s/X29POWp1NHI/AAAAAAAAAPw/CxpesvaXohQYvU_RJoiOIW24S6HQOy_9QCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h426/20200926-DSCF2403.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;">Finally, a quick head back home. But of course we just had to stop off at the Elgin Railway Market for a cappuccino - one of the best you will find in the Western Cape. The market was humming, in spite of the bad weather - really great to see. And I saw one of my favourite signs again, and this time decided to take a shot and share it with everyone!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pWOCs4cePFg/X29RYDg3LrI/AAAAAAAAAP8/W2KSeTOdSgI4G5GJ0LcocE_Y-yOLDVHtACLcBGAsYHQ/s1628/EM%2BSign.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1628" height="424" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pWOCs4cePFg/X29RYDg3LrI/AAAAAAAAAP8/W2KSeTOdSgI4G5GJ0LcocE_Y-yOLDVHtACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h424/EM%2BSign.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;">Till next time, take care! And remember to dress smartly at all times - one never knows where these cameras are hidden!</div><br /><br /><br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table>Rob Minterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05450562366242991830noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5367174168541854394.post-11196619671957440882020-09-16T06:31:00.000-07:002020-09-16T06:31:46.840-07:00Stellenbosch University Botanical Gardens<p>As always, click on the photos to bring up a larger view.</p><p><i><b>Tuesday 15 September 2020</b></i></p><p>I spent about an hour or so with my Fujifilm X-T2 and 80mm Macro lens, walking around the gardens looking for some macro shots. For those of you who haven't been here before and might like to visit (it's R10 per entry), here's a map on how to get there:</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-h47SOmHY4Rg/X2HntBo6ZOI/AAAAAAAAANc/baYUAmQ7ApYpBlLZ2H3Fz2L_sVKmXcu7wCLcBGAsYHQ/s2348/Map.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="2348" height="292" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-h47SOmHY4Rg/X2HntBo6ZOI/AAAAAAAAANc/baYUAmQ7ApYpBlLZ2H3Fz2L_sVKmXcu7wCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h292/Map.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>It was quite a chilly morning, even though the sun was shining. By the time I left it had warmed up a bit, but the wind had also started up, making hand-held macro shots too difficult. The gardens were quite well patronised, with a small restaurant that makes great cappuccinos! Lots of bees around, but not too much else - I think it was a bit cold for that.</p><p>Here are some of my shots on the day:</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--cfSGbRDVOk/X2Ho0FpfwrI/AAAAAAAAANk/niSo81iTECU15ynVnbPWqwNqDLEyuabTgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1620/Stellies%2Bbee.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1620" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--cfSGbRDVOk/X2Ho0FpfwrI/AAAAAAAAANk/niSo81iTECU15ynVnbPWqwNqDLEyuabTgCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h426/Stellies%2Bbee.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bee on pincushion protea<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-af7K0VzPgXc/X2Ho6Iepr6I/AAAAAAAAANo/JNUqR4o8JaU0M962PRl4-M2mt-3C1X5FgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1620/Granadilla.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1620" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-af7K0VzPgXc/X2Ho6Iepr6I/AAAAAAAAANo/JNUqR4o8JaU0M962PRl4-M2mt-3C1X5FgCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h426/Granadilla.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Granadilla flower<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ujqnFD9kF1I/X2HpAmmvYVI/AAAAAAAAANs/Bh8cVj9aR3s56TWkX3RDBp_h64N8aP1vACLcBGAsYHQ/s1620/Pincushion.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1620" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ujqnFD9kF1I/X2HpAmmvYVI/AAAAAAAAANs/Bh8cVj9aR3s56TWkX3RDBp_h64N8aP1vACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h426/Pincushion.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pincushion "fur"<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SQ-AgeJzW1c/X2HpE6RCbfI/AAAAAAAAAN0/NpAladApEoM1KQ0iIle4mK5ATyavNygIwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1620/Fly.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1620" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SQ-AgeJzW1c/X2HpE6RCbfI/AAAAAAAAAN0/NpAladApEoM1KQ0iIle4mK5ATyavNygIwCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h426/Fly.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fly<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ACLI4a5rDXE/X2HpJtVAYCI/AAAAAAAAAN4/3o0xWSJM_Bs99RLyKf29J45PC8wEIHBBQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1620/Lily.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1620" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ACLI4a5rDXE/X2HpJtVAYCI/AAAAAAAAAN4/3o0xWSJM_Bs99RLyKf29J45PC8wEIHBBQCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h426/Lily.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pond lily<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MVQ4k1oG61U/X2HpNYfggMI/AAAAAAAAAOA/EXmSzprgG3Yr99uPROTpIVYI3BNLGf5qwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1920/DSCF2319.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1920" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MVQ4k1oG61U/X2HpNYfggMI/AAAAAAAAAOA/EXmSzprgG3Yr99uPROTpIVYI3BNLGf5qwCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h360/DSCF2319.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Daisies selection<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p>It was a really nice and relaxing way to spend and hour or two. It looks like the restaurant caters mainly for breakfasts, though there are some light lunches, with a "Dish of the day" (Babotie and rice with vegetables when I was there) on offer. Pleasant and friendly staff on duty, ably looked after by Karin, the manager.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /> <p></p>Rob Minterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05450562366242991830noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5367174168541854394.post-5637311135076634862020-09-03T09:43:00.000-07:002020-09-03T09:43:31.314-07:00Aquila Private Game Reserve<br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #52565a; font-size: 14px;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bcdWzfD8Lq4/X1DUCN29TZI/AAAAAAAAAJE/9TwW1-wYaxMmyFdHgM1MI_JQaBZrNIiFgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1620/Eagle%2Beye.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1620" height="414" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bcdWzfD8Lq4/X1DUCN29TZI/AAAAAAAAAJE/9TwW1-wYaxMmyFdHgM1MI_JQaBZrNIiFgCLcBGAsYHQ/w625-h414/Eagle%2Beye.jpg" width="625" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #52565a;">The <b>Aquila</b></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #3c4043; font-weight: bold;"> Safari </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #52565a; font-weight: bold;">Lodge</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #3c4043;"> is a 4 star establishment in the Southern Karoo. </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #525252;">It is named after the endangered black or verreaux eagle (Aquila verreauxii), shown above.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #3c4043;">The </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #52565a;">reserve</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #3c4043;"> is a 10000 hectare conservancy and</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #525252;"> is situated in the historic town of Touws River, in a valley between the Langeberg and the Outeniqua Mountains in the Karoo. The 10,000 hectare conservancy has evolved from its early days of only being home to various antelope species, to now featuring what is known as the Big 5 – elephant, lion, buffalo, rhino and leopard. In addition, there is a substantial number of other wild game, all of which (apart from the lions), roam freely on the reserve.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #525252;">Because of the Covid-19 lockdown regulations, Jacqui and I were unable to go away for our annual short holiday this year, and like millions of others, were feeling quite house-bound. And then, soon after the travel restrictions were lifted, we saw a special weekend package offer from Aquila for two nights' accommodation, two breakfasts, one lunch, and two dinners, plus two safari drives, all included! It sounded like just what we needed. So we just scraped in with a booking on the last weekend in August before the offer expired. At the special price of R5800 it was certainly worth it!</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #525252;">We had a room on the top floor of the main lodge, and this was our first look from the balcony.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #525252;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4QyM_O0Vu6g/X1DbO0yQzCI/AAAAAAAAAJQ/1t9pi_rzohM0A0r-SnCNq_8EgBERCyIkwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2939/First%2Bview.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1070" data-original-width="2939" height="225" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4QyM_O0Vu6g/X1DbO0yQzCI/AAAAAAAAAJQ/1t9pi_rzohM0A0r-SnCNq_8EgBERCyIkwCLcBGAsYHQ/w625-h225/First%2Bview.jpg" width="625" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #525252;">Apart from the live animals, there are a number of art pieces scattered around the lodge. Here are my two favourites.</span></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-q4E7HvSbzFU/X1Db0yJHkgI/AAAAAAAAAJY/0HBxxi0HQiI1tx7Q7khxg4OOnIatwkoVACLcBGAsYHQ/s1440/DSCF9792.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-q4E7HvSbzFU/X1Db0yJHkgI/AAAAAAAAAJY/0HBxxi0HQiI1tx7Q7khxg4OOnIatwkoVACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/DSCF9792.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #525252;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-73C4FqSPUCw/X1Dd5QuxzBI/AAAAAAAAAJ0/cvO4hNKdXRQKDPYD2z-VhH_pazmtjVryQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1620/DSCF9857.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1620" height="266" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-73C4FqSPUCw/X1Dd5QuxzBI/AAAAAAAAAJ0/cvO4hNKdXRQKDPYD2z-VhH_pazmtjVryQCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h266/DSCF9857.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #525252;">When we </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #525252;">we</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #525252;">nt to bed on the first night, it was extremely cold. Thankfully there was an airconditio</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #525252;">ner in t</span>he room, but the beds unfortunately were fitted with summer sheets, and there were no electric blankets! We were frozen! We woke to a morning temperature of close to 0 degrees C, and it had obviously been colder during the night. The photo on the left shows the view from the balcony, looking right.</div>
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The rest of the morning was taken up with breakfast, exploring the grounds when it wasn't raining, and then lunch and off for the afternoon safari drive. At about 15h00 it started snowing! Just a light dusting, but snowing nevertheless! The drive had been scheduled for 15h30, and we got there a little bit earlier, but by then there were already three or four safari vehicles in front of us! We were supplied with blankets and rain jackets, and they did help counter the freezing temperatures outside - just a little! The game drive was reasonably interesting, and would have been extra special for those folk who might have been first-timers, and who wanted to be close to the animals, even though they weren't quite in their natural habitat. But that was fine - you want completely realistic, go to the Kruger or similar places! </div>
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There was a number of small children staying at the lodge for the weekend, and for those who hadn't seen the animals before, it would have been a spectacular treat. During our drive, we did not come across the leopard, nor the buffalo, but here is a selection of some of the other animals on the reserve.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zUv8Xp4d6rk/X1DwaKWuf1I/AAAAAAAAAKk/MFfJ29GihbMJjGqJ_jbyAX1PdZzzliS9wCPcBGAYYCw/s1920/DSCF9908.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1920" height="281" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zUv8Xp4d6rk/X1DwaKWuf1I/AAAAAAAAAKk/MFfJ29GihbMJjGqJ_jbyAX1PdZzzliS9wCPcBGAYYCw/w500-h281/DSCF9908.jpg" width="500" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bb9cZ0J43nQ/X1DwcirBZSI/AAAAAAAAAK8/OqW7mWjuEagAOy1s5lm1tIHI1z3NHIg_gCPcBGAYYCw/s1620/DSCF9989.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1620" height="266" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bb9cZ0J43nQ/X1DwcirBZSI/AAAAAAAAAK8/OqW7mWjuEagAOy1s5lm1tIHI1z3NHIg_gCPcBGAYYCw/w400-h266/DSCF9989.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nIovORYbRdw/X1DwaJcMtAI/AAAAAAAAAKk/MdQ4pOKT3t4vcXM-Wm83SCzobr-NCH02ACPcBGAYYCw/s1920/DSCF9927.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1920" height="281" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nIovORYbRdw/X1DwaJcMtAI/AAAAAAAAAKk/MdQ4pOKT3t4vcXM-Wm83SCzobr-NCH02ACPcBGAYYCw/w500-h281/DSCF9927.jpg" width="500" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Be35PcXaI0I/X1DwcIFaHNI/AAAAAAAAAK0/pbbF-2-PED0FCylHFoZRlYRN-D3yB__pQCPcBGAYYCw/s1620/DSCF9976.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1620" height="331" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Be35PcXaI0I/X1DwcIFaHNI/AAAAAAAAAK0/pbbF-2-PED0FCylHFoZRlYRN-D3yB__pQCPcBGAYYCw/w500-h331/DSCF9976.jpg" width="500" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WZ5YVAOzBY0/X1DwbAoHAgI/AAAAAAAAAKo/o6SaPZauYRoDa7jia_fj5ptZ9VrAmlh0QCPcBGAYYCw/s1620/DSCF9929.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1620" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WZ5YVAOzBY0/X1DwbAoHAgI/AAAAAAAAAKo/o6SaPZauYRoDa7jia_fj5ptZ9VrAmlh0QCPcBGAYYCw/s320/DSCF9929.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pbw2VN6VQA4/X1DwaBYOCqI/AAAAAAAAAKw/8TZaj3EjigEyonJAmH0HQVVkui9wsqLlQCPcBGAYYCw/s1620/DSCF9917.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1620" height="266" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pbw2VN6VQA4/X1DwaBYOCqI/AAAAAAAAAKw/8TZaj3EjigEyonJAmH0HQVVkui9wsqLlQCPcBGAYYCw/w400-h266/DSCF9917.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MkeVpnZnI_s/X1DwbePhAtI/AAAAAAAAAKw/aUdhuDgoh-sC5ht2q2DiqwcQJS5orUyvQCPcBGAYYCw/s1620/DSCF9966.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1620" height="331" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MkeVpnZnI_s/X1DwbePhAtI/AAAAAAAAAKw/aUdhuDgoh-sC5ht2q2DiqwcQJS5orUyvQCPcBGAYYCw/w500-h331/DSCF9966.jpg" width="500" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7JdngZdEv_8/X1DwbbsBWGI/AAAAAAAAAKs/sk6o9hG0Segz7zjiOO9K0hAb_oHU6cAYACPcBGAYYCw/s1620/DSCF9961.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1620" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7JdngZdEv_8/X1DwbbsBWGI/AAAAAAAAAKs/sk6o9hG0Segz7zjiOO9K0hAb_oHU6cAYACPcBGAYYCw/s320/DSCF9961.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zdOt_-DtAdI/X1DxdtUF7BI/AAAAAAAAALE/8P42k3UwUdQn1BoLDthByKWS1CdKE3DYACPcBGAYYCw/s1620/DSCF9950.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1620" height="414" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zdOt_-DtAdI/X1DxdtUF7BI/AAAAAAAAALE/8P42k3UwUdQn1BoLDthByKWS1CdKE3DYACPcBGAYYCw/w625-h414/DSCF9950.jpg" width="625" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">About 5 minutes before the end of the drive, it started snowing again. That, combined with the howling wind, meant that when we got back to our room, both of us were shivering uncontrollably! So we turned the aircon up, had a drink or two, and finally thawed out! We decided there and then that we would give the final day's safari drive a miss!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Needless to say, the summer sheets on the bed that evening were not that attractive! But it was better than sleeping in the chairs or on the floor! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Sunday morning found us awakening to an outside temperature of -3 Degrees Centigrade! Probably ok if you're used to that sort of thing, but we aren't, and it was bloody cold! We had booked to do our second safari drive at 10am, but went and informed them that we would pass. Had our final breakfast and seeing we had some extra time, decided to go home via Ceres, hoping to see some snow.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">That turned out to be a good decision - here are some of the scenes we encountered on the journey home.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xwN5O5o0-zA/X1D_mzckLnI/AAAAAAAAAMk/IlOBnltQsvwAPzy07AdVL0kGVAcw3caVwCPcBGAYYCw/s3707/DSCF9794.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="848" data-original-width="3707" height="143" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xwN5O5o0-zA/X1D_mzckLnI/AAAAAAAAAMk/IlOBnltQsvwAPzy07AdVL0kGVAcw3caVwCPcBGAYYCw/w625-h143/DSCF9794.jpg" width="625" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IFd7Z6_VEvY/X1D_mZcdy7I/AAAAAAAAAMc/SWPNwwpNM54wtbygFwJLzf_PS8Da6KkjgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1920/DSCF9803.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1920" height="351" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IFd7Z6_VEvY/X1D_mZcdy7I/AAAAAAAAAMc/SWPNwwpNM54wtbygFwJLzf_PS8Da6KkjgCLcBGAsYHQ/w625-h351/DSCF9803.jpg" width="625" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RsgGfjTKuKQ/X1D_mniAblI/AAAAAAAAAMg/mMOVvQjS_cIVR0WU52reKaEuT8RSMQ2hQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2749/DSCF9807.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="2749" height="243" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RsgGfjTKuKQ/X1D_mniAblI/AAAAAAAAAMg/mMOVvQjS_cIVR0WU52reKaEuT8RSMQ2hQCLcBGAsYHQ/w625-h243/DSCF9807.jpg" width="625" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">If we had to summarise our thoughts regarding the lodge, they would be as follows:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="color: #525252;"><span style="background-color: white;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Though it is classified as 4-star, we probably thought that was slightly optimistic, and would have rated it 3-star ourselves.</div></span></span></li></ul><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We appreciate the the virus restrictions have caused some ridiculous procedures to be implemented - for "safety" reasons, of course, and those obviously encroached on the services that were offered. But it meant that by the time you eventually got your plates of food back to the table, they had gone cold. We found the food to be of average quality only - acceptable and edible, but certainly not memorable.</div></li></ul><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We thought that a bit more planning could have gone into organising the parking area. Parking spots were not marked out, with the result that guests, in their normal inconsiderate way, tended to waste an incredible amount of space, meaning that a number of guests had to park quite far away from the rooms. Though porter services were available, this parking situation could easily be improved.</div></li></ul><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">On arrival, we found we had a leak in our room. We reported it immediately and were given great service in having the issue resolved. It even included a visit from one of the managers and a complimentary bottle of wine for our trouble.</div></li></ul><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I will end off on what it probably the lodge's greatest asset - the staff, including the management. They really do have an excellent complement of staff members, who are always friendly and willing to go the extra mile for you. Every single staff member we dealt with fell into this category. They were certainly one of the highlights of the weekend.</div></li></ul></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div>
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Rob Minterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05450562366242991830noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5367174168541854394.post-81534444001630059402020-07-08T04:40:00.001-07:002020-07-08T04:40:08.646-07:00Breakfast run - Wednesday 8 July 2020<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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It is the Wednesday before the big storm about to arrive in the Western Cape (and possibly further into South Africa and perhaps even parts of Namibia) on Thursday 9 July.<br />
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So we decided to make use of a beautiful day to have a short day trip - one that would incorporate our favourite breakfast and a drive in the country.<br />
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Obviously the breakfast had to be Eggs Benedict at the Hartlief Deli in Hermanus - without question the best Eggs Benedict (or breakfast, for that matter!) to be found anywhere! On our trip along Sir Lowry's Pass, the N2 took us just past the turnoff to Grabouw, and at one of the farms on the left-hand side we saw the mounds pictured above - we think they were mounds of compost, emitting steam caused by the internal heat. 6 degrees Celcius outside - at around 9 o'clock in the morning - it was cold, but very pretty! Worth stopping for.<br />
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From there straight on to Hermanus and Hartlief for yet another scrumptious breakfast. Crispy potato rosti base, with stacks of bacon, topped with rocket, two poached eggs, and Hollandaise Sauce, and a mild garnish of chopped chives. Sneak peak:<br />
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After a cup of cappuccino each, we decided to take the long route home - along the R320 to Caledon (another beautiful drive and well worth the time if you haven't tried it), and then home. Total round trip - three and a half hours.Rob Minterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05450562366242991830noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5367174168541854394.post-18258039446286013662020-05-19T07:58:00.000-07:002020-05-19T07:58:57.074-07:00Deep Blue<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">15 May 2020</td></tr>
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On my way back home after shopping last Friday (I took the long route home), I saw the results of the demolition of the old Deep Blue building on the Strand beachfront. I stopped, donned my face mask, and took a few shots for record purposes.</div>
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Once I arrived back home, I posted the above image on our local community's Facebook page. It turned out to be my most popular Facebook ever - by miles! It's now five days later, and at the time of writing this post, 348 people had emoji'd the page, 76 people had made comments, and 111 had shared the post!</div>
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In addition, one of my other shots was used in the Bolander, a local newspaper distributed each Tuesday. Admittedly it was featured at the back of the newspaper, but it was there! The article refers to the building as "Big Blue", but it should read "Deep Blue". Be that as it may, I was quite chuffed at the image being deemed newsworthy enough to be published.</div>
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I found the variety of emotions expressed by the folk on Facebook extremely interesting, From comments like "It was an eyesore", "About time too", "Butt ugly", and "Finally" to "Fond memories", "Very sad", "Will miss that blue building", and "Very sad and tragic". It's incredible how much interest and emotions one photo can generate!</div>
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Because of the interest shown, I thought I would try to gather some information about the building's history, but sadly I couldn't find anything definite on the Internet. The most authoritative thing I could find was from an article in the District Post (another local newspaper) which stated "It is assumed the building was built in the mid 1970s as an ablution block and café. It has since become defunct and derelict. There is also no proposed redevelopment".</div>
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So - as another Facebook poster put it "The end of an era".</div>
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Rob Minterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05450562366242991830noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5367174168541854394.post-71190202593882925312020-01-26T08:48:00.000-08:002020-04-21T23:44:57.867-07:00TPS Club competition - January 2020<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GptBCj5yyjI/XigLM6cBolI/AAAAAAAADj0/l_gT9jN2P5QlQiHIpNMLGR_fNA0drHxFQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Fountain.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GptBCj5yyjI/XigLM6cBolI/AAAAAAAADj0/l_gT9jN2P5QlQiHIpNMLGR_fNA0drHxFQCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/Fountain.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Water drop fountain</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "times"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><br /></span><span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;">Ok, so while my commitment to do more blog posts this year is still fresh in my mind, here we go.</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;"><span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;">Club competition night was held on Wednesday 22 January 2020. My favourite image out of the four submitted was the one at the top of this post. It was entered into the Print Open category, but unfortunately it only received a Silver award. The judge seemed to like it, and didn't have any negative comments, so not sure why it didn't score better.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm; orphans: 2; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;">I must say I also enjoy my other entry in the Open category, this time in the Digital category, which was another macro shot of a soap bubble (I submitted my first one in November last year), and this received a Gold award.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><div style="font-size: 14.4px;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NLNM3j0VrCg/XigMoCmdCbI/AAAAAAAADkE/B5nsa__9c_s37EcIwLbsdRol04JyDIRUwCEwYBhgL/s1600/Soap%2Bbubble.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="427" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NLNM3j0VrCg/XigMoCmdCbI/AAAAAAAADkE/B5nsa__9c_s37EcIwLbsdRol04JyDIRUwCEwYBhgL/s640/Soap%2Bbubble.jpg" width="640" /></a></div></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Planet Bubble</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The set subject for the month was "City life". I found this to be quite a challenging task, and for my Print entry, I chose a photograph taken of the blind guitarist who plies his trade on the streets of Cape Town. He featured in a legal battle with the Cape Town City Council a few years back, and the case made headlines in the local newspapers. The one headline, "Blind injustice", is attached to the wall behind him and now features as part of his stage.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-I8iOFTwsYWc/XigPdpXVrdI/AAAAAAAADkM/-OGMEJuGBIsh7qI1cBsBTv2NU60OAf84QCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Blind%2Binjustice.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="427" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-I8iOFTwsYWc/XigPdpXVrdI/AAAAAAAADkM/-OGMEJuGBIsh7qI1cBsBTv2NU60OAf84QCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/Blind%2Binjustice.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Blind injustice</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: left;">This image received a Silver award. The judge liked most of it, but felt that the left hand side was extraneous and would have been better cropped away.<br /><br /><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3YM9875tBTA/Xi3A9OeNrFI/AAAAAAAADlk/KzxtRcjT09YJEew8HRFd4VhqoWIHPBNmwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/BI%2Bcropped.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="888" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3YM9875tBTA/Xi3A9OeNrFI/AAAAAAAADlk/KzxtRcjT09YJEew8HRFd4VhqoWIHPBNmwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/BI%2Bcropped.jpg" width="262" /></a><br />I am including a cropped version of the photo. You can make your own decision as to whether it is superior to the original or not. Personally, if the subject had been Street Photography, then I probably would agree, but think the uncropped version also shows some of the vast differences so typical of City Life, with a talented blind man having to beg for his existence, whiile just a few metres away people pay R200 for acrylic nails. Anyway, just my thoughts. Win some, lose some!<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">My Digital entry for the Set Subject was taken at the top end of town, and features quite a common site around our City, namely tourists / citizens enjoying a guided trip around the City and surrounds while in and on top of a tour bus.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The major bus company in the Western Cape is Golden Arrow, and their slogan is "The bus for us". This image title is obviously a play on that, as not everyone has the time nor cash to make use of it. I decided to keep this shot in colour, as it is one of the bus' major characteristics.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The image also received a Silver award.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eyly8kWodWU/XigQ11s01wI/AAAAAAAADkY/1hCEt30QJxcbZ1FaBrmu1zrblRGhL9DMgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/The%2Bbus%2Bfor%2Bsome%2Bof%2Bus.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="361" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eyly8kWodWU/XigQ11s01wI/AAAAAAAADkY/1hCEt30QJxcbZ1FaBrmu1zrblRGhL9DMgCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/The%2Bbus%2Bfor%2Bsome%2Bof%2Bus.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The bus for some of us</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Till next time.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>Rob Minterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05450562366242991830noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5367174168541854394.post-69268067769286110462020-01-21T06:08:00.000-08:002020-04-22T13:05:16.885-07:00Tygerberg Photographic Society - 2019 Competition Entries<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bend it like Beckham<br />
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Hellooo - back again! Finally, after a break of over seven months!</div>
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But at least this job is done now - all my TPS entries for last year have finally been documented and published. To see the images, click on the "TPS entries" heading at the top of the page, and then on to the "2019" link. As is normal practice, click on any of the images to bring up a larger view.</div>
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The image above is the only one posted during the year that was placed first in its category, but unfortunately didn't make it as overall winner for the month. However, it is still supposedly my top image for the year, and hence gets pride of place above.</div>
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The shot was taken at the beautiful Cape Town Stadium, during a walk around during November 2018. The event was organised by one of my TPS colleagues, Karen Donaldson, and the time spent was thoroughly enjoyed by all who were there. This is the staircase leading down from the main area to the underground parking.</div>
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I also plan to do a few more posts this year, though they probably will only be fairly short in length. Well - that's the plan anyway - watch this space!</div>
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As usual, all comments are welcome!</div>
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<br />Rob Minterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05450562366242991830noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5367174168541854394.post-54752798536179457142019-06-16T00:04:00.000-07:002020-04-21T23:44:58.312-07:002019 Holiday - Route 44 and Robertson<br />And so on to the last section of our break.<br /><br />We decided to take the scenic Route 62 from George through to Montagu, instead of using the N2. While this set us back time-wise because of the numerous Stop/Go road works along the way, the views were worth the sacrifice.<br /><br />Because of the time delays, we decided not to stop along the way for photographs, and eventually got to Barrydale just after 14h00. It was our first official stop since having coffee in the Wilderness earlier that morning, and it was definitely time for a break.<br /><br />We followed the signs to the Blue Cow Cafe, and took a few photos of the beautiful areas around there, had a cappuccino and a visit to the restrooms, and then left for Robertson.<br /><br />The R62 takes one through Montagu, and I must say I was really surprised to see the lack of progress that had been made on the mountain pass. We were there almost two years ago and it really looks as if very little has been accomplished since then. More Stop/Go interruptions there caused us to fall even more behind, so when we arrived in Robertson itself, we decided to detour, found their Pick n Pay, and bought some provisions for a light supper.<br /><br />From there it was straight to the Orange Grove Farm, where we booked into the most luxurious accommodation we had on the entire trip. The cottage that we had selected was almost as big as our current home! Two bedrooms, two bathrooms, a dining room, lounge, and a huge kitchen, plus two patios (one with its own small swimming pool) that were fitted with built-in braais. Beautifully furnished and appointed, with everything one could ask for in the kitchen - gas hob, electric stove, large fridge, coffee-making machine, etc., etc.. An absolute dream and highly recommended!<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qc5bPcRhaf0/XQXtMU7s0FI/AAAAAAAADZM/4QYUJxZI5eMxoduFetsuPulfUuq0MFofACLcBGAs/s1600/DSCF2645.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="694" data-original-width="1600" height="275" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qc5bPcRhaf0/XQXtMU7s0FI/AAAAAAAADZM/4QYUJxZI5eMxoduFetsuPulfUuq0MFofACLcBGAs/s640/DSCF2645.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View from the front patio</td></tr></tbody></table><br />The facilities at the farm were truly excellent, and we spent most of the time at the cottage. Except for a tiny bit of exploring, and a trip to the Viljoenskloof wine farm for their boat ride along the Breede River.<br /><br />We were quite sad to leave, but looking forward to being back home at the same time, and had a very pleasant an incident-free drive back to Somerset West.<br /><br />A small selection of photos for this part of our journey can be seen <a href="https://adobe.ly/2woHpnQ" target="_blank"><span style="color: red;">here.</span></a><br /><br /><br />Rob Minterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05450562366242991830noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5367174168541854394.post-22490125715787336092019-05-24T13:07:00.000-07:002020-04-21T23:44:58.471-07:002019 Holiday - Garden Route<br />The second stage of our holiday was allocated to part of the Garden Route.<br /><br />We spent two nights at the Heriot Manor Guest House in George - a really super stay! Great breakfasts, comfortable rooms, and beautiful gardens! While we were there, we took the opportunity to have lunch with one of our nieces who has recently got engaged, and some wonderful rain on the second day completed a delightful stay. The rain curtailed our activities a bit, but didn't spoil anything.<br /><br />On the morning that we left (after the rains), we spent a short while at the Garden Route Botanical Gardens, which at this time of year were a touch disappointing. But been there, done that! Afterwards, we left for Plettenberg Bay, with a short detour into the Knysna Waterfront for some coffee and a walk around.<br /><br />Once we had arrived in Plett, we drove around looking for a place where we could have lunch. After a Google search the night before, we were quite keen to try out the Corner Bistro, but after tracking it down, found that it was closed for lunch and only opening later in the day. So we ended up at the Lookout Deck, and had simple but beautifully prepared burgers - beef for Jacqui, and chicken for yours truly.<br /><br />Then off to find our B&B - the Sea Breeze Guest House - another lovely find as a place to spend a few nights! Really great people, another beautifully appointed room, and again, more than one could eat at breakfast!<br /><br />We spent most of our second day there at the Birds of Eden Sanctuary just outside Plett. The variety of birds species they house is just phenomenal, and every bird is a "rescue" bird! There were some interesting new entrants since our last visit some years ago, most striking of all being the Scarlet Ibis from South America. The bright red colour of the birds, as is the case with Flamingoes, comes from the carotene found in the crustaceans that form part of their diet.<br /><br />Some of the images taken on this part of the trip can be found <a href="https://adobe.ly/2Ql6Xvr" target="_blank"><span style="color: red;">here</span></a>. Click on the photos for larger versions.<br /><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-u_CfFammuKQ/XOhNMXhMhXI/AAAAAAAADYM/WOmmGWZHLJY9L5QLhaPF8b3mrf4kEtT5wCLcBGAs/s1600/Birds%2Bof%2BEden%2B-%2BScarlet%2Bibis.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-u_CfFammuKQ/XOhNMXhMhXI/AAAAAAAADYM/WOmmGWZHLJY9L5QLhaPF8b3mrf4kEtT5wCLcBGAs/s640/Birds%2Bof%2BEden%2B-%2BScarlet%2Bibis.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Scarlet Ibis</td></tr></tbody></table><br />Rob Minterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05450562366242991830noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5367174168541854394.post-32583489570598057652019-05-20T08:29:00.000-07:002020-04-21T23:44:58.630-07:002019 Holiday - Greyton<br />Jacqui and I are away for a few nights on our annual break. This year we are visiting Greyton, George, Plettenberg Bay, and Robertson.<br /><br />While at Greyton we had the chance to walk through the Nature Reserve, and to attend their Saturday Morning Market. We also took a quick trip around Genadendal.<br /><br />Some of the photos taken during the visit can be seen <a href="https://adobe.ly/2w95PBV" target="_blank">here.</a> Click on the photos to see larger versions.<br /><br />The photo below was taken at the Market. The lady in the picture is an absolutely amazing guitarist. The music she produces is soft and delicate - and haunting! I still can't get the tune of "Mr Bojangles" out of my head! The gentleman with the flute also plays other wind instruments, and we saw him later in the day performing at a restaurant for their guests.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rXsxyxKDB0Q/XOLF5W6tdXI/AAAAAAAADX8/GCIIDQTl4lEbmfoRGc_jksDNZWCSTKg7gCLcBGAs/s1600/Greyton%2Bmarket%2Bentertainment%2Bfrom%2Bthe%2BDurban%2BFolk%2BClub.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="425" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rXsxyxKDB0Q/XOLF5W6tdXI/AAAAAAAADX8/GCIIDQTl4lEbmfoRGc_jksDNZWCSTKg7gCLcBGAs/s640/Greyton%2Bmarket%2Bentertainment%2Bfrom%2Bthe%2BDurban%2BFolk%2BClub.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The highlight of our market visit</td></tr></tbody></table><br />Rob Minterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05450562366242991830noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5367174168541854394.post-63450263451704768432019-01-18T23:54:00.000-08:002020-04-21T23:44:58.784-07:00TPS Entries - August to November 2018<br />The remaining photographs for 2018 have now been updated on the TPS page, in the 2018 section. Please note that there are no competitions in December each year.Rob Minterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05450562366242991830noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5367174168541854394.post-18682253469366711552018-07-31T03:16:00.000-07:002020-04-21T23:44:58.947-07:00Club advancement<br />One of the main reasons for starting and maintaining this Blog was to have a medium for recording all the images I have entered into competitions since joining the Tygerberg Photographic Society way back in February 2014.<br /><br />All the images can be seen by clicking on the "TPS Entries" link at the top of the Blog, and then selecting the pages for the various years.<br /><br />Well - last night I received official confirmation (see image below) that I had achieved my long-term main goal of achieving 5-Star status within the Club's structures. Needless to say I am incredibly proud of this achievement, and unbelievably grateful to the various Club members who have provided me with guidance and help over the years. And of course, to Daniel Rossouw, my very good friend who talked me into joining in the first place. And last but not least, to my wonderful wife, Jacqui, for her constant support and encouragement!<br /><br />So now to setting the next target!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kEaL8haG30M/W2A2IzMXxGI/AAAAAAAADN4/aYos5W0H5qENzpfkGhNoJ0wygdKmiAcQgCLcBGAs/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2018-07-30%2Bat%2B22.07.39.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="556" data-original-width="1364" height="259" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kEaL8haG30M/W2A2IzMXxGI/AAAAAAAADN4/aYos5W0H5qENzpfkGhNoJ0wygdKmiAcQgCLcBGAs/s640/Screen%2BShot%2B2018-07-30%2Bat%2B22.07.39.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br />Rob Minterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05450562366242991830noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5367174168541854394.post-36400545911458775002018-04-29T05:31:00.000-07:002020-04-21T23:44:59.099-07:00Lourensford Estate Sunday Market<br />First post for a long time! I have so many posts still to do, but while this is fresh in my memory I'm going to do it right now.<br /><br />Sunday morning in Somerset West is Lourensford Estate morning market day. This post is not so much about the actual market, except to say that the Zorba's Specialised Samoosas stand is impossible to pass without making a purchase, as is the Fudge Kitchen stand, where the Swiss Chocolate Fudge is just so heavenly smooth it's unbelievable! And that's just two of a great selection of foods available.<br /><br />But forget about the food for a moment - the main reason for the post is the Autumn gardens - they are absolutely spectacular! Here is a very small selection of images from the gardens, plus part of the driveway into the Estate. Well worth a visit.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xyM5Q3yqiqM/WuW2dw-0LFI/AAAAAAAADGA/6sNz8qKgTS8utgARBq6Y0cTDTvnxvBYKACLcBGAs/s1600/DSCF4278.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="425" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xyM5Q3yqiqM/WuW2dw-0LFI/AAAAAAAADGA/6sNz8qKgTS8utgARBq6Y0cTDTvnxvBYKACLcBGAs/s640/DSCF4278.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HwDZbmtlxPo/WuW2d0ExuKI/AAAAAAAADF4/G1ypupcfTfURT0ENRST3O0SeWxCTCQhAQCLcBGAs/s1600/DSCF4283.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HwDZbmtlxPo/WuW2d0ExuKI/AAAAAAAADF4/G1ypupcfTfURT0ENRST3O0SeWxCTCQhAQCLcBGAs/s640/DSCF4283.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2drGQkMM9-U/WuW2d5NtQUI/AAAAAAAADF8/4MEVtR-6mEk5EA0tC9pRyn-lfxk-NwTuQCLcBGAs/s1600/DSCF4285.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2drGQkMM9-U/WuW2d5NtQUI/AAAAAAAADF8/4MEVtR-6mEk5EA0tC9pRyn-lfxk-NwTuQCLcBGAs/s640/DSCF4285.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-00MwR46Ds3c/WuW2e0Bzi5I/AAAAAAAADGE/Zj2rkXxiRYEHqvq5vX03LaXaiBMfh3j1ACLcBGAs/s1600/DSCF4286.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-00MwR46Ds3c/WuW2e0Bzi5I/AAAAAAAADGE/Zj2rkXxiRYEHqvq5vX03LaXaiBMfh3j1ACLcBGAs/s640/DSCF4286.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KY2dS-XVh7E/WuW2fDDGGCI/AAAAAAAADGI/YyDjBYr6hxAgKhG5r5fifiWWgTK9uQxVgCLcBGAs/s1600/DSCF4288.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KY2dS-XVh7E/WuW2fDDGGCI/AAAAAAAADGI/YyDjBYr6hxAgKhG5r5fifiWWgTK9uQxVgCLcBGAs/s640/DSCF4288.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CH3iy4yxyoE/WuW2fEpJkWI/AAAAAAAADGM/fBvxKAC_2ewBrWJc1eo7bbxO5s52djcEgCLcBGAs/s1600/DSCF4290.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CH3iy4yxyoE/WuW2fEpJkWI/AAAAAAAADGM/fBvxKAC_2ewBrWJc1eo7bbxO5s52djcEgCLcBGAs/s640/DSCF4290.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />All photos taken with the Fujifilm X-T2 and 18-135mm lens.<br /><br /><br /><br />Rob Minterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05450562366242991830noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5367174168541854394.post-12445847750325419782017-08-24T00:38:00.000-07:002020-04-21T23:44:59.363-07:00Tygerberg Photographic Society - August 2017<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br />The set subject for the month was "Macro / Close-ups", probably my favourite photographic category, as I am fascinated by the whole new world that is unveiled when using a macro lens.<br /><br />As Fuji haven't yet introduced an affordable macro lens into their range, I had to make use of my old faithful Canon 40D and 100ml macro lens for the macros. Each macro submission was produced by stacking nine different images in order to get an acceptable depth of field.<br /><br />Also very happy with the results of the judging - three Gold award, and one Silver. These are the images submitted:<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-J3X2crLKygs/WZ5_zih-9zI/AAAAAAAAC4E/iB6z6ioZCikN__-RviPPX9OPhqHVaNgZACLcBGAs/s1600/Inside%2Ba%2Bnastursium.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-J3X2crLKygs/WZ5_zih-9zI/AAAAAAAAC4E/iB6z6ioZCikN__-RviPPX9OPhqHVaNgZACLcBGAs/s640/Inside%2Ba%2Bnastursium.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption">Inside a nastursium (Set print) - Gold</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kEO1su8vn20/WZ6AHG3pCkI/AAAAAAAAC4M/JuQHV1b6zakHd7aJh-va1qXzsusasDBmwCEwYBhgL/s1600/Vibernum%2Bflowers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kEO1su8vn20/WZ6AHG3pCkI/AAAAAAAAC4M/JuQHV1b6zakHd7aJh-va1qXzsusasDBmwCEwYBhgL/s640/Vibernum%2Bflowers.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Viburnum flowers (Set digital) - Gold</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mRqvgwCqtmc/WZ6BGr_jkdI/AAAAAAAAC4Q/pdIBlmNAKaIot9-lZ0Nf7VYgAWK2PlHFACLcBGAs/s1600/Dry%252C%2Bdusty%2Band%2Bcloudy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mRqvgwCqtmc/WZ6BGr_jkdI/AAAAAAAAC4Q/pdIBlmNAKaIot9-lZ0Nf7VYgAWK2PlHFACLcBGAs/s640/Dry%252C%2Bdusty%2Band%2Bcloudy.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dry, dusty, and cloudy (Open digital) - Gold</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cTezxW8I8BI/WZ6BWDEjnQI/AAAAAAAAC4U/5AfwKa2r73IZL7MiXmlS2gSRTkx50TDagCLcBGAs/s1600/Winter%2Bat%2BCT%2BWaterfront.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cTezxW8I8BI/WZ6BWDEjnQI/AAAAAAAAC4U/5AfwKa2r73IZL7MiXmlS2gSRTkx50TDagCLcBGAs/s640/Winter%2Bat%2BCT%2BWaterfront.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lighting the way (Open digital) - Silver</td></tr></tbody></table><div>Till next month!</div><div><br /></div>Rob Minterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05450562366242991830noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5367174168541854394.post-51458251856209387962017-08-06T02:02:00.000-07:002020-04-21T23:44:59.515-07:00Tygerberg Photographic Society - January to July 2017<br />I have finally posted all of the photos submitted this year to the TPSA monthly competitions. Very proud to see that I had one overall winning image, plus three category winners!<br /><br />The photos can be viewed by hovering your mouse over the "TPS Entries" link on the menu above, and then selecting "2017" from the drop-down box.<br /><br />Those of you who have visited my blog before will see some subtle changes. I have tried to "clean up" the pages, and make them easy to view and follow. I have had to split up all the TPS photos into different years, as the page displaying all of them had grown too large. Finding a way of incorporating a drop-down menu was a challenge to say the least, but it is finally working.<br /><br />I have also tried to make the comment box more accessible, and this has necessitated a change in the look of the landing or front page of the blog. To view, please click on the "Home" link on the menu. If you do have any comments to make, they are always most welcome and would be truly appreciated.Rob Minterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05450562366242991830noreply@blogger.com0