Fynbos shrubland is characteristic of much of the Western Cape’s natural vegetation, but in some patches that are not subjected to high fire danger, remnants of woodland and forests do exist. In the Walker Bay region of the Overberg, between Gansbaai and Hermanus, the Swartkransberg complex of lowland forest patches survive despite historical and ongoing threats to their survival.
Continue reading “Exploring Platbos – Africa’s southernmost forest”
A friend kindly took us on an unexpected road trip to the Tankwa Karoo in late June this year. Who would think on a trip to the arid lowlands of the Tankwa basin that is surrounded by rugged mountain ranges, we would come away with photographs of farmyard animals? We stayed at self-catering farm accommodation on our route, where homesteading activities provided picturesque pastoral escapism somewhat at odds with not only the aridity but also the harsh realities of farming.
Continue reading “Tankwa Road Trip: Farmyard Animals and some history”
I had been expecting to start posting again celebrating brighter, whiter sight after successful cataract surgery, but first intense storm surges along the coast and then the following week widespread flooding across the region, including a “100-year flood” in our village, surpassed all else.
Continue reading “After cataracts, storms and floods, I’m back …”
South African picture postcards from the early 1900s offer an interesting glimpse into times past. Here are some postcard depictions of nature – be it scenic shots, in gardens, at the seaside or other outdoor activities and structures.
Continue reading “Some old postcards depicting nature and the outdoors”
Mountains, cliffs, forests, grasslands, flowers, clear streams and waterfalls, the Drakensberg has all that and more to delight and sometimes challenge a hiker.
Continue reading “Following footpaths in the central Drakensberg”
Packing gale-force winds of up to 95 km/h (60 mph) and dumping record-breaking heavy rains on the eastern regions of South Africa, Subtropical Depression Issa evolved from a low-pressure weather system off the south-east coast and reached its peak on Tuesday, 12 April.
Continue reading “Subtropical depression: Catastrophic flooding in KwaZulu-Natal and the Eastern Cape”
A secretarybird with wings outspread and crowned by a stylised rising sun, tops the South African national Coat of Arms. The light, energy and splendour of the sun signifying the rebirth of every day at sunrise, and the soaring flight and power of the secretarybird are intended to inspire confidence and evoke potency.
Continue reading “The secretarybird and the rising sun”
Nature infuses our imaginations, our dreams, our poets, artists, folklore, religions and even our national symbols with its potency. Even when it seems to be banished to the periphery, nature actually undergirds us all.
Continue reading “Like a rainbow”
This week in the aftermath of the widespread looting and destruction across much of KwaZulu-Natal and parts of Gauteng I have few words. Although a semblance of calm might seem to prevail and road delivery routes are opening up, suffering and bereavement, sadness and pain, loss and fear, anger and resentment remain.
Continue reading “Wordless in the aftermath: KwaZulu-Natal July 2021”