A day discovering Mariepskop Picnic site

We went with Dave to explore Mariepskop on Thursday last week.

On the way we found a Chamilion.

Here is a smorgsboard of what we saw and did

Some of the flowers we saw.

Mariepskop Picnic site

A little stream.

Looking up stream at the view points

Sir N enjoying the freedom to climb and explore

Paul enjoying the swinging rope :o)



Taking a moment to enjoy the sights and contemplate.



The view upstream



There are beautiful little streams all over adding to the tranquil feeling.

The view driving home after a wonderful day of memories.

It's been so wonderful watching Sir N explore and discover both himself and his surroundings.  I am enjoying watching him gain confidence with his own abilities.

Blessings from Africa

Chareen

A walk to the waterfall

On Wednesday last week we decided to take a walk up the mountain to look at the waterfall / stream that feeds the house fresh stream water with Sir N. 
In the beginning of the walk he complained bitterly but we persevered and had a wonderful time together.   This experience taught me not to give up too soon with young kids when going on a nature walk.

Here are a few of the sights we saw

The start of our walk

I love the shapes of the trees

Sir N found this rock and wanted to sleep there for the night !

Nearly there

Sir N exploring to find the best way up

Experimenting with shutter speed while the boys explore the mountain

The sun has disappeared behind the mountain. Time to go home.

I'm thirsty Dad!

This place holds special memories for Paul and I as we courted up here.  20 years ago we used come up here with his Dad and the school groups who had come to the farm for outward bound camps.  Paul and his Dad used to rig up abseiling ropes and the classes would climb up here and enjoy the day exploring.

Blessings
Chareen

Week 3 - Photography Challenge Showcase

I am in Johannesburg today visiting my sister and enjoying her internet access while she is at work.

On my merry travels around the internet I have found a really neat site called : Digital Photography School. I recommend you pop on over and poke around but be warned once you start it's addicting !!

I have been enjoying Erin's challenge so much I was wondering what I could do once the challenge was finished at the end of the month ?  I think that I might just take up the dPS Weekly Photo Challenge.

One of the biggest challenges I have faced is taking a picture of a sunset with a SLR.  A point and shoot has a sunset setting which makes it easy to capture the colours.

Last week we took a trip to Blyde Wildlife Estate and spent some time experimenting with the sunset. 

Here is this weeks challenge

15 - Wildlife

Sir N found this spider sitting on top of a wooden post.  

A lion at Moholoholo here in the Lowveld.

16 - Flowers

this one was a good challenge to get in focus.

I love the colours and shadows of this rose.

17 - Trees


This is a Maerua Angolensis.



18 - Something Rustic

This is an ostrich egg light cover.

On one of our outings we stopped to look at the curios for sale.
 I love the colours of Africa.

19 - In the dark

The Southern Cross at around 8 pm at Trackers.

3 am Scorpio with the roof line in the foreground.

20 - Your favourite place to be
My favourite place is waiting for me in Australia :o)

21 - Daily Life

Our daily life here on holiday is getting up early to enjoy the beautiful sunrises over the farm.
 I couldn't resist the shadows and colours here.

Thank you Erin for the ideas and inspiration I have enjoyed doing these. Don't forget to pop on over to Seven Little Australians and see the photo's of some others who have taken up Erins challenge this month.
Blessings

Chareen

Week 1 - Photography Challenge Showcase
Week 2 - Photography Challenge Showcase