I want to be a world traveler but don’t like swollen feet.
Sunrise over South Africa
After an 11 hour flight from Frankfurt Germany I was more than ready to greet South Africa.
Joan showed me around Pretoria and it felt like I was still in the States.
We visited the Cradle of Humankind Museum. And drove past Hartebeesport Dam.
Finally by Saturday we were ready to hit the road. And what fantastic roads, mostly repaved in preparation for the 2010 Cup. First stop, Sudwala Caves where our guide Musa showed us many underground marvels.
We also wandered through the adjacent Dinosaur Park.
Lone Creek Falls Mac-Mac Falls Berlyn Falls
Along the road there were several side trips to waterfalls.
And we camped the first night at Pilgrims Rest, a quaint old mining town and tourist trap.
After a healthy breakfast of Coffee and Rusks we walked around Pilgrims Rest admiring the old buildings and stuff for sale.
Later made a stop at Africa Silks in Graskop where we were given a grand tour of the silk making process from worm to finished product. I just had to buy myself two lovely silk blouses and some spun silk textiles to make something with in the future.
After a quick stop at God’s Window we continued on into Blyde River Canyon Nature Reserve.
With a stop at the Potholes along the Blyde River.
And an overlook of the Three Rondawels named such as they are shaped like the thatched structures of the same name.
That night we camped near Klaserie before entering Kruger National Park at Orpen Gate.
So far, I’m loving the travel in South Africa.
Gaelyn, WOW! Fantastic photos and wonderful scenery. The sunrise is just beautiful. My hubby would love the caves. The waterfalls are awesome and the Blyde River Canyon and Potholes look neat. Can't wait to see Kruger.
The sunrise is amazing and you've visited so many fascinating places. I like the dinosaur park, the potholes and rondawels. So sorry about your feet!
Fascinating post! What a grand adventure, Gaelyn. Gorgeous scenery, exotic locations and shopping! What more could a girl want? Um, yeah, about those feet. Been there – hated it, too.
More, more, more….Gaelyn what a wonderful adventure and your photos are wonderful. I would love to be your shadow! Have fun and take care.
Smiles
Fantastic! gorgeous scenery, caves, waterfalls, all in just one day? And I am so jealous of the silk, both of the tour, and the shopping. Take care of yourself, those feet look awful!
Sounds like a wonderful trip. Color me jealous!
Gaelyn, It's hard to pick a favorite photo – your trip so far is amazing. Gosh – those feet look like sausages, though!
Wish I could have tagged along too. I had swollen ankles for the first time when we flew to Bangkok, no fun.
oh I love the photo of the potholes along the Blyde River. and the Three Rondawels. lovely landscapes so unfamiliar. thank you Geogypsy.
More, More! Looks like so much fun! Hope it is exciting!
Wonderful photos! It looks like you are having an absolutely marvelous adventure.
Wow! I thought you would see some neat things, but I had no idea! I'll take care of those feet when you get back. Can't wait to see more!!!
doing the classic tourist route through the Mpumalanga Drakensberg.
There is one coffee shop in Pilgrims Rest that make their own pottery mugs and have the greatest cappuccino I have ever had. with awesome cake as well.
So glad you are enjoying it. Also waiting to see SA through your photo lense (lol). Ask Joan if she had found out yet what the chicken did – lol.
That is a lot of bones!!
Love the ridge!
Wow, are you getting the royal treatment—does this lady want another blogger visitor? 🙂
Photos are great. I would especially enjoy the dinosaur park.
i have been waiting to share your visit with Joan…this is great Gaelyn..michelle
How great this must be! I love the Potholes! Fabulous rock and water…
What an adventure!
Pretoria is my birthplace. Wish I was with you. I hope you wear compression stockings on the airplane. I never fly without them as they help with swelling and help prevent deep vein thrombosis (serious stuff!!)
I am so jealous. I have never been to that part of South Africa. I would love to visit the Lowveld area. Beautiful pics. I am sure when you get back you will do more comprehensive posts covering all these places.
hi there galfriend. SURE MISS YOU.
your ankles look so swollen!!!
Mikes trailer is gone, and my lot looks more like my lot. Jim is "drying out" and I'm keeping an eye on him from a distance as he progresses. Going to Virginia tomorrow with Donna – leaving here about 5:30 AM. Weather has turned to spring – going to be over 80 these next few days in Phx.
The pictures are marvelousw
Love you – – Berta
Gaelyn: What a neat bunch of places to stop, love the potholes.
Oh Gaelyn, so much to see! I'm glad you're having a good time and keeping your feet elevated when you have a chance too!
Fascinating views! What a neat thing that you were able to experience.
About the feet… You poor dear. Put your feet up on a cushion and get some rest.
Welcome back!
Just amazing Gaelyn!! So beautiful! I look forward to catching up on all your posts of the trip this fall, I wish I had the time now, but this is a wonderful one to see. I hope you are having the most beautiful trip!! Keep enjoying each moment!
Those are some potholes, Gaelyn!
I can tell you're taking lots of pics!
Sorry about you swollen ankles…but a familiar sight, mine were worse when I came back from China – don't worry, they will go back to normal when you're back:)
Gaelyn, what a wonderful trip you are having (minus the swollen feet!) Love the potholes!
WOW!!! This is just an amazing trip. The waterfalls, the mountains – love the photos. Silk? I had no idea! And I love the Potholes – never saw anything like it!
Such tours are indeed unforgettable.
Sudwala Caves