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Pilgrims Rest South Africa

Pilgrims Rest Mpumalanga South Africa

Joan kept me very busy in one day visiting Sudwala caves, the dinosaur park, Lone Creek and MacMac Falls.

Old wagons Pilgrims Rest Mpumalanga South Africa

That night we planned to stay at Pilgrim’s Rest, a small town in Mpumalanga declared a National Monument in 1986.

Pilgrims Rest Mpumalanga South Africa

The original architecture remains largely unchanged.

Pyrite in quartz Pilgrims Rest Mpumalanga South Africa

Pyrite in quartz

Pilgrim’s Rest was declared a gold field in 1873 soon after digger Alec “Wheelbarrow” Patterson had found gold deposits in Pilgrim’s Creek.

Ore cars Pilgrims Rest Mpumalanga South Africa

The valley proved to be rich in gold and by the end of the year, there where about 1500 diggers working in the area.

Victoria Bacon & Hams sign Pilgrims Rest Mpumalanga South Africa

Towards the end of the 19th century claims were bought up and underground mining started by the Transvaal gold Minings Estates (TGME).

phone booth & outhouse Pilgrim's Rest South Africa

Wonder if anyone got confused?

Mining was active until 1971 when Beta Mine closed down and the village sold to the government as a national museum.

Road East from Pilgrims Rest Mpumalanga South Africa

TGME opened again in 1999 and there is active gold mining in the hills around Pilgrim’s Rest.

Old cameras in store window Pilgrims Rest Mpumalanga South Africa

Recognize anything here?

We got into town too late to explore the shops yet enjoyed the window displays.

Royal Hotel Pilgrims Rest Mpumalanga South Africa

And there was a wedding going on so no room at the Inn.

Pilgrims Rest camp Mpumalanga South Africa

So we camped at Pilgrim’s Rest caravan park.

Sunset over river at Pilgrims Rest camp Mpumalanga South Africa

And enjoyed the sunset.

Breakfast of coffee & rusks at Pilgrim Rest camp Mpumalanga South Africa

Then after breakfast…

Street vendors Pilgrims Rest Mpumalanga South Africa

…we wandered the streets…

Handmade pottery Pilgrims Rest Mpumalanga South Africa

…and shops…

Weaving room Pilgrims Rest Mpumalanga South Africa

…admiring the local wares before heading down the road for more adventures.

South Africa 12 Comments

Travel so far in South Africa

Gaelyn's swollen feet Pretoria South Africa

I want to be a world traveler but don’t like swollen feet.

Sunrise from plane over South Africa

Sunrise over South Africa

After an 11 hour flight from Frankfurt Germany I was more than ready to greet South Africa.

Builders Wharehouse Pretoria South Africa

Joan showed me around Pretoria and it felt like I was still in the States.

Cradle of Mankind Museum South Africa

We visited the Cradle of Humankind Museum.  And drove past Hartebeesport Dam.

Sudwala Caves South Africa

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.

Dinosaur Park South Africa

We also wandered through the adjacent Dinosaur Park.

07 Berlin Falls ZA (542x1024) 08 Mac-Mac Falls ZA (768x1024)   09 Berlyn Falls ZA (768x1024)

Lone Creek Falls                 Mac-Mac Falls                Berlyn Falls

Along the road there were several side trips to waterfalls.

Pilgrims Rest tourist trap South Africa

And we camped the first night at Pilgrims Rest, a quaint old mining town and tourist trap.

Coffee & Rusks Pilgrims Rest camp South Africa

After a healthy breakfast of Coffee and Rusks we walked around Pilgrims Rest admiring the old buildings and stuff for sale.

Africa Silks South Africa

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.

God's Window Blyde Canyon Nature Reserve South Africa

After a quick stop at God’s Window we continued on into Blyde River Canyon Nature Reserve.

Potholes Blyde River Canyon South Africa

With a stop at the Potholes along the Blyde River.

Three Rondawels Blyde River Canyon Nature Reserve South Africa

And an overlook of the Three Rondawels named such as they are shaped like the thatched structures of the same name.

Kruger National Park litter bag South Africa

That night we camped near Klaserie before entering Kruger National Park at Orpen Gate.

So far, I’m loving the travel in South Africa.

Blyde River Canyon Nature Reserve, South Africa , , , , , , , , , 29 Comments

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