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          • Toroweap
        • Havasu Canyon
        • Horseshoe Bend
        • Jerome
        • Kaibab National Forest
        • Lee’s Ferry
        • Meteor Crater
        • Navajo Bridge
        • Oak Creek Canyon
        • Painted Desert
        • Pipe Springs National Monument
        • Prescott
        • Quartzsite
        • Saguaro National Park
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        • Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument
        • Vermilion Cliffs
        • Walnut Canyon National Monument
        • Wupatki National Monument
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Tag: South Africa

19 March 2013

So long South Africa until we meet again

I am sad to be leaving South Africa in less than 24 hours.  The journey has been like a wide awake dream.  I’ll be back to explore more of the wonders found here hopefully next fall, winter and spring.  Or spring, summer and winter depending how you look at the seasons.

Spotted Hyenas Kruger NP SA

Spotted Hyenas Kruger National Park

The wildlife so close and roaming free in its own environment while I stay in my cage called a car.  Such an improvement from wandering a zoo and looking thru bars while my heart breaks over the containment of life for human enjoyment.

Arch from Echo Ravine trail Golden Gate Highlands NP Free State SA

Golden Gate Highlands National Park

Landscapes of such diversity abound in this country no bigger than the state of Texas.  And I’ve yet to see them all.  Some places remind me of home in the States, similar but different.  Towering walls of sandstone like the canyonlands in the Southwest.

Waterfall Nature's Valley SA

Nature’s Valley

High mountain streams cascading into waterfalls like the Rocky Mountains.

Hogsback SA

Hogsback

Mountains blanketed with forest like Washington’s North Cascades.

Fields of sunflowers R26 Free State SA

Free State

Rolling hills with farm fields stretching on to forever like Iowa.

Aloe flower stalk Nieu-Bethesda Rd Great Karoo SA

Great Karoo

Vaguely vegetated desserts like southern Arizona.

Tsitsikamma NP SA

Tsitsikamma National Park

Waves crashing on rocky shores like the northwest coast.

Sand dunes West Coast NP SA

West Coast National Park

Sand dunes to clamber over like the east coast.

Sunset Camdeboo NP Eastern Cape Graaff-Reinet SA

Camdeboo National Park

And colorful sunsets like everywhere in the world.

Flap-necked Chameleon Kruger National Park

Yes, I am sad to leave but carry some most amazing memories away with me.  Plus I long to sleep in my own bed.

I’ve seen so much and taken 1000s of photos.  I will be sharing the journey with you all as I post for probably the next six months or more.

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South Africa geology, mountains, national parks, South Africa, travel, waterfall, wildlife 48 Comments
09 March 2013

Bloggers meet at Guinea Fowl Lodge in Knysna South Africa

Jo at The Heads Knysna SA

Jo from Memorable Meanders and I have been following each others blogs for years and finally met in Knysna South Africa.  During my last visit her son John guided me backpacking in the Drakensberg Mountains.

Jo & Grant at Guinea Fowl Lodge Knysna SA

Jo and husband Grant were on holiday from their current home in Tanzania riding their motor bike around the Cape for a couple of weeks.  I’m sure she’ll be posting about their journey after returning home.

Guinea Fowl Lodge Knysna SA

We stayed with friends of theirs at the Guinea Fowl Lodge with the most amazing view over Knysna Lagoon.

View from The Heads Knysna SA

Knysna Lagoon from the Heads Knysna SA

Jo and I took a ride up to The Heads overlooking the Indian Ocean and Knysna Lagoon.  I only got lost once while we chatted away and I missed a sign somewhere.  Having been there before I thought I knew where I was going.  The overlook is surrounded by huge mansions, mostly empty and only used on holidays.  Such a waste.

Guinea Fowl Lodge Knysna SA

Our hosts Peter and Mart served a delicious snoek (fish) braii (BBQ) with Roosterkoek (grill cake “roor-stir-cook” with the first r rolled) and homemade grape jam.  Unfortunately it was too late and dark to take photos.  I even drank a little Sherry.

Redwing Starlings at Guinea Fowl Lodge Knysna SA

Even the local birds eat well at Guinea Fowl Lodge as these Redwing Starlings can attest filling their bills with corn to take back to the nearby nest.

Jo & Grant on the BMW at Guinea Fowl Lodge Knysna SA

After a filling and delicious breakfast it was time to say goodbye to Jo and Grant as they continued on holiday and I to Tsitsikamma National Park Storms River Mouth.

 

I’ve been fortunate enough to meet two bloggers during this journey in South Africa.  Have you met any of the bloggers you follow?

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Knysna, South Africa bloggers, braii, Knysna, South Africa, travel 24 Comments
06 March 2013

Blessings to The Big Tree at Wild Spirit

The Big Tree stands high on the ridge viewed from Wild Spirit Backpackers Lodge in Nature’s Valley South Africa.

Big Tree Onteniqua yellowwood tree at Wild Spirit

She may not be the biggest Onteniqua yellowwood tree (Podocarpus falcatus) in South Africa at 98.42 feet/30 meter but clearly stands out on the hillsides above Nature’s Valley at Wild Spirit Backpackers Lodge on the Khoinania Farm.

Big Tree trail Wild Spirit Nature's Valley SA

Walk light footed on the short 15-minute leaf scattered trail dappled with morning light that leads to the hundreds year old Big Tree .

Sage along Big Tree trail Wild Spirit Nature's Valley SA

Sweet sage shares it’s cleansing scent.

Butterfly along Big Tree trail Wild Spirit Nature's Valley SA

Butterflies alight nearby.

Spider in web across Big Tree trail Wild Spirit Nature's Valley SA

Only about 1/2” long

Although I dislike disturbing them I gently swing a stick in front of me to clear the spider webs cross the trail.

Driftwood art along Big Tree trail Wild Spirit Nature's Valley SA

Like life, it’s not all about distance traveled or even what’s at the end of the trail.  Take time to enjoy the journey.  Be in the Now.

Peak Formosa at God's Window along Big Tree trail Wild Spirit Nature's Valley SA

From God’s Window along the way a view of Peak Formosa, tallest of the Onteniqua Range.

Big Tree Onteniqua yellowwood tree Wild Spirit Nature's Valley SA

Having seen the reportedly largest, 120 feet/36.6 meter, and oldest at 800 years “Big Tree” on another trail in the nearby Tsitsikamma National Park I knew I’d be impressed.

Big Tree Onteniqua yellowwood tree Wild Spirit Nature's Valley SA

She is known as Mama Yellowwood and encourages hugs.

Wild Spirit Nature's Valley SA

I am also impressed and smitten with Wild Spirit because of the diversity of forest , the eco-minded family hosts, and the people from around the world that visit.

Quote at Wild Spirit Nature's Valley SA

Raise your words not your voice.  It is rain that grows flowers not thunder.     –Rumi

Khoinania means communion by intimate participation which superbly describes this magical place and Energy Exchange that occurs here.

Onteniqua Mountains from Wild Spirit Nature's Valley SA

Do not try to resist the silent call of the Big Tree as your wild spirit pauses in Nature’s Valley.

Although we celebrate Earth Day April 22 let us remember we celebrate every day of our lives on Earth.  Visit the Nature Travel Roundup for ideas about where to explore next.

I was compensated for my over night stays at Wild Spirit but all opinions are my own.

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Nature's Valley, South Africa Big Tree, Nature's Valley, South Africa, travel, Wild Spirt Backpackers Lodge 29 Comments
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Hi, I’m Gaelyn, the Geogypsy

I retired after 29 summer seasons as a Park Ranger, traveling solo for 40+ years. My passions include travel, connecting to nature, photography, and sharing stories.

I started exploring US National Parks in 1977 and 20 years later became a seasonal Park Ranger.  I’ve lived full-time in a RV for 30 years working summers and playing winters.  I’m still trying to figure out what I want to be when I grow old, other than grow up.

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