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        • Pipe Springs National Monument
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Tag: travel

29 March 2013

Five reasons I do not travel on holidays

I have to admit, I rarely celebrate holidays let alone travel on holidays.  Most holidays seem a bit overrated.  Other than my birthday which just passed.  I’m sure this comment will make a lot of people unhappy.  But I’m just telling it like it is for me.

I do realize that holidays with long weekends might be the only time some people can travel.  So go for it.  And hopefully you’ll make plans way ahead of time to get reservations where needed.

Rush hour traffic

Number one, I hate the traffic over holidays.  Everyone in such a rush to get there and pack in as much as possible over their allotted time.

overloaded Mexican bus

Number two, public transportation is crowded and often booked way ahead. I made that mistake once in Mexico trying to bus around during Christmas time.

Number three, finding a place to stay is a nightmare and I don’t usually make reservations.  However in 2010 while traveling in South Africa I struggled to even make a reservation near Simon’s Town during Easter break.  One of the reasons I cut this year’s trip short even though it meant not celebrating my birthday overseas.

crowded restaurant

Number four, restaurants are packed and waiting lines are long and time consuming.  I’ve actually given up waiting and picked up food at a nearby grocery store instead.

crowded overlook NPS photo

Number five, it’s crowded once you get there.  Don’t get me wrong, I like people.  But I don’t like to elbow my way to overlooks or take photos that include the heads of many strangers.

partially eaten chocolate bunnies

Having said this,  I wish you all a happy Easter holiday.  And please, don’t eat too many chocolate bunnies.

Would you rather stay home or travel over holidays?

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travel crowds, holidays, travel 43 Comments
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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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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