travel

My world has shrunk over recent years.   Vast ideas have given way to petty thinking.  The thrill of dashboard lights aglow at night, replaced by fear of night driving.  Seeking out stimulating events, with views on broad horizons; replaced by staying home.  Why?  Age plays a part.  Having no child minding family near at hand, plays a part.  Fear, plays …

It is 8 months since we visited Rocktail Camp and our son Fjord still talks about it about once a week.  We first spent a few nights at Mabibi Camp and moved across to Rocktail for a few nights.  In this unspoiled corner of paradise we experienced 2 sides of a rare coin.  At Mabibi Camp the rustic self catering …

Oh dear, my writing skills seem to be be broken, which is part of the reason why I haven’t posted much lately, the other part is that I don’t really like the word ‘blog’, still this is my journal and it’s important to store and save thoughts and memories.  I’ll whisper this post because I don’t really want to ‘advertise’ …

On Sunday morning while drinking coffee we decided that we would go on a hike.  For last minute plans we always end up at Suikerbosrand but this time discovered Klipriversberg Nature Reserve, and it was only half an hour drive from home in Boksburg.  Entrance is free and there are many trails to choose between.  Some trails are under 1km. …

We are “all about the journey” travelers.  Instead of pushing from Boksburg to Mabibi in a solid 595 km stretch.  We stopped at Pakamisa for a night in Pongola (410 km from home).  The problem with a stop like this is that we wish that we had more time there.  The children would have loved to do a horseback safari …

I don’t really buy into the “Me time” thing.  The phrase seems to echo the selfie vibe.  Looking back on my time a young single mother, my greatest regrets center around the times when I put my wants ahead of what was best for my children.  The logic seemed sound, “happy children need a happy mother”.  Well that was a …

  Gee sometimes it takes me forever to record travel blog posts.  Our last stop on the way home from a very meandering journey between Cape town and home in Gauteng, was at Jasmine Cottages in Smithfield a little town in the Free State.  We found our way there in the dark after supper at Buckley’s restaurant and bar.  We …

Our return trip from Cape Town took a scenic route via Graaf Reinet.  We stayed at Die Ark self catering accommodation.  I loved the small thoughtful touches which make a big difference, like mozzie spray and delicious home made cookies. For supper we ate at Muller House, where the food was excellent value for money. On the morning of our …

We haven’t been hiking for ages.  Recently this was remedied going on a hike at Hennops River.  The 5km Zebra trail was perfect for our children aged 7 & 10.  Entering the hike I chose the suspension bridge after Cliff crossed on the cable car over the strongly flowing Hennops river, with the children.  At the end of the circular …

At the end of last year we spent a weekend on an Old Willow houseboat on the Vaal river.  On seeing the houseboat the children exclaimed their joy with adjectives including “amazing” and “awesome”.  Being a boring grown up I noticed a few practical downfalls, still great family fun was had by all. The children couldn’t wait to try fishing.  …