65.16 South Africa at (our) Best...Part 1 of 3, a general overview.

  When one is able to look past the corruption in high places, the lack of basic services, and the fast-deteriorating infrastructure, the magnificence of the land continues to shine. The photographs cover a bit of KwaZulu-Natal, the Eastern Province, and a few from the Western Cape. These will be bolstered with the publication of further South African blogs. The Cape has a tremendous reputation of being an outstanding place. We agree entirely but there is much beauty throughout the country. 

  Perhaps, one of our favorite places is along the Drakensburg Mountain range. There are places, besides the natural features, where one feels one is transported back in time, even to colonial times. Such is the Drakensberg, a range that covers South Africa and Lesotho. 

 

Early morning, the Tztzikama Trek, beginning near Keurboomstrand.
Autumn on Kenmo Lake in Himeville.
Another perspective of a spectacular place...low key lake, but exquisite positioning and coloring.
Jen climbs the two-part double chain-ladders at the amphitheatre to reach the top of the Tugela Falls, the second highest in the world.
Followed by her fearful mate.
...who now stands at quite a high altitude; he's not even considering a little jump.
The world-renowned Drakensburg Range; the famous Monk's Cowl et al.
Place of world-renowned movie scene: Kamburg...field of dreams'.
Bourke's Potholes, Blyde River Canyon.
The Crack KwaZulu-Natal, Drakensburg Park, scene of many-a-crack-up.
Making pigs of ourselves as we enjoy stepping up in Hogsback onto a hogs back.
Returning from the mountain hike, we make pigs of ourselves again at the market, while one looks a little out of it.
The sun cascades over the ocean on the famous 'Otter Trail'.
He is not showing off as he climbs nearly vertically...well, maybe a little.
Jen hits the beach while on trail.
Prior to the above photograph, she was joined by fellow trekkers. We spent the nights with 6 other women...it was very stressful for Jeffrey...well, for want of a word.
They retain a system in South Africa of washing the rocks regularly. The birds are inclined to open themselves when relaxing in that environment.
Not again, but I spotted some otters and gave chase. This is where they led me.
More spillover of the sunlight.
Jen reaches an edge and must now improvise. The smile is a brave front.
Could not resist more color at Kenmo Lake.
This is in Reenen, at sunset, 'The Golden Butress', Golden Gate Park.
We move closer to the Cape for a few shots that will be dealt with in far more detail in part 2.

Jen shows her courage as she hops along mountain edges in 3-Sisters, Kleinmond...(small mouth).
Unfortunately, although he has been quite modest over the recent past, it appears the underlying weakness of a propensity to show-off is rearing itself. We are based in Perdeberg (horses' mountain).

Follow that curve from the peak of 3-Sisters.  

 From Du Toit's Peak, we look down upon the vineyards of Franschhoek.

...and a private estate, too.
Jen on descent from Aasvoel (vulture) Peak, outside Hermanus.
We close with Jen honing her skills (show-off, too) on Devil's Peak, Cape Town. In the distance is Lion's Head.

Cheers, 

Jenni and Jeffrey

65.15 On a trip from San Diego, we capture scenes as we move north covering parts of Arizona, California and Nevada.

  This trip took place nearly 2 years ago. It was over a 2 months period but after viewing the photographs, perhaps twenty-five of them, it would appear to be only a couple of days out. One thing we are sure of is that it was another wonderful experience. We visited regular haunts, added in a number of new ones and tried a less formal approach to the hikes and selections. Some of the days in Reno, Nevada, were outstanding and others were even better. All-in-all, it was most enjoyable which was the reason for choosing that particular single Hike-about adventure. We also incorporated a visit to each of our sons and families who live some distance from San Diego. Hope you enjoy it as we are still on a break from Nepal! 

"Hey, fellas, let's see whether we can hold the line. (Morro Bay.)"
If three's a crowd, what to call this lot in Morro Bay?
Climbing in Reno, NV.
Follow that curve.
"Now how do I cross that stream, Big Boy? I trust you will prostrate yourself across the Colorado for me. (Arizona.)"
"Hey, where are we? Nice window with view plus a bridge to nowhere. I should have my head read for following you. (Liberty Bell, Arizona.)"
Just for the record, if I may. You are not participating in a Rocky Movie (Morro Bay).
"Do they have anything but deserts in California? How about some greenery for a change?""Not too much greenery but I really like it. There is real depth in this photograph, we think. (Mission Peak in Freemont, CA.)" 

  Aha! Elderry Rocky Ridge, in color...now you're learning...sort of."
"I'll take it. It's not green but those are magnificent colors. By the way, love the subject, too...although I say myself"...muttered Jen. Below Fortification Hill, Arizona.
"I love it. I'll take it especially as we sat on the peak a couple of times at Lava Butte. It looks so cute and petite. What do they say about deceptive looks. (Boulder City, Nevada.)"
"Back to Central California. Isn't that the red bridge on the right side (Golden Gate, San Francisco and downtown)? " 

We really like Reno, Nevada.
Not forgetting Arizona/Nevada with the remarkable rock formations and color.
Some prefer green.
Others prefer healthy greens for brunch with a smattering of blue. Lagoon Park outside San Raphael, CA).
Mount Rose, Nevada, is most attractive.
That's Jen on the way up.
Berryessa, California again, a magnificent place with Jen reaching Annie Rock, a high point. In the distance is another lake.
Who's making the first move? Come on up, Jen. (Del Valle Lake, California).
Lake Del Valle, an interesting shape.
From a mountaintop in the distance, we spot Morro Bay and its surround with the aid of the telephoto.
We close with two shots of Lake Mead.

Cheers, 

Jenni and Jeffrey