We have flown all night and are now waiting at Paddington Station for the train home to Cornwall. A lovely friend from choir sent me the following photo while we were away. She found the plaque on her way into Brixham from Berry Head and thought I might like the sentiment and I do. Thanks, J.
Dawn over the mountains this morning was as beautiful as every other here.
Today we leave for the airport and will be at home on Friday afternoon! We have been in Africa!
9th May 2018
A mountainous day today, walking again in the Drakensburg Mountains to find the rock called Policeman’s Helmet . It was the best walk of the trip, not as demanding unless I have got fitter over the holiday!
First rock on the right is the one we were looking for.
Dewdrops on a web.
Walkers returning
Very smartly dressed children on their way home from school seen from our bus.
A nature walk was today’s joy, around the grounds, beside the lakes and through the woods.
Early morning dew.
Southern Boubou
Fork tailed Drongo. (I am hoping I am right with these ids and hope Ark will help out if not.)
Malachite Kingfisher.
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Red winged starling
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I only get about 30minswith the Wifi so please forgive me for not responding to comments etc.
Tomorrow we get taxis to The Policeman’s Helmet in the Royal Natal Park.
May 7th 2018
Another walk today, described as gentle but still rather demanding on my poor ankles! However, it was very pretty through the Fern Forest and along to May’s Falls where our wonderful guide served us tea and Flapjacks before an easy walk back. He carried the hot water etc all through the walk! Most of us did this walk today with the intrepid four going up to Sugarloaf Mountain, a seven hour trek.This afternoon we played bowls for the first time, all of us having great fun.
Greater Kingfisher
What a place to play bowls and I won one game!
The hike we did today, the ‘easy’ one was a challenge indeed! If it were not for Ephraim, our guide hauling me up over the rocks I might have had to be rescued by Helicopter!
Found outside our room.
This morning we left the Drakensburg Hotel for a journey of a couple of hours to The Cavern where we spend our last five nights in these hills, walking and bird watching. Before we left we bought a beautiful basket that Rose had made.
Rose is the lady in red.
On the journey, we liked these trees on the skyline.
The view from our room.
We hope you have had a wonderful birthday, Ti.
Friday 4th May 2018
A glorious sunrise and some of the gang set off early to Baboon Rock, described as a very strenuous climb, and which was still hidden in cloud as they left the hotel. We have walked the valley bottom today having crossed on the suspension bridge and managed to get a photo of the ones who made it up the mountain. You will have to look very closely to see the coloured dots along the top ridge. 
Baboon Rock in the clouds
On the wobbly suspension bridge
Reflection
Look for the walkers, splashes of colour on the ridge, on their way up
To be identified
I am posting this on 5th May, the 99th Birthday of our dear friend, Ti. Happy Birthday, Ti, as you start your hundredth year! With much love from us both from South Africa.xx
May 3rd 2018
This morning the whole gang did the walk to Doreen Falls, a gorgeous rainbow waterfall. Our guide had brought coffee for us all to have before our return hike.
Doreen Falls
Some folks did a demanding scramble up the mountain to see the Bushman art up there.. You can see how high they were!
Look very carefully to see the rest of the gang way up the mountain under the overhang where the Bushman art was to be found.
We spent the afternoon bird and bug watching.
Sunbird
Mayfly?
A spotty bug
May 2nd 2018
We are in the Drakensburg Mountains, where my Dad was at some point in WW2. It feels a bit of a pilgrimage to be treading in his footsteps, seeing things he saw and he is in my thoughts as we take in all the grandeur.
We were up early to catch the Sunbirds collecting their nectar then after breakfast went on a walk to Belinda Falls, a pretty if a bit scrambly walk.
Sun bird
Later, after the gang had set off for their Grade 5, 5 hour walk up the mountains we went with the Leader’s wife to the Lake Jarred Overlook, another gentle and delightful walk spotting birds and flowers.
African Hoopoe
Grasshopper whose wings flash red when he flies
Beautiful remains of a Grasshopper, as yet unidentified
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