A simultaneous Hello and Goodbye to 2013!
I investigated my photos, attempting to figure out what happened during 2013, and discovered that not only did we travel a lot, but we also seem to have spent just about every non travelling Sunday out on the river. The passing of the seasons seems to unfold through my river scenes...
I intended to pick one picture per month for this post, but that sort of minimalist discipline appears to be beyond me... Since I haven't been around for a whole year, I'm hoping a 34 photo
blogpost is forgivable - after all, anybody reading this may well have an entire year in which to plough through it!!
January 2013
The first post of every year traditionally features images of glorious Flame Lilies growing untamed in the Forest reserve...
The entertaining warthog piglets are a highlight at this time of year in Kasane!
Stormy skies denote our rainy season, and the cloud formations add drama to sunsets.
This was a sad year, as we had to say goodbye to our two very old and much loved dogs - what faithful friends they were, and are still missed. This is one of the last photos taken at the end of an era.
February 2013
We hit the road south for a wedding in South Africa, and our annual fix of oceans, mountains and all things non-tropical...
Our beach self portrait at Jeffreys Bay.
These exquisite Proteas were the floral theme of Pete and Sharon's wedding, a beautiful ceremony, in a stunning location.
On the way back north, we detoured to a highland destination that has always intrigued us.
Rhodes, often quaintly described as a 'mountain hamlet', is a remote fishing destination, located high up in the mountains just on the South African side of Lesotho. It was everything we had imagined, and more - solitude, crisp mountain air, crystal streams, freezing weather and interesting local characters, should you choose to visit the local Inn and make friends!
Here I am, freezing cold, perched up on a rock in the early morning....
... observing the hardy and dedicated fly fisherman in the stream below...
March 2013
Back home in the tropics , we spent our wedding anniversary at one of our favourite places across the river on the Namibian side -
Ichingo Lodge. Here is our beautiful deck overlooking the river, with the sound of the rushing rapids always within earshot.
We visited this famous Baobab on the island, used as a lookout post by military in times gone by. It provides an impressive view of the four-country meeting point, and the Chobe/Zambezi river confluence, if one can conquer the ascent up its sheer trunk, and maze of branches above.
April 2013
The most beautiful time for sunsets over our Chobe river, in my opinion... the water levels are high at this time of year due to the seasonal flooding, and it's a magical experience being afloat on the river.
Our 2013 involved numerous road trips, up and down the country for work and personal city-trips...
After an overnight stay at
Elephant Sands, I took this photo at the junction with the main tarred road, it reminds me of the closeness of elephants and humans in this unique spot...
May 2013
At this time of year, the river is in full flood, and moving fast... The days become chillier and I love the huge, blue cloudless skies, moving into winter..
We enjoyed a quick visit from Zac, Nix and Buggs - getting away from their city lives and into our world for a while...
As the bush gets drier, more wild animals show themselves around the town - these gorgeous wild dogs are always a special sighting.
July 2013
On the way back from a weekend in Zimbabwe, we encountered this herd of buffalo near the borderpost, silhouetted against a wintry sunset.
More beautiful Sundays on the river - I just love that late afternoon golden light.
August 2013
Summer arrives almost overnight around here, just about halfway through August.
Here are our twin nephews enjoying sunny Kasane. Their family having moved to Zambia during 2013 means we have been able to see much more of them this year!
Hippo Roadblocks..lower river levels mean that resident hippos tend to congregate around our usual areas, and their heads pop up and down, dictating where we may or may not proceed..
...up closer, the heads are much more intimidating, and are very evidently finely attuned to our every movement. A U-Turn is certainly indicated at this point!
Our beautiful white, squeaky sandbanks start to re-emerge as the river levels drop - the pefect spot for a private sundowner.
September 2013
Our latest rescue puppy, Impi. In a household of five felines, she has had to learn how to treat them with the admiration and royal respect that they demand!
The hot, hazy days of the summer months make it a joy to escape to the river.. we are still lucky enough to have 'our' spot where other people seldom venture.
Thirsty elephants come down to the river through town during these months..
October 2013
At the extreme height of the dry season, elephants of all shapes and sizes enjoy the waterhole at
Senyati Camp, an oasis for them in the midst of the dusty and hostile bush.
November 2013
A work trip to
Ghoha Hills in the Savute area. Our previous visit was in the height of the dry season, and this view was an expanse of barren brown wilderness. The contrasting lush greenery of the rainy season is always remarkable.
The annual graduation ceremony at the
Kazungula Children's Ark Daycare is always a familiar year-end milestone for me. Many of the previous years' students were in attendance, all grown up in their big school uniforms!
December 2013
Another trip over the border -We visited
Lokuthula at Victoria Falls to, meet up with good friends for a long overdue catch up!
I enjoyed the view of this waterhole in the middle of the bush, with separate thunderstorms slanting down to the horizon. Somewhere off the edge of this photo, the Victoria Falls are thundering away unseen!
Once again, new litters of young warthogs grace our streets.. Have I ever mentioned before, how adorable warthog piglets are???? Just look at this little Zimbabwean fellow.
The skies over the river are now heavy with storm clouds, and we often need to scramble for cover under overhanging trees to dodge rain storms!
Just to complete the circle of my blogpost, here is a wild-growing, January 2014 flame lily - taken two days ago.
When I signed off my last year's blogpost, I had no idea what sort of a year we were in for - a hectic, accelerated roller coaster ride, in which we have had to undertake and process voluminous quantities paperwork and bureacracy, and have experienced two-steps-forwards, one-step-back type of situations all year long! I genuinely believe 2014 will be a vast improvement, with a bit more spare time available!
Wishing all who read this a wonderful 2014 and hoping to be back here before January 2015!
