We are travelling to Durban, we had a fantastic day in the Drakensberg Mountains. We had intended to camp overnight, but with the build up of thunderstorms I decide to choose caution over valour and decided to stop at a camp with self catering overnight. It was a great idea as the beds are comfortable and the site is clean. The gardens are really nice. 👌 on our travels I have seen several new lifers, birds that I have not registered before. Some we have photographed, some not. Durbs, here we come!

Hidden in the vicinity of Newcastle in the Drakensberg is a Private Nature reserve is a named Moorfield. Its off the main roads and the gravel roads are best suited for 4x4 capable of coping with crater sized potholes. Our drive through spectacular scenery was a treat in itself. We passed through 2 gates and reported to reception and paid the very cheap entry fees as day visitors. Outside the very pretty reception was a beautiful flower garden with magnificent butterfly's to rival any butterfly breeding facility. There were also Double collared sunbirds.A pygmy Chamelon hiding unsuccessfully gave us an additional thrill. We went into the beautiful bbq/picnic area, prepared our bbq and the took a walk to the river and waterfalls. We ate well, had loads of family fun, enjoyed great photo opportu ities. The return home was uneventful besides negotiating the potholes and the bird and wild life spotting.

I used to live in Northern KZ Natal and knew Durnacol coal mine quite well and visited several other mines frequently. On Saturday we decided to visit the Talana Battleground museum where the Boers and British clashed to the Boer advantage. The museum has a visitors centre amed after Senator and Sheila Henderson whom I knew well. There are few interesting exhibits all based on Local and imported culture and historical wartime events and coal mining. In the mining section I was able to see some of the exhibits prepared by my daughters grandfather.

We drove from Captown to Newcastle in South Africa, it was a slow drive taking us just shy of 24 hours taking in a Karoo town called Maitjiesfontein. The town hosts 3 small museums, a London bus, an old fire engine, a steam train, photography equipment exhibit and a lot of misc stuff. The Lord Milner hotel is a great wedding and corporate venue. The coffee shops are really quaint. We stopped at Beaufort West where we had a meal at the Spur restaurant. We drove on intending to stop somewhere overnight, however the adrenaline meant I felt wide awake. I had a short power nap and was recharged to drive on with another short power nap at the modern service stations where we could park safely and take a rest. A short way from Bethlehem in the Free State as the dawn light was breaking I stopped to watch the sunrise over the Northern Drakensberg Mountains and to stretch my legs. We finally arrived in Newcastle after dodging potholes the size of canyons toward Vrede.

Today after 7 days of outdoor photography adventures and birding in Capetown Fi and I are leaving to drive North. My laptop has spent more time updating itself so when I can get a break from busy days I will compile a few photos and give more in depth insights.