"There are leopard in your mountains?! Will we see them?"
"Hopefully not. But the aloes are blooming and we'll see the most incredible indigenous winter flowers all over the mountains."
The disappointment was tangible. Wild flowers are not as appealing as a pride of lion or family of rhino. In the hope of spotting a stray hyena we pulled on hiking boots, grabbed water and whistled for our (not) terrifying Lion-dog (aka Rhodesian Ridgeback). We started our hike up the gorge, behind our house, into the mountains. Recently we've had family visiting from the UK. Granted; they are of SA origin but they still expected the big five to be free ranging on our homestead. Instead they met with bad tempered cows, naughty goats, lively horses and chickens laying eggs on the doorstep.
Welcome to the wilds of Africa!
There are all types of gardens, and all types of gardeners. Or lack thereof. But the most extraordinary by far is the one planted and nurtured by no man. We work our homestead with blood, sweat and not a few tears. And still we have many failures. Poor germination. Stunted growth. Crop failure. Pestilence. Predator - yes, even leopard. And no, they aren't vegetarian leopard. They take out our sheep. While the jackal and crows go for the lamb. Farm life is not for the faint hearted.
When I feel overwhelmed and at the point of despair; I hike. No, I don't really have time to do it, but then again I can't afford not to. A strenuous hike pumps the heart, clears away the gloom and floods me with hope.
The views are spectacular. And nature's wild gardens are not to be replicated. Step by step along the rugged terrain the vegetation is ever changing.
In winter the veld is transformed. It is vibrant and beautiful. The most delicate flowers cover the horizon as far as we can see. Or walk.
In such harsh conditions the tiny flowers thrive. A lesson to self. Despite the insurmountable, we will thrive. Not just survive - but thrive.
Succulents, grasses, rock formations. The landscape is a picture of colour and life. From a distance it is beautiful. Ahh but close-up. Close-up it is breathtaking!
It seems so dry and yet it is lush. Somewhere distant we hear our waterfall running. We seldom see it but we know it is there.
The warm winter wind whispers. The little flowers dance gently in the breeze. There are signs of animals and birds everywhere. We cannot see them either but you can feel them watching you pass by.
The indigenous mountain garden is indescribable. If you are prepared to brave the harsh terrain and hike into the mountains. Another lesson. Take time. When you feel you don't have the time. Take it! Life is not merely about surviving. It truly is about thriving. So take time. Pull on your hiking boots to hike over the rough terrain lying ahead and then, stop to appreciate the wild flowers. This is by far one of the most wonderful gardens I have ever experienced and worth sharing with our very own floral @dswigle and @generikat this July Garden Challenge
I didn't see a leopard, but I did see a sloth
You're a funny guy, for a city slicker. Don't quit your day job to become a game ranger, your sister would definitely run away screaming
Mother Nature rewards the desert with amazing sights, doesn't she? I didn't fully appreciate it when I lived in Phoenix or New Mexico or Texas...Dry, barren land, but, then, when you weren't looking, it burst out in song!
It was pretty incredible!
Your land is gorgeous. I so appreciate what happens when you aren't paying attention. Thank you for the beauty. Thank you for keeping the positive vibes going, even when you aren't feeling it, and thank you for being you.
You are a special human being. ❤️
Thanks for tagging me. You have been sitting here with me, I didn't dare close it!
Thank you for ALL your comments. And ALL your sweet words Denise. I tore ligaments in my foot over three weeks ago. So I'm in an airboot and on crutches - mostly. Then just after this post we were in an accident. We have an "element" that cuts the farmers fences at night to push the livestock into the road. We drove into the cattle "wandering" in the road in the early evening coming through the pass. There was nothing to do except brace for impact. We are all fine - HALLELUYAH but the vehicle is not. Neither is the bull we hit. So I do apologise for a very belated reply
Tracey! 😮 Noooooo. Thank God you are all fine! I cannot understand the mentality of anyone wanting to cause harm to an animal or in your case, a family making their way home. What an experience for those poor kids, in so many ways. :(
I am so very sorry. Please never apologize for late replies. This is not important in the big scheme of things. Because life isn't hard enough living out as you do... let's add a few more challenges. :(
I hope that things are returning to a somewhat normal state *and your foot! How is that coming along? That is a long heal for sure. My daughter had surgery for her torn ligaments... it took forever to heal. Be good to you, although that is a hard task to follow.
Prayer for healing, in all the ways you need it. 💜
Were these your livestock or someone else's that you happened upon? Will your vehicle be recoverable?
Again, I am so sorry. Is there anything I can do for you? XOXO
Denise thank you. We truly were sheltered by the Hand of the Most High! And have subsequently heard that this is a regular event on that stretch of road. My husband is head of security (like a farm neighbourhood watch but on steroids and over a huge area). The town outside of which we hit the cattle is currently a problem area. Stock theft, drunken brawls, drugs and far worse. It's about an hour from home but I could phone friend's who are closer to fetch us. Wierdly enough one of his workers were also in the accident. They were the third vehicle to hit the bull we initially hit.
Anyway, it often feels like my lifesaving days. Being out in the huge waves. Every time you come up for air the next wave hits.....and then suddenly you're through the waves and the ocean is flat and smooth and beautiful.
What a great analogy! That is exactly what it must feel like, although not something many would know, or want to.
That is so scary to live that close, in a different universe, so far and away from the idyllic life you lead. ❤️
That is such an odd coincidence! I think of the poor farmer that owns the bull. Insurance or not, what a setback! I am so happy that the Buckaroos are safely home, where they belong!
Have a great week ahead!
The best (worst) part is that the entire dead animal was chopped up and carried off (probably on a barbeque) before the police or firetrucks arrived!
Shocking, for you, disgusting for me, but that is how it rolls in South Africa
Actually, that is quite disgusting. The fact that they could even put that up to their lips grosses me out. :(
Love the small pieces of advice or life wisdom. Look at the small flowers. Slow down. Take a breath. The veld and the flora are stunning. I envy you. I would love to actually have that veld as my backyard. Even though you would need to defend your animals against a leopard! But what a sight that would be. Stunning photographs!
Thank you so much Phil-osopher. I knew you would appreciate. And there was a LOT more when I initially wrote the post a week ago. But life prevented me editing and posting until today when I decided it was a bit excessive. Rather just enjoy the hike and the delicate flowers.
Never too excessive! Never! Now you owe another whole post. 😄
🤣
So true. Sometimes we overwhelm ourselves with our own doings, we should rather be overwhelmed by nature and her beauty! I remember my walk in Kleinmond between all the flowering fynbos. At one point I just put away the camera and enjoyed the plants and their fragrances.
What a beautiful landscape and a real gift those mavarillosas photos, I live in an arid land of medanos and vegetation that is able to withstand high temperatures and mostly cacti that have taught me that the most beautiful and strongest flowers occur in the harshest climates.
Then you also understand. Some of the most magnificent flowers only bloom in the harshest conditions. We also have cacti like that. They only bloom once a year for one day. They are as big as a plate with the most unbelievable scent. And the mountains look like they're covered in snow - in summer
Oh wow... what a trip.... i love walking through the wild. We used to do so much when we lived in NZ...not so much now and with the kids... but its so...restorative...
happy adventuring
But still you have the memories. And you never know when the opportunity for your own wild adventure is around the next corner!
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