tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10942605024718337472024-03-14T14:54:39.007+02:00pillion ramblingsdiary of motorcycle ridesAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04629929793333308761noreply@blogger.comBlogger9125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1094260502471833747.post-81172035021625440152013-05-22T20:50:00.003+02:002013-05-22T20:56:03.332+02:00Still time to enjoy a ride during Autumn: "the second spring"It seems like ages ago since I put "keyboard to screen"! The Southern hemisphere is adorned with the beauty of autumn colors, to borrow the quote<br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', HelveticaNeue, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;">“</span><span class="quote" style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', HelveticaNeue, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 19px; margin-top: 0px; outline: none 0px;">Fall has always been my favorite season. The time when everything bursts with its last beauty, as if nature had been saving up all year for the grand finale.</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', HelveticaNeue, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;">”</span><br />
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So has been my quest at the moment, soaking in everything autumny. I have been pinning autumn ideas on Pinterest <a href="http://pinterest.com/laliev/autumn/">http://pinterest.com/laliev/autumn/</a><br />
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We visited Cullinan once again on Monday, (see one of my earlier posts on this little town <a href="http://pillion-reflections.blogspot.com/2012/12/the-quaint-little-town-of-cullinan.html">http://pillion-reflections.blogspot.com/2012/12/the-quaint-little-town-of-cullinan.html</a>). Having two days off in the week and being able to get back on the bike was pure bliss! We left a little later than usual and instead of a breakfast run we ended up having lunch at <a href="http://www.harriespancakes.com/">Harries pancake Cullinan</a>. Reason for this is the cooler autumn mornings...<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Harries pancake Cullinan<br />
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I ordered a Lamb <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tomato_bredie">bredie</a> with basil pesto pancake, accompanied with a mint sauce...<br />
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Hubby ordered the savory mince pancake with grated cheddar cheese:<br />
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Although in South Africa we don't celebrate thanksgiving during Fall, I would like to use this time to reflect on the beauty around and am thankful for all the many blessings!<br />
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This is a beautiful video to end off which is set to the <span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.727272033691406px; line-height: 16.988636016845703px;">music: "La Petite Fille de la Mer" by Vangelis</span>...<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04629929793333308761noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1094260502471833747.post-7704824007284504222013-02-16T22:31:00.001+02:002013-02-16T22:36:16.972+02:00My personal peace of paradise (part two)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj439QDhRIYMHU0XhK2gz8lV5aLkJOa4pGVgPQKtTi-nVYrK0xoVgplcrWKoiWl2q8wKZ-tHM2xeLH7iqn4AcSSIOT31X3_VpdPqqfLEUUH476BwkW53aZnVJUAKNrrqSCGB6ifUGJrjbM/s1600/header+to+part+two+of+blog+mpumalanga+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="494" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj439QDhRIYMHU0XhK2gz8lV5aLkJOa4pGVgPQKtTi-nVYrK0xoVgplcrWKoiWl2q8wKZ-tHM2xeLH7iqn4AcSSIOT31X3_VpdPqqfLEUUH476BwkW53aZnVJUAKNrrqSCGB6ifUGJrjbM/s640/header+to+part+two+of+blog+mpumalanga+2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Mpumalanga is dotted with small little towns, just like in my previous blog <a href="http://lorelle-reflections.blogspot.com/2012/12/the-quaint-little-town-of-cullinan.html">"The quaint little town of Cullinan"</a>, where you feel as if you have stepped back in history. The following are my favorite towns we have visited:<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">THE LITTLE TOWN OF <a href="http://www.pilgrimsrest.org.za/">PILGRIMS REST</a>...</span></h2>
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...is a mining village which dates back to 1873 when a <a href="http://www.pilgrimsrest.org.za/history.htm">miner, Alex Patterson</a>, discovered alluvial gold. The mountainous pass called <a href="http://www.pilgrims-rest.co.za/sightsee/area.html#robberspass">Robbers Pass</a> shown in the video of my <a href="http://lorelle-reflections.blogspot.com/2013/01/my-personal-peace-of-paradise-part-one.html">previous blog</a> leads to this sleepy village.<br />
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The animated movie <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Zo6Cs4pgxA">Jock of the Bushveld</a>, stars the little dog who lived in Pilgrims Rest during the gold rush of the 19th Century. The famous <a href="http://www.graskop.co.za/jock/index.html"> Jock of the Bushveld</a> book was written by Percy Fitzpatrick in 1905. For a review on the movie and the book see <a href="http://www.ratherronge.co.za/html/sub_content.aspx?reviewid=1803">Rather Ronge</a>.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">THE FAIRY TALE TOWN OF <a href="http://www.kaapsehoop.com/">KAAPSEHOOP</a>...</span></h2>
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...the discovery of gold in the streams around <a href="http://www.kaapsehoop.com/">Kaapsehoop</a>, led to the establishment of this town in the <a href="http://www.purplecouch.co.za/">early 1800's</a>. <a href="http://www.kaapsehoopinfo.co.za/horses.php">Wild horses</a> roam outside the town, and we were able to get a siting of them:</div>
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I love Kaapsehoop! After visiting I leave with a new sense of adventure in my soul!</div>
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Our favorite stop over in Kaapsehoop is a place called, <a href="http://www.facebook.com/salvador.bistro">Salvador Mainstreet Bistro</a>; <span id="goog_1391193688"></span><a href="https://plus.google.com/114353660099824640479/about">a tea garden, restaurant and pub</a></div>
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The quirky sense of humor of the locals are depicted in some of the signs found inside and outside of the bistro:</div>
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An interesting website <a href="http://showme.co.za/lifestyle/ghosts-granite-and-wild-horses/">http://showme.co.za/lifestyle/ghosts-granite-and-wild-horses/</a> has an article entitled "Ghosts, granite and wild horses" and in it you are introduced to the fascinating people who are residents of this small magical village.<span style="background-color: white; color: #980000; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 20px;"> </span></div>
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SMALL COUNTRY TOWN OF <a href="http://www.sabie.co.za/">SABIE</a>...</span></h2>
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The picturesque overview of the town can be seen on the <a href="http://sabie-sourceofnews.weebly.com/">slide show</a> web link.</div>
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My most favorite viewing spot of Sabie is from this point on top of the mountain (picture below). We rode up the mountain on one visit and weren't able to see down below because the mist was too thick...</div>
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On a clearer day we were able to see a lot more of this little town from the same view point...</div>
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Sabie is a forestry town situated on the banks of the Sabie river and in the valley of the <a href="http://www.mpumalangahappenings.co.za/sabie_homepage.htm">Drakensberg mountain range</a>. Historically this town originated as a gold mining town and later man-made forests were planted and now forms one of the world's largest forests today.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sabie</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="http://www.hoedspruit.co.za/index.html">HOEDSPRUIT,</a> THE QUAINT LITTLE TOWN OF GAME RESERVES BORDERING THE KRUGER NATIONAL PARK...</span></h2>
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I love the little town of <a href="http://www.hoedspruit.co.za/index.html">Hoedspruit</a>, situated between the Blyde river Canyon and the Kruger national park. It is here that you can see the big five animals in many of the Game Reserves. The big five animals refer to the Lion, Elephant, Buffalo, Leopard and Rhinoceros. Unfortunately we never went to any of the Game parks! Can you imagine what would happen to us if we were to ride in one of the reserves on our bike!</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">the big five <a href="http://blog.kumkani.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/The-Big-Five.jpg">found on google images search</a></td></tr>
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A major problem in South Africa at the moment is the poaching of the <a href="http://www.stoprhinopoaching.com/">Rhino's</a> for their <a href="http://www.timeslive.co.za/local/2013/01/11/668-rhinos-poached-in-south-africa-in-2012">horns</a>. <a href="http://www.rhino-revolution.com/about/who-are-we/">The Rhino Revolution Organisation</a> was started by the towns people in Hoedspruit to do something about this scourge!<br />
The town of <a href="https://www.facebook.com/WildAboutHoedspruitWebsiteandTourismMap">Hoedspruit</a> is literally along one road, "a one horse town", with many interesting things to discover if you look deeper inside!<br />
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A favorite breakfast spot of ours is the Wimpy in Hoedspruit. A lovely cool building under a grass thatched roof during hot summers!</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wimpy at Hoedspruit</td></tr>
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THE CHARMING VILLAGE OF <a href="http://www.dullstroom.co.za/">DULLSTROOM</a></span></h2>
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A Dutchman from Holland named <a href="http://www.twoaks.co.za/History.aspx">Wolterus Dull</a> set up a company here in 1883. The company bought two farms for settlement, which in turn attracted Dutch settlers from Holland. Dullstroom is also known today for having the best <a href="http://www.dullstroom.co.za/">trout facilities</a> in South Africa.<br />
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We had a very welcome cup of coffee at the <a href="http://www.lonelyplanet.com/south-africa/mpumalanga/dullstroom/hotels/old-transvaal-inn">Old Transvaal Inn</a>, an old building which had a quaint room with a fireplace and old fashioned artifacts and pictures all over the walls. Dullstroom is known to be one of the coldest places in South Africa seeing as it lies at an<a href="http://www.highlandsmeander.co.za/html/dullstroom.html"> altitude of nearly 2,100m</a>. You could feel it on the bike when passing through the town. In my <a href="http://lorelle-reflections.blogspot.com/2013/01/my-personal-peace-of-paradise-part-one.html">previous blog</a> there is a photo of when we rode through Dullstroom in the thick mist, not being able to see 5 metres in front of us!<br />
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The Old Transvaal Inn is also famous for its home made sweet shop, which is always spoken of. <br />
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Mpumalanga introduced us to beautiful scenic mountainous rides, quaint little historic towns and not to forget lots of cups of coffee and scrumptious pancakes! (<i>Just as an aside: in my blog "the quaint little town of <a href="http://lorelle-reflections.blogspot.com/2012/12/the-quaint-little-town-of-cullinan.html">Cullinan</a>", more pancakes were devoured at the Harries pancake place there.)</i><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.harriespancakes.com/index.htm">Graskop Harries Pancake</a> (In the little town mentioned in <a href="http://lorelle-reflections.blogspot.com/2013/01/my-personal-peace-of-paradise-part-one.html">my previous blog</a>)<br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><i><b>MPUMALANGA, LAND OF PROMISE</b></i></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><b><i></i></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><i><b>Land of mountains, sparkling waters,</b></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><i><b>Fertile plains and azure sky,</b></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><i><b>We the people, Sons and Daughters,</b></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><i><b>Love thee ever `til we die.</b></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><i><a href="http://www.booksie.com/poetry/poetry/wisewords/mpumalanga-land-of-promise"><b>Geoffrey Kennell (c)</b></a></i></span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04629929793333308761noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1094260502471833747.post-91950905469877655522013-01-20T13:54:00.000+02:002013-01-21T12:02:49.344+02:00My personal peace of paradise (part one)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPTEDUGM4S4GVXUUZ7yDIyPD6ky6vYAL6xIAa0s1YqhQ8_fE-MAXFwirZNp5WVToBNkEJT8xVVSZ8od-ibC6gWrePwIkdB3h9XT886GZH1qvyoIsIXHVxgUpxBbioMP8oUnaqpbX53Bb4/s1600/The+mountains+are+calling+quote.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="486" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPTEDUGM4S4GVXUUZ7yDIyPD6ky6vYAL6xIAa0s1YqhQ8_fE-MAXFwirZNp5WVToBNkEJT8xVVSZ8od-ibC6gWrePwIkdB3h9XT886GZH1qvyoIsIXHVxgUpxBbioMP8oUnaqpbX53Bb4/s640/The+mountains+are+calling+quote.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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My personal peace of paradise is the mountains of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mpumalanga">Mpumalanga</a>. Now how does one condense hundreds of photo's and plenty of trips to my absolute favorite destination and adequately "paint a picture!" I have to start somewhere...<br />
Let me begin with a video I took with my Samsung Galaxy s2 mobile phone whilst going down the famous <a href="http://www.pilgrims-rest.co.za/sightsee/area.html#robberspass">Robbers Pass</a>. Seeing as we don't own a helmet video camera, the mobile phone had to do! It sure was tricky holding onto it tightly!<br />
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The feelings of exhilaration, excitement and freedom wasn't my initial experience on our first trip. I have always had a fear of heights and on our way there along the <a href="http://www.pilgrims-rest.co.za/sightsee/area.html#robberspass">Robbers Pass</a> it started to rain whilst we were climbing. I clung on for dear life, and have to admit even ended up literally crying in my helmet paralyzed with fear! And if that wasn't enough, coming back home was another test of my bravery, it was the first time we had ridden in thick heavy mist. We never had any raincoats, so the lady at the resort we were staying in at the time, gave us some plastic black garbage bags which we cut a hole out of to put over our heads. <br />
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The one thing I learnt after that is the weather in the mountains is unpredictable!</div>
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Most of our stays were in the little town of <a href="http://www.graskop.co.za/">Graskop</a>, we made this our base station to explore the area around. Graskop is situated in the panoramic route of Mpumalanga province.</div>
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We have stayed at the <a href="http://www.panoramaviewchalets.co.za/">Panorama chalets</a>, in a basic chalet with a breath taking view overlooking the Graskop gorge and beyond!</div>
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The other place we have stayed at is called <a href="http://www.frankalodge.co.za/">Franka lodge</a>, which doesn't have a view but is a very comfortable chalet. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVNS3OT8bu13dcb6HxL7C6PtYKUxVFIL7uuJo6Bt2WzGIXxvcdZ_tRa1lVJtCMpXdbT5P_-X4apxevqaGhO1MlVcGy5DJLdkKy4REFw3VvdNIFuqnyTSqIHrekibAP7Xp005KJYDucfIY/s1600/franka+lodge.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="456" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVNS3OT8bu13dcb6HxL7C6PtYKUxVFIL7uuJo6Bt2WzGIXxvcdZ_tRa1lVJtCMpXdbT5P_-X4apxevqaGhO1MlVcGy5DJLdkKy4REFw3VvdNIFuqnyTSqIHrekibAP7Xp005KJYDucfIY/s640/franka+lodge.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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The panoramic route comprises many natural spectacular sites namely the;</div>
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<a href="http://www.southafrica.net/za/en/articles/entry/article-southafrica.net-mac-mac-falls-mpumalanga">Mac mac falls</a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimmPzFhye1sU2TTq8KpWDrXsGrNAAS6QmJiB1Y0guushDLEyQ2w2ry_ys8CIXu0wzRBKYr3yvjTH0waNTzXrL98r1DYazmSgJe-xOYOcDMbKb3F-WH7ltRSOBQ33IG6NgXfBve5ZS_dvo/s1600/mac+mac+falls.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="456" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimmPzFhye1sU2TTq8KpWDrXsGrNAAS6QmJiB1Y0guushDLEyQ2w2ry_ys8CIXu0wzRBKYr3yvjTH0waNTzXrL98r1DYazmSgJe-xOYOcDMbKb3F-WH7ltRSOBQ33IG6NgXfBve5ZS_dvo/s640/mac+mac+falls.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.southafrica.net/za/en/articles/entry/article-southafrica.net-berlin-falls-mpumalanga">Berlin</a> and <a href="http://www.southafrica.net/za/en/articles/entry/article-southafrica.net-the-lisbon-falls-mpumalanga">Lisbon falls</a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYD5diSuA_J496VDWjxJfGpF9GqrXiFs2wKJEiuR9CEqgSBcUtZUFzgwxX5fT_3jTTwaoRdG6PCe89M5FKaum2Tsfi9ZlcMnAF8MjPlHR8V02H607w__X0kTg4Atfgy-fnCMoFubf5qTU/s1600/23)Graskop+April+20102.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="456" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYD5diSuA_J496VDWjxJfGpF9GqrXiFs2wKJEiuR9CEqgSBcUtZUFzgwxX5fT_3jTTwaoRdG6PCe89M5FKaum2Tsfi9ZlcMnAF8MjPlHR8V02H607w__X0kTg4Atfgy-fnCMoFubf5qTU/s640/23)Graskop+April+20102.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.sabie.co.za/gallery/Bourkes%20Luck%20Potholes.html">Bourkes luck potholes</a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrUOix2xAQ1ZxNf3hhPFrtzhJ4_7figxsioCKfuUe53z1s540ZJBodRvgW9eGdBqZlqWJbQ34BZyg2c9YZWi1gxKwE3xwq-PPbhkdDYkBTjdA2xzkcRHynW_eLOS3e-JQhywK8IWGahsY/s1600/Bourkes+luck+potholes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="456" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrUOix2xAQ1ZxNf3hhPFrtzhJ4_7figxsioCKfuUe53z1s540ZJBodRvgW9eGdBqZlqWJbQ34BZyg2c9YZWi1gxKwE3xwq-PPbhkdDYkBTjdA2xzkcRHynW_eLOS3e-JQhywK8IWGahsY/s640/Bourkes+luck+potholes.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.southafrica.net/za/en/articles/entry/article-southafrica.net-gods-window">God's window</a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoP-KAAotzjvia3D-PNN-7MgF6ZBrN57Kva3euLHSzh0yUdisyqK7q54PjB-dnOJCMpfRpwBCKhbFCOs1KhbINt5sXipGux81LpBNGqGWS_dCrw5creltZtYeWmiSqjJtXURz38phyphenhyphenBQI/s1600/God's+window.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="456" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoP-KAAotzjvia3D-PNN-7MgF6ZBrN57Kva3euLHSzh0yUdisyqK7q54PjB-dnOJCMpfRpwBCKhbFCOs1KhbINt5sXipGux81LpBNGqGWS_dCrw5creltZtYeWmiSqjJtXURz38phyphenhyphenBQI/s640/God's+window.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.krugerpark-direct.com/activity/visit-pinnacle-rock">The pinnacle</a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhbfI-LEt1Mg1pB11O_t6scJYANcKK3YIbwgstrI-wCFIQh-XfJwZYM1SKFDErV4-tqIO_g4cEad9d724ISfXr3pwjSJYt7EsvKumnwnKusivD_RG_Jw4NP6DG-b5eqWmlKQu6xjCzdHQ/s1600/pinnacle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="456" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhbfI-LEt1Mg1pB11O_t6scJYANcKK3YIbwgstrI-wCFIQh-XfJwZYM1SKFDErV4-tqIO_g4cEad9d724ISfXr3pwjSJYt7EsvKumnwnKusivD_RG_Jw4NP6DG-b5eqWmlKQu6xjCzdHQ/s640/pinnacle.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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...and I have left my most favorite spot for last, <a href="http://www.southafrica.net/za/en/articles/entry/article-southafrica.net-the-three-rondavels">the Three Rondavels</a>. It is here that I am left speechless at the beauty and am profoundly touched by what I see! To do justice, I created a "movie" in <a href="http://picasatutorials.com/2009/07/picasa-tip-make-a-movie/">Picasa</a> to hopefully portray what it means to me: </div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/PvfnJUdv-CY?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
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<blockquote class="tr_bq">
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;">“</span><span class="quote" style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 19px; margin-top: 0px; outline: none 0px;">Mountains inspire awe in any human person who has a soul. They remind us of our frailty, our unimportance, of the briefness of our span upon this earth. They touch the heavens, and sail serenely at an altitude beyond even the imaginings of a mere mortal.</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;">”</span></div>
<table class="quote_source_table" style="background-color: white; border-collapse: collapse; border: 0px; color: #444444; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', HelveticaNeue, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px; margin-bottom: -5px; margin-top: 10px; outline: none 0px; text-align: center; width: 500px;"><tbody style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline: none 0px;">
<tr style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline: none 0px;"><td class="quote_source_mdash" style="border-width: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline: none 0px; padding: 0px 10px 0px 20px; width: 1px;" valign="top"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">—</span></td><td class="quote_source" style="border-width: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; max-width: 450px; outline: none 0px; overflow: hidden; padding: 0px;" valign="top"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Elizabeth Aston</span></td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_SxxPLhyphenhyphenNI0fy13SdGqm4pdjq2_zc2WlRNCn1cExwaycuSdYG4hgcpeBdYewmp-6ckvWHCscXUpzVNc9x7ckqipi7NeP6zLPziLoBXQWfD3iRFDtKJuUnt7RyvLJj3-0IHzXlghTuqXE/s1600/the+mountains+called+and+we+went.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="498" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_SxxPLhyphenhyphenNI0fy13SdGqm4pdjq2_zc2WlRNCn1cExwaycuSdYG4hgcpeBdYewmp-6ckvWHCscXUpzVNc9x7ckqipi7NeP6zLPziLoBXQWfD3iRFDtKJuUnt7RyvLJj3-0IHzXlghTuqXE/s640/the+mountains+called+and+we+went.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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That wasn't the end of our exploration to the area, but I am going to leave that to another story...</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04629929793333308761noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1094260502471833747.post-79431072003819545302013-01-07T06:14:00.000+02:002013-01-07T06:14:10.674+02:00"off the beaten track"<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-jzFPKzbB1HivpU554JpdJJY1w_2unIqUTkjy1E4G6R71AdT3sUPQmEeRdBVM8e6_dZ9rZ3o3R3OBQgoSU-JK1rrhS6K5-jMQ38VqTTBRULLo2Gn18dbkXKpaFKu-U9CJAYNuHHaOwj8/s1600/off+the+beaten+track.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="432" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-jzFPKzbB1HivpU554JpdJJY1w_2unIqUTkjy1E4G6R71AdT3sUPQmEeRdBVM8e6_dZ9rZ3o3R3OBQgoSU-JK1rrhS6K5-jMQ38VqTTBRULLo2Gn18dbkXKpaFKu-U9CJAYNuHHaOwj8/s640/off+the+beaten+track.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Our next adventure ended off the beaten track, it was here that John had to draw on his experience of off road biking. I held on for dear life, as we climbed the mountainous gravel road. This was the introduction to the many mountainous adventures that were to follow...</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The route travelled was up the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maanhaarrand_Pass">Maanharrand</a> pass in the Magaliesberg Nature reserve.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.mountainpassessouthafrica.co.za/find-a-pass/north-west/item/74-maanhaarand-pass,-north-west-province.html">South African mountain passes</a></span></div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/EAASKrg98J0?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
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<h1 id="watch-headline-title" style="border: 0px; font-family: arial, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: start;">
<span class=" yt-uix-expander-head" dir="ltr" style="-webkit-user-select: auto; border: 0px; cursor: auto; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" title="Breedtsnek @ Ride"><span style="font-size: small;"> Breedtsnek @ Ride by</span></span><span class=" yt-uix-expander-head" dir="ltr" style="-webkit-user-select: auto; border: 0px; cursor: auto; font-size: 19.09090805053711px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" title="Breedtsnek @ Ride"> </span><a class="yt-uix-sessionlink yt-user-name " data-sessionlink="ei=CLXJ0pWj1bQCFYRWfAodiHLRJA%3D%3D&feature=watch" dir="ltr" href="http://www.youtube.com/user/syferpan?feature=watch" style="border: 0px; color: #333333; cursor: pointer; display: inline-block; font-size: 12.727272033691406px; height: 23px; line-height: 11.818181991577148px; margin: 0px 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0px;">Schalk vd Linde</a></h1>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDVb3EHqZnIVyO7Wn0_DpN4s0J2RQIy5TW2rTZV78sfj0dMR4JOT9AyFi0ga2tMN61syTO7hpF3ab3M70hyphenhyphenBxmQtbPTgWTYEn39yRzr-fqAKrkAwYnXvwgb5FhFC_Q08cBNu1PiXdKIHQ/s1600/over+the+mountain+collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="452" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDVb3EHqZnIVyO7Wn0_DpN4s0J2RQIy5TW2rTZV78sfj0dMR4JOT9AyFi0ga2tMN61syTO7hpF3ab3M70hyphenhyphenBxmQtbPTgWTYEn39yRzr-fqAKrkAwYnXvwgb5FhFC_Q08cBNu1PiXdKIHQ/s640/over+the+mountain+collage.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Oct 2009"</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Once again the Kawasaki KLR stood the test of time</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaUY24jhcJ3ARSuAwXFRlaqC_8TT1IKcxk1cBkxm7s_k_iXeIOKd_HHAby5l7WJz-9oNQPLyFa3jaydQQnwMZ-0o1XPVznJNIOcdL4FdNtx1t1AdNkub-x49Bgxk0wFtk0VC2N7w6KuVY/s1600/collage+of+map.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="454" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaUY24jhcJ3ARSuAwXFRlaqC_8TT1IKcxk1cBkxm7s_k_iXeIOKd_HHAby5l7WJz-9oNQPLyFa3jaydQQnwMZ-0o1XPVznJNIOcdL4FdNtx1t1AdNkub-x49Bgxk0wFtk0VC2N7w6KuVY/s640/collage+of+map.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">At the bottom of the mountain, we turned right on the road to Buffelspoort...</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">This road led us to "Just Africa", where we fearlessly walked amongst the "wild animals"...</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtdGh0rehB1YZoYDBWSjt65eH3ZTZFyAWgRQgRXGFL7Tr9g0ebgiYBu5KMlLMr41XU48iQwdfjr27IB7CxDmhR56GWbUxC5MLrMaijMWt3fpomJqeksRfSJQ82JEYycNe21Odl7nJiiaI/s1600/wild+animals.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="452" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtdGh0rehB1YZoYDBWSjt65eH3ZTZFyAWgRQgRXGFL7Tr9g0ebgiYBu5KMlLMr41XU48iQwdfjr27IB7CxDmhR56GWbUxC5MLrMaijMWt3fpomJqeksRfSJQ82JEYycNe21Odl7nJiiaI/s640/wild+animals.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXOxSZWUAcBvWbx4t248SOyA1xYOQffcaIG2nSIvTcJ2v7H_vqNBbOa4u5D5elIiPVzhgkMm00FER1NUU4gAOcDawW1uq6zK0HI-q3EKumoK0y99m76j9IUgUPOnpH8xq-LYbJUwwPVrY/s1600/just+africa+curio+store.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="452" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXOxSZWUAcBvWbx4t248SOyA1xYOQffcaIG2nSIvTcJ2v7H_vqNBbOa4u5D5elIiPVzhgkMm00FER1NUU4gAOcDawW1uq6zK0HI-q3EKumoK0y99m76j9IUgUPOnpH8xq-LYbJUwwPVrY/s640/just+africa+curio+store.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The curio store had lots to see...</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghgxRFJOBgb2pU8gK55eYaGKhP0pm471xo43f20hmQs91i8HEX3lNAxBCztIJ1C9EHXGaadNIjiGj46EJtm_oBWWytbeEjeBg3ZL5c3JY66M5l07ygxH2PkkAQIzwc5q1dITJNeFmXZsQ/s1600/taxidermy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="452" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghgxRFJOBgb2pU8gK55eYaGKhP0pm471xo43f20hmQs91i8HEX3lNAxBCztIJ1C9EHXGaadNIjiGj46EJtm_oBWWytbeEjeBg3ZL5c3JY66M5l07ygxH2PkkAQIzwc5q1dITJNeFmXZsQ/s640/taxidermy.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">...together with the spooky art of taxidermy</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The trail had come to an end for the meantime but...</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">quote: <a href="http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/quotes/r/robertfros101059.html">http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/quotes/r/robertfros101059.html</a></td></tr>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04629929793333308761noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1094260502471833747.post-91287203057576699932012-12-29T15:40:00.000+02:002012-12-29T15:40:08.963+02:00Active participant traveller<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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"...completely in contact with the environment..."</h2>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9Goiy8O9cdDbwtGaimAcU1Cb_goEA2A8GY_Id8uk4LzoyMUBYrMUDdGn-DLCBmH8DeR4sPhP7OMgiLbXDOmBq7mu9PccKknYnILmt-4U2jjT5SHPQhAgdfP4-F6JdgPu50wvX5PCk__I/s1600/explore+discover.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="450" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9Goiy8O9cdDbwtGaimAcU1Cb_goEA2A8GY_Id8uk4LzoyMUBYrMUDdGn-DLCBmH8DeR4sPhP7OMgiLbXDOmBq7mu9PccKknYnILmt-4U2jjT5SHPQhAgdfP4-F6JdgPu50wvX5PCk__I/s640/explore+discover.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Our next meandering on Mother's day, May 2009, ended up in Bronkhorspruit the little town which boasts the biggest Buddhist temple in South Africa. Named the <a href="http://en.nanhuatemple.org/">Nan Hua Temple</a>, it is part of the Fo Guang Shan Humanistic Buddhist order.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrIoklWyTk43Sl_Ow0kR7wHNQyl0GFKVNc3wgvIoihTAohT3wk5Py8hpBfPNaCc5wJoiber9RO8bLVXn013FGUepkpaDiwZ5yJ6q_9_dUPSamzc8FgD6U9S1qtPjkXJ0zReG9aZwCoths/s1600/cover+page.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="450" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrIoklWyTk43Sl_Ow0kR7wHNQyl0GFKVNc3wgvIoihTAohT3wk5Py8hpBfPNaCc5wJoiber9RO8bLVXn013FGUepkpaDiwZ5yJ6q_9_dUPSamzc8FgD6U9S1qtPjkXJ0zReG9aZwCoths/s640/cover+page.JPG" width="640" /></a><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/AaWI-UcTUZY?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
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"An uploaded video someone took of the temple"</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPNb019lvEQkJqP4uNfUq6inb42NSagbF1BY1JTWqSwFjC6_Tn22cJNsrpR9zaTsJx2-qOZHZBEeUKycTUcwartuKwrQX6QNO4ONMzRyCzAhwknkZfRWs9jB0A2hovSv0lagsAVmnToBc/s1600/Lorelle+in+front+of+the+temple+with+date.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="452" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPNb019lvEQkJqP4uNfUq6inb42NSagbF1BY1JTWqSwFjC6_Tn22cJNsrpR9zaTsJx2-qOZHZBEeUKycTUcwartuKwrQX6QNO4ONMzRyCzAhwknkZfRWs9jB0A2hovSv0lagsAVmnToBc/s640/Lorelle+in+front+of+the+temple+with+date.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Our first bike, Kawasaki KLR 650 took us to many interesting places. Entering into this place known for promoting enlightenment felt like you were placing yourself slap bang into a scene from a martial arts movie.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2bglF8-t52h-SLDq6y1Z19jiz3ZV3MvZyYkFqROV8DPyx-06BEz0Eirl5vPDF2EoYD8-XlXQBqaSO7buHpCW9dqj9WDvTc4MwZiVM3Dcd1-uyTFpNtRuL7ExII9QxJh0cWitoWrCuED0/s1600/John+posing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="450" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2bglF8-t52h-SLDq6y1Z19jiz3ZV3MvZyYkFqROV8DPyx-06BEz0Eirl5vPDF2EoYD8-XlXQBqaSO7buHpCW9dqj9WDvTc4MwZiVM3Dcd1-uyTFpNtRuL7ExII9QxJh0cWitoWrCuED0/s640/John+posing.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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It's amazing to think this small farming town on the border of Gauteng and Mpumalanga <a href="https://maps.google.co.za/maps?hl=en&tab=wl">Map view</a>, houses the largest <a href="http://www.gauteng.net/attractions/entry/nan_hua_buddhist_temple_bronkorspruit/">temple</a> in Africa.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRzOqRtSYTD8arz95XhwzEgUoJgsQudEI84ql1hxTU5I6GZsbfwLp3WYW758Xn1RpsQKZv5RPUVxU3WbHtOIjcxuoh1wEMpynxJ5qqCBHOuGqfdFu61n3UhmLGl8jJ81yUBM1fynP9tLY/s1600/outside+building+and+statues.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="450" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRzOqRtSYTD8arz95XhwzEgUoJgsQudEI84ql1hxTU5I6GZsbfwLp3WYW758Xn1RpsQKZv5RPUVxU3WbHtOIjcxuoh1wEMpynxJ5qqCBHOuGqfdFu61n3UhmLGl8jJ81yUBM1fynP9tLY/s640/outside+building+and+statues.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #2b2c2e; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, 'Liberation Sans', FreeSans, sans-serif; line-height: 19px;">A visit to the temple is an interesting aesthetic treat. The large scale of the front gates, the buildings and the steps to the <a href="http://www.gauteng.net/attractions/entry/nan_hua_buddhist_temple_bronkorspruit/">temple</a> are impressive.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrojdKgGJkoyGfJSeBnRvX0nZOCOu833A5zOSrv5pz23yb78G1VZ0gYK81M90xBn0W-Bvca667yi-r_w12IkVPxMuJh3iVgUn_xAzkyuCa8ASmc0H07AhAzXm3E8FWk6u9G1CHCnby5hc/s1600/outside+in+auditorium.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="450" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrojdKgGJkoyGfJSeBnRvX0nZOCOu833A5zOSrv5pz23yb78G1VZ0gYK81M90xBn0W-Bvca667yi-r_w12IkVPxMuJh3iVgUn_xAzkyuCa8ASmc0H07AhAzXm3E8FWk6u9G1CHCnby5hc/s640/outside+in+auditorium.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #2b2c2e; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, Liberation Sans, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 19px;">It was here in the huge auditorium that I felt like I could transport my imagination to a scene of a whole lot of martial artists practising their art form</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #2b2c2e; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, Liberation Sans, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 19px;">.............................something like this: taken from <a href="http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2011/may/24/kung-fu-under-attack">website with picture of martial artists</a></span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmq20PzfIMCBsV766sMHasNZhQ04EpzOFozSadTv_eHFhKZ17_fySNFuoLRo6IKLCvPZQVK7Y6KGQEJ7uGEabP_wGbsB58gynXgXIZktM0qaYnTDCSrqNBqxWkFmOR1rsO1NZdgSdUmJ0/s1600/martial-arts-training-at--007.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="191" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmq20PzfIMCBsV766sMHasNZhQ04EpzOFozSadTv_eHFhKZ17_fySNFuoLRo6IKLCvPZQVK7Y6KGQEJ7uGEabP_wGbsB58gynXgXIZktM0qaYnTDCSrqNBqxWkFmOR1rsO1NZdgSdUmJ0/s320/martial-arts-training-at--007.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbDaDEw5gWCC5cp9BNzIXun79jJLhxkKVNbzEllcqJbBQQQHv_zKlzWlChjV2BjDE8ITkjYs35_RgHw3A_Jnc09V7qBr-E-tWxUn_eyhvc1UYi1Ykqvtt4owI7U1UX5RBZgBZlZJFc7_g/s1600/in+the+temple.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="450" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbDaDEw5gWCC5cp9BNzIXun79jJLhxkKVNbzEllcqJbBQQQHv_zKlzWlChjV2BjDE8ITkjYs35_RgHw3A_Jnc09V7qBr-E-tWxUn_eyhvc1UYi1Ykqvtt4owI7U1UX5RBZgBZlZJFc7_g/s640/in+the+temple.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #2b2c2e; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, Liberation Sans, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 19px;">Prior to entering the shrine we had to remove our shoes</span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7R5WZEuvk9djNFlP_V8UmdhaoOJ_GLIelzUs3kGJzZmJYYI_262iuSI-aYJR_fCxQ9vwFL27cjakDusXekptjkBMh2rZ3np7eGwQ5nrXhNiHwlLhzIe4FsOeJLfRLtUsHLOxQLhtvpiI/s1600/senzani+village.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="450" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7R5WZEuvk9djNFlP_V8UmdhaoOJ_GLIelzUs3kGJzZmJYYI_262iuSI-aYJR_fCxQ9vwFL27cjakDusXekptjkBMh2rZ3np7eGwQ5nrXhNiHwlLhzIe4FsOeJLfRLtUsHLOxQLhtvpiI/s640/senzani+village.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Before heading back home, we stopped at <a href="http://www.sizanani.org/?page_id=8">Sizanani Village</a>, a place embodying Catholic values for people with intellectual and physical disabilities. I particularly love the <a href="http://www.african-art-and-crafts.com/african-art.html">Ndebele African art patterns</a> and wanted to get a photo. The mother and child statue depict the care that this place provides and the three crosses typify the religious stand point.</div>
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In the spirit above it makes sense to end this blog with two thoughts:</div>
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<b>Zen Quotes by Lao Tzu</b><br />The journey of a thousand miles must begin with a single step<br /> and<br /> <b> Judges 18:6</b><br /> The priest answered them, "Go in peace. Your journey has the Lord's approval"</blockquote>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04629929793333308761noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1094260502471833747.post-41525604451492881242012-12-16T20:55:00.000+02:002012-12-16T20:55:44.605+02:00A place of rest<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-LWP7yLEodGapKl9Pbg2KkpnAUVs8tjf_PICxYSnzH48snZ3SQshekLlOkuAuSl6BuzKWvZo92F7pfAp_Yx9rdgCtI4Cqv0lBpzCp2XfrWFJpUP1wuQOsLk_uriRO3k6xrtnMdcIEHqI/s1600/weesgerus+tranquility.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-LWP7yLEodGapKl9Pbg2KkpnAUVs8tjf_PICxYSnzH48snZ3SQshekLlOkuAuSl6BuzKWvZo92F7pfAp_Yx9rdgCtI4Cqv0lBpzCp2XfrWFJpUP1wuQOsLk_uriRO3k6xrtnMdcIEHqI/s640/weesgerus+tranquility.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">A place we love to ride to is called "Weesgerus" an Afrikaans word meaning "Rest" </span><span style="font-size: large;">It is found in the Limpopo province of South Africa </span><span style="font-size: large;">in the Bushveld (</span><a href="http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bushveld" style="font-size: x-large;">http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bushveld</a><span style="font-size: large;">)</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXZQbu7xpTR8v3yglLQjnQvM2ieOS_ZVFSk9IYAFtnPzFWgGRq8OvVjUtGKmOBfS216yWKtV-IuJqkxWbmn29iVJcstBQ9GxBwoidjxZqwKunjreaAZsZfGtC_xQj88wmsKV2FnkIwa9w/s1600/weesgerus+wild+animals.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="450" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXZQbu7xpTR8v3yglLQjnQvM2ieOS_ZVFSk9IYAFtnPzFWgGRq8OvVjUtGKmOBfS216yWKtV-IuJqkxWbmn29iVJcstBQ9GxBwoidjxZqwKunjreaAZsZfGtC_xQj88wmsKV2FnkIwa9w/s640/weesgerus+wild+animals.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">"All creatures great and small"</span></b><br /><span style="font-size: large;">I find tranquility for my soul best when I am surrounded by nature and that is exactly what this place provides! The sights, smells and sounds of the bush rejuvenate. <br /></span></td></tr>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-h4X_T1lkPdY/SfYTy6u24RI/AAAAAAAAFSU/FUoa3N_TIvg/s1600/Nylstroom+overnight+stay.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="450" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-h4X_T1lkPdY/SfYTy6u24RI/AAAAAAAAFSU/FUoa3N_TIvg/s640/Nylstroom+overnight+stay.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">On the kawasaki klr 650...</span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uTBdGvP6vMA/S2yFZCA4VgI/AAAAAAAAIN0/5bWhGQLX3A8/s1600/Weesgerus+on+tiger+Jan+2010.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="384" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uTBdGvP6vMA/S2yFZCA4VgI/AAAAAAAAIN0/5bWhGQLX3A8/s640/Weesgerus+on+tiger+Jan+2010.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">...and another time on the Triumph Tiger 1050</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">All South Africans love their braai's (barbecue), I love watching the flames and the different colors almost mesmerizing!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnSeqYFfuOGo6q32Yjgr1lgYqVitmdmqLbaOThpxww9dL9n7kCXCh6lq1vjZQn7TLdNQ2-2kM72PYGiq-jENSLxgnNv05qxkYeRo8t8Fo7zsvzzHUFnHkD1H09ksaAX-rJJWqapwKaaNE/s1600/braai+fire.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="450" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnSeqYFfuOGo6q32Yjgr1lgYqVitmdmqLbaOThpxww9dL9n7kCXCh6lq1vjZQn7TLdNQ2-2kM72PYGiq-jENSLxgnNv05qxkYeRo8t8Fo7zsvzzHUFnHkD1H09ksaAX-rJJWqapwKaaNE/s640/braai+fire.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span class=" yt-uix-expander-head" dir="ltr" style="-webkit-user-select: auto; border: 0px; cursor: auto; font-size: 19.09090805053711px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" title="South African Braai Etiquette">South African Braai Etiquette - a funny :- D</span></h1>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjABke_bJna_JIr7TpGQRMGxX9t_qv_F_mA1J4_Y06GeqwZjFyWurU2YDDtYfURDis5SIHBKriHBGMq0omfemSkztA-kHjOFk_prJ6gfO7KB7gBSePjzScM0bUK0JCvWOKHJ0GLdfTAhYs/s1600/Weesgerus+pools.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="450" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjABke_bJna_JIr7TpGQRMGxX9t_qv_F_mA1J4_Y06GeqwZjFyWurU2YDDtYfURDis5SIHBKriHBGMq0omfemSkztA-kHjOFk_prJ6gfO7KB7gBSePjzScM0bUK0JCvWOKHJ0GLdfTAhYs/s640/Weesgerus+pools.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span class=" yt-uix-expander-head" dir="ltr" style="-webkit-user-select: auto; border: 0px; cursor: auto; font-size: 19.09090805053711px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" title="South African Braai Etiquette"><br /></span></div>
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<span class=" yt-uix-expander-head" dir="ltr" style="-webkit-user-select: auto; border: 0px; cursor: auto; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" title="South African Braai Etiquette"><span style="font-size: large;">Another stimuli of tranquility for me is found in water and Weesgerus has just that, hot mineral pools both indoor and outdoor, a cold pool and super tube slide.</span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc36C7WmT4HHYSM2oJdUkHvQOABgYfEMiNK0-55GbjNG7CbXTJMiKZg9lMfymQiqppeX33vIuDXb5rWpYVaJ1_-xk4-zP2kVni1NazrcOX0Zd4v_aKF1rLFX-JRjwh0PSduAkm2PUd1V8/s1600/weesgerus+dam.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="450" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc36C7WmT4HHYSM2oJdUkHvQOABgYfEMiNK0-55GbjNG7CbXTJMiKZg9lMfymQiqppeX33vIuDXb5rWpYVaJ1_-xk4-zP2kVni1NazrcOX0Zd4v_aKF1rLFX-JRjwh0PSduAkm2PUd1V8/s640/weesgerus+dam.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span class=" yt-uix-expander-head" dir="ltr" style="-webkit-user-select: auto; border: 0px; cursor: auto; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" title="South African Braai Etiquette"><span style="font-size: large;">...and a restaurant overlooking a dam is another place of calm</span></span></div>
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<span class=" yt-uix-expander-head" dir="ltr" style="-webkit-user-select: auto; border: 0px; cursor: auto; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" title="South African Braai Etiquette"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span class=" yt-uix-expander-head" dir="ltr" style="-webkit-user-select: auto; border: 0px; cursor: auto; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" title="South African Braai Etiquette"><span style="font-size: large;">So after a stay and a ride back on the bike, life is all that much brighter </span></span><span class=" yt-uix-expander-head" dir="ltr" style="-webkit-user-select: auto; border: 0px; cursor: auto; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" title="South African Braai Etiquette"><span style="font-size: large;">and the poem rings so true! </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Calligraph421 BT'; font-size: 20pt;">Serenity flows through the natural
world</span><span style="font-family: 'Calligraph421 BT'; font-size: 20pt;">Listen and you can hear</span><span style="font-family: 'Calligraph421 BT'; font-size: 20pt;">The beating of your own heart</span><span style="font-family: 'Calligraph421 BT'; font-size: 20pt;">And the deepening of your breath</span><span style="font-family: 'Calligraph421 BT'; font-size: 20pt;">In rhythm and connection</span><span style="font-family: 'Calligraph421 BT'; font-size: 20pt;">With the powerful tranquillity of
creation</span><span style="font-family: 'Calligraph421 BT'; font-size: 20pt;">That becomes fully alive in you</span><span style="font-family: 'Calligraph421 BT'; font-size: 20pt;">As you return to the roots of your
being</span><span style="font-family: 'Calligraph421 BT'; font-size: 20pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: 'Calligraph421 BT'; font-size: 20pt;"> ---Bella </span><span style="font-family: 'Calligraph421 BT'; font-size: 20pt;">Bleue</span><span style="font-family: 'Calligraph421 BT'; font-size: 20pt;">
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04629929793333308761noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1094260502471833747.post-48027926382610514822012-12-08T17:37:00.000+02:002012-12-08T17:37:04.064+02:00Vaal river meander<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/author/quotes/56782.Loren_Eiseley">If there is magic on the planet, it is contained in water. Loren Eisley </a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">There is something about the presence of water to calm one's soul, that is exactly what the sound of moving water does for me...so what better place to ride to than the river close by - The Vaal river, in the Free State, South Africa</span></div>
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<b><u><span style="font-size: large;">4 April 2009</span></u></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">We visited <a href="http://www.stonehaven.co.za/">www.stonehaven.co.za</a> , a popular breakfast run for bikers</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikfq4UQxrH8KGqRAF7iFEgjrEn-zOV3losv-bLcVd18V4reMgsPgAJ0edt85a8DGhPfz9LQVdhap2xpTFNKoKB1LbURPLGlfqRyr6K5SrIXVrSlLQoLFJYuvpF2mzx29hmo1JJZYEBsFI/s1600/stonehaven+collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="450" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikfq4UQxrH8KGqRAF7iFEgjrEn-zOV3losv-bLcVd18V4reMgsPgAJ0edt85a8DGhPfz9LQVdhap2xpTFNKoKB1LbURPLGlfqRyr6K5SrIXVrSlLQoLFJYuvpF2mzx29hmo1JJZYEBsFI/s640/stonehaven+collage.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The "Wholesome and Hearty English Farmhouse Breakfast" was most welcome...</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkwEOYoCtAHhHID_eW1nXaY_Vqwu-8GARr-tBjVIP_imXUbBcWvcMfiDYJyTjdkPgLRl5mEF5MfkUlVhc6d9izKzr_40COombZf1SAwMmVhWwQinzwyS7STsUC2p7HgdbPUCARCsHGnwo/s1600/menu.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkwEOYoCtAHhHID_eW1nXaY_Vqwu-8GARr-tBjVIP_imXUbBcWvcMfiDYJyTjdkPgLRl5mEF5MfkUlVhc6d9izKzr_40COombZf1SAwMmVhWwQinzwyS7STsUC2p7HgdbPUCARCsHGnwo/s640/menu.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">...together with the warm cappuccinos, as the ride had been on the chilly side!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrwRXt-tRg1lkKksI55pPwR1mzmsJYWBflICKz0BeJfL5BZRLSHDSwgI435PHNII12PGYTpbZS8wUUn3_SEzO5i-1l5dG9T1k658A0z0bs-NP0vy0DJj5JnAhHAp8EAf-uDKAGuaqJaLg/s1600/IMG_3188.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrwRXt-tRg1lkKksI55pPwR1mzmsJYWBflICKz0BeJfL5BZRLSHDSwgI435PHNII12PGYTpbZS8wUUn3_SEzO5i-1l5dG9T1k658A0z0bs-NP0vy0DJj5JnAhHAp8EAf-uDKAGuaqJaLg/s640/IMG_3188.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtBjUJBJwQCRPfkLz_48_crcYXaqCnbbFOB_A6tZ9bLwDIUOzFOVsP_KW7ElsEaXNkVCNbJp0Ts3rLbDS9anchjnlVBCqvfhPgd-JEpSWgf3vEq4fNBo5AUNWG5Ctz0P-uKqdijB65qPU/s1600/IMG_3191.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtBjUJBJwQCRPfkLz_48_crcYXaqCnbbFOB_A6tZ9bLwDIUOzFOVsP_KW7ElsEaXNkVCNbJp0Ts3rLbDS9anchjnlVBCqvfhPgd-JEpSWgf3vEq4fNBo5AUNWG5Ctz0P-uKqdijB65qPU/s640/IMG_3191.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, sans-serif; text-align: start;"><span style="font-size: large;">The view from the restaurant where we had breakfast at Stonehaven</span></span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gM48IFLPfyI/Sddrm-wC_8I/AAAAAAAAFGg/0TmMal31c90/s1600/IMG_3182.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gM48IFLPfyI/Sddrm-wC_8I/AAAAAAAAFGg/0TmMal31c90/s640/IMG_3182.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">The restaurant as viewed from the waters edge</span></span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XajlFpwQiOA/SddryCW01MI/AAAAAAAAFHQ/GtGvfClVWEk/s1600/IMG_3196.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XajlFpwQiOA/SddryCW01MI/AAAAAAAAFHQ/GtGvfClVWEk/s640/IMG_3196.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">A chapel and wedding reception area</span></span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-su4feKwfrWY/Sddr1EVOgeI/AAAAAAAAFHY/_kJDLKCYkjw/s1600/IMG_3202.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-su4feKwfrWY/Sddr1EVOgeI/AAAAAAAAFHY/_kJDLKCYkjw/s640/IMG_3202.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Vaal Boat River Cruises</span> </div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nB92ViLhC68/Sddr5MdxbwI/AAAAAAAAFHo/4epFbPRRYVU/s1600/IMG_3214.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nB92ViLhC68/Sddr5MdxbwI/AAAAAAAAFHo/4epFbPRRYVU/s640/IMG_3214.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">...an excited passenger!</span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MwBT_DvbNLw/Sddr9xiEsQI/AAAAAAAAFH4/u7VrY5X8p8Q/s1600/IMG_3218.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MwBT_DvbNLw/Sddr9xiEsQI/AAAAAAAAFH4/u7VrY5X8p8Q/s640/IMG_3218.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">We drove a little distance away, on a rugged,stony,sand road which the klr handled with ease to get a closer view of the river rapids</span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-r8VY3b8kEmw/SddsMI0lfCI/AAAAAAAAFIk/gH7xB8khzms/s1600/IMG_3254.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-r8VY3b8kEmw/SddsMI0lfCI/AAAAAAAAFIk/gH7xB8khzms/s640/IMG_3254.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Some fly fishermen were fishing for yellow fish...</span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jXBXXKLNGDc/SddsPRGHOzI/AAAAAAAAFIs/qGB87JlvN68/s1600/IMG_3260.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jXBXXKLNGDc/SddsPRGHOzI/AAAAAAAAFIs/qGB87JlvN68/s640/IMG_3260.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">...a closer look</span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wdbq3BDnNeM/SddsR8YMKWI/AAAAAAAAFI0/GP3m9r3yGsQ/s1600/IMG_3261.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wdbq3BDnNeM/SddsR8YMKWI/AAAAAAAAFI0/GP3m9r3yGsQ/s640/IMG_3261.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">...another onlooker</span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8v321B2OsVo/SddsV7ARdZI/AAAAAAAAFI8/JOpAApe6DVM/s1600/IMG_3264.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8v321B2OsVo/SddsV7ARdZI/AAAAAAAAFI8/JOpAApe6DVM/s640/IMG_3264.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">the lunchbox came in handy</span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oNvBmcVh5RY/SddsYnGH-GI/AAAAAAAAFJE/C7LGxn83fJc/s1600/IMG_3268.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oNvBmcVh5RY/SddsYnGH-GI/AAAAAAAAFJE/C7LGxn83fJc/s640/IMG_3268.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">and so ended our ride for the day but it wasn't the end to our visit to the Vaal river </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">...but that is another page in my diary</span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04629929793333308761noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1094260502471833747.post-58049934711110645622012-12-02T12:34:00.001+02:002012-12-02T12:34:52.467+02:00The quaint little town of CullinanThe sleepy little mining town of Cullinan has become one of our favorite breakfast runs and we have visited the place many times. You feel as if you are going back in time. The town is made famous with the discovery of the Cullinan diamond in 1905. The 3106 carat diamond was so large it had to be cut into nine major pieces and 96 smaller brilliant cut diamonds. (see more on the following website <a href="http://www.cullinancut.co.za/about-us.html">http://www.cullinancut.co.za/about-us.html</a>)<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLXjx-7pxFBFVqHP9fzt0HEBdBcYrKLjo5NvIxOFBkac9lh3NXX4KtHChFl4yQtyoLt03JbYJnffMqRHkKtNLGrFAmFSi3oRxMEQXwfbodA2X5NqvnEVM3xIo4RSGWbb5pfqPoyDG2qTo/s1600/google+map+image.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="372" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLXjx-7pxFBFVqHP9fzt0HEBdBcYrKLjo5NvIxOFBkac9lh3NXX4KtHChFl4yQtyoLt03JbYJnffMqRHkKtNLGrFAmFSi3oRxMEQXwfbodA2X5NqvnEVM3xIo4RSGWbb5pfqPoyDG2qTo/s640/google+map+image.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">google map of the town of Cullinan with the mine<br /><br /></td></tr>
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Our very first breakfast stop was at Sir Thomas restaurant named after the mining magnate who discovered the Cullinan diamond.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLy-NYdemuT1QJSwmBGonMUSFTeF_0qCaFm1AXup4IZMQQN6ygl5fK_rrapXwI7nv4uOiPiVvK1pahvm7xtaimOY0WZRYpSwgrbD89V97SdR-odmy971w-3ocwP7ZHPbpVuJzCZhoL2qk/s1600/collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="450" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLy-NYdemuT1QJSwmBGonMUSFTeF_0qCaFm1AXup4IZMQQN6ygl5fK_rrapXwI7nv4uOiPiVvK1pahvm7xtaimOY0WZRYpSwgrbD89V97SdR-odmy971w-3ocwP7ZHPbpVuJzCZhoL2qk/s640/collage.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Curious to see where this diamond mine was we followed a small sand road,<br />
I was nervous as this was the first time the bike had been off-road and it brought back memories of when I had been dating John. He and his buddies (friends) favorite weekend jol (South African term for having a good time) was to ride off road in the old mine dumps...<br />
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We also visited the museum in the main street.<br />
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We have been back time and time again to visit this little town, Sundays is a particular favorite breakfast run and the town comes alive with both tourists,locals and bikers alike.<br />
The following photo's tell the story...<br />
as they say a picture paints a thousand words...<br />
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Our next bike we owned and are currently riding is a Triumph tiger 1050, the ride is a lot more comfortable with its gel seat. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGx6wb1PNUOB1trNTWqDhKhFHxwZRefnEPjI2iYS14GS0kmfYUV4NA-kS59PY_zYM70u84xC83UJSDY0gD0-2IeaK3nYra-lK27C8Te_esLy1ouOeqDby_56U15BrWiEEquEf4CXGOzx4/s1600/Cullinan+on+tiger+collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="510" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGx6wb1PNUOB1trNTWqDhKhFHxwZRefnEPjI2iYS14GS0kmfYUV4NA-kS59PY_zYM70u84xC83UJSDY0gD0-2IeaK3nYra-lK27C8Te_esLy1ouOeqDby_56U15BrWiEEquEf4CXGOzx4/s640/Cullinan+on+tiger+collage.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Whispering Oaks tea garden, Cullinan<br /><br /></td></tr>
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My parents stayed one weekend at one of the bed and breakfast accommodation spots in the town and we visited them on the bike. <a href="http://www.cullinaninn.co.za/">http://www.cullinaninn.co.za/</a><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cullinan Inn<br /></td></tr>
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Harries Pancake restaurant is a popular stop for bikers and they are dotted all over South Africa, Cullinan boasts its own too. <a href="http://www.harriespancakes.com/index.htm">http://www.harriespancakes.com/index.htm</a><br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04629929793333308761noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1094260502471833747.post-55854705018964429912012-12-01T04:00:00.000+02:002012-12-02T08:21:28.339+02:00"There's no looking back"My first blog:<br />
The diary of my biking rides...<br />
From being someone who wasn't interested in bikes I am now converted and have joined the ranks of biker chick. <br />
After four years of riding pillion I am sold! There is no going back! There is nothing nicer than the open road, the smells both good and bad and the exhilarating feelings of content when you walk back in the door after a ride. I have become an "All Weather Biker", having ridden through all kinds of harsh elements including riding all the way back from the coast in the pouring rain! We have visited many interesting places, there is so much to see and explore and the experience is SO much nicer on the back of the bike. I am quite happy to remain pillion, have enormous faith in the expertise and safe riding of my partner,Johnny!<br />
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This was our very first bike...the Kawasaki KLR 650 and this was my very first ride. I was very apprehensive on that first journey, feeling very vulnerable and afraid that perhaps we would have an accident along the way. People warn you that riding a bike isn't safe but then driving a car isn't either! <br />
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My very first long ride was to the Vaal dam...<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Vaal dam bridge on the way to Dennysville, Northern Free State, South Africa</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">23 March 2009<br />
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After the hour long journey and not being "bike fit" I got all sorts of aches and pains, and on the way back asked John to pull over on the side of the road so I could rest. However despite that minor discomfort, nothing could take away the exhilarating freedom the ride brought! Over time I have also learnt to accept that after I take my helmet off I am not going to always look my best but that is just one of those things which can also be hidden under a hat.<br />
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...and so ends my first blog!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04629929793333308761noreply@blogger.com2