December 8-11, Nelspruit

So we are into our second week at 'Old Vic's.' I think I mentioned that we simply needed some down time to plan the rest of our time but also to rest, read, reflect. Old Vic can hold quite a high number of people whether in double rooms or dorm rooms, but we are in a little wood cabin at the back by the pool surrounded by green so we don't see people if we don't want to. We are usually in bed early and wake up early, the sun rises at 4:30 and so do all the birds that live in a large extended aviary right next to us. Dave and Bella run this place with Dave doing tours into Kruger Park and surrounding areas while they both raise their three kids. They are both gracious hosts. Dave is always on the move, suggesting places to go see. Last week he came bounding over telling us to look up in the sky. There was a crescent moon with Venus and Jupiter on either side. I guess this is a relatively rare occurrence – next time it happens is five years from now. (We posted the picture but you have to click on it to see both planets.) On Sunday, Theo, Bella's 17 year old son showed us the birds and his growing snake collection. Already he is a savvy herpetologist. He's previously caught a Black Mamba (SA's most deadly snake.) He was able to quickly name a large pink crab like spider that chased me while we were camping at Sodwana Bay – not a true spider, not a true scorpion - he rattled off the scientific name. On Friday, Dave asked if we wanted to go on an already scheduled day tour with him as he was taking guests so we readily agreed. You will see some amazing photo's (well the scenery is amazing, the photos might not be) of several areas we visited including the Blyde River canyon (third largest in the world after the Grand Canyon and the Fish River Canyon in Namibia), Bourkes Potholes (named after a lucky miner. - this was quite the gold mining area at one point.) God's Window, the Three Rondavels and several towns and waterfalls.

We have also managed to spend considerable time at ACS Computers where we have used their internet. We had found them before we went to Kruger Park and have returned almost every day as their internet rates are cheaper than at Old Vic and we have spent upwards of three hours at a time on the internet. Michiel the owner had initially suggested another beach place for us to stay. Anyway, since we have become frequent customers they have greeted us every day with open arms – now even bringing us cold drinks if we are their in the afternoon and coffee in the morning! We have been able to ask them many questions and they have been so kind to us. Talk about seeing a stranger and offering a drink or something to eat. Ottilie, has been so gracious, she recommended a church to us which we went to on Sunday and Leonie has drawn us maps and referred us to a doctor for a story you will read about in the next post titled “The tale of three toes.” We are so grateful and again this has been a very tangible sign of God's continued care and grace for us.

Duncan








Bourke's Potholes
















Forest Falls