For the identification of insects and other fauna and flora of South Africa.

Saturday, August 21, 2010

Gaelyns visit - Part 1

I think it is about time I completed the photographs I took during Gaelyn's visit to SA. Here is the gypsy herself (on the right) sitting at the overlook to God's Window.
God's Window offers magnificent views across the Blyde River Canyon and the Lowveld. Walk along the paths to the fissure in the mountain side, which opens up onto an awesome vista. The rocky escarpment is spread out before you, 1 000 m below disappearing through the distant haze into Mozambique. The Kruger National Park and the mountains to the west can be seen in the distance on a clear day.
This tiny musroom was growing sideways out of one of the moss covered steps.
A wild flower taken at the Dinosaur Park.
The moss was starting to seed and I managed to get a nice shot of it. This whole clump is only about 1/2 and inch in diameter.
On the rocks where it grows, there were black tracks of some which had died off and it made a pretty pattern.

24 comments:

Diane said...

You must have had a wonderful time together. Great photos. Diane

Unknown said...

The top shot is fantastic, it looks like a painting. Great portrait! The black tracks of the moss look like something we can find underwater on the coral reef. Really cool!

Jo said...

I've never seen moss flowering so this is a neat picture for me. And also the tracks of the moss that's died off. Stunning photos, Joan. (((Hugs))) Jo PS thanks for your kind comment on our grandchildren.

Gaelyn said...

I had such an awesome time on this adventure with you. Sure wish I could afford to return this year. Guess I'm a little behind on posting this trip also.

SAPhotographs (Joan) said...

It was a great trip Diane. I loved having her here and being able to show her around.

SAPhotographs (Joan) said...

Thanks Jose. I would think it is a fascinating world down there. Not many people post pictures of our underwater world.

SAPhotographs (Joan) said...

Thanks Jo. You are welcome. :)

SAPhotographs (Joan) said...

It was wonderful having you Gaelyn and I look forward to having you here again maybe with Mike too. :)

Rambling Woods said...

That really is God's window..what fun you two had....Michelle

Craig Glenn said...

Awesome adventure. Can't wait to see the rest!

troutbirder said...

What a magnificent vista. Wonderful.

Glen Webber (Wildlife Photography) said...

The mushroom looks like it would be an awesome subject.

SAPhotographs (Joan) said...

It was a fantastic trip Michelle. Gaelyn is an excellent peson to take on something like this as she was so interested in everything and a wonderful person too.

SAPhotographs (Joan) said...

I think I have posted the most exciting ones already Craig, these are sort of the left-overs. :) It was a great trip and you need to come over now too. :)

SAPhotographs (Joan) said...

Thanks TB. That is spectacular country with many waterfalls and beautiful vistas.

SAPhotographs (Joan) said...

Lovely to hear from you again Glen. We do not have any exciting species of mushrooms here. All are dull brown or white.

Philip said...

Looks like a beautiful place Joan carnt wait to go in September on your last picture do you think these marks will turn into fossils ?

SAPhotographs (Joan) said...

You are going to love it there Philip.

No, they will eventually dry and fall off altogether helped by the wind.

Becky said...

Love all the interesting shots from SA Joan. You have a beautiful country.
B.

SAPhotographs (Joan) said...

We do Becky. Thank you. In many ways it is an amazing place to live in.

Firefly the Travel Guy said...

It does sound from both your and Gaylen's accounts that the time the two of you spent together was fantastic. I wish I had the time to spend some time with her down the Garden Route. Perhaps next time. I've never taken a pic of moss seeding. I really need to keep my eyes open.

SAPhotographs (Joan) said...

It was a really great trip Jonker. Next time we plan to meet up with you somehow and have that lunch we spoke about.

sandy said...

How fun, I would love to be there and do that....and love that rock pattern...

SAPhotographs (Joan) said...

Come over Sandy and I will take you there too. :)