Then it was goodbyes and off with Billy and family to meet up with Stan and Pam (another branch) at Bela Bela (Warm Baths). More goodbyes as Billy and co. went home to Pretoria. We drove north, stopping for breakfast, and then turned east toward Polokwane (former Pietersburg). By now we were in Limpopo Province (the old Northern Transvaal). Remember the great grey green greasy Limpopo of Rudyard Kipling!!!! The drive was stunning as the thick bush gave way to more open land with aloes and mountains. After Polokwane, the secenery changed dramatically as we climbed into the high areas of Magoebaskloof. I was not prepared for the evergreens, mosses and ferns……so green. It looked like Scotland! Parts even reminded of Switzerland – many homes are built like chalets.The temperature dropped considerably. After 4 hours total, with the stop, we arrived in Tzaneen and then went on to Letsitele where Stan and Pam’s son lives with his family. Ian farms citrus and chickens. Their spacious house, which reminds me of the lodges at Mala Mala is thatched-roof African-style and sits on the banks of the Letaba River which flows into Kruger Park – not that far to the east. If you look at a map, you will see how far north we are.
Ian and Nikki have two lovely little girls who greeted me with presents. Other greeters: two cats and three dogs, one of which is a Jack Russell – very popular here. Nikki’s Mom has two…..the people next door in Thabazimbi had three. They are so affectionate. I’m in love with them.
Well, the local wildlife put on quite a show within minutes of my arrival. An enormous spider was dangling from the roof…Ian knocked it down into the grass…it immediately put itself into a defensive position by drawing its legs together so they looked like horns. Didn’t deter a huge blue wasp – they fought and the wasp won….took it off to its nest.
Next, the hippos came downstream…..and then a big croc swam upstream! Then a paradise flycatcher hunted in the closest tree. And the ahdidas (so-called for their call, but they are really ibis) screeched on their way upriver. Here it is again that word – magical!!!
Took a brief nap and a refreshing shower....outside! The two guest rooms downstairs have a raised area with sink and huge bathtub and then an outside shower enclosure through French doors.
Went off with Ian and the girls to see the farm and the computerized chicken sheds...and take a little drive around their dam where he often takes the girls fishing and they have a little brei.
Then it was time for drinks and a lovely dinner outside by candlelight. Early night - it had been a long day.
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