Bike & Bean at Durban's beachfront

About this time 3 years ago I last cycled along the beachfront with a friend who lent me his brother’s bike. This time I decided to do it on my own and hire a bicycle from Bike&Bean, this took place yesterday when the weather couldn’t be better; sun and stillness unlike today’s gusty wind. 

It cost R50 per hour and I left my driver’s license for a deposit. After a leisurely 17kms cycle – down just past uShaka Beach, back again to the end of Blue Lagoon and along the Umgeni River until I couldn’t ride any further along the promenade,  back again and a short visit to Moses Mabidha Stadium.

I couldn’t believe I’d cycled for 2 hours. Actually, my extra tender bottom (ouch) forced me to return the bike then, ordered a bean to cappuccino and drank it on the beach while watching the few surfers at eThekweni  Beach attempting to catch the mini waves.

I’d noticed that Circus Circus now offered tables and chairs on the beach sand; about time too! Another eatery caught my eye – if I wasn’t vegetarian I’d definitely try  Afro’s Chicken, see picture below.

So, if anyone hasn’t cycled along Durban’s beach front in years it’s definitely worth a visit now that the promenade down to the Umgeni River is complete and looking good. And I'd highly recommend Bike&Bean for both the service and their beans!

To view images click here: blog/bike-bean-at-durbans-beachfront

Chasing the sunset

I started through the sugar cane fields and then ended up on the beach, desiring to capture the red ball sink down behind the Mdloti River and I just missed it; too much delirious joy while ‘skiing’ through sand.

I’d never experienced that before – my Jimny (or any other vehicle I’ve driven or been driven in) sliding through soft sand and the enjoyment of trying to control it, which is of course impossible. However, I was alone so deeply mindful of getting stuck and only skirted along the edges of the recently ploughed cane fields.

What a sensation; worth missing the sunset for.

Indeed I’ll be back out there catching the setting sun soon! Perhaps even tomorrow after work.

View images here: blog/chasing-the-sunset

#ResistanceIsFutile - 4x4

Another warmest thank-you to both Suzuki Pinetown (“the best dealership in town”) and Travis from Shift Group < line-height: 21px;">for a spectacular 4x4 adventure at Nkonka Lodge this past Sunday, 27 July, 2014.

10x Jimnys, 3x Grand Vitaras, 1x Sx4 and the 1 x unmentionable – at least the chaps at Suzuki see it as a challenge to convert the so called “traitor” – all met at the Pinetown dealership for coffee and muffins first thing, and in convoy made our way to the farm. Almost every 10 minutes, just after taking the Richmond turnoff, I longed to stop and capture the beauty in panoramic form; however, I also couldn’t wait to venture off road and explore the unknown.

After about an hour’s drive, 20 minutes on gravel, beneath the perfect blue African sky, the sun heating up by the minute, we reached the extensive land surrounding Nkonka Lodge. Land that could not deliver more stunning vistas set in the virgin terrain of the Umkomaas Valley in KwaZulu-Natal, just outside Richmond, en route to Pietermaritzburg.

After a pit-stop to quench thirsts and absorb the stunning beauty near the river, we set off deeper in to the bushveld to, of course, put our vehicles to the test over rugged landscape – a sense of freedom that’s hard to beat. Yellow vegetation, so dry Travis advised to be careful when stopping with hot exhaust pipes acting like instant tinder. Can you imagine this place in the lush green of summer months?

Hours later, we reached the main lodge where we further enjoyed the scenery, while the boerewors was braaied, overlooking another section of the meandering river gushing over the black, glinting boulders.  

All-day of 4x4ing through bushveld, surrounded by wildlife (and not so wild cattle), heat and inspiring vistas and brilliant company equates to a simple question, “What more could I want?”

#OnlyInAfrica  

View images here: blog/resistanceisfutile-4x4

Early bird catches...

 ...a stunning sunrise at Umdloti. 

What a treat to enjoy breakfast with such a sight before the eyes.

View images here: nabphotography.co.za/blog/early-bird-catches

Umdloti and beyond

The Dolphin Coast explored, partly.

Up at 6:30am and out immediately – an essential spur of the moment. With camera and banana in hand, I start photographing the red sun rising at Umdloti, from above and then down from the beach.

Shaka’s Rock came next, I gasp the moment I spot the beach fringed by rocky cliffs. At 8:50am I first step on to the sand, the wintery sun warming my bones.

The turquoise blue waves roll, form barrels, clear and inviting before crashing upon the black rocks.

Luminous green seaweed wave in all directions when saturated by pristine white foam; red and purple stained rocks glint beneath the gilding sun.

I pass through Salt Rock and end up exploring Sheffield Beach, another first. Almost as stunning as Shaka’s Rock but with fewer people – three families scattered in different directions play in the rock pools, a man lying under a towel reading a book.

A mansion overlooking the golden beach sand, more golden in the sun's glow, with the perfect view of the Indian Ocean, soon to be transformed into a palace the way the dozen builders are hard at work.

I decide to head inland and explore Shakaskraal – a place I’d heard of but never set foot/wheel in. The first thing I notice are the tracks off road in to the cane fields. I resist. I don’t know how but I did. I thought it best not to explore foreign, remote land on one’s own. Instead I venture off the main road and discover an innovative photographic studio.

View all images here: http://goo.gl/H0SD2W

Panoramic Umdloti

A stunning way to end the working week.

Top of Umdloti; 360 degrees of beauty – beauty truly is in the heart of the beholder. Is not beauty magnanimous for those who desire it?

When nature calls, I must go; allow the beauty of nature to transform…

Click on image to view more.

nabphotography.co.za/blog

Jimny VS Fortuner

Right back in the saddle – or in my case, off-road, grinning, behind the wheel of my new Jimny – I thought the best thing to do is a challenge.

I put my Jimny up against my dad’s Fortuner (3.0 D-4D 4x4) at Killarney 4x4 http://goo.gl/30TVNt track this past Father’s Day.

Well, let me just say that my camera captured the scenery as expertly as ever.

The End.

Okay! Confession time.

Pops’ Fortuner beat my Jimny.

Impossible, I know. Dumbfounding, absolutely.

That’s it – do points really matter? No, a win is a win, as the die-hard Sharks’ rugby fans always mutter.

No, it has nothing to do with the driver. I tried every line possible and the wheels in the air caused the wheels in the dirt to churn out the sand – evil dust devils from every direction.

Eventually, with my head hanging slightly lower than before, I congratulated Pops!

After days of going through the motions and wondering what I could have done differently, we decided that due to not deflating my tyres caused my distress.

Challenge back on!

Watch this space – it will be taking place towards the end of this month at Nungwane River Falls near Amanzimtoti, KwaZulu-Natal, with the Suzuki Pinetown crew!

View images here: http://goo.gl/g40EkO

Suzuki Jimny: life saver!

I wouldn’t normally post a blog such as this; however, I want people to be aware of the danger associated with careless driving and speed, and of course I have to say thank you…

On Friday, 9th May, 2014, we left Gwahumbe after exploring the reserve in my Suzuki Jimny – taking it to its limits through the rivers and down the 4x4 only tracks. 

I didn’t think my Jimny could have impressed me more until an hour later when we reached the new bridge over the Warwick Triangle. 

As I was slowing down in the middle lane to join the stationary cars stopped at the red traffic light, I looked into my rear-view mirror and spotted a truck hurtling towards us at top speed from the left lane.  I tried to get out the way by moving in to the right lane where the truck hit the back of us and rammed the left side of my Jimny before it jumped in to the air twice before smashing into the barrier.

The truck skidded into 10 other vehicles.

If I was in my Kia Picanto only a month earlier I don’t think Peter, siting in the passenger seat, would have just had a few scratches or I’d have walked away with only a cracked rib, a burn and bruising.

The Jimny saved our lives!

It took a month for the insurance to pay out and I returned to Suzuki Pinetown for the excellent service and welcome I’d received the first time round, just over a month prior to the accident. Friday afternoon I drove out of the Pinetown dealership in my new, exactly the same (but with a few extras) Jimny. My grin couldn’t have been bigger. 

Thank you to Byron Faulds, the Dealer Principal, and the rest of the team at Suzuki Pinetown for sorting out my new car in less than a week, and I am forever grateful for everything else you have all done for me. 

I highly recommend Suzuki’s Jimny – it’s the best off road but it’s a lifesaver on road too! and it has to be bought from the Pinetown dealership. Oh and by the way, they organise the best 4x4 days (xfar). Another coming up in July and I will be the first in the queue; yes, again!

To view images: http://www.nabphotography.co.za/blog/suzuki-jimny-life-saver

Africa’s prize…

…to be kept secret.

Recently I read an article, a plea, to not reveal the name of game reserves that still have rhinos.

“Please be careful when sharing photos on social media. They can lead poachers to our rhino. Turn off geotag function and do not disclose where the photo was taken.”

This reserve, in the heart of Zululand, visited at the beginning of the month, is still fortunate enough to have many and all with their horns attached.

A couple of weeks go another private game reserve was a target; the target hit.

Before the second game drive ended we spotted the Big 5; the elusive one only just visible, resting in the tall, dry grass less than 10 meters from the topless vehicle.

I’ve experimented with black and white and feel they work, better than expected – I couldn’t have asked for better lighting especially for the landscapes.

Please click here to view images: http://www.nabphotography.co.za/blog/africas-prize

Gwahumbe Game Reserve

Less than an hour’s drive from Pinetown and you’ll find yourself in the most spectacular surroundings in KwaZulu-Natal.

Every turn, every bump on the 4x4 track at Gwahumbe Game Reserve is presented with a breath-taking vista; 2x4 wheel drive vehicles would also thrive, however, there is the option of being driven around by a ranger on a partly covered all-terrain vehicle/s belonging to the reserve.

After exploring – the cave, river crossings, views of the pea-green hippo pool from Thirsty’s Deck, water falling into a weir and an almost head-on collision with a male rhino standing guard to a herd of wildebeest and zebra – we could not resist dining at the main lodge’s restaurant overlooking gardens brimming with indigenous vegetation where we were showered with uncompromising hospitality and sensational and hearty food.

At the end, when paying our way at reception we almost insisted that they’d made a mistake when they’d taken off the entrance to the reserve from the total due to us enjoying a meal at the lodge.

A 4-star lodge that should boast 5-star for the scenery alone.

Please click here http://www.nabphotography.co.za/1/post/ to view more images. 

Tala Private Game Reserve

Tala Private Game Reserve, a stunning wildlife sanctuary, amidst green sugarcane fields, is only a 30 minute drive from the Marianhill Toll Plaza, Pinetown, KwaZulu-Natal.

This peaceful reserve is home to rhino, hippo, giraffe, kudu, zebra, wildebeest and the rare sable antelope.

The serenity, quietness – wildlife sounds  – is an instant dose of calmness; a temporary reprieve from everyday turbulence. 

To view more images, click below:

http://www.nabphotography.co.za/1/post/2014/04/tala-private-game-reserve.html

Let's get stuck!

Thank you to both Suzuki Pinetown and Travis Duggan from Shift Group for the well organised 4x4 training, or rather adventure, that took place at the Killarney track in Shongweni, a week after I purchased my first ever 4x4 vehicle. Impeccable timing!

Never-ending thrills beneath a sky as blue as the Indian Ocean streaked with wisps of cloud, a sun throbbing hotter by the hour and a breath or two of air in a valley surrounded by red earth and green lush shrubbery! What more could anyone want?

A bevy of Jimnys and Grand Vitaras were all eager to get their tyres caked in thick dirt and washed off at the river crossing both at the start and end of the semi-challenging route.

Did you say a river crossing? Driving my spanking new car through water with rocks and slime and… “Cars do not like water,” Travis informed the group, all glaring at him with expressions like a kinetic strap pulled tight. Was that supposed to make me feel better? “But the Jimnys can safely absorb water up to the Suzuki badge.” As the river appeared that it would only reach mid-rim I started breathing again and felt my heartbeat return to near normal. Let’s do it!

By the end of the training I'd taught my Jimny: how to handle hills, ruts, hills with ruts – zigzagging across the terrain when the ruts were too deep – 4WD and low range, preparation of the vehicle for different off-road conditions such as deflating of tyres and then immediately inflating before hitting any form of tar, chassis, axles – hearing it crank, thinking it’s about to fall off. “A rod or shaft that is spun to transfer rotational energy from one side of the axle to an object at the other side of the axle some distance away from the source.” What did you just try and tell me? Oh and if “stuck” (a well-used word on this course) on a hill then simply reverse back down, all feet off the pedals – stick the car in the lowest gear, which is reverse (how did I not know this?) and then allow the vehicle to do all the work, let the machine go. “Just go? On its own? Are you sure?” Hold back a scream now!

Knowledge truly is power, makes one feel powerful!

After the delicious lunch, served in the part-open restaurant area overlooking the swimming pool encircled by rocks, I was ready to do it all over again. Watch out 4x4 tracks, I’ll be exploring all of you; bring on the weekends. Tala Game Reserve next Sunday! Rhino card, I must purchase.

A huge thank you to both Trevor and Debbie Wroe-Street who took all the pics of my performance. What a brilliant job – just look at me…

Debbie, hope you’re still keen to start that ‘Women’s Only Jimny Club’? Chaps, you may compete against us, with absolute pleasure, but please be advised that your ego is at MAJOR risk. 

For images please view here: http://www.nabphotography.co.za/1/post/2014/04/lets-get-stuck.html

Wild sky

As I start running along the beach after work, late afternoon, the sky suddenly darkened south of Umdloti while north had the light radiating from above.

A few strides later a thunderstorm rumbles and crackles, enveloping my senses. Never had I seen the sky so angry and stunning at the same time; the waves in rhythm to the storm’s roar.

I stood below it, taking in every colour, flash, sound and smell – feeling the heat, steaming humidity and rain drops sizzle against my skin – until my brain kicked in and moved aside the adrenaline.

What on Earth are you doing, nutter? Get back to shelter, get your phone and capture the moment – before being stuck by a lightning fork – as best as you can using a not so great camera-phone.

It’s better than nothing right…?

To be amazed by nature; to allow nature to amaze; its power; its wildness – a wild power that commands respect!

View more images here: http://www.nabphotography.co.za/1/post/2014/03/wild-sky.html

ONE LIFE; LIVE IT

I experienced something today for the first time by enjoying being a spectator at a 4x4 challenge, held at Killarney in Shongweni. Actually, because I am planning on purchasing a 4x4, one that was going to take part at the event I had to witness just how well it would do. Unfortunately, due to the track being too “soft” it ended up not competing.

Just as well as most regrettably damaged their vehicles and had wished they'd never taken them out. But it made for great viewing so thank you to those who didn't chicken out!

Of course I was rooting for the underdogs: “Lucky N” and luminous “e-car”. Unfortunately, my rooting did not help.

“Ooh!” “Ahh!” “Ouch!” And many vulgarities were heard whenever the Amarok got stuck; after the fourth time, in the same spot, despite trying different ways to attack the ditch coated in mud, only vulgarities could be heard. The vehicle should be labelled “AmarokDisaster” instead of “AmarokStar” – as highlighted in one of the images below.

We only hung around for the first heat, which was enough to make me want to experience the ride first hand – perhaps not as extreme the first day I get mine…

Oh and the scenery!

Click here to view more images: http://www.nabphotography.co.za/1/post/2014/03/one-life-live-it.html

Shark attack

Another brilliant attack by the Sharks!

How they pulled it off while sleeping for much of the second half, is questionable; however, they did it in the end. The score says it all…

Sharks 35 Reds 20

The empty-ish stadium surprised me after all they were playing a decent flair-full Australian team. Where was everyone today?

Great to see one or two die-hard fans around!

Click here to view images http://www.nabphotography.co.za/1/post/2014/03/shark-attack.html

Only in Africa

Only in Africa

The ultimate beach-and-bush experience en route to Cape Vidal via the iSimangaliso Wetland Park World Heritage Site, Greater St Lucia.

Stunning vistas of grasslands; greetings by zebra and kudu along the side of the road en route to the beach, where a beautiful, unspoilt bay awaits, beckons to be explored beneath its electric blue surface and then a grand farewell by two rhinos still with their horns attached followed by a munching warthog.  

Honestly, what more could a visitor wish for?

Once again, only in Africa!

http://www.nabphotography.co.za/1/post/2014/03/OnlyInAfrica

'Our government is blinded...'

‘Sawubona, boy! You so beautiful, boy.’ Yesterday, a young black woman greeted the child I sat with on the beach, Moses Mabhida Stadium directly behind, under an umbrella made out of thin wooden logs almost of identical size.

I told her his name. Her eyes dropped down to the camera that dangled from my neck. ‘Are the photos instant? Can you take one of me with boy? How much?’

‘I will not charge you. Do you have an email address?’

My ear felt deafened after she screeched with excitement. ‘I don’t have email but my friend does.’

Next thing I was taking photos of 3 people, many poses.

About 4 groups of black people approached at different times soon after my friend joined us.

‘How you get black baby?’ A black man asked me while my friend went for a dip.

I explained Hope House and their great cause.

‘You white people are good! You help more than our government. You are such good person and you give this discarded child new chance. Our government is blinded but God is not – he sees what you do.’ He grins, thanks me and then runs off.

Unsung heros

What amazing work both Sonia and Lynne do by nurturing the stunningly beautiful children that are parentless, babies that have been abandoned; however, have been given another chance at life – beginning their new adventure at Hope House until they are adopted by other selfless people.

Thank you, Sonia and Lynne, for allowing me the honour of being a part of your love-filled journey.

Inspiration at its best!

http://www.babyhopehouse.org.za/

   

For additional images, please view here: http://www.nabphotography.co.za/1/post/2014/01/unsung-heroes.html