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