COWBOY UP!

As mentioned at the end of my blogs, I always end with “until we ride again”. But, this time the term “Cowboy Up” which we used extensively on the Guest Ranch I owned and operated, it was the perfect term for my situation. We were always saying that if you were being lazy, got hurt – but not hurt badly and so many other times we would use that term.

Well, now it is my turn to say this to myself. The whole reason for going over to South Africa at this time was to do my “dream job,” which was riding horses to go on safari, train & condition them, work with staff, and while I was at it, I got to do my photography, 4 wheel drive to work and see amazing wildlife while engulfing myself in the guiding experience. Meaning, learning more and more about the area, the flora & fauna, the wildlife & the birds.

The playground or office was amazing & challenging, fascinating & my true dream.

So the question now is – what is my future at Garden Route Safari Camp? Going to the hospital and talking to the Drs., they told me that I cannot return to work for a minimum of 6-8 weeks – WHAT????????????????????????????

Needless to say I had to re-evaluate my situation. Working through the pain, all I could do was rest in my tent or the lodge and think about the beautiful scenery that I called my office…

Needless to say, my mood and attitude changed dramatically. I have always been a thrill seeker, adventurer & crave the outdoors but this really set me back. So I decided to start looking at the little things that I tend to walk by because I am usually looking for the big things to photograph.

I could not hold up my camera, go on safari or be with the horses so I learned to put my camera lens on something I could rest it on and started taking pictures again. I was able to explore the area more than if I had not had this accident. I told myself “COWBOY UP KAREN!” But disappointment seeped into my mind and it wasn’t until recently when the pain subsided a little more have I been able to do a blog. So that is why I have been silent.

Bird life became my focus along with more of the beauty of the area. As I sat on the deck of my tent I was able to sit the camera on the railing and begin taking pictures again.

I began to see the beautiful birds, butterflies and flowering plants.

My next blog will highlight one of the most beautiful cities in South Africa…Mossel Bay and the hospitality that I received while I was healing at the Bed & Breakfast. Great hiking trails and so much more. Keep following my blog as I delve into exciting places to visit and some of the little things we walk right by & why…

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