Wow, seems like just yesterday I was following my dream and in an instant it was taken away. My accident made me stop & take stock for my future and where I am going from here. Needless to say, there were many days of tears and frustration, but as I mentioned in the last blog, I needed to “Cowboy up”. Pick myself up by the boot straps and begin the decision on where I am going from here.
After the initial “pity party”, I got out of bed and made my decision to head home to heal and have surgery. But before then, I needed to see more of South Africa.
During the first 3 weeks, I was not very mobile and stayed in my tent and went to the lodge on occasion. But, as luck has it, the Garden Route Safari Camp, which is AMAZING, was sold out for the next week, so they decided to have me move over the their friends B&B and that was a life saver.
The B&B is called 3Colours Blue House Guest House in Mossel Bay, South Africa and the owners/operators are Andre & Elmarie.
Not only the views, which were breathtaking, the house, the staff and location is perfect. The 3Colours Blue Guest House sits up on the top of a hill overlooking all of Mossel Bay, but within a short walking distance to trails, coffee shops, restaurants and tourist attractions.
So of course, my next stop was finding a fabulous local coffee shop to go every morning and have something to eat but have an incredible vibe and boy did I find it!! The coffee shop is called The Blue Shed, and not only the coffee & food, but the surroundings and hospitality were exactly what I was looking for.
I love how they utilize space. this was a piece of land that people would leave their abandoned cars and other items and they built the coffee shop around it and made it interesting place to visit. They have different seating areas to escape both inside and out. One of the best coffee shops I have ever visited.
This just shows that everything has a purpose in life, might not be yours, but that is ok, it is someones!
3Colours Blue as mentioned is in a perfect location for exploring Mossel Bay. I happened to find a magnificent walking trail called the St. Blaize Hiking Trail, just 5 minutes from the B&B and the following pictures are from that spot.
As you can see, very similar to the Northern California coastline, maybe that is why I love it so much. This trail will lead to the lighthouse and the beautiful point where there is great place to swim, restaurants and the longest zip line over the ocean.
Mossel Bay at the Point, Cape St. Blaize Lighthouse, the Point of Human Organs and the Zipline over the ocean.
Next was renting an automatic car at the airport (which by the way, is very difficult, because most of the cars are stick shift on the left side and my shoulder and rotator cuff is damaged on the left side) and moved down to the town of Wilderness where I could do some photography and more exploring.
In another blog, I mentioned this area because they told me if you are a “birder” than this is the place to go, so I was in search of a specific bird blind where I could set my camera on something, because I could barely hold it up to take any pictures. I finally found one and luckily I was the only person in the blind, if you have never had an opportunity to sit in one and view animals on their own level – I suggest you find one because it gives you a view into thier lives at their level and it is one of the most peaceful things to do.
More from the blind
There is such a fascinating life that if you sit still you will discover. After the blind I headed to the walkway that roams around the lake. I usually get up very early to take pictures for the lighting but also because there is much to see without people in your shots.
I was driving to my destination and saw this gorgeous bird laying in the dirt right next to the street. The way she was sitting at that time of day made me think she might be sitting on a chick, and sure enough she was. I am fascinated by camouflage, look closely to see the small baby in the dirt. Momma bird got up to move away a few birds that were coming in to bother her and most likely try to eat the baby, so she distracted the birds and I was able to take this picture from a distance.
Discover your surroundings
Last stop…Saying goodbye to my amazing hosts at the Garden Route Safari Camp, who without them, my dream would not have come true.
The rain brings so much joy to everyone and I enjoy sitting and watching wildlife as they move around in the rain and the plants receive much needed water.
Golden Orb Weaver Spider
Known for their gorgeous golden webs. The webs are huge and often spanning a large area between bushes. The web is strong and sometimes might even catch a small bird in the web. Although this spider is large, it is non-aggressive and relatively harmless. The female golden orb spider dwarfs the male, however she also likes to eat the male after mating so the male has to come up with some tricky maneuvers. Usually, while the female is distracted, usually when she is already eating, he will either present her with some food, breed her and then retreat to a safe distance. I actually saw one of these spiders with 6 of her boyfriends wrapped up in her web so she could eat later!
These impressive webs can last up to many years, whereas most webs only last a short lifespan. The reason for the name is the color of the web this spider weaves. The color is for two reasons, one when the sunlight its the web it will attract bees and in the shadows, it becomes camouflaged into the foliage and will ensnare other insects.
The spider is able to adjust the amount of pigment in the silk, thus changing the intensity of the thread color.
Home it is – but not for good. As I wait for my surgery, I will be discovering fascinating places to visit and learn about and share with you. My next blog will be the Monterey Aquarium.
Until we ride again…
Yea cowgirl in the blind!
Get well Karen!
Thanks for the visual trails
Thank you so much.
Thoroughly enjoyed the beautiful pictures, particularly the ones in the blind, very special!