2009

Our workshops and tours are booking very nicely - a great relief as always.

We have just received a wonderful booking for the Masai Mara tour in August 2009. We will be visiting Lake Nakuru as well - where the greatest mass of flamingoes can be viewed. It is most strange to see rhino, water buck and buffalo grazing with millions of birds feeding behind them.

Of course the Masai Mara itself it a lifetime experience. Look at our website for more. www.creative-escapes.co.za

Hogsback

David and I have just returned from another great excursion, this time in Hogsback. I attended a poetry retreat with four Wizards of Words. Brian Walker, Dorian Haarhoff, Bob Commin, Father Cathal. 

We stayed at The Edge where we stayed in a self-catering cottage called 'Fire-Fly' which overlooked the valley and natural forests of the area.

Every day the four aspiring poets met with the four professionals for inspiration, direction and writing time. 

David indulged in an orgy of photography and joined us afternoon and evening for meals and discussions. 

Must end now - have a poem surfacing. 

Ponto

Ponto d'Ouro must be one of the most beautiful spots along the coast. 

The beautiful beaches and varying activities are remarkable. David and I stayed in a time share unit which was comfortable with a view of the sea. We ate prawns, calamari, ocean-fresh fish and prawn-cakes everyday, with copious amounts of wine and beer [and dare I say it Diet Coke] to ward off the terrible thirsts you get in Ponto.

We experienced everything from R&R's [rum, ice and raspberry Sparletta] to shooters at anytime of the day and night. As I recall my mother and father had 'liquers' after dinner with coffee. Here they are available in and unending supply. 

We walked along the beach. Explored the coast line. Snoozed and socialized. We boated out to view the dolphins - here my angels were working overtime as fortunately we were unable to swim with them because they had young. We did see flying fish, tuna churning the waves and a phantom whale. 

And then, did I tell you about........but I nearly forgot, what happens in Ponto, stays in Ponto.

We are now preparing to travel to Hogsback where I shall indulge my passion - writing and poetry. No doubt David will use his new 50D and will explore the area as I hope to explore the written word.

CE-October workshop Fouriesburg

We have packed and are ready to travel to the Eastern Free State again for another Creative Escapes workshop weekend.

Jeremy and Kim Jacobs will join us for the Spiritual weekend. We hope to have a quiet, contemplative time.

We arrive back in Johannesburg on Sunday and then head to Limpopo for the PSSA photographic congress at Magoebaskloof which should be great fun.

A report back on our return.

Workshops and Weekends

David is slowly working through the thousands of photos taken in the Mara in preparation for the Creative Escapes 2009 brochure launch on 26 October at C3 9 Caroline Crescent Cresta.

We also have a photographic workshop on the same day from 10h00 to 16h00 followed by the launch at 17h00.  Jenny Harrison of Finesse wines will hold a wine tasting. A few short shows on our trips this past year will also be shown. And of course, food and wine for all.

We drive to the Free State over the weekend of 10-12 October for the Spiritual Moment workshop which should be good.

Other travel plans include Mpumalanga, Mozambique and the Eastern Cape. That all before the end of the year. 

Masai Mara Moments

We have just returned from another wonderful trip to Kenya. 

As always we landed at JKI and over-nighted at the Mayfair Hotel in Nairobi. The Kenyans are friendly and helpful [something which our service industry here could learn from].

We then flew into the Mara where we were greeted in fine fashion by all at Kichwa Tembo. Coffee and eats on the airstrip, hugs and pats on the backs by the rangers and warm smiles all round.

The sightings we experienced can only be described as exceptional. If last year was the time of birds, this year was the time of mating lions - so there will be many cubs next year!

The wildebeest were scarce. We saw few crossings, but those we were privileged to view were sensational.

David's images get better every year and once edited will be put onto our website: www.creative-escapes.co.za.

The exceptional rangers added to the Mara experience. Their knowledge and concern for the well-being of the client cannot be empahsised enough. From tent custodian to to chef, management to ranger, we cannot speak highly enough of their people skills.

Kichwa Tembo is a beautiful tented camp on the edge of the Mara conservancy. Near enough to drive in for early morning drives, far enough to be out of the madding crowd.

We ballooned, had lunch in the bush, viewed game and of course re-established our friendships.

The group we took had fun and 'the experience of a lifetime'. So did we [again].

We also visited Lake Nakuru which was beautiful and peaceful.

We return exhausted but delighted by our travels in Kenya. 

Dates for 2009: 28 August - 6 September 2009. 

How many books to pack?

Every year at this time David and I do our annual pilgrimage to visit the plains of the Masai Mara. 

We look forward to the sheer joy of leaving frenetic Johannesburg for the bustle of Nairobi and vast plains of the Mara. The teeming herds of game flow through the grass and continue their annual progression to cross the rivers. Emotive moments are shared by all who experience this natural marvel. 

David and I share wonderful times with our Kenyan friends. I love to sit in the Landy, chat to Benson, draw, write and ponder while the photographers snap away. We leave on Saturday and will once again be able to absorb the vastness of the African plains.

The question is - how many books do you pack??

Kenya and the Masai Mara

We fly to Kenya on Saturday 30 August for our annual pilgrimage to view the wildebeest migration. Each year is special. Each year is different. 

The Mara always surprises and delights. Whether it is the vast numbers of animals or the beauty of the landscapes after a rain storm we are always spell bound by the area.

Of course we look forward to taking the group on a new experience. We have a full tour - 32 people. Each group of six has its own driver - ranger who is an expert on the area. The guests are treated as friends and all leave having experienced a wonderful time.

David and I  look forward to seeing our friends in Nairobi and the Mara and particularly Kichwa Tembo camp on the edge of the Mara conservancy.

We look forward to another wonderful Mara trip. Mahali pazuri - a good place indeed.

CE August workshop

We have about three day workshops a year. David presents aspects of photography. Because we are 'on the way to the Mara' the day was filled with tips and pointers for wild-life photography.

In the evening we had our pre Mara get-together. About 22 of our guests joined us and we had a great inter-active evening with slides, questions and laughter. A great way to prepare for another Kenyan adventure.

Good food, wine and great company - a marvelous way to end the weekend.

Next Mara Tour: 2009 29 August - 6 September

Weekend

This weekend we drive to our stone cottage in the Eastern Free State. I'm not a great traveling companion as I fall asleep just after we leave the Toll Gate. So no 'scintillating' conversation for us until just before Villiers. 

I always find car travel comforting. It rekindles memories of childhood holidays and early morning starts. Thankfully we don't do much of that anymore - unless we're in the bush of course, but that's a different time altogether. David will be out before the crack of dawn, hoping for mist in the valley and a murky sunrise.

So I'll pack a pile of books and put them next to my chair on the veranda and enjoy a few days of quiet. 

Of Books and travel

With David on duty and the little girls not visiting and Elizabeth re-organising her routine I had the whole weekend to catch up with creative projects.

Completed my small India travel book. Updated the Masai Mara one. We leave on our annual migration at the end of August. We still have 4 places left.

Sadly one of our friends, Hassan, Kichwa Tembo camp manager passed away last week. He had been ill for many years and we will miss his quiet presence.

I did manage to explore [through the wonderful world wide web] new destinations for Creative Escapes. David and I are in deep discussion about our 2009 and 2010 excursions. I look forward to sharing these with you once they are finalised.

Photographic Day Course

Sunday 10 August

'Nature, Wildlife & Environmental Photography'

David will be sharing knowledge about nature photography, focussing on photographing in the Masai Mara and other parks.

Venue: Houghton

Cost: R700 per person. Includes lectures and refreshments 

Time: 9h30 - 16h00

Please contact Anne-Marie for further info: dmoore@iafrica.com

The Badger

No, this is not an animal it's a camera bracket. Made and distributed by Hedrus van der Merwe in Pretoria, it's the ideal way to secure a large camera to the side of the Land Rover for easy handling. Contact Hedrus for further information and ordering:  hedrus@outdoorphoto.com

David and I visited the Outdoor Photo showroom in Menlyn Pretoria and were delighted at the wide variety of photographic equipment available. Anything from Canon cameras to camera cases. Most importantly the staff are constantly around to give expert advice.

Do take the time to visit the store or the website. It's worth it.

Creative Escapes Excursions 2008

Creative Escapes 2008  - Excursions

30 August – 7 September Masai Mara, Kenya - Africa’s Eden 

‘Where nature touches the horizon’

Creative Escapes presents an exclusive opportunity to experience the excitement and majesty of the wildebeest migration in the Masai Mara Conservancy, Kenya. Exceptional photographic opportunities. Spectacular bird watching. Breathtaking game viewing. Immaculate tented safari accommodation. Spoil yourself in Africa’s last Eden. 

Venue: Kichwa Tembo Luxury Tented Camp, Masai Mara.  Cost: Approximately R25000.00 per person sharing.This price may fluctuate due to Rand/Dollar exchange variables. NB: A valid passport is required together with yellow fever  inoculations. Check own visa requirements. A non-refundable, non transferable deposit of R2000 per person is required to secure shared accommodation in tented suites. Cost includes: Return flights from Johannesburg to Nairobi and the Masai Mara, accommodation, all meals, game drives. 

10 – 12 October Explore the Spiritual Moment ‘Meditation, Music,  Photography & Art’

Experience creativity and the spiritual moment while on the crest of a mountain or the recess of a cave. Photographers: David Moore will explore impressionistic photography. Guest speaker: Jeremy Jacobs as he discusses similarities of local Sangomas, the San people, the Celts and formal religion. Artists: John Moore will expand your creativity using mandalas, music and meditation.

Venue: Fouriesburg Country Inn, Reitz Street, Fouriesburg. Accommodation, meals, tuition, excursions. Cost: R2000 per person. A deposit of R1000 secures your booking

Sunday 26 October Johannesburg Day Course The Magic of Light, Landscape and Water ‘Embrace the Environment’

Join David as he explores Light - from ‘Dawn to Dusk’. Venue: 4 Sixth Street Houghton, Johannesburg Time: 9h00– 16h00 Costs: R700 per person. Tuition, lunch, refreshments.

Launch of the 2009 Creative Escapes Brochure Sunday 26 October 2008 at 17h00. RSVP essential

David and Anne-Marie Moore look forward to welcoming you on a Creative Escapes Eco – Excursion. Contact details: +27[0]118802056 or+27[0]83-266-5821 Mail: dmoore@iafrica.com Website: www.creative-escapes.co.za