July Frigid WInter Weekend - Fouriesburg and Lesotho

Once again the weather played its part. With the remarkable summer rains, Lesotho's waterfalls turned to ice for the Creative Escapes photographers.

Early mornings are biting cold and 'cold to the bone' is a term that is well understood by the photographers this past weekend.

With warm welcomes on return and hot soup and tasty stews in the evening, the group felt that the cheek biting weather was worth the effort.

 The Malobamatsi River - Lesotho

Frozen River

We donned our Antarctic gear and with good wind breakers, ruffs and 'long-johns' we braved the chill to enjoy superb photographic opportunities.

The images David captured were exceptional and certainly made the early morning trek into Lesotho more than worth while.

Fouriesburg & Lesotho January 2011

David & Anne-Marie at the Malobamatsi River, Lesotho

It is always a pleasure visiting the Eastern Free and after the magnificent Summer rains our mid-January journey was a real treat. David and I have just returned from a wonderful 'sight-seeing' weekend in the eastern Free State and Lesotho. Our cottage in Fouriesburg looks grand with the garden green, roses in full bloom and white Michelmas daisies making a wonderful show.  Rose Cottage welcomed us as we enjoyed another cosy, relaxing time there.

David of course was determined to go into Lesotho if the weather held and somehow the rain skirted Fouriesburg and the skies were clear on Saturday. An early morning start had us at the border before opening and being first in the queue was a pleasure. With skies clear and the air crisp we drove through villages and were in awe of the exquisite mountains covered in an emerald sheen, with ribbon waterfalls cascading at almost every turn.

Waterfalls usually iced in winter, dropped meters onto the valleys below and created magnificent images for the avid photographer. David stopped at every opportunity as we climbed to Oxbow. Greeting shepherd and driver alike all of whom were thrilled by the beauty surrounding us. 

What is exciting is that with all the rains, there will surely be large patches of cosmos [some already blooming along the highway] for the Creative Escapes weekend in March. Faint tinges of yellow tip the poplars, as they prepare for the autumn weekend in April and of course, with the magnificent amount of water, there will surely be spectacular iced waterfalls for July. 

Thinking of planning a great weekend away? Remember that Fouriesburg is only a three hour drive from Johannesburg and not much more from Natal. Treat yourself to a relaxing and creative weekend whether it be photography or creative writing with Creative Escapes, where the Eastern Free State awaits. 

For further information browse our web-site:www.creative-escapes.co.za and for bookings contact Anne-Marie: dmoore@iafrica.com

People & Places

As always, if it weren't for the people there would be no tours. Here are a few 'shots' of our guests in Lesotho and Fouriesburg on the July Snow & Ice Creative Escapes weekend. From the icy chill in Lesotho to the warm conviviality of Fouriesburg everyone had a great time.