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