Namibia and Cosmos

Bit of an odd title, but this is to update on our recent journeys. 

We had a remarkable time in Namibia. Roads straight and well kept. Few people [only about 1.2 million people in the country] and great photographic opportunities. 

David and I attended the Desert Light workshop organised by Lydia Ellis and presented by Willem Oets and Nicole Palmer. I was a non-photographic participant and had a wonderful time reading and at times watching the beautiful audio visuals. David had a great time indulging in photography from pre-dawn to late night.

But we also visited Luderitz, Elizabeth Bay and Kolmanskop beforehand. Other wonderful photos were taken by David in that environment.

We stayed at some great lodges and re-visited Kulala Lodge which is one of our favourite places to stay. Great views of the desert and fine accommodation.

We had our first Creative Escapes weekend for 2009 at the end of March. With beautiful cosmos to photograph and a visit to Lesotho, all the delegates had a splendid weekend. 

The next Creative Escapes weekend is at the end of April - the Autumn Wonders of the Eastern Free State.

Namibia Trek

Well here we are, ready to trek and explore again. We can't remember when last we went to Namibia, but we are packed and raring to go. We have purchased the recommended shade cloth to protect the radiator from the grass seeds in Namibia - so we will experience a wonderful new aspect of the country.

David is attending a photographic workshop - Desert Light - with Willem Oets, Nicole Palmer and Lydia Ellis which promises to be a marvelous opportunity. I have packed a library of books, a small AppleMac computer and my enthusiasm for writing. So it seems that both of us will have a grand time. 

At the end of the month we hold our first Creative Escapes weekend workshop for 2009 - Cosmos in Fouriesburg. The Cosmos fields look promising, so watch this space for updated details in the next few weeks.

2009

And a start to a busy and exciting year.

Our first course is on the 22 February which happens to be on the day of the South African Grand Prix. Just shows how we follow that programme! 

The first outing is in Fouriesburg Eastern Free State from 27 - 29 March. We will have an excursion into Lesotho, a poet - Ruth Everson and an artist John Moore, as well as various photographers. So it should be an exciting and entertaining weekend.

Our website is being re-designed by Elizabeth, so we are very excited by the thought of a new look for the new year. 

With many travels and weekends planned here's to 2009!

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.