I uploaded a similar photo of Dune 7 once already, but I was never quite happy with it. I like this one, with a wider angle lens, a lot more. It accentuates the ridges a lot more than the other version.
Jun 182013
Jun 102013
Arriving at Nordhoek to watch the sunset I was immediately struck by the power of the wind whipping sand into your ankles. Then, I saw the waves, powerful and frequent, their violence emphasized by the mist being whipped from their crests, back lit by the setting sun. Accompanied by the rugged coastline the scene was set for an awesome evening, prior to going for an excellent curry.
May 152013
I’m off to Guatemala
I decided it’s time to expand my supply of photographs beyond Bermuda and Southern Africa. So, on Saturday I’m heading down to Guatemala for a week. I’m hoping to visit El Mirador. It’s a Mayan city still overgrown by jungle. You can trek there, which takes two days both ways. I don’t have time for that but have discovered it’s possible to get a helicopter in, overnight in a hammock and then take a helicopter back out. I’ve found a website that offers this service, but haven’t managed to get in touch with them. So, I’m turning up with nothing booked and hoping I can sort one when I arrive. If not, there’s another site called Tikal I can visit. There’s actually hotels right next to the temples there, so that won’t be a bad alternative, just not as adventurous.
For the second half of the trip I’ll be visiting Guatemala’s former capital, Antigua. It’s an old Spanish colonial city nestled amongst three volcanoes. My plan is to climb one of them, the easiest one.
I don’t think I’ll be able to get a load of photos done to upload prior to leaving so this will likely be my last post until I get back on May 26th. Then, I should have lots of photos and stories for you.
Today’s Photo: Redhill, Cape Town
On my last trip to Capetown I was lucky enough to stay with my travel buddy’s family. They have a cleaner, Grace, come in once a week and always drive her back home. She lives in this small township called Redhill. It’s in a strikingly beautiful location with vineyards in the valley below. It makes for a startling contrast.
May 072013
While driving into Chobe National Park, we were gawking at the numerous elephants along the roadside and almost missed this sight. Luckily, one of my travel buddies spotted it. It’s called a sable antelope and stood motionless in the bushes, just watching us until we moved on.
May 062013
My first tie on elephant-back safari was on my first trip to Africa in 2011. We went in Zambia. The elephants all have a handler assigned to them from when they’re babies. This little guy was in training, happily trundling along next to its mother. You can see her shadow on the ground where he’s standing.
May 052013
I had to walk a bit to get the pictures of the desert moonscape I posted earlier. On the way back I liked the look of the paths leading back to our inadequate 4×4. If you plan on driving around Namibia, it’s best to get a proper truck. This one was fine, until we left the tarmac. We had to drive at half the speed limit most places with giant trucks flying past us. We also managed to get it stuck in a sand dune at one point.
May 032013
If you’ve ever wondered what a giraffe looks like, they look like this. This guy struck a pose as if it was in a children’s book of animals.
May 022013
This beach is an amazing, rugged expanse of sand. This shot is taken in the corner of the beach, just as the sun reached the horizon. It was a little nerve racking trying to catch this water swirling around me. It was very cold.
Apr 302013
Here’s another shot of the moonscape near Swakopmund, Namibia. It’s a surreal landscape I’d like to spend some more time in. I only really made it to the edge to look out across the expanse. behind me was barren flat sand stretching to the ocean.
Apr 292013
Today’s photo is another shot of Simonstown as the golden rays of sunset drenched the mountain that rises out of the sea behind it.
