Xmas Weekend at Itala Game Reserve

Over the Xmas weekend we stayed at Itala Game Reserve  http://www.kznwildlife.com/about-ithala.html     in the Thalu Bush Camp situated on the Thalu River. Our photos will show how amazing this spot is. For those specializing in the big five this might not be the best reserve for you but for us the beauty was in the ruggedness and diversity of the area, ranging from 400m at the Pongola River to a high mountain plateau at 1450m. Most of the mammal species can be seen at Itala except Lion, which is nice in away as there is a relaxed atmosphere among the animals. We focused on the small things and were not disappointed. We were amazed to see Redbilled Oxpeckers busy on both Impala and Zebra. (see photos) Also we spotted Oribi (see photos) which was wonderful as these buck are on the endangered list! The one day the temperature went to 39 degrees and a cold beer overlooking the Thalu River was just what the doctor ordered. One experience that stood out was the Thalu River coming down flood. There was a huge storm in the mountains above Itala in the late afternoon and at 8pm in the evening we heard a rumbling noise as a tidal wave of water and boulders filled the river course......and above the rushing water were hundreds of fireflies!! This reserve is well maintained and efficiently run and I recommend it for those wanting to get away from the maddening crowds that you normally encounter at the larger game reserves. See our photos at..... http://richardhuntphotographer.blogspot.co.za/p/blog-page_27.html 

Enjoy the photos
Richard & Elaine

Visit to Riversfield Garden

Riversfield Farm garden is found in the book "Remarkable Gardens of South Africa" by Quivertree Publications. In this book are featured the 20 top gardens in South Africa   http://www.quivertreepublications.com/books/remarkable-gardens-of-south-africa/
I had the opportunity to photograph this garden. I got out of bed at 4:30 am and arrived at the garden as the first light was filtering through the clouds. I have photographed this garden before and always find something new and different, so is the size and sprawling magnitude of this garden. In the book the chapter opens with...."Formality and symmetry are first impressions, but as one's eye embraces the different spaces a sense of quirkiness and slightly off-kilter positioning becomes apparent - the overall result being a statement of originality and humour" For an in depth history of this magnificent garden go to....   http://repository.up.ac.za/bitstream/handle/2263/21192/Vosloo_David_2012.pdf?sequence=1&isAllowed=y

Those who want to see photos of the garden go to.....    http://richardhuntphotographer.blogspot.co.za/p/blog-page.html

Lets Start Blogging

Well here goes....my new blog. I have decided to publish a blog every week and to challenge myself to photograph more often. I desire to become more artistic with different encounters and not just the Drakensberg Mountains which has been my main focus all these years. The mountain photography will not cease as I plan to publish a coffee table book in the near future and there are still places to hike to......but with camera in hand other images will burst forth and reveal a greater depth to my photographic interests. My plan this weekend is to wonder around a magnificent garden of delights and hopefully the weather and light will be in my favour. See you soon 👀