Blog

08 Jul The Cedars – PMB

A big thank you to Jane Pennefather for allowing me to photograph one of the older farms in KZN that belonged to the English family . The farm house has been incorporated into PMB suburbia but has been lovingly restored to its former glory. Much...

12 Jun South Coast Bridges – Toti to Umkomaas

[caption id="attachment_65661" align="alignnone" width="800"] Illovo River rail bridge[/caption] [caption id="attachment_65662" align="alignnone" width="800"] Ngane River rail bridge[/caption] [caption id="attachment_65663" align="alignnone" width="800"] Umgababa River rail bridge[/caption] [caption id="attachment_65664" align="alignnone" width="800"] Umkomaas River road and rail bridge at mouth[/caption] [caption id="attachment_65665" align="alignnone" width="800"] Umkomaas River road bridge (N2)[/caption] I have just uploaded road...

20 May Besters Village, old graves and the old Free State Line

[caption id="attachment_63700" align="alignnone" width="664"] First Boer killed in Natal 16 October 1899[/caption] [caption id="attachment_63701" align="aligncenter" width="690"] Hans De Lange Monument[/caption] [caption id="attachment_63703" align="alignnone" width="787"] Smiths Crossing - Free State Commando HQ - 1899[/caption] [caption id="attachment_63705" align="alignnone" width="789"] Rail line - Free State to Natal - views from...

01 May Kamberg – Cleopatra Mountain Farmhouse

The State President recently announced his awards to deserving South Africans. Without detracting from their achievements, it's a great shame that some awards aren't presented to the less politically connected who have made such an outstanding contribution to this countries reputation as a tour destination. The Poynton's contribution to tour and food excellence for our visitors is well known, and has been oft recognized by the industry for its high standards, both at Cleopatra's and their previous successful Granny Mouse's Country House. At least former State President, Thabo Mbeki recognized a " good thing", and stayed at Cleopatra. Needless to say the fare was outstanding, as was the attention to detail in the rooms, facilities and  by the cheerful staff. Add a simply awesome setting to the mix and you have a full house literally and metaphorically. Contact details: Tel : 00-27 (0)33 2677243 / 00 27 (0)33 2677013/ e: cleopatramountain@telkomsa.net / www.cleomountain.com         [caption id="attachment_62328" align="alignnone" width="800"] Cleopatra's gardens[/caption]

20 Apr Dundee – Lennox Cottage Guest House

A visit to the battlefields in the Dundee - Blood River area will be greatly enhanced with a stay over at Lennox Farm, run by Dirk and Salome' Froneman, who have lived in this area for many years. The accommodation  is comfortable,...

20 Apr Boer War Era Farms

[caption id="attachment_61646" align="alignnone" width="800"] Dundee - Talana - Thornley Farm[/caption] [caption id="attachment_61647" align="alignnone" width="800"] Dundee - Talana - Thornley Farm - outbuilding used as Boer Mortuary[/caption] [caption id="attachment_61648" align="alignnone" width="800"] Glencoe - Wasbank - Lodewyk De Jager - Manor house veranda - used as billet in Boer...

14 Mar Ladysmith Siege – Boer War

On the recommendation of Ken Gillings I met up with Vincent Horn. a tour guide in Ladysmith to visit some of the less well visited sites relating to the Anglo Boer War. One site was to a monument to the 1 St Battalion Royal Irish...

08 Mar Umlaas Road – Mandalay Hotel

A trip into the interior with my friend Charlie took us to the derelict Hotel Mandalay in Umlaas Road. The site, at the highest point between Durban and Pietermaritzburg has an interesting history. Originally it was the third night outspan for transport riders from Durban, after...

08 Feb Ixopo – Buddhist Retreat Centre

I have just had the privilege  of attending a retreat  conducted by Louis van Loon the founder of the the BRC more than forty years ago. Aside from the amazing Buddhist philosophy and opportunity to meditate, the Centre is simply one of our Province's...

01 Feb Umhlanga Ridge – Sunningdale Centre

Although the Sunningdale Centre on Umhlanga Rocks Drive had little architectural merit, many residents will remember their  local with some affection. The Centre is in the process of being demolished (see images) and will be replaced with a much larger grander centre, with either a Spar or Woolworths...