Along the Panorama Route

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We were greeted this morning at 0700 by our tour guide Mart, then headed over toward the airport to pick up our traveling companions Barbara and Tham (aka Kanika). Barbara is a German now in Thailand for 20 years, and Tham is her Thai sister-in-law. From there we started the 6 hour journey to the outskirts of Kruger National Park.

The drive took us to many beautiful places, and Mart was very considerate in giving us the history, explanation, and color on everything we saw. Danika was not feeling well along the way, but she was a trooper and made it all the way. Our first stop was at Pilgrim's Rest, a small town with signs of white influence but many African faces. We met a very nice group of women up from Cape Town on a few days' holiday, and one offered to help if we needed anything when we get to Cape Town further down the road. After a quick bite at the Royal Hotel - hopefully Brad's last experience with their special sauce - we re-boarded the 7 person mini van and headed onward.

We entered the Panorama Route and made a number of scenic stops along the way. The first was at the Blyde River Canyon, which is the third largest canyon in the world. The views down to the River of Happiness and over to the Three Rondelles (pictured) were gorgeous. Our next stop was at the Potholes in Bourke's Luck. Centuries of erosion have taken away the softer minerals and carved out smooth, circular shapes in the rocks (pictured). Next up was Wonderview (easy to guess why), where Mart dropped a badge, and we may or may not have had to uproot a bush to retrieve it. Following Wonderview was God's Window, which held another name until it became a focal point in the movie "The Gods Must Be Crazy". The last stop on the route was a place called Pinnacle, where sandstone erosion has left a giant finger shape in the middle of a canyon. No word yet on whether it is a middle finger, or a more pleasant gesture.

That night we pulled into the Hippo Hollow Country Estates on the banks of the Sabi River near Hazytown. There is a reason for the name (see pictures). After a welcome drink, we were escorted to our thatched roof huts, which were simple but perfect. That night we were treated to a cultural exhibition by the local Shangaan tribe, chief AND boss included. Brad even gave the customary dancing a try (video to be added). Dinner was a nice buffet highlighted by potato leek soup and barbecued chicken. Sleep came easily despite our hippo and crocodile friends just outside.

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Photos

Three Rondelles
They put out some great stuff in the late 70's.

Potholes
View from above of the only Potholes ever enjoyed by man

Hippos
Watch out for one half of the terrible two-some that roam the grounds of Hippo Hollow (crocs are the other)

Comments

[Memoma]

Knackered?
It is so glorious. Glad we're aboard. P.S. Letter received, you have a church.