Storm in the Karoo. Derrick with Canon 1Ds, 17-40 f4L (cropped). This is a little of what we imagined experiencing once we started thinking of the trip.
A WEEK BEFORE DEPARTURE
Once considered, some things are best done as soon as possible. So it was with our recent trip to Cape Town. We decided to take as many side roads as possible without much thought given to time of arrival. Our destination being the trip.
FRIDAY AFTERNOON: FILL UP AND GO
Johannesburg to be a distant memory for at least a few days!
Having booked to stay over in Kimberley, a good five hours south west of Johannesburg, we were delayed soon after departure by one of the worst hailstorms ever encountered on the Highveld. Merle took this picture once the traffic, like a row of ants in disarray, had started moving again. Camera: Canon 5D Mk2, 100-400mm f4.5-5.6 IS L
SATURDAY
Modder River, Jacobsdal, Koffiefontein, Luckhoff, Philipstown and De Aar. We passed two cars in as many hours, which just happened to be the same one!
Donkey cart in Koffiefontein by Merle with Canon 5D Mk2, 100-400mm f4.5-5.6 IS L
Just when we thought everything was black and white. A washing line in Luckhoff. Photo by Merle.
The Orange River, just downstream from Vanderkloof Dam. Merle with Canon 5D Mk2, 17-40 f4L
The roadsigns and GPS indicated a dam ahead. Wow, what a sight! Pity the Vanderkloof Dam sluice gates were not open. That is a sight (and sound) we will with certainty return to experience!
Vanderkloof Dam. The main road crosses the dam wall (top of photo). Merle with Canon 5D Mk2, 17-40 f4L
Saturday afternoon on the road to De Aar. The rain seemed to propel the clouds across the green Karoo. For a few minutes the landscape was engulfed in chaos. And then it was gone.
Sunday morning. The road to Carnarvon. Photo: Merle & Canon 5D Mk2, 100-400mm f4.5-5.6 IS L
Part of the huge beer collection at Hotel Carnarvon. Merle, Canon 5D Mk2
The road is long! Beyond Williston, on the road to Calvinia. Merle, Canon 5D Mk2, 100-400mm f4.5-5.6 IS L
Wheat fields west of Calvinia. Derrick, Canon 1D, 300mm f4L
Over the mountains towards Clanwilliam. Merle, Canon 5D Mk2
Sunday evening sunset. Merle, Canon 5D Mk2
Moonrise over Pakhuispass. Merle, Canon 5D Mk2, 100-400mm f4.5-5.6 IS L
Monday - Cape Town! Merle, Canon 5D Mk2, 28-80 L
Derrick, Canon 1D, 300mm f4L
Kommetjie lighthouse on the Cape Peninsula. Almost as far south as you can go. Derrick, Canon 1D, 300mm f4L
