Stormlight

Stormclouds over the Free State. Derrick, Canon 1Ds Mk2, 50mm f1.4

Cloud Chasing

These cloud pictures were all taken on one afternoon between Johannesburg-Midrand-Schurveberg-Johannesburg.
Merle.  Canon 5D Mk2.  Canon 17-40mm L

When My Work Is Done

Merle.  Canon 5D Mk2.  Canon 100-400mm L

~ In a Koi Pond ~

Merle.  Canon 5D Mk2.  Canon 100-400mm L

Monday Clouds

Derrick, Canon 1D Mk3, 100-400 L

Hennops River Crossing

Before crossing this flooded river ourselves, we stopped to take some pictures but soon noticed that on the right bank there were some lit colored candles, their flames quivering in the peaceful afternoon breeze.  We watched a few vehicles crossing back and forth until this vehicle, which stopped next to us, asked where we were from and did we know about the shooting the previous week at this very spot - no, we didn't!

We immediately scrambled back into our vehicle and crossed the river amazed and saddened at what we had just learnt.  We have been here often in the past years doing exactly what we had been doing, innocently take pictures and looking around...  (see the picture below, taken just a short distance up the road)

Merle.  Canon 5Mk 2.  Canon 17-40mm L

Tranquil African Farm

We often drive through this area, north of Johannesburg. On Saturday afternoon we stopped at the flooded river just a short distance (a few hundred metres) from this seemingly tranquil scene. A concerned farmer, passing by, warned us never to stop here. This area has recently become notorious for hijackings. The week before two motorcyclists had been shot dead at the river crossing. No further pictures from this area! Derrick, Canon 1Ds Mk2, 20-35mm f2.8 L

Braamfontein Cemetery - The Grand Dame

Braamfontein Cemetery is considered the grand dame of all the Johannesburg cemeteries of which there are 32.  Originally the first cemetery was in Johannesburg, the corner of Bree and Harrison Streets, but it became overrun as the city grew.   In 1887 ground was obtained in Braamfontein and the bodies were exhumed and re-buried in the new cemetery in 1888 along with new burials.
There are graves from both World Wars, the Anglo Boer War, various uprisings, the Foster Gang (1914), the author of our national anthem, Enoch Sontonga ('Nkosi Sikele iAfrica') and even a survivor from the Titanic.

Incredible attention to detail. Born Sept 6, 1833 - Died Aug 14, 1894.

The Dynamite Explosion Memorial  On the 19 February 1896, 71 people died as a result of an explosion at the Braamfontein Station.

 The Coffin Rest, after passing the Dynamite Explosion Memorial.

We have always wanted to visit this cemetery.  Looking through the fence while passing, we have been intrigued by it's mysterious beauty but have always been in too much of a hurry.  On this particular rainy afternoon we were in the area and decided to take a closer look.  

When entering you have to sign the register but as they closed at 5pm we only had about 20 minutes to look around.  The rain had paused so we took the opportunity to take some pictures.  All of a sudden it began to come down again so we rushed back to the car and from inside took some of the above pictures, the mottled fogging-up windscreen only adding to the atmosphere! 

Merle.  Canon 5D Mk2.  Canon 100-400mm L and 28-80mm L.

You Win Again

Derrick, Canon 1D Mk3, 135mm f2 L

The Dawn of Man

Cradle of Mankind. Derrick, Canon 1Ds Mk2, 17-40mm f4 L