My Favourite Time on Rich Ranch

Planted Lands

It's once again one of my favourite times of the year. 

The rains have arrived and everything is a fresh green colour again.

The lands are prepared and the seeds for the soya beans are planted.

The Steam Flowing Strong

 The first lot of calves are arriving and you see mothers nestling their babies all over the veld.

The blesbuck mothers are fattening up and in the next month they will drop their babies.

It's like a new lease of life wherever you look. 
It leave you with a sense of excitement expecting the unexpected.     

Ndebele Wedding - Rich Ranch

Mother and Bride - White Wedding

As I always say our lives are very interesting. 

Once again I have something really cool to share with you.

The Bridesmaids and Flower Girls

One of our staff members was a bridesmaid at her aunt's wedding which was a celebration of note. 
When the Ndebele People get married their wedding feast last for days.This particular wedding lasted three days and included a Traditional Ceremony and a Western White Wedding.

Families come from far and wide and have to be accommodated and fed in lavish style.

Traditional Ndebele Wedding Dress

Marital negotiations between the two sets of families are an extended process that includes the stadial presentation of six to eight cattle and may not be finally contracted until long after the birth of the first child. Marital residence is virilocal, and new brides ( omak jothi ) are involved in cooking, beadwork, and even the rearing of other small children of various households in the homestead. Brides have a lifelong obligation to observe the custom of ukuhlonipha or "respect" for their fathers-in-law (e.g., physical avoidance, first-name taboo). A substitute wife ( umngenandlu or ihlanzi ), in case of infertility, was still common in the 1960s. In case of divorce, witchcraft accusation, and even infidelity, a woman is forced to return to her natal homestead. Currently, wealthy women with children often marry very late or stay single. Fathers demand more bride-wealth for educated women. Both urban and rural Ndebele weddings nowadays involve a customary ceremony ( ngesikhethu ) as well as a Christian ceremony.

Oh Our Roads - Rich Ranch

Attempting To Repair The Potholes

Since the beginning of the years the road between Middelburg and Loskop Dam has been under construction.

First we did not know why they decided on this because there was nothing wrong with our road and second the traffic on this road does not warrant it. It really is not a bust road except maybe on a Sunday afternoon when people who had their boats out on the dam were on their way back.

We have been seeing the funny side of it throughout the year. If you look at a post earlier this year you will see they bogged down a back-actor that you could only see the cab.

Try Avoiding These

They built a new road next to the existing road but only tarred it about 5mm thick while they are busy with the new road. We initially thought it would be a double highway, but no same width as before. This newly made temporary road lasted about a week and potholes started appearing. Now we have a larger crew working on the potholes than on the main road. 

Since January they have completed about 10 km of new road but it is marked off and is not in use. We use the temporary road. We haven't been complaining because it hasn't been so bad. It adds about 15minutes to our trip into town and we will be very happy when our new road opens.

Then this week the rains arrived. Gushing rains. The potholes turned into huge holes that could damage your car. our town trip now takes an extra 60 minutes each way and we have done the trip twice in the last two days getting our stock in for the school camp next week. 

Only in Africa. Why have we got used to bad service and mismanagement.

A Trip to Johannesburg - Rich Ranch

A quick trip to Johannesburg because we unfortunately had to a family member pass away and had to arrange a memorial service. 

After our last camp we were ready and packed and set off just after lunch. It was a scorching hot afternoon. Our temperature gauge set up in the shade read 35 deg so I am sure that it was more than 40 deg out in the sun.

On the way we saw this massive black billowing cloud which could only mean fire in the distance. We have had loads of veld fires near the farm so the smell of fire was quite distinct.

As we drew closer we had to cross over to the other side of the highway and there in front us was a horse and trailer that was ablaze. The driver had quickly separated the horse from the trailer that was in full blaze.

Just as we crossed the Gauteng border, lo and behold, a bus that had been on fire as well but had been extinguished. 

Who ever says our lives are not always exciting.

Hail Storm Near Rich Ranch

Hail - Not Snow

Yesterday we decided to come back from our trip a bit earlier because of the fog in Dullstroom and we were pulling the trailer with our quads. We also have 20km of dirt road once we turn off the tar to get to the farm so with the trailer we had to allow for extra time.

We also had to collect all our staff to be ready for Monday so off we went back into town after offloading everything on the farm.

What a good idea it was to go back to town without the trailer. 

While in town there was the most violent storm and on the way home the dirt road was completely obliterated. It was not just rain but hail that looked like snow.

Rich Ranch at Dullstroom.

Highland Rose Cover In Fog This Morning

This morning we woke up to dense fog. We could not see across the road it was so thick. Another scrumptious breakfast with fruit cocktail and mushroom and cheese omelette for breakfast brought our stay at the Highland Rose to a close.

The Warmth of Highland Rose

What an absolutely divine time we have had. Our accommodation was of the best - Thank you Jo-Ann. Our meals were out of this world - especially Mrs. Simpsons and our quad trail was top notch. 

We will remember these few days for a long time.

Now its back to work. As the schools start rolling in.

We really are blessed

Rich Ranch at Dullstroom

Are We On The Right Track?

A fab fab day.

With the smell of the filter coffee luring us, we started off with a breakfast on the porch in the sun. Fruit Cocktail followed by trout, bacon, eggs, mushrooms. All done Dullstroom style. You cannot come to Dullstroom and not have trout. 

Passed Through Some Beautiful Farms

What A view

Then it was off to Elandskloof for some trout fishing. Yesterday we called the lady to find out if we could fish and quad so she knew we were coming. Now I always blog truthfully and now I have to put a bit of a damper on this blog, but it did not spoil our day. This lady was not too talkative when we arrive and rang her bell (maybe she was real busy) and when we asked her about the quad route she drew us a map. At one look out point she said we must stop and check out the view. Now I am going to quote her "Stop and look out onto the valley where the Boers killed many English - unfortunately not enough" Can you believe there are people out there that still harbor hatred like that. I feel quite sorry for her. 

Any way our day was magic. The scenery was beautiful. The road was real bad at times but my new tyres performed well. We went through some amazing trout farms and lodges.

Elandskloof Trout Dam

Not Worried About Us At All

The dams at Elandskloof don't have much trout in but but the fishing was OK.

Now the highlight of the day was eating out at Mrs. Simpsons Restaurant. Yep you guessed it - named after Wallis Simpson. Quaint decor done up with clothing from her era. It's run by two brothers, one at the front of house and one the chef. Slow cooked rosemary lamb shank and confit of duck with blue berry jus. Are you drooling yet - wait for it. This meal was finished off with red velvet cake. Scrumptious meal.

Rich Ranch Visiting Dullstroom

Loaded and Fueling Up

We enjoyed ourselves so much in May that when a Groupon Voucher for the Highland Rose came up I did not hesitate to purchase one. 

We were at the Highland Rose Spa the last time and it looked real tranquil and cozy.

Highland Rose Chalet

We were off as soon as all the cattle had been seen to and the quads loaded - and by the way the weather is magic.

Dullstroom here we come. 

When you visit Dullstroom it is said you have to do Harrie's Pancakes - so we decided to do lunch there. The last time we had pancakes across the road from Harrie's and we should have gone back there. They were much better than Harrie's. 

We checked out the local brewery and had a beer and then relaxed in the gardens at the Highland Rose. Our Chalet is just gorgeous with a loft bedroom with an enormous king size bed and a fireplace to cuddle up in front of.

Beer Tasting at Anvil Brewery

We supped at the Dullstroom Inn where the first "Finder's Keepers" million rand was won in 1989. We sat right next to the fireplace where the money was hidden.

Rich oxtail stew with homemade chips to dunk in the gravy and rump steak with scrumptious veggies was the order of the day.

all in all a very good day with loads planned for tomorrow.

Getting Ready for some R & R at Rich Ranch

Well who said old ladies can't get excited.

I can't wait to get on the road tomorrow morning.

I am busy packing because I have planned a very cool three day break for us.

We loved Dullstroom the last time and as it is so near, decided to revisit.

We will be doing some forest quad trails, trout fishing and dining at some way-out restaurants in Dullstroom. 

We need some adventure, rest and romance before the hectic time is back here again.

Eat your hearts out - this is for our kids in Australia - you'll have to wait for April 2013 to feel our African beat in your hearts again.

I'll be keeping you kids up to date.

Info on Dullstroom:

Only 2 hours from Gauteng, en route to the Kruger National Park

Picture a log fire, a misty morning, a trout stream. Not a dream - it's Dullstroom.
Whether you refer to this neck of the woods as Trouteng or as the fly-fishing suburb of Jo'burg, makes no difference. This quaint village, known for its high altitude fresh air, has become the place to be.
Be it for a quick break away to country fresh air, for a fine dining experience or for family fun, Dullstroom has a lot to offer.
The village, situated at 2100m above sea level in the Steenkampsberg range, dates back to the early 1880's, when Dutch settlers came to the area. The town derives its name from one Wolterus Dull, chairman of the Dutch immigrants. The "stroom" (stream) refers to the abundance of water in the area: The Crocodile River, which runs through the Kruger National Park, has its origin in Dullstroom. Other major tributaries, like the Lunsklip, Klip River, Steelpoort and Elands River, do not only feed important rivers and marshlands, but have also become synonymous with some of the best trout fishing in the country.
The area is known for its cool, sub-alpine climate and its misty atmosphere, reminiscent of the Scottish Highlands. It is also known as habitat for the three endangered cranes, a vast variety of wild flowers and rare species of mammals - a true paradise for the nature lover.
But Dullstroom and surrounds is primarily a haven for family fun, fly-fishing and country fresh air. The wide selection of elegant hotels and a variety of country accommodation, eateries, shops and activities, have made this an appealing tourist destination and an ideal stop-over on the way to the Lowveld and Kruger Park.

Fresh Air

At 2097m above sea level, the crisp mountain air has a fresh bite to it - a healthy recommendation for a break-away from city life.

Fireplaces

Sipping red wine while enjoying the warmth of a log fire, is an accredited Dullstroom activity - ask the Red Wine Poet Society All establishments have fireplaces - and Dullstroom's weather ensures that they are used all year round.

Rains Arrive on Rich Ranch

After a hectic time we had the opportunity to visit the kids in Johannesburg and do some shopping at the malls so after the last school it was a quick pack up and off we went. 

Home Sweet Home

Now this time of the year South Africa has beautiful spring weather, but were we in for a shock. We had a cold front that hit us on Wednesday morning and brought our normally 28 degree day temperatures right down to 12 degrees. 

We were not packed for this weather and then to top it all the rain arrived.

This was really just a trip to clean up our home and garden that side so it really wasn't a break for us, but we need a change of scenery when we have been so busy. It does us good and then we are ready to work again.

I also has loads of quilting done so now I can have a number of quilts ready for charity auction again.

I am though very happy to be on the farm again. We had good rains here as well (73mm in two days) so everything looks clean and fresh on our very special place.

 

A Day Quading on Rich Ranch

We have lived on Rich Ranch for more than a decade now and we still find avenues to explore.

With technology now as it is we were able to track a back road route all the was from Rich Ranch to the Middelburg airfield which is just 5 kays from Middelburg town.

Packed And Off On Our Trip

Using Google Earth we planned a route through farmlands and villages to get to our destination.

We decided on Friday to set off at about 9 am on Saturday but our weather has not been the best and the wind has been howling this past week. Saturday morning was no exception but by 11.30 it was a go for us.

It is really dry this year. We have not had rain since December so all you saw was two dust balls on the road. 

Collecting Wood For The Week

We went through villages where the locals where busy with their weekend chores. It's a time when they do their washing, collect wood for the week and see that all is neat and tidy in the yard. 

Going through the different farms we have to hop on and off the quads every few kilometers to open and close the gates. The farmers keep feeding their herds by rotating them between different fields. It has been real difficult to feed the cattle through this winter so it is good farm etiquette to ensure that the gates are secure each time we pass through. We know how bad it is to have cattle wandering off and having to round them up again.

Heritage Lies Deep on Neighbour's Farm

What was also interesting along the way was to see the heritage that lies in out land. Some of the farms we traveled through have graveyards neatly fenced off and neatly kept. Some headstone dating back to the early 1800 with the same family name on the stone as on the farm entrance gate. 

Rough Terrain

WE stopped at the airfield but except for a helicopter owner who had just come in from a flight and was really not interested in talking to a pair of dusty rider, there was nothing happening there. I wonder if his wife missed this grumpy pilot.

Round turn at the airstrip and back home. What a fabulous trip. We have been mulling over the idea of does the Johannesburg to Durban trip and this has just confirmed that it is a really good idea.

Exchange Student at Rich Ranch

We are always fortunate enough to meet the most interesting people.

On our last camp we had an exchange student from Italy. Now if anyone knows me, they will know that Italy is one of my most favourites places in the world. We have loads of good memories made in Italy, but that is for another story.

Our 16year old student's name is Surubhi Mazzon and she is from a town called Pordonone which is bery near Venice.

Surubhi Getting Some TLC From A Friend

Surubhi arrived in South Africa in the beginning of July and will return home on 9th September. At the moment she is attending school at Mcauley House in Johannesburg which is an all girl school that we do a yearly leadership camp for. 

I don't think Surubhi had ever experienced anything like this before and but she was game for all our obstacle courses and zip rides and even the potjiekos competition the one night.

It was wonderful having you here Surubhi and we are so sorry you twisted your knee. Should we be near your home town on our next trip to Italy we will call in on you.

Rich Ranch - Snow in Gauteng

Snow In Gauteng

We were all packed and ready to leave when our school departed last Sunday - so off to Johannesburg it was.

The weather had been beautiful and it was so warm that the girls even had a swim on Saturday. But we were in for a big surprise. On Wednesday we woke up to freezing weather that was blown up from the Cape. By eleven o'clock the snow was falling. We sure are not used to this kind of weather But it brought great excitement and we had to be outside to catch a few snow flakes. I can't remember when last it had snowed here in Gauteng. It didn't last too long and by five pm all was melted and we were just left with freezing weather.  

Our Competency Certificates arrived, so this week we worked on our application for our gun license. All our documents with photos and motivation is ready and tomorrow morning we will hand them in at the Police Station.

A Queue 2km Long

On Thursday was "Woman's Day" so all the schools and some of the factories and businesses had Friday off and loads of people were off for a long weekend. I don't think everyone thought it would be so cold so I feel very sorry for all those who went camping and caravaning. On our way back to the farm you could see everyone returning home and there were queues for about two kilometers long going through the toll back on their way to Johannesburg.

Well it's back to work and I'm very happy to be back on the farm again.

Interesting Find on Rich Ranch

We had a most interesting walk last week.

As usual we find something new and interesting out in the bush but this time it was something of real interest that warranted a Google search and we still haven't come to the bottom of this mystery. 

Talana Bottle dating back to 1952

In between some rocks it looked like a shelter was built many years ago. We were brave enough to crawl into the shelter because it is cold at the moment and snakes like to bask in the sun in winter. We regularly see them on the rocks during the day. 

We found some glass and a tin that must have been used by someone in the shelter. The glass has the trade name "Talana" and date (1952) and according to the Google search there is even a "Talana Museum".

The Zulu name "Talana" meaning "the shelf where precious items are stored"

Nestled at the base of Talana Hill the museum is set in a 20 acre heritage park.

It is situated just outside the town of Dundee, Kwa Zulu Natal - South Africa, and are within short driving distances of some of the most famous battlefields in the country; Blood River, Rorkes Drift, Fugitives Drift, Isandlwana, Elandslaagte, Spioenkop, Colenso and the Siege of Ladysmith. 

Glass has been manufactured in this valley since the end of the 19^th century. Although the factory no longer exists, the museum is home to a magnificent collection of glass used and manufactured in South Africa.

Plough Blade with Insignia

The earliest piece of glass on display is part of a Roman phial (possibly for perfume) from Jerusalem and the newest an art glass platter by South African glass artist Liz Lacey. 

We also found part of an old plough blade but I have not been able to find the origin or history of this yet. The insignia is an eagle or phoenix with 75 which could be a date and a tick, much the same as Nike. 

Wouldn't it be cool if great discussions about starting the company "Nike" took place in these shelters here. Got to use the imagination sometimes.

Angry Time on Rich Ranch

Today for the first time since we have lived on Rich Ranch we came upon something very disturbing.                                                                                                            POACHERS.

The Snares

While out checking the cattle and inspecting the fences we came upon seven very primitive snares that were erected along our northern boundary fence. The game walk along this boundary so often that they have walked a foot path along the fence. Some of the snares were erected is such a manner that when the game walk along the fence they would put their head through the snare and when they panic the snare would tighten and they would strangle themselves. Other snares were placed in front of the openings at the base of the fence that are there for the warthog to move from one farm to the other. The same would happen to the warthog or bushpig as they went through the opening they would place their heads in the snare and then the slack would be taken up and they would strangle.

Shame on the poachers for causing such suffering. 

We will be on the alert watching for these poachers. It will NOT be tolerated here.

Back to School from Rich Ranch

Heidelburg Old Stone Church Built Early 1900's

On Monday the grandchildren start the third term of the year at school and back to normal everyday routine.

We were lucky enough to spend some time with them these holidays. We had birthdays and visits and even a hiking outing with them. 

Our Beautiful Granddaughter

We spent a day at Suikerbos Rand which is a hiking trail just outside Heidelburg. It is beautifully kept and we had awesome weather to enjoy our day. 

We started off our hike later than we anticipated as we got a bit lost. We used this hiking trail to get fit when we did our Fish River Canyon Hike, which is 90 km and five days long, to get fit. It was fifteen years ago that we hiked here and took a wrong turn so we landed up in Heidelburg town. Not a thing as we could catch up on some of the most beautiful buildings dating back to the early 1900's in the town.

Hope you enjoyed yourself Tori - we sure enjoyed all the funny moments on our hike. Just check out how those long legs are growing.  

Busy Times on Rich Ranch

Very Hungry

It's been really busy over the past week.

We have had to wean some of the calves because they keep drinking from the mothers and the mothers are pregnant again. As it is winter we have to keep the mothers in good shape for when they give birth. 

Very Thirsty

We split the calves from their mothers and put them in the kraal, the mothers we moved to a secluded part of the farm. The first night is was lowing and mooing that could be heard for miles and miles. The mothers broke a fence and found their little ones but could not get into the kraal. So we just moved the mothers again. Now after six days their need for their mothers has decreased but boy do they eat and drink. We can't keep up feeding and watering them.

It is still cold but no so that we cannot enjoy the hikes and outdoors. Spring will be here soon.

Youngest Hunter Yet on Rich Ranch

How time flies. We cannot believe how big the grand children are getting. This month we have two birthdays and the young ladies ever so excited about the occasion. It was just yesterday that we were at the hospital waiting for them to be born and here we are ten years down the line.

It is not often we have the kids out here as everyone is so busy with work and school but this weekend they made a plan to make the trip out here. It was also an opportunity to see if Dameon could shoot his first buck. After a few practice shots at a target off he went with Oupa for his first hunt.  It was excitement and nerves that churned up inside him but after a few shots and his buck down it was elation and joy at his accomplishment. Well done - he even had a bite of the liver to prove his manhood. 

Bush Pig Hunting at Rich Ranch

Full Moon Rising

  I am not a good winter person but I must admit that certain exciting events take place and the farm would not be the same without a good winter.

It is good to sit round an enormous bonfire with your face burning from the fire and your bum ice cold from the wind. You have to toast yourself on both sides to stay warm.

It is also a time when we see loads of Bush Pig. The destroy everything in their way so the farmers all put their ingenious plans into action. They build hides in the bush where they can watch from and set up feeders and lights to attract the Bush Pig. 

The Trophy

When it is full moon it is a good time to hunt the Bush Pig. On Tuesday night we were invited on one of these Bush Pig hunts. I am not sure who was more excited - the grown ups or the children. With beanies, gloves, scarves and thick overcoats all set off on their adventure. Two hours later they returned with their trophy and of course loads of stories of stalking and being rushed by the pigs. We had to believe them because they had the proof but......... Now we are waiting in anticipation for the smoked ribs, parma ham, kabanosi, chops and more to come from the butcher. 

It is still chilly here but still the most beautiful place I know. The bush is dry and crackles under your feet when you hike and it seems as if there is a lull on the farm. As if we are awaiting something huge to happen.

Firebreaks on Rich Ranch

The winter set in with a vengeance last weekend and with a leadership group here that we can take our hats off to, it was real tough. 

Jimmy and William

It must have been the coldest day ever since we have been living on the farm. An icy wind was howling in from the south and there was no way we were going to do any water activities. I think hypothermia would have been the order of the day for all of us if we had braved the water.

Even though the cold had set in the work must continue. 

One of our greatest fears are the veld fires that we have at this time of the year. The grass is dry and the slightest spark into can erupt into a ravaging fire within minutes if the wind comes up. So - this entire week has been tending to our fire breaks. First we ploughed a border round the farm and then round each section where fire can cause destruction. Next week we will actually burn the fire breaks (the sections that were ploughed) just to make sure the grazing fields are safe.

 

The cattle are looking good and they get special protein and condition licks at this time of the year because they have to feed their calves and be in good shape when the bulls come to visit again. There are still some calves to be born and we diligently watch now when new calves arrive in this icy cold weather. They might just need a helping hand. Will keep you updated.


This week I discovered more about the very interesting Mr Gouws (see previous post) Now not only is a an experienced Big Game Hunter, Budding Author and Successful Entrepreneur, but also does off road excursions on four wheelers. It must be his love for the outdoors that takes him into the bush on every available occasion. He has tickled our interest and we are definitely going to accompany him on his next trip. This weekend they are doing a trip to Swaziland and Mozambique - how awesome that must be. Who says my life is not interesting and that I don't meet the most extraordinary people.