In April 2007 I took these photos of the sun rising over the Golden Gate Highlands National Park . This part of the Free State is very popular for photography courses which are held in the autumn mainly for the beautiful russets and yellows of the stately poplar trees, the majestic sandstone cliffs and the golden sun over the valley.
The Golden Gate Highlands National Park is nestled in the rolling foothills of the Maluti mountains of the north eastern Free State. The park derives its name from the brilliant shades of gold cast by the sun on the park's sandstone cliffs.
This 11 600 hectares of unique environment is true highland habitat, providing home to a variety of mammals – black wildebeest, eland, blesbok, oribi, springbok and Burchell's zebra - and birds, including the rare Bearded Vulture (Lammergeier) and the equally rare Southern Bald Ibis, which breed on the ledges in the sandstone cliffs. Ribbokkop, the highest point in the park, reveals a breathtaking tapestry of red, yellow and purple hues as its warm shades merge with the cool mountain shadows towards evening.
It looks like a beautiful place. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteGreat lighting. Very peaceful looking spot. I would like a little walk here.
ReplyDeleteThe Autumn colours are so golden. Thanks for commenting on my blog.
ReplyDeletehey, those images are so nice, well i think i have another explanation for the "golden", see the yellow plants(or trees), the place looks golden...c",)
ReplyDeleteMarvellous to see pictures from South Africa. And these are marvellous pictures.
ReplyDeleteP.S. Calonyddaear is Aileni on the Linky.
ReplyDeleteJames;) It IS a beautiful place. The whole Eastern Free State (where I live) has its own special kind of magic. Thanks for popping in.
ReplyDeletePhoto Cache;) thanks, I remember freezing (by South African standards LOL! while waiting for the sun to rise. The pain was worth it in the end. Thanks for commenting.
diane;) Thanks for your comment. I love your blog. I cannot wait to have a few (no many) minutes to read your entire blog.
The Explorer;) Yes, the Free State is golden at this time of the year and your description fits the bill completely.
calonyddaear;) Thanks for your kind and encouraging comments.
It looks so beautiful there I am not surprised photgraphy courses are taken out there or even painting classes. These are like the fall colours we hear about in North America but not in Africa.
ReplyDeleteHi Peggy GOOD TO HEAR YOU AGAIN!!! Yes, it's no wonder photography courses are held there. And people go there to paint as well. If you drive along the country roads, you often see (mainly retired folk) with a brush and easel and capturing the mountains ahead on canvas. In fact, the nearby town of Clarens which is nestled in the Maluti Mountains, is well-known for it's artists' retreats and galleries. People flock there from the cities to enjoy all this in beautiful surroundings. I am SO glad to see you again. I've missed you. (((Hugs)))
ReplyDeleteVery beautiful picture! I read Golden Gate & expected to see pictures of San Francisco.
ReplyDeleteDenise:) Oh yes, San Francisco has a Golden Gate Bridge! Welcome to my blog and thank your for your kind comment.
ReplyDeleteI love all the golds - beautiful!
ReplyDeleteHi Jo. These are beautiful shots. I like the golden hues..
ReplyDeleteThanks Regina;)
ReplyDeleteHi Jeri;) Welcome to my blog. Thanks for your comments. Hugs
ReplyDeleteI love those colours!
ReplyDeleteHi Genasus, aren't the colours beautiful? Thanks for visiting and commenting on my blog,
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