Sunrise this week

It's a known fact that we  live in one of the most beautiful countries in the world. As Grant and I rode through South Africa again last week, I marveled at the different landscapes - each one as beautiful as the last. We rode up the mountains behind us (not the Drakensberg which we face every day) and soon we were in the Golden Gate National Park (Free State). The interesting shapes of the sandstone mountains and the lush vegetation after the abundant summer rains, really tugged at my heart.

Nearing our old home town of Marquard, we drove along the regional roads bordered by fields of cosmos - a weed (now naturalized in South Africa) which was introduced via horse feed from Argentina during the Anglo-Boer War. Backing this are huge lands of golden sunflower heads - crops now being harvested in that part of the country. 

Our round trip bike tour, visiting family and friends,  took eight days and covered a distance of 2879km. I didn't have my Canon camera with me due to lack of luggage space. So do please click on these links above to see the first part of our travels as explained by Mr Wikipedia. 

We arrived home - back in the Berg - on Saturday 1 April and were greeted by an ecstatic Labrador, Skabenga. Eddy had taken to sleeping most of the time we were away and was also mightily pleased to see us when I popped my head into the place where the dogs' beds are. The cats, being cats, took an hour or two, forgave us for "abandoning" them and eventually came to rub against our legs.  

Next morning at dawn, Eddy, Skabenga and I were on the servitude walking as if I'd never been away. As we returned to the property the sun was rising. What a beautiful sight reminding us once more why we are so happily settled here in this part of our amazing country. 

I'm linking my post to Skywatch Friday here

HAPPY FRIDAY TO YOU ALL!