Green Scene ...

There is a song, often performed by the Durban Men's Choir, about the green, green hills of Natal, and I’m certain that it must have been written after passing through these parts of the Midlands. In spite of the prevalent golden grasslands of Natal’s winter there are tracts of land under cultivated rye grass – courtesy of local livestock farmers - which remain the most verdant green despite the recent frosts which have hit the countryside. Combined with the baled hay from fields harvested over the past few months, local cattle are assured of a varied and healthy winter diet.
I have cropped this shot to assume a widescreen ratio aspect – which works well for panoramic landscapes. With the foreground green of the pine tree saplings only the outlined winter deciduous trees on the horizon give any inkling of the time of year.

William & Kate

The Midlands is in the South African province of KwaZulu Natal – the province most often associated with the early British settlers, and the scene of many of the most notable battles of the Anglo-Boer wars. So much so in fact that it is often referred to by locals as the last outpost of the British Empire.

On this, the wedding day of Britain’s Prince William and Kate Middleton, it is only appropriate that we acknowledge this milestone in their lives by acknowledging also the Brit connection, and wish them luck – for they are (so far) jolly good fellows.

This Union Flag, probably a remaining reminder of South Africa’s hosting of the 2010 Soccer World Cup somehow looked suitably colonial and historic, contrasted against a deep blue South African sky. It’s slightly tattered state, yet ability to fly proudly out there is to me a fitting metaphor for Britain’s royals.

Treeline

Driving through South Africa I am often fascinated by trees. Sometimes it is a solitary specimen that has me asking how it came to be where it is - a lonely weeping willow at the roadside of a national highway, or a dead blue gum trunk presumably struck by lightning - its remains still defiantly standing erect. So often the formation of a clump of trees adds great interest to an otherwise boring landscape (why does the Free State come to mind?). And then there are those frequently seen rows of trees, implausibly positioned along the ridge of some distant hill or kopje looking for all the world like a mohawk haircut in but not of nature. Today what caught my eye was a simple row of blue gums - an obvious wind break alongside agricultural lands. And one solitary hay bale - I could not help but wonder where its siblings had gone and why this one remained behind. In panoramic mode, I tried to keep the composition to the photographer's 'rule of thirds'. 

I think it works.

Inspiration ......

Having recently moved to live in the Midlands of KwaZulu Natal, South Africa I have been awestruck by both the beauty and the attractions of the area. 

There is a 'movement' called Daily Photo where each day a blogger somewhere in the world posts an image reflecting life in the various cities and locations they inhabit and appreciate. Having sworn to develop my skills (whether great or small) with a camera I'll share my captured images and reflections with whoever finds this site. 

While I cannot promise to be diligent enough to post an image daily, I'll certainly try - for there is no question there is more than enough in this region to ensure I keep those camera batteries charged and discharged more regularly than I ever did before.

Starting close to home this first photo was taken of the road leading to a local country restaurant - closed at the time, so I cannot comment on whether or not the food would justify the journey. The view and bucolic rural atmosphere almost makes that irrelevant!