At one viewpoint we hiked along a rain forest trail to the rim of the escarpment. Along the way we came across an African man and his expectant wife who had stopped for a rest. As we neared he greeted us with a friendly "Elder Erickson" that indicated to us he was a member of our Church and we had a fun chat with them. Wearing our missionary nametags has led to numerous such introductions and conversations with wonderful people across many countries. At breakfast we met a couple from Zimbabwe who have LDS friends and shared a table with four people from Italy who were open in their remarks and questions about the Church.
Many South Africans are dedicated birders. At one viewpoint we could hear the distict trilling of a bird before we rounded a bushy corner and encountered this intensely listening group with binoculars and long lens cameras. Ron crept up and joined them but could not see the bird that was loudly chirping away.
Gorgeous waterfalls in breathtaking settings greeted us all along our journey. This one is Mac-Mac Falls.
At each viewpoint Africans sell items handcrafted from wood, stone, fabric and beads. From a street vender we purchased a bag of whole macadamia nuts freshly harvested from a nearby orchard.
This area more than any other we have yet visited reminded us of familiar Pacific Northwest scenery. Refreshed, we returned Saturday evening to springtime blossoms in Johannesburg.
Are you cutting pictures out of National Geographics again?? These images are beautiful! And your experiences with the people are amazing.
ReplyDeleteElder and Sister Erickson, we have enjoyed looking at your blog and your pictures. We too have traveled and done the same sort of things you both have. Thanks for sharing. Hope you are viewing our blog as well. Its fun to see what the other Security Missionaries are doing.
ReplyDeleteOur best, Elder and Sister Burningham