Under the Bridge

Framing the view under Blackfriars Bridge

Swimming at Cascades - Royal Natal National Park

When you arrive at Mahai campsite in the Royal Natal National Park in the Drakensberg, one of the first things you notice is that there is no swimming pool.  "What! No swimming pool? How is one supposed to cool down on those hot barmy summers days while camping?" you ask.  Mahai doesn't have a swimming pool for a purpose.  The campsite sits on the banks of the Mahai River and 15 minutes upstream along the Queen's Causeway is where you head to the Cascades if you want to cool down.  The Cascades is a series of cascading waterfalls and shallow areas offering bathers a safe spot to enjoy the crisp clean mountain water that flows out of the Berg.  You may not be able to dive into deep pools or swim lengths but I didn't hear one person complain during the ten days we were there.  How often do us city folk get to swim in a mountain stream? 

The little bridge at the end of the Queen's Causeway.  The Queen's Causeway was built to allow the Royal family to comfortably walk up along the Mahai River during their visit in 1947.  The visit is also the reason why the park is allowed to be called the Royal Natal National Park.

The last stretch to the Cascades 

Campers and day visitors enjoying the Cascades

Yours truly playing ball with Miggie in the bottom pool

The Cascading waterfalls above the swimming area

Miggie having a waterfall shower

Chaos Boy warming up after a swim in the fresh mountain water

Miggie enjoying the view of the Cascades looking downstream 

What's Wrong With This Town?

On the surface we seem to be an ordinary Midwestern city. You know, sort of rehabbed, sort of derelict urban center. Sprawling suburbs. Museums and shopping centers. People of every kind. So what's with these parade floats? Maybe the dark side of America, floats designed by Steve Bannon.                  

Tree

One of the many magnificent looking trees at the Arnold Arboretum with a light coating of snow.

Silly Season

Went out to shoot the Mardi Gras parade yesterday. The weather wasn't as cold as was forecast. She skies were clear and there was a big crowd. This year's theme was movies. The top one is some slasher movie, the bottom obviously Ghostbusters. 

The usual assortment of strange people marched with the floats and swarmed down the sidewalk. We'll go with this for a bit.