The Eastern Trans Vaal

We took a day trip to the Eastern Trans Vaal. Along the way, we visited Mac Mac Falls, Pilgrim’s Rest, God’s Window, and Bourke’s Luck Pot Holes.

Mac Mac Falls is a well known set of two waterfalls. At all of the tourist stops, there are Africans selling their own art work. Most of the time, vendors at these locations come from communities close to the site. People in the community make their items for sell and all proceeds go back to support the community. This is a photograph of Jomol carving an elephant at the top of the trail to Mac Mac Falls.

Our next stop was Pilgrim’s Rest. Pilgrim’s Rest is known for being one of the first places that gold was found in the Low Veld. The town has been kept in very much the same was as during the 1800’s. The main street in Pilgrim’s rest is lined with huge Jacaranda trees that are a couple hundred years old. Here is Pieter and Herman in front of the Post Office.

During my trip, I spent some time interacting with the youth. I gave out Arizona Soccer pins that I had accrued over a long period of time.  At Pilgrim's Rest I saw some boys sitting along side the road and decided to approach them and give them a souvenir from Arizona. Just like in the U.S., the boys were quite dirty from head to toe from playing hard. I gave each of them a Soccer pin from the USA and told them that, "You need to become the next Modise!" Modise is a star player for South Africa. The boys eyes lit up and inspected their new treasure. After walking 50 or so feet, I turned around to notice that the news of my pins had spread like a fever to the vendors along side the road. WHo knows, one day those soccer pins I handed out will inspire one youth to become like Modise and play for the South African Football team! How cool would that be!

 

Outside some of the small Pilgrim's Rest Museums were 2 boys dressed up in rubber boots and blue coveralls using sticks through the arms. The photo below is not mine. It was taken by someone else visiting Pilgrim's Rest. They would perform a small step dance in hopes that you would give them a few Rand. I gave them a few Rand. You could see through the coverall all the little boy behind the garb. 2 little bright shining eyes looking at what you place in their bucket. To each of the boys I gave a Soccer pin. Imagine their small hand reaching out of the coverall to accept the gift. They inspected it and tucked it away inside their pocket and gave a warm Thank You in broken english. I told both of them to score like Tshabalala (Scorer in the Mexico game.)

Along side the road at one of the Pilgrim’s Rest historical buildings seat two Ndebele woman. There have been many photographs taken of these two women. The tribe in which they come from are known for their colorful blankets that they wrap around themselves and the neck rings that they wear.

While walking the streets in Pilgrim’s Rest, I saw a vintage Ford Mustang originally from Florida with a 289 engine. Its owner was proud of the rumble that came from his engine and enjoys driving around town with the top down.

Other pictures in Pilgrim's Rest:



Late in the morning, we stopped at God’s Window. God’s Window is located on the steep cliffs of the High Veld and overlooks the plains of the Low Veld. From where you stand, you can reach out your hand over the cliff and feel the instantaneous rush of cold air running up the side of the cliffs!



Our last tourist stop was Bourke’s Luck Pot Holes. The beauty of the Pot Holes is amazing. However Sergio, I wouldn’t recommend that you put your weed in these. If you look closely at the first picture, you can see Pieter and Herman waving.

 

On our way back to Kruger, I saw another Spur Restaurant. This one is The Big Bear location. When I get away from it all, I love going to Big Bear in the White Mountains to fish.

In South Africa, they grow sugar cane. The workers have set fire to the sugar cane to seer it prior to it being processed in a sugar cane factory. Notice the tremendous amount of smoke.

The Kachina struck again today. On the way to Mac Mac Falls, Pieter nd Marlene recieved the news that they had a pipe break and flooded their house. It has been freezing in Sasolburg and in the Kruger!