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Not a tree to tangle with

Not a tree to tangle with

Not a tree to tangle with

Click on some of the thumbnails below and decide for yourself if you’d risk climbing this tree. My guess is that the leaves of this tree are particularly desirable to some or other creature and that these super-pointy thorns server as deterrents.

Speaking of deterrents… while in the Kruger National Park our guide pointed out a bush that defends itself from buck by releasing a bad-tasting chemical into its leaves if senses that too many have been eaten. The chemical is also released into the air (which in turn starts a chain reaction in neighbouring bushes, which in turn release the chemical into their leaves. Sneaky isn’t it?



I swear I hid it here…

Squirrel digging in the ground

I swear I hid it here

Places like the Company’s Gardens and Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens (where I spent my day at an IT conference) are full of these little fellas.

This squirrel spent at least three or four minutes digging (slightly frantically) in the soil. I assume he’d lost his prize nut. I don’t think he found it.



Starfish

Starfish

Starfish

This starfish reminded me of a well-known charity, Starfish, that operates in South Africa and works to support kids who’ve been orphaned as a result of the AIDS/HIV pandemic that South Africa is, sadly, known for.

The charity, started by a group of young South Africans in 2001/2002, and is a registered non-profit organisation and as of 2001 are partnered with Global Fund, CIDA, PEPFAR and AUSAID.

Consider supporting Starfish.



Sit, relax, and observe

Hiding

Hiding

I know it sounds a little stalker, but I really enjoy sitting on the pavement (sidewalk) taking photos of random things and random people.

A friend recently said that a great form of exercise (for a photographer) is just to sit, relax, and observe without a camera in the hand. So, next time you’re out taking photos and you feel as though there’s nothing interesting to shoot, consider taking an extended break to just sit, relax, and observe – you’re sure to find the most interesting photos.



Circle in a bench

Circle in a bench

Circle in a bench

This particular garden bench in the Company’s Gardens (map) must be one of the least used benches of them all. Not because it’s in an obscure place, not because it’s particularly uncomfortable – no, this particular bench is located just below the perfect birdy toilet-spot. The closest half of the bench wasn’t so bad, but the second half was absolutely covered in crusty white stuffs. Yuck!



Big Boy bike

Big Boy bike

Big Boy bike