Climbing in Matopos…

The sky really is that blue here in Matabeleland – I love the yellow contrast

The slog up a kopjie is always a bugger, but once I’m there…

I struggled at first, to climb this rock – I felt I was really clomping up – until I removed my shoes! Then I had no trouble running up…

I also hoped that if a snake popped its head up when the dogs were sniffing around the exfoliating rocks, I could use them as a missile!

This exfoliating rock is actually hollow!

I’ve put the rest of the photos in a gallery – I think one can click on the image to view it full size

Fires, in Matopos

I think, in these two photos, I have managed to portray what its like being near a raging bush-fire – you can’t see (as your eyes stream) your throat burns and its very hot.

On one occasion, I began fighting a fire with only two people (I was waiting for assistance from not only Anglesea, but surrounding properties) and I was dithering about leaving them there all alone while I sent for help. I could hardly see and even less breathe. Eventually I agreed but said “Now listen guys – safety first – be very careful and please, just use your brains.” The younger guy quipped “How can I use my brains, if I have no oxygen!”

Sadly, once the fire season begins we all fight them for weeks…This latest one was started when an electricity pole fell and the sparks ignited the dry grass.

I’m hoping an artist out there will paint this one (above!)

Fires sure make for moody photographs!

This last photo was taken in the early morning, immediately after the fire. Logs, which sometimes burn for days, produce mist-like smoke that hangs in the valleys.

Fire season…

As the dry season comes to an end, here in Mat’land, the grass is tinder dry, the wind blows any which way it likes (instead of the prevailing south-easterly) and uncontrolled fires are the scourge of our grasslands.

I am pretty scared of fires, as I was nearly killed as a child, so generally only provide logistical support, which means driving my car around – pouring water in fighter’s knapsacks and helping with backburns.

And when its ravaged through, this is all that is left, killing small animals, bird and all the undergrowth mulch.

I leave you with this photo, taken of tired fire fighters. The chap in the centre is nearly 80 years old!