Ha ha. Don’t panic. Nothing too serious, no shots were fired.

Frikkie was just waving his imitation gun, which makes up for a dramatic photo.

I am very lucky to have many good friends and memories of past travels. The last time I was here in Sabie, I met Jacques as I had a wee issue with Zimba. Being the local mechanic, he helped me out, friendly and professional. We started chatting and had an instant connection, he loved taking his ‘Rand-Lover’ model out into the mountains. We should do that together. And so we did.

We met the next day and I got to meet his partner Dola, his friends Frikkie and Tanya, his son Zane with his wife Monche-Lee, and his grandson Miles. All of us went on a day tour to Hartbeestvlatke in the surrounding mountains of Sabie. It was a fantabulous day out, chatting and chilling, exploring, and eating a hearty meal of ‘podkos’ cooked on coals.

However, tragedy struck Jacques tied to the bed for the past year. In and out of the hospital for several reasons, it was a stressful time for friends and family. I wasn’t sure whether I wanted to see him in this state or prefer to remember him as the joyful, happy, and helpful man with a heart of gold that he was.

This choice had been decided by higher forces as Jacques passed away a couple of days after my arrival. I wore this shirt the day he passed by pure coincidence. Many of these elephant character trades can be referred to as those of my friend, the gentle giant. I will call the cute elephant Jacques.

Frikkie and Tanya are hardworking citizens. Prices skyrocketed to unpredictable levels and the South African Rand is just not worth much anymore on the global market. I kept myself busy with my drone and my cameras as I did whilst I was staying at Frikkie’s.

Even the neighbor’s emu popped up. G’day mate!

Yes, not an ostrich.

Poppy has gotten into age too but she kept her puppy eyes.

Maybe she remembered me from a few years back as she kept me company on the property. Or in bed, ha ha.

Seuntjie is a young pit bull full of beans and nonsense. As soon as I had Zimba’s car door open, he was already in there. I couldn’t blame him, who wouldn’t want to jump into a zebra. I just had to take stuff out of his snout before he jumped out. He loves toilet paper rolls. Quite amusing really, seeing this puppy running around with it. Maybe he was just well toilet trained?! He had his cute moments though.

Frikkie had only the Sunday of work this week. We decided to explore the area of Graskop, away from the tourist circle.

Tanya told him about a valley with stunning waterfalls and serenity. A wee adventure with Zimba lies ahead, which is exactly what we both need.

I was out early morning to chase fog in forests, it’s that time of morning. Not this morning.

Frikkie jumped in and we dropped by Forest Falls where I camped a few days before.

We had a photo session here 6 years ago, too. Still hard to believe.

We found the turn-off down into the valley as we passed a local community. We left a trail of dust cloud behind as we descended to creek level.

It felt like driving onto Mars.

Barron granite rocks speckled over burnt ground on one side of the creek, no one else was anywhere near.

Even if someone was coming, their dust trail would have been spotted miles away. It is a surreal landscape.

Right in the middle of the valley was a mountainous creek with crystal clear waters. Riddle me that.

I sent Rick off to inspect the waterfalls that are meant to be somewhere here.

But these wee cascades are just as picturesque as we had a nice cuppa sitting on the rocks.

This our world.

I sent Frikkie off with Zimba with Rick following them from behind and from above.

Note to myself; It’s much easier to concentrate on good video footage if you’re not driving.

Driving Zimba is addictive as Frikkie returned with a big smiley grin on his beardy face.

It’s a magical voiture. C’est bon.

We turned west towards the sun as we were still tracking this waterfall.

Finding our way is only half the fun.

The other half is enjoying another piece of natural art.

These falls are divided into two sections and drop at least 30 meters below.

They would be an impressive sight in the rainy season, but I doubt that we would be sitting right here.

Perfect seating on granite rocks, carved out over millennia.

Out of the easterly wind, looking straight at the sunset.

The best part is still to come. There was no one else around but us. And Rick.

While I was exploring the air, Frikkie was busy exploring on foot.

It was obvious that he really enjoyed himself. Away from the rut, away from reception, away from stress.

He needed a day like today like we all do now and then. Soul searching.

Jacques was within our souls today, shame he couldn’t be with us in person.

Rest in Peace, Jacques.

Done and dusted we headed home.

We still have to go all the way back and Zimba carried already half of the dust track on his back.

He he… that’s the way we like it.

Plenty more dust to come.