Moholoholo Veldschool

Today was the first real day of Veldschool at Moholoholo Mountain View, near Hoedspruit in Limpopo Province. We arrived yesterday evening, just in time for supper. It's a lovely place, with, as the name implies, superb mountain views. Malcolm was saying this afternoon that mountains just make you feel so peaceful - it reminds you that there is something far greater in control..

The kids are accomodated in dorms, while us parents have a chalet. Obviously we've got the younger three with us, but the others are enjoying being on their own.

This morning started off with a bush walk (which we missed because we weren't up yet...) but the kids said it was great. Everything is still very dry though - we definitely need the rain! After breakfast we all headed in our cars for the Blyde River Canyon where we went for a hike. It was about 4 km, and involved a bit of 'up-and-down' over rocks etc, but wasn't too bad (even for someone as unfit as me!)

Keren was such a star - she walked the whole way without complaining at all! But then, she has got SO much energy!!

We've seen quite a bit of wildlife here, there's a semi-tame rhino that hangs around the gate as you enter the reserve. Not tame enough for you to stop your car and have a good look though - apparently he does quite a bit of damage if he gets close enough. As we came in today after the hike, we had to stop to let him cross the road in front of our car. He is as big as my Chrysler Voyager!! After he crossed, he turned around, looked at us, and pawed the ground!! Scary! We got away fast!!

There is a tame warthog that was rooting around the chalets this afternoon, and of course lots of buck all over. Some monkeys came around to make mischief too! Apparently there were three giraffes in front of the chalet early this morning - we'll have to get up early tomorrow!

This afternoon the kids learnt how to make rope out of leaves (not sure what kind - they look like aloe-type plants), and then had a shelter-building competition. Eden and Ben were in the team that won and were very pleased with themselves.

There was supposed to have been a sleepout tonight - under the stars!! It was postponed till tomorrow night though, as the wind has come up and rain is threatening. I, of course, will be sleeping inside with the two youngest (luckily...) but Malcolm says he'll sleep out with the kids. Brave of him...

We've hardly seen the kids, they're having such a good time. Tomorrow's activities promise just as much fun!