Sleeping on the job.

At dinner this evening, out of the blue, someone was asking why it is that everyone is aiming for the robots (traffic lights) these days. What have they done wrong that they're under attack by motorists? Rather a coincidence, since I'd noticed the same thing, which led me to take this picture a few days ago.

I've no idea of the circumstances of the accident which caused this situation, as aside from the bits of shattered glass, a piece or two of mangled mettle, and of course this sleeping robot, there is no evidence left.

Clearly it's a hotspot for this sort of activity, because there were 2 tow-trucks parked permenantly on the traffic island behind me as I took the photo.

The advert on this robot is typical - a word or two explaining the service, a name and a cell phone number, written in white paint on a large piece of cardboard, attached to the pole with wire. This one says "Roof Thatch Call: Alec 0734610413"

Beauty and the Beast.

Yesterday we looked upstream, and today we look down stream. Also very peaceful, until you notice the concrete highway running past. Well, at least its up on columns, and leaves the river and vegetation in peace.

The highway is the Outer Ring Road, so called because it runs around the outside of Durban, enabling the coastal traffic a clear run all the way. It's part of the N2 running up the east coast. The N roads are national roads, with N1 linking Cape Town and Johannesburg, N2 links Cape Town and Durban, and the N3 links Durban to Johannesburg.

While our highways shorten travelling time between major centers, trips around the country were far more interesting when all the roads passed through all the towns. Ah well, the price of progress.

Water is so relaxing to watch.

Today is mother-in-law's birthday, and since a lady doesn't reveal her age, I can only tell you she is 90 something - and a very sprightly 90-something at that.

On the way to Yellowood Park where she lives, there is a small single-lane bridge over the Umhlatuzana River, which runs through the Steinbank Nature Reserve. There is something so peaceful and uncomplicated about a gently-flowing river.

Take me to your leader!

Was it because I wasn't welcoming that I wasn't invited to the Bee Conference? I really should try to be nicer next time.

While passing a garage at the top of Berea road, I noticed this swarm, which had bedded down for the night. A few of them were still buzzing around trying to find the ideal spot. Most people walking past were oblivious to their presence.

This is my second close encounter with a swarm, and each time I've been amazed at how docile they seem to be. All the buzzing and activity was non-threatening, because all they wanted was a safe place to stay - the same as any one of us. Perhaps we just fortunate to have tame bees here?

North Beach.

This is far more common view of the bluff than my last one, and is taken from North Beach.

On a sunny day the sand is usually littered with many gorgeous bodies, (as well as some not quite so gorgeous).

At the bottom left you can see Hendrick and his artwork.

Russell's castle.

A little futher along Russell ,also from the South Coast, built this beautifully decorated castle to impress the holiday makers. Even though I was not on holiday, I was certainly impressed.

I think this is a fairly new activity for our beaches, because I've not seen it before.

Hendrick - the Lion Tamer.

Even though it was a cold day at the beach today, Hendrick came all the way from from the South Coast, to work on his sand-scuptures. Really neat and creative work.