Life isn't about how you survived the storm....

it's about how you danced in the rain.

August 15   We left early and visited Pilanesberg Wildlife Reserve where we witnessed many animals, except for lions and leopards.   

The Pilanesberg is a mountain in the North West Province, South Africa. The mountain is an ancient volcanic structure, alkaline in composition, circular in shape, that rises from flat surrounding plains. It is formed by three concentric ridges or rings of hills, of which the outermost has a diameter of about 24 km. The Pilanesberg is located 100 km to the northwest of Pretoria and is for the greater part enclosed in a protected area known as Pilanesberg Game Reserve.

Look like large loaves of hippo.......

A Dasse, I think?

This Rhino has been through the protection program.  Notice the notches in his ears.  He has an identifying chip in his horn and behind his ear.  He will be protected from poachers.  His horn would bring something in excess of $80,000.

These elephants were walking down the road, then some more of them came up behind us.  One started moving rather fast.  Luckily he turned away from us!

Ooooooh  Crocs!

The blinds were great for bird watching and stretching your legs.

A Pied King Fisher

The B & B was a tad cramped, but comfortable and in a beautiful setting!


That evening we stayed at the Gatz Guesthouse not far from Rustenberg.   They prepared a delicious and early breakfast on Friday 16 August before we proceeded to the Cullinan Diamond Mine for an interesting surface tour.  We saw a replica of a gigantic diamond (3.106.75 carats)  found in the mine.  The mine continues operation with much of the diamonds being found of the industrial grade.

Almost over the jet lag today.

Cullinan Diamond Mine owes its historic fame to the largest diamond uncovered – the Cullinan Diamond.

An influential building contractor named Thomas Cullinan bought the Elandsfontein farm that housed the Cullinan Diamond Mine in 1903. Less than two years later, a rough diamond was found nine metres down and protruding from the sidewall of the pit measuring a staggering 3,106.75 carats.

Visitors leave their admission stickers on the pole

The sides of the pit are shearing off and making the hole larger.  The mining now takes place under ground.

Zone Conference

Senior Missionaries

August 16   After returning  from Cullinan,  Ryan and Kyoung  joined us in attending a Zone Conference  with Elder Hamilton.  He spoke on the principle of Sacrifice.  He used an example of a senior Couple who have just finished their 11^th mission.   We hope our health allows us to serve additional missions.

August 17   We visited the Lion Park and enjoyed petting baby lions and a giraffe.   We were able to witness 4 lion prides.  

Wild Dogs

White Lion

White Lioness

   

 There are lion cubs available to pet!

 

I think this giraffe needs a name.  What do you think?

Robbie, Joshua, Grace and Regan

Residential area near the Lion Park

In the afternoon,  we went to Tshabalala’s and had a picnic.  We celebrated birthday week:  Minenhle, Khumo, and Dominic.   We had rented a violin and Ryan played many numbers, light and cheerful and sacred.   The families fit so well together:   our grandchildren were happy to meet new cousins.   Before the evening was over, the kids gazed at the stars and wished the entire trip could be with the Tshabalala family.

Gogo (Dominic's mother, Mable) and Bokang

Grace and Amahle

Moipone and Awande

Kyoung and Amahle

Grams and Amahle

Joshua and Amahle

Bokang, Awande and Grace

Ntando

Gogo and Awande

 

The violin playing was a definite hit!

Khumo,  Tuesdays Birthday boy, and friend (left)

 Amahle

Saturday's Birthday Boy, Minenhle

FAMILY!