A Mpumalanga adventure

It's not often that we get out of the city for a break away; our schedules, and budget, don't allow for it.  But with my godmother's daughter's impending wedding came an opportunity for the family to get away from the routine of our usual lives and head out to Mpumalanga; a part of the country I spent the first years of my life living in.  

Last year while looking for potential accommodation I came across a lovely place out on Lake da Gama, en route to Hazyview, that ticked off all my boxes {you know, budget, easy driving distance of the wedding venue, pretty. Always pretty}.

The day before we were to leave, a colleague mentioned that she'd received notification of flood warnings in the area we were going to. News of people being swept away in their cars bothered me. Some. After some urgent calls to said godmother she convinced me to drive down anyway.  So we did.  With children in tow, we headed off.

Five and a half hours later - 9pm or there abouts - we found ourselves happily stuck in a traffic jam in the middle of a pine forest, cars at a complete standstill, the sky bright with the light of the stars and the air thick and crisp; oh just to take a deep breath of fresh, country air! I was tempted to get out the car to take it all in, but with only the light of the stars for visibility, and me being a Joburg girl, I didn't think it wise to do so. Instead we did what all good Joburg residents do when they find themselves in such situations: we opened up the windows and generously {loudly} shared our taste in music with our fellow traffic jammers and let it echo through the forest.

We eventually moved on after about 20 minutes and made our way down a little meander off the tarred road.  My car is really low and not suitable for off-road driving so I was exceptionally happy to find the majority of the way paved. My children laughed each time I said, "Yay, paving!". We were also greatly encouraged by the signs along the way, like the one that appeared just after I said "Where is this place?!" which read "You're just around the corner, just 2kms more to go". Yes. It did freak me out a little. Mind reading signs and all.

We awoke the next day to thunderous rain.  It was spectacular.  But the view even more so.

I sat on the deck for a few hours just listening to the rain, watching the clouds and mist roll in over the lake.  Somehow, despite the torrential downpour, there was a stillness that permeated the air.  The kind that finds its way into your soul and settles there.

Stillness.

Just what I needed.

The children on the other hand could not wait to go exploring regardless of the downpour.

My baby girl did it in style.

And as with all adventures, food must follow.

And the obligatory photos of just my girl and I.  She loves being in them and loves me taking them.  I happily oblige. {That's me sans make up.  Just in case you couldn't tell}

And then of course, just of my baby girl. She's the sweetest.

With our bellies now full we decided to explore the lodge, and we all agreed it must be spectacular in summer. 

My sweet girl's interpretation of what it means to be a "lady".

It was short lived {and yes, those are my boots}.

My boy looking awfully grown up.

He prides himself in having "discovered" the library.

I love that they built around that enormous tree trunk; I think it so beautiful.

Look out the window to the right.  The rain was pouring down.

I did say I like pretty.  And it certainly was.

Carefully planning the timing, we eventually headed off to the wedding.

Three hours later, hopelessly lost thanks to my GPS, and after a search party came to our rescue, we managed to make it to the wedding...reception! 

It was an adventure; that's what we tell ourselves.

And it was a gorgeous reception.  The most elegant wedding I've ever attended.

She wore a dress.  Just for me.

And my boy, looking more and more like a man, looked so handsome.

She loves me.  And the camera - a lot.

My baby girl's kind-of date for the evening. They kept their distance. Despite both sets of parents encouraging communication and the kindling of a friendship.  I know: it won't always be this way.

They're both opening the gifts they received from the bride and groom.  A very sweet, thoughtful touch which was greatly appreciated.  And loved by my baby girl.

These two on the other hand got on famously.  They enjoyed each other's company, and my boy even got contact details (ha!).  And what a lovely, grounded, passionate and ambitious young lady.

I've been a witness to the bride's life through the years. Her mom, my godmother, has been a part of my life since I was in nappies. My godmother has been a friend, counsellor and mother figure to me through the years; I adore her. They are my family. It was a treasure to be part of this significant milestone in the sweet bride's life.  She is a beautiful, graceful, young woman.  

The sweet, ever graceful bride in her spectacularly beautiful gown imported from Spain.  My photos do it no justice. Thank you for sharing your journey with us.  We love you, sweet girl.

The following day brought with it a sense of new beginnings which was apt.  Everything looked and felt  fresh; the clouds now but a memory, the sun shone brightly and the heat of the lowveld was welcomed.

Taking advantage of the weather we decided to explore the lodge a little more before heading back home.

I could live here, but the city beckons.

All the images contained in this post are my own.