Author: Richard Hayes

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Astro-photography Flowers Photography

Citrusdal Baths

We went to the Citrusdal Baths in September 2023 and we got some lovely photographs.

Sunset on our first evening there – the Cederberg Mountains in their evening finery

I was all set up to take photos of the stars at 10 PM. And the clouds rolled in. In disgust I went to bed. At 2 AM answering a call of nature I looked outside and found that the clouds had cleared and this was the view. In a pair or shorts and an open tee shirt I braved the 5 degree cold to take a series of photos, this one being the best.

Coral trees are just so photogenic

And not forgetting the nastutians

And a bit of macro photography to finish up.

Categories
Moon Photography Sunset

Sunset and Full Moon in Cape Town

This evening it is full moon and I was fortunate enough to be on Table Mountain for the rise of the moon and the setting of the sun. I got some lovely pictures.

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Riviersonderend

Riviersonderend House in 2023

Pictures of the interior of our Riviersonderend House

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Birding Photography

Black Crowned Night Heron

I couldn’t resist this image as the heron admired his image in the water.

Categories
Photography

Bees on an Aloe

I found some pictures I took years ago of bees on an aloe. The colours aside from anything else is just amazing.

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Astronomy

Atmospheric Images

I found this folder with all sorts of great storm and astrophotography pictures so I decided to add them. Just for fun.

And some more

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Fungi

Fungi

As I collect images of Fungi, I will add them here.

A bit blurry this one, but it is still part of the family

Shaggy Ink Cup – I just love these there is something so otherworldly about them

Categories
Passes Travel

Herbertsdale Pass

I love mountain passes and actively seek them out. The one in the video does not have a name to the best of my knowledge. It is very short and possibly cannot even be considered a pass, but I believe it is the steepest I have driven. It outdoes the Botterkloof pass in Namaqualand.
Where is it? It crosses the Gouritz River about 50 km east of Herbertsdale. If you want to find it on Google Maps search for Willie se uitkykpunt.
Apologies for some bad images, but I was using a hand held camera balanced on the steering wheel and my wife was not with me so I had to do it all myself.

Categories
Passes Travel

Botterkloof Pass

I was in Namaqualand and took the opportunity to drive the Botterkloof pass which is a really steep spectacular pass.
On the way there, I was being pressurised by a guy in a big SUV so I let him get ahead and he raced away. I dawdled so I would not be in his dust, but when he got to the pass, he lost his nerve and crept down the pass much to my disgust. I drive Subarus for their amazing road holding and one of the pleasures is sweeping down dirt road passes at a good speed.
Apologies for cursing so much about his chicken hearted driving.

Categories
Birding

Birdsong

I will add to these as I get more.

Cape Grassbird