For Annie

I shall not go into details, but instead of going east, Johann and Werner's journey took a turn towards the western side, and so they ended up in Sutherland.

In astronomical circles this place is well known, yet to all and sundry, I guess not so well known. If at all.

Sutherland is called: "The Gateway to the universe ... land of snow and stars.

The coldest place in the Republic of South Africa.

The place where you find the largest telescope in the Southern Hemisphere....... a telescope so powerful that one could see a candle flame on the moon.

When you take the tar road from Cape Town , you turn off at Matjiesfontein, the famous English Karoo town with its splendid museum, then another 110 km and you reach Sutherland ..... not only famous for its Observatory but also for its pure , fresh air ... fresher than anywhere else in the world!


Johann and Werner stayed over at the Backpacker's place where they encountered the delightful presence and company of this junior Meerkat.

It had been adopted by the owners of the place after it had sustained an injury.

Presently it is very tame, plays with the dogs and cat till they drop, and comes over when called.
It does not eat meat, yet apples seem to be ok.

Though very cuddlesome and loving, it still exhibits the well known trait of meerkat behaviour when it stands on its hind legs, front arms and paws together, and swiftly looks left, right .... adorable.

Safely home after a fairly (epic) journey, dirty beyond description, new riding boots not recognized, all's well that ends well.

The image of this blip I dedicate to Annie - she is a lover of meerkats, and I can understand why.

Image by Johann