You knew it was coming. I guess this is the modern version of being forced to sit through someone else’s holiday snaps, but at least you can click away if you get bored, ha ha.
My youngest sister, Samantha, kindly arranged a trip to a wonderful game lodge called Kwa Maritane. After a somewhat stressful night, Max, his cousin Katherine and I woke at 4:45am and boarded the game drive around the game reserve.
Don’t they look tired, poor things…
Towards the end of the three hour game drive, the truck stopped for tea and then refused to start again. Obviously, I sat on the truck and allowed the men to push start us.
The most aggressive elephant in the park decided that he fancied a slow stroll along the dirt road. The three game trucks had to queue behind him for a good 30 minutes. He knew exactly what he was doing.
Then it was back to Samantha’s house for a few days of sunshine and messing about by the pool, while we waited for Leon to fly over after shooting the Winter Olympics in Sochi.
Next stop, my father’s house in Port Alfred in the Eastern Cape. The sculpture below was done of me when I was about 14 months old. It’s peculiar and slightly creepy, but I sort of like it.
Port Alfred boasts an impressive marina with some amazing properties. My dad’s friend Tim took us out on his boat (after some emergency repairs. Yes, Leon, that means you fixed it and saved the day).
I love teenager expressions. Jemma hated having her picture taken, so of course I was like a paparazzo every time I saw her.
You’re trapped, Jemma, you can’t hide from me on a boat.
Leon, Max and I then headed down to the stunning Plettenberg Bay for three nights. We stayed at the Plett River Lodge (incredible value for money in March).
I highly recommend Monkeyland, but cover yourself in mosquito repellant. The monkey below is called a Yellow Spider Monkey.
Next stop, the Elephant Sanctuary.
As you can see, you can ‘take the elephants for a walk’. They tuck their heavy, warm, leathery trunks into your cupped hand and you lead them along. It’s a totally surreal experience but so worth doing. I felt like I was being pushed along by a warm leather sofa.
Then we got to feed them apples.
Another stunning place to visit is Storm River, on the N2 along the eastern coast.
Back to Johannesburg for twenty four hours, then we headed back to London.
We had an incredible month away and I really hope Max will remember this trip. (The last two visits were when he was six months old, and 2 years old.)
I’m all fired up for the 2014 wedding season now! Tomorrow I’ll be shooting Emma and Tim’s central London wedding, and I can’t wait.
xxx
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