Circles in a Forest!

Today is our weekly Family Day so we decided to go for a lovely forest hike. We packed an assortment of snacks and water into our backpacks, and headed out to Rheenendaal again to see what we could see.

We found the Circles in a Forest Memorial, where the Author of "Circles in a Forest" or "Kringe in 'n Bos", Dalene Matthee rests.


This is the "Big Tree" next to it. It is estimated to be 800 years old!


The Memorial and the Big Tree mark the beginning of a 3km and longer 9km hike. We obviously chose the shorter! We had to look out for these signs as we went.


The girls did remarkably well, not complaining at all. Infact, I was surprised to see the opposite! They would take turns in being the "Leader" infront and keep us trotting at a steady pace, encouraging us all the way!


Zacky was escourted on Daddy's back. At first he was not too thrilled and asked to be put down, but once Malcolm had told him that he should fly his Aeroplane from up there, he immidiately took on the character of a "eli-op-ta"!


Here he sits in his eliopta while we sip water.


To think that Elephants used to freely roam in these forests. What a shame there are only 5 left.


Our little troopers (with Jube-Jubes in their cheecks!)


We managed the 3Kms and we're a little relieved to find the car park! We stopped at the picnic spot and enjoyed what was left of our snacks.


We had such a special day together, with our precious children, beloved spouse, Awesome Creator! and beautiful Creation. Days like these keep us together, with each other and our Lord!

As we drove home, we passed this sign on the road. It made us smile, and I think it made Grandmum smile too!