Today’s tidbit: “Horses change lives. They give our young people confidence and self-esteem. They provide peace and tranquility to troubled souls. They give us hope!” ― Toni Robinson

The last few years there have been many life changes and chapters closed (read more). Through everything, starting with high school over 10 years ago, the barn was my escape and happy place… riding, taking pictures and enjoying the outdoors. Bailey has always been my constant. We had a long, loving and very eventful journey together. I wouldn’t trade those days, experiences and memories for anything! Like a dog he was a member of the family but it was more than that, it’s something I can’t explain.

The love for a horse is just as complicated as the love for another human being… if you never love a horse, you will never understand.

The day to say goodbye to Bailey finally came, 2 weeks ago this Friday… closing yet another chapter. When I think of him, even now as I reflect, I cry and smile at the same time.

Sneak peek images:

When riding a horse we leave our fear, troubles, and sadness behind on the ground. — Judi Carlson

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Today’s tidbit: “We must be willing to let go of the life we have planned, so as to have the life that is waiting for us.”— E.M. Forster

Taking a short break from SA posts… Do you remember my family shoot with Stephanie, Mark and their twin girls, Charlotte & Reagan? After that shoot in November, I was thrilled to work with the family again earlier this month. I’ve shown Stephanie & Mark a sneak peak image but they haven’t seen anything else, until now!

{shoot location} This shoot was special because it captured the growing family in their beautifully decorated nursery and home.

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Today’s tidbit: “Travel brings power and love back into your life.” ― Rumi

Earlier this week I shared part 1 of our Cape Town bus tour, where we drove through the city and experienced Table Mountain (which was amazing!). Continuing on, we spent the rest of the afternoon and evening exploring  Victoria & Alfred Waterfront (V&A Waterfront), which is one of Africa’s most visited cultural and historical hubs. We enjoyed talking with locals, dining by the water and taking in the panoramic views of the ocean, city bowl and mountain peaks. I didn’t want to leave!

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Today’s tidbit: “Travel makes one modest. You see what a tiny place you occupy in the world.” ― Gustave Flaubert

After a wonderful first night in Cape Town (check it out), the following day was spent exploring as much as we could with a 1-day City Sightseeing bus tour. Hop-on, hop-off  was a great way to explore giving us flexibility to see what we wanted at our own pace. There was a chance for rain, and although the morning was cool and the sky was quite dark, we got lucky. It turned into a gorgeous day exploring the city and with views at Table Mountain that literally took your breath away and left you feeling so small yet so free!

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Today’s tidbit: “Your life is a canvas… make sure you paint yourself a whole lot of colorful days.” 

Last week I shared our morning in Stellenbosch and journey to Cape Town, stopping at Afrikaanse Taalmuseum and Spice Route Winery (Day 17, part 1). After a wonderful day we arrived to our last destination of the tour. We were free from here to go and do whatever we wanted, which was a nice change of pace from the rest of the organized tour. After checking in to our final hotel, my mom and I along with a group member decided to spend the evening exploring, without a plan or final ending spot, to really experience the area, take in the gorgeous landscape + diverse architecture and talk with locals. As we walked I was constantly stopping to take in and capture as much as I could!

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Today’s tidbit: “Certainly, travel is more than the seeing of sights; it is a change that goes on, deep and permanent, in the ideas of living.” ― Miriam Beard
… one of my favorite quotes that sums up this whole SA adventure.

Earlier this week I continuing along the Western Cape as we drove to Stellenbosch, one of our last destinations. The following day we spent the morning exploring Stellenbosch. Although my mom and I had gone the previous night when we arrived, it was nice to see everything in day light. It really is a very charming town! After a few hours in Stellenbosch we continued to our last destination, Cape Town. We had two exciting stops along the way, 1. Afrikaanse Taalmuseum which overlooks Paarl and 2. Spice Route Winery, nestled in the rolling hills along the Cape West Coast, for wine tasting and lunch.

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Today’s tidbit: “It’s the unknown that draws people.” ― E.A. Bucchianeri 

I’m back home after a wonderful cruise exploring the Western Caribbean and enjoying the warm sunshine with my mom and sister. I will be sharing those adventures soon, but for now back to SA posts (which are winding down)! Before I left, I shared a wonderful day exploring Oudtshoorn. Continuing along the Western Cape to one of our last destinations, we headed to Stellenbosch taking in the beautiful views. Breaking up the drive, we stopped to explore and have lunch in Boland town and for a brandy tasting at Klipdrift.

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Today’s tidbit: “Travel doesn’t become adventure until you leave yourself behind.” ― Marty Rubin 

Need a break from the snow storm hitting most of the US? Check out this adventurous + exciting warm day as we continue along the Western Cape province exploring Oudtshoorn, which is the ostrich capital of the world. The world’s biggest bird was just one of the many attractions in this area of exceptional contrasts and natural beauty. We had two exciting stops along the way, the first of which was a tour at Safari Ostrich Show Farm where we learned about, fed and interacted with ostrich (and yes, I even rode one!). We then continued on to the Cango Caves, the biggest show cave system in Africa.

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Today’s tidbit: “All journeys have secret destinations of which the traveler is unaware.” ― Martin Buber

Last week I shared our morning in Port Alfred, which was spent on a boat cruise around the Royal Alfred Marina. Afterwards we loaded up the bus and continued on our journey…. another day, another adventure, another scenic long drive. We had two stops to break up the drive, 1.exploring Garden Route National Park, Tsitsikamma and 2. lunch and walking around The Waterfront.

Sneak peek image: The couple in the pink and blue were from our group. I’m next to them taking pictures.

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Today’s tidbit: “To travel is to live.” ― Hans Christian Andersen

After a wonderful 2 night stay in Coffee Bay, we continued on to Port Alfred. It was one of the longest road trips stuck in the bus, but I enjoyed seeing the different landscape and housing along the way. In the evening we arrived at The Halyards Hotel, which is set along the waterfront of the stunning Royal Alfred Marina.

Sneak peek image:

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