Oct 7 2012

“Those that survive” – Sidey’s weekend challenge


Yesterday’s lunch with my mom and sister, was lovely. We went to a restaurant in a mall near my mom’s house. There’s a piano there, and when the manager isn’t busy, he sits down and plays a few tunes. 🙂 It was a very special time, being the last lunch we would share for six months, so as you can imagine, there was so much to chat about.

After we’d dropped mom off, we had to drive through the picturesque Krantzkloof Gorge, along a narrow and winding tree-lined road. There has been a lot of tree-felling going on for some time now, and I was sad to see once beautiful, tall Blue Gum trees, now reduced to piles of logs.

 

This Australian import was introduced to South Africa by British botanist, Sir Joseph Banks, and is able to consume 2,000 litres of water per day!  This obviously has a negative impact on the environment, and has caused it to be regarded as an invader; hence it’s removal. This sight reminded me of my blog friend Sidey’s challenge, so I quickly took some photos to show those that bit the dust, and some of  “those that survived” the purge, because they hold the right passport. 🙂

I have been busy trying to decide what to pack for the six months away, and have a closet full of clothes which must now be sifted through. Some will be put in the case, and the others will survive to live through another summer here in South Africa. Maybe they will get their turn for an overseas trip next time around. 🙂

 

I’m glad that

62 comments on ““Those that survive” – Sidey’s weekend challenge”

    • I know they can cause huge problems. Tilly, but it’s always sad to see trees chopped down.

  5. Can’t believe your 6 months in SA is up already. Good luck with the packing, it’s when I am at my most indecisive so packing for 6 months would probably mean I pack everything or nothing at all.

  8. G’day from Aus the home of those blue gums. Sad to hear of them being unwanted immigrants they are such beautiful trees. In our bush settings over here they are stunning. I have a suggestion about your clothes…. How about you just take a few of your favourites then you will have a good excuse to go shopping!!!!!

    • I don’t need an excuse for shopping, Pommepal. 🙂 I’m being quite ruthless though, and have put some of the less liked items back in the cupboard. 🙂

  9. always so sad to see trees cut down, I always feel as if my face droops when I see them felled 😦
    have a great trip, think we might pass each other as you arrive and I leave the UK 🙂

  16. While we read about such deforestation off and on. it still brings a lump in the throat to see such pictures. I guess with such posts would come the awareness to fight for the change!

    Thank you.

    Shakti

  17. When are you leaving for Florida, AD?

    So sad to see these old giants go, but I suppose it is better for the environment. Very good choice for Sidey’s weekend theme!

  18. It’s sad to see tall trees get cut down. As they consume this such water, I guess they have to go… Have a great trip to Florida!

  20. I hope that the wood from those gum trees still gets used for something. It would be a waste of good wood otherwise.
    The coastal weather is crying today for your departure to sunnier climes 😉

  21. It is sad to see such beautiful trees (the blue gum tree is one of my favourites) reduced to logs but I’m thinking, I could really use some of those for my stove!
    So sorry about the name mix up yesterday, Sylvia. 😳

  22. That reminds me of being driven through a nature reserve in Australia and thinking they should be removing the gum as obviously they had killed off the other trees *blush*

    • This is on the border of the Krantzkloof conservancy, and they are very keen on eliminating alien vegetation. There are signs up everywhere, warning people to watch out for all sorts of different plants which are now considered to be noxious weeds.

  24. Too bad about the trees, but I guess if they use too many water resources and they’re “immigrants” rather than natives, then they must be cut back. It’s too bad though, because we hate to ever lose trees, period.

    I know about leaving clothes behind to survive a “season” or two without you! You wouldn’t believe all the fall and winter clothes surviving back in the States without me, as well as the tank tops and sundresses i can’t wear in a conservative country like Oman. Hopefully those “left-behind” clothes will stick it out and wait for our return! Have a great trip, Sylvia!!

    • Yes, I also hate to see trees being cut down, Cathy. I can imagine how frustrated you must be having to dress in such a conservative manner in Oman. You are obviously more suited to casual, sleeveless dresses and tops, especially in such a warm climate.

  25. Even though I know bluegums are not indigenous trees, and they are very bad for our water poor environment, it’s so sad when they cut them down. And the saddest is that they don’t plant anything to replace the big old trees with…

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