Hit the Ground Running

     Just thought I'd kick this blog off with a brief recap of my first few weeks on the project. In the future, this will primarily be a photo blog aimed at sharing photos of my project and experiences with those interested as well as... making less work for me than a standard blog - this way I can spend more time on the veld instead of writing about it.

     The weather in the Western Cape this time of year is bipolar. Days of rain and cold are followed by sun, and prime conditions. The wind is a constant no matter. Despite the generally unpredictable weather, we've had a few incredible days in the field. It's inspiring to finally see the land that I've been working to get back to for the past year, and seeing it in full bloom is an added incentive to keep working. We've already found new subpopulations for three Endangered species (sites where the species weren't previously known to exist).

Aspalathus rosea
Endangered

Gladiolus vandermerwei
Endangered

Lampranthus debilis
Endangered

     In addition to spending time in the field, I've also been traveling with Odette to learn the area I'll be working in for the next year. Last week we explored the northeastern extent of our working range and spent two nights on farms in the area: Grootvadersbosch Farm, a farm that's been in the Moodie family for 6 generations, and the farm of the Trust's Chairmen, Dirk van Papendorp called Voorstekop. We were graciously invited to stay in his modest guest house.

Grootvadersbosch Farmstead

Dirk's guesthouse, Voorstekop

Not what you were expecting? Neither was I...

Anyway, I'll have some time to relax this weekend then back to work next week. Stay tuned for more photos.