Power To The People

This is the Kriel Power Station, one of a number of power stations dotted along the coal-rich Highveld area in South Africa. I have many fond memories of this place, growing up in a tiny town with the same name not far from where my dad took this picture.

Golf - African Style

I thought this was rather funny, although I think it would be less funny if you are about to hit a drive shot and you hear a dry twig breaking behind you. This is a golf course that was built for the staff of the Kruger National Park and is not open to the public. It is not fenced off at all, so you can see any number of animals walking about on a given day, including the Big 5.  I just love the views over the appropriately named Lake Panic, which is a man-made feature of the course.

The Majestic One

This is the view from the aptly named Olifants Camp (translated as 'Elephant Camp') in the Kruger National Park. This fellow was lazily grazing with no stress and all the time in the world.

Inner Beauty

It's what's on the inside that counts, right? I bet this warthog has a really nice personality...

While implementing a new IT system in the Kruger National Park Shops we stayed in the staff village. I went for an early morning walk before work and came across this warthog who eyed me closely before trotting off into the bushes. I think only a mother can love a face like that! :)

Storms In Africa

I saw this stunning cloud formation as I was driving to the Kruger National Park a few years ago. Beautiful, isn't it? It makes me think of the lovely song Enya sings, Storms in Africa.

Frank And George

"Hey Frank"

"Hey George"

"So what's for lunch?"

"Sun-baked Impala leg with a sprinkle of blow flies and some worm larvae on the side"

"Nice..."

Frank (the one on the left) is a Lappet-faced vulture and his pal, George, is an African white-backed vulture. I photographed them while in the Kruger National Park for work, installing new IT systems in the Parks Shops.

Another Day Ends

This is a stunning picture was taken by my dad in Mpumalanga, South Africa, with the sun setting behind the Kriel Power station. This area has very rich coal reserves and is dotted with coal mines and power stations, providing the majority of South Africa's power needs, and exporting power north into the rest of Africa.

Gripen over African Skies

This is the Swedish built Saab JAS 39 Gripen (Eng: Griffen). These three pictures are paintings done by my dad Charl Mӧller, depicting some of the aircraft purchased by the South African Air Force. They are on my list of favorite fighter jets, painted by my favorite artist.

Beauty in the Mundane

Another "Guest Photographer" picture taken by my dad, Charl Möller. I never got his permission to post this one on my blog, but I'm sure he won't mind. :) This is a prime example of two things that my dad taught me from an early age:

• If you care to look and observe the finer details around you, you will see beauty all around, sometimes in the most unexpected places.
• Most people rush through life and in doing so, miss out on so much. Slow down, look around you and observe what is offered free to everyone.

This was confirmed today when I read a blog post by Cunningstuff, appropriately titled "Do not miss life", where he talks about the same topic.

But before I get too philosophical, let me rather just get on with posting a great photo.

Graceland Contrast

A very interesting photo that my dad took the other day. In the foreground is the Graceland Casino, in sharp contrast to the Sasol plant in the background. Sasol is an acronym for Suid Afrikaanse Steenkool en Olie (South African Coal and Oil). This organisation was established in 1950 and in 2009 had assets to the value of US$18.9 Billion and revenue of US$4.4 Billion.

"As the world's only commercial oil-from-coal producer, Sasol's initial quest was to synthetically produce liquid fuels and chemicals from coal, a milestone that was achieved in 1955" - Sasol 50 Years of Innovation

Today Sasol produces over 300 products including petrol, diesel, fertilisers, explosives, wax, and many chemicals used in various industries.

Smile!

These three zebras posed beautifully for me as we drove past. I was one of the guys who had to install new computer systems in the tourist souvenir shops all around the Kruger Park. This had the added benefit of game drives between the various sites and I used the opportunity to take a few pictures 'on the way to the office'.

Zebras of the Kruger National Park

The photo was taken in the Southern end of the Kruger Park close to the main camp, Skukuza.