South Africa – Day 8 – Giant Baobab

Wednesday Afternoon and Evening, March 7

This is a sign that those who speak Afrikaans will understand – something about the huge baobab tree I expect.

A giant baobab tree that is estimated to be 2,000 years old.

It does make me think – if it is indeed 2,000 years old – it was here when Jesus walked upon the earth.

This one has a very large hollow area in its center.

Jesse standing inside the tree

Baobabs have interesting branches and are known as the upside down tree.

Jana climbed the ladder to get another view of it.

Jesse on the ladder

From the Internet: Young leaves, which can either be simple or palmate in shape, are picked and eaten raw like spinach. The Baobab leaf can also be dried and pulverized into either fine or coarse powder. This powder is mixed in stews or soups as thickeners.

Baobab trees are known for retaining water and can survive a long draught.

From the Internet: This is the monster of the African bush, a vast fleshy giant that looms over the acacia scrubland waving its Medusa-like branches above a bulbous body.

It may not be as tall as the coast redwood, but its vast bulk makes it a strong contender for the world’s largest tree.

The area is meant for families to enjoy.

Jesse took a can of cold Coca Cola to the attendant.

After visiting the tree we went to a butcher shop in Gravelotte.

  One of the butchers is also an artist. Kate took us next door to see some of his work.

Wow! He is a very skilled artist.

Back at Phil and Kate’s wildlife farm, it appears that the rhinos had been taking mud baths.

The waterbuck were still there, and demonstrate more clearly what I said yesterday – that a waterbuck looks like it just sat on a freshly painted toilet.

A nyala hiding in the background

When we went to our chalets each evening, our laundry was done and folded neatly on our beds.

Kate made Roosterkoek – grill cake or griddled bread – to go with our supper.

Phil needed more coals to grill the nyala for supper so moved them from the campfire pit to the cooking area.

Jere and Cerwin’s nyala. I think there were some other meats as well.

Nyala and roosterkoek – yum!

Dessert was African-style s’mores which Jesse help to create.

As you can see, their graham crackers are round.

Kate and Jesse

It was a delicious way to end our day.

You can tell by the pictures that it was a warm day – in the 90s – thus we were amused when Kristen received a notice on her cell phone that schools were closed back home because of a snow storm. 🙂