Hyde County’s Country Magazine Spring Issue 2013 Cover Photo by Brian Carter In print & on-line www.SwanQuarterly.net
Music Across The Sound
Saturday, March 2, 2013 7:00 pm FREE
Featuring:
Molasses Creek Joe Spencer The Believers Trio Ocracoke Jazz Society Coleman Davis John Golden Gloria Burrus & Snow Hill Gospel chorus Captain Rob & Sundae What Dies Inside April Trueblood
Mattamuskeet High School Gym Presented By:
BEAUFORT
Hyde County Mainland and Ocracoke Arts Committees East Carolina Bank
COUNTY
Hyde County Government
C O U N C I L
Beaufort County Arts Council
ARTS
Tideland Electric North Carolina Arts Council
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Photo by Guy Livesay
PUBLISHER: INGRID LEMME ~ EDITORIAL SUPPORT: MARGIE BROOKS z
Quote of the Quarter
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“When it rains it pours, but do not forget the silver linings. Every change makes way for new random events, necessary changes in the progression of life . . . Expect them and show a smiley face in return. This is our choice.” ~ Alva Harris, PhD
DEAR READER
Brian Carter
Cover photographer Brian Carter lives on Ocracoke Island, but works all over the Outer and Inner Banks. Brian is married to the lovely Jamie Tunnell of Swan Quarter whose story “Come to Ocracoke” you find in this issue as well! www.carterphotographyonline.com
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I dreamed of Africa
As many of you know I host my own show, American Dream, on Hamptons TV for many years, and sometimes I get to guesthost the Seven Stars Travel
I can’t tell you how excited I am about this issue, 36 pages, that’s a first! So many wonderful stories and photos - and finally I get to share my own ‘I dreamed of Africa’ story with ya’ll as well! The photo of me and the giraffes, framed by Ms. Emily in her Village Consignment, Crafts, Custom Mats/Framing Shop in Swan Quarter hangs now on the Show™. This time it was from KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Karkloof Safari Spa, Africa’s 1st Seven Stars Award safari spa was a dream come true...
wall in my office to remind me every day that almost anything is possible as long we can dream. I adore the Ocracoke Island cover photo by Brian Carter as well as the backcover photo of daffodils blooming at Lake Mattamuskeet by Guy Livesay and everything in between. Be well and healthy. - Love Ingrid Please find my travel story in the back of this issue . . . OR WATCH HERE
Lady of the Quarter Ms. Norma Earl Swindell Cahoon
Our ‘Lady of the Quarter’ Norma Earl Swindell Cahoon and her husband Hiatt Cahoon operated Cahoon & Swindell General Merchandise, the store that is located behind the Hyde County Government Center until the store was (again) badly damaged during Hurricane Isabell in 2003. The store had experienced many other hurricanes over the years, including Hurricane Floyd in 1999, but this time they decided to retire and take it easy. Ms. Norma is a kind and friendly lady and stops by Ms. Emily’s shop often; where I got to take her photo. Photo Ingrid Lemme
... On the Board Walk... Movie of the Quarter
I dreamed of Africa with Kim Basinger
Business of the Quarter
Carolina’s Best Seafood in Engelhard
Man of the Quarter
Gregory C. Gibbs of Engelhard
Happy 70th Birthday
Ms. Lola Mae Jones
If you like tweets, follow us online https://twitter.com/InnerBanks
Teen of the Quarter
Tyius Watson, a hardworking young man with a great future.
Photographer of the Quarter
Writer of the Quarter
Miss Darla Sawyer. Don’t miss her story “My dad, the old salt”.
Brian Carter of Ocracoke www.carterphotography online.com
Lady of the Quarter
Ms. Norma Earl Swindell Cahoon
A New Way to See a Doctor, Close to Home
Want to see a doctor without driving an hour or more? Hyde County Telemedicine lets you see and talk to one through a video conferencing system. And with the help of a nurse who is with you, the doctor is able to examine you to make a diagnosis and prescribe treatment, whether you are sick and for management of chronic conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure. Appointments will be available at the Hyde County Health Department, 1151 Main Street, Swan Quarter, beginning February 26. For more information or to make an appointment, call (252) 926-4399.
Learn more at our
Open House and FREE blood pressure screening! Friday, February 22 1 - 4 p.m. Hyde County Health Department
1151 Main Street, Swan Quarter Like us on facebook!
Giveaways and a raffle too! No appointment needed.
A HAPPY BELATED 70TH BIRTHDAY LETTER FOR MS. LOLA MAE JONES Please let’s salute and wish our mother a Happy Birthday. Her name is Lola Mae Jones and she resides in Engelhard, NC. Our mother has done a lot for her children, family and community. Her children are Michael "Duke", Randy "Skinner" and Velma "Lil Puddin". Think of her as one of a kind. She dropped out of school; during
this time her mother had a set of twins, two beautiful girls. Her mother had a stroke when the twins were 3 1/2 months. Also, she had a brother that became blind, deaf, and mute who she had to assist. What a challenge for a young girl! However, she later got married and had the 2 sons. She reared them and instilled them the necessary of education and working hard. Michael a retiree of the USA Army who fought in two wars. How proud we all are. Also, Randy an entrepreneur in computers and Velma a Librarian Assistant. Also the
twins, Janet and Joanne graduated from high school and college. Our mother operated and managed a manufacture company for many years without finishing High School but her parents instilled in her working hard and trusting in God. She gained a lot of loyalty and respect from everyone. Please let’s salute Lola Mae Jones who turned 70 years old on February 3, 2013. Thank you Velma Lane, Michael Selby, Randy Selby
MY DAD THE OLD SALT When you hear the term ‘commercial fisherman’ what comes to mind? Commercial fishing is defined as the activity of catching fish and other seafood for commercial profit, mostly from wild fisheries. But it encompasses so much more. It is one of the oldest and most essential careers still around today. From feeding
family members to people around the world, commercial fishermen are not only essential to local economies but to the global economy as well. After many years of absence from being on the water, I recently got to experience a day in the Pamlico Sound with my dad while he dredged for oysters. During my childhood, I was able to get some insight on what the life of a fisherman is like. The work can not only be
tedious, but also physically backbreaking. Modern advancements in engineering have at least helped with the physically demanding part. Rough dredge designs have been traced back to the early 1600s, and were once called ‘mud mills.’ Today's dredges are much more sturdy, effective, and portable. They are usually constructed from a heavy steel frame in the form of a scoop with sharpened metal 'teeth.'
The whole contraption is towed underwater by a winch attached to the side of the boat. The particular boat my dad worked on was fairly small, but twelve or so bushels of oysters were easily caught and bagged within hours. His day started as usual at 5 am with a cup of black coffee and a hearty breakfast. That morning, I had to relearn the hard way that layers of clothing are essential for traveling by boat.
With the craft in constant motion and a relentless wind, being chilled to the bone was hard to avoid. But by 1 pm, when the limit was caught, the sun had come out and warmed us enough to really enjoy the ride back to shore. There are many factors that can affect how hard and long the day may be, but that's just another welcome challenge to the hardened veterans of the water. My dad has left me with deep understanding of the freedom
and fulfillment you experience when working your own hours and bringing in food harvested from your own hands.
STORY
AND PHOTOS BY DARLA SAWYER
LITTLE BIRDS GET BIG ATTENTION BY ANNE BLYTHE DAVIS Most people associate Hyde County winters with ducks, geese, and swans. However, another bird lives here in the winter, but is usually associated with spring and summer – the ruby-throated hummingbird. Although most hummingbirds spend winters in Central and South America, a small population of ruby-throateds winters in coastal North Carolina. These birds and their migration are the study of researcher Susan Campbell. Just as waterfowl biologists use banding to understand waterfowl migrations, Ms. Campbell uses banding to understand hummingbird migrations. She bands rubythroateds and other hummingbirds year-round in a
variety of locations, including state parks and yards. Although winter hummingbirds can normally acquire ample nutrition from insects and tree sap, they will come to feeders. With this in mind, Ms. Campbell bands them in the morning, when the birds are most attracted to feeders. First, she assembles a single-door trap and places a feeder inside to lure the birds. Once she catches a bird, Ms. Campbell identifies the species and attaches a band with a unique code to its tarsus; if the bird is recaptured, the band code is reported. After banding the hummingbird, Ms. Campbell measures its bill and wing-length, weighs it, and examines its fat and feather condition. From these
inspections, she can determine the sex of bird and whether it is in migratory mode. Ms. Campbell ages the bird by scrutinizing its bill – striations and corrugations are hallmarks of a young bird, while mature hummingbirds have smooth bills. If she notices any unexpected characteristics like injuries or unusual plumage, Ms. Campbell takes pictures of the bird for the record. Finally, she releases it, with hopes that she or another researcher will retrap it and help biologists understand more about hummingbirds, particularly about those few that make coastal NC their winter home. Photos by Anne Blythe and Kelly Davis
Impressions from Bill Robel's ornamental concrete design class "101" (Stepping Stones) February 16th. Upcoming classes scheduled are Wood burning with Cathy Clayton of Ponzer(Feb. 23); more Plein Air with Mark Hierholzer of SQ and Richmond, March 2 and April 6; MATTIE hosts an acrylics painting class for H.Y.D.E. Kids, a 4-H program of the Hyde Co. Cooperative Extension Office on March 6 with Joan Sears of Gull Rock; and on March 9, our first ceramics class with Carolyn Sleeper of Slatestone Studios, Washington, NC.
LOCAL AUTHOR WITH END-STAGE PARKINSON’S BEGINS BLOG OF HIS FINAL DAYS DIARY INCLUDES
INTROSPECTIVE INSIGHTS OF HIS LIFE JOURNEY
Alva is the author of Buzzard’s Myth, a book that chronicles a lifetime of cross-country adventures that always returned him to the coast of his birth. Now a resident of New Bern, NC, where he undergoes athome hospice care with the support of his family and friends,
“I have no fear of death but question the need, however morality views it, to exist beyond my definition of life. I claim the right to choose when and how I die. My viewpoint is far from universal, and also far from unique.” The diary URL specifically is http:// buzzardsmyth.com/blogdiary. You can also keep up with blog posts very easily by clicking the FOLLOW button at the bottom of the website page and adding your email address. New posts will be delivered electronically to your inbox. Or of course you can just visit the site for updates.
Monday, February 4, 2013 Once a teacher, always a teacher. At age 84 and wrestling the final stages of Parkinson’s disease, North Carolina banks native Alva Harris now shares his current state of affairs via a blog diary, detailing his last days on earth. Not intended to be morbid or morose, he hopes the diary will open eyes and connect hearts. He writes, “I am eternally grateful to have existed in an age of enlightenment where free thought is a right and privilege. Today I am diagnosed to be in the last stage of PD. I have many like companions. This is for you and others who might care.”
drawn to continue writing, teaching, and sharing through this blog diary.
there is excitement in his voice and a fresh energy in his words as he embraces this new writing adventure. Like his longtime inspiration Michael J. Fox, Alva is determined to control his destiny as he faces the nearing reality of death. This is why he feels
The website www.buzzardsmyth.com also includes information about the book Buzzard’s Myth and about Alva Harris, PhD—author, adventurer, scientist, teacher, and perhaps most significantly, a man who is “ready to be recycled” on his own terms.
THE ANNUAL OCRAFOLK FESTIVAL HAS PUT THIS CORNER OF THE WORLD ON THE MAP.
Music aficionados will return for the 14th edition of this free festival June 7 to 9 for concerts by world-class contemporary folk artists from North Carolina and beyond. An increasing buzz about this popular event has drawn even greater visitors over the last several years. In fact, in the February 2012 issue of the nationally distributed magazine Coastal Living, the Ocrafolk Festival was rated as one of the top 15 island festivals in the world. Hyde County Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Melissa Joyner has noted that the festival attracts more than 2,000 people to the island. “Everywhere we go, people know about the festival,” Joyner said. A variety of new and veteran performers this year is in the making and available at the festival website www.ocrafolkfestival.org which
includes all the details about the festival. Among veteran performers include Molasses Creek, which began the festival 14 years ago, Storyteller Donald Davis, Molasses Creek, The Green Grass Cloggers, Martin Garrish and the Ocracoke Rockers, Bob Zentz,
Philip Howard, Lou Ann Homan, Capt. Rob Temple, The Ocrafolk Opry, The Ocracoke Jazz Society, John Golden, Aaron Caswell Band, The Ocrachicks and more. Fine artisans along the festival grounds will showcase fine arts and crafts in painting, sculpture, wood carving, jewelry, textiles and more. The 2013 Ocrafolk Festival is also seeking private and business sponsorships of stages and
performers, and is accepting applications for limited advertisement. The festival is financed solely upon donations, grants, merchandise sales, a few ticketed events and fundraising events to pay for the artists and production for the weekend. Interested contributors should visit the website at and click on “Financial Sponsors” for more information. The press deadline for contributors for inclusion in the program is April 30. Ocracoke Alive, Inc., which presents the festival, is a private nonprofit committed to enrichment of the Ocracoke Island community through the encouraging and sponsoring cultural, artistic, educational, and environmental activities including the production of plays, musicals, musical events, exhibits, schools, workshops, and festivals.
STORY AND PHOTOS BY CONNIE LEINBACH For more information check out www.ocrafolkfestival.org
2012 Festival Artwork by Jessie Howard
HISTORIC HYDE COUNTY COURTHOUSE OPENS ART, CRAFT,
PHOTOGRAPHY, WOOD BURNING & OTHER CLASSES BEING OFFERED!
The Friends of Hyde County’s Historic 1854 Courthouse have announced that the first floor of this historic building which was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1979 is now open to the public six days per week! That means that the visiting public now has a nice place to stop and pick up visitor information and use the clean public restrooms. A volunteer schedule has been worked out that keeps the building unlocked from 8 am until 5 pm, Monday through Saturday. The first floor houses the new MATTIE Art Center. A grand opening was held at the end of October to coincide with the 2012 Down East Art and Craft Show which was held next door in the new Hyde County Government Center. Many artists had their work on display and for sale in the Center and several
“Artists in Motion” were on hand to demonstrate the creation of their work. The Center includes classroom space and a Gallery. The Friends group is also in discussions with another nonprofit organization, the Partnership for the Sounds (PfS), who would like to have a presence in the historic courthouse. In the past, PfS has had offices in Mattamuskeet Lodge and the Octagon House but is currently not represented in Hyde County. More details later on this joint venture as they are finalized!
Plein Air workshop. Outdoor classes targeting landscapes, trawl boats, etc. are included with weather permitting. Saturday classes from 9 am until 5 pm on March 2 and April 6 are $50 per session with materials/supplies available for $10 per session. Other February classes included “Design, Pour, & Inlay Your Own Stepping Stone” with Bill Rubel and a “Wood Burning Class” with Cathy Clayton. Are you interested in learning a particular artistic skill? Would you like to get on the waiting list for a particular class? For more information about various classes or to make a reservation, contact Judy McLawhorn at 252-943-8991 or info@hyde1854courthouse.org . Once you have registered with Judy, you may safely pay using PayPal on the website at www.hyde1854courthouse.org .
Judy McLawhorn, Friends Board member, has been very busy scheduling various art/craft and other classes. A successful photography class with Sol Levine of Nature’s Images by Sol from Wake Forest was held on February 2. The class was full and there is a waiting list for his next class which will be held in the fall. In the next scheduled class you can discover the world of color with artist Mark Hierholzer in his Impressionist Oil Painting En Photo Credits: Judy McLawhorn
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www.hyde1854courthouse.org
Art Class Announcement WOOD BURNI NG CLASS with Cathy Clayton ALL MATERI AL AND TOOLS PROVI DED
$35.00 per person
Come enter the fascinating world of Pyrography!! I n this class you will first learn how to use the tool properly and safely. Next you will learn the application of different tool heads. You will learn how different woods and grains affect the outcome of your work. Then you will learn how to transfer a picture or finished drawing of your choice onto wood and be well on your way to a finished work of art!
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 23 9 AM to 2:30 PM (w/ 30 min. lunch break)
mATTIE ARTS CENTER 10 Oyster Creek Road (Historic Courthouse) Swan Quarter
Learn from scratch or build your own talents! SI GN UP BY CALLI NG JUDY MCLAWHORN AT 252-943-8991 DAY OR EVENI NG jhmclawhorn@aol.com Please pass this information along to others who do not have email
COME TO OCRACOKE! The island is finally waking after a long winter’s nap. With ferry service halted between Ocracoke and Hatteras due to the shallow inlet, life on the island was an adventure for those travelling to and fro. The usually empty streets seemed even quieter and the threat of fog and high winds proved to bring even more isolation. The NC Ferry Division added extra runs on the Swan QuarterOcracoke ferry route to assist Ocracoke residents, visitors, and vendors while the ferry channel was being dredged. Residents remained upbeat, looking forward to having access through Highway 12 to the north. As Easter approaches, businesses, residents, and visitors are looking forward to opening their doors and starting off the year. March 1 is the benchmark date for many restaurants and hotels to reopen from their winter break, including Jason’s Restaurant, a local favorite. “With several other businesses still open serving lunch and dinner, we thought it best to
open on March 1st”, said Jason Wells, owner. “There just isn't enough traffic to support more than a couple of businesses. We are banking that our local customers will have missed us enough to get us through the first couple lean weeks until the ferry situation is resolved. Fingers crossed that everything is back to normal before Easter weekend, which is always the first potentially big weekend and kickoff to the season.” Gaffer’s Sports Pub proved to be old faithful this winter. It was the only restaurant open for lunch and dinner every day. The Ocracoke Station offered lunch specials and breakfast choices as another option. Eduardo’s Taco Stand also remained open out of its location in the Variety Store parking lot. As other doors open, residents and visitors look forward to some variety and business. There were some beautiful days this winter where residents could enjoy the beach, dolphins playing near shore, and some winter fishing. That is one of the true attractions of Ocracoke in the winter. Imagine having the entire beach to yourself for
an afternoon of shelling, beach walking, and solitude. Like the beach, some of the true charms of Ocracoke have nothing to do with weather or open signs. Springer’s Point, the nature preserve accessible by foot path, is a beautiful getaway year-round. Sunrises and sunsets over the water are a remarkable unique experience in all kinds of weather. Don’t forget that those wanting to drive on the designated ORV routes of Ocracoke’s NPS beaches will need a special use permit. It can be purchased at the Ocracoke Visitor Center at the NPS Permit office. They are open everyday from 8 am to 4:30 pm. You can purchase a yearly pass for $120 and a 7 day pass for $50. Always check with the NC Ferry website (http://www.ncdot.gov/ ferry/) for the latest schedules and cancellations and fees. Visit www.ocracokevillage.com for the official website of Ocracoke that lists businesses and other attractions.
BY JAMIE TUNNELL CARTER
Photos by Connie Leinbach
Starting on February 26, 2013, patients will be able to access medical care five days a week at the Hyde County Health Department. Medical care will be provided through Hyde County Telemedicine, which was created by the Albemarle Hospital Foundation with grant funding from the North Carolina Office of Rural Health and Community Care and the Kate B. Reynolds Charitable Trust
throat) to find the cause of your illness. After the exam, the doctor will prescribe treatment and order medicine if needed. This technology is great for patients with chronic conditions
Where is it? You can make an appointment for a telemedicine visit at: Hyde County Health Department
What is it? Telemedicine lets you have a “virtual” appointment in a clinic close to your home with a doctor who is at a different location. The doctor and patient are able to see and hear each other through a computer screen and a video camera. With the help of a nurse who is with you, the doctor can examine you with special instruments like a stethoscope (to listen to your heart) and an otoscope (to see in your ears and
ages. The board certified providers are located at a Family Practice Clinic in Jacksonville, N.C. A secure, confidential connection is used to communicate so your private health information is safe.
1151 Main Street, Swan Quarter, NC 27885 like diabetes or high blood pressure because they do not have to make a long drive to the doctor every few weeks or months. It is also helpful for patients who are not feeling well — no more taking off a whole day of work or school to visit the doctor. Hyde County Telemedicine offers medical care to patients of all
Phone 252-926-4399 Monday – Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. How do I pay for it? Most major insurance plans are accepted, including Medicaid and Medicare. You will still be responsible for any deductibles and co-pays.
If you do not have insurance, charges are billed on a sliding scale based on your income. Why should I try it? • No long drives to the doctor • Immediate access to care • Saves money and time Want to learn more? Follow us on Facebook! Search for “Hyde County Telemedicine”.
By
KELLEY NEWMAN RN Albemarle Hospital Foundation
HYDE AWAY CAFE A SQUEAKY CLEAN AFFAIR
Around Mainland Hyde County, there isn't really a plethora of restaurants or eatery delights on wheels, not even a hot dog cart at the Swan Quarter - Ocracoke Ferry. But now there is a squeaky clean food truck in Swan Quarter, on the way to the ferry. I love food trucks, and this one is parked not only in close proximity to the Swan Quarter Ferry and the Hyde County Court House, but also in close proximity to my house. Hyde Away Cafe serves fast food in endless combinations, but fortunately also serves daily home-cooked meal specials. I ordered a hearty beef stew over rice and veggies on the side one day for lunch. It hit the spot! I went back the next day for more, but unfortunately it was all gone, so I tried the burger on a bun with fries. Delicious and to my surprise I didn’t get any heartburn, which happens quite often these days. I was hooked. See, I'm not a fan of mayonnaise and went
straight for the hot sauce. Yeah, this was what we call junk food, something you would feel guilty to crave, but it's so good that you can't resist. Let's face it, unless you live around the corner from Martelle’s Feed House Restaurant in Engelhard itself you aren't going to find a better burger for lunch on the mainland. Karen’s oversized breakfast biscuits are homemade as well. She lets them rise overnight and freshly bakes them daily. They are to die for, if I may say so.
"Mornings at the Hyde Away Cafe are all about the biscuits," says Gwen Newman, Karen’s sister-in-law. "Fishermen and farmers, everyone is always clamoring for them. Some people get two filled biscuits at a time, but that's a lot." “When Karen's rolling out the dough, she gives it two turns to evenly distribute the butter to make the biscuits extra-flaky.”
‘I DREAMED OF AFRICA’ A long time ago I watched the movie ‘I Dreamed of Africa’ with Kim Basinger, based on the autobiographical novel by Kuki Gallmann, an Italian writer who moved to Kenya and became there involved with conservation work. I remember that the book was a bestseller, but the film had not been so well received. However I liked the movie. I guess foremost because I liked Kim and her then husband Alec Baldwin.
Africa had never been on my bucket list, I guess because I am not into ‘big game’ and could never imagine flying almost 24 hours to get there. Due to whatever fortunate circumstances I recently got to spend 2 weeks in South Africa and I got to see the location where the movie ‘I Dreamed of Africa’ was filmed. See, January 20th 2013 was two years since my husband Sunny passed away from cancer. I have certainly gone through the motions and taken my time to grieve and time to heal, but it always feels good to get away. Grieving is a natural process, but
traveling seems to put things into a different perspective. As many of you know I host my own show, American Dream, on Hamptons TV for many years, and sometimes I get to guest-host the Seven Stars Travel Show™. This time it was from KwaZuluNatal, South Africa. Karkloof Safari Spa, Africa’s 1st Seven Stars Award resort spa was a dream come true. I spent a week surrounded by sheer luxury, breathtaking views and amazing wildlife, spa-ing, organic dining, going on safaris, climbing up waterfalls, adventuring, - and filming.
By the way, PBS’ “A Taste of History” with host Chef Walter Staib taped an episode of their Emmy® award winning TV series at Karkloof at the same time. “In this issue the series is presenting an 18th century perspective on the Zulu culture; cave paintings and the preservation of wildlife...” said Director James Davey of Multi Media Productions, based in PA. Watching Jim and his team filming the national TV show alone was an adventure, as Jim was often hanging out of a
“Game viewer” Land Rover, holding on with just one arm while he was filming the exciting wildlife close-ups that you’ll soon see on TV. Jim and his team, Ariel Schwarz and Chris McDowell filmed Walter Staib’s cooking segment with Karkloof ’s chefs during an
entire morning in the wild. Though it was December, with winter-like weather in North Carolina, it was now almost summer in South Africa, and temperatures soared mid-days.
The production work was tremendous, as Jim’s team was filming in the open savannah, documenting several courses, including open hearth cooking with fresh ostrich. Chef Walter is famous for his open hearth cookery and other techniques. Edmund, a member of the Seven Stars team, and I were watching the amazing production - sitting comfortably under a nice shade tree while everyone else was working hard. We could only imagine how Ariel felt under a big black cloth that was covering his editing
table, while he was making sure that the footage was living up to the 4 Emmys the team had previously earned. Chris, who had unfortunately forgotten his long safari hat, ended up covering his head and neck with one of Walter’s dishtowels to avoid a bad burn. During a short break to reset
the cooking table for another course suddenly, as if from nowhere, a herd of giraffes came running down a hill into the green valley towards us until they saw the set, turned around and took a different direction.
Trust me when I say that this was one of those unforgettable moments that took all our breaths away and that we were all disappointed that MMP’s cameras weren’t rolling at that very moment. After that day the entire team was treated to massages at Karkloof Spa and, boy, did we all appreciate them. For guests at Karkloof ’s Safari Spa unlimited spa treatments are included in their “timeless” 36hour Karkloof spa day. My friend Walter Staib’s “A Taste of History” show is aired on national TV on PBS and RLTV. The Seven Stars Travel Show is aired on WVVH-Hamptons TV, Tri-State New York, and will be aired nationally on RLTV, as well. The amazing photo of the giraffes and me was taken at Karkloof and Ms. Emily Thomas framed it for me at her Village Consignment, Crafts, Custom Mats & Framing Shop
in Swan Quarter. The poster now hangs on my office wall to remind me that (almost) anything is possible as long as I can dream.
WATCH HERE! PS: Trust me, I am still a country girl ;) Love, Ingrid
From there I traveled north to the Zulu Nyala’s private game reserve some between Hluhluwe and St Lucia where the movie, ‘I Dreamed of Africa’ and others have been filmed since then.
Zulu Nyala is a privately owned game reserve, located on a hilltop in one of the largest and most diverse conservation areas of Southern Africa. Situated in Southern Maputo Land, KwaZulu Natal, this resort offers their guests a unique wildlife experience. I liked everything about this place, including that there was no TV in my accommodations. The wireless Internet access was all I needed to upload my photos for all my Facebook friends that were ‘with me on safari.’ Besides, as soon as I opened my curtains in the
morning, I had to grab my camera to take photos of whatever small game was roaming or fighting right in front of my door. Sipho, our certified ranger, who was very knowledgeable, took me and other guests on game drives through the bush. Under his guidance we got to see nyalas, giraffes, zebras, wildebeests, impalas, white rhinos, buffalos, cheetahs, hippos, monkeys and a wealth of birds. To our delight “A New Way to See a Doctor, Close to Home” many of the animals had babies; it was late spring. To see lions in the wild we attended game drives on neighboring reserves. Every time we came back from an afternoon in the wild we were all always hungry and looking
forward to dinner. The food was good and so was the service in the restaurant. The people of South Africa are kind. Nicky, the daughter of the owners is passionately involved with saving rhinos. I could write a whole story just about her conservation work. Nicky and her friends took me on a day trip to St. Lucia as well, were we booked a boat trip to discover the Hippos that are living in the river estuary. Later I got to stick my feet - for the first time in my life - into the Indian Ocean. The water was warm and inviting and as wild as the land. “I have never been here before, and yet I feel like I have returned. I am at peace” – I Dreamed of Africa.
Sipho, our certified ranger at Zulu Nyala www.zulunyalagroup.com
Hyde County’s Country Magazine Spring Issue 2013 Photo by Guy Livesay www.livesayphotography.com
In print & on-line Swan Quarterly Magazine Published Quarterly www.SwanQuarterly.net Contact at IngridHLemme@gmail.com or Phone 252-565-2098