SPECTACULAR SURPRISES

Today was beyond sublime. It was more sensational and full of surprise. Instead of driving off into the sunset my brother @craigcryptoking and my dad arrived on our homesteading doorstep. My brother and I live far from each other - exactly at opposite ends of the country. This is the first time in the 10 years of homesteading that he is visiting - we are blown away!

The long drought has ended with the blessing of a number of downpours. The farmers in the valley are scrambling to clear away all the debris as the river is flooding its banks. So many of the indigenous trees died due to lack of water. Even the most hardy thorn trees. Then a fire rushed through the valley earlier this year. It was contained, thankfully. But the devestation is a stark reminder of the past heartbreaking years.

With all the recent rain we are seeing green dotting the mountainside. The two-way radio chatter up and down the valley is about the Prinsrivier Dam (our huge Prince River lake) This morning we drove up the valley to the catchment area. The Prinsrivier dam last held water 7 years ago. It is almost full once again. The sight is spectacular!

Because of all the rain, instead of opening the gate to allow every farm to have their turn flood irrigating, each homestead is banking their water. This hasn't happened since we first arrived in the area a decade ago. Once we closed our jaws which hung open at the spectacular sight of all that water, we looked at the view. Many of the trees have survived. The hardy succulents and veld shrubs that died back have sprung up again. And the distant mountain is green and sprinkled with the first winter snow.

Equally exciting is the sight of all the animals wandering back. Birds. Butterflies. Bugs. Wild horses. The indigenous and beautifully dappled iNguni cattle. We startled this big boy's harem but didn't stay to make acquaintances.

At the end of the day as we were closing the shutters before the dark and the chill moved in, we received what was more than a cherry on the top! Nature is amazing but how special are family bonds. My brother and I both love giving surprises. Hats off to you @craigcryptoking for this spectacular one. As the sun set on a spectacular day I am so grateful for the vibrant sunset that so much epitomizes the passion of love between family.

Thank you @c0ff33a for giving me the opportunity to share a truly #SublimeSunday. Also my first #BeautifulSunday which was initiated by @ace108.