Put a ring on a bird! One of many scientific projects that happened during my Kruger tenure was on the red-billed oxpecker (Buphagus erythrorynchus) by ornithologists from EWT. Skukuza, Kruger National Park, 2008. Photograph by Raymond Travers

RIP x2 Two of my favourite actors passed away recently. Gene Hackman and Val Kilmer. My favourite movies starring these two gentlemen weren’t necessarily their biggest, nor their most famous. To Gene and Val, thank you and may you both RIP.

Christmas Lights A German Christmas Market is special. Really special. And if you haven’t gone to one, I really do suggest you slap it on your bucket list. Marienplatz, Munich, December 2024 Photograph by Raymond Travers

Fish eyes! Ponta do Ouro, Mozambique, January 2014 Photograph by Raymond Travers

Winner! So chuffed for you Kim (Le Court) Pienaar … watched the finish and awards of 2025 Liège–Bastogne–Liège race again this morning. I took this back in 2014 after you won the Amashova. Incredible career. Photograph by Raymond Travers

You can do it!

Table Mountain burning! The recent fires experienced in Tokai, Cape Town reminded me of 2015 when I took this photo of a SAAF Oryx lifting off with a full “bambi bucket” after filling it from a Klein Constantia farm dam. Photograph by Raymond Travers

Fire bomber! Helicopters aren’t the only aircraft used in aerial fire-fighting in South Africa. Here a turboprop Thrush displays a fire-fighting drop for an excited crowd at an airshow. Nelspruit Airfield, Mpumalanga, 2002. Photograph by Raymond Travers

Lady. I always thought this lioness had a fur coat on. I took this photo early on a winter's morning between Skukuza and Tshokwane. Kruger National Park, June 2009. Photograph by Raymond Travers

Keeping house Another gem we have been fortunate enough to visit … the Cape Columbine Light House. We stayed in one of the cottages. If they are still available for rent, we’d really recommend it. West Coast, Western Cape, 2006 Photograph by Raymond Travers

RIP Ian 🐘🐆🦓 ... your passion for conservation will be missed. Ian was well known in Lowveld conservation circles. (Apologies for only posting this now, I couldn't find Ian's profile on X.)

Retro rides I’ve owned a Simple Sam Bicycles single speed since 2016. At one stage, there were 2 SA bicycle brands which made single speed commuters, Simple Sam and Rook Cycles. Here my bike posed with a Rook and a retro postbox. Photograph by Raymond Travers

Talking planes When I first discovered the wonders of “flying machines”, I learnt that we don’t talk about ‘planes but rather “aircraft” because a plane is a tool used (mostly) by carpenters.

Wet walking! We didn't bother with raincoats and stuff for our 2nd walk ... we experienced the spray like the locals do. Such fun. Victoria Falls, Zambia, May 2025. Photograph by Raymond Travers

60Sixty! I suppose when you live a bit further away from your local Checkers and need your groceries delivered quickly ... Cape Town International Airport, May 2025. Photograph by Raymond Travers

Over the Mall Clearwater Mall from the air. For the avGeeks, I arranged a flip in a C177 for someone who had never flown in a small aircraft before on condition I could go with. West Rand, Gauteng, 2016 Photograph by Raymond Travers

Impala plant. Probably my second favourite flower, the Adenium multiflorum (which I call the Impala lily). Avani Resort, Livingstone, Zambia. May 2025 Photograph by Raymond Travers

Does anyone else name their bicycles? Meet Wolfie ... my Giant Anthem. After its recent respray and upgrade, the old name Rooikappie just didn't work anymore.

So its technically and literally impossible for any South African to be offended by a post ... Because there is no post. Thanks to the ANC orchestrated destruction of the SA Postal Services.

I concur ... we were also trained with a night sight on our R4s.