Meandering in the Arboretum in Hogsback to go visit my long last friends and their brothers and sisters.
In the 1800’s the Indigenous forests were pillaged and destroyed for easy timber. In 1888 they began managing the Amatole forest.
Today it’s filled with trees from all over the world and makes for an easy stroll in her beautiful landscape and indeed an honouring for the public to enjoy her delightful garden.
As we walk through the gates we greeted by the Xhosa people welcoming us has they continue carving and engraving their beautifully crafted walking sticks for a minimal income. “Molweni, Makhosi…ninjani namhlanje?
We continue down path towards the gardens, observing the mothers aray of her autumn display etched in her leaves, different amber hues and shades. It’s such a privilege to be walking this land, home to the Garden of love, the Garden of peace and remembrance. So apt as we honour our late beloved O’Tata Zanemvula.
My soulsister and I cross the little stream where the cattle come to graze, drink and rest in the late afternoon. We stop and give thanks to the waters.
As we conciously make our way along the paths, we are warmly welcomed by our giant friends. We stand in awe to be visiting our proud and magistic brothers and sisters. They are the largest Californian Redwoods, over 100 years old – Sequoia Sempervirens in SA. “We’ve been waiting for you dear ones”.
The forest canopy is so lush and with her array of fallen autumn leaves. Peace and tranquility exuberates for miles from our giant friends. They hold such sacredness upon the mountain. Yet they share their stories which concerns them. I listen to the unfolding…”humans are forgetting their inherit nature they are being consumed by falsehoods and greed, they have little to no time to visit us and just be. We continue to stand still moving forward with peace. Ever strong in our roots as we continue spiralling and weaving our song-lines into Gaia”.
Oh the magnificence of standing next to my giant brothers and sisters, how I’ve longed to tickle their bark (oh boy, do they loved to be caressed), and bless them with a sacred offering. As I lean into the firm loving embrace of my ancient friends we connect like long last friends do…remembering their ancient song-lines, the
lands history and new stories yet to be told for generations to come. As the sun starts to set we say goodbye, till we meet again and their leaves gently wave us goodbye.
“Come back soon they say”.
Visiting, 39Steps Waterfall with it’s cascading fresh water over the spectacular rock formations. It was a short crossing over a gentle stream and beautiful rocks where the tranquillity of it all feels so blissful. The gentle flow of the stream flowing harmoniously. The stunning azaleas, Japanese maples, blue/purple hydrangeas, arum and day lily’s grow lushly in abundance. Home to a diversity of spices from CapeParrots, the chatter and play of the Samaga monkeys and Knysna Loeries.
As the sun begins setting we make our way back through the Garden of Remembrance, remembering all those that came before us and who walk with us. There is no separation for the Garden of Love is within your heart. Forever held by our unconditional mother coming back to her heartbeat held in her womb.
The next day the heavens opened it’s gates and the Thrones roared…Zanemvula bringer of the rain. Camagu, Makhosi AmaKhulu!
Re-member-ing to keep tending your inner garden, as we dream our new world awake. Going back to our roots and bringing the medicine back home into our communities.
So much love,
Blessings upon blessings, Gogo NomVuka