Wednesday, June 12, 2013

May Block White Rhinoceros, Ceratotherium simum

May Block - White Rhinoceros, Ceratotherium simum (and baby)


Not too much embellishment - the Mother and baby say it all!

From Wikipedia: An alternative name for the white rhinoceros, more accurate but rarely used, is the square-lipped rhinoceros. The white rhinoceros' generic name, Ceratotherium, given by the zoologis t John Edward Gray in 1868, is derived from the Greek terms keras (κερας) "horn" and therion (θηριον) "beast". Simum, is derived from the Greek term simus (σιμος), meaning "flat nosed".

The white rhino is the second biggest land animal and can weight around 2 tons. The white rhino is the most common species of the remaining rhino, and inhabits parts of Africa.
There were around 11,000 white rhino counted in South Africa in 2005, but for unknown reasons the white  rhino rate of reproduction is low. The white  rhino is the only species of rhino that is not critically endangered.
I am falling behind with my June block as we were away for five days in the Karoo. It was truly amazing to drive though our beautiful country and see so many wonderful sites.



Gifberg Pass outside Van Rhynsdorp (31°37′S 18°44′E)  We were fortunate that the gravel road had just been graded, so our car managed the pass. Gifberg Holiday farm was beautiful. It was extremely cold but we lit a fire in the cottage and were nice and warm.













The gardens were beautifully laid out and I even found this old Singer! It was home from home!
 








On the third day we continued travelling on the R63 to Williston where we stayed at The Ark B&B, very quirky and interesting, the hospitality of Elmarie & Pieter is warm and welcoming. They boast the only shopping mall in Williston - quite unique.  







The next night we stayed at Victoria West and from there headed back home, having tea and apple pie at the famous Matjiesfontein.


 


We got a good view of the snow covered mountains - winter has arrived in the Cape! This picture was taken from the window of the moving car.




Nice to get back to our home.

I had better get back to my stitching!


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