After the Gold Rush, a photo from Mpumalanga, East

Photographer's Note

The history of this small delightful village dates back to 1873 when a miner, Alex Patterson, discovered alluvial gold on the farm named Ponieskrantz.

Though the discovery was kept as a secret, the inevitable happened when a second prospector William Trafford also discovered gold close by.

What they had found in this beautiful valley drew optimistic gold panners and prospectors from all over the country and the world.

The diggers called it Pilgrim's Rest because here, at last, after so many false trails and faded dreams they had truly found their home.

Since then, a dedicated team of historians, architects, curators and special interest groups closely monitor all developments and refurbishments in the (two streets) village to maintain its historic appearance.

P.S.: What seems to be a dust spot on the top of the mountain is actually a tree in the fog...

Suppiluliuma, Bartleby, jjcordier, williewhistler, tyro, ebingul has marked this note useful

Critiques | Translate

Bartleby (12765) 2012-04-08 23:24

Salut André,
et bien tu as le 'gold' dans l'éclairage et le 'rush' avec cette traînée de feux de voiture donc je dirais que c'est réussi! La compo est bien 'fermée' par les branchages au-dessus. Du tout bon comme d'habitude.
En tout cas l'image moi elle me fait plutôt penser à "After The Gold Rush", non? Et en plus quel album du Sir Neil Young!)

Philippe

jjcordier (63042) 2012-04-08 23:42

André
J'aime beaucoup le commentaire de Philippe et je n'ai pas envie d'ajouter autre chose si ce n'est que ta photo est d'aussi belle qualité que toutes les précédentes.
Amitiés
JJ

williewhistler (7593) 2012-04-09 2:22

Hello Andre,the red tail lights add a nice splash of colour and dynamics to what appears to be a sleepy country village with the typical colonial style buildings.
An interesting note for an interesting location.
Best regards Les.

tyro (13579) 2012-04-09 5:30

Hello André,

A fascinating note and a brilliant photograph by way of illustration!

The lighting here is just superb with a fine combination of fading daylight and tungsten lighting giving these buildings a welcoming appearance. The strong red lines of vehicle tail lights add to the composition and perspective.

Perfect exposure, lovely lighting and contrasts, fabulous colours and stunning detail and sharpness.

Fabulous!

Kind Regards,

John.

ebingul (1762) 2012-04-09 12:21

Hello Andre,
Great capture of this beautiful place with fine colours,light management,perspective and clarity.
Well done and best regards.
Emin

holmertz (27198) 2012-04-09 12:52

Hello André,
Vehicles may pass quickly but time itself seems to have stood still in this little "red light district". The Royal Hotel looks like the right place to spend the evening with a good meal. The light shines very invitingly from its windows and porch. You positioned yourself well for this photo and created a marvellous atmosphere.
Best regards,
Gert

SnapRJW (19188) 2012-04-13 23:06

Hello Andre - Interesting juxtaposition. I visited Pilgrim's Rest many years ago and never equated the sleepy village with speeding car lights! In essence, it looks as if nothing has changed but as time stands still in Pilgrim's Rest the world rushes forward. Immediately I saw this shot a most annoying but popular song erupted in my head and I share with you David Kramer's Royal Hotel... Best regards Rosemary

Hier sit die manne in die Royal Hotel
Ek ken mos vir almal, ek is almal se pel.
Luister ou vrind, daar agter die bar
Hoe lyk dit met nog so 'n doppie daar.

Ken julle vir Doepie, sy bynaam is Dop
Hy het vir die Springbokke doel geskop.
'n lee bierblik kan hy maklik platdruk
met net een hou teen sy groot voorkop.

Nou stel ek voor my ou vriend Fanie
daar's niks ter wereld wat Fanie pla nie
ontmoet hom in die straat se hoe gaan dit ou maat
se fanie nee ek kan nie kla nie, maar

Hier sit die manne in die Royal hotel
ek ken mos vir almal ek is almal se pel
luister ou vrind, daar agter die bar
hoe lyk dit met nog so 'n doppie daar

en hier sit die speurder, sersant de kok
hy drink sy whiskey so on the rocks
'n koel komkommer, ons noem hom op sy nommer
hy's dubble 0, dubble 0 seven de Kock

Hier sit die manne, hier sit die manne
hier sit die manne, hier sit die manne
ja hier sit die manne in die Royal hotel
ek ken mos vir almal ek is almal se pel
luister ou vrind, daar agter die bar
hoe lyk dit met nog so 'n doppie daar

En van die noordweste kom karel bester
dra kortmou hemp en 'n khaki broek
langdrag gebore, hare kort om die ore
hy's lief om te lag, hy's lief om te vloek.

hier langs die till, sit 'n man so stil
daar's trane in sy oe
hy's se hy's die baas van 'n bankrot plaas
hier ver van die klein karoo
maar dis lekker, dis lekker, dis tog te lekker hier
musiek op die draadloos en skuim op my bier
luister ou vrind, daar agter die bar
hoe lyk dit met nog so 'n doppie daar

Hier sit die manne, hier sit die manne
hier sit die manne, hier sit die manne
ja hier sit die manne in die Royal hotel.

clic (11281) 2012-07-31 8:32

Bonjour André
J'imagine ces attrayantes stries rouges symboliser la désertion rapide des prospecteurs déçus!
Elles donnent quand-même un air de Las Vegas décoré de ses mille feux à ces constructions-souvenirs.
Bravo pour la technique impecable.
Amicalement.
Robert

adidas5nb (1674) 2012-08-07 22:43

THE LIGHT MANAGEMENT IS SUPERB.the swoosh of the tail light of course, but what i really like is the artificial light coexisting with the natural light in the bg.interestingly,from the thumbnail i expected this place to be a small but happening town of sorts.but the grassy tree less hills in the bg really adds flavor.
regards
DWAIPAYAN