Potholes are something that strikes any South African with fear. Potholes in our country refer to holes in the road due to negligence or under-maintained roads. In some places, like in Mpumalanga, South Africa, it is so bad that you actually get into pretty bad accidents if you are not careful. Due to massive trucks transporting wood to the local factory, these roads are pretty bad.

But these potholes are not man-made. The potholes at Bourke's Luck Potholes in Mpumalanga have been carved out by millions of years of erosion and they are pretty spectacular. Please join me on this virtual journey to some of South Africa's most spectacular views! It is something out of this world and there is also a legend linked to them that might interest you to read on...

Natural Beauty Carved out of the Earth

The destructive power of water is something amazing to witness. In mere seconds, it can wipe out towns. But over millions of years, it can create artwork. Carving out what is now known as potholes, these majestic features in the rocks mesmerizes one if you look long enough at them.

Looking like manmade drilled holes, one can quickly get lost in the mere presence of these behemoth structures. I cannot think what those who discovered them first might have thought. Back then aliens was not a thing, but I am sure their minds would have wondered what giants have carved these things?

It looks too perfect to be created by nature herself. It is funny how we think it is too perfect, nature could not make such perfect circles. Or this is only my weird reasoning. But it seems like machine-made structures, don't you think?

Millions in Gold Dumbed, Are You Up for the Search?

Apparently, millions of dollars worth of gold were dumped in these potholes. Legend has it that these millions have not yet been found. Rich in gold deposits, the surrounding area served as a rich ground for excavating and gold prospecting in the foregone years.

But the millions are still out there.

In the previous picture (not the one above) you can see all the coins. People from above throw the coins into the water, making their wishes. But don't you think there are millions in the water already? It would take a very brave soul to go down there to dive out all the money.

The Happy and Sad Rivers

What caused all these potholes? As mentioned, the millions of years of erosion. The two rivers that join up here is called the Blyde and Treur Rivers. Translated, it means happiness and sorrow respectively. It has an interesting history.

When the Voortrekkers, in about 1840, tried to go beyond this point, some of the people rode on horseback down the river. But they did not come back in time. So those who stayed behind, called the river the Treur river or the sorrow river.

But when they finally met up again, a distance away, they called the other river the Blyde river or the happy river. It is funny how some of these places get named. Taxonomy, or the science of naming things, is truly a wonderful thing full of strange oddities.

Walking Along The Potholes

Everywhere there are signs of potholes. The above photograph is a stone on the footpath alongside the potholes. These rocks have also been carved out over millions of years.

The views are spectacular. Walking a distance up the river gets you away from all the people. You can sit there and meditate, reminisce about life and how we got here. What a wonderful sight.

Long Gone Animals

A little bit of sad history is showcased in the small museum. Various apex animals roamed the area, they are long gone now. Is life better without them? No, but is life safer? Sure. One might wonder what life would have been with these creatures still among us.

Postscriptum, or Here Lies Our Luck

The legend of the money or gold in the river is probably just that, a myth and legend. I wonder what one might make with all those millions if one stumbled upon it.

This is yet another spectacular place in South Africa. With the recent news, people might stay away from these beautiful places. South Africa is a dangerous place, but it is also not. It all depends on how aware you are of the situation unfolding around you. But yes, there might be some situations you cannot control. But this is hardly a South African problem.

I hope you travel safely. All of the photographs are my own. The musings are also my own. Stay well.