Meanwhile the only sighting I saw was thus.
Although did lose a sneaker and used a pot in the middle of the bed. Tamboti - fun, fun. Freezing cold and WET.
That is me DONE with camping - 'luxury' tent or not!Short and Sweet *
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Jillinflorida
- Posts: 440
- Joined: Thu May 31, 2012 9:48 pm
- Country: USA
- Location: Albemarle, NC
- Contact:
Re: Short and Sweet
Ah yes, our next adventure. Some of us had more adventure than we bargained for while others had fabulous sightings cause the 'somes' didn't want to get up at sparrows fart to go out. Never mind that 'others' were HOURS, to the point of me getting worried & said either they're at a fabulous sighting or in trouble. Luckily is it was the former not the latter. GREEN with envy. Ah well, you snooze, you lose.
Meanwhile the only sighting I saw was thus.
Although did lose a sneaker and used a pot in the middle of the bed. Tamboti - fun, fun. Freezing cold and WET. That is me DONE with camping - 'luxury' tent or not!
Meanwhile the only sighting I saw was thus.
Although did lose a sneaker and used a pot in the middle of the bed. Tamboti - fun, fun. Freezing cold and WET.
That is me DONE with camping - 'luxury' tent or not!Re: Short and Sweet
Jill has not had the best of Tamboti. The first time the wind was howling and the tents were flapping - this time nothing had changed!!
But hold your horses - we not there yet!
But hold your horses - we not there yet!
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Jillinflorida
- Posts: 440
- Joined: Thu May 31, 2012 9:48 pm
- Country: USA
- Location: Albemarle, NC
- Contact:
Re: Short and Sweet
Tamboti was a little different this time - we can add LEAKING ceiling to the rain and howling winds....rest of the time was sunny and warm - think Tamboti is telling me something.
Re: Short and Sweet
@Jill - Tamboti is telling you to try genuine camping - in a place like Maroela, Baluli or Tzendse 
Once again - thanks all for joining the ride and the great comments - always nice to be appreciated
Once again - thanks all for joining the ride and the great comments - always nice to be appreciated
-
Jillinflorida
- Posts: 440
- Joined: Thu May 31, 2012 9:48 pm
- Country: USA
- Location: Albemarle, NC
- Contact:
Re: Short and Sweet
This wasn't the sighting I was referring to and you know it. 
~ I know your readers don't want ME to spill the beans...woof.
~ I know your readers don't want ME to spill the beans...woof.Re: Short and Sweet
We trundled our way onward and downwards towards Tamboti. We were making pretty good time as sightings were few and far between. Sparring impala broke the drought as they squared up to each other. People's eyes were closing but the annoying rattles and clanging of the car was not conducive to allow much napping. It did not stop some of the passengers looking like overfed satisfied but miserable hyena!
It did have a tad of energy to raise it's head before flopping back down again.
We slowly made our way towards Olifants and a much needed pit stop.
Perched high on the tree tops a saddlebill kept a sharp eye out on the surrounds.
Olifants was only a spit away when we were confronted. Huge ears pinned back - trunk swaying - marching down the middle of the road. Having just heard about the vehicle that had been rolled by an elephant - nerves were stretched taut. When we had seen the helicopter a few days before - we had waved and given the thumbs up - thinking it was an anti-poaching patrol. It was only later we understood the whirly-bird was airlifting a critically injured tourist to hospital. Not wanting a confrontation - after all a six ton elephant is going to win any stand-off for right-of-way. I had seen an elephant pathway and decided to get beyond it in the hopes he would turn off and let us bounce past without a confrontation. I only hoped he would not send us back over the flooded weir in reverse. Fortunately he took the path and disappeared into the distance.
Finally - the gates to Olifants. A much needed leg stretch and some shopping - we were ready to get on our way. Back on the tar we were again held up - this time by a much smaller less threatening creature
As it ambled across the road - a car approached from the opposite direction. Mad frantic hand waving to get him to stop before the chameleon became a green blob had me turning across - and blocking the road until the chameleon arrived in the safety of the long grass.
A bit further on - a vehicle stopped us and told us that a buffalo was approaching a crocodile on the river bank. We joined the fun. I have no idea what was going through the buffaloes head - but he was doing a good imitation of the chameleon in his slow step by step towards the crocodile. Finally he turned his back and stood gazing out in the opposite direction. Time for us to move on.
The heat had abated and the clouds were building. This seem to rejuvenate some of the animals and two giraffe were getting their necks in a twist. A few others grazed - oblivious to the neck thumbing two-some.
The day was marching on and so must we.
It did have a tad of energy to raise it's head before flopping back down again.
We slowly made our way towards Olifants and a much needed pit stop.
Perched high on the tree tops a saddlebill kept a sharp eye out on the surrounds.
Olifants was only a spit away when we were confronted. Huge ears pinned back - trunk swaying - marching down the middle of the road. Having just heard about the vehicle that had been rolled by an elephant - nerves were stretched taut. When we had seen the helicopter a few days before - we had waved and given the thumbs up - thinking it was an anti-poaching patrol. It was only later we understood the whirly-bird was airlifting a critically injured tourist to hospital. Not wanting a confrontation - after all a six ton elephant is going to win any stand-off for right-of-way. I had seen an elephant pathway and decided to get beyond it in the hopes he would turn off and let us bounce past without a confrontation. I only hoped he would not send us back over the flooded weir in reverse. Fortunately he took the path and disappeared into the distance.
Finally - the gates to Olifants. A much needed leg stretch and some shopping - we were ready to get on our way. Back on the tar we were again held up - this time by a much smaller less threatening creature
As it ambled across the road - a car approached from the opposite direction. Mad frantic hand waving to get him to stop before the chameleon became a green blob had me turning across - and blocking the road until the chameleon arrived in the safety of the long grass.
A bit further on - a vehicle stopped us and told us that a buffalo was approaching a crocodile on the river bank. We joined the fun. I have no idea what was going through the buffaloes head - but he was doing a good imitation of the chameleon in his slow step by step towards the crocodile. Finally he turned his back and stood gazing out in the opposite direction. Time for us to move on.
The heat had abated and the clouds were building. This seem to rejuvenate some of the animals and two giraffe were getting their necks in a twist. A few others grazed - oblivious to the neck thumbing two-some.
The day was marching on and so must we.
Re: Short and Sweet
Sounds much like the weather we having here at the moment. My windows are open but I am keeping the home fire burning
Back to warmer places and confined spaces
Back on the road and starting to feel the call of a place to put my feet up and a drink in my hand. Jill was going through withdrawal as it was long past her tea "fix" time.
The clouds were closing in and getting lower and lower - it was not as if Kruger needed more rain at this stage. Certainly a land of drought and flood.
The back of the journey had been broken and we had seen plenty general game but had driven past rather than stopped. But there are some things you stop for - another car waving you down for one. The lone drive told us that there were lion about five k's down the road. Thanking him we pootled off at the same sedate speed we had been travelling. The lion would either still be there - if not - what is what is. The other stop was for "granny birds" (southern ground horn-bill). They quickly disappeared into the long grass without giving us the opportunity to get even a semi-decent pic.
Another stopping moment was for four Kori Bustard. Once again this was a first for me. Normally I have seen one or two - but not four in the same place. Unfortunately could not get all four in one pic as they were marching along in single file with a reasonable distance between them.
Five kilometers came and went - no lion.
The road to Orpen was still closed so we had to take a detour. Giraffe gave us dirty looks us we interrupted their feeding and had to move off the road. A little one gave us a curious looked then dashed to safety behind mommy's legs.
Then we saw it! What else but a traffic jam. Admittedly not that many vehicles but still enough to block the road. Lying between the cars was a single lioness. She was very agitated and not at all comfortable with the cars parking her in. Her tail swished as she lay restlessly on the side of the road.
Deciding enough was enough she lumbered to her feet to move off. She seemed very thin and lethargic - the thought of TB did enter my head.
As I played dodgems to get through the traffic - earning many dirty looks - I looked backwards. She was down and stalking a car behind us. A child was leaning out of the window to get a better look. She lunged towards the car from a crouched position. Did these parents have no concern for the safety of their child? No effort was made to even close windows.
After having been rattled about like stones in a box we were back on the main road.
Then our entertainment for the day. Grazing sedately on the side of the road were a few Gnu and Zebra. One was definitely not grazing sedately. This little one was worse than a hyperactive child on redbull!
Firstly get rid of some excess weight - then it was a couple of mad dashes round the bush - upset the wildebeest - then time to head butt mother - then a few bucks and kicks - - finally a drink at the bar -before being taken to safety for the night.
It didn't take long to book into our tents. On my way back to the car a breeding herd of elephant crossed the road from the waterhole. Some very little ones with them. Unfortunately by the time I had attracted the rest of the crews attention they were gone. The last stragglers just visible as they entered the long grass.
As usual I got lost in Tamboti and did the scenic route to get to our tents! A feeling of deja vu - the wind had picked up and the rain was falling. Our previous trip with Jill - we had received the same welcome. Not only was it wet - it was cold!
We discussed the merits of doing a night drive the following night. Deciding the weather was against it as well as an early start the following day it was decided to forego this pleasure. With a final comment of whoever wanted to do an early drive the next day - I would be leaving at six when the gates opened - must be ready. Jill and Alan decided they would rather have a lie in. You snooze you lose!
That night the honey badger banged his way around the tent - only to be disappointed at not finding a rubbish bin or any tasty morsels. I was too cold to do a repeat performance of attempting to get a photo of him/her. Our previous trip I had gone out not realizing a badger was outside - trapping it between the table and the exit - their claws are very sharp when they run over naked feet!
Back to warmer places and confined spaces
Back on the road and starting to feel the call of a place to put my feet up and a drink in my hand. Jill was going through withdrawal as it was long past her tea "fix" time.
The clouds were closing in and getting lower and lower - it was not as if Kruger needed more rain at this stage. Certainly a land of drought and flood.
The back of the journey had been broken and we had seen plenty general game but had driven past rather than stopped. But there are some things you stop for - another car waving you down for one. The lone drive told us that there were lion about five k's down the road. Thanking him we pootled off at the same sedate speed we had been travelling. The lion would either still be there - if not - what is what is. The other stop was for "granny birds" (southern ground horn-bill). They quickly disappeared into the long grass without giving us the opportunity to get even a semi-decent pic.
Another stopping moment was for four Kori Bustard. Once again this was a first for me. Normally I have seen one or two - but not four in the same place. Unfortunately could not get all four in one pic as they were marching along in single file with a reasonable distance between them.
Five kilometers came and went - no lion.
The road to Orpen was still closed so we had to take a detour. Giraffe gave us dirty looks us we interrupted their feeding and had to move off the road. A little one gave us a curious looked then dashed to safety behind mommy's legs.
Then we saw it! What else but a traffic jam. Admittedly not that many vehicles but still enough to block the road. Lying between the cars was a single lioness. She was very agitated and not at all comfortable with the cars parking her in. Her tail swished as she lay restlessly on the side of the road.
Deciding enough was enough she lumbered to her feet to move off. She seemed very thin and lethargic - the thought of TB did enter my head.
As I played dodgems to get through the traffic - earning many dirty looks - I looked backwards. She was down and stalking a car behind us. A child was leaning out of the window to get a better look. She lunged towards the car from a crouched position. Did these parents have no concern for the safety of their child? No effort was made to even close windows.
After having been rattled about like stones in a box we were back on the main road.
Then our entertainment for the day. Grazing sedately on the side of the road were a few Gnu and Zebra. One was definitely not grazing sedately. This little one was worse than a hyperactive child on redbull!
Firstly get rid of some excess weight - then it was a couple of mad dashes round the bush - upset the wildebeest - then time to head butt mother - then a few bucks and kicks - - finally a drink at the bar -before being taken to safety for the night.
It didn't take long to book into our tents. On my way back to the car a breeding herd of elephant crossed the road from the waterhole. Some very little ones with them. Unfortunately by the time I had attracted the rest of the crews attention they were gone. The last stragglers just visible as they entered the long grass.
As usual I got lost in Tamboti and did the scenic route to get to our tents! A feeling of deja vu - the wind had picked up and the rain was falling. Our previous trip with Jill - we had received the same welcome. Not only was it wet - it was cold!
We discussed the merits of doing a night drive the following night. Deciding the weather was against it as well as an early start the following day it was decided to forego this pleasure. With a final comment of whoever wanted to do an early drive the next day - I would be leaving at six when the gates opened - must be ready. Jill and Alan decided they would rather have a lie in. You snooze you lose!
That night the honey badger banged his way around the tent - only to be disappointed at not finding a rubbish bin or any tasty morsels. I was too cold to do a repeat performance of attempting to get a photo of him/her. Our previous trip I had gone out not realizing a badger was outside - trapping it between the table and the exit - their claws are very sharp when they run over naked feet!
Re: Short and Sweet
At sparrows was up and ready to hit the road. A cold, restless night had preceded our departure and I was still half a sleep when we left. As usual took the scenic route to get out of camp. I was surprised to see the morning game drive had not departed. The reason became obvious as not far from the gate - one game drive vehicle with a very flat wheel - and one driver going nowhere very fast.
Our first stop was for a couple of jackal. Very ambitious little creatures. They were giving the wildebeest a hard time. Whether they had serious intent of bringing one down or not can only be found in their minds.
We took a slow drive and plenty of general game in the area. Not much bird life - but I can only assume the low clouds and hint of rain was keeping them silent. Up ahead we could see something in the road. Sadly it was a jackal that had been hit by a car. It could have only happened moments before we got there. A rather depressing start to the day.
Onward we went- keeping a sharp look out for elephant - as I did not want to come across one unexpectedly in the middle of the twisty road. Sparring impala kept us entertained for a time before they disappeared to continue their antics behind the bushes.
Driving through a dip - I spotted three blobs in the middle of the road on the next incline. They slowly grew larger and more in number. Wild dog.
I pulled to the side of the road and we sat in awe as they walked towards us. As they got closer we closed the windows as they were walking very close to the car. One of the dogs walked to my window and lifted his head. A nose against my window and a curious stare. A small smear of blood on the glass and he was on his way again.
Half of the pack broke off into the grass - the rest kept going doing the road.
Starting the engine and doing a U-turn we followed the pack. A few more broke off in the opposite direction. Eventually only two could be seen. At this stage there was not another vehicle in sight.
We waited patiently hoping to see them again. Two cars stopped and we told them there were dogs in the grass.
I decided to move up the road in the direction the dogs had been heading and do another U-turn and wait. Our patience paid off. With one accord about sixteen of the dogs were off on the hunt. The balance of the pack were waiting in ambush on the opposite side of the road.
A few more joined the hunt - one dropping a morsel of food in anticipation of red, hot bloody meat.
A beautiful Impala - a flash of brown - streaked in front of the car - followed by a blur of color as the painted dogs streamed after him in hot pursuit. I had no desire to see the kill. Having seen a wild dog kill in the past - which is not pretty - I reversed up the road and waited. Soon the eagles and vultures where landing in their droves. I don't think my mom or I had said a single word. Nor do I know how long we sat and watched these beautiful creatures.
A few of the dogs settled in the road in front of us. Other played and gamboled about.
One of the dogs was crippled - both legs on its left side. We called him Hoppy!
When he caught up with the pack - the greeting was so boisterous and noisy we were not sure whether he was being attacked or welcomed.
We watched for a long time. At no stage were there more than two additional cars at the sighting. I am not sure how long it was before the dogs were on the move again.
Once again we followed them. As we crested the hill a huge elephant was standing across the road. It didn't take him long to head for the hills as the wild dog approached.
What an amazing experience to be escorted by these creatures - until they dispeared into the long grass.
I can positively say I was no longer half asleep!
I was definitely doing my happy dance - but at the same time was sad that Jill had not been with us. Dogs had been on her bucket list. I had checked distance and times with the thought of going to fetch her - but it was too far and would have taken too long. By this stage mom and I were busting. We needed a pit stop urgently. Still filled with euphoria and wonder we headed in the direction of the closest picnic spot. Fortunately we arrived just ahead of four game viewing vehicles. I didn't even take the time to lock the car as I made a beeline straight to the closest loo! Mother hadn't even managed to get out of the car - but I was desperate.
Knowing Jill would probably be worried as we had been out far longer than anticipated we took the shortest route back to camp. The little jackal had been dragged to the side of the road and the vultures had gathered.
A sad sighting knowing this little creature had been killed by the hands of man....................
The rain clouds had gathered and I was hoping to be back at camp before the heavens opened. As we pulled into the park the heavens opened. The rain was bucketing down. Alan was sitting sheltering at our tent. Jill was using a pot in her bed to catch the huge drops of water leaking through their roof. A lull and Alan made a mad dash to join her and start packing for our early departure the following morning. I could see it was going to be a very early night for all of us.
Our first stop was for a couple of jackal. Very ambitious little creatures. They were giving the wildebeest a hard time. Whether they had serious intent of bringing one down or not can only be found in their minds.
We took a slow drive and plenty of general game in the area. Not much bird life - but I can only assume the low clouds and hint of rain was keeping them silent. Up ahead we could see something in the road. Sadly it was a jackal that had been hit by a car. It could have only happened moments before we got there. A rather depressing start to the day.
Onward we went- keeping a sharp look out for elephant - as I did not want to come across one unexpectedly in the middle of the twisty road. Sparring impala kept us entertained for a time before they disappeared to continue their antics behind the bushes.
Driving through a dip - I spotted three blobs in the middle of the road on the next incline. They slowly grew larger and more in number. Wild dog.
I pulled to the side of the road and we sat in awe as they walked towards us. As they got closer we closed the windows as they were walking very close to the car. One of the dogs walked to my window and lifted his head. A nose against my window and a curious stare. A small smear of blood on the glass and he was on his way again.
Half of the pack broke off into the grass - the rest kept going doing the road.
Starting the engine and doing a U-turn we followed the pack. A few more broke off in the opposite direction. Eventually only two could be seen. At this stage there was not another vehicle in sight.
We waited patiently hoping to see them again. Two cars stopped and we told them there were dogs in the grass.
I decided to move up the road in the direction the dogs had been heading and do another U-turn and wait. Our patience paid off. With one accord about sixteen of the dogs were off on the hunt. The balance of the pack were waiting in ambush on the opposite side of the road.
A few more joined the hunt - one dropping a morsel of food in anticipation of red, hot bloody meat.
A beautiful Impala - a flash of brown - streaked in front of the car - followed by a blur of color as the painted dogs streamed after him in hot pursuit. I had no desire to see the kill. Having seen a wild dog kill in the past - which is not pretty - I reversed up the road and waited. Soon the eagles and vultures where landing in their droves. I don't think my mom or I had said a single word. Nor do I know how long we sat and watched these beautiful creatures.
A few of the dogs settled in the road in front of us. Other played and gamboled about.
One of the dogs was crippled - both legs on its left side. We called him Hoppy!
When he caught up with the pack - the greeting was so boisterous and noisy we were not sure whether he was being attacked or welcomed.
We watched for a long time. At no stage were there more than two additional cars at the sighting. I am not sure how long it was before the dogs were on the move again.
Once again we followed them. As we crested the hill a huge elephant was standing across the road. It didn't take him long to head for the hills as the wild dog approached.
What an amazing experience to be escorted by these creatures - until they dispeared into the long grass.
I can positively say I was no longer half asleep!
I was definitely doing my happy dance - but at the same time was sad that Jill had not been with us. Dogs had been on her bucket list. I had checked distance and times with the thought of going to fetch her - but it was too far and would have taken too long. By this stage mom and I were busting. We needed a pit stop urgently. Still filled with euphoria and wonder we headed in the direction of the closest picnic spot. Fortunately we arrived just ahead of four game viewing vehicles. I didn't even take the time to lock the car as I made a beeline straight to the closest loo! Mother hadn't even managed to get out of the car - but I was desperate.
Knowing Jill would probably be worried as we had been out far longer than anticipated we took the shortest route back to camp. The little jackal had been dragged to the side of the road and the vultures had gathered.
A sad sighting knowing this little creature had been killed by the hands of man....................
The rain clouds had gathered and I was hoping to be back at camp before the heavens opened. As we pulled into the park the heavens opened. The rain was bucketing down. Alan was sitting sheltering at our tent. Jill was using a pot in her bed to catch the huge drops of water leaking through their roof. A lull and Alan made a mad dash to join her and start packing for our early departure the following morning. I could see it was going to be a very early night for all of us.
-
Jillinflorida
- Posts: 440
- Joined: Thu May 31, 2012 9:48 pm
- Country: USA
- Location: Albemarle, NC
- Contact:
Re: Short and Sweet
Now THIS was the sighting I couldn't wait for you to tell about. Yes I was SORELY disappointed I'd missed it, 
especially as we were cold and miserable waiting in a cold, damp tent for six hours. I was really wondering whether I should wander up the lonely winding road to report we had two ladies MIA. The rain didn't let up all day.
Carol quickly put a meal together and we had eaten, cleaned up and were in our beds by 7:30.