tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4122684877105854872024-03-13T20:48:39.360-07:00Tidbits, Travel & Torti'sRandom photos and thoughts in the life of a moderately abnormal, slightly normal, aging hippie type from the Pacific Northwest.normana53http://www.blogger.com/profile/12013028606034707201noreply@blogger.comBlogger40125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-412268487710585487.post-63641078348368515252012-05-09T00:00:00.002-07:002012-05-09T00:00:46.858-07:00All work and no play makes for a real dragWork, Work Work that is all that it seems that we do. Up in the morning, home late at night, eat dinner, go to bed and get up to do it all again. Oh yeah, there are a few bright spots.....seeing my wife on our one day off together, going to Tai Chi classes, and 2 workouts a week at the Y, but other than that, it's not a lot of excitement for us.<br />
<br />
We splurged a couple of weeks ago and headed to the coast for a mini vacation, probably our only time off together until late fall. Pacific Beach was a great getaway. This time of year is the height of the annual northern migration of thousands of birds up the west coast, and the Grays Harbor area is one of the nations greatest stopover points for those birds.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWMrD-XPKoIbEERS17hn85fM_ylIgaaHm48hT7ISTkBb4d_Vh1zXYCL0gpiEbBfGonHTXsi3zprNW_-ONJyKl3qfcV1TW0oAXRP2ihR5Lj45cUfT7dSDvmCgFDoZNIS3BwuhPF4529yRU8/s1600/Ocean+Shores+Gulls+6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWMrD-XPKoIbEERS17hn85fM_ylIgaaHm48hT7ISTkBb4d_Vh1zXYCL0gpiEbBfGonHTXsi3zprNW_-ONJyKl3qfcV1TW0oAXRP2ihR5Lj45cUfT7dSDvmCgFDoZNIS3BwuhPF4529yRU8/s320/Ocean+Shores+Gulls+6.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmFEvh_HEKOYU7YbYLWoLfeffhyXGQSgU5MJLkNBghXOlz1Or-WLAltsQpw-zVJ04vSzIg_WMr0DeO-9cdj8aj_inzmr0VLzpBNQ4YXCRqZHhA7XVFgDC2eQl4OY7Lk2UAQbTBakZX-Qol/s1600/Ocean+Shores+Marbled+Godwit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmFEvh_HEKOYU7YbYLWoLfeffhyXGQSgU5MJLkNBghXOlz1Or-WLAltsQpw-zVJ04vSzIg_WMr0DeO-9cdj8aj_inzmr0VLzpBNQ4YXCRqZHhA7XVFgDC2eQl4OY7Lk2UAQbTBakZX-Qol/s320/Ocean+Shores+Marbled+Godwit.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieXPzQUNDgbdb5i8CMdaCj5SIOfNYj8S9jumbRClJBlOJhNJF5gguoCLKM8PIHGCzcgV4V6MMB6QVSn6f6P5YZaN4pXN69fnJ61MGRAaALTlUC3OYhsYWmlZ8yv_u6hU7pNIXblXcWqfgn/s1600/Ocean+Shores+Gulls+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="205" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieXPzQUNDgbdb5i8CMdaCj5SIOfNYj8S9jumbRClJBlOJhNJF5gguoCLKM8PIHGCzcgV4V6MMB6QVSn6f6P5YZaN4pXN69fnJ61MGRAaALTlUC3OYhsYWmlZ8yv_u6hU7pNIXblXcWqfgn/s320/Ocean+Shores+Gulls+4.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5WueAB35F2B1cISllhgxKYAlNBGHMs1NtBSuYUG0bidfVcJ-Qz2aK9I71T-UMtmPfUmp1qpscKrD6XmWhwG61NRgWkR7f1Lw7p-5i1EYQD2pxf7np-etpdma3DIrow8DyeF3EMMfUPGJ2/s1600/Ocean+Shores+Dungeness+breakfast.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5WueAB35F2B1cISllhgxKYAlNBGHMs1NtBSuYUG0bidfVcJ-Qz2aK9I71T-UMtmPfUmp1qpscKrD6XmWhwG61NRgWkR7f1Lw7p-5i1EYQD2pxf7np-etpdma3DIrow8DyeF3EMMfUPGJ2/s320/Ocean+Shores+Dungeness+breakfast.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
We relaxed, watched birds, shopped and walked the beaches, getting our exercise walking up the beach for a few miles. And packing spotting scopes and cameras all over the place. But it was all too short and after a long trip home, it was back to the grind.<br />
<br />
Maybe we'll get away again soon...............normana53http://www.blogger.com/profile/12013028606034707201noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-412268487710585487.post-36343321818205665492011-05-03T11:38:00.000-07:002011-05-03T11:38:05.695-07:00Once again, I have neglected my blogSo much has happened since our trip to Africa. One thing that I neglected to mention is that our Queen cat - Kerry Ann died while we were in Africa. It broke our hearts, and the remaining members of our Torti Clan have been saddened by her loss. She was their leader, their ruler, and the Queen of our house.<br />
We started thinking about our next great adventure shortly after we returned from Africa. First we thought we would return to Ireland, to visit relatives and the places Tricia remembers from her childhood. Next we thought, no let's go to Costa Rica and go Birding. Finally we decided to return to Yellowstone and take a course from the Yellowstone Institute on Elk and Wolves. Should be a great trip, and this time we are making a big loop though Montana so that I can show Tricia places that I lived and enjoyed in the 70's.<br />
I will try to be more responsible and put my fingers to the keyboards more regularly in the future.normana53http://www.blogger.com/profile/12013028606034707201noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-412268487710585487.post-3873655606624191152010-12-28T16:58:00.000-08:002010-12-28T16:58:56.128-08:00Our first full day back in KrugerAfter checking in, we settled in to our home for the next five nights. Lower Sabie camp is a wonderful camp, with a variety of facilities available. Camping areas, safari tents, Bungalows and Cabins that are meant for larger families are available and there is something for every budget. We settled in to our bungalow, I cooked dinner and we ate and then hit the pillows, fast asleep within minutes. The gate opens at 5:30 in the morning, and I wanted to be first in line. We were up long before any the sun, and by the looks of the bungalows across the way, we were up before anyone else. I quickly packed our breakfast and made tea. We were just packing the cooler in the car when our neighbor quickly hopped in his vehicle and was off toward the gate. Oh well, there went being first in line. By the time we got to the gate we ended up 3rd in line. A short wait and the gate was opened, the first two cars turned right and that put us first on the road to the left, which is where we wanted to go. Last year we had good luck on the Mlondozi Loop, where we saw eight Cheetah. I had decided to see if we could repeat our good fortune from last year so we were off. We had to stop on the Dam to watch the sun come up.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT8EV-Mey4MXHusVXa-8QgRhTEiQ3CbNXrs3v6pqFAUFeeO_ACpxtXaWz1qwI7LzxmRT8zvQd-rf_KXD4qsXnMot0thZpi_0vpqzgdGNFTM_njzEroZS1u4HD3VOD3MmO9BjihonKpalVe/s1600/Lower+Sabie+Sunrise.jpg" imageanchor="1" linkindex="282" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT8EV-Mey4MXHusVXa-8QgRhTEiQ3CbNXrs3v6pqFAUFeeO_ACpxtXaWz1qwI7LzxmRT8zvQd-rf_KXD4qsXnMot0thZpi_0vpqzgdGNFTM_njzEroZS1u4HD3VOD3MmO9BjihonKpalVe/s320/Lower+Sabie+Sunrise.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:WordDocument> <w:View>Normal</w:View> <w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:TrackMoves/> <w:TrackFormatting/> <w:PunctuationKerning/> <w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/> <w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:DoNotPromoteQF/> <w:LidThemeOther>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther> <w:LidThemeAsian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian> <w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript> <w:Compatibility> <w:BreakWrappedTables/> <w:SnapToGridInCell/> <w:WrapTextWithPunct/> <w:UseAsianBreakRules/> <w:DontGrowAutofit/> <w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/> <w:DontVertAlignCellWithSp/> <w:DontBreakConstrainedForcedTables/> <w:DontVertAlignInTxbx/> <w:Word11KerningPairs/> <w:CachedColBalance/> </w:Compatibility> <m:mathPr> <m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/> <m:brkBin m:val="before"/> <m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/> <m:smallFrac m:val="off"/> <m:dispDef/> <m:lMargin m:val="0"/> <m:rMargin m:val="0"/> <m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/> <m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/> <m:intLim m:val="subSup"/> <m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/> </m:mathPr></w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
DefSemiHidden="true" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="267"> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 7"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 8"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 9"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="59" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Table Grid"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Placeholder Text"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Revision"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="List Paragraph"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Quote"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Emphasis"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Emphasis"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Reference"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Reference"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" Name="Bibliography"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/> </w:LatentStyles> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]> <style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-qformat:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin-top:0in;
mso-para-margin-right:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:10.0pt;
mso-para-margin-left:0in;
line-height:115%;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:11.0pt;
font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";
mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;}
</style> <![endif]--> <br />
<div class="MsoNormal">We were hoping for more Cheetah on this morning. The first few kilometers were a little slow, not too much moving except a few Wildebeest and Zebra browsing in the distance. Then to the south we saw a large bull, he was a long way off, but things were looking up.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_15DcZXLPBUdbAfnLFHSXL6rIJIiRXT5juU890fr76TqrmiMFpNJWYkPam1kMLNSAMQVvolXk9p3S0BSArONJrr2NurN_kMwuPUriHaoRuNPUewQqMIXYEIBN1CKgLaKtiTRyHjZ3zXNg/s1600/Mlondozi+Bull.jpg" imageanchor="1" linkindex="283" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_15DcZXLPBUdbAfnLFHSXL6rIJIiRXT5juU890fr76TqrmiMFpNJWYkPam1kMLNSAMQVvolXk9p3S0BSArONJrr2NurN_kMwuPUriHaoRuNPUewQqMIXYEIBN1CKgLaKtiTRyHjZ3zXNg/s320/Mlondozi+Bull.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">Soon we saw two more large bulls fairly close to the road. This can become dangerous as Bulls can be cranky and charge at any time.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNa8ag7U_EJD_PuouEVIC_jILZphcCZZnIiFRjR7JV0gV8EoqQrM1TByZ_q56zIs1TUXUlDjnjXz_dN5zl1cre7kUM2uKvL3CU_RzyQHblV1VQ5Q9d53vef2y87hV1zvj1R8vEcV_9AqZS/s1600/Mlondozi+bull+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" linkindex="284" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNa8ag7U_EJD_PuouEVIC_jILZphcCZZnIiFRjR7JV0gV8EoqQrM1TByZ_q56zIs1TUXUlDjnjXz_dN5zl1cre7kUM2uKvL3CU_RzyQHblV1VQ5Q9d53vef2y87hV1zvj1R8vEcV_9AqZS/s320/Mlondozi+bull+2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFxD86GOwLwlOa-SUZmo7wDZAGld63IeP5as8DBXYwOuvcmvbcVZvGdIJXFdmGkD8guvqHbyVmCBXInxXMQYzrhWO0ac-Clf-TDg6d2RAJBnBOTNoQVFWPUyIavRncrJnFBmxDILjFSjZe/s1600/Mlondozi+bull+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" linkindex="285" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="206" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFxD86GOwLwlOa-SUZmo7wDZAGld63IeP5as8DBXYwOuvcmvbcVZvGdIJXFdmGkD8guvqHbyVmCBXInxXMQYzrhWO0ac-Clf-TDg6d2RAJBnBOTNoQVFWPUyIavRncrJnFBmxDILjFSjZe/s320/Mlondozi+bull+3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0N_iXdOupq83M-FAMVkB_DwITUJn-DNOEu5fkgkt08FjiKGz4pJy0CFKh_i4e1Wu8Qd0XoFqm2FGvAnSG7Fg-MDA6pm91jMYnLyZ4EpBM_7FzHdIl9n4msm_U_-bM1N88oiV2lZPUkn67/s1600/Mlondozi+too+cozy.jpg" imageanchor="1" linkindex="286" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0N_iXdOupq83M-FAMVkB_DwITUJn-DNOEu5fkgkt08FjiKGz4pJy0CFKh_i4e1Wu8Qd0XoFqm2FGvAnSG7Fg-MDA6pm91jMYnLyZ4EpBM_7FzHdIl9n4msm_U_-bM1N88oiV2lZPUkn67/s320/Mlondozi+too+cozy.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> We were so busy with this big boy that when we made it past him we almost didn't see a White Rhino standing within 2 meters of the road.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8tkjc_MfAbjhS23F1zoHqRWXvqGVKIqYcsS3F0LV5_4YQbw8Ik-2hl3iYoidGzyUI-RIwingHZK6TcGGqqeObpf1whFXboubXPNhgrt1v4V6B7HzuNHuSBoA3q_6MattZjF8Zw_W49LZU/s1600/WR+Mlondozi.jpg" imageanchor="1" linkindex="287" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8tkjc_MfAbjhS23F1zoHqRWXvqGVKIqYcsS3F0LV5_4YQbw8Ik-2hl3iYoidGzyUI-RIwingHZK6TcGGqqeObpf1whFXboubXPNhgrt1v4V6B7HzuNHuSBoA3q_6MattZjF8Zw_W49LZU/s320/WR+Mlondozi.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
It was barely 8 in the morning and it was already getting warm. We got to the Mlondozi Picnic area and had breakfast. Watching out for a gang of thieves who was nearby attempting to steal a bite to eat from those not on the lookout.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQpQz6L2PVWBmJLt6szziv5zlTJvKJfcfXDvlD-45wVMcWiSQAtHGBpb9rB39hFEzew1MJkrN6td4oY310E_YeJr7nTUYrqUP6O4WXz7wfC9y0-pcjUWVwEnCqlbsMucUT4ai6sVSHlXzQ/s1600/Vervet.jpg" imageanchor="1" linkindex="288" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="224" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQpQz6L2PVWBmJLt6szziv5zlTJvKJfcfXDvlD-45wVMcWiSQAtHGBpb9rB39hFEzew1MJkrN6td4oY310E_YeJr7nTUYrqUP6O4WXz7wfC9y0-pcjUWVwEnCqlbsMucUT4ai6sVSHlXzQ/s320/Vervet.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>They were quick and aggressive, but would back down if confronted. They were successful in stealing breakfast from a number of those picnicking. Here is the view we enjoyed while eating.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXIqrYh0hl0SPstQIPeZ0lLuJQgN8-YNGL7N9F-Zlr5Q6ighjXWUFN4KYk0hHXml3D4_tS1kbq10IbBj6cm5K5sIfIDSHnQWdzRZX8hLDG62QeCXY1Sk_VcL8Li3Q-cs3YDVOGdQzJFkHk/s1600/Mlondozi+picnic+area.jpg" imageanchor="1" linkindex="289" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXIqrYh0hl0SPstQIPeZ0lLuJQgN8-YNGL7N9F-Zlr5Q6ighjXWUFN4KYk0hHXml3D4_tS1kbq10IbBj6cm5K5sIfIDSHnQWdzRZX8hLDG62QeCXY1Sk_VcL8Li3Q-cs3YDVOGdQzJFkHk/s320/Mlondozi+picnic+area.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT9odhjYse0Wj6F6akJc10oyM3uYspd_FXZZnXI1GtSgiphf5I0NSNv8ojXlzFLy5scZ8_3B0kZit8RH_1id5AKQdGheT3BKsQ3hsKS4cSe-dHXkD36VonbJHXOQVEc90rDRT1oLb6BKTk/s1600/Viewpoint.jpg" imageanchor="1" linkindex="290" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT9odhjYse0Wj6F6akJc10oyM3uYspd_FXZZnXI1GtSgiphf5I0NSNv8ojXlzFLy5scZ8_3B0kZit8RH_1id5AKQdGheT3BKsQ3hsKS4cSe-dHXkD36VonbJHXOQVEc90rDRT1oLb6BKTk/s320/Viewpoint.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="MsoNormal"> On the way back to camp for a break we saw a Martial Eagle. They are very shy and avoid contact with people. This was a first for us. All I was able to get was a shot of it flying nearby.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5jJ4YwDjQIEqEg6ZRwx0AyvqnU-IoM-3OySJJ14uvx9_uPk5sNIrrFiKH-0kGyPaesM7CTixDKBI-9bF2f9qNcvKGH23NzzfxzH-yvlZyaEvYGxQjXIc4IcPskf2OD3fywokg5uRCW_HL/s1600/Mlondozi+picnic+area+Eagle.jpg" imageanchor="1" linkindex="291" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5jJ4YwDjQIEqEg6ZRwx0AyvqnU-IoM-3OySJJ14uvx9_uPk5sNIrrFiKH-0kGyPaesM7CTixDKBI-9bF2f9qNcvKGH23NzzfxzH-yvlZyaEvYGxQjXIc4IcPskf2OD3fywokg5uRCW_HL/s320/Mlondozi+picnic+area+Eagle.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div>normana53http://www.blogger.com/profile/12013028606034707201noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-412268487710585487.post-82361998229260545722010-12-28T12:17:00.000-08:002010-12-28T12:17:22.921-08:00Another Journey back to Africa<div style="text-align: center;">It has been quite a while since I have had a chance to sit down and put my fingers to the keys, and I have neglected telling everyone what is going on. During October, we returned to South Africa for another adventure. This time we spent two weeks in Kruger National Park. </div><div style="text-align: center;">What an amazing journey!</div><div style="text-align: center;">Well it was amazing except for the LONG, LONG flight. We left Seattle just before midday on Friday, and arrived in Johannesburg at about 6pm on Saturday. That works out to be about 26 hours in coach. I would give anything to fly First Class on these trips, but it would require donating body parts or mortgaging our house to be able to stretch out, use real silverware, enjoy better food, and be able to really sleep.</div><div style="text-align: center;"> Since our flight arrived late in the day we stayed at the Garden Court Inn near the airport again. We have found it to be easy to get to, reasonably priced and a very tasty morning breakfast buffet. After getting a good nights sleep, we headed back to the airport to pick up our SUV and then headed east towards Kruger.</div><div style="text-align: center;">After about five hours and a couple of stops we drove through the Numbi Gate and headed towards our first destination Lower Sabie. Lower Sabie is 95km (59 miles) from the gate, and the speed limit is 50km, which logically would take one a little over an hour to navigate. However, Kruger distances cannot be judged in a normal way. Because of game sightings and roadblocks (whether from traffic jambs or from Animals on the road) time and distance are not easily linked. The Kruger website says the time from Numbi gate to Lower Sabie is 3.5 hours. I had calculated we would arrive at camp around 5pm, an hour before the gate closes. Being outside of a camp after the gates close is strictly forbidden and being caught outside can result in fines of several hundred dollars each. Five rolled around and we were still many kilometers from our destination. I pushed the limit and drove slightly over the speed limit and made it to camp at 6:05pm. The ranger at the gate looked at our pass and waved us through with a stern word about gate closing time.</div><div style="text-align: center;">This was the first sunset back in Kruger taken shortly before arriving at camp.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihPqAy4w390XB4HjFG6jdVOWwzOB6KaXbtuXcuxwwICmg2TOdgGa_L4kSVGQwMRGV4v58OZ7g7YLgc5XBhYhnFAJQPcBHeiKWI1fxzjC2qPyfB0qumZ_z-e80LDyV4j-j310f-lT5XQC-4/s1600/Lower+Sabie+Sunrise+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" linkindex="105" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihPqAy4w390XB4HjFG6jdVOWwzOB6KaXbtuXcuxwwICmg2TOdgGa_L4kSVGQwMRGV4v58OZ7g7YLgc5XBhYhnFAJQPcBHeiKWI1fxzjC2qPyfB0qumZ_z-e80LDyV4j-j310f-lT5XQC-4/s320/Lower+Sabie+Sunrise+2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>normana53http://www.blogger.com/profile/12013028606034707201noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-412268487710585487.post-50195301026306215822010-09-29T21:09:00.000-07:002010-09-29T21:09:17.878-07:00Time keeps on ticking, ticking, ticking....Here it is, one week until we leave for Africa on our annual adventure. I have been packing and deciding what I really need to take. My carry-on is almost full, and camera gear makes up the bulk of its contents. Thanks to Think Tank, my camera gear will be easy to carry on, and I am confident that the rest of my belongings will follow in the cargo hold of our transport without incident.<br />
<br />
<br />
We have been anxious for the past few weeks, partially in anticipation of our trip, but mostly because our Queen cat, Kerry Ann has been diagnosed with Kidney Disease and a Heart problem. She has been dropping weight like crazy, and has a difficult time getting around, but doesn't seem to want to go yet. We are taking it day to day, and are realizing that we have to accept that she won't be around forever. She is eighteen, and has always been the matriarch of our Torti Clan. We call her the Super, Wonder, Yoga, Squeaker cat. She holds a special place in our lives and in our hearts.<br />
<br />
I plan to post a trip report as soon as I can and promise to include pictures.normana53http://www.blogger.com/profile/12013028606034707201noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-412268487710585487.post-15113070389592844562010-08-11T09:32:00.000-07:002010-08-11T09:49:25.973-07:00Dogs, Dames, and Detectives - Opening lines to a great (?) mystery novelA steady rain pounded down in a staccato, like the hammering of keys on my Smith Corona. It was a cool wet morning as I sat in my office waiting on a client looking for her lost dog. I lit a cigarette and watched the smoke curl towards the ceiling, I didn't hear her enter the room, but I knew she was there by the scent of her perfume. A shiver went up my spine, Something told me this dame was lookin' for more than a little doggie. I spun in my chair, as she approached closely, bent down and handed me a fat envelope full of cold hard cash.<br />
<br />
There was something strangely familiar about her perfume...and that lipstick, it matches the stain on my collar! What is going on? and how did I get here? "Hey Rick, how's the head this morning?" She hissed. <br />
"Those were some mean Martini's you were drowning in last night." Martini's?, all I remember is sitting down at Murphy's bar and ordering a tall, cool one. WHAT IS GOING ON? Boy could I use a drink. She walked to the water cooler, and filled a glass. "That wasn't what I had in mind", I mumbled. As the water hit my face, it all started rushing back to me...........normana53http://www.blogger.com/profile/12013028606034707201noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-412268487710585487.post-41335989831335276322010-07-04T08:49:00.000-07:002010-07-04T08:49:26.878-07:00I have been a bad blogger!<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">It has been forever since I last put words down to let you know what I have been up to. In fact I have had a hard time finding the time to even read the blogs of friends and relatives. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">We are fighting the good fight and treading water in this <span class="goog-spellcheck-word">topsy</span>-<span class="goog-spellcheck-word">turvy</span> economy. We get the opportunity to travel back to Africa for our third visit late this fall, and have begun counting the days until we are back in the bush. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8y6FXnqRV_oCqEYz3NLdZI-maxnn6Q4qKA9Oj9HaIBRcssQ5Autqvnp0si11rNHsDSpodnJ4NceQkrMlO4JnGu1naBDTmYTkFqHyjsGs_UKmX60jAOt-lmOBsvYiPP_TZX5pGq63eBHOl/s1600/Tembe+Bull+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" rw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8y6FXnqRV_oCqEYz3NLdZI-maxnn6Q4qKA9Oj9HaIBRcssQ5Autqvnp0si11rNHsDSpodnJ4NceQkrMlO4JnGu1naBDTmYTkFqHyjsGs_UKmX60jAOt-lmOBsvYiPP_TZX5pGq63eBHOl/s320/Tembe+Bull+2.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Africa is a place that you either love or hate, but I believe that if you go and are bitten by the "Africa bug" you will always dream of Africa and will always return to her treasures.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">We are currently smitten with the Kruger National Park in South Africa. A park more than twice the size of Yellowstone National Park here in the United States, Kruger is an unbelievable experience.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnr-B2RCu85jjmBJfo4SAVZIVthDK1skxxdyjw_CKBa4aoQXqevXKVHPPIEhBxhO5shGgd3lJT77FRhiltlxLaCYnb7Kq0WmqHe47gcy9gE1Oek106JI6CosTSrdkfr9bcjOTblwas_a8t/s1600/Satara+Kudu.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" rw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnr-B2RCu85jjmBJfo4SAVZIVthDK1skxxdyjw_CKBa4aoQXqevXKVHPPIEhBxhO5shGgd3lJT77FRhiltlxLaCYnb7Kq0WmqHe47gcy9gE1Oek106JI6CosTSrdkfr9bcjOTblwas_a8t/s320/Satara+Kudu.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">A lone <span class="goog-spellcheck-word">Kudu</span> Bull. The regal symbol of South Africa's National Parks</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcUctgr-gVhLotH5u5HLqtjHmyQAWhRBm3b9eU6qA_KZ3_54LNjtslPBfuvt2LtnsQ1PbIekscpQkIZkz7ApkW64fc1MJmnVDzNvguYzn5LQtrkxSrVqTDqTSeVT1b9mcl2as_Bkyb8s63/s1600/Kruger+Guineafowl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" rw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcUctgr-gVhLotH5u5HLqtjHmyQAWhRBm3b9eU6qA_KZ3_54LNjtslPBfuvt2LtnsQ1PbIekscpQkIZkz7ApkW64fc1MJmnVDzNvguYzn5LQtrkxSrVqTDqTSeVT1b9mcl2as_Bkyb8s63/s320/Kruger+Guineafowl.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Helmeted Guinea Fowl</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvBSKhW7fRC3FK3KH_wOfaqvBQZ45ru7bZDSxps6mU01UNqWGT-nKDFWETZ394iZ8o8ET6u53eOpUq5GhHzPhoaJPtCvDIg-uoW9D6ll-2nxKw_Qs_jWDph4Ch6R1nq74XyMElL9EEJhD0/s1600/Ellie+Bull+5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" rw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvBSKhW7fRC3FK3KH_wOfaqvBQZ45ru7bZDSxps6mU01UNqWGT-nKDFWETZ394iZ8o8ET6u53eOpUq5GhHzPhoaJPtCvDIg-uoW9D6ll-2nxKw_Qs_jWDph4Ch6R1nq74XyMElL9EEJhD0/s320/Ellie+Bull+5.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">An Old Bull who appeared out of nowhere right next to our car!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5BAKvnYR-KqSMb5Hs3LXNaXlFT1gBSLAwqHjsH7vwZEYkzYuuOBAEZyosbt76rDNGwkMu6iTPrZwOfv6nydmDJBGKqf9rzd-6fiwVvexfvZxg-rE7skmhKMGtthh-Ps9BzoxXzt2Boo_f/s1600/Goose+and+Croc.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" rw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5BAKvnYR-KqSMb5Hs3LXNaXlFT1gBSLAwqHjsH7vwZEYkzYuuOBAEZyosbt76rDNGwkMu6iTPrZwOfv6nydmDJBGKqf9rzd-6fiwVvexfvZxg-rE7skmhKMGtthh-Ps9BzoxXzt2Boo_f/s320/Goose+and+Croc.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">We watched an Egyptian Goose honk and harass this small crocodile for a long time, so much that the <span class="goog-spellcheck-word">croc</span> eventually escaped into the river</span> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWDF7n_gGJe7Ov4brKlD1hDtn_7PNHDsoWPdp1tBZ71Vhr86U2rfI6GtmRbrDz4uznQO0lYGtGqQslSx81aN9M0EOIVwTD1PCjTcE2zF3C5F7N97QcRXfsiSNHArvRtzwZ37QfYIUFZLAq/s1600/Kruger+Hyena.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" rw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWDF7n_gGJe7Ov4brKlD1hDtn_7PNHDsoWPdp1tBZ71Vhr86U2rfI6GtmRbrDz4uznQO0lYGtGqQslSx81aN9M0EOIVwTD1PCjTcE2zF3C5F7N97QcRXfsiSNHArvRtzwZ37QfYIUFZLAq/s320/Kruger+Hyena.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Hyena resting in the shade on a hot dry day</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">96F - 35C</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_RMIxTLXPQj5sdATirn2vM8zaq_-GJLo4szwqeKyzUBzSiKNm_jUE5uze70uBPLOgc44jv9JPzJuGaAUEWmxLj_CADvYYW4vb-d0VbvK8DLb7AI4KcwsA-y9Tn6BEAG3-L3trvrYnOjC-/s1600/The+King.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_RMIxTLXPQj5sdATirn2vM8zaq_-GJLo4szwqeKyzUBzSiKNm_jUE5uze70uBPLOgc44jv9JPzJuGaAUEWmxLj_CADvYYW4vb-d0VbvK8DLb7AI4KcwsA-y9Tn6BEAG3-L3trvrYnOjC-/s1600/The+King.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" rw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_RMIxTLXPQj5sdATirn2vM8zaq_-GJLo4szwqeKyzUBzSiKNm_jUE5uze70uBPLOgc44jv9JPzJuGaAUEWmxLj_CADvYYW4vb-d0VbvK8DLb7AI4KcwsA-y9Tn6BEAG3-L3trvrYnOjC-/s320/The+King.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">The King of Beasts - what a lazy lot! During the day all they do is sleep!</span> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">It won't be too long before I am back!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>normana53http://www.blogger.com/profile/12013028606034707201noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-412268487710585487.post-58679444287826691172010-03-03T04:29:00.000-08:002010-03-03T04:29:03.221-08:00Early Risers<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">One of the effects of our very mild winter is any early start to the many blooms in our yard.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Five of our Rhododendrons started blooming weeks ago, and unfortunately were hit by a few cold nights and have already lost their flowers. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Many other plants have now taken their place.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWbVVFf5n-ujXN2HqMbzWB5cT2bp5UwA_Az3uKLHl-PnSWXbgCJXz58pKnFcoPSmt-Xj0peirLKHZ43l7Ktm2Yj49q86Nm6h01Y9-GZg-ekM8huy1wIGAaI1iiYUg1-en-CHqYTrkh571c/s1600-h/White+Heather+-+3.2.10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" kt="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWbVVFf5n-ujXN2HqMbzWB5cT2bp5UwA_Az3uKLHl-PnSWXbgCJXz58pKnFcoPSmt-Xj0peirLKHZ43l7Ktm2Yj49q86Nm6h01Y9-GZg-ekM8huy1wIGAaI1iiYUg1-en-CHqYTrkh571c/s320/White+Heather+-+3.2.10.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_gmDZjs6TCJKDpf0mt9qUSklJvSM6rcjpusuVq2bY8i4giPzHh05nn9_8jpN4t8pL0Q7dAKM4GG5YV7BiMtSmGr0twS7HVhu9f9WCu5RO_EKI_Ff7ANtB4j8dYVtrtmOnRwfG2WJXC2L0/s1600-h/sprout+2+-+3.2.10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" kt="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_gmDZjs6TCJKDpf0mt9qUSklJvSM6rcjpusuVq2bY8i4giPzHh05nn9_8jpN4t8pL0Q7dAKM4GG5YV7BiMtSmGr0twS7HVhu9f9WCu5RO_EKI_Ff7ANtB4j8dYVtrtmOnRwfG2WJXC2L0/s320/sprout+2+-+3.2.10.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp2hENEzleVd3VIKODnhsKofNvCcXFiLx7S8lnm36mrvxhgA4X0MMAfKESRh1GLnsLZQ17N2lupVSRbA-P8uCSgGdeoFq6W-KmysNgfNnLCUmN97WVNKy6MzhgnI6Z9AJne_eNExA-lYK6/s1600-h/sprouter+-+3.2.10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" kt="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp2hENEzleVd3VIKODnhsKofNvCcXFiLx7S8lnm36mrvxhgA4X0MMAfKESRh1GLnsLZQ17N2lupVSRbA-P8uCSgGdeoFq6W-KmysNgfNnLCUmN97WVNKy6MzhgnI6Z9AJne_eNExA-lYK6/s320/sprouter+-+3.2.10.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJBx2vSWBjQZsO5ue3eNfmNKxz-K0SeZyA0jJ4qPEyxBZUAT8NpBvbSQkcXQjEKMpArzRNZqTabSxM0mGH5xrixZalPKcyr9WziXnFAA5zHaocOonFpBm-vhOpWI3r11flRw6OY4qVVS8p/s1600-h/early+bloom+-+3.2.10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" kt="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJBx2vSWBjQZsO5ue3eNfmNKxz-K0SeZyA0jJ4qPEyxBZUAT8NpBvbSQkcXQjEKMpArzRNZqTabSxM0mGH5xrixZalPKcyr9WziXnFAA5zHaocOonFpBm-vhOpWI3r11flRw6OY4qVVS8p/s320/early+bloom+-+3.2.10.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz_jsF6nfOo1woisZnemkgaU5isxfP5Y3UQEaVKaKJlPfTvoWjhDqj4Qbs5KddxM0S169B3lY1o96c9RSc6Q0Ws8MdksStQcy92hjgNjM9Vim2jFHldkAHhbW86_7zfpRIHVKt4bkLNK3s/s1600-h/early+blooms+-+3.2.10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" kt="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz_jsF6nfOo1woisZnemkgaU5isxfP5Y3UQEaVKaKJlPfTvoWjhDqj4Qbs5KddxM0S169B3lY1o96c9RSc6Q0Ws8MdksStQcy92hjgNjM9Vim2jFHldkAHhbW86_7zfpRIHVKt4bkLNK3s/s320/early+blooms+-+3.2.10.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmXpy2GH6Q-40bwzVTz3NmowKEIc0F9ZbPMgiHy1FFb8vCT2BhFKgmh0lQoXbLZkEZ4wY9_V7Vc3pLZUWp6yjdcdB3fKr7snHqlsA-4Vqy0NuegQb0o6V6FUoPeKRQVCkjDGasaXL4E7fk/s1600-h/Heather+-+3.2.10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" kt="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmXpy2GH6Q-40bwzVTz3NmowKEIc0F9ZbPMgiHy1FFb8vCT2BhFKgmh0lQoXbLZkEZ4wY9_V7Vc3pLZUWp6yjdcdB3fKr7snHqlsA-4Vqy0NuegQb0o6V6FUoPeKRQVCkjDGasaXL4E7fk/s320/Heather+-+3.2.10.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTsGvuEMu3rTRSIdQVX5WRPbbi5P0A65xV2hLjfDRn1hklpHpZWu7lRONSI9k8xNQx7PLmIWasAwNa70bb1YaMyAv_aFOapO_jbCPQ29Rwpg5-Ruw05RMbG6tbfPQNpY9WKM6IdnZONOoZ/s1600-h/Daffodil+-+3.2.10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" kt="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTsGvuEMu3rTRSIdQVX5WRPbbi5P0A65xV2hLjfDRn1hklpHpZWu7lRONSI9k8xNQx7PLmIWasAwNa70bb1YaMyAv_aFOapO_jbCPQ29Rwpg5-Ruw05RMbG6tbfPQNpY9WKM6IdnZONOoZ/s320/Daffodil+-+3.2.10.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I love the color that is popping up around us, and am thankful that we have not had the snows and harsh weather that the eastern part of the country have suffered this winter.</div><div style="text-align: center;"></div>normana53http://www.blogger.com/profile/12013028606034707201noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-412268487710585487.post-70456881547171395012010-03-03T04:17:00.000-08:002010-03-03T04:17:13.763-08:00Fostering Cats and Kittens again!<div style="text-align: center;">Once again, we have been enlisted to foster a mother and her kittens, and two pregnant cats (until early next week). All were rescued from a small single wide trailer where they shared space with 27 other cats and a family. We are giving them a secure place until other arrangements can be made.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMmQipNocRyrTZCHkXuFsv-SKy3-UUIbaeYatVNLZ_dCbM3eEV64kJyqB2NxTtrj7Gt_B5zN0gsZUKyYoFPdjKW7Yk93kW74Pi0CGeRsY7W0jZmpFez4Nj6KiEuevNQ0ykzb4l3yGtizol/s1600-h/Siamom+-+3.2.10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" kt="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMmQipNocRyrTZCHkXuFsv-SKy3-UUIbaeYatVNLZ_dCbM3eEV64kJyqB2NxTtrj7Gt_B5zN0gsZUKyYoFPdjKW7Yk93kW74Pi0CGeRsY7W0jZmpFez4Nj6KiEuevNQ0ykzb4l3yGtizol/s320/Siamom+-+3.2.10.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This is the Siamom</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2IiQTI9i7RVDIB0wCEeRhUkiXGtALzUr18oZqwFw-lTNg8aFz1L0vJFXzfoJpGom5WwBg-l2YMOMJJnioEQsmDy9K2RnieExT-8x5RdTYtjfrKpBetuPmO4dwt07D56VdZwegWaZa4r-F/s1600-h/Kittenz+-+3.2.10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" kt="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2IiQTI9i7RVDIB0wCEeRhUkiXGtALzUr18oZqwFw-lTNg8aFz1L0vJFXzfoJpGom5WwBg-l2YMOMJJnioEQsmDy9K2RnieExT-8x5RdTYtjfrKpBetuPmO4dwt07D56VdZwegWaZa4r-F/s320/Kittenz+-+3.2.10.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Suppertime!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUaSTZC-Pa53d19Xr3EmTUt03v0mL2_DV4eIDm8_BMUYfaAlyUY0xe7_20o8E72TX-PSbCQLOR9wppw9lIe5eGoFIPVjNKyN2RsWRh67IwqvSkusOHXdg7U7i-ED3VtBDEvivESX6Ejioa/s1600-h/Kittenz+2+-+3.2.10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" kt="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUaSTZC-Pa53d19Xr3EmTUt03v0mL2_DV4eIDm8_BMUYfaAlyUY0xe7_20o8E72TX-PSbCQLOR9wppw9lIe5eGoFIPVjNKyN2RsWRh67IwqvSkusOHXdg7U7i-ED3VtBDEvivESX6Ejioa/s320/Kittenz+2+-+3.2.10.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Our girls are pretty used to occasional guests, but the mewing from behind the door has them all curious, and they take turns watching and listening at the door.</div>normana53http://www.blogger.com/profile/12013028606034707201noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-412268487710585487.post-10539732921255953662009-12-30T19:53:00.000-08:002009-12-30T20:24:54.606-08:00Under Siege - We're surrounded!<div align="center">We are lucky to live in an area that has abundant wildlife. Our yard is home to many small birds, and at least one family of squirrels. The large cedar tree on the side of our house is also the home to a family of Raccoon. There have been new additions to the family each year, though the population seems to stay fairly constant. </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5421244684170719362" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 213px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5WS-Dg5KMUM8PMetLOtWcwk7ZkwQfzfokLZB9vh9yn24LJFhZ-ziwutxYo2I6nzhmvbVNocyxv2hH398kzJHUObvV4YyREgfakovBEMK5GVHea4KFeokducS5oTELxtv7IPBtToqH-Qzw/s320/Sleeper+cell+2.jpg" border="0" /></div><div align="center">The brown spot in the middle of the picture is their home.</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxzIJgUeO9efOvJSvR0n3sU2wXYfSC_nyp7AC3LpNMN0musXrY7rG8ILQ1BiMog0ITNLC_03d88oyOhHmq77on_4rWmdAL-PChV_JxyhY7aTOqpTrZnlwAmeqeVJ_RrmmiJrjOedoDRrCo/s1600-h/Sleeper+cell+3.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5421244847646104466" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 213px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxzIJgUeO9efOvJSvR0n3sU2wXYfSC_nyp7AC3LpNMN0musXrY7rG8ILQ1BiMog0ITNLC_03d88oyOhHmq77on_4rWmdAL-PChV_JxyhY7aTOqpTrZnlwAmeqeVJ_RrmmiJrjOedoDRrCo/s320/Sleeper+cell+3.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /> A little closer<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjThn683vZGSSHIDyw3N3bELYuaVCoytLCKczppOyOQipJ0zH8wK5wkq3jAt1ZOeW3yt5kX-ZrsqIaDqSqukfxCHIgA2dSsntYApVNvDTcyWFrCCd8sjUbbAXFK6Uqq_FegD_n2XPYqqkn7/s1600-h/Sleeper+cell.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5421244524586501218" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 213px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjThn683vZGSSHIDyw3N3bELYuaVCoytLCKczppOyOQipJ0zH8wK5wkq3jAt1ZOeW3yt5kX-ZrsqIaDqSqukfxCHIgA2dSsntYApVNvDTcyWFrCCd8sjUbbAXFK6Uqq_FegD_n2XPYqqkn7/s320/Sleeper+cell.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />Nap time on a warm summer afternoon.</div><div> </div><div>This fall we have noticed that there are now two families living in our yard, one in the regular raccoon homestead, and another group in a slightly smaller Cedar in our front yard. We enjoy having them around, and they have never been a bother. Well, that is until the past few weeks.</div><div>Open the door, and Raccoons come to beg for a handout - someone in the neighborhood is feeding them! They are not afraid of walking right up to you. This is not a good thing.<br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpwI4SYcUniEXGjNli1dGW1EqTXB1mcEer4otjrcrBJkokxn8WpUFX5xG5o6Py8wZfWcVKa5BD-MytGlEWhXkHTWBtQBKGQPcbjqXTYY85Yr6gaXOWWVrcGsDI8rWZCepTA9IiZZZ3uVJW/s1600-h/Interloper+2.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5421244317282104146" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 213px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpwI4SYcUniEXGjNli1dGW1EqTXB1mcEer4otjrcrBJkokxn8WpUFX5xG5o6Py8wZfWcVKa5BD-MytGlEWhXkHTWBtQBKGQPcbjqXTYY85Yr6gaXOWWVrcGsDI8rWZCepTA9IiZZZ3uVJW/s320/Interloper+2.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />The problem came apparent a little over two weeks ago when one of the young Raccoons scaled our cat fence (first time in 5 years) and decided to come in the house for a visit. Luckily <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">FloJo</span> was on Guard duty that night and refused to let our uninvited guest through the cat door. We got out of bed and herded our visitor back over the fence and went back to bed. The next day we reinforced the fence and slept soundly knowing the little buggers couldn't get in now.</div><div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2CheyT7Ya_JbjjH8LfXRCEumTHpwDz3-kFbT9lG_TATKW8XqCtNjVHWOAI7RET-hxdqTk2fTZ2L53WXTCBApFUTQb7p4RBToIH58Ll56kJ6njKxPcxyPXtVziRA48ZcJ2BL-BS8YK0lD3/s1600-h/Interloper.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5421244142206148290" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 213px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2CheyT7Ya_JbjjH8LfXRCEumTHpwDz3-kFbT9lG_TATKW8XqCtNjVHWOAI7RET-hxdqTk2fTZ2L53WXTCBApFUTQb7p4RBToIH58Ll56kJ6njKxPcxyPXtVziRA48ZcJ2BL-BS8YK0lD3/s320/Interloper.jpg" border="0" /></a>A few nights later we were in bed and Tricia heard the toenails clicking like a dog's across the floor. She jumped into action yelling and dashing through the house in hot pursuit of the house guest who sneaked in without the cats sounding the alarm. Down the hall towards the front door and the kitchen, Tricia quickly opened the door only to find one of his accomplices waiting to be let in. "Oh no you Don't" I heard as I followed down the hall. Luckily the house guest realized he had chosen the wrong house and made a hasty retreat out the door to his waiting friend. (Who I'm sure high-<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">fived</span> him for his bravery) <br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6Xc_CULZxYUjg3MhEyYrrX1SwyLgO5mzNjocO9WUVIWXBr9XiYgwux-HUqgO8xGuC_JWpdy2r6n_OW7kncO0HORr69e-fxYIGicThuIWL6nUP4qAXllzYiJRUs2gl728Nl2dg5NJvcFSm/s1600-h/December+2007+Animals+006.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5421243783434449346" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6Xc_CULZxYUjg3MhEyYrrX1SwyLgO5mzNjocO9WUVIWXBr9XiYgwux-HUqgO8xGuC_JWpdy2r6n_OW7kncO0HORr69e-fxYIGicThuIWL6nUP4qAXllzYiJRUs2gl728Nl2dg5NJvcFSm/s320/December+2007+Animals+006.JPG" border="0" /></a>We are under siege! There are eyes glowing in the night all around us!</div><div>I am sure that on the two occasions since that night when the fence has been breached that our neighbors thought we were crazy yelling expletives into the dark to an unseen (to them) enemy.</div><div> </div><div>The price you pay for living with wildlife. They are kind of cute, and as long as we can keep them at bay we are glad to share our yard with them.</div><div> </div><div>We are planning to get an electric fence kit to deter any further incursions. Wish us luck fending off the masked marauders.</div><div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /> </div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqt2yPsXAFc8ob9TMf27UKhpvSH00yHHV19JfXA-mS9WxHi6g6yEgKU4GCHKQPqG4W6cYjYTd9qcOjucnyNCZhzQ63ADdzhhuMzeXaS3z5xxklr69d-ALU2ytAYOtjkF26GkNyIR6iP_W2/s1600-h/December+2007+Animals+005.JPG"></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div></div></div></div><br /></div>normana53http://www.blogger.com/profile/12013028606034707201noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-412268487710585487.post-21456864530719401852009-12-16T08:14:00.000-08:002009-12-16T08:41:31.545-08:00Our Last Day at Kruger<div align="center"><span style="font-family:arial;">Our final morning in Kruger was a sad day for both of us. We didn't want this adventure to end, we needed more! I felt like an addict in search of more drugs, Kruger has become my drug of choice, and I needed to keep the high going. We dreaded the drive out of the park, and on to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Jo'Berg</span> and then America.A short distance south of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Skukuza</span> we stopped to watch a raptor attempting to pull a meal out of a hole in the side of a tree.</span></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5415870106427923090" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 210px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU7wmJ4sCIkC-t3XEWSPMxkG7UzkZ7cunRwswnDpsV9Z0Clo76jVjGTilGMYQOHL63G3hRIEfz6hsveTaaZ8K7MBJo5pc1Qkz6onVpe9Lq3FmtmxVusgU2iLeL48vgI3mt_g8rMyzPKYdo/s320/Juvenile+Raptor.jpg" border="0" /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5415869959804827570" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 216px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijhjkIjw95nS2IgColJduAzZ0GuZfhCvW7cpZYGpAusI7fV0zqlwZAvdWyZOetBIJur85_Br-QpfLdDau0_V3SeG05TlHhO-5rF5W7jZqqqszRJrF-93NldDxad2oziJCU4WLc0f6qLPs_/s320/Juvenile+Gymnogene.jpg" border="0" /> <span style="font-family:arial;">It was a sub-adult African Harrier-Hawk also known as a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Gymnogene</span>.It was interesting and amazing watching him contort his body and legs to reach inside the hole in the tree.</span> <div align="center"><span style="font-family:arial;">Back down the road towards the real world we pulled off and drove to the viewpoint at <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Mathekenyane</span> and took a self portrait and a picture of the view of the bush.</span></div><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5415870377117081282" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 213px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLREKv42lqXFAhuMNHhblIq4F9yfZO6f9AeNj3ofUwurGEGZHsq63bQLv6e4RwBXpTaNYjbZiTtg13pudUHs6xrRy_KS_hyphenhyphen6wBD4CgMV3q_HT69Z6lP_mOYszJ4IAivUweHSwO4YYFf9J1/s320/Norm+and+Tricia+on+Mathekenyane_.jpg" border="0" /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5415870758108672594" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 213px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-YasyuCa4kHQbNeSpRP8R-C4GSTiWI_AimZdpLQ_pk3wmzVp0m0fLq1OqyDf8zrOOo8GUE03Llv-saYy6oCrqk-YvGJOhRS7352nQ-YC2xGRQZCC5RirSgB57knNXrB3XA24Vl-CmJOpz/s320/Kruger+landscape.jpg" border="0" /><br /><div align="center"><span style="font-family:arial;">Hopefully my self portrait is not confused with the group photos taken a little further south:</span></div><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5415869770183982690" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 213px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVklLAtThdLCxcCnzQI9k9GyOJ4NpcAsV6hjswFXabXFiYpXEBNGsTzQFKC1XiISBDl9CxXzjxhr5t2cGG4Kmzx1RoUxP0NqEO1bevDKT_DJjdkw-8KMX21gKM3u9Ht-8boF1c9CaS9hER/s320/Baboons+on+the+H3_.jpg" border="0" /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5415871147726499394" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 213px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUyHUPe8ZdiTteUhnOJ0G1cdv7ronY5pCs-eeMMkHkMWcEWdF2oMBN-AhTGcaabh3cn8GBqXUxfn7AwF4OTm3h0G9sMqwiiyJLJ_nS15NiHDk5mHpVDRQOqsngH-hIZJKg56BmFM4ojkU9/s320/More+Baboons+on+the+H3_.jpg" border="0" /> <p align="center"> <span style="font-family:arial;">A little further down the road we saw a group of Impala, including this one who seemed to be scarred up badly, and very pregnant. I wonder if she survived an attack?</span><br /></p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5415871424598959778" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 213px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheCYG2jP_z2G9HTtkTuHCZ6o66APV5QZWgGJr5yJpNs24iAZ4pwykmSIprZkH8O5xx_4GAhwq6hVBsKOppfT6q5DSfuXxQLYwtR_OhCLJjN5ovDofMBmDU1msYmDgVr-GDBUChmLdO8p52/s320/The+one+that+got+away-.jpg" border="0" /><br /><div align="center"><span style="font-family:arial;">One last stop at <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Afsaal</span> Traders for a snack, and then we were through the gate and back into the real world. I wish we could have stayed forever.A long journey back to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Jo'Berg</span>, followed by 26 hours in the air, and we made it home to Seattle. We were tired, drained, not looking forward to getting back to work, and missing Africa. After a couple of days we started getting back on track, though both still dreaming of the bush, and wanting to return.We are working out the details, and plan to return to Kruger for two weeks in October, 2010. Tricia and I are hooked on South Africa. We both feel free and at home in the bush, the worries of the world melt away, and the day to day rat race of the rest of the world fades quickly. Can't wait to return!</span></div>normana53http://www.blogger.com/profile/12013028606034707201noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-412268487710585487.post-68515896956253719942009-12-15T23:02:00.000-08:002009-12-15T23:13:09.415-08:00Satara to Skukuza September 24th - only one day left!<div align="center">As we started our drive from Satara to Skukuza, we began to realize that our wonderful adventure was coming to an end. We kept our eyes on the bush, (and on the road) to make sure we didn't miss a thing. Not too far south of Satara we saw a few vehicles slowing in front of us. Another Hyena coming towards the road. We stopped and he crossed right in front of us. after crossing he decided to check us out.</div><div align="center"></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5415726700413377794" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 213px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM01nEu4omxGBr5zI-m36ShyphenhyphenC40j5SREdRl9MU-tWCenoMwHC8fzHrqF1umwZU0FtLx1Lx5_h4sciQR6xInA_lKvW0_Bsq5V4H7SaBbsb9wxGIvYIYlOk08WGNEhG4zigXJHoA-u4B3rKt/s320/Hyena+4.jpg" border="0" /><br /><div align="center">As he got closer to the car, I was taking photos and tricia was filming with the digi-cam. Soon Tricia started quietly saying "roll up the window", each time she repeated it, she was a little louder, until I turned the key to raise the window. I got it rolled up when he was about a meter away. </div><div align="center"></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcgMxj-DuPmEKPXx2VGwsNxNiaRvfNjF6aalQs6IXxmIFLyl2sofhGTeKdkH1ysI8dmJprSG48oYtmcaya46HX-Y0NF973wM2gR8K-JNspzEGX_YD1bt1Ema8v3FEix6O-xTA8v2GUr51v/s1600-h/Hyena+2.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5415726484795738418" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 213px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcgMxj-DuPmEKPXx2VGwsNxNiaRvfNjF6aalQs6IXxmIFLyl2sofhGTeKdkH1ysI8dmJprSG48oYtmcaya46HX-Y0NF973wM2gR8K-JNspzEGX_YD1bt1Ema8v3FEix6O-xTA8v2GUr51v/s320/Hyena+2.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div align="center">We continued our drive and made another stop at Tshokwane for tea and a huge slice of carrot cake. It was very busy this time, but we still find it a wonderful rest stop. After our break we were back on the road and decided to stop at Silolweni Dam and Leeupan. We caught these Saddle-Billed Stork at Leeupan.</div><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5415727070300816210" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 213px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDSXysKQE_KSUJRTJcof-Dz7V-a7jd6rWPg_rldR7ugNy-fKMVc_ZITpLc7UdkO5yJdq09oWcGEvOG_tLsHvPn-9XDSi1Kayv8ANxvv8FHJGaq791nrDorjzVzcBZx-G2OQ_LbIbXJqkU7/s320/Saddle+Billed+Stork.jpg" border="0" /><br /><br /><div align="center">Our day ended at Skukuza, a booming metropolis in the bush. Too many people, too many cars, too much noise. Despite all of that, we found our bungalow, and settled in for our last night in Kruger. We decided to splurge at the restaurant for a last Kruger dinner. The service was marginal and the food was poorly prepared and poorly presented. We left disappointed. </div><div align="center"></div><div align="center">The highlight of our stay at Skukuza was watching all of the bats under the eaves at the outdoor eating area near the cafeteria, that was special. After watching the bats coming and going, and those already roosting, we made our way back to our roost for our last night in Kruger. </div><div align="center">It is hard to relay in words how amazing this trip was. The sights, sounds and smells of Kruger are imbedded in our minds. The amazing things we have seen and experienced are drawn in indelible ink in our hearts and souls, we will never forget, and look forward to continuing our adventure next year, and for years to come. I will make one more TR post later, with our drive down the H-3 to Malelane Gate, and back into the world.</div>normana53http://www.blogger.com/profile/12013028606034707201noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-412268487710585487.post-69100220750389756802009-12-15T22:55:00.000-08:002009-12-15T23:00:50.452-08:00More Satara Photos<div align="center"> Our stay at Satara gave us the opportunity to drive some back roads and explore at a more leisurely pace than our one night stays at the other camps. Here are more shots taken while at Satara.<br /></div><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3jxDdZMA8dCsvaJMQq57GUboA6DdjQgBSQuD9qSYLNAvSI72wuTQ1YwkZZEo75_GPpKuD_jw7tGj5wvveIT9YhSWH7iSNZE2E8HKaKoesowMym6v5sL4KYLWNmVCYCn0wrshX-afSdVUh/s1600-h/The+King.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5415724724773735890" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 213px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3jxDdZMA8dCsvaJMQq57GUboA6DdjQgBSQuD9qSYLNAvSI72wuTQ1YwkZZEo75_GPpKuD_jw7tGj5wvveIT9YhSWH7iSNZE2E8HKaKoesowMym6v5sL4KYLWNmVCYCn0wrshX-afSdVUh/s320/The+King.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRrQc-9xoKsNQ5VVxQvNpQGV9JkpSKMwYhQZHviFsrobwixyjU1qz2VrvPlmEs4fiQZ5ixsVkNMAkpKDKJvahPvpZkkppOH23AFy4xz0CKiUy9oWwCQ7-jz7_B7SaIzcRTvrY5hS5Sbxys/s1600-h/Timbavati+Hornbills.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5415724521362208962" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 213px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRrQc-9xoKsNQ5VVxQvNpQGV9JkpSKMwYhQZHviFsrobwixyjU1qz2VrvPlmEs4fiQZ5ixsVkNMAkpKDKJvahPvpZkkppOH23AFy4xz0CKiUy9oWwCQ7-jz7_B7SaIzcRTvrY5hS5Sbxys/s320/Timbavati+Hornbills.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5415725350816472450" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 218px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg19k-RSscWP8VhEId1djbNpa2AmhIWW2wSS9hOiDMR49yC9HiQvZn0-6DJcBN3EfKoT9Cqoy2wKEywt-rVtjgeS3bgRDPV-R7H2qnH_07-nyMqW-SSHivzGfetAzpt_5fWcgUMUqOlWc7K/s320/Satara+Kudu.jpg" border="0" /><br /><br /><div></div></div>normana53http://www.blogger.com/profile/12013028606034707201noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-412268487710585487.post-42289628524544488492009-12-15T19:18:00.000-08:002009-12-15T22:54:40.516-08:002 Nights at Satara September 22 and 23, 2009<div align="center">After our bush walk we were worn out, but still had much to do. Here are some more shots that I took while near <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Satara</span>, most of them on the S100.</div><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu2cunNuesOh1HPoomOnNwMsyDWDA5aQVj4w6xqFv_xh6bYj_0mvFHG0wZB3T_ltLgc2_XcMWcTNfvDDEwiW8p48hR9xndbv3JW3ETUs-IZXUTgB4cz82eXd6WYg2FWhyphenhyphenAUhcs_s8HaA8T/s1600-h/S100+Tiny+Ellie.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5415722416661449202" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 213px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu2cunNuesOh1HPoomOnNwMsyDWDA5aQVj4w6xqFv_xh6bYj_0mvFHG0wZB3T_ltLgc2_XcMWcTNfvDDEwiW8p48hR9xndbv3JW3ETUs-IZXUTgB4cz82eXd6WYg2FWhyphenhyphenAUhcs_s8HaA8T/s320/S100+Tiny+Ellie.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdtU3NwSZfuEwXk9ATKXmc2SflAgi1K4ktiOVP0G4i4vWS3w89PPNqwuv5vnvfZFoA2Z44FrZLCpQAhuZbL8ZMbdGHt_nw3wQRaKYOLy3FJvdM2u9NMEwbUoMLizcqQAayorU33tyjIuFV/s1600-h/Red+Mane.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5415722127055614450" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 215px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdtU3NwSZfuEwXk9ATKXmc2SflAgi1K4ktiOVP0G4i4vWS3w89PPNqwuv5vnvfZFoA2Z44FrZLCpQAhuZbL8ZMbdGHt_nw3wQRaKYOLy3FJvdM2u9NMEwbUoMLizcqQAayorU33tyjIuFV/s320/Red+Mane.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib71NHBHcEOeHjJLY4DrNnbJINXoKvuhs1EFwogiiu9cbsHRkYVzEwqhfX7hSjkmW6jEvdX8RsyiJeY33oBMshBPQYNJ2aRC5qTmOBhssV5_piDHCZ6iYrKUvBsdv-11h8Swuf6-x2AF_E/s1600-h/Family+conflict+2.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5415721907306026114" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 213px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib71NHBHcEOeHjJLY4DrNnbJINXoKvuhs1EFwogiiu9cbsHRkYVzEwqhfX7hSjkmW6jEvdX8RsyiJeY33oBMshBPQYNJ2aRC5qTmOBhssV5_piDHCZ6iYrKUvBsdv-11h8Swuf6-x2AF_E/s320/Family+conflict+2.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div align="center"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Satara</span> was a nice stop for both of us, we felt like we could relax a little more, since we had two nights in the same place. Dinner at the restaurant was nice and relaxing, and all of the employees that we talked with were friendly and helpful. The morning of 24 September, started with the realization that we only had one more night in Kruger. It also was the point when Tricia and I decided to start planning our return in 2010 - after World Cup madness is over. As we drove through the gate we both wondered what our drive to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Skukuza</span> would bring.....more later!</div></div>normana53http://www.blogger.com/profile/12013028606034707201noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-412268487710585487.post-81071616181075767982009-11-03T08:29:00.000-08:002009-11-03T08:48:22.399-08:00Satara Camp, our home for two nights<div><div><div align="center">This was nice, we actually could unpack our bags, rather than just put them in the corner for the night. </div><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5399918853179365410" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 213px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPIZv-K87n1kHkisgqysXFGSU9UOeWC8qMVARIb-2SKTI47B7r-ErJnWB5m2tkGTIZNHK9ZJq1Apy8LQj-w1LTx2pB43J6xz95k3svcMFbTiJxVRecmlkMm_U1fplCDEMMu_aYpH9dHiBP/s320/Scops+Owl.jpg" border="0" /> <div align="center"></div><div align="center">We enjoyed the birds at Satara, especially this Scops Owl, who was in a tree not very far from our bungalow. I didn't realize they were so small.</div><br /><div align="center"></div><div align="center">We joined a night game drive our first night, and saw 5 more African Wildcat, including one just outside the gate. The rest of the drive was Giraffe, Ellies, Impala, Zebra, Wildebeest and Kudu. We Caught sight of Genet and Civet from a distance, but couldn't get any photos again. </div><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5399918851141414850" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 236px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju1DISwWJnNoSUulj1_ZRo1beGJ1R5bDJ3lDSfuloENBxhPAr6X_7rHgHze_Mro9P9mj1xOB-mNWq1ek_D0JUKaZ7okFZqS8QMsH4_g1OQxZF0oRr2TQ7nTw-NPACU38RCIqHNh8JJdW2K/s320/Satara+Camp+visitor.jpg" border="0" /> <div align="center"></div><div align="center">Back to Bungalow #A9, and a short night sleep. We had an early breakfast with this guy looking on before heading out for a drive to the Timbavati picnic area, looping back to Satara for our Afternoon Bush walk.</div><div align="center"></div><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5399918826716974386" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 213px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNn6Mi7iqblKHk_7MAaMBoY5-yuoGR3pz6ushfUZ5nUw3lfCiwwKfI0Furbfgs-ArnXWrMoZihoP5FSpooZQR_GDySQxPw18B0-2_XvjTy80JhuFTwwOf-dGb9InwLv3aYzpbdMcOj431l/s320/Bush+walk+protection.jpg" border="0" /> <div align="center">Firepower is a comfort when on foot in the bush. </div><div align="center"></div><br /><div align="center">Our walk was very interesting, though I don't know if the other three guests agreed. We saw a number of birds, learned about Hyena and Rhino Poo, and saw the usual Impala, Kudu, Wildebeest and Zebra as we walked. We made our way to a small waterhole, and on the other side, out of the brush walked two large male lion, who turned and ran as soon as they saw us. We tried to find them again after the quick glimpse, but they were gone, only leaving their paw prints in the dirt.</div><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5399918841450976290" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 213px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt0unRPpfRdiBxpGaVf8qON4RcSid6QK6OJwbtVzqyB3_xXTQnwrhPEDE94SJTcGIWN9IFZ3jql269Rqwm9RP5QJfXWO0AJhxkZuDWwZd04GZyW8mvITOrJqxiQ__GWSCRGCYspXlLrVB3/s320/Satara+area+Sunset.jpg" border="0" /> <div align="center"></div><div align="center">As the daylight faded, this was our view on the way back to camp. </div><div align="center"></div><br /><div align="center">After returning to camp we grabbed dinner, then headed back out for our night game drive. </div><div align="center">This is the life. The sights, the sounds, the smells...so much it almost makes your head spin. I love it here!</div></div></div>normana53http://www.blogger.com/profile/12013028606034707201noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-412268487710585487.post-6650117440199034852009-11-03T07:59:00.000-08:002009-11-03T08:26:45.052-08:00More heaven and a little laundry<div align="center">After being dazzled and mesmerized by eight Cheetah, and a visit to the laundry, it was time to head for Satara. Our time washing and drying clothes was actually enjoyable, as we spent it talking with a Veterinary student who is on an externship with Sanparks. Since Tricia is a Veterinarian they had a great conversation. They talked and I folded. </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"></div><div align="center">Birds were a big part of our trip to Kruger and the area surrounding Lower Sabie added to our African Life list. Our trip this year added 60 birds to the 102 that we saw last year in Africa. </div><div align="center"><br /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5399908464936142322" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 202px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipXFygGSeT8kmJQrMVUtOKGyiPbrPKNPngN4gG2kf8pRdOwEjOGdPRU976KHDOvHBQWGl17uHOkdBsliCCRbEnHMgKu0FbsviJ2WjnbxlDdMsA92OpHgA3CxFDf55UdnAdNYJCyY53JzYx/s320/Secretarybird.jpg" border="0" /> <p align="center">This was one of two Secretarybirds that we saw near Lower Sabie. </p><p align="center">A drive up the H4-1 would have not been complete without a stopping at the Nkuhlu Picnic site and meeting the proprietor Wacktazz. After all we had heard, we couldn't resist a lunch of his famous Buffalo Pies. </p><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5399909590260486146" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 213px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2k9bfZm61lU1L86CV3tJlIbexjXYk2_s-ZqSPtb6kjfQzLIgHJaln1QrPQN227fMjKfKxfLTLycZUcMV0T3k1_R95EEtH8tG3Zs8UatNxMzyDoaaS-5p69JjXwCLfS3jEcmA5GL3NNHir/s320/Buff+Pies.jpg" border="0" /> <div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5399910516352159554" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 213px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi67ucLcewFYM-hKPL560aleYHf1ukpiuHmvvtox-qxT85kpRH1mnx-CUw_O3fb2VUza656rltRDwK3jiwzLbujLxItFryoxcHV5rUIAB2STLj8uyGN6Zwx4jk37oSfvrmGbFcMI7JAhJkA/s320/Herding+Cars+on+the+H4-1.jpg" border="0" /> <div align="center">A little north of Nkuhlu we found that one can back down the road for long distances quite easily when being herded by a very large Bull Ellie.</div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5399910509868402962" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 213px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL4vNHMjyJSgymEl4_OGwwatvnigOZ9IcCUvpfR_FuJcknQqtd5Q7acZWNzSCMAMlD0Bap9Y1xDbPe2tCYNxUZd-u7YkKM3P8UQqt1DPj_X2EbDAilfJ3qESCBDr-rxUj3-AKKQk02fT20/s320/Ground+Hornbill+bridge.jpg" border="0" /></div><div align="center">One of our fun bird sightings was a group of Ground Hornbill that walked all of the way across the Sabie River bridge. We were lucky to see over 26 Ground Hornbill while in Kruger, and these really gave us a laugh as they paraded all of the way across the bridge stopping traffic for their stroll.</div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5399910493471766274" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 213px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEius9jk3L_M8qmxcd1LHuKaIgwGYCepIOALlqj3QICfV-u1RLK63BgsQMZkTZ6fheUTAE205V0cRIUaf0hIoXBClLVKitOsrqjjn8kSrTnb2UXjOwr869g6dGMzGSWdW4ej9wYVLUtxT8Y1/s320/Baby+Ellie.jpg" border="0" /></div><div align="center">This little one decided to show us that he was the boss. While his mother and the others in the herd were ignoring him.As with each day before, our drive to Satara was wonderful and exciting. New things to see, and the feeling of being at home while at Kruger. </div><div align="center">I hope that we can return many more times.</div>normana53http://www.blogger.com/profile/12013028606034707201noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-412268487710585487.post-58554450165643100142009-10-27T10:37:00.000-07:002009-10-27T10:51:55.934-07:00Kruger day 4 - oh my god!<div align="center"> So far we have seen the big five, a whole lot of birds, small cats, large cats, and tons of other things, but we were not prepared for Lower Sabie. </div><div align="center"><br />We arrived at Lower Sabie camp late in the day, checked in and headed to our cottage on the perimeter. After dinner we took the spotting scope to the bench near the fence, watching birds and Hippos until dark, then we watched bats for a while before climbing in bed so we could wake up for our early morning game drive, little did we know what was in store for us.</div><div align="center"><br />4:00 AM came early, but after a light breakfast and some tea we were at the meeting area and off on our next adventure. Our small group piled into one of the big safari vehicles and we headed north along the Lower Sabie River. A little north of Sunset Dam, our driver got a radio call from the rangers who were leading the morning game walk. One of their guests had mistakenly placed her camera in our vehicle. They caught up a short time later and we gave them the camera. Their delay gave us the opportunity for a once in a lifetime sighting.</div><div align="center"><br />We continued north and turned around at the Causeway after getting another radio call that was too faint to make out. Our guide said we should go to find them in case they were having problems. Back past the camp and onto the S29, the Mlondozi Loop. About five km in we saw something on the right. Oh My God - Six Cheetah! a Mom and her five babies!</div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center"></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5397336045534813026" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 213px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirct2xlevYizKQXJVHfjbr1YaJPP-J8EepoXL3wYiy4NmiAREjBEyJ5SyLVwJEUaIbUf-3GiD-AZFG1nWitPaAZ_SXfdrWdmrkWkv17XiNG7Gtlz0AwY8CHcJKTvQB3XW3X8QHZ_vJm3yp/s320/Cheetah+2.jpg" border="0" /> <p align="center"> She had just killed an Impala and they were having breakfast.<br /></p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5397336554820121650" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 213px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX5dq7LMmlNNK9hx4DDylx-yNJkqM0WiEDxBKwV37LMaQzuvkww0VIfKsVAIR9yM-s6gMKS3Ozb-GwUcKUCUQBto5J7zx5rFKL9C8YEWTn0qKUXqzZP1mY0dW1ibDi-l4MyxPjr0T2Q-_5/s320/Cheetah+3.jpg" border="0" /> <p align="center">This little guy was very curious and walked toward us to check us out.</p><div align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5397336635841845426" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 215px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzf9JlcPA7JOu04gXmLqyUz6R7CmcvMO3ueGRWyJsRy24bdceTTrB_5haCEeKoiMx9ZVZS4vMlMTnRdl72acqItx0UF6fVjRcK6Eqtyan_EfjUGQpxfTA1lS8SB8GUdicIAPevC-BIKQjf/s320/Attitude.jpg" border="0" />We decided he should be named Elvis, because of his sneer!</div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center"> This was amazing, we were alone with this great sighting, how could it get any better?The only sounds were mom and kids chirping, the wind blowing, a light rain coming down, and cameras clicking. Then movement from the left, another Cheeteh, NO TWO CHEETAH! coming in slowly, then rushing in at the last moment. What was going to happen, were the babies at risk? <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5397337010145590450" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 213px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8s580-YX1AurUiU1Es3qLQRgytYLsAZ6R1VbBlJIdKo9HQDt3ARf2rjNrS_3gkMso5vpFjGiLixKwRCvakLYOcRLqrD2GcFC7zs5PGrZJINmzo2PdJu8kHMgpeFruSPpCkT1-hodqgWaS/s320/Cheetah+showdown.jpg" border="0" />Not a sound has made from our vehicle as the two males approached and encircled the female, a little argument, the kids ran a short distance away, and mom finally gave up the Impala to "Will and Harry". (We didn't name them, they had aleady been given the Royal names by the Rangers at Lower Sabie). We watched as Will and Harry kept leaving the Impala and harassing Mom and the Kids. Tricia was getting annoyed with them and wanted to "go kick their butts" for stealing the Impala. </div><div align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5397336838521052738" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 213px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSfL_OetE0wgz93PY0MwvfCQ_DCNS13iy5STEFgjhXYRLek_bGsVGQxhfKgO3LXMSV61uKRvmZxC7Qyi__yp6LZLobfWn65IQpzpO5Fnj6ykETxOX-qN8V7yc42tLvwA-ksetwynfuzriJ/s320/Cheetah+4.jpg" border="0" /></div><div align="center">Finally mom and the kids made a hasty retreat and were gone. I will never forget Eight Cheetah at once.After that it was back to camp and the laundry room to wash clothes. Laundry, what an exciting way to end an unbelievable morning game drive! </div>normana53http://www.blogger.com/profile/12013028606034707201noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-412268487710585487.post-35801210396080951932009-10-20T19:36:00.001-07:002009-10-20T19:48:28.810-07:00Kruger Day 3 Letaba to Lower Sabie<div align="center">Our night drive at Letaba was a night for little discoveries. We saw Civet, Genet, African Wild Cat and Cerval, which was a treat. Seeing all four of these cats in a short span was fun. In addition to the small cats we saw a few Giraffe, Elephant, and various Antelope before returning to camp. </div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center">Day three was our long haul day, Letaba to Lower Sabie. We left shortly after 6 and made a quick stop at the Letaba River bridge before heading south. Just a few km south of Letaba we spotted a pair of Hyena laying under a bush very close to the road. While we watched a number of cars drove by, but one stopped next to us and said that the pair have a den under the road and that they have pups (or is it kits?) in the den, that they bring out usually later in the day. Unfortunately, we had places to go, so weren't able to get any baby Hyena shots. </div><br /><div align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5394877712260799202" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 213px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkIi-PKAohroD6nqRqnntxlBdLzEmSCEOIe4ZL05hlB0SnMYJOn5yzZh59eP6-AAczFNmicDTdKcH4bizbCTv8ESm3ZW6ghNEuFZggN-VX8dSHKCEmxEIEaXEJmn_uhPJHKtBawX7rGRX7/s320/Hyena+pair+south+of+Letaba+H1-5.jpg" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5394878174106996578" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 213px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbeEBg9iNRxK3sB0GlWpseVZtOfSbm4aL_Ww6Gu1MP3lCI1DT8UY5dQ43VWX1AmV__D5BjoqDB_PyI1jOG2TnQfIbq6VTZpFDNqO-drvD4pC3uJoMSCiTHJlPWF1_k3laiPYln86FMZxis/s320/Parade+on+the+H1-5.jpg" border="0" /> A little further down the road we joined a parade. </div><p align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5394879284003547810" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 213px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJF_EMyhiAHCjV2vUVT4Xdl1aNv5Y00LaqGJtVsknToO_YN40XoALvet3hH-jE4YQaS9MHSi9C-6vbPxislDAFnPVVF_l4FpqFO5nNaqoHSs7DzT12xfhznoJvmCnBDmncMgq9WdyqncHt/s320/Lions+are+lazy.jpg" border="0" /></p><div align="center">A number of lazy lion sightings, they are sure boring, and hard to get a good shot when they are sleeping. Finally not too far north of Tshokwane we were able to get a good shot of a Lion. We stopped to watch Vultures in a tree and caught movement on the other side of the road. A lone lioness with a kill, she seemed to have eaten her fill and after a few minutes walked to some tall grass 10 or 12 meters away to lay down. As soon as she laid down a single Hyena appeared and started trying to locate the kill, after 5 minutes or so, he had come close but all of a sudden a male lion appeared.</div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5394877917397928178" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 229px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSbW-N240wM0AfOVlxP3-KKI7jEILkZzGFtFQekLZSkRNGTInGp_48z9HXyAUz10vDKV_Xd0nPkpW8nptkOJ5VyMIOv9ZKDCYrasv68RmRx7T_FeB1dbkMIQo6p28_HDudGshUM6dmoYd6/s320/Kruger+Lion.jpg" border="0" /><br /><div align="center">It was really funny watching how the posture and attitude of the Hyena changed when the male showed up. The hyena wouldn't look at him and started walking away, then broke into a run to get out of there.After a break at Tshokwane, we took the H10 to get to Lower Sabie. What a glorious drive, and the view from the top of the mountain is spectacular.Getting close to Lower Sabie we came upon a few cars watching two Lions at a Giraffe Kill, the Lion were sleeping in tall grass, and most of the action was a group of Vultures picking up scraps. After watching for a while we continued on to Lower Sabie and settled in for the night.</div>normana53http://www.blogger.com/profile/12013028606034707201noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-412268487710585487.post-4987933616516582202009-10-17T18:57:00.000-07:002009-10-17T19:18:30.500-07:00Africa 2009 - Kruger National Park day two<div align="center">After a short night's sleep we planned to leave the gate at 6am. Well, that didn't happen. We had a light breakfast on the porch and got caught up watching all of the birds, that led to a drive back to the restaurant and an hour watching birds at the dam.</div><div align="center"><br /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5393754958650430722" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 213px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1yk9Obj3EImmK6qN1HPVf82Mc0NfH19cBbQDf8ge7u3qz_jKbvwsCOntfhiRAhv8fXmXoBKDAVeFRz-niDBQ2o3e_DtSXBBFsVwIEExxBsKeLO4jijdM8SwY6C_CGR6Ks50HHA4ODExgY/s320/Mopani1.jpg" border="0" /> When we finally left Mopani we drove the Tropic of Capricorn Loop and then headed south towards Letaba.<br /><div align="center">Here are a few of the things we saw along the Loop:</div><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5393755121462468514" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 217px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTAiDkz2vC4RPbGMVttGF_fIHROlWSP-Nzvmb0bfi1g7sWAojV5ghS_Kk6CIOAUY2bmgZfDb93DOAJEl0FJlSaYAhx0RbMJ00uKVCUbLa-7CHhj1lCKxwv8t4mIAfqMuDOHUwdCp_XIYsB/s320/Young+Raptor.jpg" border="0" /> <p align="center"> This is a juvenile Wahlberg's Eagle, he didn't move a muscle while I took my photos.<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5393755306420669490" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCs6qSEPYBifQxKzyvKW9XtOERc9NVIVm0Zs1SYJrhqYoMpzai0XcULN-z3vyi1wZTJqXioGDDzoFLsRXGlz5DdXTBBTopeS8MW1MNzh7okrN-317eJpISivm7v0e2DqkrcXf50U9Jm8J6/s320/Slender+Mongoose.jpg" border="0" /> </p><div align="center">A Slender Mongoose posed so that I could get a good shot. </div><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5393755675447429666" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYxOWc4kYUgTC9FVXPASVz97TG9cGidRE8QH4p2j8_mCgdT01O_MwlWxf_e_pprcaFSvDmm9Gm3V1IHi_cEejhCwtj5L0Tc4ahbMKoT8DCq2mfbqeiMW3rUct2xCQbuFxREjnDCoK5Bs89/s320/Red+Billed+Hornbill-2.jpg" border="0" /> <div align="center">This Hornbill kept us laughing while we watched him searching for food, and chasing off the other birds that got too close.</div><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5393755459737740066" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 211px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh50-wdoZi9Qym-wlQw5YEs7Fn78bqslZeDu7OpfRJHA4s6s5Yo60ozvXpA8D-o1swbt3iw4grV0Ksh7KR2IZs4HPLMvl0jA3F9Y78dsZXBSRyG2qcha6CNtJKbprRs7rgYPmUfVhXX6B3L/s320/Ellie+Mom+and+babies.jpg" border="0" /> <p align="center"> This mom and two little ones were part of a large group of over 25 Ellies.<br /><br /></p><div align="center">All this and more just on a 22 mile (36km) loop, More later from the H1-6 road to Letaba Camp!</div><p align="center">We already miss Kruger, and can't wait to return!</p>normana53http://www.blogger.com/profile/12013028606034707201noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-412268487710585487.post-72847311191733829772009-10-17T18:34:00.000-07:002009-10-17T19:15:31.911-07:00Africa 2009 - Kruger National Park day oneWe have been home since September 26, and I am finally getting around to starting our trip report. We have adjusted back to Pacific Time, here on the west coast of America, but both would prefer to still be in SA. One week in Kruger is not enough, so we are planning a return next year for two weeks.<br />I have been wading through photos (around 2000) to find those I would like to share. We arrived in Jo'Berg on 13 September, rented our vehicle and drove to Gravelotte, where we were booked for a week long Wildlife Rehabilitation course taught by Karen Trendler. After our course, we drove to Phalaborwa to begin our week in paradise.<br />For our first visit, we wanted to see a lot of territory, and bit off a little more than we should have. We stayed at five different camps in six days, and spent much of our time driving from one camp to the next. We'll know better next time, and plan to book 4 or 5 nights each in three different camps.<br />Not too far inside the gate, we spotted a number of bull Ellies on our left, and while watching them we almost passed this fellow,who was only a few feet away, without seeing him. <div><br /><br /><div align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5393748835092065586" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 213px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbEguQofAwnGXNF7rFzUl_VHvD8RQsa1Ob6P9EC1ABc4SJLk_CElEaouwrSfJiNO8J4ak451Vs0fkZApvaRtyZ7ic6LRyF7Ce3KGDIlqoaUPzJGBQC6pvVwigPK_TQZJJNH2hcXphlUH7i/s320/Ellie+Bull+6.jpg" border="0" /></div><div align="center"></div><br /><div align="center">The rest of our drive to Mopani Camp was filled with birds, Giraffe, Zebra, Impala, Cape Buffalo, more Ellies, Klipspringer, Gyrsbok, Kudu and amazing vista's and landscape.</div><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5393749191387283026" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 213px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkuqKqRExOFYQqwCJOO2D2ocnriNCJkNT3EQBWbV4ej7DLxbDWcPBgePfSzIPRBPIcWp5FnodoAtv6UOZXAlVnpu4sLAqETVYDUBmVjyaa8e18s3XRjvJdk29ThVvUzEDKANPvhSi3lhTE/s320/Kruger+landscape.jpg" border="0" /> <div align="center"><br />By the time we rolled into Mopani we were in seventh heaven. We tossed our bags into our cottage and made it back to reception in time for an evening game drive. Our first Baobab, more birds ,Buffs, Zebra, antelope and various birds. No cats, but we did get to see a Black backed Jackal. We made it back to camp, had dinner in the restaurant and went to bed, completely worn out but excited and anticipating another wonderful day of discovery.<br />More Later.</div></div>normana53http://www.blogger.com/profile/12013028606034707201noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-412268487710585487.post-41571099363499206102009-10-07T21:54:00.000-07:002009-10-07T22:22:01.479-07:00Time Zone Time Warp<div align="center"> Here it is almost two weeks since we got home from our 2009 African adventure and I am just getting my internal clock set back to Pacific Daylight time. Our 26 hour flight home took it out of me, and I have been trying to catch back up since we returned. The Torti clan is happy we are home, and we are glad to be here.<br /></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center">I am still wading through photos, but decided I should get started telling everyone about our amazing journey.</div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center">After hop scotching from Seattle to Vancouver to London, and finally to Johannesburg, we dragged ourselves into the Hertz rental office at the airport and picked up the keys to our SUV. A Kia Sportage was our trusty steed for our two week stay, and it didn't fail us, successfully battling the traffic, Elephants and Cape Buffalo to get us to our numerous destinations and back to the airport in Johannesburg without a scratch.</div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center">Our first destination was SanWild, an animal rescue and rehabilitation Preserve near Kruger National Park. Sanwild is where we spent our first week, attending a Wildlife Rehabilitation course. More about SanWild in another post, though I will say that they are a dedicated group doing great things on a small budget.</div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center">After our week at SanWild, we packed up and headed to Kruger, arriving in Phalaborwa Saturday mid-day. After a stop at the SPAR grocery for supplies we drove through the gate into a wonderland. One of our first sightings was a group of Elephant on the left side of the road. Tricia wanted a better look and asked me to back up a little bit. As I was backing up something caught my eye to the right. </div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5390092669259673682" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 213px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV7Lg6grWOfOQ9RHO_Y4Fy9YFkhYqM3LVW4nBPH5XO-8bKNP5CnVX4ZCw83JHJeDa2UozyG2v5qjNVmKm3vecybJXR82BtBYdQ8nFOMIdzUbaBVqJzRaHp2SLfjgnHCT4WMcTjS81dzf44/s320/Ellie+Bull+2.jpg" border="0" /> <p align="center">I still can't figure out how I didn't see this giant when I drove by him the first time. He was massive, and about twenty feet away.</p><p align="center">We continued on to Mopani rest camp where we had reservations for our first night. At Mopani we had booked an evening game drive, and by the time we got to the camp it was time to go on the drive. Lots of Impala, Elephant and Cape Buffalo to be seen, a few other Antelope and a lone Jackal but not much more. We finished the drive unpacked our bags grabbed a bite in the restaurant and hit the sack looking forward to more adventure in the morning.<br /></p>normana53http://www.blogger.com/profile/12013028606034707201noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-412268487710585487.post-20511001269726174272009-09-26T20:01:00.000-07:002009-09-28T04:59:46.860-07:00We're back home!<div align="center">We made it home. What an amazing journey, though we both are running on empty after our 26 hour flight home. After I get adjusted to Pacific time, I will start sorting through the photos and share some of the highlights of our trip. In the meantime, before I fall back to sleep, I will give you an idea of a few of the things we experienced. </div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center">We participated in a bush walk, luckily with two heavily armed rangers, and were fortunate to find two male lions, and watch them disappear into the bush from about 50 feet. </div><div align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5385993940423469938" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 229px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisk6fwkSdanXDtLKa5dU3kMe9Ed8CaIFWPiVP6u4B2crGs4p9kQ3Xr9Zhlinztj-FQ_uI0vqACTuB88mNHy4VTT5mif4ZBgt3z4RpuaAXZ0Wf3wX-cjuY3TAqjzKEkqmg8tDgEueigY7CA/s320/Kruger+Lion.jpg" border="0" /></div><div align="center">I learned to drive quickly in reverse for over 150 yards (137 metres) while attempting to get out of the way of a very large Elephant bull walking down the road. </div><div align="center">(Photos to follow)</div><div align="center"></div><div align="center">We had the rare fortune of seeing 8 Cheetah all at the same time - a mother and her 5 cubs at her fresh kill were intimidated out of the kill by two male Cheetah, while we watched from 100 feet (30 metres) or less.<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5385993686805204594" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 215px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwe-nY0n-J7MQ1PWe1UoW8AYEip1BuKl3fZmAYwM3LEEWamd8msontH3YNVzp4K8OWaOaCGiLInuJ6Xfv5E5OFPsc61KrRVwMXyJU15DCWsCJzWTiahkUr56IxWpHZT2nzdsJr4_RnO9KB/s320/Attitude.jpg" border="0" /></div><br /><p align="center">More to come later, must sleep and cuddle with the Tortie clan!</p>normana53http://www.blogger.com/profile/12013028606034707201noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-412268487710585487.post-32632727073317934262009-09-08T21:27:00.000-07:002009-09-08T21:37:28.393-07:00Less than 64 hoursTricia and I are getting excited! Friday we board the plane for our 2009 African Adventure. We have both been packing and repacking our checked and carry-on luggage, making sure we have everything we need. After all my advance work, I am sure I'll still forget something, hopefully it won't be too important.<br /><br />The last couple of days before a big adventure are always torture for me. My mind races through countless checklists, and I wonder what our trip will bring. This time I add driving on the opposite side of the road to what we Americans are accustomed to. Should be an interesting trip, and hopefully a short learning curve. I hope that driving a right hand drive postal vehicle for 12 years will help me with the adjustment.<br /><br />We will keep you informed is possible, and hope to bring photos and a diary of our trip to the blog.<br /><br />Peace to all,<br /><br />Tricia and Normnormana53http://www.blogger.com/profile/12013028606034707201noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-412268487710585487.post-45797499137159678542009-08-31T19:11:00.000-07:002009-08-31T19:45:40.312-07:00Eleven Days until Takeoff<div align="center"> In eleven days Tricia and I will "Take off" our work clothes, and take off on our second African Adventure.<br /></div><div align="center"><br /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5376318327361214882" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 213px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJGD-6n15ydpqHypoz9YYvN_3EhVbOdTXIjllsXkDx_thl7cX1Yynnq5PdZOC__sXqetvOlZD_bnekqnLNnZRsfyJ5tq8bvQb1IHS8S4FV-y3lYx3UDBpMQBe_tNMxBWVRd9W-TsrW6r1N/s320/DSC_1653.JPG" border="0" /><br /><p align="center">No, we won't be catching a ride with the blue angels!</p><p align="center"></p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5376318169460178018" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 213px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUmWIgYDgC4K87Zpa0duqmFqJkTSMucWV9lKNbMhQoMSzECsDmhyrK8hct_Sn_Eh9BtZudIlCOqAIK1WsxaHE4bS2XAIJ9Rbm7jEmlASoscCFGgEhHNjJwexNy368XGijkxOcZ76XWBUe8/s320/DSC_1737.JPG" border="0" /> <p align="center"> We won't even be taking a Ferry!<br /><br /></p><p align="center">We are taking the scenic route from Seattle to Vancouver, British Columbia, connecting to London-Heathrow, and then traveling on to Johannesburg, South Africa.</p><p align="center">Yes it is a long trip, twenty hours in the air, plus layover time in B.C. and London.</p><p align="center">We are prepared for the long haul, with reading material, iPod tunes, pillows and sleeping pills. </p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5376323787123455170" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 213px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZUq5OhMADGFx02OvNdbLz00D3bk-aClaf-JPKiYVXWl4YvhCqyKfXT_xuvezOhnAq-jJYrKZgiwHAjITrxyfakb2BMnnrIMWh4R9kJa6DIVrJasGDpze_9Z3rPbjBb7WdDa20v3KSXxIJ/s320/Africa_2008+577.JPG" border="0" /><br /><p align="center">Once we arrive in Jo'berg, we hit the ground running, and will drive on the left side of the road for five hours until we reach our first destination: The Sanwild Wildlife Sanctuary.</p><br /><p align="center">We hope to be able to post while we are in Africa, but it will be dependent on our ability to connect to the internet.</p><p align="center">Look for new posts from the African Bush.</p><p align="center">Peace,</p><p align="center">Norm<br /></p><p align="center"></p>normana53http://www.blogger.com/profile/12013028606034707201noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-412268487710585487.post-25525850695632530692009-08-25T13:33:00.000-07:002009-08-25T14:02:35.424-07:00Seventeen Days and counting!<div><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglAMtxX6LukypvGSQUlIv1SMypht89bwHVPfBLb7y4_qdX_VdUJ3PaHI31BiO82c6scwGsuXyaeT-tWu6o99ZKrXGhAdVxa9JSO7rmmL0r-pkGP_D3EjKWLE0rv83MC0fZOKuV7iUXeyKd/s1600-h/Umbrella+and+Fever.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5374003639082382354" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 213px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglAMtxX6LukypvGSQUlIv1SMypht89bwHVPfBLb7y4_qdX_VdUJ3PaHI31BiO82c6scwGsuXyaeT-tWu6o99ZKrXGhAdVxa9JSO7rmmL0r-pkGP_D3EjKWLE0rv83MC0fZOKuV7iUXeyKd/s320/Umbrella+and+Fever.jpg" border="0" /></a> Africa here we come.<br /><div><div align="center">It has been almost a year since our last visit, and we can't wait to return.<br /></div><div align="center">I guess it is true what they say about going to africa. It does get in your blood, and you will always long to return.</div><div align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5374004625280152290" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 213px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeQrjkljWcUErBBwMXVBXqO9m4ak0mqWaVDp7Zrxnx5Rc4qyilNTXeaECUi7GpvDojEGYIP9xiHzmh9_GXcKKEWYpqsuD-S6jplEKPQPZZt-weDbyLOwrBr3riMXYvpa7LJKWiUqnh8uy3/s320/Africa_2008+044.JPG" border="0" /> We started planning our upcoming trip while we were still in Africa last year. We apparently got bit by the Africa bug, and want to return and explore.<br /></div><div align="center">We leave on Seattle on September 11th in the afternoon – fly to London with a 9 hour layover – (We’re going to take the tube into the city and go to one of the street markets) </div><br /><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9JWXvvhS77MrNzQ8HhAHeNv5JU3mKV66dukWxr1HQQS5rZhjLhxMn9XBjKuyaAvcJC3tphTyxpUU_PIBB4hd2GQdMNSNoa_ZU-_JU0tb9Zhc4sy4tCLa6cltwabNPiR5JGYRZjWmY_lRY/s1600-h/Market2.JPG"></a></p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw-5E7dcp4HkjQaiV-WKSPysS3VyjZSSBie3rEwSzpCLo7hJPd17VMLNP7AGEusGO1ZfqBAqP7dORvJHEPpLyXG9AatGn78z1tbosFM5ni98kjzcdZmZSZeVY0Wg_ritcvBuuJ0vHgRR2Z/s1600-h/Market+Fruit.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5374009389417539250" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 134px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw-5E7dcp4HkjQaiV-WKSPysS3VyjZSSBie3rEwSzpCLo7hJPd17VMLNP7AGEusGO1ZfqBAqP7dORvJHEPpLyXG9AatGn78z1tbosFM5ni98kjzcdZmZSZeVY0Wg_ritcvBuuJ0vHgRR2Z/s200/Market+Fruit.JPG" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9JWXvvhS77MrNzQ8HhAHeNv5JU3mKV66dukWxr1HQQS5rZhjLhxMn9XBjKuyaAvcJC3tphTyxpUU_PIBB4hd2GQdMNSNoa_ZU-_JU0tb9Zhc4sy4tCLa6cltwabNPiR5JGYRZjWmY_lRY/s1600-h/Market2.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5374009065375683474" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 134px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9JWXvvhS77MrNzQ8HhAHeNv5JU3mKV66dukWxr1HQQS5rZhjLhxMn9XBjKuyaAvcJC3tphTyxpUU_PIBB4hd2GQdMNSNoa_ZU-_JU0tb9Zhc4sy4tCLa6cltwabNPiR5JGYRZjWmY_lRY/s200/Market2.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div align="center"></div><br /><br /><div align="center"></div></div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div>We fly out of Heathrow at 7:20pm – arrive Jo’Berg 7:00am on the 13th. Then drive 5 hours to the SanWild sanctuary. After a week there, we drive a couple of hours to Kruger National Park where we are spending an additional week. We fly back out on Friday September 25th and arrive at Dulles Saturday morning, short layover and back in Seattle around noon September 26th.<br /></div><div><div><div align="center">I hope to get a broadband account in South Africa so that I can upload photos during our trip, but will have to wait until we get to Johannesburg to find out.</div><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5374006936259786722" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 133px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi93ExIBNtugqvModTb2fO94fQgSRO1NzAMIOVmfwk3sQTw6Xu7kd9khN5RPeoAeQKy5sAAYiSYQj4m5lRbBcpFN7Hm6brLusVoLgRaPqRTMe0Dwr7joNNS2R23496naoJgKzQgdLUQs7wr/s200/Tembe_99.JPG" border="0" /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_MaKs-yXEerHzNruz8Hpy5BHfn4Zcbk7i-FcZJye3UtTGiomNGukkR4JpWHLDVYG5BA8Cii5AREZuQUe5nuFeVn_JzAC5aAubtucC7vjssS5u4M6Qit6BdVzhOGvsg-3FSXevy333f4bi/s1600-h/Tembe_12.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5374006613091706882" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 133px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_MaKs-yXEerHzNruz8Hpy5BHfn4Zcbk7i-FcZJye3UtTGiomNGukkR4JpWHLDVYG5BA8Cii5AREZuQUe5nuFeVn_JzAC5aAubtucC7vjssS5u4M6Qit6BdVzhOGvsg-3FSXevy333f4bi/s200/Tembe_12.JPG" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwykOVeryV8dR2djL-24rRAH2DawlatxmnEmWy-Ftt5JH_RrTGcYx5nOKlpMeDnpuDgzGKV-NluYNun4e89p1Pg0GCF56Z5llcKgImZYbMHgWDkhRvZwnr-zxZsasLtVt-EpyGoRMAtuuU/s1600-h/Tembe_205.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5374007307560261938" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 133px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwykOVeryV8dR2djL-24rRAH2DawlatxmnEmWy-Ftt5JH_RrTGcYx5nOKlpMeDnpuDgzGKV-NluYNun4e89p1Pg0GCF56Z5llcKgImZYbMHgWDkhRvZwnr-zxZsasLtVt-EpyGoRMAtuuU/s200/Tembe_205.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><div align="center"></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div align="center"></div></div></div></div></div>normana53http://www.blogger.com/profile/12013028606034707201noreply@blogger.com1