Loving elephants assisting a downed baby…A beautiful story unravels before our eyes….

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 Although we missed the actual birth of the calf, we were thrilled to have seen this important process…getting the baby on her feet for the very first time. Amazing! See the photos below for the outcome.

“Sighting of the Day in the Bush”

A yellow-billed heron sitting atop the back of a hippo at Sunset Dam in Kruger National Park.

Our trip to Kruger National Park a few days ago left us in a state of awe and wonder. Not only did “safari luck” befall us in several instances such as in the case of yesterday’s post highlighting a gorgeous cheetah but also in many other scenes we encountered that day.  

If you missed yesterday’s post, please click here to see the stunning cheetah.

When we came upon this scene which was blocked by numerous vehicles we jockeyed for position to get a good enough spot for taking the above videos and sequential photos below.

On the outrageously hot day with temps in the 42C (108F) range, nothing seemed more appealing than spending the better part of the day in airconditioned comfort in the little car. As long as we didn’t get a flat tire on the bumpy dirt roads, we’d be good for the day.

At first, we thought the baby was injured or ill but after reviewing our photos, taken in bright sun, we could see it was a newborn calf.

By the way, we should mention here that other than stopping at various camps or restaurants nestled in guarded areas of the park, visitors are not allowed out of their vehicles. The exception would be of course, if one ran into mechanical difficulties with their mode of transportation.  

However, in these cases, its required that the emergency number listed on the entrance-to-the-park-documents must be called promptly to gain assistance in any such occurrence. One doesn’t want to be outside their vehicle replacing a tire in the park.

The baby elephant, lying on the sand unable to stand.

Actually, it’s dangerous to even have a hand, arm, or leg outside the vehicle for any reason. We are often shocked when we see self-driven vehicles with a passenger hanging outside the windows or sunroof. This is definitely the type of scenario that could attract a hungry lion, an angry cape buffalo, or a determined bull elephant.

Gently nudging and pushing the others assisted in getting the calf on her feet.

Speaking of elephants, today’s story and photos are about an encounter we had on Tuesday at the Verhami Dam while heading to the park’s exit at the Crocodile Bridge. We’d already had a good day and weren’t expecting to see much more during the 4 kilometers (2.5 miles) return drive to the gate.  

In the past Verhami Dam when it was less dry, this dam was an excellent location to spot considerable species. The fresh water in the dam was a huge attraction for elephants, giraffes, cape buffalos, and impalas.  

The baby is finally on her feet with the help of the family.

But now, almost completely dry for lack of rain over these past many months, we hadn’t seen a thing at the dam in our past several visits. As we approached the dam, we couldn’t help but become enthused when we noticed several cars lined up on one side of the road with passengers “hanging out windows” to get a better view.

The sun was bright and it was so hot, it was a challenge turning off the car and opening the windows. Shooting through glass is never our preference and we do so only when there’s a possible danger in opening the windows.  

Female elephants don’t usually reproduce until they are 14 or 15 years old.

But, we remained diligent awaiting the perfect opportunity to get into a good position to make a video and take photos as vehicles in front of us finally drifted away.  

The intensity of the sun made it difficult to see what we were shooting but we fired away not knowing exactly what we were seeing until we returned to our holiday home in Marloth Park, uploaded the photos and video, and finally, it was clear…it was a newborn being assisted in standing for the very first time!

We couldn’t have been more thrilled to have witnessed this magical occurrence with the most loving and emotional animals on the planet..majestic elephants.  

The baby isn’t quite sure where to nurse but she’s trying to figure it out.

Yes, over and over again, on YouTube videos we’ve watched stunning scenes of elephants interacting with one another during times of crisis. But, to see it live firsthand was precious and we’re delighted to share it with our readers today.

Please, I implore you, watch the video. It will give you, as it did us, a chance to see a little further into the love and caring nature of these wild beasts. Enjoy, along with us!

More will follow tomorrow as we continued on our exceptional visit to Kruger National Park to which we’ll return again soon. We can’t ever seem to get enough!

Happy day to all!

Photo from one year ago today, September 20, 2017:

I walked through the archways in the topiary garden at Senor Scissorhands Topiary Garden in the small town of Zarcero, Costa Rica. For more of these photos, please click here.

Cheetah day!…Expressions of a cheetah in the wild…Fantastic sightings in Kruger National Park…

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Based on our position in the line-up of vehicles our photo taking advantage was limited.  

“Sighting of the Day in The Bush”

The now-visiting-daily mongooses gather in a pile staring at us until Tom mixes up the bowl of eggs. I talk to them to keep them entertained while he prepares the eggs. We’re happy to feed them to keep them around to deal with snakes.

As mentioned in yesterday’s post here, when the power had gone out in the morning we decided to go to Kruger for the day. Not knowing when it would return and based on the high temperature of 42C (108F) it wasn’t such a bad idea to spend the better part of the day in the airconditioned little car.

These cats are easily distinguishable from leopards based on the dark tears running down their eyes.

Our expectations weren’t high on such a hot day. Would wildlife hide under trees and bush to take cover from the heat? No doubt, many did just that as we spotted many herds of impalas, kudus, and wildebeest seeking protection from the heat of the sun.

It was a mere week or so ago we’d been to Kruger traveling along the main paved road (one of few) that we observed the recent “controlled burn” leaving the bush along that road blackened for at least 45 minutes of the hour-plus drive to Lower Sabie. And yet, magically, it already seemed to be recovering.

Every so often, she’d change positions providing us with additional shots.

We decided to stop for breakfast at the Mugg & Bean restaurant in Lower Sabie which overlooks the Sabie River, often providing some good sightings and photo ops. After breakfast, we’d continue on our self-drive traveling on bumpy dirt roads. 

We watched the cheetah for quite a while but she never stood. In the scorching heat, she seemed comfortable in the shade.

The drive surpassed our expectations, especially when early on we noticed a number of safari vehicles driving down a dirt road to a loop we’d never noticed in the past. We believe based on the map that it was at Gasanftom Road/Gezantombi Waterhole/Watergat.

Moments after entering the loop, we encountered no less than eight safari vehicles with passengers hanging out the sides and windows with cell phones, cameras, and tablets in hand.

What a nice face!

They were obviously gushing with enthusiasm as to the creature before their eyes, a cheetah lying in the shade, awake, alert, and seemingly unaffected by the presence of the growing crowd.

Dozing for a moment?

Tom maneuvered the little car to the best possible vantage point and we too felt excited with this sighting. It was one of few cheetahs we’d seen in Kruger over these past many months. There was only one cheetah.

Sure, we’d like to have seen more cheetahs. But, as we’ve learned over this long period in Marloth Park/Kruger National Park, we’ve come to appreciate spotting “one” of any wild animal. Yes, numbers are exciting but it doesn’t diminish the power, grace, and beauty of any species.

She heard a sound in the bush.

Here are some facts about cheetahs, the second-fastest mammal on the planet, from Kruger’s site here:

“The Cheetah’s body is built for speed. Its legs are relatively long compared to its greyhound-like body; it has a big heart and lungs and wide nasal passages. It is the fastest land animal, timed running at speeds of up to 114km/h (71 mph). While the lion and the leopard rely on getting close to their intended prey before breaking cover, the cheetah’s speed gives it an advantage in the more open savanna. Cheetahs are slightly taller than leopards but not as bulky, probably weighing between 40kg (88 lbs) and 60kg (132 lbs). Although cheetahs are members of the cat family, they have dog-like non-retractable claws. This limits their tree-climbing ability but gives them a speed advantage when charging.

This lone cheetah seemed unperturbed by the clicking of cameras and numerous vehicles in the area. We couldn’t believe how thin she was. We’d seen cheetahs in the past but none looking quite this lean.

Typically, a cheetah will start a charge 60m (66 yards) to 100m (109 yards) from an antelope and, within seconds, will be racing at full tilt. If the buck is alerted in time, it will attempt to throw the cheetah off its trail by zigzagging and dodging between trees and shrubs. Using its long, heavy tail as a stabilizer, the cheetah will single-mindedly pursue its intended prey, trying to anticipate which way it will turn. At the right moment, it will knock the antelope off balance and grab it by the throat as it falls. Because of the relatively small jaws and teeth, cheetahs are not as effective in killing their prey as quickly as lions or leopards, and it can take between five and 25 minutes for its prey to die.

A little grooming was in order.

The element of surprise in hunting is as important for cheetahs as it is for other big predators. While its speed gives it an edge, the cheetah’s vulnerable point is its stamina. It will manage to run at top speed for only about 250m (273 yards) before it needs to catch its breath.

After a high-speed chase, the cheetah desperately needs to rest for about half an hour – even before it eats its prey. This is when cheetahs are at their most vulnerable. They are often robbed of their kill by lions or hyaenas during this recovery spell. If the cheetah is unmolested, it normally devours its prey at the kill site. A cheetah’s food tastes are not as broad as that of the leopard, and it concentrates mostly on small and medium antelope. The cheetah’s diet comprises of the young of larger animals, as well as warthog, ground birds, porcupines, and hares, as well as the smaller antelope. The cheetah’s kill rate is hard to determine, but the consensus is that each cheetah kills between 30 and 150 animals a year, depending on its size, hunting frequency, and the condition of the area. Experts believe a single cheetah ideally needs between one and three kilograms of meat a day to stay in shape.”

For the remainder of this story, please click the above link.
Lounging on a hot day in Kruger.
After the cheetah sighting, we encountered several equally exciting wildlife scenes, which we’ll continue to share in posts over the next several days. Please check back for more.
 
As for today, it’s hot again, similar to yesterday’s unseasonal heat. It’s still winter here for a few more days! As we write here today sitting outdoors on the veranda, it’s currently 35C (95F) and we’re doing fine.  
 
We’ve got the braai (grill) fired up and cooking tonight’s chicken dinner in the event of a power outage at dinnertime which can easily transpire with added power usage during the hot weather.
 

We hope you have a fantastic day whether it’s hot or cool or a balmy almost-fall or almost-spring day!

Photo from one year ago today, September 19, 2017:

“The variegated squirrel is a tree squirrel in the genus Sciurus found in Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, southern Mexico, Nicaragua, and Panama. Fifteen subspecies are recognized.”  Tom spotted this squirrel in the yard, alerted me and I took this photo through the glass wall to avoid scaring it away.  For more photos, please click here.

Hot, hot, hot…42C, 108 F…We went to Kruger…Hornbills preparing for mating season…

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This is not a birdfeeder.  This is an abandoned bushbaby house that our 12 bushbabies don’t care to use.  These male and female hornbills have recently taken seeds from our birdfeeder and placed them inside the bush baby house.

“Sighting of the Day in The Bush”

These four bushbucks, two moms, and two babies know the drill. Stand at the bottom of our veranda steps, and you’ll get pellets and ice-cold lettuce, celery tops, carrots, and apples. When we returned from Kruger a short time ago, they were waiting there for us. They sure appreciated it today.

Today’s post will be more compact than usual. We just returned from a full day at Kruger National Park and the time available to get it done before our evening ritual on the veranda begins at 1700 hours (5:00 pm) is limited.

We’re assuming they’re preparing this house as a future nesting spot since we see them do this almost daily.  They both come to peer inside to check out their handiwork.
When they’re satisfied with their day’s work, they head back to the birdfeeder for a bit of sustenance for themselves, as shown below.

With temperatures expected in the 42C (108F) range, it made a lot of sense to spend the better part of the day in airconditioned comfort in the little car while driving through Kruger searching for magical moments.

On top of it, the sugar cane burning fires filled the air with so much smoke getting away was a perfect scenario. We began packing our iced teas, camera, batteries, passports, and prefilled-out Kruger entrance document and were on our way in no time at all.

Here’s the mating pair filling up in preparation for the upcoming spring mating season.

It was still earlier enough in the day not to feel the magnitude of the expected temps, but we dressed in shorts and tee shirts, ready for however hot it may eventually reach.  

This young male kudu has a long way to go in his maturity to become a “Big Daddy eventually.”  In the interim, we’re thrilled to provide him with pellets when he stops by.

With a plan to stop at the Mugg & Bean Restaurant in Lower Sabie for breakfast or lunch, we knew we’d be spending our time there, outdoors in the hot weather on their veranda overlooking the Sabie River but didn’t give it a thought. This is Africa. It gets hot here.

And, for those of our readers in other parts of the world, it’s still winter here.  Spring begins in the next few days as fall begins north of the equator. We haven’t forgotten how hot it is here in the summer months.  

His horns (not antlers…they don’t lose these) will eventually make another twist as he matures.

Almost five years ago, we spent three months here during the heat of summer. It was hot and sweaty. We managed, as we’ll work now. In some countries, homes may have full-house airconditioning as we experienced in our old lives.  

Elephants we spotted from the fence in Marloth Park during yesterday’s drive.

In Africa and in many other countries worldwide that cater to tourists, air conditioning is only provided in bedrooms by use of an on-the-wall unit that generally keeps the sleeping quarters comfortable, which is the case here.

Right now, on the veranda, it is exactly as stated above. But, when anywhere else in the house, the heat is felt full-on. Perhaps, by the time we prep the veranda for the evening, the temps will begin to subside. In any case, we won’t be missing a night outdoors due to the heat.  

It’s common to see elephants at the Crocodile River on these hot days.

In our old lives, we’d never had sat outside in such hot weather, preferring to stay cool and comfortable indoors. But, as we always say, “This is Africa,” It’s not like our old lives.

And today, while in Kruger, we’re especially reminded of how unlike our day was compared to any day in times long ago remembered. This is a different life now, not to compare, although it’s irresistible to mention the vast difference at times.

So here’s how the day rolled out. This morning as I was getting ready for the day, we experienced a power outage. With no power for WiFi, we decided today would be a perfect day to head to Kruger.

We can’t wait to share today’s photos in tomorrow’s post. We took so many good photos, and it will take days until we get through the bulk of them we’d like to share here.
Please check back tomorrow for some first-time-sightings (for us) that Kruger bestowed upon us in her magical and mysterious ways.

Have a great evening!  We plan on it!

Photo from one year ago today, September 18, 2017:

At the Atenas Railway Museum in Costa Rica, Juan Ramon was excited to show us this bottle with a marble inside.  For more photos, please click here.

Lion kill on the river…Wow!…

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The food chain prevails…a lion killed this zebra. It’s a harsh reality of life in the wild.  

“Sighting of the Day in the Bush”

Ms. Bushbuck, aka “Tom’s Girl,” with pellet crumbs on her nose. We can identify her by her uneven ears. Too cute.

Yesterday afternoon, after uploading the post, doing some laundry and hanging it to dry, and prepping everything for dinner, we decided to take off on our usual drive through Marloth Park.

 The holidaymakers were in abundance on the bumpy dirt roads, especially along the fence between Marloth Park and Kruger National Park overlooking the Crocodile River.

When we embarked on our usual drive along the Crocodile River, we spotted this scene along with many others clamoring for space at the fence between Marloth Park and Kruger National Park.

The Crocodile River is a dangerous place with crocodiles lurking in the water, a wide array of venomous snakes, harmful insects, and of course, myriad apex predators, such as lions, leopards, cape buffalo, and hippos, all of which can cause great harm or fatal injuries to humans.

 As a result, boats and humans are not allowed anywhere near the river, except in designated viewing locations in various places in Marloth Park and the vast Kruger National Park. When holidaymakers are here, these viewing locations are often packed with cars.

Many others watching this scene stayed at the viewing area for many hours, eventually spotting as many as six lions feasting on this female’s kill.

The advantage to the number of spectators is that if they find a sighting before we do, we can follow the crowd to see what they’ve spotted, a common practice for safari-goers and wildlife-watchers in national parks abundant with wildlife.

 But even after seeing the people with their cameras, cell phones, and binoculars, it’s still not easy to find lions when their coloration blends in with the rocks and dry vegetation making them nearly impossible to see without some guidance.

Then, when we spotted elephants coming down the embankment to the river, we took off to take the following photos.

We’ve been fortunate to encounter spectators who are more than willing to help point out the scene with detailed descriptions while others may be at a loss scanning the terrain through camera lenses and binoculars. We are always thrilled to share the information with others.  

 However, there are a select few who appear to want to keep the sightings to themselves. This makes no sense whatsoever. Why not share the wonder of nature with others for whom this may be a once-in-a-lifetime experience?

Could these three zebras be watching the scene of the kill when it may have been a  member of their family?

When we saw all the vehicles near the overlook at Two Trees, we had no doubt it had to do with lions. Portable chairs and tables, coolers (called chill boxes here) filled with beer and other drinks, and people of all ages had set up camp to watch the lions for which may have been for hours.

 Had we desired to “camp out,” we certainly would have. But for us, as much as we’d prefer to get even more stunning photos, we shot what we could and were on our way.  

Each day, many mongooses have visited, piling atop one another for the raw scramble eggs Tom brings out to them. Now, after these months, they’ve come to know us and stare at us, making funny noises to show us how much they want the eggs. Mongooses are omnivores eating both plants and animals, with an infinity for snakes.  They are immune to snake venom.

We always have a vast array of scenes we’re seeking, and it isn’t always about lions, although we are intrigued with their behavior. But, we can spend the better part of an afternoon interacting with a band of mongooses while observing their adorable demeanor.  

 These funny little rodent-like creatures are more intelligent than one might think. They already know how to beg for eggs, making funny noises while making eye contact with us. Known as possible carriers of rabies, we don’t get too close or touch them, never feeding them by hand. (Although, we’ve both been vaccinated for rabies, recently getting boosters).

Some nights, she faces this way, and other nights, she meets the wall.

Even the pesky helmeted guineafowls, of whom we have about 60 in residence, are more intelligent than one might think with their pea-sized brains. They love breaking up the pellets and eating them. They wait in the nearby bush, and when they hear us talking to other wildlife, they come running knowing full well, pellets are on the horizon.

 It’s all memorable and meaningful, every single creature, including our new resident frog, who continues to appear at night on a light fixture on the veranda. Each time we see them in that spot, they are in various positions, and we can’t help but laugh.

 Once we’re done here today, we’re off for another drive in the park and then heading to Daisy’s Den for more birdseed and outdoor repellent. We’ll be back with more tomorrow…you can count on that!

 Have a day filled with wonder!

Photo from one year ago today, September 17, 2017:

This photo, taken from the veranda of our holiday home in Atenas, Costa Rica, before a big storm. For more photos, please click here.

Thinking of future plans for visiting family in the US…Giraffe attack in South Africa…

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Kudus are usually early morning visitors, although we’ll occasionally see them during the day and evening. 

“Sighting of the Day in the Bush”

Guess who always has the right of way?  He stopped traffic while leisurely meandering across Oliphant Drive, the paved road in Marloth Park.

As much as we strive to live in the moment, it’s hard not to think about plans, mainly when they include returning to the US to see family. With our current itinerary, we’ll land in Minnesota on April 8, 2019, staying until April 25, 2019, for a total of 17 nights.

It’s always exciting to see hippos by the river. Hippos are the most dangerous land animals on the planet, killing more humans than any other: “The hippopotamus is often cited as the most dangerous large animal in the world, killing an estimated 500 people a year in Africa.

As it turns out, we’ll be returning to Minnesota again 17 months later (in September 2020) for daughter Tammy’s 50th birthday boating trip, which Tom will attend while I spend time with son Greg and his family.

In between these two planned trips, we’ll be returning to the US again to visit son Richard in Henderson, Nevada, and sister Susan in Las Vegas, Nevada, where we’ll spend Thanksgiving 2019. It looks like I’ll be cooking the Thanksgiving dinner since Richard also follows a low-carb way of eating, and it’s fun to adapt the traditional menu items accordingly.

They all get along well when there’s plenty of food on the ground. They start pushing, shoving, and kicking one another as soon as it gets low, although not with much vigor.

After Thanksgiving, we’ll head to Apache Junction, Arizona, to see Tom’s three sisters (and two spouses) who spend their winters in the warmer weather, as opposed to “roughing it” in frigid Minnesota. We may stay a few weeks, depending on available accommodations, which are pricey in Arizona.

Female zebras often stop by with their young, all looking for pellets, carrots, and apples.

From there, we’ll be heading back to South America, which is an easy flight from the US. We’re still up in the air as to which countries we’ll visit and in which order, but we’ll decide over this next year. We’d like to see several sites we missed last time we were there.

It will be great to see family during these three US visits, which will occur between April 8, 2019, and around September 25, 2020. In total, we’ll be spending approximately 53 days in the US during this time frame. Then, we’ll be off for the next chapter of our world journey.

A new mom and baby bushbuck stopped by the first time. Bushbuck moms hide their young for the first few months while she forages during the day enabling the baby to nurse freely at night. The mom eats the baby’s feces to deter predators.  After a few months, the youngster joins the mom in her daily grazing. This was the tiniest bushbuck we’ve seen, who may have been out with mom for the first few times. 

Other than staying at son Richard’s home in Henderson, we’ll be staying in hotels for the remainder of these periods. We don’t want our grandchildren in Minnesota giving up their bedrooms for our visits and, I’m allergic to cats which two of our three kids have as pets. It will all work out.

“Elephants may spend 12-18 hours a day feeding. Adult elephants can eat between 91 kg – 272 kg (200-600 pounds) of food daily. As herbivores, elephants consume grasses, tree foliage, bark, twigs, and other vegetation daily. Elephants can also drink up to 189 liters (50 gallons) of water a day, about as much as a standard bathtub holds.”

For now, our top priority is reveling in whatever time we have left in Marloth Park, South Africa. And celebrate, we do! Again, last night we had a spectacular time at Jabula Lodge & Restaurant, constantly being made to feel so welcomed by our hosts, Dawn and Leon.  

The food, as always, is fresh, hot, and delicious, cooked perfectly for my diet. It couldn’t have been any more enjoyable, except, when we pulled out of the parking lot at the end of the evening, four giraffes were blocking the road. I tried to take a photo in the dark, but their placement made it impossible.  

During the dry season, the elephants can sustain themselves, grazing on surrounding greenery.

It’s foolhardy to get out of the car around giraffes. Only recently, we’d read a new story of a giraffe with her calf who attacked a woman and her three-year-old son while at a game reserve. Click here for the news article on this dreadful situation.  

During the upcoming rainy season, this entire area will be covered in water, providing a rich source of water and surrounding vegetation for wildlife to thrive.

The giant animals are very protective of their young, and one swift kick could be deadly. Apparently, according to this article, the giraffe and her calf are being relocated to another reserve.  

This is why when we spot giraffes on our daily drives through Marloth Park, we stay in our little car, regardless of how motivated we are for good photos.  Otherwise, locals and visitors may be on foot, on bikes, and on paths staying mindful to remain at a reasonable distance when encountering large animals.

With no rain to speak of for many months, the elephants take advantage of any water they can find on the Crocodile River.

After all, these are wild animals regardless of how attached we become to them in their frequent visits and how generously we feed them pellets, carrots, and apples.

Today, we’ll head out on yet another drive. It’s cool and cloudy and a perfect day for a drive. A pleasant Sunday dinner has been prepped to be cooked when we return, a beef roast for Tom and a chicken “flattie’ for me. It will be another good day.

May your day be good as well!

Photo from one year ago today, September 16, 2017:

We didn’t see any reason to walk on the rickety old railroad bridge in Costa Rica. For more photos of the railway station, please click here.

Recalling a post from six years ago today, September 15, 2012…Wow! Life has changed so much but have we?

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This is the same family with seven chicks we’d seen a few months ago. See how the chicks have grown by clicking here at our earlier post.

“Sighting of the Day in the Bush”

A muddy ostrich meandering down Volstruis St.  In Afrikaans, Volstruis means “Ostrich.” There are usually ostriches on this road.  Go figure.

Today, we include photos from yesterday’s two-hour drive through Marloth Park, some close to the river, others in the bush. We have many more to share over these next few days. We’ve had safari luck each time we’ve gone out, often more here by the fence than on those days we’ve visited Kruger for a self-drive photo safari.

This time we counted only six chicks, one less than our earlier sighting. Could this be a different family, or did one of the chicks not make it?

For clarification’s sake for our newer readers, whenever we use the word “safari,” it’s always about “photo safaris.” Under no circumstances would we ever participate in a safari intended to kill wild game for “trophies.” I won’t get into the politics on this topic, but it simply does not fall within the realm of our beliefs about wildlife.

Another holiday weekend has begun, and the pounding next door is earsplitting.  Often part-time Marloth Park owners/dwellers come here during the short or long holiday periods to work on their houses.  

It is pretty interesting to us as to why ostriches always hang around at this particular bush house. Nine of out ten times we drive by, there are ostriches there, including when we were here in 2013/2014.

There are specific rules in Marloth Park stipulating that no building work with any noise can be conducted after 1700 hours (5:00 pm) on weekdays or after 1300 hours (1:00 pm) on Saturdays and not at all on Sundays.

A Big Daddy and his harem on the side of the road.

Last night as we set up the veranda for the evening after 5:00 pm, Tom walked next door to ask the workers to cease working for the evening kindly. If we don’t ask, we have the option of “reporting” them anonymously to Field Security, who will send a security officer to the property to tell them to stop. Fines are possible if work doesn’t cease within the specified timeframes.

Marloth Park is intended to be a quiet and peaceful place without blaring music, loud talking, and rowdy social interactions. Unfortunately, not all holidaymakers and residents appreciate this concept.  

It’s always a joy to see elephants along the Crocodile River from the fence between Marloth Park and Kruger National Park.

The wildlife is often frightened off by human noises, as evidenced by the fact that we haven’t had a single visitor this morning other than much-appreciated and admired birds who are currently clamoring around our birdfeeder. Yesterday, when the holidaymakers moved in, the wildlife visits diminished exponentially.

This big girl was quietly enjoying time by the water.

We took off for our usual two-hour drive in the afternoon and found many beautiful sightings by the river, a few on the bumpy dirt roads, and in the bush. Those incredible, almost daily drives provide us with our wildlife fix during these busy weekends when few visitors make an appearance.

Last night after dark, we did see a few of our “regulars,” including Tusker and his new girlfriend; Mr. Duiker; Wildebeest Dad and Son; and our most frequent visitors, Ms. Buchbucks and Babies. Of course, Frank and The Misses. stopped by for seeds before they went off to “make their noise” at dusk.  
The elephants were many, but they were scattered about the river bank.

As we continue to write post after post, adding new photos each day, we revel in how much it means to us to share the morsels of our daily lives with all of our worldwide readers. In doing so, we are gifted with something we’ll treasure for years to come, such as being able to look at old posts from years past.

One hippo was within range for a photo.

This morning I looked up the post from the first year we’d begun to post in 2012, specifically the post from September 15, 2012, six years ago today. Looking back at these older posts certainly puts big smiles on our faces as we often read aloud to one another.

What a wonder it is that in two clicks, we can reread a story and see its photos from years past, just like that. Neatly organized in our archives on the right side of the page, you can do the same if you’ve missed older posts having joined us a few years into this journey.

There’s often a cattle egret near the elephants, partaking of their insects and scraps.

Here’s an excerpt from that September 15th post from six years ago:

“As a person entrenched in the details, it’s not unusual to me that I have six tools one could use to crack crab legs: two types of crackers, two types of crab scissors, a pick, and a small fork, service for eight. It’s not coincidental that I have service for eight. Who would want to “shell out” (couldn’t resist) enough crab legs for more than eight people? 

 This came to mind yesterday when I recklessly spent $48 for two bags of king crab legs plus $28 for the accompanying grass-fed New York strip steaks.  

 This is for three of us for Sunday night’s dinner; Tom and I and our friend Sue, who comes for dinner every Sunday night since the passing of her dear husband and our beloved friend Chip. She’s a trooper. Our hearts break for her. They were our role models as a happily retired couple. Now, we witness the depth of the loss of a beloved partner, excruciatingly sorrowful, a double whammy.

 We laugh, cry, and tell endless stories of our 26 years here on the point. (You can read about Chip in my post on June 1, 2012, found here in the archives). We three deserve steak and crab.”

A mom and her growing calf.

If you’d like to read the balance of this old post, please click here. We still talk about our friend Chip and have seen Sue each time we’ve returned to the US for a visit. We relive beautiful memories we all shared over many years as great friends and neighbors.

Hmmm…life was good then, and life is good now, just very different.  No more do we have kitchen gadgets for eating crab. No more do we eat crab legs. We don’t see them in Africa. No longer am I so “detail orientated” or…do you look up a photo of Martha Stewart and see me (an expression used by a friend in Minnesota). That life is no more and most likely will never be the same again.

This is our “new normal.” Tonight, we’ll head out to Jabula Lodge and Restaurant for yet another fine dinner, often running into friends we’ve made in this magical place. We’ll sit at the bar and commiserate with owners Dawn and Leon and chat endlessly with other friendly Marlotians.

I don’t know if we’ve earned the right to call ourselves Malothians, but for now, we’ll afford ourselves this luxury, as opposed to others.

Have a very happy weekend, wherever you may be!

Photo from one year ago today, September 15, 2017:

The blue locomotive at the train depot with a dual cab, Puente Ferrocarril Rio Grande Atenas in Costa Rica. For more photos, please click here.

Stuff happens…The cost of medical care and prescriptions in South Africa…Astounding facts…

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In South Africa, prescriptions are dispensed in plastic packs in these boxes, not in bottles.

“Sighting of the Day in the Bush”

Is this a white-crested seedeater?  Please correct me if wrong.

Over the past week, I had an odd discomfort in the front of my right shin, but I didn’t notice any insect bites or injuries. It wasn’t itchy, just painful when I wore anything touching it.

Yesterday morning I awoke to added pain and noticed a raised red circle-like bump the size of a small lemon. I wondered if it was an infection or, more problematic, some blood clot. One can’t be too careful when finding such a thing.
 
I didn’t give it much more thought until we were on our way to the grocery store in Komtipoort while wearing shorts and noticed the redness had increased in a few hours. Since we were heading to Komatipoort anyway, Tom suggested we stop at Dr. Theo’s office and see if he could see me without an appointment. It was close to noon.
This is the receipt for yesterday’s doctor appointment, total cost ZAR (rand) 565 (US $38.24).

After waiting about only 20 minutes at most, Dr. Theo brought me into the exam room. I so appreciated him squeezing me in. Their office with several physicians is bustling, with appointments booked as tight as possible. These quality physicians have quite a following.

After carefully and diligently checking my leg, he assured me it was definitely not a blood clot and most likely an infection. If treated early enough, it could avoid the necessity of taking antibiotics. He prescribed a cream that was to be applied twice daily.  

In the past 24 hours, after only three applications of the cream, its already begun to improve, although there still is some redness. If it doesn’t continue to improve over the weekend, antibiotics may be necessary.

It’s dirty here…lots of dirt and dust constantly flying through the air, especially when the wildlife kick up more and more land from the garden when they visit.  Even the slightest scratch could become infected under these conditions.

The ZAR 49.95 (US $3.38) listed on this receipt was for the two tubes of cortisone cream the doctor prescribed.  The ZAR 1224.49 (US $82,68) balance was for the entire batch of prescriptions, enough to last for four months.

While visiting with Dr. Theo, I asked for prescriptions for the three medications I take and have for years. Here in South Africa, many drugs can be purchased over the counter in small amounts. But, for a several-month supply, a prescription from a local doctor must accompany the purchase.

None of my three medications are narcotic, thus making it relatively easy for a doctor to write a prescription. As mentioned in yesterday’s post describing “what to bring for an African safari,” we breezed over drugs. If you missed that post, please click here.

We were both thrilled over the low cost of the doctor’s appointment and the costs of the prescriptions. Next week we’ll return to the pharmacy for two more month’s supply for the three medications. They had to order them. Then, I’ll have enough for six months.  

Itemization for the three prescriptions, sufficient for four months.

Before we leave South Africa, either in November or February (depending on our immigration status), we’ll try for another six-month supply even if we have to go back to the doctor for the required appointment. At only ZAR 565 (US $38.24) for the appointment, it’s undoubtedly worthwhile.

I become frustrated when medical issues arise and sometimes hesitate to mention them here. But I do. Many of our worldwide readers are traveling or contemplating traveling, and any information we can provide when “things go wrong” may be helpful.  

It’s all a part of our continuing transparency and commitment to our readers to “tell it like it is” with no fluff, no minimizing, no exaggerating…plain and simple, the facts, keeping in mind we do tend to get excited when nature unfolds before our eyes.

Speaking of nature unfolding before our eyes, I need to wrap this up. We’re getting ready to head out for our daily drive to see what more treasures we can encounter in this magical place.

May events in your life bring you excitement and enthusiasm.

Photo from one year ago today, September 14, 2017:

This mom and her calf are our neighbors in this gated community of Roco Verde in Costa Rica. For more photos, please click here.

Part 2…What to bring for an African safari….Lions…yep…we’ve got more today…

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When looking closely at this photo, we noticed a fourth lion behind the male, appearing to be another male.

“Sighting of the Day in the Bush”

This morning’s eight zebra visitors. Pellets were on the menu!

Prior to continuing with “What to bring for an African safari” we wanted to mention that today’s lion photos were taken yesterday when we ventured out around noon when Josiah was here to wash the veranda and tend to clean up in the garden.

A male lion walking on the bank of the Crocodile River.

He usually arrives around noon requiring we either move indoors or head out for the now daily drive. Rather than stay inside when often Martha is cleaning at the same time, leaving for a while makes more sense than sitting indoors which we seldom do.

From inside the house, we can’t see what’s transpiring in the garden and since we try to avoid missing the arrival of any visitors, staying outdoors makes no sense at all.  

This could be two females with this male lion or a female and a young male whose mane has yet to develop. There’s a male behind the male in front.  

Even on the hottest of days, we stay outside from the time we’re up and dressed until we go inside to get ready for bed. People often ask why we get as many visitors as we do and the answer is simple. The wildlife sees us here all day and it’s irresistible to avoid passing out pellets and veg each time they stop by.

These elephants came down the steep embankment to the river while we were watching the lions, a sight we often encounter but always appreciate.

Unfortunately, the helmeted guineafowls are also here most of the day and they’ve become experts at snatching pellets for their own diet. When we’re trying to feed three little pigs or a dozen kudus, 60 guineafowls can certainly impede their feast.  

We provide some birdseed for the guineafowls but not enough to keep them from pecking for their usual food sources which include worms, grubs, and insects.  

Alternate view of the lions.

As is the case with all the wildlife, the food we provide is more of a snack than a meal. They cannot become totally dependent on us providing food to the point where they don’t continue to forage and graze for their usual food sources.

Here again, we spotted these not too far from “Two Trees” overlook.

After the morning’s activities and staff arrived to clean, we had considerable success at the river as shown in today’s photos. Again, for our new readers, we must mention these lion sightings are often very far from our vantage point on the Marloth Park side of the river.  

The fence between Marloth and Kruger Parks often interferes with the quality and clarity of the photos. When we get closer to the fence we can get better shots by shooting between the wires in the fence but this is very tricky and trying to hold the camera steady for the distant shots and, avoiding the metal barbed-wired fence makes it all the more difficult. We do the best we can.

A lion family near the Crocodile River, where mealtime isn’t a difficult challenge with many animals near the water.

Continuing with our suggestions for items to bring for safari here are the balance of those items we’ve found to be imperative. For yesterday’s post with clothing suggestions, please click here

1. Digital:  
a. Cameras: (many tourists use their smartphones and tablets for taking photos. We see them hanging out the windows of their vehicle while self-driving through Kruger. If taking photos is not your thing, this is fine. But if you want to get great shots, a camera is a must); including multiple camera batteries, chargers, tripod and plenty of storage (SD) cards if you don’t plan to download your photos daily (as we do).
b. Universal travel adapters and converters: suitable for Africa’s outlets which can vary from country to country.
c.  Cellphone: It is less expensive to purchase a SIM card in the country your visiting than buying a global SIM online. In each country, they are available everywhere such as supermarkets, petrol stations and more.  You can purchase airtime for calling and data for maps, etc. (data is expensive, calling is not). However, if you plan on making calls back to your home country we suggest you use Skype or another free service. You’ll pay a small fortune to call using the SIM card on the phone.
d.  Laptops, iPads, and other tablets: If you’re an avid user, feel free to bring them along in your carry-on luggage, and don’t forget plugs-in!
e.  Binoculars: If you prefer to use your camera’s viewfinder to spot your subjects that’s fine if you don’t already own a good pair of binoculars and don’t want to invest at this time. Otherwise, we’ve found using a camera and binoculars is an ideal match when for example in spotting today’s posted lions. I use the camera while Tom hunts via his binoculars.
e.  Wi-Fi: Most hotels and some bush camps provide free Wi-Fi for its guest but service can be sketchy in remote areas. If staying in a holiday/vacation home, verify with the manager/owner that free Wi-Fi is included and any usage limitations. We’ve been pleasantly surprised by the quality of the service here in Marloth Park and at this home.  For us, Wi-Fi is imperative. For you, it may not be as important during your safari adventure.

Something caught the eye of the two of them.

2.  Medication:  
a.  Prescriptions: Regardless of where you’ll be staying it’s a must to bring copies of your prescriptions and ample medication to last at least a week beyond your expected stay in the event of some unforeseen delays. Many common prescriptions can be purchased at local pharmacies in small numbers to get you through a crisis with a copy of your current prescription, although narcotic medications cannot be purchased in this manner. A local doctor must be seen. If you take a narcotic drug for medical purposes, only bring enough, along with a recent prescription, to last during your stay. A large supply can cause serious issues at the airport.
b.  Over the counter medications: If you’ll be in a remote area, it’s a good idea to bring the following: aspirin, Tylenol (call Paracetamol in Africa); allergy meds; insect bite creams (antihistamine and cortisone creams); sunscreen; band-aids; Visine or similar eye irritant solution (dusty conditions can cause eye irritation; contact lens solution/cleaner if applicable include replacement lens since dusty conditions may require a new pair of lenses); your usual favorite toiletries in small sizes suitable for your stay. If you won’t be in a remote area, feel comfortable bringing only those must-use items since all of the above are readily available at local pharmacies. 
c.  Insect repellent: Bring only a small amount of 35% or less DEET. Insect repellents are made for specific areas based on insects indigenous to the area you’ll be visiting. If you will be in a remote area, bring an ample supply of a DEET based product. Repellent must be worn day and night due to the possibility of malaria, and other diseases carried by insects. Reapply based on suggestions on the label.

Male lion resting near the other three lions.

See your local doctor as to any vaccinations you may need or the use of malaria prophylactics. We cannot make any recommendations in this regard. Only you and your doctor can make these decisions.

3.  Sunglasses: t’s wise to bring more than one pair if you’re prone to losing them. The bright sun of the savanna is often blinding and good sunglasses are a must. (Oddly, we rarely see South African wearing sunglasses but they must have adapted accordingly).

4.  Miscellaneous: In our own unique ways, we each have items we like to have with us when traveling. For you, this may be a favorite book, a Kindle, an item of clothing, a packaged food item, a special pillow or headrest.  It’s important to carefully access what makes you feel comfortable and yet is easily packable (check with your airline for weight restrictions). Africa is hot, dusty, and often windy and can be uncomfortable at times especially when bouncing around in a safari vehicle or car on dirt roads while on safari for extended periods. (If you have a serious medical condition, a safari may not be a wise choice but a place like Marloth Park can be ideal when the wildlife come to you while you lounge on a veranda at a holiday home or resort).

We’re posting various shots of the same scene for nuances.

Please feel free to contact s by email or comment here with questions regarding this topic (or others). We’re happy to be of assistance.  We continue to grow in our knowledge of life in Africa but we’re neophytes in comparison to many others. If you have any added suggestions we may have missed here, please let us know and we’ll update these posts.

Have a pleasing and fulfilling day!

Photo from one year ago today, September 13, 2017:

It’s fun to watch the hummingbirds stab their fine pointed beaks into the tiny holes of the feeder. To see the link for our easy recipe for the syrup, please click here.

Part 1…What to bring for an African safari….Lions…we can’t get enough..

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Male lion checking his surroundings while he rests.

“Sighting of the Day in the Bush”

Lounging poolside.

As more and more travelers, especially retirees from all over the world, decide to fulfill a lifelong dream of going on a safari, tourism to Africa is increasing exponentially according to many online reports.  

Many come to Africa for its beautiful beaches and luxury resorts, for business  and surprisingly, only 15% actually come for tourism as shown here at this link, stating the following (see below photo):

Female lion at a further distance, hard to spot from afar.

“More than 30 million tourists visit Africa every year. Over half of the international arrivals are for business purposes and may partake in tourist activities as well, while 15% travel for pure tourism and 30% visit friends and family.”

As a result, many travelers struggle with what to pack to bring for, a let’s say a two-week visit to Africa, in order to go on safari. Of course, it depends on where you’re staying and the dress codes or suggestions based on your chosen bookings.

Female lion lounging.

While in Zambia, we discovered that the Royal Livingstone Victoria Falls Zambia Hotel by Anantara required male guests are required to sports coats to dinner in the upscale dining room and women must wear dressy clothing. During the day, the guests may be on safari and at night be prepared for a more formal dinner.  

This may sound appealing to those seeking luxury accommodations but for most travelers intent on an all-encompassing safari experience, a more casual and laid-back environment may be more appealing.

The long-distance across the Crocodile River made taking photos a challenge

There hasn’t been one occasion in almost 17 months in Africa (combined two visits, one in 2013-2014 and our current stay) have we ever felt underdressed or too casual for any dining establishment.

Here in Marloth Park and Kruger National Park, all restaurants and venues allow wearing appropriately styled shorts, shirts, and women’s tops as long as they are in good taste. Sandals and flip-flops are generally accepted as proper footwear.

Male lion soaking up the warm sun.

One must always consider the weather which can change dramatically in minutes whether on safari, sightseeing, shopping, and dining. High winds, rain, and temperatures can vary considerably and one must bring suitable attire for those occurrences.

With our friends Lois and Tom coming to stay with us for three weeks beginning October 9th, yesterday we sent them a lengthy email making suggestions as to what to bring for their stay in Marloth Park, keeping in mind most likely we won’t be visiting any fancy establishments in the near proximity. This is bush country. Fancy is not required here.

Male lion at rest.

However, if one is staying at a resort or upscale bushcamp it might be worth inquiring as to any special dress codes when booking your stay. Thus, today’s suggestions are based on a casual environment, not those staying in upscale luxury resorts that may include packing a few extra items suitable for specific events and occasions.

The question always arises as to whether or not to purchase insect repellent clothing. Cost is a big factor here since most of these items can be expensive, as much as ZAR 1506 (US $100) each. We opted to purchase shirts, pants, and hats before we came to Africa in 2013.  

Female lion lounging on the dry grass

It was a wise decision for our extended current stay and we’re still wearing those items on occasion today, especially when on safari or outdoors during the spring and summer mosquito season. In most cases, the special clothing will withstand 70 washing before losing its built-in repellent effectiveness. 

Also, travelers can purchase permethrin which can be added to existing clothing for protection for shorter periods, which can save considerable cost. When we decided to return to Africa for our current long-term stay we purchased a few new insect repellent items on eBay, brand-new with tags. The cost was at least half as much as retail and we’ve been thrilled with our items.  

Waterbucks are beautiful animals.

Clothing:
1.  Shirts, pants, shorts, socks, good walking shoes (tennis shoes are OK) or boots.  
2.  A cool cotton scarf to cover one’s face in the event of an insect swarm and/or high winds.
3.  Swimsuit, if sunbathing or swimming is desired.
4.  Water repellent jacket (weight depending on the time of year) and other such cover-ups in the event of cold weather.
5.  Hats to protect the face and neck from the sun and the elements. Some safari vehicles do not have a covered roof, although most do.  
(During a self-drive into Kruger National Park, for example, one is generally not allowed to exit their vehicle, making one’s attire is of less importance. But, being prepared in the event of an emergency should be a consideration.
6.  Clothing colors: Bright, colorful clothing is not suggested as it may attract insects. In keeping with the African theme, beige, tan, khaki, and white are most appropriate while on safari keeping you cool and less attractive to a wide array of insects.
7.  Cool casual clothing/shoes for everyday living, dining, lounging, and sleepwear, if worn.  

Impalas grazing on the bank of the Crocodile River.

Tomorrow, we’ll cover digital equipment needs, adapters and converters, toiletries and prescriptions, insect repellent, and miscellaneous items you may find useful.

Please check back for Part 2!

Photo from one year ago today, September 12, 2017:

Tom holding the broom (escoba) made of vegetation at El Toledo Coffee Tour. For more photos, please click here.

Remembrance of a sorrowful day…Adventures along the river…Friends coming to visit…

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Many species can share a space in harmony.
“Sighting of the Day in the Bush”
Our resident helmeted guineafowls climbing a tree at dusk shortly before they take off for the night to sleep in the nearby parklands.

Many of us recall the travesty of the horrific loss of life and injury of thousands of individuals on September 11, 2001, and where we were when the events transpired.  

It almost seems as if it was but a short time ago when images flash through our minds of the scenes replayed over and over again on TV of the planes crashing into the Twin Towers and their eventual collapse and the loss of many lives in two plane crashes, one hitting the Pentagon.

Based on the size of the tusks on these elephants, many of them were young.

The visual impact on every person watching then easily remains today in our hearts with sadness and sorrow that will stay with us forever. For those impacted by these tragic events; survivors, family, friends, and observers, we extend our heartfelt sympathies and compassion for all that you have endured.

The simplicity of our everyday lives seems insignificant compared to these events but somehow, those who remain managed to pick up the pieces of their lives and carried on with grace and dignity.

There were more members of this parade nearby.

Now, as we discuss our daily experiences in the wild, we’re reminded how precious life is for all beings on this planet and the fragility of our existence. Today, we share more wildlife photos, feeling especially touched on this anniversary of September 11th.

After yesterday’s foray to the Crocodile River on the Marloth Park side of the fence and seeing lions at a distance, along with many others in attendance (word gets out quickly in Marloth Park when lions are sighted) we decided we’ll venture out more frequently than we have in the past.

Mom and baby elephant enjoying the beautiful day.

Our every other day drive through the park has now been escalated to every day when we don’t want to miss a thing. Whether we have to leave South Africa on November 21st (71 days) or are given an extension to stay until February 20th (163 days), time is running out in South Africa.

As we mentioned earlier, instead of worrying about which time frame in which we have to leave, we’ve decided to embrace each and every day as if it’s our last.

With the excitement of our friends Lois and Tom coming to stay with us for three weeks beginning on October 9th (29 days), an entirely new level of enthusiasm has washed over us, making this a very special time.

Impalas at the Crocodile River.

How exciting to share the magic of Marloth Park and Kruger National Park with friends who’ve never been to Africa. It’s indeed an honor that we’ll be able to watch the excitement on their faces when they experience the stunning wildlife right before our eyes.

It will take every bit of self-control we possess to temper our enthusiasm to let them discover the joy for themselves without our speculation of what they’ll most likely see next.  

Elephants moving closer to the Marloth Park side of the river.

How will we not describe even the 12 bushbabies that visit every evening or the regular visits and sounds of Frank and the Mrs. at dusk each and every night? We want to let them see these magical occurrences for themselves and formulate their own responses to each visiting creature in the bush. What a gift for us to experience this with them.

We met Lois and Tom on a 33-night cruise circumventing the Australian continent in November 2016. We spent almost every evening with them and another couple, Cheryl and Stan, from happy hour through dinner.  

See this post here for details.

This may be a dad and his son whose horns have yet to shape as an adult.

After dinner, they’d wander off to relax in their cabin while Tom and I usually played pool, danced at the disco, or commiserated with other passengers we’d met along the way. It was an exceptional time.

We hit it off so well with Lois and Tom, we stayed in touch the past few years, and now, they’re making the long journey from New Jersey, USA to Africa to the airport in Nelspruit/Mpumalanga, South Africa where they’ll rent a car and head this way.

Female lions at quite a distance.

Today, we’ll be sending them an email with suggestions as to what to bring, clothes to wear, etc. We’ll share these details in an upcoming post for those who may be considering coming to Africa for the first time and who may be a little unsure as to what they’ll need to bring.

We’ll be back tomorrow with more and better lion photos from today’s visit to “Two Trees,” the overlook area where the magic happens almost every day.

May your day bring you purpose and joy!

Photo from one year ago today, September 11, 2017:

This photo taken in Costa Rica is the remainder of a banana tree’s inflorescence described as follows: From 26 to 32 banana leaves will have wrapped around themselves by the time the inflorescence emerges from the center of the pseudostem. This process is called shooting. Ten to 20 flowers spiral around the stem of the inflorescence. Each flower is covered with a fleshy purple to green bract that it sheds as it matures. While we were living in Madeira Portugal, we post a continuing story with photos of the progression of these amazing blooms. See here for details on another story with photos of the morphology of the banana tree. For more photos, please click here.