Part 5…Outstanding day in Kruger National Park…4 days and counting…A heartbreaking loss to the ecosystem…

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Beautiful scene of the Sabie River.

News posted last night on Facebook regarding Lionspruit, the conservancy within Mrloth Park, where a devastating ecological wildlife loss has occurred in recent days:

Our photo from a previous visit to Kruger. Classic scene of three vultures on a limb. We were thrilled to get this shot from quite a distance. Vultures are, however, great ecologists who have a high sense of personal hygiene and are a manifestation of the adage of patience as a virtue. They clean the veld of carrion, thereby minimizing the impact of animal disease, and they bathe regularly in rivers after gorging themselves at a kill.”

“𝑩𝑹𝑬𝑨𝑲𝑰𝑵𝑮 𝑵𝑬𝑾𝑺: 𝘊𝘢𝘵𝘢𝘴𝘵𝘳𝘰𝘱𝘩𝘦: Another 100 critically endangered vultures dead, poisoned in Mpumalanga

Vulpro, one of Africa’s few vulture-focused conservation organisations, and Wild and Free Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre in Mpumalanga, has confirmed a significant poisoning incident in the Lionspruit Game Reserve near Marloth Park, Mpumalanga. Over 100 vultures have died, including 92 White-backed vultures of which 90% were breeding adults, 9 Hooded vultures, and one male adult White-headed vulture.
Hippos on the shore of Sunset Dam.
The scene was located through real-time GPS tracking of several vultures previously rehabilitated and released by Vulpro and Wild and Free. Upon detecting abnormal movement, Vulpro notified Wild and Free, who contacted the Nkomazi municipal field rangers. Together, the team responded immediately to find a catastrophic scene with multiple carcasses lying around a warthog carcass. There are no survivors, and no body parts were taken. Two more carcasses were discovered by air, thanks to SANParks, who joined in on the search.
This deliberate act has caused irreparable damage to already declining vulture populations and underscores the growing and devastating impact of poisoning on South Africa’s critically endangered vulture populations.
A bird and a croc at Sunset Dam.
Together with expert toxicologist and director of the Griffon Poison Information Centre, Dr. Gerhard Verdoorn and Dr. Peet Venter, samples have been collected and will be submitted for toxicological testing to identify the poison used and support possible legal action. These incidents wipe out critical scavengers, disrupt ecosystems, remove vital biodiversity, and undermine decades of conservation efforts. They also highlight the need for urgent collaboration.
“The scale of this poisoning is devastating and appears to be part of a much bigger, targeted operation. With multiple incidents taking place in various regions across the Lowveld recently, we suspect they are aimed at distracting us from a bigger and even more devastating event in the near future. We are calling on the government and the national vulture poisoning working group to address the crisis before it is too late,” said Kerri Wolter, CEO of Vulpro. “To lose this number of vultures, let alone breeding birds during breeding season, is an ecological crisis. We are genuinely terrified of what is going to occur next.” With no body parts taken, Wolter confirms this latest slaughter does not look as if it is related to muthi.
The hadada ibis or hadeda is an ibis native to Sub-Saharan Africa. It is named for its loud three to four-note calls in flight, especially in the mornings and evenings when they fly out or return to their roost trees. We often hear these at dusk.
In response to this incident and the growing frequency of poisoning cases, Vulpro is appealing to all rehabilitation centres to stop releasing vultures in the area until such threats are thoroughly investigated and mitigated.
This mass poisoning highlights the urgent need for coordinated conservation action, as it is impossible to be everywhere, all the time. Vulpro formalised a long-standing partnership with Wild and Free Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre, based in Hectorspruit, just days ago. Together, the two organisations have established a vulture emergency response unit in Mpumalanga, delivering:
• Rapid on-site field response to poisoning and injury cases
• Expert veterinary care at Wild and Free’s on-site clinic
• Long-term rehabilitation and monitored releases through Vulpro’s national programme with support from conservation groups, @wewildafrica, and @overandaboveafrica, this initiative links veterinary expertise, field operations, and conservation strategy across provincial boundaries, unified in the mission to stop vulture extinction.
A lone wildebeest.
“This is not just about one event. It is a systemic threat to our natural balance,” Wolter said. “We are fighting for every egg, every nest, and every vulture’s future. We will hold the line through science, integrity, and collaboration.”
Investigations remain ongoing.
We want to thank the team on the ground for their tireless and emotional work decontaminating the scene and preventing secondary poisoning of other wildlife.
The general public often thinks little of vultures and their ugly appearance, but as the above article explains, vultures are an integral part of the ecosystem and the preservation of wildlife. Why thugs would perpetrate such a heinous event is beyond comprehension. We can only hope and pray that these criminals can be caught and punished.
On Saturday, we’re heading to the Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport to begin our two-day journey to the US. We are not looking forward to the travel days; instead, we are looking forward to getting there and seeing family and friends.
Be well.

Photo from ten years ago today, May 20, 2015:

The pounding high tide surf over a rock formation jutting from the cliffs in Princeville, Kauai, Hawaii. For more photos, please click here.

Part 4…Outstanding day in Kruger National Park…A bloat of hippos and babies…Unusual facts about hippos…

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Hippos and crocodiles seem to get along well. Notice the croc near the adult hippo.

Unusual Facts About Hippos: Nature’s Unexpected Oddballs

With barrel-shaped bodies and seemingly sluggish demeanor, hippopotamuses might appear like oversized river cows, lazily basking in the water. But don’t let their sleepy expressions fool you. These massive mammals are full of surprises—some amusing, others downright bizarre. From their physiology to their social lives, hippos are anything but ordinary. Here are some of the most unusual facts about hippos that might change the way you see them.

Mom and two babies were lounging on Sunset Dam’s shore.

1. They Produce Their Natural Sunscreen

One of the strangest things about hippos is their ability to secrete a reddish, oily substance often called “blood sweat.” Despite the name, it’s neither blood nor sweat. This secretion acts as sunscreen and an antibiotic, protecting their sensitive skin from the harsh African sun and infections. The reddish hue may also help camouflage them in muddy water, though the science on that is still speculative.

One adult hippo appears to maintain “watch” while the others rest.

2. They Can’t Swim

Yes, they spend most of their lives in the water, but here’s the catch: hippos can’t swim in the traditional sense. Instead of paddling like other aquatic animals, they move by bouncing off the riverbed. They sink because of their dense bodies and move gracefully underwater by pushing themselves off the bottom in a sort of moonwalk motion. It’s like underwater parkour (Parkour (French: [paʁkuʁ]) is an athletic training discipline or sport in which practitioners attempt to get from one point to another in the fastest and most efficient way possible, without assisting equipment), hippo-style.

3. Hippos Are Surprisingly Fast—And Dangerous

Despite their enormous size (up to 3,500 pounds for males), hippos can run at speeds of up to 30 km/h (about 19 mph) on land for short distances. That’s faster than most humans can sprint. And in the water, they can outmaneuver boats. Combine that speed with aggression, and you get one of the most dangerous animals in Africa. Hippos are responsible for more human deaths in Africa annually than lions, elephants, or crocodiles.

Often, various birds hang around with hippos.

4. They Mark Territory With a Unique “Tail-Spin” Technique

Hippos are quite literal when it comes to marking their territory. They defecate while spinning their tails rapidly, spraying feces in a wide radius to mark boundaries or communicate with others. It’s messy and bizarre, but it’s also a very effective signaling method in the dense vegetation of riverbanks.

5. They Communicate Above and Below Water—At the Same Time

Hippos are incredibly vocal and communicate using grunts, bellows, and wheezes. But what’s mind-blowing is that they can make sounds that travel simultaneously through air and water. This means one hippo can “talk” to another, both above and below the water’s surface simultaneously, an incredibly rare ability in the animal kingdom.

It’s a rare treat to see hippos out of the water.

6. They’re More Closely Related to Whales Than You Might Think

Though they look like pigs or cows, hippos are actually the closest living relatives to whales and dolphins. They share a common ancestor from about 55 million years ago. This evolutionary link is supported by similarities in skull structure, social behavior, and even the composition of the blood sweat mentioned earlier.

One mom was taking a break from the bloat.

7. They Nurse Underwater

Baby hippos are born underwater and can nurse while submerged. Calves instinctively close their ears and nostrils and latch onto their mothers while floating or resting on the river bottom. It’s an adaptation that allows them to stay safe and hidden in their aquatic environment while still getting the nutrition they need.

They are sniffing for possible food finds.

From underwater moonwalking to crimson sunblock and high-speed chases, hippos are an amazing mix of mystery, muscle, and mischief. Often underestimated and misunderstood, they’re one of nature’s most unusual creatures—living proof that you can’t judge a book (or a hippo) by its cover.

Let the hippo remind us that even the slowest-looking animals might be hiding some seriously wild secrets just beneath the surface.

Two moms and babies

Most often, when on game drives (safaris), we only see hippos in the water. Having the opportunity to spend time watching them on land is entertaining and enriching, and we are grateful for the experience.

It seems the bloat has increased in size.

Seeing these hippos reminded us both of the first time we saw hippos in the wild when we first arrived in the Maasai Mara, in Kenya, in October 2013. We couldn’t resist sharing these hippo photos we took in the first hour we were in the Mara. See below:

Anderson, our safari guide, took us on an unplanned 90-minute safari rather than wait at the airstrip for another couple to arrive on a later flight. This was one of the first photos we took along the Mara River. Our tent is on the river’s banks where the hippos will awaken us with their hysterical morning calls. We couldn’t believe our eyes or our ears. See the post here.
We could sit for hours and watch the hippos’ antics. Their lethargic movements and playful personalities are a pleasure to behold. See the post here.

Be well.

Photo from ten years ago today, May 19, 2015:

On our final days in Kauai, we spotted almost neon-colored flowers on a walk. For more photos, please click here.

Part 3…Outstanding day in Kruger National Park…Tower of power…

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Just like that, a tower of giraffes appeared on the road, leaving us exhilarated and enthused to witness these majestic animals again in the wild. To avoid scaring them off, we had to maintain our position on the road and film most of today’s shots through the windshield.

A grouping of giraffes is called a “tower,” which is the reason for today’s heading. Although we spotted seven giraffes in this tower, we could only photograph three or four simultaneously, as they wandered off and onto the road.

Giraffes may seem gentle and graceful with their long necks and slow strides, but don’t be fooled. These towering herbivores are surprisingly strong and powerful animals. Beneath their elegant appearance lies a combination of muscular strength, defensive power, and anatomical efficiency that allows them to survive and thrive in the wilds of Africa.

She was either cleaning herself or getting rid of an annoying insect.

Let’s start with one of the most striking features of the giraffe: its neck. The average adult giraffe’s neck is around six feet long and can weigh up to 600 pounds. Despite its length, a giraffe’s neck has the same number of vertebrae as most mammals—seven—but each vertebra is significantly elongated and supported by powerful muscles and ligaments. These muscles aren’t just for holding the neck upright; they play a key role in one of the giraffe’s primary forms of defense and dominance: necking.

Still can’t get rid of that annoying insect!

Necking is a form of combat between male giraffes where they swing their necks like sledgehammers, using their heavy skulls to strike their opponent. These blows can be powerful enough to knock down or even seriously injure a rival. Observers of giraffe fights often describe the sound of impact as loud and startling, a testament to the force these animals can generate. The winner of such contests earns mating rights with nearby females, so strength really does equal survival in this case.

They often show affection for one another.

Beyond their necks, giraffes possess powerful legs, especially their hind legs, capable of delivering a deadly kick. A single well-placed giraffe kick can crush a predator’s skull like a lion’s. Giraffes are known to kill lions with these kicks, and this natural defense mechanism makes adult giraffes a risky target for even the most formidable predators. Their legs are weapons and tools for speed: giraffes can run up to 35 miles per hour over short distances. However, they generally prefer a slower, energy-efficient pace to conserve stamina.

Standing on the road, always on guard for potential predators.

Regarding raw physicality, giraffes must be strong to support their size. Adult males can grow to nearly 18 feet tall and weigh up to 3,000 pounds. A giraffe has an exceptionally strong heart to pump blood from the heart to the brain, over six feet upward. It weighs up to 25 pounds and can pump blood at twice the pressure of a human heart. This high blood pressure is necessary to maintain brain function, especially when the giraffe suddenly raises or lowers its head.

The giraffe’s strength is not just muscular or mechanical—it’s also evolutionary. Their height and strength allow them to reach food that other herbivores can’t, reducing competition and allowing them access to leaves high in the treetops. Their long tongues—up to 18 inches—are tough and prehensile, capable of wrapping around and stripping leaves from thorny branches, like those of the acacia tree.

We weren’t in a hurry to leave. As we always acknowledge, “This is their house, not ours, and we are merely curious visitors.”

So, how strong are giraffes? They’re strong enough to defend themselves against lions, strong enough to fight each other in brutal battles for dominance, strong enough to run quickly despite their size, and strong enough to circulate blood to their heads without fainting. Their strength isn’t loud or flashy—it’s quiet, efficient, and built into every part of their being.

In the animal kingdom, strength doesn’t always look like a roaring lion or a charging rhino. Sometimes, it seems like a calm, towering creature grazing peacefully—until it’s time to show how powerful it is.

Side by side…

Spotting these giraffes on the road was a delightful experience as we continued our day trip through Kruger National Park. We encountered one treasured sighting after another, leaving us with memories of a well-spent day.

Be well.

Photo from ten years ago today, May 18, 2015:

The expansive lawn of a cottage located on Hanalei Bay was used to make the movie, The Descendants. For more photos, please click here.

Part 2…Outstanding day in Kruger National Park…Baby elephant antics…

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This baby elephant was having fun showing off on the road. We couldn’t stop laughing!

On our return drive to Crocodile Gate on the paved road in Kruger, we thought the sightings were done for the day. Little did we know we’d encounter this precious baby elephant on the road. His mom was grazing on the side of the road and kept a watchful eye on him.

Standing on three legs!

We backed up sufficiently to ensure we didn’t cause the baby or its mom any undue stress. I regret not taking a video, but when he started his antics, we had no idea he’d continue to perform for us. At the time, we were the only vehicle watching this treasure. We didn’t dare move the car to a better position since we thought we’d scare him off. These photos were taken through the windshield.

Baby elephant antics are pure, heart-melting joy! 🐘💕

Picture a tiny elephant — well, tiny for an elephant — with oversized ears flapping like little wings, a curious trunk that doesn’t quite know what it’s doing yet, and an energy level somewhere between a toddler on sugar and a puppy discovering snow for the first time.

Butt in the air!

Here are some classic baby elephant antics:

  • Trunk Trouble: Baby elephants often haven’t mastered control of their trunks, so you’ll see them swinging them wildly, tripping over them, or trying to pick something up and missing entirely. Sometimes they accidentally boop themselves on the face or suck it like a thumb.

  • Mud Bath Madness: Mud puddles are the ultimate playground. Calves love to splash, roll, and slide in them — sometimes flopping in with so much gusto they knock over a sibling or get stuck in the slop and need help from mom.

    “I am so cute, even when I don’t pose!”

  • Play Fighting: Baby elephants practice sparring by head-butting and pushing each other with mock seriousness. Their attempts are often clumsy, followed by running away in exaggerated victory, ears out and tails wagging.

  • Chasing Birds (and Butterflies): They’ll charge after anything that moves — guinea fowl, butterflies, even falling leaves — only to screech to a halt in surprise when it turns around or flutters unexpectedly.

  • Shadow Games: Some have been seen startled by their own shadows or reflections in water, backing up in mock fear before trying again with exaggerated bravery.

After he joined his mom and they both took off into the bush, we continued on our way, unable to wipe the smile off our faces for such a fine day of ‘safari luck.”

“Look what I can do!”

One never knows how a game drive in Kruger will turn out. At times, we encounter many amazing sightings, and at other times, there are but a few photo ops. We never regret spending the better part of a day driving through the wildlife wonderland.

Today, we’re doing three loads of laundry, trying to make room on the rack to fit all of it. It’s hard to believe we’ll begin the long journey to the US one week from today. Packing will be easy this time since we will only be gone for three weeks.

That trunk is quite bendable!

Have a lovely weekend.

Be well.

Photo from ten years ago today, May 17, 2015:

Finding an ocean view takes only moments in every direction in Kauai. For more photos, please click here.

Part 1…Outstanding day in Kruger National Park…Lions making magic!

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With countless vehicles at the site, we had to take these distant photos through the windshield. We were thrilled to get these shots of the male and female during a mating session.

We keep our expectations in check upon entering Kruger National Park. A long time ago, we accepted the reality that we may not see much on any given day. We always have a one-year Wild Card to enter the park at no additional cost and can return anytime for more photo ops and hopefully more interesting sightings.

After the first 20 minutes of driving after entering the Crocodile Gate, we commented that it might be one of those days with few fascinating sightings. How wrong we were!

A majestic male with his thick mane surely attracted the female in estrus.

Suddenly, we spotted a grouping of vehicles and knew something exciting was happening nearby. Tom maneuvered the car as close as he could, and we saw the mating pair of lions under a bush, as shown in today’s photos.

Lions’ mating in the wild involves a fascinating, intense, and somewhat brutal process deeply rooted in their biology and social structure. Here are the key particulars:

1. Courtship and Readiness

  • Estrus Cycle: A lioness enters estrus (heat) multiple times yearly, usually lasting 4–7 days. She becomes sexually receptive and signals this with increased vocalizations, restlessness, and scent marking.

  • Male Interest: Males can detect this readiness through scent (pheromones in her urine) and behavior. One or more males may follow her closely during this period

  • Lions have very short mating sessions over many hours, if not days.

2. Mating Process

  • Frequency: Once the lioness is receptive, mating happens frequently — up to 20–40 times a day, often every 15 to 30 minutes. This continues for several days, ensuring successful fertilization.

  • Duration: Each copulation is very brief, lasting only 10–20 seconds.

  • Pain Response: The male’s penis is barbed, which causes pain when he withdraws. This pain triggers the female’s ovulation — a necessary part of feline reproduction.

  • Aggressive Behavior: After mating, the lioness often roars, snarls, or swipes at the male due to the pain. The interaction can look violent, but it is a natural part of the process.

He was handsome and appeared to be healthy and well-fed.

3. Monogamous Period

  • During the mating phase, the pair usually isolates themselves from the pride to focus entirely on mating. They do not hunt or eat much, and the physical toll can be significant.

4. Male Competition and Infanticide

  • Coalitions of males (usually brothers or close allies) often take over prides. If they succeed, they may kill existing cubs sired by previous males to bring females back into estrus.

  • This infanticide, though brutal, is part of the natural strategy to pass on genes quickly within a short dominance window (typically 2–4 years).

The female was submissive, rolling around on her back with paws in the air.

5. Pregnancy and Cubs

  • Gestation: Around 110 days (3.5 months).

  • Birth: Lionesses give birth to 1–4 cubs in seclusion and keep them hidden for about 6–8 weeks before introducing them to the pride.

6. Evolutionary Strategy

  • The high frequency of mating and the barbed penis are evolutionary adaptations to ensure ovulation and conception.

  • Mating many times also reduces sperm competition from rival males.

Lion mating is short, frequent, and physically demanding. It’s marked by a raw intensity that mirrors the pride of life’s competitive, often violent dynamics. These behaviors ensure that only the strongest genes are passed on in a harsh and competitive environment.

She looked exhausted.

After considerable time at the sighting, unable to get any closer, we took off on our planned itinerary toward Lower Sabie, where we stopped at the Mugg & Bean for beverages. Continuing with diets, we didn’t eat breakfast but instead ordered their delicious coffee while we sat on their veranda enjoying the views over the Sabie River.

Over the next several hours, we encountered many more exciting sightings, which we’re looking forward to sharing over the next several days.

It’s been a busy morning here in the bush. Tom awoke me early this morning to let me know that Norman was here, after we hadn’t seen him in over a week. He’d cut up some apples to keep him busy until I got outside moments later. I was thrilled to see him once again. He was alone without the family, but hopefully, soon we’ll have an opportunity to see his and Nina’s new baby.

They were together when we drove into the park and again on the opposite side of the road when we left several hours later.

Shortly after Norman left, and I was showered and dressed for the day, a huge band of mongooses stopped by. Immediately, I cut up a good-sized batch of paloney, which they devoured in seconds.

Zebras and several kudu families stopped by. Once it settled down, I baked 36 keto blueberry muffins since there wasn’t load shedding and I could use the oven.

As always, we’ll head out to Jabula for entertainment and dinner tonight. We’ll be back with more Kruger photos tomorrow.

Be well.

Photo from ten years ago today, May 16, 2015:

Our favorite bird, Birdie, lives in our yard with his significant other. He waits for us when we open the blinds in the morning and looks at us as we have dinner each night. Fr more photos, please click here.

Wow!…What a fantastic Quiz Night at Giraffe!…The epitome of a perfect night of socialization and fun…

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Our table was the first-place winner! From the left, Tom and I, Marlize, Daphne, and Neville (the manager of Giraffe).

Last night’s quiz night had a 1960s theme with the option to dress up for the occasion. Unfortunately, with only one clothing suitcase each, Tom and I didn’t have anything suitable as a costume. Only about 40% of the participants in Quiz Night dressed up, but it was fun to see the various adaptations.

Last week, our same team, but with a sixth participant who’s since left Marloth Park, came in second place, missing first place by only a few points. Last night, much to our delight, the same group of five came in first place. How exciting it was to win! We each received ZAR 115, US $6.31, after each paying ZAR 30, US $1.65 as the entry fee.

None of the players at the eight tables (there were 37 total players last night) play for money. However, the money makes us feel like little kids winning a small prize at a birthday party after playing “Pin the Tail on the Donkey.”

We didn’t know every person who participated in Quiz Night, but we learned quite a few. At this table, our friends Sydney and Patty Pan are the two on the left.

The rules for the game are strict.

  • No cell phones may be placed on the table or in a participant’s hand
  • Single answer sheets are provided for the group leader to complete based on the consensus of each team..
  • No notebooks or cheat sheets are allowed, but each participant may have a pen and a piece of paper to share their answers with the team, to avoid being heard by surrounding teams.
  • No shouting answers, even if the wrong answers are shouted to influence other teams wrongfully.
  • Answer sheets are passed to the next closest table for scoring, and the moderator announces the team winner after each round. There are usually five rounds of questions.

The quizzes start at 6:30 pm and end around 9:00, and the tally and distribution of the winnings to the top three teams begins immediately after the last round of questions is checked and scored.

At this table, we know Jeanine, second from the left, and Wimpy (pronounced Vimpy), fourth from the left.

Last night, Tom was without a doubt the star of our team, although everyone contributed to our winning score. His recall of useless information always surprises and baffles me. Here’s some information on those who tend to win at trivia games:

Does being good at trivia games indicate intellect?

Being good at trivia games can indicate certain types of intellect, but it’s not a comprehensive measure of overall intelligence. Here’s a breakdown:

What trivia skills do reflect:

  1. Crystallized intelligence – This is the ability to use knowledge acquired through past learning and experience. Trivia strongly draws on this.

  2. Memory and recall speed – Fast and accurate memory retrieval is key to trivia success.

  3. Verbal ability – Understanding and interpreting nuanced or cleverly worded questions often requires strong verbal reasoning.

  4. Curiosity and information retention – People who enjoy learning random facts often perform better at trivia and tend to retain info well.

    These were the finalists who won the best-dressed team in the 1960s attire contest. We know Sandra and Paul, third and fourth from the left.

What trivia doesn’t necessarily reflect:

  1. Fluid intelligence – The ability to solve new problems, think abstractly, or identify patterns (e.g., logic puzzles or creative problem-solving).

  2. Emotional intelligence – Understanding and managing emotions, empathy, and social navigation.

  3. Practical intelligence – Street smarts, common sense, or decision-making under pressure.

  4. Depth of understanding – Trivia rewards breadth over depth; knowing a fact is not the same as understanding it deeply.

Summary:

Being good at trivia indicates a well-read, curious, quick-minded person with a good memory, but it’s one facet of intellect, not the whole picture. Think of it as a strong specialty in a broader landscape of intelligence.

Nonetheless, it’s an entertaining activity on Tuesday nights, which we’ll continue until we leave in 10 days and upon our return in mid-June.

Be well.

Photo from ten years ago today, May 14, 2015:

A lone tree near the shore on the Kauai Path. For more photos, please click here.

Off to Komati for the last time before we leave in 11 days…Tom has quit smoking…

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Big Daddy stopped by for some pellets.

This morning, we took off for Komati to pick up a few items we needed at Spar Market and quickly stopped at the pharmacy. When we returned, I got to work to finish this post and upload it as soon as possible.

Today, I need to work on our big upcoming Amazon order, rounding out supplies we’ll need over the next year until we return to the US again in May 2026 for grandson Miles’s graduation. Then, granddaughter Madighan won’t graduate until 2028, after which all four grandchildren will have graduated from high school. From there, we’ll be looking at college graduations for four of the six grandchildren.

Mongooses were scrambling for whole eggs.

God willing, we’ll still be able to travel in the future. We’re doing everything possible to stay healthy and continue our exciting world travel plans. One life-changing, health-altering move Tom has made in the past year has been to quit smoking.

With his confirmed diagnosis of pulmonary fibrosis after being exposed to asbestos and multiple other chemicals, after 42½ years of working on the railroad. This past September, while we were staying in Cleveland for my medical appointments, eight months ago, he quit smoking, cold turkey.

He’s quit many times in the past, but failed repeatedly. However, the seriousness of his lung condition finally convinced him he needed to stop once and for all. The frequent coughing also reminded him of how important it was for him to quit.

We were most worried about how he’d do in South Africa, especially when we spend every Friday and Saturday evening at Jabula, where smoking is allowed at the bar, where we sit to socialize and eat dinner.

Bossy is frequently around, looking at us for pellets.

South Africans frequently smoke. Here are some stats on smoking tobacco in South Africa and other countries:

As of 2021, approximately 23.9% of South African adults aged 15 and older reported smoking cigarettes, translating to about 10.4 million individuals. This figure places South Africa among the higher-prevalence countries globally. Tobacco Control Data

Global Comparison

According to the OECD, in 2015, South Africa had a daily smoking prevalence of 19.0% among individuals aged 15 and older, ranking it fourth among the countries surveyed. This rate is notably higher than in many high-income countries. For instance: NationMasterPMC

  • United States: 10.7% (2019)

  • Canada: 11.6% (2019)

  • United Kingdom: 15.3% (2019)

  • Australia: 12.4% (2016), NationMaster

Conversely, some countries exhibit higher smoking rates: NationMaster

  • Turkey: 25.9% (2019)

  • Estonia: 20.0% (2019)

  • Italy: 19.3% (2019) NationMaster

These comparisons underscore the significant variation in smoking prevalence across different nations.

Gender and Age Disparities in South Africa

In South Africa, smoking prevalence is markedly higher among men (39.1%) compared to women (9.7%) as of 2021. Tobacco use is also more prevalent among middle-aged adults (25–64 years), likely due to higher disposable incomes within this demographic. Tobacco Control Data+1Tobacco Control Data+1Tobacco Control Data

Regional Context

Within the WHO African Region, South Africa ranks first in terms of the number of tobacco users, with an estimated 8.6 million individuals using tobacco products in 2022. This positions South Africa as a significant outlier in a region where many countries have lower smoking rates.Global Action to End Smoking.

No words can describe how pleased I am that he’s finally quit. He had to make this decision on his own, and there was nothing I could have said or done to convince him sooner.

Big Daddy was lounging in the garden, waiting for us to feed other animals who might stop by so he could get in on the action.

No doubt, he still struggles several times each day. I support him when he freely expresses the ongoing challenge. I didn’t write about it for fear he’d fail again. However, now, he is comfortable with me writing about it today. As hard as it’s been, he feels confident he’s on the other side and can continue in his abstinence.

I am so proud of him and feel grateful to no longer be exposed to secondhand smoke daily. Here in South Africa, it’s difficult to avoid secondhand smoke entirely. Still, at Jabula, it’s minimal, with perhaps only one person smoking at a time in the open-air bar and restaurant.

We haven’t become outspoken naysayers about others smoking. It’s each person’s personal choice, and we have no interest in criticizing others for their choices.

Tonight, we’re off to Giraffe for dinner and Quiz Night. It’s a 1960s dress-up night, but with only one suitcase each, we don’t have anything to wear for the occasion. Thus, we won’t be dressing up. Instead, we’ll focus on the lively conversation in our group and socializing with the others.

Be well.

Photo from ten years ago today, May 13, 2015:

A small lagoon between Anini Beach and Ke’e Beach, in Kauai. For more photos, please click here.

Happy Mother’s Day to all the moms in the world…Before we know it…Fishing?

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While we were at Jabula last evening, my son Greg called, and I moved to their office to chat with him for a few minutes without disturbing anyone in the bar. As always, it’s wonderful to hear our kids’ voices with updates on the grandchildren and recent events in their lives.

Greg, his girlfriend Heather, and the grandchildren look forward to our upcoming visit. They are making plans for us for when we arrive, amid all the plans we’ll make with Tom’s family. It will be a busy three weeks.

Last night, Greg asked me if I’d go fishing with them, an activity we often did when we lived in Minnesota years ago. Living on a lake for 26 years resulted in many fun times, sitting at the end of the dock, fishing rods in hand, and spending hours in anticipation of who’s going to catch the next and biggest fish.

I consider myself a good fisherperson. Tom always teases that the only time I’d get jealous was when someone caught a fish bigger than mine. So true. But with the necessity of buying a non-resident fishing license for only a few hours, I will join them and won’t fish, but will watch them and help bait their hooks. Even with my long fingernails, I had no problem grabbing a worm, maggot, or leech to bait mine or the kids’ hooks.

In any case, hanging out with the kids and engaging in idle chatter as we watch the bobbers will be fun. As always, there will be many times when Tom is with the kids’ family and I am with mine. Although we both make every effort to spend time with each other’s families, it doesn’t always work out that way.

We’ll arrive in Minnesota at 3:15 pm on May 25, two weeks from today. We won’t see anyone that day or evening since we’ll have been traveling for over 30 hours, plus time on the road getting to and from the airport in Nelspruit and the airport in Minneapolis. I hope we can sleep on the plane and be refreshed the following day.

Maisie’s graduation isn’t until May 29, which prompted us to leave here a little earlier than necessary to ensure we had ample time to recover from the long travel period. When we arrived in South Africa at the beginning of March, it was the first time either of us had suffered from jet lag over the past 12½ years of world travel. We’re hoping that was an isolated situation and that we’ll do better this time after our outgoing and return flights.

This will be my first roundtrip flight from South Africa to the US. But in March 2023, Tom did a round trip when he left here to return to the US for his dear brother Jerome’s funeral, returning ten days later. It was the first time I was alone here in the bush, but I did fine, especially when our many friends made a point of keeping me busy at social events.

I continued to go to Jabula every Friday and Saturday night, with friends driving me each way, particularly my old friend Sindee. Louise and Danie invited me for dinner, and the time flew by quickly until Tom returned.

One might think that living amongst wild animals and the nighttime darkness would make one feel unsafe, but I have never felt unsafe. Plus, I kept the emergency remote in the bedroom with me, and I would only need to press the red button to have security staff here within a few minutes.

The bush is a wild place, and nighttime sounds can be frightening, but the risks are minimal, even when lions roam the park. At any given time, there are leopards, but they are rarely seen.

Today, we are making a prime rib roast on the braai and will enjoy a quiet day. It’s very warm, and we don’t have a complaint in the world.

Happy Mother’s Day to all the moms in the world. Enjoy a day about YOU.

Be well.

Photo from ten years ago today, May 11, 2015:

The locomotive/coach formerly used for tours of the Kilauea Sugar Plantation in Kauai has been closed for many years. For more photos, please click here.

“Technical difficulties” resolved…We’re back up and running!…Trail cam photos…

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Norman stopped by during the night along with the genet located on the right of the bench.

In April 2024, we purchased three laptops on sale on Amazon using accumulated rewards points. Why did we purchase three laptops? At the time, we figured we’d be in the US for a long time due to my medical concerns and having a backup we could use for streaming would be ideal.

At the time, we thought we’d like to watch news and podcasts while working online on our laptops. Sure, we could use split screen, but neither of us was interested. However, as it turned out (fortunately), I didn’t need another open heart surgery requiring a long recovery in the US, and we were able to continue our world travels sooner than we thought.

We didn’t put any meat out for the genet, but tonight we will leave out steak fat and meat from Tom’s dinner at Jabula last night.

I wish we hadn’t purchased the third laptop, but we may not regret it as we continue on our world travels on cruises and more, beginning in September when we leave South Africa. We’ve found that our laptops usually last two to three years, based on our frequent travel and excessive use.

If one of our laptops crashes while on a cruise or in a remote area, such as here in the bush, we have the backup that is still in its original box. In the past few weeks, when I’ve had issues with my laptop, I thought I’d have to start using the third device.

The biggest issue with my laptop was its slow performance and inability to produce decent sound for streaming. No matter how hard I tried to fix the sound by adding sound boosting software and performing many tasks to upgrade it, it seemed hopeless.

Norman and the genet.

In addition, I was unable to connect either of our two portable Bluetooth speakers. One would work for a while and then create annoying static. The speakers worked fine on Tom’s laptop. It may seem logical that we should use Tom’s laptop to stream shows, but his keyboard is different than mine, and I don’t care to use his computer. I am in charge of setting up all the shows we stream since Tom gets impatient with running into glitches.

This week, we reached a point where we couldn’t stream because I had no sound. It was too much monkeying around trying to watch a show..

I knew what I had to do, but I didn’t want to go through the hours-long process of doing it: I needed to completely reset my laptop to return it to its original Windows 11 configuration. I did that yesterday morning, much to my chagrin, and indeed, it took several hours. That was the reason I didn’t post yesterday morning.

Norman left, and the genet remained looking for food.

Doing a reset may save my folders and factory-installed apps, but it eliminates all the apps I’ve installed in the past 13 months (and their passwords), of which there were many. This took me no less than five hours to accomplish.

Yesterday afternoon, I was almost completely done and could test using a Bluetooth speaker for sound while streaming. It worked! Last night, we could stream a series with quality sound for the first time in months. What a relief. I knew this process would work and wasn’t surprised by the positive result.

Our goals are to make life as stress-free as possible. Solving a problem such as this only reminded us of how important it is to address problems as quickly as possible so that we can continue our travels with ease and peace of mind.

We’ll be back with more new photos tomorrow.

Be well.

Photo from ten years ago today, May 10, 2015:

Could this Yellow Candle flower be more exquisite with its white blooms? For more photos, please click here.

Feeling better…Our dear friends Karen and Rich booked their fights to visit us in South Africa!…

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There were 12 kudus in the garden looking for pellets.

This morning I awoke feeling better than I had in days. I hadn’t missed a beat preparing meals, doing laundry, or attending Quiz Night on Tuesday evening. But on this gorgeous sunny day, I feel renewed and refreshed after sleeping through the night, although I awoke at 5:30. A short nap may be on the agenda this early afternoon.

Wildebeest Hal and a friend.

Late yesterday afternoon, my dear friend Karen and I chatted on the phone, figuring out good flights for her and her husband Rich’s arrival. They’d originally planned to arrive in early July, but flights to the US during the 4th of July holiday week resulted in higher fares.

Giraffes visited again yesterday.

By changing their departure date to June 26, they saved around US $600, ZAR 10957, making the fare savings worth the changes. We’ll be returning from the US to Marloth Park on June 17, and they’ll arrive on June 28, a mere 11 days later, giving us plenty of time to prepare for their arrival.

It’s always exciting to see them in the garden.

We are so excited to finally be able to reciprocate after we’ve stayed at their home several times since we began traveling the world. Add the excitement of sharing this magical place with them, and we couldn’t be more thrilled.

It’s not as if we have much to do before they arrive, other than grocery shopping and visiting the liquor store for some of their favorites. We won’t buy too much since they will enjoy shopping with us after recovering from the long flight. It’s a cultural experience one wouldn’t want to miss.

They rarely stay for long periods.

We won’t book any activities until after they arrive and we get a feel for what they’d enjoy. Karen said they’d be content to sit on the veranda with us rather than do much sightseeing, but that could change once they get here, with so much to do.

We originally planned to return to Nwenya tonight for the Thursday night buffet. After making dinner yesterday with excellent leftovers for tonight, we decided to stay in and enjoy the upcoming beautiful evening in the bush, since so many animals have returned to the garden after the holidaymakers left on Sunday.

Starlings hover around the garden all day.

Today will be a quiet day, which we are treasuring. The sounds of birds and wildlife are all we need to fully entertain us on such an exquisite weather day. The humidity and dew point are low, and the temperature will be a high of 87F, 31C. Right now, it’s only 76F, 24C. The freshly washed laundry is drying quickly in the sun while Vusi is in the garden watering the grass. It’s a perfect day.

We hope you have a fantastic day.

Be well.

Photo from ten years ago today, May 8, 2015:

A view of the drive to the Kilauea Lighthouse when it was closed. My sister Julie took the photo during her visit. For more of Julie’s photos, please click here.