Living My Dream Day 180 (Skukuza Day 8)
And its a very, very wet Good Evening to you all!!! Wow, so much rain and it has not stopped. Im not swimming under the awning and am going to try and do a quick blog tonight! (No, the awning is not leaking, but Im on a slope and the water is just streaming down and my groundcover is getting a wash or a washout!)
Last night I forgot to mention something and would like to do so now….Tim and Mel, thanks for a great evening and a very nice stirfry…I really enjoyed the eve in you company and must say Hi to Tims sister Lynne all the way down in Durban!
Quickly to the comments from yesterday..Ingwe1, I did not do the Maroela loop this time around…will do so next time..Grasswidower…and all else..the bird he is referring to is actually a Black Bellied Bustard (little smaller than the Kori Bustard), but we thoroughly enjoyed listening to it in January…a click…silence and all of a sudden a Pop! Really interesting to listen to. Ndloti I have seen the coolers in every shop I went into..so, yes they still sell them…I think you are going to have to change your plans as I think most roads will be undrivable by tomorrow morning with this rain! Ian Im using an MTN 3G card, but I dont get any 3G in Kruger..only GPRS or Edge…and not the fastest connection at all. Some say that Vodacom is better, but I wont know as I use MTN! Greenertina, I would think that the liquid in the can steams the chic from the inside and the heat from the fire and the “oven” browns it on the outside. Redlomo you stick the beer can inside the chicken..or the chicken over the can…which ever way you look at it! It really was very good! I thank all of you for enjoying the pics of the chic and the birds and for reading and commenting!
As said yesterday I was going to sleep until I wake up, well I woke just after 7am and the rain was pelting down..really so nice to wake up with the sound of rain! I quickly did a few things and decided to still drive…rain or not.. not many animals around today..think they are all shocked to see so much rain. I took the road up to Kruger Gate..then the S3 along the Sabie River up to Phabeni and the tar road back to Skukuza. A few impala along the way…nothing else!
On the S3 the rain stopped for a little while and I could actually see out the window….this Buff came walking up the path and did not at all looked impressed with the weather.
I could hear the Purple Turaccos and then saw one sitting in the tree close by, but into the wrong side of the road with the light…I did take a pic and its much better than the one I took at PKop a few weeks ago. Really such a colorful bird and I once again the sun would come out to give it a bit of a shine.
This little Burchels Cougal was really puffed up to protect it from the bit of drizzle still falling….
I also found this European Bee Eater sitting on a branch…
And while I was taking pics of it..the heavens opened up again…it was really pelting down and I had to close all windows and switch the windscreen wipers on full! Not pleasant as you can only see what is infront..no ways to see out the side windows. I eventually reached he tar road..(Phabeni – Skukuza road) and saw a small herd of Elephant in the distance…then on the way back….14 Tortoises! I could not believe how they all came out to drink in the rain!
I took pics of all of them, but will post this one first…(it was only when I downloaded the pics that I realized that I had seen 3 different types!) I dont know them all and would like someone to confirm or correct on the ID’s!
First the usual Leopard Tortoise..
and then I found a big one…according to my book it might be a Mountain Tortoise!
and then this one, which I think could be a Spek’s Hingeback????
I returned to camp in the rain, just before 12…water all over…so I took the spade and made a bit of a ditch on the side where it was coming in….then cleaned up and played scrabble with Fathima…really nice sitting out here listening to the rain. I invited Green Widow over for dinner and she came to introduce herself just after she arrived at camp..a real nice woman and I enjoyed talking to her. Wacktazz called just after 5pm and took me to the Rhino Boma here at Skukuza. Only 1 Rhino there at the moment, but such a character!
The rain had stopped and I could clean out the braai, think they dont do it here when it rains as they expect you wont be braaing? Started the fire and organized the food for tonight. As she is a woman alone I would think that she does not braai….and I was correct…she said she does not even now how to start a fire! No shame in that…I just love braaing and I love making a fire….we are not all the same. A very simple braai as I did not know how long the weather would last….steak, chops, pot in foil, onions in foil and roasted garlic…(I also made grilled Halloumi cheese and we ate that with Onion marmelade!
As the meat was on the fire, more visitors, Spookie and Hannes from Bothaville came around..they love the blog, but dont comment, they are also friends with Nonnie and Corrie that I met at Satara….nice meeting you and I look forward to seeing what is in the parcel that you brought all the way from the farm!!!… Thanks for coming around and I hope you have a good time in Kruger!
Then the heavens opened again…my steak was done, but I still had to finish of GW’s as she likes in Medium Rare and I like mine medium to well….and here standing in the rain I finished the food! Must say it was nice and I enjoyed having the company of Green Widow..thanks for coming around and I look fwd to our evening tom at the restaurant.
It is time for me to pack up again and move to CB on Saturday…tom Im going to spend an hour or so with a man from vet services to find out more about Buffs and Lions with TB and other diseases they have in Kruger. I look forward to bringing you that info…if there is anything you would like me to ask him, please post here tonight as I will be leaving to meet him early in the morning, but will check the comments before I leave…
And with that…another good day in Kruger has come to an end…now I must get inside before I float down the road with all the water under my feet!
Until tomorrow
Sleep tite
Martie
Like
October 29th, 2009 at 10:45 pm
Hi Martie
Just goes to show that Kruger is not all about leopards and lions .,… the little guys are just as fantastic …. keep up the great blogging
October 29th, 2009 at 10:46 pm
…oh and I am the 1st to post … Yippppeeee
October 29th, 2009 at 11:06 pm
hi there,
i seem to get flooded out with the load! at least not quite as flooded as being in a caravan 
we have had a lot of rain today in Centurion – with MUCH lightning and rumbling of thunder. i love a thunderstorm! but today, even my teenage kids got a fright with close lightning, and they were sitting inside a building with the weather shaking the windows!! but i suppose we need the water.
haven’t commented in a while, and being back at school (where i work) really puts a stop to life for me
well, just a hi from me, wishing you a happy time. min dae till your man arrives
enjoy and savour the moments 
i love all the pics that you post (whether they are in your opinion: good or not), it brings me back to KNP in the city – and it’s great. even with the grotty neighbours, odd bits with the slug and the jockey wheel and the awning and and and, the JJ’s and the tent camps, i still think it must be worth the time in the bush. i wish it was me
my dream year would be half in the bush and half at the sea.
but now i am rambling – i am tired!
hope you are sleeping well with the rain on your roof, and that the weather will clear a bit tomorrow for good sightings and another fabulous day in KNP. i am interested to hear the news of the buffs and lion, but don’t have any questions to add.
enjoy your day.
Heather
October 29th, 2009 at 11:10 pm
Hi skattie, wow is’nt the rain brilliant. We’ve also been having some in Cullinan.
Seems strange to think a whole week has gone since we were with you. I loved the tortoise pics and you right, the buffulo really looked grumpy. If there is anything you need before I meet Steve sms ASAP. Wishing you a safe move with lots to see on the way. lol JenE @ Cullinan
October 29th, 2009 at 11:13 pm
Hi Martie, What an amazing day you had and how interesting to meet so many different people and have such a great time, you are obviously a “people person”!!!! Good on you!!!!! The weather seems drastic, but the rains are on time for a change, i’m so glad!! The impies will be dropping their babies soon!!!! I just love this time of the year in Kruger, it shows how the circle of live just goes on!!!!! Have avery interesting day tomorrow and I look forward to all your news as always!!!! Lots of love, take care!!!
October 29th, 2009 at 11:49 pm
Hi Martie – have been reading the blog for some time – we have just returned from Kruger which is my favourite place on earth. Am SO happy it’s raining as was 39,5 deg in Skukuza on sunday and the place looks like a desert! The rain is badly needed. Spotted you (saw the yellow ribbon) on our drive on monday and was sooo excited but was a bit shy to flag you down, we will be back in March so hopefully we might cross paths. Am so jealous of your leopards – they were the only 1 of the big 5 that we missed. Isn’t it wonderful to see the immense herds of buffalo – enjoy all the baby impis – i really admire you for what you are doing. enjoy and keep up the blogging, take care x
October 30th, 2009 at 12:17 am
Hi Mg great bird pics….again.
Have a super day!
rusky. Mel aus
October 30th, 2009 at 12:29 am
hi martie,
pleased to hear your still having a great time just catching up with the blog.nice to hear the rains have finally arrived.sorted all our pics out and starting a trip report would it be ok to include the one we had taken with you at berg n dal.signing off now such a pleasure to have met you during our trip take care stu & toni
October 30th, 2009 at 1:34 am
Taracoo – is that an “Old” Purple Crested Lourie?
Gomodwane here Martie comes!!
Cheers,
Ingwe1 (Sydney, Aus)
October 30th, 2009 at 4:49 am
Hi Martie
Love the pics of the tortoises
Take care on the way to CB and enjoy the area there
Have a great weekend
Lorraine…Canberra
October 30th, 2009 at 6:25 am
Hi Martie
Thanks for the lovely pics of the tortoises and the purplecrested lourie. Your bird pics are always so good. If I want to take a photo of a bird it usualy flies away before I can press the button. I know it’s difficult to spot animals in the rain but we are thankful for it as it means Kruger will stay alive.
Thank you once again for bringing this piece of heaven right into our homes, all over the world.
Take care and enjoy!
Pumba (Benoni)
October 30th, 2009 at 6:58 am
As usually super! I missed the blog my computer was out of action! Great pics these last 7 days, sorry I had to cheat with the close catch of the kudu! See you have a pic of my favourite bird: burchels cougal! Have an awesome weekend and good luck to the Bulls and the Cheetahs for the Currie Cup final! Now theres gonna be a slaughter, and its not even in the Kruger! Chat soon!
October 30th, 2009 at 7:13 am
Hi Martie
I watch the cams every day and at one stage there were elephants at the Satara waterhole and it was raining “Cats and Dogs” you could hardly see the elephants, I actually e-mailed the picture to my friend who also goes regularly to the Park and all she could say is “I don’t believe it but it looks beautiful and it is so great that they are getting rain”
I am lilke you I also like to make the fire for the braai and do the braaing.
Hope you have a lovely day and that your move tomorrow goes smoothly and that the rain stays away until you have put up your “home”.
Regards
Dawn (Johannesburg)
October 30th, 2009 at 7:20 am
Morning Martie!
Hope you had a good night with all the rain and fluds. I think the hole Mpumalanga and Gauteng had rain. You should ask the vet about the difs of the tortaises he should be able to help. It’s always been like that if it rains the animals hide, we have the same props with that I think it’s a nature thing. So guy once said to me “You are lucky to be where you are, every thing you see is a bonus” so enjoy every day of our creation.
Have a great and dry day.
Thea
October 30th, 2009 at 7:21 am
Hi Martie nice to see the pics of the 3 different tortoise, don’t see them to often unless it rains… Enjoy CB. My favourite camp. Hope you see lots of Cheetah on the S28… Good luck with the move. Yeh for the rain. they need it up there. Enjoy
Bev
October 30th, 2009 at 7:26 am
Martie
Loved your bird and tortoise pics ! I wanted to become a wildlife vet , but didn’t have the finances for the studies , so I’m looking forward to your blog tonight . Have a fabulous day !
October 30th, 2009 at 8:01 am
Hi Engel,
Tortoise photos are super. Also like the purple breasted bird. Again super sounds delicious. Looking forward mine in couple of day, not long now. Please keep the rain for me. Luv you. Engel Xxx
October 30th, 2009 at 8:31 am
Hi Martie
30 October 2009 8:35 am
Thank you for the message it was a nice surprise I am so glad that you met my wonderful brother Tim and Mel and it is great trhat they are having such a wonderful time. Your pics are fantastic. I am so glad that Tim has put me onto this website and I give it to everyone that I know. Your dream is inspiring and sure do hope that some day I can live my dream.
Best regards Lynn Lewis
October 30th, 2009 at 8:46 am
Hi Martie
Great to know Kruger is getting good rain it really needs it. Pics of toitoises really cute. Great you could go to the boma and l see what happens behind the seens hope you have a great tomorrow with lots more to learn.
Take Care
October 30th, 2009 at 8:54 am
Hi Martie!
Yes, I echo the thoughts of the others, and are relieved to see how wet it is, saw yesterday on the webcam they got some rain in the middle of the park. Hope it is the same up north!! We will be checking the forum as well for some news. Have a very nice day and weekend, So and I will be trying the beer inside the bird thing tomorrow, while obviously consuming a few myself. And good luck to the Blue Bulls!!!
Lots of regards!
Dan & So
October 30th, 2009 at 9:16 am
Hi Martie,
Lovely pics of the birds, and the tortoises. I would also like to know the names of the different ones. It is not easy to caravan in the rain because there is always a river of water somewhere, but the sound on the roof of the van is great. You actually want to stay in bed and read all day. It is so nice and cosy. We have also had rain here in Gauteng, and it is lovely – don’t have to worry with watering the garden. Hope you have a successful move to CB. CB is a nice little camp with a lovely shop. Enjoy!!
All the best,
Jean (Owlet from Pretoria)
October 30th, 2009 at 9:26 am
Martie you mentioned that you have change yor camps. We will be in Skukuza on the 17 and maybe on the 18 December
October 30th, 2009 at 9:35 am
Loved the pics of the tortoises. Can’t wait to read what you learn about the TB in buffs and lions, as we were talking about it just recently, and were saying that there is hardly any mention in the news anymore. Hope your groundsheet is not too muddy when you move. And go Blue Bulls!!!
October 30th, 2009 at 9:39 am
Hi Martie!
Ooooe I am so jealous…sitting at work, reading your blog…wish I could be in Kruger right now…
Love the tortoise pics! Rain in Kruger is truely a blessing! have in the past noticed the tortoises in the road but never really looked to see what kind they are…so please let us know when you found out!!!
Thanks Celeste
October 30th, 2009 at 9:42 am
Martie,
Enjoyed the bird and tortoise pics but cant wait to read tonight blog with the vets.
Have a great day
John
October 30th, 2009 at 9:58 am
Hi Martie,
Rain wonderful rain! thanks for another lovely blog with super pics of the birds and Tortoises, I would agree with your ID’s of them.
A question for the vet, one of the mites on the forum saw a Lioness that seemed to have a brand mark on the right hind leg and a blue dye mark on the fore leg. Is this to do with the TB research?
There is a pic of it in the “Kruger Park Forum, titled “Marked Lions” if you have time to have a quick look.
Thanks so much
Take care
Regards
Elsa.
October 30th, 2009 at 9:59 am
Yeay for rain
Have a great day and great weekend!
Travel safe and enjoy the freshness!
L
swiss
October 30th, 2009 at 10:03 am
At last !! I have been trying to get onto your blog for two days so will comment quickly before I am blacked out again. Lovely sequence of photos of the Leopard from two days ago, that area has been good to you. The move that you and Stephen have been expecting for so l0ng has finally come about, I am sure that he will manage with Lorris’s help. I am surprised that you can find time to do any game viewing, you seem to get so many visitors, but they would not pop in if they did not like your company, also sharing their camp fires with you. With all the rain you were able to take pics of the Tortoises that some readers have requested. You never know what you will see next in Kruger. Hope you have dried out by now and have a nice drive to C.B. Only one more sleep !!! Please give Stephen my love when he arrives. xxx
October 30th, 2009 at 11:05 am
Hi Martie. Thanks for your blog. Love the pictures of the tortoises!
Thank goodness for the rain! Hopefully not too much. I was there with the floods in the 90′s. Seeing that, I think it was the Sabie river just gushing so much water and covering the roads was pretty scary!
Enjoy your day with the vet services tomorrow, I am sure it is going to be very interesting.
Cheers
Jenette
October 30th, 2009 at 11:58 am
Hi M
Good luck with the trek to CB, although you are so used to the packing up by now!
Enjoy the moment you set eyes on GW again!
tata
Larissa
October 30th, 2009 at 1:11 pm
The tortoises are great. Did not know there are many different types
pardon my ignorance. 
October 30th, 2009 at 2:53 pm
Hi Martie!!
Sorry for not commenting for so long! Things seem to get busy, suddenly around this time of year: kid’s exams, concerts, sports and work, still reading everyday though. We are coming to KNP in December, staying a Orpen, I think you’ll be at LS, hopefully we can meet you, my children especially would love to see ‘the kruger park lady’! Keep those blogs coming, best regards Jam
October 30th, 2009 at 3:02 pm
Hi Martie
Nice pics of the birds and tortoises.
October 30th, 2009 at 3:25 pm
Hi Martie
Finally you got some good rains, hope you survived it yesterday eve. Still reading your blog to keep a little feeling with Kruger although it is two month ago when we were there and we met at Skukuza. Hope you will have a great time in CB or somewhere else with Engel. Drive safely tomorrow.
Agnes (Netherlands)
October 30th, 2009 at 3:47 pm
Hi Martie, hope you had an interesting morning with the vet, and also found out about TB. Have a safe move to CB. Glad to hear it has been raining they certainly need it up there. The tortoise pics are great. Regards Chrissie.
October 30th, 2009 at 4:33 pm
Hi Martie,
Wonderful rain to make the grass and trees green again. Hope you didn’t float away down the hill. Seriously, if you have to pack up wet awning and groundsheet have some big black garbage bags to put those in. Keeps your load bay on slug dry, else the water runs off the canvas and wets everything around it, ie braai wood. Have a safe move. You must be getting excited, min dae and GW will be with you. Thanks for sharing your dream. Regards, Delene from East London, Eastern Cape. SA.
October 30th, 2009 at 5:51 pm
Thankyou. We love the torties in the rain and also why do the shongilolos – duisend poort always cross the road when it rains it always looks so crazy,? and we hate to flatten them!!!
October 30th, 2009 at 6:23 pm
Hi Martie, my first comment to your blog. My husband introduced me to your blog last night, found the pictures of the tourists very funny and very typical. Lovely bird pics. Enjoying Living your Dream. Regards, Tracy from Port Elizabeth, Eastern Cape.
October 30th, 2009 at 9:05 pm
Yipee for the great rain up your way. It was so dry two weeks ago. Just had another hailstorm tonight in Jhb. Also luv your tortoise pics - didn’t know there were so many different ones. We never stop learning. Will be back in park in Dec again. Hope its so green again. Waiting to read about your meeting with the vets. Have a good weekend.