Living My Dream Day 204 (CBridge to LSabie)
Hello Again….as you know Im now at LSabie…and really look forward to finding that elusive Black Rhino that everyone is talking about!
First, as usual to the comments from yesterday….ChrisM Im glad you showed your cousin Thomas the blog…and great that he also enjoys it..Norms I got your PM and look forward to seeing you at Tamboti in Jan!!! Green Widow, so glad the wedding went off OK and the lovebirds are somewhere around where noone can find them….the slug???? Well we bought it in what you would call a minute and a half as the other car we had in SA packed up….Engel called it a Very Jolly Zoom Car….and then he drove it down to the Eastern Cape…well it would not go up the hills, but was very zoomy downhill…and from there the name of the slug….even with the caravan in tow…if it sees a little bump or a hill…it wants to make a uturn and go back downhill! Fenwickh…I think he is far too busy packing up house to move on Tuesday…I think for once “fishing” is the last thing on his mind! Chrissie, I did get to meet Jennete and daughter Carmen..(same name as my little baby)….and what a surprise they had in store for me….they made me a TShirt with one of my pics…(the leopard with the branch across its eye….and in photoshop they took the time to remove that) and this is my present….and I must say…Thank You….not just for such a super gift…but also your time in doing it..making it and then coming around to meet me! (Carmen one day when you are a “superstar” remember this woman you met at LSabie…also Jennette and SO, congratulations on your anniversary and S (her husband) a very happy birthday to you!
I must tell you that the Tshirt is a lot prettier than this pic I tried to take! Clickclick, wow driving through those ravines can be scary….glad you had the 4 x 4 and you now knows what it can do…I would have turned around…not as adventurous as you! Thanks for the link to the voting on the Forum…and once again so nice seeing you! Wanderlust, I did get your note, thanks and sorry I missed you…hope I can still meet you on the road somewhere as I forgot to take pics of CBridge camp and would like to go back there in the next day or so….Rusky, I think it was the size of a side plate, but then I also saw smaller ones…and so nice to hear that you only get them in S.A….Painter came around this PM and told me that she painted one, but cant remember the exact name of it…African…something snail! Janine I will be here at LSabie until the 17th Dec…then onto Skukuza until the 1st Jan…and then Satara…hope I get to meet you too! Engel…wow, packing and packing…and tonight no TV…sorry you have to do it all alone…but I know that you will do a great job…as always…and I look forward to seeing what you have thrown out….hopefully only your stuff as all mine is important!!!! Luv you as always and cant believe you gone already!!!
As you know I did not pack up yesterday….for the first time since I came I did it in the morning…usually the day before I move camp…its all done..washed and Im hooked up, ready to leave early am….but with the rain..and only 35km to drive..we left it..had a great oxtail potjie last night…then Aat and SO came around…nice to meet you too….and this am it all had to be done! I had some great help..and I again thank VVSG and SO for their help ….in less than 2hrs we were ready to leave!
I also dont stop for anything, except a Leopard offcourse…so I drove at speedlimit, saw a Rhino, Buffs, Zebra, Impala and Giraffe…made a quick stop at the Leopard den,..but no baby insight…so I left…while VVSG and SO behind me said…as you pulled off..the baby came out!!! Glad they saw it again!! Got to camp just after 9am….I had an idea of where I wanted to set up camp..as I always look for a drive in and drive out site….but here its very different and the camping sites are built like little “hokkies”..also the bottom ablution block is under construction…so I had to choose carefully…and with MIL (jaycee) coming I wanted to be as close as possible to the bungalows…VVSG found the perfect spot…so shady…I think that I will have shade for almost the whole day…but we had to unhook and push the caravan into place…not a prob when you are 3 ppl, but bymyself it would have been a bit difficult….also when I leave here I willl have the girls helping me so Im very greatfull and glad that we got this spot…For those coming to look for me…here they are numbered and Im camped on no. 9!
Caravan level and it was time to take out all the wet awning and sides and front door….but, we had to have a beer to give us strenght as it was a very sunny, hot and clear sky day…even that time of the morning you could feel the heat!~ Wow, how much they did…I feel like I just walked in to a ready set up camp….I hit in a few pegs…and started organizing the inside of the awning….stilll not done…but it was just so nice to have the company and the help! I even offered to pay VVSG to drive everytime I move camp and set it up….wont be that easy further up north, but maybe he must earn his money!!! (Only Joking!!!)
Camp half and half set up..we went to have lunch on the deck as they still had a long way to travel down to Malelane Gate as all other roads are closed….All had burgers, and once again I must say it was very tasty and such a big meal….After they left I came back to the caravan and really needed a snooze as we had a late night, early morning and lots of physical labour…
I lleft camp at 4pm and the natural thing to do was go and look for the cub again…only 5km from camp and I could sit there for a while waiting…but no cub came out..turned around and made my way towards sunset dam…and today, no LITs LOGs or cubs…just birds…but to me just as thrilling as a Cat!!
First up this what I do think is another African Hawk Eagle….(not sure where I packed my Sasol guide and not too familiar with my Roberts yet!)
More Buffs and Elephant and hipposand I found this Fish Eagle in a tree…I decided to post this pic as I just love the mountains, river and tree in it…not giving you a close up of this…really think it shows a lot more this way..
..and I arrived at Sunset Dam….first up the hippos as they always do here, snorting….but I took the pics of the birds today…this little sandpiper, I think….
and I did find this one in the guide…a Black winged Stilt…
and this what I think is a Little Grebe..another first for me…if its correct..
I did not wait for the sunset as I knew I had ppl coming…so I returned to camp..first Painter came around..and then Jennette as you have seen….
I now have a fire ready to make my lamb chops and will have that with a breadroll with butter.. after the big lunch I just need something to eat to put me to bed….and I love meat, bread and potatoes….
With that the end of another magic day in Kruger..and I look fwd to my time here at LSabie…and think that tom I will blog from inside the caravan as the flying goggas are carrying me away…!!!
Until tomorrow
Sleep tite
Martie
Like
November 22nd, 2009 at 9:41 pm
Hi Martie, so glad you got to meet Jenette & Carmen and that you liked your present. Also pleased to hear you had help to set up camp, they are such great people VVSG & SO where would you be without them!!! Love the bird pics, the fish eagle one is just beautiful as you say with all the lovely scenery around. Have a great day tomorrow and enjoy L S. Regards Chrissie.
November 22nd, 2009 at 9:49 pm
Just Re: read the run up to your adventure and re:lived all the planning and excitement Your story photos prove it was worth it Up and downs and everythingThanks
November 22nd, 2009 at 10:21 pm
Hi Mart ive got a nice photo of you preparing dinner at skukuza in August would like to send it to you what is your email adress enjoy your stay
Albert and Shilrey
November 22nd, 2009 at 11:12 pm
Hi, i hope you enjoy your time at lower sabie, it is our absolute favourite camp, and we have always had luck with cats and dogs in that area
its just so beautiful looking over the river. We have been camping there in december, and just about died in the heat. But im sure you are used to it by now 
the pool is always a relief. Happy driving. Liska
November 22nd, 2009 at 11:40 pm
Hi Martie,
Nearly midnight - I am going to battle to wake up 2moro. I was about to switch off my laptop 2nite then I saw you had blogged so a quick reply. So glad that you arrived safely and had help setting the caravan up in a nice spot. I bet you will be driving to the cub’s den every morning - wish I could be there! Enjoyed seeing the bird pics today and thanks for explanation re your slug. I noticed earlier that my friends, the lovebirds, surfaced late this evening with a comment for you at the end of your Day 203 blog! What a beautiful T-shirt you got as a gift - some people are so talented. Have a super day 2moro and I hope you find your cub. Looking forward to some spectacular pics when the sun goes down over Sunset Dam!!
November 23rd, 2009 at 2:05 am
hi martie,
nice to hear you have a good pitch and also good to have help from fellow mites
saw black rhino last year on the dirt road near camp that rejoins the H4-2 tar road hope you are as lucky.all the best stu & toni
pleased the rain held off for your moving day
November 23rd, 2009 at 2:14 am
Hi MG - Lovely present. And oh how I long for Sunset Dam and LS. I can just picture where your camp is as we used to walk through the camping area to get to our Hut (near the pool). Enjoy the sound of the Hip(po) Harmonic Orchestra at night. Please do pass on our best to (the other) Martie and Patrick and Ivan?Ivor? (Rangers). Looking forward to your visits to Mlondozi too.
Have a great day.
Rusky Mel Aus
November 23rd, 2009 at 6:18 am
Good morning Martie…
Whew, am I glad I have finally got all my “technology” sorted out… Now I get the Kruger in the comfort of my home again, each day!!!! Thank you, thank you, thank you…
Really happy to see that you have such great people assisting you in the park…
Some great pics again of our feathered friends!!
Hope you have an awesome stay in LS, one of the best in the park I think. Hope you get to have some cocktails on the deck…
How are the rivers and dams? Filling up yet? You must be in the park at the best possible time to see such transformation….
Have a great day.
Ciao for now
Inyati and SO…
November 23rd, 2009 at 6:52 am
We love LS and may see you this week (4th time lucky) we hope. If not enjoy your staywe love LS.
The best is to swim at night and watch the ellys or lazy hyneas at the fence.
The photos of full moon on river are spectacular try it.
have a great day di
November 23rd, 2009 at 7:20 am
Hallo Martie.
Glad you settled in so quickly at LS. I enjouyed your pic’s very much. Happy to see the sun again, so that every thing can dry out and get cleaned up. Keep up the good work. Have a happy stay at LS.
Untill later.
Thea
November 23rd, 2009 at 7:38 am
Hi Martie
What a lovely t-shirt! Hope your aching muscles from 2 days ago have eased. LS must bring back special memories of your 25th anniversary celebration in Jan this year. Have a great stay with lots of good sightings.
November 23rd, 2009 at 8:27 am
Hi Martie, I am so impressed with Vlakvarksegat and SO. What wonderful friends. I also envy them being able to pop into the park so often. But I must not complain - getting there once a year is a huge privilege and Cape Town has its own beauty!
Sun is shining gloriusly again today! Winter has finally realised she’d overstayed her welcome!
Enjoy your day today.
November 23rd, 2009 at 8:32 am
Forgot to comment on birds- Stunning pics - I think your are right with I.D. Definitely Little Grebe (old name Dabchick - which I think is cuter)
November 23rd, 2009 at 8:46 am
Hi Martie
Havent had a chance to comment for a while, been extr busy at work.
Hope you continue your good luck, now at Lower Sabie, one of my fav camps.
Like the fish eagle pic.
Regards
Glen
November 23rd, 2009 at 8:51 am
Hi Martie,
So glad you have settled into a nice spot at L.S. and had help from your good friend and Samaritans.
Thank goodness the rain had stopped for your move.
Nice pics again and I think your first bird is also a Fish Eagle, but an immature or juvenile, not yet into adult plumage.
Take care
Regards
Elsa
November 23rd, 2009 at 9:24 am
Martie, What on earth is a gogga????
Great picture of the Fish Eagle.
Steve & Mandy
November 23rd, 2009 at 9:30 am
Hi Martie
Haven’t commented for a while but have been reading your blog every day. I love all the LOG and LIT photos and especially the cub photos.
I agree with Elsa about the first bird being a sub-adult Fish Eagle and the sandpiper looks like a Common Sandpiper (with a white ‘C’ shoulder patch).
Enjoy Lower Sabie
Regards
Secretarybird
November 23rd, 2009 at 10:58 am
Hi Martie
Wow what an amazing weekend. That cub is so so cute. A quick question if the bugs haven’t carried you away. I would like to book for my so and I to camp for a week next year. Which camp would you say was your best for sightings and camping?
November 23rd, 2009 at 11:46 am
Morning, As I told you on the phone, The MTN signal must be very weak out here but I did not battle this morning. I just hope that this comment does not disappear. Just seven more sleeps and I will be with you, I am not going to worry to re-arrange my suitcase, will just take a jacket with. Love the birds pics and look forward to see tonights blog. When are we going to see Stephens blog ? You have certainly made some special friends in the park, nothing is too much for them to help you. Bye now xxx
November 23rd, 2009 at 12:02 pm
Hi Martie, so glad that you got to LS safely and that VVSG hand So were there to help you, they really are amazing people!!!! Glad you found a nice site, because they are very small!!!! Your bird pics are great and the first one is a juvenile Fish Eagle, I have made that same mistake so many times!!!!! I know what you mean about the goggas, by jove, at this time of the year I duck and dive when I sit outside at the fire!!! Have a wonderful day and what a fabulous T shirt!!!! Until tonight Martie, take care and happy sightings!!!!
November 23rd, 2009 at 1:02 pm
Hi Martie, glad to hear that you are settled at LS and have a good shady spot. Last time I camped at LS the only spot available looked good until you tried to hit tent pegs in the ground. Ten centimetres of sand and then concrete. Had to drill each and every hole to put the pegs in with a masonory drill I always carry with me when camping. Enjoy LS - it’s really a great camp & viewing is awesome. You can see so much on the H4-1 just between Sunset dam & the first bridge over the Lubyelubye R. (Maybe 3 kms)
Chip
November 23rd, 2009 at 4:02 pm
Hi Martie
What special sightings the last few days! We will never get tired of seeing LIT/LOG and the Cub!
LOL
Melissa
November 23rd, 2009 at 4:06 pm
Hi Martie, We have only recently started reading your blog and are facinated by what you have seen and the wonderful pictures you are able to get. We have been going to the park for the past 40 years and have not seen a third of what you have seen but then we only spend a maximum of 10 days at a time in the park. We have a very interesting tale to tell, about 25 years ago a ranger and a guard were out on patrol around the Malelane area when a lioness charged he fired a warning shot the lioness did not stop and they had to shoot her to save their own lives they then examined the lioness to see why she charged and they found out that she was suckling cubs it took them about 8 hours to find the cubs he requested and was given permission to try an experiement. He took the cubs back to the camp and gave them to his bull terrier bitch to feed which she was able to do. We saw the cubs and took photos of them when they were 3 months old and bigger than their foster mother. I played with the cubs and picked one up in my arms which then suckled and left a bruise on my arm. As you know lions patrole their area the ranger made a cage and placed the cubs inside hoping they would be adopted by the pride. At this stage the cubs had been eating meat so they would be able to have gone back into the wild. Unfortunately the 1st time round the pride did not take to the cubs however on the 2nd visit one lioness made a fuss of them so the ranger released the cubs back into the pride. We were asked by the ranger not to say anything about this but a number of years later the story came out that the mother dog who had adopted the cubs was killed by a snake that was attacking the ranger’s daughter unfortunately the dog died and was buried in the pets grave yard at Skukuza just to the right of the steps going into the museum. We would have enjoyed meeting you but we will only be at Satara on 17 April 2010 but will pass through the park on 6 April to spend time at Sabie River Sun for a week going into the park on a few days to show our daughter and son-in-law some of the park as they have never been there before, they do not know what they have been missing. Enjoy the rest of your stay.
Regards
Ada & Nic Collier
November 23rd, 2009 at 5:37 pm
Hello,
Got home in one piece. After we left, we spent some time with Leon at Nkuhlu to drop off the rain coats and this time it was his fault that we nearly did not make gate closing on time.
We had an uneventfull trip home with not much sightings. Thanks again for an awesome week-end and that oxtail potjie was scrumptious.
Lekker bly,
N + M
Malelane
November 23rd, 2009 at 5:52 pm
Hi Martie
It seems like everything has gone well for you and that you are still having a good time . We got back from Kruger 2 weeks ago and ever since we have been home our internet has been down,so wern’t able to post any messages I cant believe time went so quick and Stevan has already gone back,anyway not to long now and then your girls will be with you. Anyway Martie we will be in contact soon and send some pic’s of our Ster Fry
Regard’s Tim and Mel
November 23rd, 2009 at 7:41 pm
Hi there Martie,
We will be at LS from 13/12 for 3 days so I am sure we will be able to make a plan to meet. Love the t-shirt.
November 23rd, 2009 at 7:43 pm
Hi again Engel. photos great as usual. I can see where the Stilt gets its name. You going to have to wait a while longer for my blog/trip report… I havent stopped since I got back from leave. Not a lekker job moving especially after accumalating stuff 4 11 years. Looking forward to todays report… I know its special.. Luv miss you XXX
November 23rd, 2009 at 7:49 pm
Hi Martie, Fab T shirt, that is one of my favourite pics that you have taken on that T shirt… Enjoy it at Lower Sabie, Such a great place to sit on the deck with a cup of coffee (or beer) over looking the river…. Which I guess is flowing quite strong after the rains and of course Sunset dam… Enjoy.
Bev
November 23rd, 2009 at 9:15 pm
Martie love the T-shirt do devoted and followers get discount?
Have a good day and night!
November 23rd, 2009 at 11:29 pm
Please do not publish this mail!
Hello Martie
You’re living our (family, 4 adults) dream and we’re reading your News and enjoy the pictures every day! ( my english becomes worse and worse)
i hope, you do not think that i have lost all my braincells..i have a crazy question: is it possible, that you could spend a few seconds from your experience filled with the sound and the smell and the spirit of the Kruger for my mom.She died last Friday and the funeral well be next thursday at 2 pm. She allways dreamed to return one day to KNP, but her dream endet after a hard time caused by a “braincancer”.
Martie, you’re an idol for me (53 years young)!!!living such a dream, GREAT!!!!! in spite of my sorrow, a big “cheers” (You beer, me redwine)
and enjoy the remaining weeks in “paradise”!
Love
Madeleine ( Switzerland)
November 24th, 2009 at 12:52 am
Martie,
Great Fish Eagle pic#2.
Hell, I miss the Kruger!!
Ingwe1 (Sydney, Aus)
November 24th, 2009 at 7:07 am
Hi Martie
We have been up at Marloth Park and am only catching up with your blog now. I love your bird pics - always love the birds. By the way, the slug on yesterdays blog is a Giant Land Snail. Hope you enjoy LS, it is awesome there. Please take a pic of the dam from Mlondozi - last time we were there it was as dry as a bone - it will be interesting to see how much water it has now that there has been some rain. Keep up the excellent work. Happy sightings today.
November 24th, 2009 at 7:13 am
Hi Martie
7am Tuesday - where are you? I can picture you struggling with your computer, probably having problems sending your blog. I hope that is the problem and nothing more serious. Just miss your blog when it is not there. Will check later today. Have a good day.
November 24th, 2009 at 10:54 am
Love the pic with fish eagle
November 24th, 2009 at 6:02 pm
Martie, seen the fish eagle in the same dead three near Lower Sabie.