Living My Dream Day 207 (LSabie Day 4)
Good Evening again! Believe me Im almost more awake this eve than last night…still need some sleep, but will get to that soon! First of all thanks for all the comments and reading…
Glad you enjoyed the pics from Painter and I again thank her for allowing me to put it on the blog..still wished I was there!!! Liza, I hope you find another job soon and can take some pressure of you of b eing a mom! Yes, you are right, Denise is a wonderful woman and I really enjoy her company!! Thea, Im sure that all you need to do is show your SO this blog and he will be here in a flash….(not sure if he could cope with being in a circus, like I was today), but know that its not like that all the time, just crazy ppl…coming to Kruger for the thrill of it and not for the love of it!! Green Widow there is a lot of hope for you, met you and know all your marbles are together!! Dalene D, you have met her…so you should know how much she can talk…loosing the thread halfway through, but as said and will say again…I truly enjoyed her company and will do so for as long as I meet her!! The Cheetah, the Honey badger…Im still looking for it…not as lucky as Painter today…although I drove the same road..but at a different time…maybe Kruger is keeping/holding something in store for me…!!
I also thank you for your concerns, but know that if I cant blog I wont…but I want to and I dont care how tired I am, depending of the time offcourse…I will! So many of you have really taken the time to read the blog and wait for me to post, and it makes me so sad that sometimes I cant..and I know that you understand..but if I dont blog at night, I cant sleep…knowing that thousands are waiting and not knowing what is wrong! Also a special word to Engel, who had moved house and Im sure is very tired…and now on his way to Tokyo…(Japan)..Engel I love you so much and really appreciate and thank you for all you do, have done, and know it was very difficult for you the last 2 days…I hope that you could get your clothes together and hopefully will have a bit of a break on this flight! (Just dont forget to buy that 600mm lens while you are there!!!)….
I woke up very early this am, but would not get out of bed…just lay there and listened to the sounds of Kruger waking up…ppl were moving, hippos snorting…and then the baboons came again…turning over dustbins and just making a racket! I eventually got going and on the road by 6:30…My obvious choice was to go and see what was happening with the cub, especially after the pics that Painter took yesterday pm….
Only about 4 cars and I got a nice spot…well I thougth so…and then the mother came out…
She then started calling and out came the cub….she walked up the hill with the cub in tow and it was just so cute to watch….
I was still watching this when the cub jumped onto her back and then……..a blue BMW pulled up right next to me…blocking the view!!! I spoke to them, saying “hey, please move back I cant see anymore”…and they replied…”So what, this sighting does not belong to you!” Wow, such rude and inconsiderate ppl…I would never pull infront of someone watching something without making sure they could still see…I was just so peeved of that I pulled out and left…really no need to sit there and hoping to get a glimpse…they were just clicking away on their cams!
I took the H10 up to Tsokwane, once again looking for the Serval, Honey badgers and Cheetah that has been seen on this road…but today no luck, again! Unlike I believe Painter had..all of them~!!! It shows again, right place and right time in Kruger is what matters!
I did however found a big herd of Zebra…and these 2 had a bit of a tussle…so nice to see it in the open…the area is green with the new shoots coming out and Im sure they are having a feast…
Then another Southern Reedbuck..just he did not want to look at me, but still a great sighting..they are also rare..and I always find them on this road..
I also turned off to Orpen Dam, as said before I and you would like to know the status of the dams in the area….not much water, but a lot of algea..certainly hope they get much more rain for this to wash away and the animals can drink!
I got to the Junction of the H10 close to Tsokwane and saw a car parked on the left not far from the junction…but today…did not go and see what they were looking at! Stupid me!! I got to Tsokwane, ordered a Kudu wors roll take away, got some ice and was on my way…wanted to drive back the H10 again, but with a few cars now at the junction carried on straight!!!! AS I got there..can you believe, I missed a Leopard in the tree by 30 seconds!!!
Did the road back to LSabie, and not much about apart from Giraffes, Zebra and Impala…got back to camp after 1pm…replied to some emails and also played a game or 2 with Fathima…then it was time to snooze…not a long snooze as soon after a knock on the door….Philip (Randburg) and SO thank you so much for comign by and say hello..it was really nice meeting you!
They left and a quick stop at the loo and I was on my way….again to the mother and cub! This time so many cars around, but I got a spot….I could not see them, but the circus around was something to watch! I could not believe the ppl can react like this..out of cars, sitting on windowsills, on the roof…even children were out and I dont believe that you can love your child if you allow it to do that with wild animals around! The coke and brandy brigade arrived and what a disturbance…they were also out of the combi and shouting at ppl, “can you see it!, Where is it!!! Etc..I picked up my cam and started snapping away…I tell you I can make my own Gallery of Shame with all I have so far..but wont…will leave it for when Im back in Doha!
Eventually the mother came walking by and I got a glimpse of her. Then this car arrived stopping next to me….the guy got out and as he was so close I spoke to him….wow, what a response I got…he swore and called me names I did not even knew excited….so I told him that he should shut, get back in his car or I will take his picture…Macho Man….he continued what he was doing..so, I took his pic…a big fat man trying to worm his way back into his window…but, I got his pics! I really had enough and left…upset enough that ppl can behave this way…I came to sunset dam to have a bit of quiet and relaxation….
Lots of birds around and where I parked I found, what I think are Diedericks Cuckoos comparing their meals!
And off course the Hippos, just they would not turn and face into the sun for a better pic…
and I waited for the sun to go down, obviously not enough as I had to get back before gate closing time…and as per your request…my first pic ont he blog of sunset at Sunset Dam!
Made the gate with about 15 min to spare..then in the parking lot Im stopped by another couple…Gareth and So from Klerksdorp…thank you so much for reading the blog..and thanks for saying Hi…now I know that you also just read, maybe one day you can also post a quick comment saying that you are reading!
With that I came back to camp….as I stopped..can you believe…”Macho Man” followed me and gave me a few threads!!! Man I said……you are stupid, dont you read the rules of Kruger…you got out of your car…I told you not too, but you had a lot to say…so, I will post your picture on the Gallery of Shame…and I hope all your friends can see what an Idiot you are! Wow, I almost got hit today..and luckily told my neighbours about it…not sure if this guy will come back while Im sleeping and take his revenge…but please know, you and I are in Kruger to view animals, enjoy the peace and quiet..if you come here for other reasons, like a party, spoil the sightings for ppl, being arrogant and rude..I will talk about it…to me that is not Kruger..and today I experienced a different side..one that I would not like to experience again!!!
Until tomorrow, when I hope the sun will still shine and no circuss about..
Sleep tite
Martie
Like
November 25th, 2009 at 10:12 pm
Hi Martie - so sorry you had such a lousy day with pigs. WHAT are they doing in Kruger if they can’t behave.
We came across disgusting people too and had such verbal abuse thrown at us! There was a sighting of a leopard cub from the big bridge near Skukuza, cars were parked 3 abreast along the bridge and people were walking everywhere - very upsetting.
November 25th, 2009 at 10:19 pm
Hi Martie
What stunning pics as usual.
I know exactly hoe you feel it is terrible and can spoil you r whole day when you see people behaving like that. I always wish that there was more i could do….
I must say thank you to you not only for the blog but for telling us about Tony Parks books , im halfway through the first one and loving it.
November 25th, 2009 at 10:36 pm
Hi Martie
Those clowns will be the first to cry when one of their type is preyed on and eaten. What idiots! Name and shame is the only way to get these ignorant people to behave.
The mommy leopard and cub must be so fascinating to watch. I do hope she doesn’t decide to move to a new den because of the unwelcome attention she’s receiving.
Get plenty of rest and keep well.
Still warm in Cape Town though we had a spit and a spot of rain today.
November 25th, 2009 at 10:46 pm
Hi Martie,
Think you should report these idiots at the office with the pics, let them get fined there and then.
Only thing that might stop them in their tracks.
Wondering if you will get to find Duke, he should be in the area, great if you could.
Take care,
Regards
Elsa.
November 25th, 2009 at 11:12 pm
Amazing leopard mom and cub pictures, Martie - so lucky for you to experience such brilliant sightings of course beside idiots like macho man.
Lovely unset dam sunset - and obviously today an evening without guests.
November 25th, 2009 at 11:31 pm
orpen dam looks dry,wonder how is silolweni next 2 tshokwane & vurhami at croc bridge..i really enjoy your blog.as u say: U TRY & SEND EVERY EVENING.I SOMETIMES CHECK AROUND 2 AM.keep wondering what u saw 4 the day.always looking forward 2 great sightings.yes once saw honey badger & baby along H10,4-5 KM FROM LOWER SABIE..HOPE U FIND THEM
November 26th, 2009 at 1:51 am
Hi MG
Thank you for this blog…..I sometimes feel we do not say this enough. Oh that shot of Sunset Dam….
You are 2/3rds of the way there……I really do not know what I am going to do when you finish this year in Kruger. I hope you inspire people to continue this daily blog.
Loved the Cuckoo shot…very different light….was it early in the morning…its almost like its taken in fog….love the shot.
Take care
rusky. Mel.Aus
November 26th, 2009 at 3:38 am
Martie,
Hi, hope you have a better day. Thank you , thank you again for all the amazing pictures.It has been so inspiring to see leopard with cub…really gets exciting to open your blog..every day..
Take care of yourself. There are always folk around who do not want to comply with rules,for whatever reason.There are others who simply get carried away with the excitement and react badly out of embarrassment .It is a shame to feel indignation or anger in such a beautiful place.(But , hey you know all this!!)
We visit the Kruger with the hope of seeing whatever is there to see..so much is chance,timing etc.We also come for the peace, the smell of the bush in the early morning, the sounds at night.. where do I stop..? I guess,we all have different expectations.
Keep well,
Sue
November 26th, 2009 at 5:43 am
Hi Martie,
Thugs should be reported and maybe when you get back home you could have a special rogues gallery on your blog. Enjoy the rest of your trip!
November 26th, 2009 at 5:51 am
November 26th, 2009 at 6:09 am
Hi Martie, Have to agree these people should be reported to the rangers. Maybe that will stop them getting out if they are given a fined. Maybe you should phone the camp when it is happening before you say anything and hopefully…… a ranger will appear and ticket them all. I hate viewing game when there are so many idiots around. Hope you have a better day today, Take care Bev
November 26th, 2009 at 6:26 am
Well done Martie for taking care of “Macho Man”, we were in a nature reserve this weekend and one of the staff members were going at nearly 100 km p/h on the gravel road. When we asked the security at the gate what the speed limit was, he said 50 km and we said well why is that guy driving so fast then? His reply: he is an employee! We told the guard that is no excuse he is suppose to set an example. He just laughed and we asked who he was and he said that he was not going to give his name. Well, having to drive back home, we left it there! People dont realise that their actions leads to others dead and even animals! You keep on doing what you do best!
Have super day!
November 26th, 2009 at 6:45 am
Hi Martie
a Very good morning to all. We are will be in Skukuza from the 19-23 December so my wish to meet you was granted. so we will see you, if you need anyting just shout pls.
Nice photo’s
See you soon
Thea
November 26th, 2009 at 6:46 am
Hi mom,
Sorry to hear you had to spend the day with a bunch of idiots in Kruger…at least the leopard will get a nice big juicy meal!
Exciting sightings non the less…really hope we get to see all this when we come…ONLY LIKE 2 AND A HALF WEEKS!
Love you lots!
Carmen
November 26th, 2009 at 6:55 am
Martie you know it’s not about crazy ppl they are just plain rude and have no concidetation for other ppl. I have no time for ppl like that he could be lucky it wasn’t me I would give him a peace of my mind (PIG)
love the sun set pics to bits
Love
Thea
November 26th, 2009 at 7:02 am
Good morning Martie
Awesome photos again - love them all, the birds, and especially the sunset. If I close my eyes I can imaging being right there - I love Sunset Dam. How I would love to see a cub - never have, but at least you bring it to us. Sorry you had to put up with rudeness and threats - but well done for standing up for the Park regulations - if he is big and fat, he will provide a good meal and I hope something catches him and eats him.
Have an awesome day.
November 26th, 2009 at 7:08 am
Hi Martie
I can’t wait to read your blog since I found out about it. Can’t believe that people can be so rude. I hope you will have a better day today.
I am visiting the Kruger this weekend and can’t wait to be there. Iam staying 100km away but I am so jealous that you can be there for the whole year. Hope you will see your cheetha and bagger today. Thanks for the nice photos. take care Erika
November 26th, 2009 at 7:11 am
G’Morning Martie,
What a shame you have to tolerate pigs in Kruger Park - firstly that blue BMW driver who did us out of the pics of the cub on mum’s back - then those idiots who insist on getting out of their cars - I get so cross with people like that. As for Macho Man and the Brandywyn gang they should be banned from Kruger for life - nobody wants sluts like that there. You should really give copies of your pictures to the rangers, surely they can do something to have these rule breakers kicked out so that they do not spoil it for those of us who want to enjoy our game viewing in Kruger.
I loved the picture of the Cuckoos - such beautiful lighting. Thanks also for the stunning sunset. I hope you have a good day today.
November 26th, 2009 at 7:17 am
P.S. Gr8 to see the green grass growing after the rains. Orpen dam doesn’t look much fuller than when I was there last month and I was amazed to watch Buffalo and Waterbuck drinking that awful green slimey water. Yes, I also hope they get a lot more rain to wash away the algae.
November 26th, 2009 at 7:21 am
Hi Martie!
It was so nice finally meeting you yesterday. So sorry to hear what the idiot got up to when you got to camp. Hope you have a better day today with lots of interesting sightings!!!
Love your blog!!
Liandi and Gareth
November 26th, 2009 at 7:23 am
Great blog martie, I’m enjoying it tooo much. Hope to meet you soon!!!
November 26th, 2009 at 7:28 am
Hi Martie,
Thank you for the awesome Hippo!!!
Never forget that your safety comes first…please please take care….
Stay safe!!
Best Regards,
Pambere
Pretoria SA
November 26th, 2009 at 7:34 am
Hi Martie,
Love your blog, read it every day!You a legend! Staying outside Mal gate for a month in December. Would love to see the Leopard and Cub you have made famous. Where exactly is it on road. I understand its on the h4-2, how many km’s from Lower Sabie. Thanks, Goldy.
November 26th, 2009 at 7:47 am
Martie you must put all the circus ppl mugs on hall of shame. SANPARKS must print these mug shots and have them displayed at all camps and gates. I think the HR must have a competition for the person that can take the most mug shots of $%^$
November 26th, 2009 at 8:16 am
hi martie, the cub and mother look really sweet together, looks like she teaching the cub the ropes!
Shame! ppl getting out of the cars and to top it all being rude and swearing. Hey, its Eid tomorrow ..we are on holiday from today and go back to work dec 1.. days are flying by esp when u having fun.
Fatima
Doha Qatar
November 26th, 2009 at 8:27 am
Stunning pics! beautiful Zebra’s!
I would also love to see the honeybadger! Come now Martie!
Use that Leopard finding eye’s of your and find us one!
Stupid people!
Martie don’t lower yourself to his standards!
Just smile and wave and post that pic on the wall of shame for if you don’t you also are doing wrong!
He must thank you for warning him, if you think about it, you saved his life! Stupid man!
Enjoy today
November 26th, 2009 at 8:28 am
Hi Martie
Such a pity we have people (idots) on this planet who have no regard for others or for the enviroment around them. Anyway great to have another sighting of mom and cub………….
to guy in blue BMW no consideration!!!!!!!!!!!
Hope to day is a better one in that regard at least there are also a lot of great people around.
Take Care
November 26th, 2009 at 8:46 am
Martie, I’ve been reading your blog posts and greatly enjoying your experiences. (the good experiences at least!) It’s about time I posted and said thank you for sharing!! Your pictures are fantastic.
As for the fooligans, I hope you share your pictures with the camp authorities and post on the wall of shame. Such reckless behavior deserves a nice, hefty fine.
Cheers,
Stark from Arizona
November 26th, 2009 at 9:10 am
With all the commotion around the mother and cub it’s a matter of time before she moves to another site. Will be down your way on Sunday and hope to bump into you somewhere. I promise we won’t block your view!! Thanks for the great pics.
November 26th, 2009 at 9:25 am
Thanks for your blog Martie. Absolutely love the picture of the cuckoos and the sunset, really beautiful.
Sorry to hear about the behaviour of certain individuals!
Hope you have a better day and that you also find that cheetah and the honey badger! Have you taken a drive down that road to the picnic spot we spoke about where William and Harry are?
Cheers
Jenette
November 26th, 2009 at 9:34 am
Hi Martie!
Thanks again for all your wonderful stories and photographs! I love the pic of the Diedericks Cuckoos! We have them in our garden in PTA as well - but I haven’t seen one this year, we only hear them all day long and it makes me miss Kruger even more!
It’s so sad that people are acting like that in Kruger, they have no respect for wild animals! I would have done the same if I were you, but unfortunately the response will always be negative ans these people think that they have the right to do whatever they please! Good luck with that, I sure hope you don’t get another circus!
I’m coming to Kruger in December and will be in LS on the 16th, hope I get the chance to meet you!
Take care
Junette (PTA, SA)
November 26th, 2009 at 9:35 am
Hi there Martie, I just want to say I’m still reading your blog everyday and enjoying it as much as day one!!
It’s a pity about all the idiots in the Park though. I think SANParks should appoint many more inspectors to get the fines going BIG TIME!
Theuns (Pretoria)
November 26th, 2009 at 9:41 am
Hi Martie,
This is the first time I’m sending a message. A friend told me about you and I went back to day one and have caught up.
Wow ! what are we going to do when you are no longer there?
The thugs in the park are becoming a problem, that goodness when we go it’s not essential to see “big game”. Because it just spoils the viewing, we too have had horrible times. But then there is so much more to see!
Look forward to the rest of your blogs, love your bird pics!
Regards
Bev H (Durban)
November 26th, 2009 at 9:45 am
Hi Martie,
What great pics - love the sunset between the ‘famous tree’ at Sunset dam. It is terrible when idiots come and spoil good sightings for genuine lovers of nature. Send your pics of the culprits to William Mabasa at Skukuza and he can publish them. Glad that GW has moved successfully - I don’t want to talk about you leaving Kruger, but it will feel so strange moving back into a new house.
You seem so tired, Martie, can’t you take a day off and just wander around camp. LS has some beautiful birds and at the waterfront, it is so peaceful.
Love Chip
November 26th, 2009 at 10:20 am
Hi Wild lady
What great pics love it to bits. I must tell you i can’t believe how the peoples attatudes have changed in the Kruger the last 4 years. And i blame the staff of the Kruger for not giving fines they must be fined 500 per person and more. especially on the bridges. If got some photos that i took of people out of there cars walking around the cars and open hutchbacks with kids in and i’ve send it to parksboard because this is not on.
You should have kicked this pig where he will never forget it, dog. Enjoy and keep the good work up.
Albert and Shirley
November 26th, 2009 at 10:34 am
Hi Martie!
LOVE reading your blog. Thank you for all the lovely pics and directions to the leopard mom and cub! We will be joining you at Lower Sabie over the weekend - and will be sure to go check the den out! Our luck hasn’t been great with leopards before - I hope this weekend things will change…
Keep living your dreams! You are an inspiration to many….
Francois en Mareliza Jurgens
November 26th, 2009 at 10:56 am
Hi Martie,
What a special icon in Kruger - sunset dam - and what a beautiful pic!
And as bushbuddies said: “You are an inspiration to many…”
Hope you have a circus filled with animals today and no people
liezl
swiss
November 26th, 2009 at 10:57 am
Just a quick message - if you bump into “Macho Man” again today, tell him to watch out because your fierce mother-in-law is coming !!! (will comment later)
November 26th, 2009 at 11:04 am
Martie, thank you so much for the photo of Sunset at Sunset Dam. I was just saying last night that I wouldn’t mind being at Sunset dam with a beer.
It is such a pity that there always has to be one person to make things unpleasant. Half the time I am not even sure why they come to the park at all!!
Thank you for blogging even though you are so tired, go to bed!!!
November 26th, 2009 at 11:36 am
Hi Martie
As some of the others above , I can only hope that such rude people fall prey (be it the animals or someone even ruder than themselves). Sometimes they do come as a blessing in disguise(BMW man) - I had more or less the same in Sept (near Satara) when a very rude man pulled up beside me and lo and behold started hooting!! at me to move out of his way - near a zebra kill. I was fuming , but obliged and Kruger was “for” me - my view improved drastically and he was up and down - couldn’t get a good view. Secretly I was laughing and dared to wave as he left.
Anyhow - we get them everywhere - maybe your postings on the Shame Gallery might bring them back down to earth.
Great pic’s - all we need to be there - really there - is the sounds and smells. You make it so real.
Keep up and on !!
Thanks, Enjoy,Rest and have a great time
Lily
November 26th, 2009 at 11:43 am
Mi Martie
Stunning sunset and cuckoo pics. Hope you see honey badgers and cheetah …maybe even a lion kill again. My SO and I have developed a severe allergy to traffic jams at sightings. Now we avoid them altogether to prevent serious reactions! However we do ponder on the sightings we have missed! But then tomorrow is another day!
Hope you have a great one today.
November 26th, 2009 at 12:17 pm
Hi Martie
Like my mom always say:Kruger brings out a person’s true character!
Thanks for great pics as usual!
LOL
Melissa
November 26th, 2009 at 12:54 pm
Hi Martie
What great pics of the sunset. It look like you click the baby impala kill you report on in yesterdays blog in your second pic of the Leopard and cub.
Read the blog daily.
Hope you will see the HB today.
Cant wait for the next blog.
LOL
Ockie
November 26th, 2009 at 12:57 pm
Hi Martie
Have not placed a comment for a while but do read the blog every day. I used to read it first thing when I go to the office in the morning but decided to read while I am have my lunch so now read between 12:00 and 13:00. The pictures of the leopard are too beautiful and I love sunsets and sunrises so enjoyed this picture as well.
Are you going to “Orpen camp” at all because if you do you will see honey badgers there at night. When we were there in June this year I was busy doing the dishes on the veranda when 2 of them charged me. I did not see them until they were near me. I got such a fright but lucky the guy in the bungalow next to me saw them and chased them away. They came back later that night and we woke up with this terrible noise and my SO looked out the window and the 2 of them had thrown out of dustbin and were fighting over something they found in the bin. My friend went 2 weeks later also to Orpen camp and while they were still packing out a honey badger stole her cheese and had the cheek to hide under her car with it.
Hope you had a lovely day of viewing and that the noisy people have all left the park.
God bless you
Dawn (Johannesburg)
November 26th, 2009 at 1:00 pm
Hi Martie
Sorry wanted to ask is the photo you took of the dam is that part of the orpen dam that we can see on the webcam?
Dawn (Johannesburg)
November 26th, 2009 at 1:10 pm
Hi Martie, “macho man”? my &$#!!! He is nothing but a low class bully with an inferiority complex, imagine! approaching you back at camp, sorry not on!!!!! Beautiful pics of Diederieks cuckoos - they are very vocal birds!!!! The sunset!!! (I am actually sitting there with you in spirit, that is)!!! Lovely pics of leopard and cub, sorry about all the swines!!!!!!! Have a wonderful day today, with many wonderful sightings!!!! Till tomorrow!!!!
November 26th, 2009 at 1:10 pm
Hey Martie, we WANT to see your Wall of Shame!!!
The worst thing about people like that is that if they or their children got mauled by an animal, they would be the first to insist that it was a problem animal and want it culled!
It’s the actions of morons like that which result in increased restrictions on what we can and cannot do in places like the Kruger.
Steve & Mandy
November 26th, 2009 at 1:34 pm
Hi Martie, please post those pics of the brandewyn gang and idiots on the website or somewhere. This is as you say, just totally unacceptable and unecessary. Your blog is fantastic. I read every morning first thing when having my cup of coffee. Just something to remember : Laugh when you can, apologize when you should, let go of what you can’t change and have no regrets. Lotsa luv Gerda
November 26th, 2009 at 2:14 pm
Hi Martie,
I want you to know that we realy appreciate your blog. Although you are dead tired you still do it for us, thank you so much.
I just love the sunset pic at Sunset dam. And oh yes, the zebra’s also stunning!
Surely the “beast” is not a nature lover. They can’t even be compared with a buffalo because I have more respect for a buff than humans behaving like this. Unbelievable! They do not belong there. It’s not to say that when you are in the bush you should act like monkey!
Well, hope you have a better day, today with all the best sightings reserved just for you. Be prepared, the worst is still to come during the December school holidays!
Good luck
Pumba (Benoni)
November 26th, 2009 at 2:17 pm
Hi Martie,
You should ask SANPARKS to make you a honorary ranger for the remainder of your time. Then you will have some way of putting these people in their place, educate them and help Kruger at the same time.
November 26th, 2009 at 2:32 pm
Hi Martie,
You know what, I think you should just go and report that guy to the office at LS. Who does he think he is in anycase? And storm at a woman who is alone, ha, he’s such a sissy! Probably wouldn’t have done it if your Engel was with you. You have a lot more patience than I do, because I would have been reporting people left right and center. People like that make me boil over!!!! BUt great pics again, and thanks for showing us the daily updates of the mother leopard and cub. And get some rest!!!!!!!!!!!!!! You’re on holiday for crying out loud!!!!!!!
November 26th, 2009 at 3:20 pm
Hi Martie,
Have finally caught up again with all your blogs, we had nice wet weekend last weekend in Berg en Dal and if I knew sooner of the cutie pie and it’s mommy I would have driven there! Awesome, awesome pictures! Thank you!
Too bad about the weeners that just don’t give a apple about rules nevermind their lives. Had my own run in on the Sabie river bridge above Nkhulu…also a BMW SUV…they really make you angry and spoil your next hour in the park or so…he is not even worth getting over at it. Sooner or later the spider wins…
Lots of greetings,
Marlet
November 26th, 2009 at 3:35 pm
Hi Martie
Still reading the blog everday, but havent commented in a while. Sorry about the “circus” not sure why people like that visit the park!!!!!
Hope to see you in January again, as my daughter from the UK wants to meet you.
Loved the pic at sunset dam of the sun setting, dont we just live in the most beautiful country in the world.
Sleep well and enjoy the rest of your family when they arrive next month.
Lynne (PARKADDICT)
November 26th, 2009 at 3:48 pm
Hi Martie, I remember many years ago the Rangers used to drive around, and stop big “gatherings” and people getting out of cars, windows and roofs. You never see anyone anymore - and it really is a pity, because not only does it spoil the sightings for people like us, but it also chases the animals away. If this happens too often, the mother leopard will find another place to bring up her cub. It is a pity that you cannot put pictures on your blog of these people! Love all your animal pictures, as well as the birds and insects and reptiles. Enjoy.
November 26th, 2009 at 3:58 pm
Thankyou for the pic of the leopard and cub Ilove the leopard so much.Send the photo of the rude man to the tv he must be banned from the kruger.We always see the honeybadger at Maroela camp at Orpen you must hide your beer they love it.
Enjoy Maureen
November 26th, 2009 at 4:25 pm
Many thanks for the most beautiful pictures of the leopord mother and cub.
We enjoy the “blog” and I cannot wait long enough to open it and scroll through.
Enjoy your stay, me and my spouse are booked in to visit Kruger during Desember at Skukuza camp.
We enjoy every minute of our visits, even for a day.
All the best and keep up the good photos.
Regards,
Faan and Rose.
November 26th, 2009 at 4:31 pm
Hi Martie,
thanks for your posting everyday. Also a first for me to write. It is a pity that u dont show those photos to name and shame the people for the readers of your blog to see what ignorant people look like. It is a great pity that people like that go to the park. We dont need them.
Enjoying your blog and all the best.
Sanet (S.A. - Vanderbijlpark)
November 26th, 2009 at 5:34 pm
Oh dearie me, what nasty, unprincipled people you are meeting up with ! Such a pity that the true Kruger’ites have their visits spoilt by rude, selfish and unmannerly bigots ! So many of your readers have also experienced the same treatment, they all say that you should name and blame the guilty ones on the blog, but are you allowed to do so ? Don’t be hasty, there might be rules to be followed. As regards your sitings yesterday, a most unusual photo of the Cuckoos, the lighting was special, and the sunsetwas quite spectacular. I hope that you had a rewarding, stressful day today and suggest that you keep your pepper spray in your pocket for people like M.M. !! I am going back to the Valley tomorrow and will let you know when I will be arriving in Nelspruit. xxx
November 26th, 2009 at 5:58 pm
Hi Martie, people like MM do not like women to back chat them I know someone like that. Could you not report it to the office because of him approaching you at camp? Anyway love the sunset pic, hope you get some sleep tonight and that you had a good day. Regards Chrissie.
November 26th, 2009 at 6:27 pm
The incident described results in my aversion for the busy Kruger .
The incident is a sad reflection on a lack of self education , and an omission by Sanparks to take the trouble to educate the masses they allow into the KNP , and the situation is getting worse .
November 26th, 2009 at 8:17 pm
We came down for a funeral and just stayed last night inPK, we had a late
drive arrived 18h20 and AT the PK gate to find 2 Lionesses, just 2 wonderful one did the whole tree scratching
thing and then they walked towards the fence at the caravan park.
November 26th, 2009 at 8:33 pm
Hello Martie
Love the pic of the sunset - it is beautiful - no words to really describe it. Colin says hi - Hope to see you soon again. Regards Yolandi (Belfast MP, RSA)
November 26th, 2009 at 8:42 pm
Tis such a shame that there are too many ‘Macho Men’ in the park……
November 26th, 2009 at 9:00 pm
Hi Martie,
I’ve been one of those just reading, receiving my dose of Kruger through your blog every day, it helps to keep me goinig!! Like you, I am a Krugerholic, incidentally so is my wife and our 2 boys (although they are only 4 years and 7 months respectively). I actually said to my wife a couple of years ago that I’d like to live in Kruger for a year, and with the LORD’s help, we might just do that relatively soon.
I cannot wait to see what you see and experience daily.
Greetings from a windy and hot Cape Town.
Gerhard and Family!
November 26th, 2009 at 9:11 pm
Kate & I are concerned for you.
If going to post his picture on the ’shame’ board, OK, but you shouldn’t tell him about it as he’s already shown you what a twit he is by being belligerent and could now try and do you harm!
On our last trip to Kruger, we came upon a large group blocking the road watching some impalas. We drove slowly around them by going off the side of the road only to be chased by a group in a 4WD who bumper sat us and then overtook and slowed down to a crawl in front of us and weaving from side to side in case we thought we’d overtake. We just pulled over and stopped and let them drive off at their pace. wasn’t worth any confrontation of road rage.
We will be back in Kruger on 13 Dec and looking forward to catching up with Tony and Nicola and getting him to cook us a beer bum chicken for our Xmas lunch.
Noted comment before about guys reading Tony’s books after being introduced to them by you. Nice that they’re enjoying them!
Take care now!
regards
Grahame & Kate
November 26th, 2009 at 9:46 pm
Hi Martie
The leopard is beautiful. Our girls would just love to see the cub. We visit at least twice a year and have never seen a leopard cub. How far in is she? You have a 400mm (640) lens so I assume she’s around 100m in. We will be at Satara from 27th Dec to 10th Jan so we look forward to meeting you. Also camping so hope to get a spot next to the .
Out of interest what is the longest drive (time not km) you have had. I once drove from 04:30 to 15:00 all by myself. Unfortunately the reason was more because I hadn’t seen much so I just kept on looking and hoping.
My SO gets really upset when I loose my cool with idiots like u saw today. To all rule abiding Kruger fanatics next time you see people breaking the rules do as Martie does and put them in there place. There are normally more rule abiding fanatics at sightings so we must make our opinion or dislike know to these idiots.
Cheers!
GDTT
November 27th, 2009 at 2:18 pm
Hi Engel. Just finished reading blog & replies… Bliksem.. things are getting out of hand there. Im a ‘bit out of reach’ but Im sure if the need arose, you would have an abundance of “support” from the male readers of your blog. However, please be carefull…
Your leopard & cub sightings are extremely fortunate & great…
By the way.. the 600mm lens u want is ONLY US$13999 here in Tokyo, …. so how many would u like…. Dream on Luv… Speak later Luv uXXX
November 27th, 2009 at 5:09 pm
Hi, Martie, still reading on faithfully and enjoying yr beautiful pictures. How did you manage the two cuckoos comparing their catch???
As for ppl reacting aggressively when caught ‘in flagranti’ is normal, the degree just varies according to educational and social standards. It also seems to be normal that ppl go crazy at special sightings, like leopard mother and cub, for instance. Big, nasty bullies will stomp all over you if they think you are ‘just a single woman’. But they shrink dramatically in size when faced with authority. So, the idea of Honorary Ranger is a good one, more mobile Rangers, however, would be better. Greetings from cold and rainy Germany!
November 27th, 2009 at 6:27 pm
Marie
Beautiful pictures of mother and baby leopard. So special seeing them. And you seem to have all the luck with leopards.
Bad experience you had with the thugs that seem to frequent the south of Kruger.
November 29th, 2009 at 6:24 pm
Hi Martie
So lucky with the leopard and cub next door.
And such a pity that you had to meet to many rude unbehaving people