Living My Dream Day 210 (LSabie Day 7)
Ah, its another very late good evening to all again. First of all I thank you all for the congratulations I received..really appreciate your support!
Quickly to the comments….Chappie, you did not disturb my snooze..and thanks so much again for letting me know about the results! Bushmad, I think I met your parents the day before yesterday, unless I met them in the morning yesterday….I keep on losing track of time…but they told me that their daughter reads the blog and told them to be on the lookout! Nice meeting them too…and glad you told them about the blog! How awesome to have seen a Giraffe being born! Lucky you! Annette, you coming to Kruger again!! How lucky you are! I look forward to seeing you again. Fathima, no luck on the lens…think its one of those I must write on my tummy and wipe it off! Thanks for being proud of what I do! Jaycee (MIL) if Im not at the airport at 12:20 just wait around, I might still be sitting at an awesome sighting! EJ thanks for your comment as well…I have said many time that I think the HR’s are doing an awesome job ….I dont think that is something I would like to do…I do want to help…but in a different way…and each to its own for what is more satisfying…Im very happy and glad that I can bring Kruger to ppl in my way…and will continue to do so until the time comes to leave…sometimes with words and sometimes with pics to tell a story! Tibby, sorry I forgot to mention..Duke is full of water..the most water I have ever seen there…pity Duke was not around to enjoy it! Green Widow, I have read about the SBS competition…and will enter, if I can get better pics of them..hopefully soon! Fenwickh…I know where Kokstad is, went there once myself…a happy 5th Birthday to your grandson! Hope you have a good time! Aat it was nice meeting you too….glad you enjoyed the beer…and not so glad that you are back home! Duffy and others, I wonder what will you call me when I stop seeing Leopards???? I see that a few new comments came in, which I will respond to tomorrow…now back to today!
In your opinion it wont be a very exciting day as animals sightings were very rare! After the massive thunder, lightning and rain storm we had last night, I was not surprised…think they were all still hiding away. I left camp late (again) this am…the Frenchman was gone by the time I even woke up…took the road down to the mother and cub..have to see each day what is happening…lots of cars (weekend here at LSabie) and I eventually got a glimpse of the mother playing with the baby..but behind the bush..so no pics! They walked down the bank behind the rocks and that was the last we saw of them…I took a slow drive back…and 1 car stopped on the side…the lady told me that a Leopard with 2 cubs crossed the road infront of them!!! Wow, now I missed it again…how many more am I going to miss…also the first I hear of a leopard with 2 cubs…
A couple in a pickup that I have seen and spoken to many times came from the front…they stopped and said…”Dont tell us we missed another Leopard….everytime we see you we have missed one”..I felt so bad, but at least could tell them that I also missed this one!!
This Francolin (Spurfowl) did not run away when I stopped next to it….
On the low water bridge, the Frenchman (Jean) came from the front…shame poor man, he had been looking for Cheetah all morning…did the S28 and the Mlondozi loop and still no Cheetah…..I took the H10 to Tsokwane as Im still looking for the HB’s, the Cheetah and the Serval…today I got none of them…all I got was a lot of Elephants, Buffalo, Kudu, Giraffe, Zebra, Blue Wildebeest…and then this Black Backed Jackal..
I did not stop at Nkumbe as there were Elephants close by…got to Tsokwane and ordered a take away…had a talk with ppl I met the other night…and then it was time to return. I stopped at a little bridge having my brunch…a car stopped …looked at me and said….”are you looking at a Leopard?” No Im not…we started talking and this guy knows about the blog..his friends, Dave and Brenda reads the blog and told him about it…with that and after a good chat I left….took the S128 loop and no car or animals in sight…then I saw a car stopped far away…and as I got closer…an Elephant crossed the road, then another and another and another…they passed as they got a gap and drove towards me…another person reading the blog…Erika from Tzaneen…we had a beer together while waiting for this herd, probably the biggest herd of Elephant I have seen in Kruger for a long time crossed the road…They were kind enough to wait while I drove passed the Elephants…thanks for that..then back on the H10..another big herd of Buffs…a car stopped to look at them..and I stopped..the man asked where was from and as I started telling him, his wife said…you are Martie….Elsa also from Tzaneen…so nice meeting all of you…thanks again to you and all others for reading the blog…I again hope that one day you will all comment!
I also found this little Steenbuck, which as a surprise just kept on laying there while I took pics…
Back over the low water brige…and can you believe…the Frenchman again….he had by now done the S28 twice and was on his 3rd time doing the Mlondozi loop…still no Cheetah! He then asked me if it was OK to share my stand again..he will stay another night and tom leave to Pretoria (after doing the S28 again)! No probs so I invited him to dinner…I cant have a fire with nice food going and he’s sitting in his little tent!
First I went back to the mother and cub…but nothing around…I only found this likkewaan (I think) on the way back…
Got back to camp at 2:30…a long day driving, searching and not much to show you tonight..but as said…a great day for meeting ppl. Engel called..(always nice to hear your voice…and btw, I luv you too xxx)..and then a quick snooze…no afternoon drive as I just did not think that I could cope with all the ppl on the Highway!! My neighbours went for a drive and came back soon after…fuming with all the ppl out of their cars at the mom and cub sighting…really not nice to hear that othes also get upset by ppl spoiling things for others in Kruger…But weekend here, lots of ppl and it can be expected!
I made a salad, potatoes in foil and fillet steak with mushroom and pepper sauce for the Frenchman…as he travels light, he usually have fruit or biscuits during the day..and tomatoe and tuna for dinner…he has not made a fire and have not had braai (barbeque) by himself while in Kruger…must say he ate well and Im glad I could also make a difference for him on his last night in Kruger!
With that the end of tonight…I will again wake up late tomorrow as I have to sort out the caravan and the slug for the arrival of Mother in Law! Also VVSG and SO is coming as they were so kind to order my meat from the Spar at Malelane (vacuum sealed) and froze it in their freezer…after that I will be set and ready to fetch MIL and show her Kruger! Hopefully Kruger is kind to us and she can also experience amazing sightings…
Until tomorrow
Sleep tite
Martie
stayinginkruger4-1year@hotmail.com
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November 28th, 2009 at 10:33 pm
Hi Martie, what lovely pics of buck and jackal. So what you that you didnt get any cats, you had an interesting day all the same and we enjoyed it with you. So nice of you to have invited your neighbour for supper as it sounds delish. Have a good day tomorrow and we look forward to sharing you with Jaycee. Regards Chrissie.
November 28th, 2009 at 10:35 pm
Hoi Martie,
Keep reading about ppl getting out of their cars at the Leopard and cup sighting!
Is it possible to let the staff know,so they can station somebody their who can issue tickets,so ppl don’t do this anymore???
Fines seems to be the only thing ppl understand.Greetings Thomas,Vancouver
November 28th, 2009 at 10:51 pm
Such a lovely blog! I can smell the damp ground and feel the peace of Kruger! What wonderful friends VVSG and SO are. The Frenchman will always remember the 5 star meal you so kindlyshared with him. Have a great day tomorrow.
November 29th, 2009 at 2:13 am
I am sure most of the blog readers will miss your daily dinner menus when you are back in Doha, me too
A generous gesture to invtie the Frenchman for dinner.
Petra, Hamburg
November 29th, 2009 at 2:44 am
Thanks MG for your regular blog - and Thank you VVSG and SO for looking out for Martie.
Have a good weekend
November 29th, 2009 at 6:22 am
Hi Martie
You musnt’ say its not an exciting blog for us if you don’t see anything special. Everything is special to us, even your descriptions of the people you meet and the food you cook. Kruger is lovely when its been raining - just the water dripping off the trees is lovely. So keep us the good work. Have an awesome day.
November 29th, 2009 at 6:44 am
Glad to read we are not the only people who always just miss the leopard crossing the road. Has happened to us four times! but eventually did see sightings elsewhere. The huge herd of elephants crossing must have been wonderful - my favourite animal. In October we had a herd of between 35-40 cross in front of us with plenty babes. It was amazing.
Always interesting to read what you do - it can be disappointing when you see nothing, but just taking in the smell and enjoying the peace in KP is so awesome.
Sure your great sighting are not over. Looking forward to another day with you on the blog.
November 29th, 2009 at 7:15 am
Hi Martie,
Your blog is always interesting and the pics lovely, even the goggas you snap. Nice to see green on the pics after the rains.
You must have a very blessed day and take care.
Pumba (Benoni)
November 29th, 2009 at 8:29 am
Hi mom… you so famous!
I can’t wait to see you! Counting down the days… last “real” week of school and then I can go shopping so that I am prepared for all these people im going to meet while im with you. A girl has to look her best.
Love you lots.
November 29th, 2009 at 9:41 am
Hi Martie,
Another wonderful day and blog. I just can’t believe it when I read that you had met a friend of ours, Harold, he’s the chap you met at the bridge, and we are the Dave and Brenda he talked about, (Elsa is my forum name) What a small world.
Sure the Frenchman will long remember his “last meal” in Kruger, you are a star.
Take care,
Regards
Elsa
November 29th, 2009 at 10:45 am
Hi Martie
You deserve it. I haven’t read for a few days 
and maybe that is why I was so grumpy at work!! I just love the leopard mother and cub. It is unique to see it once, but you are so fortunate. Enjoy the days ahead with your loved ones and I wish you many more special sightings!
Congatulations on your award!
Regards
Louis (Pretoria)
November 29th, 2009 at 11:30 am
Hi Martie, what a wonderful blog! the new grass and the Steenbok, an absolutely beautiful picture!! Every pic you take from francolin to leopard and lion and elephants and rhinos and and……. are all amazing!! Your kindness to the frenchman really shows who you are, one special lady!!!! Have a great day, until the next time!!!
November 29th, 2009 at 11:48 am
Hi there. although we have never met, I feel as if I know you so well, after that is said it I am so proud of your achievement in getting that award, you have single handedly brought Kruger to more people than any advertising campaign could ever do. And a whole slugload of pleasure to so many people. I have read your blog from day 1 and truly enjoy it. specially as now down South so many of the roads are familiar to me and it feels as if I am with you.
. To those that have met you, treasure the experience it will be a long time before you meet such a rare and true person.
Regards
Myer
November 29th, 2009 at 1:20 pm
Hi Martie!
Still enjoying every day of your adventure- what sightings!!!!
What milage have you covered by now- any idea?
will keep on reading and be there in spirit
Take care
November 29th, 2009 at 4:06 pm
Hi Martie, it is Hennie and Marelize again (the Sinhgwedzi couple in the blue polo). We arrived back in Pretoria about an hour ago after a full 9 days in Kruger. What a depressing thought going back to work on Tuesday. We visited the leopard mother and cub sighting a couple of times, however we were only lucky ones. We saw other leopards at least. We had a great time in Kruger. Can’t wait to go again. We will visit your blog at least every second night as that is the closest we will get to Kruger. Thanks for brining that to us.
Have a lovely evening!
November 29th, 2009 at 4:23 pm
Hi Martie,
Thanks for the info on the water at Duke. We had wonderful sightings there when there was water. After all the rain the animals do become more scarce as they are more widespread but we still had a lot of fun identifying all the wild flowers that now start to appear. So don’t worry if you do not show us the big things, everything is special, even the scenery. Loved your Steenie.
Tibby
November 29th, 2009 at 5:06 pm
Hi Martie congratulations on your award!!!!!!!! You deserve it
This is one of my favourite places in the World.
Still enjoying your blog, I wish I could join in on all your wonderful drives. I have never experienced a green Kruger in my life as we always visit in the winter months. Can I please ask you a very BIG Favour, a pic of the green scenery from Nkumbe Hill.
Enjoy the rest of your stay and looking forward to tonight’s post.
Regards Nkumbe
November 29th, 2009 at 6:56 pm
Hi Engel. Glad the freezer is stocked up & working well. Sightings may have been a bit slow 2day but pics still very good. 4got 2 ask but seems camera gremlins now gone. Have a safe trip fetching Mom. Hope u have great sightings while she is there. Sleep tite Luv u XXX
November 29th, 2009 at 7:39 pm
Hello there, I am commenting now before I get on to finishing the last few things I have to organise before I leave tomorrow. My suitcases are all packed, just a couple of last minute things to add before I can close them. I am waiting to see what the weather man says about the morning temperature as I have asked Reception for a wake up call at 5.3O am……. oh dear - he says that we can expect 80% rain in Mpumalanga tomorrow and further rain for the next three days, but the midday temperatures are quite high. Never mind, I am sure that all the animals will come out to welcome me ! !. Dont know if I will see tonights blog, it all depends on what time I need to go to bed. As I told you, I am leaving my laptop at home as I will be living your dream with you ! !. See you tomorrow. xxx
November 29th, 2009 at 9:11 pm
Hi Martie
Yes it was the day before that you met my parents. I am getting confussed with the days, as I am jumping from day 57 to current, as I am a late starter
Sounds like you had a very busy day meeting many ppl.
Enjoy!
PS Hope the Leopard doesnt get “gatvol” of all the ppl and move off!