Living My Dream Day 253 (Satara Day 10)
And its an evening full of bugs again tonight! They are really making my life here in Kruger “horrible” at the moment! They come like a Tsunami….just take over everyting and dont care who or where you are! After sitting inside for the last 2 hours I have now come out…at least my food..left over chops and potatoes…all covered in foil is on the fire and hopefully safe from these little creatures!
A quick blog again…..I really thought of taking my bags and go tonight….such a nice eve last night around the fire…bug free…and not sure why they have to torment me like this when I dont have a man around to chase them away! Not sure any man can chase these little bugs..but still nice to have company! VVSG and SO, as many of you said..are real friends and I will never forget them…like many others I have met in Kruger….Norma and John (thesupervisor)…Corrie and Nonnie…Karen and Johan and offcourse Norms! …only to name a few, but ppl who made such a difference in my life! I always enjoy meeting you all reading the blog.and please dont ever think that you are disturbing me! As said before, if not for you….who knows where I would be tonight!
Norms and all others asking, the camp site is real quiet tonight.think the bugs only have my fire and light attracking them! Its nice to have a full campsite and you can see the fires glowing around you….real funny to only see my fire going! Glen (dbn) nice to have met you and fam as well…real sorry you could not wait around at the leopard…but then, now you know how long I wait to get that pic to bring to the blog…hope those who critizice me can understand how many hours I have to wait to get a pic for the blog! Please drive safe back to Durban and keep on reading the blog…so nice to be able to put a face to the name of those who comment! DaleneD, you were the first person that came to my mind when I drove up to Gudzani East…..remembered how you told me about the lions taking down a Zebra there…..hopefully I will still see it …and most of all take pics and bring it to you all! Fenwickh…nice meeting you all…but really not nice to hear about your tick bite fever………Hope you are well soon….got your email and will be intouch before we get back to S.A in October! Green Widow, Im still waiting for that awesome shot of a LOG walking towards me on a gravel road…just me and him! Hopefully it will happen…if not, Im very sattisfied with the pics I have taken …and cannot ask for more…but you know humans…the more you have, the more you want…..real greedy ppl we are! Cashandra..it all depends on how much more rain Kruger gets between now and April…you did not say where you will be in Kruger, which also would make a big difference! Hope you still see it green, lush and obviously full of animals! Danie and Alma Steyn…I thought I posted a pic of Nsemani Dam a few days ago…but then again, Im old and loosing my memory..will check…if I did not, I will bring you a pic tomorrow night! Ann, sorry I missed you, Karen did tell me about ppl looking for me….but Im sure as you have read the blog on Christmas day….the girls and I were watching a leopard catching an Impala! Please dont keep this compliments and complaints to yourself….the forum has a great thread about that…submit your complaints and compliments and you will be amazed with the answers you get….I think this is the link to it! Sandy Smith..who knows, maybe one day I will see the Kgalagadi….and then I can compare and decide which is best! Really do believe that each got its own magic…Lala Gilfallan and many others going back to work tomorrow…as you said…great you still have a job..many would not have that and really struggle and I feel for all those ppl….but glad you can work, have a holiday….really enjoy it…and most of all…be able to read this blog! Jaycee (MIL) I only have 79 days left in Kruger…must make the most of it…I can sleep and eat and enjoy life when I get to the sea early April….actually cant wait to get to Marsh and just chill on the rock with a fishing rod…beer in hand and wait for the waves to wash over me! Sure Im going to miss Kruger, the eves around the fire, the blog, the ppl I talk to, the whole atmosphere…but think that I have proofed I could do it…and if I must say so myself…Im proud of ME! Marty, nice to hear that the MTN connection at Balule is better than here at Satara…think not just me, but the whole world will have withdrawl symptoms if I could not blog while there! Really missing you all…your stand is still open!
Again, back to today…a late morning….as said I blogged this am.really could not and would not do it last night….We left camp at about 10am…after VVSG checked the big tent…unfortunately the sides dont zip off…so its not an option for me to use…must have the awning fixed..but then..not many days left! ChrisB and SO that I met at Shindgwedzi rihgt in the beginning of my trip came around to say hello! Nice meeting you again..sure will see you more as I move up North!
I went to the Impala caracass in the tree..it was moved from the mik in the tree to an open spot…but not much left….think the leopard had a great meal through the night without any cars around…althought Dries told me they were on the night drive vehicle and got great pics of the leopard eating! This am….only a few bones left..but I got all the Tawny Eagles (I think) and Bateleurs waiting for there turn! I could not believe how civilized they all are….the one would eat until he had his fill….and then the next would come..all patiently waiting for their turn! The poor Bateleurs had to take 2nd place…or is that 4th after all the tawnies?
Not great pics but hopefully you can see all the birds…
After watching them the vultures arrived! They have no table manners at all! I think this Tawny Eagle came to tell them to be more civilised….about 5 minutes after they gorged themselves, the kill fell off the tree and that was the end of the show!
I left and went pass Nsemani Dam and just before the dam…a great pic, specially for JenE and offcourse Engel..his fav bird…a Lilac Breasted Roller..this one with a “kill”
..then up to Girivana again, still looking for the Wild Cat with kitten….but again…not to be…I did find this Martial Eagle close to the road…another I wanted to take pics of before I leave…..unfortunately no kill with it….but he had such an attitude! First of all he ignored me completely, just looking up into the sky!
Many cars drove passed, but I would not go…so he gave me a grumpy look and I knew I had to go!
Got back to camp at about 2pm;..then Tibby came around, so glad the camp is empty and you could get your spot….the same as what Corrie and Nonnie had….and where I parked next to them in August! A quick bit of scrabble with Fathima…and then an hour snooze! Some ppl I met from White River came around…sorry cant remember your names…as I also cant find my Peacefull sleep I bought….a quick drive to the shop to buy some…..paid more than R40 for a can! and back..but on the way saw a YR….Mark Stan I think…nice meeting you and your mother….then Dries came around…..and just after we took the pics the bugs arrived!…..Again!!!
Again, no cats or dogs, but a great day in Kruger again!
Until tomorrow
Sleep tite
Martie
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January 10th, 2010 at 10:04 pm
Hi Martie, not a bad day at the office!!!! LBR is just too beautiful and the eagle is georgeous. Sorry to hear the bugs are still BUGGING you. Sounds like you have recovered from the sore mouth! Have another great day in paradise. Regards Chrissie.
January 10th, 2010 at 10:09 pm
Great pic of the LBR, you must have had the aperture wide open, to get the very narrow depth of field…fantastic!
Darren
January 10th, 2010 at 10:14 pm
Hi Martie
Use a KILL PEST eurolux lamp…couple of metres away from the fire…won’t kill of them though but it will be better (although i think you will attrack alllllll the bugs in the KNP)…please ask hubby to visit the KNP with you again during the Sept..Oct school holidays instead of the sea…we will be camping at Letaba and Shingwedzi…will make my famous potjie for you…believe me, if me, my wife and two daughters empty a no 3 potjie in one afternoon…it must be something…keep going girl.
January 10th, 2010 at 10:17 pm
Hi Martie nice pic on the lilac breasted roller I had one the other day with a snake could not believe it. Hope the bugs will leave soon. I will send you an email tomorrow to fix the dates. Have good nigths rest.
January 10th, 2010 at 10:32 pm
Hi Martie,
So good to have met you briefly today. We have now settled and I hope to be able to have a longer chat. I love your LBR. Your pictures are so crystal clear, I will have to get some tips. Good Night, see you tomorrow.
Tibby
January 10th, 2010 at 10:35 pm
Good Evening Martie,
So sorry about the bugs – I feel so sorry for you – I hate them flying into my house and when it becomes dark I have to shut my doors or we are swamped with tiny green stingy goggas that drive me mad. I can just imagine how awful it must be for you out in the bush with bugs in your hair, ears, nose and mouth if you open it! Please hang in there and don’t pack your bags yet! Gorgeous pics of the LB Roller and the Martial Eagle. What a pity you missed seeing the Leopard at it’s kill but at least you were entertained by the birds!
Has GW been too busy flying around the world to sort out the replies you got to his request about mid December – would be interesting to see the results. I know he said it would be a trial run, I suggest when he does the “real thing” he chooses a day when everybody is working as it appears that a lot of people comment from their offices. I should think that since the release of the Vrouekeur you will find that you have a lot more readers commenting.
I hope tomorrow is a good day and that you have a bit of wind to blow the bugs away but not strong enough to damage your awning!
January 10th, 2010 at 11:25 pm
Hi Martie, once again beautiful pics, martial eagle, so regal, and the LBRoller and his snack, amazing – what can I say, you are really a professional photographer, with the patience of Job!!!! Sorry about the bugs, certainly one of my pet hates – can’t stand them!!!!! Have a wonderful day tomorrow, with plenty of what Kruger has to offer!!!! Stay cool until your next blog, take care!!!!
January 10th, 2010 at 11:39 pm
Hello Martie
The flying “Protein” must be worse than a snake in the bed. Try with the following recipe: If you have (or can buy in a camp) “gloves” (spice), burn them over the fire on a sheet of foil or poor them directly into the fire. They burn slowly and the smoke should keep away the bugs.
If you have empty cans, poor in some burning coal and cloves and place them close to the place you stay. Sure, the steaks should be done before or after this procedure.Good luck!
The pics are once more unique!! Thank you!
Have a good night! Greetings from icy Switzerland
Madeleine
January 11th, 2010 at 2:37 am
hi martie,
loved the pics of the martial eagle awesome bird thanks for sharing
.have a good nite stu & toni
another good day in kruger but then aren#t they all
January 11th, 2010 at 6:14 am
Hi Mg
Been away for a few days. Just caught up with your adventures. Glad to hear you are feeling better. Thanks once again VVSG and SO. Have a good week. BTW i have a trip to India planned for the first 3 weeks in Mar. And we are visiting a National Park – so am looking to do some serious damage to my birdlist.
January 11th, 2010 at 6:45 am
Morning M
Thx. We can’t recall a pic – maybe we have the same problems with memory(LOL), will however check back! Would love to see how the dam looks now after the rains, as it was pretty empty / dry in Aug.
Recall our LIT on our way out (7 Aug) – a great moment we could share with you!!!
Love
DAS
January 11th, 2010 at 7:16 am
Hi Martie,
Trust that you are well?
Have an awesome day and thank you for the BLOG!!!
Best Regards,
Pambere
January 11th, 2010 at 7:55 am
Sorry that your days are getting less, what are we going to do?
No Martie, no LIT no any pics.
January 11th, 2010 at 8:22 am
Hi Martie
Can’t believe the bugs are still bugging you! They are really terrible, I’ve found some in my car last night! They creep into everything. Can’t imagine what the campsite must be like with everybody gone.
Thanks for all the nice food and time spent together, I hope you will get to see the african wild cat and kittens.
We found 2 of the 3 male lions laying in the road just passed the Sweni river on our way down to Numbi gate and saw a LIT close to Kruger tablets, but as soon as more cars arrived it just jumped down and disappeared. It was a beautiful big male.
We had a great two weeks in the Park, can’t wait to be back there in March, see you then!
I’m glad your mouth is feeling better, eat something, don’t lose any more weight and have a great day!
January 11th, 2010 at 8:41 am
Did a quick survey regarding our Nsemani request. Finding as follows -
Day 2 you said: “I was going to do the S100, but norms told me about how full Nsemani dam was and I really wanted to see that…unfortunately with the packing up I forgot to take the small lens with me…but can tell you that I dont think I have ever seen it so full…will take pics tomorrow and bring that to you too…”
Day 3: A pic of Piet Grobler dam
Day 4: Only a FE at Nsemani dam
Day 6: A pic of Gudzani dam
Day 9: Girivana dam and Gudzani spruit.
Sorry for the trouble but it would bre great to see a full Nsemani
Thx!!!
DAS
PS: YOU ARE NOT OLD!!! Well not yet! We still have SOME way to go, okay?
January 11th, 2010 at 9:36 am
Hi Martie
Nice pics of the eagle as always.The bugs are just part of Kruger,but are you burning your lantern to keep them away because they work for some bugs as well & not just for mossies.
Cheers
January 11th, 2010 at 9:49 am
Hi Martie
Thanks for your blog and pictures. Love the LBR with “Kill”!
Oh Man thats the only thing I don’t miss in the Kruger, those nasty bugs! They give me the “grills”! I really feel for you!
Have a fabulous day!
Cheers
Jenette
January 11th, 2010 at 1:12 pm
Hi there Skattie. !!! Wow
Thanks for the LOR pic and with a kill !!! you made my morning….
Some might think how silly making a request but now you gave me the pic AND its like I’ve just received a prezzie….. thanks again.
Hope you’re busy having an awesome Monday morning….. and that all the animals have come out to play. One more sleep till your b’day. love always, JenE @ Cullinan……
January 11th, 2010 at 1:13 pm
oops !! should be LBR not LOR …
January 11th, 2010 at 3:22 pm
Hi there! just out of interest, when is your birthday? just want to make sure we do not miss it.
we went to Kruger this weekend, stayed in Skukuza and Pretoriuskop. we had 3 sightings of leopard, but no lions. everyone was asking about the lions! we even saw wild dogs twice. Satara was just a bit too far to come and say hi!
still think you are the best and doing something wonderfull!
Marelize & Hennie
January 11th, 2010 at 3:31 pm
Hi Martie,
We were visting Kruger just after Xmas, and boy it was very hot !! Glad to hear you had some rain. We love Kruger and with our birdbook, we love sitting and searching for the different bird and try and remember their names. We found a bird (papagaiduif) this time, and I tell you, we could not get enough of this one. It is so beautiful with so many colours !!! If you find one please take a picture with your camara as your pictures are exqisite and post it on your blog – make us home sick (Kruger normaly feels like home when we visit) Thanx for my little Kruger every day !! Must say I take my hat off to you for living your dream !!! You go girl!!!
January 11th, 2010 at 3:45 pm
Hello there, I hope that all the bugs have now moved to newer pastures or completed their life cycle ! It must be a lot quieter in the camp and on the roads now that many of the holiday makers have returned h0me, perhaps more animals will now make an appearance. The Martial Eagle looked quite imperious, specially posed for you. Regarding Green Widow’s mention of the “census” on Day 227, I have started my own register – just for my own amusement, began with the comments on that day and continued to add any new readers. There might be some duplicates as some ppl just sign their christian names and not mention their country so I have included them all. Up to date I have got 383 names of people who have commented on the blog ! Perhaps Fathima can compare. Wishing you good sights and good rest. xxx
January 11th, 2010 at 3:50 pm
Hey Marti
Great blog, I followed you from day 1 on the net, and yes, finally a comment from my side, if I repeat something that has been said or asked, PLEASE forgive me. My question…are you going to write a book of some sort after your trip capturing your views on topics such as Kruger and its future, conservation in Africa etc. See you soon somewhere in the park
January 11th, 2010 at 6:07 pm
Wow Jaycee/MIL - That is gr8 – 383 people who comment on the blog, quite amazing and shows how popular you are Martie. What are those +383 people going to do when you leave Kruger ??!!! We sure will miss you.
Forgot to mention to you last night – there was a programme on TV yesterday about Pafuri – I had to stop lunch preparation to watch it! Featured Ranger Walter Jubber and a lady wild life photographer – very interesting especially about the SAN Park team who go looking for the poachers – they showed us such horrid snares which they had found in the bush. Also set out on foot looking for Rhino which they never found ! The most enjoyable part to me was to see the beautiful Fever Trees and Baobabs.
January 11th, 2010 at 6:21 pm
To Marelize and Hennie and others who want to know.
Martie”s birthday is tomorrow 12 January.
Martie from the bottom of my heart I wish you a lovely Birthday and more good sightings and no bugs tomorrow. And may your next year be blessed with wonderful things. Regards, Delene D.
January 11th, 2010 at 7:28 pm
Hi Martie, just like to wish you a very happy birthday for tomorrow, hope you have a super sighting day as that would be the cherry on top. Regards Chrissie & SO.
January 11th, 2010 at 8:03 pm
Hi Martie!
Great pics!
Jut wanna wish u an ass kicking happy birthday for 2morrow!!
January 11th, 2010 at 8:10 pm
Hi Martie,
Also like to wish you a Happy Birthday and a great, healty year ahead. Keep well and thanks again for your daily reports!!!
You bring people from all over the world together on the site. Enjoy the time you have left in Kruger Park,Thomas.Vancouver
January 11th, 2010 at 8:14 pm
Hi Martie
Erik and I wish you a happy birthday and we hope to meet you again in Skukuza during the cricket.
Regards
Agnes
January 11th, 2010 at 9:00 pm
Hello Martie
Because you are always thought of
In a very special way
This brings you warmest wishes
for a Very Happy Birthday!!!
Although you are without your family we are with you in spirit (So enjoy as you are very special to all of us)
Regards
Bernard & Ann
Henley on Klip
Gauteng
January 23rd, 2010 at 10:14 am
Saw your blog bookmarked on Delicious.