Living My Dream Day 256 (Satara Day 13)
Hello again to all of you! Another slow day, but Im not complaining…as said before..if I see lions, leopards, wilddogs, cheetah everyday you will become very bored! At least I can show you other things in Kruger and Im also thankful for that!
I thank many more of you for the birthday wishes….but as said..its just another day and glad I could spent it in Kruger! I did not think I would sleep last night after my long sleep in the pm…but the minute I put my head down I was sleeping like a baby! Only woke up at 5am! A long day of driving and packing up, so will get to the comments quickly..yet again! Also, if you have sent me an email….I will get to it..Gabbi (Pta) I did look at that site at Maroela, but there is a permanent group set up just to the right of it, right behind the ablution block…so no choice for me to park there! Louis Dreyer, please thank Pieter for the big birthday hug…really appreciated! Trekboer Thomas, I think there is a very good chance that I will still be awake or even blogging at midnight at Maroela, although I think that I will have a lot more time to myself as not many visitors would come after gate closing time…how special would it be to see that Porcupine…or even the Pangolin that was seen by forum member Meandering Mouse! Fathima, so glad you enjoyed the article…and to think you were part of all my planning….my tired days…and offcourse the excitement! Hope you have many more clouds in Doha before the winter is done! Jenette, the summer here in Kruger is very weird at the moment, you dont know what you should wear when you wake up in the am….longs or shorts….TShirt or strappy top….jacket….mine is now permanantly in the car…too many mornings I was too cold to look for any animals! Wendy Wilson I look forward to seeing the Scops Owl at Maroela, saw the one here at Satara today when I went to the shop, so in the open….but I did not have my cam with me! Overseas Leopard…I have not taken any videos…did try when I started, but with only 2 hands, a slug to drive and 2 cameras I could not fit in the video….the ones I took was a real disaster…and I would rather capture that moment on the cam instead of on the video camera!
Today was pack up day, but before I could do that I have made arrangements to meet a forum member, Pantera Leo, at Tsokwane! I woke up as said at 5am, had my tea outside and just stared into the bush! Last morning I can sit here at Satara and not worry about anything…just what I can see and what I would see! By 6 I was ready, got the cams into the car…the coolerbox filled with ice and the little other things I take…then…I could not find the keys for the car! I looked and looked, almost turning the caravan upside down…at last I thought of looking inside the car. When I get to a quick sighting I would switch the car off and turn on again…just onto the ignition….not with the engine running…Im not sure what happened when I got back to camp yesterday…my mind probably a million miles away…but there in the ignition my keys! And whats worse…..the car was still switched on! Needless to say…I had a very flat battery! Luckily some other campers were up….Denny and Yolandi thank you so much for your help…he came with their car and I had the jumper leads out…no idea how they work, although Engel had told me a few times…..too scared they would shock me! Denny also did not know, but to our rescue came his wife and in no time showed us how to do it….and the slug was ready to go!
I drove very slow….max 30km/h, but the animals were still hiding away from me….I did stop for this Namaqua dove on the way to Nkaya pan….
Its very frustrating to take a pic of a bird with no sun..it almost looks dead without the glints in the eye…but another one that I have not shown you before, I think! The only other pic I took on the almost 50km down was of the Mazithi Dam…not to show you how much water is in it…but the big dark clouds in the background!
I got to Tsokwane about 15minutes before the arranged time and although no cell signal decided to take the time to sort out my Inbox on my cell.really have so many old msg and no time to delete! While I was doing that a couple came over and ask if I was Martie……they are from the free state…will tell you later about them….then another lady came…Elmarie…who also just read the blog and has never commented….nice to meet you too! Pantera Leo came with his grandfather and nephew and niece…so nice to eventually meet you, sorry Nkumbe could not come…but glad you had such awesome sightings around LS….not everyday ppl see a Caracal!
I returned to camp the same way…..and found this Bateleur close to the road, but obviously sitting in the wrong light…
shortly after this Francolin with her little chicks…..
and my last sighting for today all these Giraffes lying down…I have seen one or 2 of them at a time, but today I counted 9 having a snooze…could not fit them all into the lens!
Back at camp and it was time to start the cleaning and packing up process…as said before, I wash everything before I move…its almost like arriving at the next camp in a new caravan…but today, I did not pack up the cover from the bottom or the groundsheet…with so many stories of snakes around…and thank heavens I have not seen one….I did not feel comfortable sitting out here without it! Even without the awning and the sides I feel very exposed and naked…..tomorrow am I will quickly pack up the last of the things and then it is off to Maroela….I really look fwd to the camp as I have just heard so much about it…
As the sun was setting the ppl I met at Tsokwane…Sanet Cronje and her husband…..cant remember his name now! Again!!! came around for a quick chat, they are from Bothaville in the free state and again…only read the blog….good friends of Soekie that was so kind to bring me all the jams etc from the farm when I was at Skukuza! Great to meet you too and thanks for reading the blog….like I thank all of you reading! Then Tibby came around to say goodbye, but sure I will still see them somewhere on the road as they are only leaving Saturday! Thanks again for the nice gift…..Its really my pleasure bringing Kruger to you everynight. Sanet said that she had anallized the blog and the week after the new moon my sightings have been very poor! Lets hope the week after has passed now and maybe I can bring you some more great sightings in the next few days! If not….then just enjoy Kruger through my eyes and words!
Until tomorrow
Sleep tite
Martie
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January 13th, 2010 at 9:05 pm
Leopard Lady you need to up your game!! Hope you enjoy the north. The furthest we’ve been is Shingwedzi and Punda is on the ‘to do’ list. I am sure the north will have it’s own appeal but for good sightings there is nothing better than the south. Maybe you will prove me wrong!
January 13th, 2010 at 9:07 pm
Hi Martie,
Thanks again for the blog and pics. Hope your move (short ride) goes smoothly and you can set up camp without any problems. Good luck with your posts, hope the connection is OK. If they don’t have electricity there I expect you will revert to the slow way in the slug? Good luck with your sightings as well in that area. Nsemani dam and Girivani dams look good. Regards, Delene D. Am I first???
January 13th, 2010 at 9:09 pm
Am I first tonight? Martie you will love Maroela. Look out for mamba’s though. Years ago we had the experience of a mamba sailing into the tent while we were unpacking. Not nice at all!!
January 13th, 2010 at 9:11 pm
Hi Martie,
Am I first for once? Still enjoying your blogs every day. Keep going, even if you don’t see any cats, dogs etc. The scenery pics remind me so of the park that they are just as enjoyable. I cannot wait for my next trip, although it is only in August. But, I will be going to the KTP in April, and am really looking forward to that.
Enjoy!!
Jean.
January 13th, 2010 at 9:12 pm
Thank you, Martie. Tell me and SO what is a caracal? I did know, but forgot, maybe in Afr? Did you had it before on your blog?
January 13th, 2010 at 9:14 pm
Good Evening Martie,
I survived the awful traffic in Joh’burg today – can you believe it, I have never seen so many traffic lights not working all along main roads and from reports on the radio these have been out for a few weeks! Gosh you are lucky you do not have that problem in KNP!
Lovely picture of Mazithi Dam with the clouds, also enjoyed the Bataleur, Francolin and chicks and Namaqua Dove. Fancy all those Giraffes sleeping in the daytime! I hope your move to Maroela goes well 2moro and you find a good site and more important, have a good internet connection. Lekker slaap.
January 13th, 2010 at 9:38 pm
Martie
I really look forward to reading your Blog everyday.We just love Kruger and are very envious.Where is Maroela Camp?I thought I knew Kruger pretty well but have never heward of it before. When do you move to Balule?. We stayed there March 2009 and it was wonderful…just like I imagined öld”" Kruger must have been.
stevhil(YR)
January 13th, 2010 at 9:38 pm
Hi Martie, not a bad day at all, must say we have only ever seen two giraffe lying down, that must have been something to see about nine of them. Have a safe drive and hope you see lots on the orpen road. Regards Chrissie.
January 13th, 2010 at 10:37 pm
Still enjoying each day of yours and looking forward to another 80 odd days to share. Enjoyed your mag article
- you are brave to undergo caravaning when you have to do it alone and have never done it before! Wow – You sound like a pro caravaner!! It sounds like you could teach the male species a thing or two about setting up camp.
Safe travelling and good viewing ahead.
Fiona
January 13th, 2010 at 10:51 pm
Hi Martie
Back in Cape Town and feeling much better! Just caught up with the last three blog entries – loved Vrouekeur article. Glad you had a peaceful day in Kruger on your birthday too.
All your sightings are unique – you manage to capture special moments with the animals.
Giraffe liying down is something I’ve seldom seen yet we saw it quite often in Kruger this year – I wonder if it has anything to do with the strange summer weather?
It’s hot in Cape Town and yesterday there was a fatal shark attack at our local beach – Fish Hoek. Will have to watch my grandsons carefully!
Have a great day tomorrow!
January 13th, 2010 at 10:59 pm
Hi Engel. Sorry couldnt reply yesterday but as you know I had early night and a 0400 am flight. Just read the blog and as usual your pics are great, especially the zebra. Glad you cought up a little with sleep yesterday, you certainly need it. Todays sightings may have been slow but sure beats a day at the office… or on an aircraft…. Hope your move goes smooth tomorrow . Speak later Luv you XXX
January 13th, 2010 at 11:12 pm
Hi Martie,
Just reading your blog makes me feel at home (KNP) again. Moving to Maroela Camp you will most probably and hopefully see Cheetahs.
We were just lucky in December to find a mom caracal and 2 very curious youngsters on S 25. I just wish that you can still see some.
Don’t forget, all sightings are great, if birds, animals or scenery, we just love to read and look at your pics.
Enjoy and keep well. Kind regards – Ursula
January 14th, 2010 at 12:42 am
Hi Martie, Firstly the full moon on New Years eve was a blue moon together with an eclipse!!!! Blue moon means second full moon in 1 month! It was beautiful at the Vaal dam!!!! Your pic of the Namaqua
dove, the fastest dove, flying, that is, is absolutely beautiful!!! Also there is nothing as beautiful as a Bateleur, I love them!!!!!! Have a great pack up and go tomorrow, there’s no hurry, you have all day, so chill!!!!!!! You may have a bit of rain according to the weatherman, but maybe not!!!! Take care, and a happy move to a very good (and very shady) spot!!!! and I hope their are nice people around to give you a hand!!! (not that you really need it)!!!! but I would feel happier if their were nice, kind people around you!!! You never know who you will meet!!! Take care, I’ll be thinking of you out there!!!!
January 14th, 2010 at 6:05 am
Hi Martie
Have a good move today – I hope you get a good spot at Maroela camp. For Louise van Niekerk, I think a caracal in Afrikaans is a rooikat? Lovely little cats.
We often see giraffe lying down early in the morning in Marloth Park – I think they are relaxed there because they know they are unlikely to get eaten by lions so they are lazy and less alert there!
Enjoy your day.
January 14th, 2010 at 6:41 am
Hi Martie
I am totally enjoying the pictures of the veld and vlei, the dams and the trees and animals on the savannah. Can’t wait for Balule, its my outright most favourite camp, where a rainbow can cross from horizon to horizon at the Bangu. May tomorrow be as inspiring. Enjoy!
January 14th, 2010 at 6:55 am
Marie,
dit is wonderlik om jou droom te kan leef!!! Geniet elke oomblik. Daar is nêrens ‘n beter plek as kruger park nie.
January 14th, 2010 at 7:34 am
Hi Martie
With the hussle and bussle of city life around us each moring, it is comforting reading the blog and to get carried away to the green pastures and peaceful waters of Kruger! Even if it is only for a couple of minutes.
I just love the pic of the francolin and chicks, they are so sweet.
Remember to give us photos of Maroela camp. Never been there.
Hope you have a lot of good sigthings today and a good spot in Maroela.
Regards
Pumba (Benoni)
January 14th, 2010 at 7:40 am
Morning Martie, I hope you have a good stay at Maroela, I think the nights there could be awesome, because it is not a big camp. I am looking forward to your stay at Balule, to me that is just an awesome little camp. Will tell you what happenend to me one night at Balule. Good luck with the packing up and the reversing of the caravan into the spot!
Liza – Pretoria
January 14th, 2010 at 7:51 am
Hi Martie
I am pleased you dont see cats everyday, that would give the worng impression of Kruger. It is great to go looking for the game and enjoy what ever you find. It also makes it more thrilling when you do find a cat or something else unusual. Your pics are fantastic and really do bring the Kruger Park into our homes. Thanks for all you do and enjoy living your dream. I love the area you are moving to – great game viewing country! Good Luck! To all the blog readers be greatful for what ever we get to see on Marties blog she gives up precious time when she could be sitting at a fire enjoying the night bush sounds and just chilling our with a night cap! Thanks Martie
January 14th, 2010 at 8:06 am
Hey Martie,
Was great meeting you in Satara. Have a great time in Maroela. Apologies for not waking you at 11:30pm when the lions came walking past the camp. I figured you been here so long you would hate me for the late night wakeup.. oops
Anyway take care, see you around sometime soon.
January 14th, 2010 at 8:14 am
Hi Martie.
I Haven’t posted for a while, but I’m still reading your blogs every day, and enjoying seeing all the nice photos you take.
I’ll be in the kruger from the 14th till the 19th of March this year with my parents. Maybe we could meet up sometime while I’m there. it will be interesting to chat to you in person. We’ll be staying in the Olifants and Bateleur camps.
January 14th, 2010 at 8:23 am
Hi Martie
. Have a good move and sightings.
When stayed at Moroela few year back we had a lovely site next to fence but when putting up tent we misjudged ourselves and SO shocked himself on fence as tent pole was just a bit too close to fence. Moroela lovely and quiet. Luckily in all the years we have been camping in Kruger we have never even seen a snake in camp
Angie
January 14th, 2010 at 8:52 am
Hi Martie
Loved your article.
Glad you had a good sleep, sometimes it is just what we need.
I would also love to see pictures of your new camp, also never heard of it.
Will speak again.
PARKADDICT<
January 14th, 2010 at 9:10 am
Hi Martie, thanks a lot for your comments on my request. Actually I greatly enjoy your blogs with fantastic photos. Lot of people say that they have been to KNP many times, but haven’t had luck to have some exciting sights like big cats with kill, but you are different. It doesn’t matter where you go, luck is always with you. I believe even rangers there get jealous. Once you have some time , just give us some tips on how you can all these great sightings (maybe you have to have a couple of episodes on tips. haha, have a great day!! Kenneth, JHB
January 14th, 2010 at 9:23 am
Hi Martie
We haven’t been on the internet for a while now, as we have been having some really bad service from Telkom, anyway long story.I am very happy to see that you are still having a great time . Happy Birthday for the 12th. As you know, if you have Kruger in your blood, then you start having withdrawal syptems as soon as you leave that place. Well we decided to go to Umfolozi for a few days over Xmas, we saw lot’s , Elli, Lion,Cheetah,Wild Dog no Leopard, we had a great time , but the place is not like Kruger. Hope you find a good spot at Maroela, which will be your new home for the next while, some years back, there was a Leopard that walked around the camp at knight,much like the Hyaena’s do at most camps.
Anyway Martie enjoy
Best Regards Tim ,Mel, Cody and Tanna.
Margate
January 14th, 2010 at 9:36 am
Hello Martie!
Have a good trip to Mareola! Iim sure, there is no mamba or other snake waiting for you ( r. Reinette ).
Thank you so much for the English Version of the article in Vrouekeur. So interesting! As well as the interview with Tony Park!
I should do the laundry, cleaning ecc, but my mind is in Kruger….
Have e wonderful day!
Madeleine
January 14th, 2010 at 9:47 am
Hi Martie,
I should have mentioned it yesterday, that the permanent group is not always there. If the are,they out the whole day, come back late, eat and go to sleep. They always well behaved. It is at this fence where the leopard stayed in the stormwater drain. I think it might be this leopard that was shot.
Good luck with your move.
January 14th, 2010 at 9:58 am
Hi Martie
Thanks for your blog and pictures! Good luck with your move today and hope you get a good spot! I am sure a new camp will bring you all sorts of different sightings…enjoy!
Cheers
Jenette
January 14th, 2010 at 10:28 am
Hi Martie
Another peaceful day bathed in Kruger atmosphere! Thank you!
January 14th, 2010 at 10:29 am
Hi Martie
Dankie vir jou pragtige foto’s…
Ek hoop jou skuif na Maroela kamp verloop goed, mag jy baie mooi sightings daar ervaar ….en geen gogga’s.
Ramona
January 14th, 2010 at 1:19 pm
Hi Martie
Take Care
January 14th, 2010 at 3:22 pm
Have now got into a daily routine of checking the blog.Live in the North of scotland where we have had a foot of snow on the ground for 4 weeks so kruger news provides a bit of warmth.Looking forward to spending 6 nights in kruger in march including the sweni wilderness trail.Thanks for your efforts,will miss them when it is over1
January 14th, 2010 at 4:12 pm
Hi Martie, ek lees oor jou ervaringe vanaf dag 1 en kan nie wag om dit elke dag te lees nie – ek kan net sê ek wens ek was jy. Alhoewel ek in Tzaneen grootgeword het en nou reeds 10 jaar in Nelspruit woon, was ek nog nie vir langer as 10 aaneenlopede dae in die wildtuin nie.
Dis die eerse keer wat ek skryf en die rede is omdat jy nou na my gunsteling kamp toe gaan. Ons gaan kamp al vir 18 jaar elke paasnaweek daar. Die stilte daar is wonerlik. Net jammer die paaie in die omgewing is min en jammer dat hulle die da (Rabelias) tot niet gemaak het, maar ons het al wonderlike ervaringe daar gehad en my gunsteling staanplek is in die onderste hoek onder daai groot jakkalsbessieboom – so goed jy is in die hemel.
Groete
Marie van Eck
January 14th, 2010 at 4:44 pm
HI MARTIE,
JA DIE OPPAK NA N ANDER KAMP IS ALTYD NIE LEKKER NIE…….ONS WAS AL 4 KEER BY MAROELA………DIS REGTIG N BAIE RUSTIGE KAMP MET BAIE NAGGELUIDE…..DIE HARDSTE WAT EK N LEEU GEHOOR BRUL HET WAS DAAR. JY GAAN DIT VERSEKER GENIET. RY N DRAAI DEUR TAMBOTIE, NET LANGS MAROELA. EK EN MAN GAAN 1 KEER N JAAR SOONTOE, DIS REGTIG PEACE EN AMAZING DAAR OOK AS JY NIE LUS IS VIR KAMP NIE. EEN JAAR WAS DAAR 5 UUR DIE OGGEND N HENGSE GERAAS, MY MAN HET NOG GESE, GAAN KRUIP WEG IN DIE BADKAMER……JY HET NET DIE GEGROM VAN LEEUS GEHOOR……TOE NA 5 MINUTE DIE MOED BYMEKAAR GESKRAAP EN GAAN KYK WAT AANGAAN BUITE……WAS DAAR WRAGTIG N “KILL” REG VOOR ONS TENT…….ARME KOEDOE. DIE ANDER KOEDOE IS REGDEUR DIE DRAAD……DEUR DIE KAMP EN WEER OOR DIE AGTERSTE DRAAD. GEEN ELEKTRIESE HEININGS HET TOE GEWERK NIE….. ONS KON TOE GELUKKIG DIE VIDEOKAMERA NADER EN HET AFGENEEM…….DIT WAS N BELEWENIS EN N HALF…….SAL DIT NOOIT VERGEET NIE. BY MAROELA WEI N SPESIFIEKE OLIFANTTROP OOK SOMMER SO LANGS DIE HEINING, SO EK HOOP JY IS BEVOORREG OM DIT TE KAN SIEN……!!!!!!!!!!!
LEKKER OPSLAAN MORE EN EK HOOP JY KRY N LEKKER SPOT LANGS DIE DRAAD……COOL!!!!!!
GAUTENG=GROETE
ELIZMA
January 14th, 2010 at 5:04 pm
Hi Martie. I have been away since the 24th Dec – it has taken me a few days to catch up with all your blogging and absolutely fantastic pictures – so many leopards, wild dogs, lion and the general game. Lovely to see some of the dams full again.
Before I go any further I would like to wish you a belated Happy New Year, anniversay and above all, your birthday. Hope you enjoyed your day. How lovely it was to have Megan and Carmen with you and to share some awesome sightings with them.
Maroela is a lovely little camp with those huge trees along the river front. Hope you enjoy your stay there. Things should quieten down for a while now that school holidays are over – with hopefully some better behaved people!!
I am already feeling sorry that your time is drawing to an end – although you will be glad to get back to “Engel”. We will miss the blog every day!!
Keep well
Helen Elgin
January 14th, 2010 at 6:31 pm
PS: try to use your flash when taking photos in the day to get that glint in the eye…All the best and good luck!
January 15th, 2010 at 7:55 am
Hallo daar,
Ongelooflik om hierdie daagliks te lees. Ek was ook onlangs in die park en was ongelooflik gelukkig gewees. Bly die beste kos vir die siel. Ek het net ‘n probleem in die sin dat daar totale wetteloosheid is, nie soos in die verlede nie. Mense klink uit hulle voertuie uit, voer die diere, gooi gemors by die vensters uit en jaag soos op ons deurpaaie………..wat kan hieraan gedoen word??Kan ons die gereelde besoekers nie help nie……..???