Living My Dream Day 261 (Maroela Day 5)
Hello again to all of you! Another earliesh blog as camp is just so quiet…I can only see one other fire and there are only 4 campers in camp! Really nice to have this silence! Today, another one of those sitting at one sighting, waiting for that shot to bring to you…but not to be….Im so cross with myself..really could have waited, but did not! Will tell you all about it in this blog!
After the nice rain we had the last 2 days the smelly bugs are back…I wish I can just wish them away! Quickly to the comments..and offcourse a warm welcome to the new readers! Suzet in the south of Kruger I have found the best camps to be Skukuza and BnDal for camping and sightings, the camp at LSabie is great for sightings, but the camping area is very small…if you only have a small tent it shoudl be fine, but a caravan and car…really not enough space..but then sightings good so we compromise! Albert and Shirley, I have posted many reports when I started in the North about the camping, sightings and facilities in the North…definately not the same amount of animals as in the South…but then, you get to see the rare ones…Eland, Sable, Tsessebe, Roan and a lion or leopard thrown inbetween…a different kind of life…and many birds! As Im moving back up north I will once again bring you my sightings and findings! I think Satara in the central area is very nice, and then Letaba in the North…great camp! Trekboer Thomas, how do I thank you for that nice poem/writing you posted! It was a real pleasure meeting you and sharing a meal with you, thanks for still reading the blog! I love Kruger the planning of my trip can be seen here, a lot of chatter and advice inbetween…..First the introduction page….
http://www.sanparks.org/parks/kruger/year_in_knp/default.php
and the planning here!
http://www.sanparks.org/forums/viewtopic.php?f=27&t=14640
Green Widow, I have the pics back, forgot that I inserted a new SD card that was lying around…so first of all tonight a few pics from my night at Tambotie! No, I did not know that we won the cricket…I like to watch the 1 day games…that is when Im home! Tibby, sorry you had to go…and had to pack up in the rain! Im glad you home safe and Im sure your daughter is even happier! My awning sags on the one side if it rains because of the tear…I cant pull it in or out more as it will just tear more…its now to the double stitch and I certainly hope that it will stop it from going anymore…in the meantime…still held on by tape…but will take it to another place I was told about today in Hoedspruit, hopefully onThursday to see if it can be stitched! Will try your advice the next time the rain comes pelting down and see if it helps! VVSG, glad all went ok with your son at varsity now….hope the empty nest with only the dogs dont keep you from visiting again! Fathima, good luck with the move! Only 1 day to get operational!!! Think last time we took 3! Enjoy and at least I know where you will be! Ecospook, not many road to travel from Maroela, so Im sure we will meet somewhere on the road this weekend! Maybe you can read the blog to see whats about in the area before you come! ndloti…I dont have a spotlight, not because I did not want one, but just never thougth about getting it…I think that whats distracting for some provides great sightings for others…each to his own…you like to sit here in darkness and just take in the smells of the bush, the rustle, the sound…others would like to see what is making that noise…we cant condemn them….let them enjoy their few days in Kruger as we do ours. Im sure many ppl think and feel the same way as us, but we cant make them do it! GW (Engel) dedication sitting at a sighting for 7hrs, you had that too…and you did not complain at all! Thanks for spending the time here and sitting there in the heat of the day….you now know what it feels like to be in a car with me in Kruger with the time on my hands to wait! Steve, sorry I forgot to mention meeting you last night, but I could not remember what name you gave me…surely it was not steve?? I would have remembered that..same as my husband! Sorry you could not wait…but glad I could show you when they moved! A Pangolin….I dont think they exist in Kruger anymore! Annette (click click) thanks for the thread on the forum about the injured Cheetah…will surely read it soon! Again I thank you all for reading and those for commenting…really a pleasure to bring Kruger to you daily!
As said I found the pics of Tambotie on another SD card…first up the view from tent 20. Really a nice setting and how awesome it would be to see water in this river with this view!
and I also forgot to mention our visitor while we were sitting outside…this Large Spotted Genet came and Im not sure if it wanted to chase us away….or just yawned!
I got woken up just before 5am with a message from Engel as he was going to bed in South America…the time differences really throws me out completely….I did not get up…just curled back up in bed and slept for another hour or so…then it was time to clean up a bit after the rain….still not 100% as I have to wait for the mud to dry out…eventually by 7:30 I was on my way! Not much…and I was not sure where I would drive today…as said, not many roads to choose from here….I turned off Rebalaise…and not even 30om further on some lions….This female lying in the bush…and she had a collar on…I scanned the bush…and saw another 2 behind her but really very difficult to see! Found a nice spot…the only car there….and is my nature looked around before i opened all the windows…then….another 9 lions lying on the opposite of the road far off the road! I parked where I could see them all sleeping…and this female with the collar started roaring…I met the same ppl, Dirk, I think that I met at Skukuza, dont know if you remember…the guy with the big 800mm lens…..he said he did not think it was her roaring…maybe another one…but from my pics…i think it was her! It just looks like she enjoyed it and it came straight out from her lungs and belly!
Eventually the one male got up on the opposite side of the road, and that is what caught my attention….probably one of the biggest male lions I have ever seen in Kruger! His mane was full and stretched all the way down to his knees….this is where I was going to sit today, and hopefully get a better pic!
I counted 9 females and 2 big males, apart from the 2 or 3 I could see ont he left…still wonder why they were not all together…then the other male got up…just as big…man, how I wished they would walk towards me!
They all layed down and went back to sleep…not a movement….so, I came back to camp…warmed up my leftover luch from last night and went back to the lions…these males were some I wished to see! Had my lunch with the sleeping lions…then waited…it was really hot sitting there and just watch sleeping lions! At 2:30 I decided to drive back to Orpen, go to the shop for what I needed and back to camp for a bit of leg stretch….By 4 I was back on the road to the lions….and can you believe! They were gone!!!! I wanted to kick myself!! Why did I not wait!!! Then that is what happens in Kruger…I watched sleeping lions for 5hrs..and the minute I leave, they get up and leave too!
I still did the Rebalaise loop and as no lions could take the road to the S36 to look for the Cheetahs that ppl have seen all day…but this pm no cheetahs about…I did find this Zebra with a collar…poor thing…it was really worrying it….the minute she put her head down to graze it would hit her on her jaw! She would shake her head to try and get it back, buyt not very successfull!
and my last sighting for today…this Southern White Crowned Shrike, although I have seen many it was nice to get a good pic of one! And think that this is what I say about the sun and the birds….dont think any flash can give you this light..only if its close by…the sun has a magic of its own!
with that back to camp just before gate closing time! My fire is going…im only having a toasted sandwich tonight after my big lunch, but Im roasting the chicken fillets for tomorrow night as I would like to make a chic and broccoli bake….so cold chicken always nice to use, and much easier!
Now time to log off…
Until tomorrow
Sleep tite
Martie
Like
January 18th, 2010 at 9:10 pm
Hi Martie, Yay im first!!
LOVE ur Gennet hes so beautifull. thanx for the ongoing reports.
Happy times at maroela
Louise
Australia
January 18th, 2010 at 9:20 pm
HI Martie
My wife (Janice) and I are avid followers of your blog but do not comment or add our penny’s worth often but when I saw I was first tonight I thought I needed to comment and say that we thoroughly enjoy what you bring us daily, your stories, great photos and the real life experience is wonderful, not sure what will happen after 01 April??… withdrawal symptoms,,, I am sure the KP will have an influx of visitors as a result of your experience. PLEASE, I have only one request, promise to let us have a book, this is a must, your photos, experiences and advice will be invaluable to many Kruger Parkers!!:) Regards Wayne and Janice
January 18th, 2010 at 9:21 pm
Hi Martie.
Two majestic males! Hope you find them again tomorrow. After all the activity you had in the camps down south, Maroela must be very quiet but at least it gives you time to catch up on all the sleep you missed
January 18th, 2010 at 9:30 pm
Hi Martie
The gennet is a absolute bonus. You are very lucky. Very good pic of the Southern White Crowned Shrike well done.
Hope you will be lucky to see the lions again tomorrow. See you soon
January 18th, 2010 at 9:39 pm
Wow Martie. A real monster of a lion. That mane is something unreal! They may even have more than 9 ladies to impress! We spent Xmas with our daughter at Mabalingwe and I had the opportunity to have an eye to eye with a prime lioness – luckily with an electric fence between us – but only a meter apart. Sjoe – those yellow eyes! and those enormous paws! When I talked to her as even replied with a nice / gentle “Ahuuu”. The male mated twice with another female. He was VERY grumpy and off cause highly verbal when in action! Well enjoy your peaceful times at Maroela. Blessings. DAS
January 18th, 2010 at 9:55 pm
Hi Martie
So glad you find lions again! The two males beautiful manes, real kings.
Enjoy the silence at Maroela, sorry about the bugs !!!!!
Sleep well.
January 18th, 2010 at 9:57 pm
Hi Martie,
Thought that it would be another early night. That is the magic of Maroela. Hope you get that tent sorted out. Now you find the cats after we have gone!!!! So now you know why we can’t miss the blog. You bring us at home what we cannot always find while we are there. Love the genet. We once had one that would visit us every night at Berg and Dal. Your shrike is stunning. That is one thing that you taught me – early morning and late afternoon sun on the birds for a good picture. Even than I can’t always catch the light quite right. Getting there…. We love Maroela for it’s peacefulness but I know what you mean about only one road to travel. It gets a bit much, especially when you have those quiet days but then it can also give you some very rewarding sightings.
Regards,
Tibby
January 18th, 2010 at 9:59 pm
Hi Martie, what a beautiful specimen the male lion is, the genet pic is gorgeous what a lovely little cat he/she is. The shrike is also a great shot. Have a lovely evening and good sleep. Hope you find the lions again tomorrow. Regards Chrissie.
January 18th, 2010 at 10:07 pm
Hello Martie,
Many thanks for the links I asked for. I know that I am going to enjoy back-tracking and reading about your pre-park days.
All the best for tomorrow; have a good one.
i♥kruger
January 18th, 2010 at 10:08 pm
What a beautiful lion! ! I like satara and skukuza very much. . .what do you think about crocodile bridge and balule? . . .sleep well! ! !
January 18th, 2010 at 10:23 pm
Hello Martie,
Thanks for the view from Tambotie, looks gr8 and what a gorgeous pic of the Genet. Oh those Lions are so beautiful, I hope that you are successful in finding them again so you can blog a close up picture of those beautiful manes. Lovely shot of the Shrike. What is wrong with the Zebra, besides the collar it seems to have something on it’s ears ? Poor animal, I wonder why a collared Zebra.
Having family around the world – one family in Canada and another in Australia - I have 3 clocks in my home, one set on Canadian time, one on Australian time and the other South African time – my visitors always inform me that my clocks are wrong but to me they are right!! Tomorrow’s supper sounds gr8, can I join you? Oh, I wish I lived closer to Kruger. Hot and dry here in Rustenburg.
I hope you have another good day tomorrow.
January 18th, 2010 at 10:43 pm
Hi Martie
I fully endorse Wayne Hill’s comments !!!!!
Perhaps I could best summarise as follows :
“You lead by example and have taught us to dream
That animal life in Kruger can be experienced ‘sans’ the full team.
It doesn’t matter which road you take or in which camp you root,
Mother nature provides an amazing photo-shoot!
Your daily blog has provided a very special treat,
and underlines the uniqueness of your amazing feat.
…Now we wait with baited breath for your exciting book
to capture for posterity all the effort you took.”
Best wishes
Sylvia (and Leon)
January 18th, 2010 at 10:49 pm
Hi Martie,
Glad you liked my poor,shaky attempt of “Shakespear” !!!!
No need for thanks,but maybe we can do a reunion with whoever is intrested, from the people that responded this pas year, IN a couple of years!!!
I do expect some cooperation from sanparks for that ( help with reservations for a lot of people !!),because I wouldn’t be comming all that way,if we ( you & your readers who are interested ) can’t get together in one or two camps to exchange stories aroud the campfires.
So,maybe something to think about,Greetings,Thomas
January 18th, 2010 at 11:02 pm
Hi Martie,
glad that Maroela is a bit quiter now after the Christmas holidays and also the cats are back after the hords left
Thanks as always for all your activities to bring us a daily blog.
Petra from Hamburg
January 18th, 2010 at 11:11 pm
Martie, you have the patience of a saint, but you need that in KP and hey, there isn’t any place to rush too or any traffic to fight. Wow, those lions are huge!! Once again, amazing pics - they really bring your story to life.
You amaze me with your meals each day – you really go to all the trouble with a fire each night and good meals.
Looking forward to tomorrows sightings whether big or small.
January 18th, 2010 at 11:23 pm
Whow! Have never ever seen a lion of this size, fantastic! Your photo’s are the best….when will your book be on the shelves? Your book is an absolute must have for me.
Keep enjoying living your dream (we do too!), Regards.
January 18th, 2010 at 11:24 pm
Hi Martie, Sylvia Kaplan really hit the nail on the head with her words, beautiful Sylvia!!!! Martie deserves all the aclaim she receives and more!!! Back to today, that lioness was definitely calling, and the pic of the beautiful mained Lion and lioness!!! (looks like she is in oestrus)!!!!! and ready to mate!!! Wonder why the zebra has a collar, some research maybe??? I’ve stayed at Tamboti, as I mentioned before, its a total “Out of Africa” experience, and the genet, wow, looks like he was asking for something to eat, you know how it goes with some tourists!!!!!! Sorry about the stinky beatles, I really don’t like them!!!!! but they must have a purpose in the chain of evolution/ecology, who knows!!!! Martie, thanks for your time and the lovely blog!!! Take care, and sleep well tonight!!!!! Till tomorrow!!!
January 18th, 2010 at 11:29 pm
WOW all those lions! We’ve seen that big male walking next to the road and then crossing the road roaring all the time, and then 2 females appeared and followed him, one of which was the one with the collar, and all were roaring. So glad we could record video at that time and got some nice pics too. It sounded like they have swallowed amplifiers, as the roaring were so loud, and we heard them throughout the night from Tamboti. We left them about 2 kms from the turn-off towards Tamboti & Maroela as it was gate closing time, and they were walking towards the camp. That was about 2 weeks ago! They obviously stay in that area so I sure you’ll see them again. Will hold thumbs for you!
Reading your blog just brought back so many memories now, really awesome, thanks again
January 19th, 2010 at 12:16 am
Hi Martie!
Lovely blog ! Lovely photos! You’re a SPECIALIST at bird photography! And the Genet is stunning!
Thanks so much for the pleasure you bring us daily! Yes, we’re really going to have mega-withdrawal symptoms after the 1st April!
One question – will you be doing the Timbavati road some time? I know you said the Piet Grobbelaar dam is full, but is there any water in the river bed?
Enjoy your day tomorrow !
Love and blessings,
Veronica & Ced.
January 19th, 2010 at 1:34 am
Great reading, as always. Tx Martie!
Grand Cayman.
January 19th, 2010 at 4:02 am
Martie, how about posting a photo of that wonderful large fig tree in the ?north/western corner of Maroela, facing the river over the fence; home to green pidgeons, fruit bats; great shade …… etc. Those maned lions near the Rabelais are awesome; maybe they will be stay in the area and reward you? Hope so – good luck.
January 19th, 2010 at 4:17 am
Hi MG – thanks for the blog. The velt is looking lovely and green. Lovely pics too.
January 19th, 2010 at 5:56 am
Hi Martie,
Just finished reading yr last 4 blogs. U still seem to be having a great time.
It’s back to school for gramps & gran, as one of my grand daughters has come fm Dbn to complete her last 3 highschool yrs in Pta & now stays with us.
Do have a great time & God bless until the next time.
ALAN
January 19th, 2010 at 6:07 am
Hi Martie
Just catching up again
Belated anniversary and birthday wishes.
Still enjoying your report and photos
Take care
Lorraine…..Canberra
January 19th, 2010 at 6:24 am
Hi Martie
I agree with Trekboer Thomas a get together in a couple of years time would be a great idea specially for those of us that could not meet you know.
Also agree Wayne Hill and Sylvia Kaplan about a book.
Thanks once again for the blog and all the lovely pictures.
Enjoy your day
God Bless
Dawn (Johannesburg)
January 19th, 2010 at 7:35 am
Hi Martie
Awsome pics of genet and of course the lions. Clearly to see why they are kings of the animal world.
Martie, 1 April is around the corner, and I know you miss all your loved ones spesially your hubby. But let me tell you, life after Kruger will never be the same. You will leave a golden footprint not only in the bush, but also in all the readers hearts.
But I dare not think about you leaving now, as there is still a lot to come from your cam and blog.
Enjoy every moment. Hope you find the beautiful lions again today!
Pumba (Benoni)
January 19th, 2010 at 7:50 am
Hello Engel. I justwoke up (jet lagged) 2.30 am here but thought must read and comment now because I got a very early departure later and dont know when Ill be able to again. I agree with all comments on the Lion. Truly magnificent , majestic, beautifull specimens etc etc. Pity you missed them move but cant blame you for going to stretch your legs and visit the shop. Also the Shrike is a really nice pic. It seems that after one year in the park, by public demand, you going to be busy for a while with a book. Then cook/recipe book… mmm… whats next… Must go. Speak soon Luv you xxx
January 19th, 2010 at 10:17 am
Hi Martie,
Great read and pics as always!
Thank you!
Hope the bugs go their own way far away soon!
Liezl
Swiss
January 19th, 2010 at 10:26 am
Hi Martie,
We are going to have boring evenings and mornings in about 70 odd days when you left. Our favourite blog and fotos will be gone, but at least the memories will always be there. There will be no blog to look forward to anymore. You’ll be missed
Your book will be a nr 1 seller around here. Must have for me as well.
January 19th, 2010 at 10:35 am
Hi Martie,
Haven’t commented in a while but we are still loyal and dedicated “blogaholics” Maroela is only but a close second to Tsendze as my alltime favorite camps, and although the sightings aren’t the best at either one, I appreciate the 2 camps for the atmosphere, the silence and being a bit closer to nature. Enjoy the time there and sincerely hope you “bump” into those lions again soon.
Ciao
January 19th, 2010 at 10:47 am
Hi Martie
We endorse what Wayne Hill says about the publication of a book of your pictures and experiences. We will consider ourselves privileged to have shared in those very pictures and experiences on a daily basis, pre publication, and what a bonus to add such a ‘personal’ book to those wildlife books we alrady have!!!
We, like Green Widow, wondered about the ‘things’ on the zebra’s ears. Hardly likely to prevent the collar coming off? We look forward to hearing, as we know you will investigate, what the reason is.
Enjoy the quiet, the sounds, and the SLEEP.
January 19th, 2010 at 10:48 am
Hi Martie
Just caught up on the last two blogs. Great spotted cuckoo! And the gennet is stunning. Sorry I laughed when I read the lions left when you went for your break! Console yourself with the fact that they probably disappeared into the bush within seconds.
Its raining in Cape Town today bringing relief to the heat we’ve been having.
Had fresh-caught crayfish on Sunday and Weber-smoked snoek with roasted vegetables last night. SO catching up on fishing after 2 weeks in the bush!
Hope the lions appear for you again.
January 19th, 2010 at 10:52 am
Lovely pic of the lion I saw a very dark maned lion in September on the Rabalaise Dam road probably the same one He did not get up then so not a good view.I wish you good viewing pass on the good luck
January 19th, 2010 at 12:08 pm
Hi Martie
Just read your blog for the last two days! What an amazing two days with really lovely sightings. Really awesome that you got to see the baby buffalo! Lovely birds as well and WOW you are quite right, that lion is enormous!
Have a fantastic day
Cheers
Jenette
January 19th, 2010 at 12:13 pm
HI MARTIE
EK KAN NIE WAG OM ELKE DAG TE LEES WAT JY GEDOEN, GESIEN EN GE-EET HET NIE…..HA-HA!!!!! KAN NIE GLO JY MAAK SULKE INTERESSANTE KOS TERWYL JY KAMP NIE……EK IS TE LUI VIR AL JOU MOEITE….MET DIE VEGGIES EN ROAST PATATOES ETC…….MAAR EK SAL AS ONS WEER GAAN KAMP DIT OOK PROBEER. ONS WAS LAASJAAR IN GROOT HUISE BY BERG EN DAL, TOE OLIFANTS, DAARNA SHINGWETZI EN TOE LETABA. ONS IS N GESIN VAN 6 EN HET NIE LUS GEHAD VIR KAMP NIE…….EK HET TOG NA DIE VAKANSIE DIE HUISIES BAIE GENIET…..MAAR SOOS MY MAN SAAMSTEM……..DIE AANDE EN NAGGELUIDE IS NIE DIESELFDE AS JY IN HUISE IS NIE. MY EN MANLIEF SE GUNSTELING KAMP VIR RUS EN NET UNWIND IS STEEDS TAMBOETIE. ONS WAS LAAS IN DIE GROOT TENTE MET SY EIE BADKAMER, EN ONNODIG OM TE SE….DIT WAS N GROOT BEDERF.
DIE MANNETJIE LEEU, IS WRAGTIG GROOT EN PRAGIG……MY MAN SOU NET SOOS JY WOU GESIT EN WAG HET…..EK WEER, KAN NIE DIE GESIT EN WAG HANTEER NIE…….SO DAN BREEK DAAR ALTYD N GEVEG UIT…..OF ONS DAN GAAN RY OF GLY!!!!!
GENIET MAROELA……HET AL BAIE DAAR GEKAMP…….LEKKER DIE STILTE EN DIE REUK VAN BOS!!!!!
GROETE
January 19th, 2010 at 1:08 pm
Hi Martie,
Fantastic Lions, what a sight, maybe you will still be lucky and find them again in the next few days.
Love the pic of the Shrike, what a beauty!
Take care,
Regards
Elsa (Durban)
January 19th, 2010 at 3:18 pm
Hi Martie
Fantastic photos of great sightings!
January 19th, 2010 at 4:07 pm
Hi Martie,
Now that is what I call a LION. Beautiful big manes – they are absolutely fantastic. I did not think they had such big fellows in Kruger. I am hoping to see some big ones in Kgalagadi in April. Still enjoying your blog every day, and I really think you should write a book – it will definitely be a seller. I am sure that all your readers will buy it for a start, and then it will just escalate from there. Perhaps a few recipes in between as well!!
Jean.
January 19th, 2010 at 5:31 pm
Hey glad to hear you having a great time in Maroela. Such a lovely camp.
Today is my last day in Kruger heading to Mozambique now for 5days.
Thanx for the short chat, sorry it wasnt longer.
We will met again sometime in future I am sure.
Keep well and enjoy the last few days in Kruger..
January 19th, 2010 at 7:06 pm
Hi Martie,
It seems that we are last! Doesn’t matter, your pic of the genet is FANTASTIC!! Let alone those huge lions!! Only you could find them!
Enjoy tomorrow!
Barry & Hilda.