Living My Dream Day 264 (Maroela Day 8)
Good Evening again…its another one of those with these awfull black bugs around…and a slow internet connection….at least I know the bugs will dissapear again soon…the connection will hang around until I leave Maroela! Almost 2hrs just to uplaod a few pics…and Im connecting through my phone…the wireless thingy does not even pick up a signal..but that is part of my life…and I know …the further north I go again..the more difficult it will be to blog!
Inyati, cant believe you saw those lions so close to camp…I have not seen them..and when I blogged last night…that was the last I heard of them…gave me a sleepless night, lying in bed waiting to hear them again..but not to be…I eventually fell asleep at 2am!!
Barry and Hilda Els…when you save an animal from the road…I salute you…if you have made sure that its ok and safe..I have been accused of double standards for praising ppl getting out to save a chameleon on the road…me, I could not do it…too scared to touch it! Green Widow, thanks for the compliment..Queen of Kruger sounds very nice! just hope I can deliver! Lala, although a day late…happy 60th Birthday to your SO…may you have many more wonderful birthdays together! jaycee, I know its very difficult, as Fathima has said many times before to keep a record of ppl reading the blog…especially when they comment the first time and dont mention their location! Thanks for trying anyway…I dont think we will ever know exactly how many individuals read this blog! Glad you liked the pic of the Impala lamb suckling…one of many I favor as well! BevG….2 weeks at Tamboti…in my humble opinion is far too much..you dont have a variety of roads to travel from the time you leave camp, unless you travel all day you would have to take the same road everyday until you get to the junctions…I know you dont want to pack up and move…but maybe you should look at the safari tents at LSabie as well…spend a week here..if you have to…and then move to the tents at LSabie..think you would be very surprised with the number of roads available to you as opposed to here! The ablutions from tent 20 is a bit of a walk….3 or 400m I would say…but a great view from tent 20! Tibby, thanks for telling Ronnie that you would like to bring the awning to me…but it will be send with a courier..not sure when…as Engel said…..lets hope Loftus can keep to their word this time with the timing! If you do buy an inverter, make sure its the right size….not like me who burned it out! Also, remember that they use inverters at Tsendze for the electric fence…and Rodger and Elina are more than happy to charge a battery of a cell or cam for you! Joan, not sure if you are a forum member or have read about the sanparks forum.. if not you dont have to email me your sightings…most members coming to kruger writes a trip report….a great thing as all who reads can relive with you what you have seen! Go to www.sanparks.org/forum and hope you sign up! So much to learn from the site! Duffy, as said, I did not hear them again, but had the priviledge of hearing those mating sounds close to BnDal when I was there…as you said…a bit scary, but awesome! D-Ann, I must say the weather is very weird at the moment…we had a few very hot days over December and Jan…but I have an airconditioner in my caravan…so if it was too hot I would just go inside…I had a few very hot and sweating days sitting at amazing sightings…then all you do…take a facecloth..dip it into your coolerbox and enjoy the coolness coming from it! Not everyones cup of tea, but you can cope! Marty, those potatoes of yours is definately not for my fire! I saw again last night…it must be a cool fire..two of them were edible..not like yours nice and crispy…but for those interested in making Marty’s potatoes on the fire…here it is….cut your potatoes in half…if too big…in quarters…rub with oil and coarse salt..then wrap in tin foil…place on the coals…think thats it…hope someone else can get it perfect…as I have not been able to! Thanks for the offer with the awning…will let you know via email if they let me down again…maybe you can go and wake them up! Hopefully not necessary! M’Africa from 2 continents away…this is the best pic I could get of the tree….so much others around at the moment…and as you can see, Im very close to this tree…when I look up, I see the stem! Hope you enjoy the pic…
Sweetpea I know that many animals cross the road infront of us and its all got to do with your speed, but sometimes its unavoidable….today I had to drive over ants in the road, think they called army ants…it really felt so bad..but it was either that or turn around! Im sure many ppl feel sorry when they hit an animal, reptile, bird etc…rusky and fam, you have been reading and commenting on this blog from the beginning, so Im sure you can related to how time has flown by! Hope that one day we can meet, and as you said….hopefully in Kruger! Koemaan Pretoria, so glad I could teach you something as well…ppl are not always told how to behave….and many dont even read the pamplet given to them at the gate….believe me, when I first came to Kruger many years ago I also did many things wrong…and I hope I can continue teaching, educating ppl on how to behave! Not good for some to hear whats right and whats wrong…but I will not stop! Mike and Delene, I think and hope that a lot more rain will fall in Kruger in February…and hopefully the new awning will do its job! Ria, Im very interested in your pics of Alexander..please can you copy and paste them into an email to me at stayinginkruger4-1year@hotmail.com also glad you saw those pics ont he webcam of the impala…and so glad it got out!
Now time to get back to today! No cats or dogs, just a very overcast and rather cool day…as said many times before, I cant believe im driving with a jacket in my car in January! As you know, there are not many roads to take from here…so I took the tar road to Satara, did the Rabelaise loop and only saw Impala! The first time I picked up my camera was at Nsemani dam….a big herd of buffalo..not sure why some would lie in the water while its so cool outside…
It looks like this is the mating season for the buffs…and some were only there to try and impress the ladies…so much head butting and fighting going on…
From there until close to Satara, nothing…then I found this little Zebra suckling on the mother…really nice to see all these youngs ones being born…and being part of Kruger…today also a very young kudu baby…it was the size of a little steenbok…no pic as the grass is just so long I could not see it, only the ears..but this Zebra…
I wanted to speak to Gordon at Satara about something…but he was not there, will only be back on Monday…so I ordered a toasted Bacon, Egg and Cheese sandwich, filled the slug and left….decided to do the Sweni road back to camp…2 White Rhino but far off into the bush….then this what I think could be an immature Martial eagle raiding the nest of another bird…at first I thought it was feeding its chicks, but seeing it tearing apart whatever and swallowing…not to be…
About 10km from camp these giraffes having a tussle as well…first just 2 of them, but then a third joined in…I wonder if they ever break their necks swinging it like that!
and close to camp this Saddle Billed Stork…a female all by herself..no male or juvenile in sight!
With that back to camp…had to do my laundry as I dont have anymore clean underwear…so drove to Orpen, but they only have a washing machine…no tumble drier..so, I decided to not do washing, will drive back to Satara tomorrow and do it there…at least still got one clean panty! I did see this cage at the camp and ask one of the attendants what it was for…told they are trying to trap the Honey Badger that has become such a pain in the camp…sure he knows that there are better juicy food int he fridges and freezers than in this cage…but I wish them all the best in capturing this “domesticated” budger!
The thing about staying in this camp is that you come here for the peace and quiet..not for the sightings, although you do find it…but with the limitation on the roads you can travel…it can become a bit “boring”..especially for those who are only in Kruger for a few days!
I went for a quick pm drive…but where to go…up the tar road was the only option….nothing…only Impala…down the Rebalaise loop and still nothing…so tonight…another great day in Kruger for me, but no cats for you..and sorry to dissapoint you but no sounds tonight!
With that the end of another day in Kruger…I have my meat on the fire for my spaghetti bolognaise…take the easy way out…brown my meat in a bit of oil…add a bottle or packet of pasta sauce (tonight ricotta cheese) and make my spaghetti in the microwave…so quick and a very nice and filling meal!
Until tomorrow
Sleep tite
Martie
PS …Engel, so glad that you can read and still try and comment in the times you fly….you not even sure if its day or night and take the time to do it…..love you too!
Like
January 21st, 2010 at 9:02 pm
Hi Martie, before I read the blog, I’m first!!!!
January 21st, 2010 at 9:03 pm
a slow sighting day – but still a good day in the bush!
and tomorrow you can wash the clothes
an entertaining read always Matie – thank you.
and nice meals too!
enjoy your evening.
God bless.
Heather Cohoe
Rooihuiskraal
Centurion
Gauteng
South Africa
January 21st, 2010 at 9:05 pm
Hi Martie
Love the pic of giraffe’s
Take care
January 21st, 2010 at 9:11 pm
Good evening Martie
Yip the Lions were in full force there yesterday, but we headed out very early this morning, and did not see them again. Also a “slow” day for sightings, but we did have an awesome drive nontheless….
Back up to Satara in a few days, so hopefully we will catch up with you.
Have a great evening and enjoy the sleep tonight- No lions to report close to your camp tonight…..
January 21st, 2010 at 9:15 pm
Hi Martie, lovely pics as usual, especially the SBstork. I agree that is the only fault with the orpen area, not many roads to take. When my niece & family came in that gate for mopani in dec they saw just about everything including LIT. As we all say right place at right time. Have a good evening and better day tomorrow. Regards Chrissie.
January 21st, 2010 at 9:18 pm
Hi Skattie,
sorry to hear that the bugs are still out in full force. So glad they were’nt there when we were there in Jan last year.
Vasbyt with all the slow technology. We have been spoilt with so many pics etc before so we can wait.
Have a gr8 day tomorrow.
lol JenE @ Cullinan xxx
January 21st, 2010 at 9:21 pm
Hi Martie, thanks for the nice blog, sorry you did’nt see cats, but there is so much more to Kruger than cats!! There are birds, insects, tortoises, snakes, lizards, the list goes on and on!!! and Martie you certainly know how to enjoy Kruger to its fullest!!!!! Have a great dinner, and a good nights sleep, and a wonderful day tomorrow!!! Hope the awning gets sorted out!!! By the way, my neighbour in the townhouse complex we live in has told me that your van was the one he traded in for his new one!!! I don’t know, but it’s ironic, how small the world is!!!!! Not the slug but the caravan!!! They are great caravaners!!!! Sleep tight Martie, i’m still trying to find a way of meeting you before you leave, we’ve been communicating for so long I feel I know you, and would love to have a nice cold Hansa with you!!! Who knows!!!!! Take care, until the next blog!!!!
January 21st, 2010 at 9:28 pm
Hi Martie
Hi like the one about the Queen of the Kruger. After nearly a year you must be the Queen. Hope you will have a lot of nigth sounds tonigth. See you soon.
January 21st, 2010 at 9:45 pm
Hi Martie,
I was so hoping to see YOUR Lion pics and hear about them roaring last night – sorry it was not to be, but thank you nevertheless for, as always, an interesting blog and lovely pics of the Buffs, Zebra suckling her cute baby and the SBStork – they are such beautiful birds.
I am at a delightful B&B in Centurian, prior to leaving early 2moro morning, together with a very knowledgeable bird guide, for a 7 day Birding Trip to Wakkerstroom, Witsieshoek and Golden Gate. So looking forward to discovering some new birds – I am sure that, with your love for birds, you would enjoy such a trip – my only worry is the rain – it is forecast to continue raining through to the weekend! I got here before the traffic this afternoon – to pass the time while waiting for your blog, I have been reading through more of your Planning/Forum notes, have finished all 19 pages and found them so interesting – thanks for the link to them.
I just hope that I am going to have internet access so that I can read your blog every night while away from home. Enjoy the rest of your time at Maroela – supper sounds gr8 - it seems like you are getting well needed rest – I hope you still find those beautiful Lions.
January 21st, 2010 at 9:58 pm
Hi Martie – yes I most definately am a forum member – but battle to send more than one pic at a time – rather a computer disaster. I will have to learn and will most certainly write something when we return as we do not travel with a laptop.
Thanks your pics today are super – especially the SB stork.
Have a great day tomorrow and enjoy the peace and quiet.
January 21st, 2010 at 10:09 pm
nice pics of the waterhole and buffalo
we had the honey badger call on us at 3am one morning when we stayed at orpen. he even managed to turn the fridge back from facing the wall.
hope the bugs go soon.
linda – uk
January 21st, 2010 at 10:12 pm
Hi Martie,
Every camp has is’t own attractions !!!
When you go to Balule, try to get to see one of those old rondaval’s !! Only beds and oillamps inside there !! It brings back memories of yester-years when that was the only accomodation avalible !! Still one of the better camps in my opnion BECAUSE of no electricity and not too many people,geniet,Thomas
January 21st, 2010 at 10:18 pm
Hi Martie
Those bugs sound awful but I guess that’s all part of the experience! Listening to lions roaring at night almost as awsome as seeing them – makes you feel like you’re really in Africa. Lovely Saddle bill. There is a study taking place in Kruger right now – are you sending in your pics and sighting?
A bit windy in Cape Town at present – keeps things cooler.
January 21st, 2010 at 10:28 pm
Hi Martie,
Yes we agree with you that the roads from Maroela can get boring but we love the camp. That is why we use it to start or end a trip. Like this last time, it cut a couple of hours off the long trip home if we had to leave from Satara. Pity Maroela is not in a more central position like Satara. Love those buffs at Nsemani Dam. Funny when we were sitting at the dam, it is just what we wanted to see. So thank you for bringing it to us. Now what are we going to do after March?????
Regards and sleep tight.
Tibby
January 22nd, 2010 at 12:20 am
Hi QoK
Nice to see the buffs enjoying the water at Nsemani dam and the zebra baby is very cute.
The lions must still be around, hold thumbs you’ll find them! At least you’ve seen them close-up on photos lol
C ya
Annette
January 22nd, 2010 at 12:45 am
hi martie,
another quiet day by the sounds of things nevermind loved the pic of the saddle billed stork stunning colours,hope things improve sightings wise tommorrow.bye for now stu & toni
January 22nd, 2010 at 8:01 am
Hi Martie
Give me quiet day in Kruger anyday, rather than a hectic day in the Pretoria traffic and at the office. Lovely pics, for which we are all very grateful and makes us green with envy. Glad you are enjoying the peace and quiet.
Enjoy the weekend and can’t wait to read the blog on Monday
Regards Angie
January 22nd, 2010 at 8:04 am
Hi Martie
What a fantastic pic of the Saddle bill stork! Another quiet day you had, but Kruger is like a lucky packet. You never know what’s in store tomorrow! No matter what you show us on the blog, it is much appreciated. More so with the battle you have with technology to bring it to us world wide.
Have a wonderful day in the bush.
Regards
Pumba (Benoni)
January 22nd, 2010 at 8:12 am
I agree with Trekboer, Balule is our fav aswell. Sure you will enjoy the quite little camp.
January 22nd, 2010 at 8:28 am
The saddle bill stork is absolutely amazing Most people like pics of the cats but there is so much more in the Kruger I hope you can see some close up Roan and Tssesebe as well as Sable and Eland in the park will be the cherry on the top.
January 22nd, 2010 at 9:24 am
Hi Martie
The SB Stork really has tremendous colours.Hope you find the cats before the baby zebra does.But coming back to sightigs in Kruger you are so right that there is so more to see than just the cats if people just slow down & look around.For example the army ants that you saw i wonder how many people hav estopped & watched them for a few seconds.When they march they are on a mission & nobody & nothing is going to stop them.
Carry on enjoying every second of it.
January 22nd, 2010 at 10:14 am
Hi Martie,
What a beatiful stand to camp!
Never mind teh cats and the big guys, just love everybit you bring us!
January 22nd, 2010 at 10:15 am
Hi Martie,
I enjoy your blog no matter what you have seen that day, cats or not cats, always something interesting to see.
Interesting seeing the Giraffe doing the head bashing and I remember seeing a video someone took, where 1 Giraffe actually knocked itself completely out, fell to the ground and lay there for a few minutes before getting up and wandering off, no doubt with a bit of a headache!
Take care and good luck
Regards
Elsa.
January 22nd, 2010 at 10:58 am
The saddle billed stork is very pretty for a female.. she looks like she wearing black stocking with red garter belt..yet no male is sight! Martie what did GW do with the fever tree that was growing in the old villa?
January 22nd, 2010 at 12:49 pm
Please can you tell me if the Rabelais dam has water in it. Last time we were in the area, we were told that they were letting it dry up. Which was a pity, because we watching many animals enjoying the water, and we are booked into Maroela for a few days in August, and we are hoping that the dam is full. Have you seen the Scops owls yet?
January 22nd, 2010 at 12:55 pm
Hi Engel. Im now in a beautiful resort in Liberia, Costa Rica. Only arrived a while ago while it was dark, but it looks stunning. Going for a day trip to a volcano site that has tons of things to do ie hot springs mud bath canopy riding etc etc. Should be fun. And tomorrow…. Big time fishing… Fenwickh and KEN… WATCH THIS SPACE.. hope I have better luck than in San Juan. I hope Loftus physically check ou the awning before sending it to you!!! Imagine going to all that trouble and you find something not right… Hope your sightings pick up today. Speak later Luv you XXX
January 22nd, 2010 at 1:12 pm
Hi Marty
Just a big thank you to all you are bringing to us – like I said before – we can now “be in Kruger” – Only less the sounds and the smells.
Thankyou for all – Hope you have a great week-end.
Lily (Kempton)
January 22nd, 2010 at 2:05 pm
Hi Martie
The picture of the Saddle Billed Stork is incredible. I think that there is a competition on if you send this in for verification you could win a stay at a private game reserve. I am sure I saw the poster at Afsaal when I was at the Kruger in December. I read you Blog posts every day and make it my first task in the morning when I get to work. Thanks so much for the beautiful pictures. I love photography and your photos are beautiful.
Thanks again
Cheers
Greg
January 22nd, 2010 at 3:20 pm
Hi Martie
Baie dankie vir jou pragtige foto’s ek het bietjie lank laas geblog. Wil weet of daar ‘n manier is wat jy dalk jou kos wat jy vir jou maak en die metodes met speserye ens beskikbaar sal kan stel vir die van ons wat vorentoe wil gaan kamp.
Selfs al is ons net by die huis sou ek graag wou weet hoe en wat.
Hoop jy het ‘n wonderlike dag gehad met beautiful sightings.
soete drome
Ramona
January 22nd, 2010 at 3:33 pm
Hi Martie,
Spaghetti in the microwave… sounds like a nice time saver. How do you do it?
I agree, cats/dogs or no cats/dogs, there is always something interesting.
Hmmmm, since honey badgers are so rare to see, it may be an idea to go and camp out next to the cage…
January 22nd, 2010 at 4:04 pm
Hi Martie
Lekker weekend after a busy week at work. I don’t have much time to spend on computer as in holidays, but try to get in at least once a day. I enjoy the webcams and saw some nice things. At least through that I can be in the Kruger everyday.
Enjoy the weekend.
January 22nd, 2010 at 6:01 pm
Hi Martie,
So sorry you’re having these problems with the awning – you’re a strong lady!
Wondering what sort of day you had today …. hope it was good!
Forgive me if I’ve missed your comment before … When you were at Satara, did you manage to see the Sweni hide near Nwanedsi? Has it recovered yet and does it have water? Perhaps you’ve even been down that way today ?
Thanks again for the daily “life line” to Kruger ! Can’t wait for tonight’s blog!
“speak” to you later!
Lots of love!
Veronica and Ced.
January 22nd, 2010 at 8:25 pm
Thanks Martie for your opinion. I was having second thoughts too. There is nothing available at LS just yet, but will keep trying. Looking forward to your blog tonight. Love BevG
January 22nd, 2010 at 11:45 pm
Hi Martie,
Still enjoying your blog, including all the unusual. Just a note on the awning, take it from a long time caravaner and someone who has put up with suppliers in this country not checking stuff before they send it. When you get it, check it straight away if you can to see it is actually for your van and fits. Give the courier man/men some tea while you try it. That way they can take it back with them if it doesn’t fit. Here’s really hoping it is OK after all the trouble you have getting it to you. Have a super weekend. God bless, Delene D. East London.
January 29th, 2010 at 7:00 am
Martie,
Thanks for all the wonderful pics (and info) that you have been able to share with us all, especially those who might never be able to come to Kruger!
Phil & Susan
Pietermaritzburg
January 29th, 2010 at 8:54 am
Hi Martie….
Ek kyk nog steeds elke dag of daar ‘n blog is van jou..het so gewoond geraak om elke oggend my rekenaar aan te sit en te kyk wat jy die vorige dag beleef het… Ek lees terug op jou ou blogs dis asof dit bietjie vertroosting bring.
Ek hoop van harte dat daar niks ernstigs gebeur het nie,
Pas jouself op
liefde
Ramona
February 1st, 2010 at 3:30 pm
Missing your blog !