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Val,

I will try again

Ok Val the page is turned come out come out wherever you are ...can't wait to read the next episode

Thanks VVV it did the trick, but sadly I had to log off to recharge!!

As I said to VVV had to log off............but back now!!

Day 78 (Jan 17th)
Today we woke up to cloudy skies, but at least it wasn't raining, so we decided to make the most of it, and pay our beloved park a visit.

I had thought we may drive to Letaba as I wanted to see what the river was looking like after all the rains, and when we drove up to the boom at Phala Gate, the guard told us that all the dirt roads were closed, and the causeway on the H14 was a problem, so we actually only had one option............the H9, so Letaba it was!!!!

This was a day of shy critters......you will see what I mean from the photos taken........well hidden in bushes or trees!!!

Sadly still no sign of Desi or the resident Erfplaas Klippies, but there was something very odd in Desi's crevice........the photo is cropped as it was quite far away, but can anyone tell me what they think it is...........maybe a reptile?

Anyway, we arrived at Letaba Camp, and proceeded to the reataurant.

Wow, how the river had changed just in a few days. The last time we were there, the river bed was almost completely dry, with just a little trickle, now it was a proper river in full flow.

I must say that I have seen it fuller in the past, but with more heavy rain forecast this weekend end...........watch this space!!

We saw a pretty little birdie near the river and I'm hoping that it is a Little Bee-Eater, and if so that is a lifer for us. Again not the best of photos as it was too far away, but hoping one of you can confirm my ID.

Bearing in mind with my poor mobility, if I see something to photograph and I need to be standing, I just point the camera and click............I can't stand for long enough to double check this and that!!!!

Well there was a lovely big croc in the little river just under the viewing area on the benches in front of the river, so I quickly took a photo and sat back down.

One of the waiters who we've spoken to before, and is very keen on wildlife, came over to chat, and asked to borrow my binocs.

He was looking into the distance and finally said "Oh dear, I thought I could see a croc, but it's just a bush, and I replied "Oh that's a shame, but there's a big one in the river over there" He laughed as he pointed and said "Sorry Ma'am, but that's a big log"!!!! I felt such a prat!!

By now the sun had come out and it was hotting up, so we finished our coffee and decided to make tracks back to Phala Gate. We had so enjoyed our morning, and looked forward to our next visit on Saturday (rain permitting!!)

We called at the pub on the way home, and had Fish and Chips (R45.00) which was lekker, and had a relaxing afternoon reading snoozing and watching some TV.

After an evening snack of corn on the cob, drenched in black pepper and butter, we poured ourselves a large Amarula each, and remembered what it is that we love about this wonderful country............it may have rained for the last 3 days, but it was warm rain!!!

Oh that river looks gorgeous val and as for that hole of dasie well it looks like the head of a snake or a lizard depending on the size of it unfortunately the camara can't show us the size but im sure your eyes did what do u think it was?

Hi Crested Val, glad you are on the go again.

Lovely photos of all the "shy critters"
I have never seen the river like that, because we always visit Kruger in April/May.....Awesome

Thanks so much for the information about the road closures and rain - Very much needed as in only 3 weeks we have entered already Malelane - Hopefully not that worse as expected

Although never saw the Letaba that full although we always stayed in February there - Same is looking absoluetely amazing

Little bee eater is correct, Val

Hi Val lovely picture of your lifer such lekker little birds

Yes I am thinking snake, so in that case has it eaten poor Desi?

More rain last night, so will be interested to see the river levels today. Watch this space!!

Maybe we'll see you in the park.........I'll look out for your yellow ribbon.

Very pleased to add it to my list...........just need a Blue-Cheeked and that a full house!!!

Im praying for NOT!!!!!!!!! atleast I know as much as what dasies are timid creatures they wouldn't stand for a snake in their hide, I really hate snakes if its one animal im not pro its a snake! I will say a silent prayer for dasies safe return

Hi Val,

Your Lizard: Look to me like Giant Plated Lizard (in Afrikaans - reuse gepantserde akkedis)

Congratulations on the Little Bee-eater