SANParks.org Forums

To all the musketeers that each in their own weird and wonderful way have a special place in my heart... the young guns (Ods, PL and Cheetah-kie) too.





I’m an Angel to encourage you
In all that you may do.
Reminding you to never forget
That dreams really do come true.
If you lose your way,
Just close your eyes and make a wish
And follow the Shining Star.

To Kruger - a patchwork quilt of Nature's wonders...





Made up of memories of Kruger
Bound together with love
Sewn with your selfless giving,
Threads made of grace
Lined with thoughts of Kruger.

Squares made of days gone by
Days we spent together,
Each with a new design
Of the sightings that you shared with us.

Blanket stitches of our hearts
Mingle the squares in rows
Nothing can tear it apart
Not fire or flood or anything close.

Kruger is a place of soul rejuvenation
The treasure chest our hearts,
Wrapped in tissue to preserve
And tied with yellow ribbons of love.

The colors all speak of Kruger
Pinks and blues and other hues,
Sewn tight and fastened together
With hope and faith and truth.

- With apologies to Cheryl Brand


And a prayer that Kruger Management and feature generations will remember that each 'diamond' that is removed from Kruger's 'treasure chest' will be irreplaceable.

To the Mods (who only gets a wild card in return for their huge work ), the Esters of this world and SANParks staff responsible for the Forum... And of course, those staff at Sanparks that make our stays so pleasurable. Thank you.






It must be quite tough
To handle us 'mites when things get a bit rough
(Especially Sprocks, Michel and Bush Baptist)
With a velvet fist
in an iron glove

To all our visitors to the SSMTWAV - thank you so much for your visits, albeit a bit cramped and your always kind comments, against all odds.


And of course, for the absolute stunning TRs and in-and-out shots that you all endlessly deliver. From the photographic artists, to the special sightings, to all who educate and endear us more to KNP and other parks in our beloved country. Lionspoon, Pumbaa, Bosgabbas, Val, Bushcraft, A-M, Bosbaba-kie, LQ, Duke - in fact, just too many to mention. (And if I have not mention your name, I apologise in advance... not because I don't care or think that your TR is out of this world, purely running of space here). Those that from time to time spin with me. Shi's poems. Those 'tour leaders' that hide the Amarula from me. Those who throw their empties under my seat. Those that support my rebellion against the Oom's menopausal camping sprees.


All of you that make this Forum such a special place.





...

The noon of the day is so hot and still,
And over all an expectant hush,
Like a canvas that's waiting impatiently
For the touch of the artist's brush.

The fire of the day can change swiftly
To the night of startlingly cold,
Many legends are told of the people
Who live in this land so old.

They know of the permanent waters,
And the places to which they return,
But as rain doesn't fall very often
Conservation is their main concern.

From the stars that in the night sky
Saw it all from its inception,
From the sun that beats relentless,
From the bush and animal deception.

From the trees, the shrubs, the flowers,
From the birds in the branches nesting,
From the snakes, the ants, the insects,
From the lizards quietly resting.

From the winds that swept the sand hills,
Blowing twisters in the sky,
From the wild dog and the hyena,
from the eagle's wary eye.

From the hush that spreads so endless
Over the plain in the early morn,
From the chorus of the voices
That are heard as the daylight dawns.

...

- Stella P Bell

To my 'udder' Mom on the Forum... This one's for you, Cuppy Cake.







A friend is someone we turn to
when our spirits need a lift,
A friend is someone we treasure
for our friendship is a gift.
A friend is someone who fills our lives
with beauty, joy, and grace
And makes the whole world we live in
a better and happier place.

- Valerie S. Rios

To those that are experiencing heartache, and heartbreak, deep pain from relationships ending or coming to an abrupt halt - with spouses, partners, children, friends...





Morning


From my unknowing slumber, I awake to find a new day
And for the split second it takes to accumulate my wits
I subconsciously pause to ponder, to reflect
On Yesterday, Today, Tomorrow ... on myself

Shall I focus on ...
The sorrow that found me and ruined my yesterday
Or the fact that I got through it, challenged yet okay

Shall I focus on ...
The aches that more and more often come my way
Or the wisdom of years that grows stronger everyday

Shall I focus on ...
Relationships lost, missed loved ones taken away
Or friends and family here now loving me each day

Shall I focus on ...
The lost manners, the lack of courtesy people display
Or the smiles derived from the Thank You's that I say

Shall I focus on ...
The stress, the difficulties that seem to come my way
Or the amazing power I possess to make an impact today

A second later a familiar realization lights the way
Yesterday is no longer mine to contemplate
And Tomorrow never was
All I really have is Today and Myself

I stretch, smile, and decide to open my eyes
I will not waste another second of this gift ... My New Day.

- by D Anthony

To those mites who have passed on to 'greener pastures'... TerryC (Braai Guy, my thoughts are still with you...), BigMan, Walloceros... you are sorely missed, and even more at the Balule cleanup... Happy eyes hunting in heaven, you hear!

To all the Angels on the Forum that has a connection with me one way or the other - you are indeed wonderful creatures, able to multi-task and keep the fort and give instructions and help hubby spell and still have time to entertain me and many others...








Somehow in this great big world
I found my way to you
My friend across the computer lines
my heart, my soul, that's who.

You try to make me smile
with the mail you send my way.
You never fail to drop a line
if once in a blue moon it is hello to say.

Whenever I have hurried home
with something, I must share,
I find it just so comforting
that you are always there.

Encouragement you give me
and a friendship that is true.
I'm glad my soul while reaching out
found someone like you...

- Author Unknown

To my dearest Mom... and all those that the Oom and I have loved dearly and are no longer around... We feel close to you in Nature.






And what is to cease breathing,
but to free the breath from its restless tides,
that it may rise and expand
and seek God unencumbered?

Only when you drink from the river of silence
shall you indeed sing.
And when you have reached the mountain top,
then you shall begin to climb.

And when the earth shall claim your limbs,
then shall you truly dance.
- by Kahlil Gibran

And then last, but not least. To the Oom and LO. For making my life perfect (except when we are camping ). Just perfect.







You are my heroes, Oom and LO
You're my secure foundation.
When I think of you, I'm filled with love
And fond appreciation.

You make me feel protected;
I'm sheltered by your care.
You're always my true friends; and
When I need you, you're always there.

You have a place of honor
Deep within my heart.
You've been my superheroes, Oom and LO,
Right from the very start.

- With apologies to Joanna Fuchs

Oh yes, I have almost forgotten about the karaoke evening at Skukuza, maybe because it’s a short story!

Anyway, we were booked in a bungalow right next to the camping area. After 18:00 we started to hear loud singing coming from the camping area, the singing was rather far from us but very irritating. People were singing, laughing and cheering. It wasn’t only that, but the sounds of a guitar and harmonica were also audible.

I was busy making a lekker potjie (nice stew) and became more irritated by the minute...It was our last night in the bush and the last thing I needed was a karaoke/sing along concert.

At 21:00 Aunty Zetel went over to the camping area to try and stop this racket. She was not successful and then it was my turn!

It was clear that the horrible music came from the ablution area. The camping area was packed and on my way I asked a lady at her tent if this racket was acceptable to her. Her reply was that she didn’t had any problem with it and actually enjoying it. I just shook my head and continue onwards towards the singing.

On my arrival I was surprised to see approximately 20 people involved in this racket. They were sitting around a huge fire listening to the music coming from a guy sitting in front of a laptop which displayed the words of a song. He had a guitar in his arms and a harmonica mounted in front of his mouth.

I immediately objected to the disturbing music and said that we want peace and quiet in Kruger. I also told them that I can always listen to loud music in any bar in Pretoria, but not in Kruger.

I was very surprised when the “music man” said OK and switched off his laptop ending the show. That was it and we didn’t hear anything from them after that.

I must say that I felt a bit like a spoil- sport afterwards.

Thinking about it ...I'm an avid guitar player myself and have taught myself to strum. I can play five chords on the guitar!

Maybe I should take my guitar with to Tsendze and play a few love songs for Elzet around the fire in the evenings!

Thank you once again for all your kind comments, and joining us in our stoepid SMTWAV. Your kindness is overwhelming...

It is that time of the year again. Going camping in Kruger in the

Stoepid Seven Dwarf Men Tent (SSDMT)

in Tsendze.


The Oom has been running around like a maniac since 05:00 this morning, packing everything. On the other hand, I needed some well deserved time-out. You know, feet up, fooling around on the Forum, longish afternoon nap, being bored, sitting around, giving instructions, reminding the Oom of what not to forget, insisting that my Oom makes dinner (which was a teensy bit cold when it got served eventually (must I do everything myself?? ))... Now he has gone to bed, refusing to pack my suitcase. Say what??!!

A hearty, warm thank you to all who have popped into our Stoepid Seven Men Tent With A Volcano from time to time. Thanks for those who stuck around through all the warra-warra-blah-blah. Highly appreciated.


-----


Seeing that it is now 00:10, I suppose I need to go and pack and bath, then wait in the trailer until departure. What's the use of sleeping for ten minutes? I'll rather use the ten minutes to contemplate my permanent escape from Alcatents...

When I woke up 30 minutes ago, Elzet wasn't in bed....I found her in the bathroom doing the "facial thing"!

I then realised that she didn't sleep, didn't start packing yet nor watered the house plants!

Well, she is bathing now and we should be on our happy way to the African bush in 3 hours!

ALCATENTS HERE WE COME!!!!!