When moving through the grass, chances of noticing the animals/birds improves. Our lack of identification
skills continues to be a problem.
Reflections...on the hippo trail...but mind the crocs.
Driving in Swaziland was fine except many drivers tend to position two wheels of their vehicles over the center-divide. This is hazardous on the narrow roads or on any roadway. It made us drive more carefully, always expecting the worst, sometimes leaning towards the left...hmm! That's not at all true. Nevertheless, it was a pleasure driving on the MR3, a freeway/highway. Except for pedestrians, including young children, crowding the shoulder, it was very quiet. While we're on the subject, cattle, sheep and goats are also frequent users of these roads. An interesting dilemma will occur when tolls are introduced. It's so unusual to travel on a wide main road with few cars about in general. Thinking of the Interstate 5 in California after Swaziland's relative tranquility, is enough to intimidate a person.
Editor taking a chance. She wanted to know whether the warning was addressed to crocodiles instructing them to
keep away from the edge. I wasn't sure myself.
They're not kidding!
They always move (sleep) in pairs. Where's the mate...behind where?...oh no!
We moved along the trail amongst the animals, most of them quite timid. When we entered thick brush in a forest environment, a family of warthogs confronted us. We understand that it's a dangerous animal, known to defend itself against lions feverishly. What to do? Remember not to roar. Attempt to remove the camera from the bag and then think about establishing a friendly environment. The result: these tough little buggers ran away. I suppose having the editor around made the difference. One should interpret the last statement as one wishes; more tact than the writer is probably advisable.
A very horny scene.
Blesbokke intimidated by the stalking editor...well, nearly.
Meantime, on the Wing Swept Trail at the 'Drakensberg Retreat', Cowboy Bob prepares to take the proverbial 'gap'.
Bambi, a love story. A tender scene in the bush. Hoping the editor learned something.
When we left Mbabane, it was not easy bidding Veki and David farewell so we hope to bump into them again somewhere in the world. It was a lot easier crossing the border although there was so much stamping and exchanging of papers that for a minute we felt very important or was it a feeling that refugees experience. In fact, there was more formality in respect of the paperwork for the car than us. In a near tense moment, we somehow entered the immigration office without a piece of paper for the Chevvy which we suppose could have resulted in us spending some additional time in the kingdom without the option of hiking.
At the final gate, a female officer halted us. She was both fascinated or suspicious of the clothing spread upon the dashboard top. Fortunately, she bought our explanation that our clothes were not contraband but rather, the previous night's washing laid out to dry. We did not have to explain that it would be difficult, if not impossible, for the editor to carry and travel with a washer and dryer although nice.
Serenity although danger lurks below the surface.
May not be 'Breakfast at Tiffanys' but the location is spectacular—Drakensberg Retreat, Razor Edge trail. After
negotiating some dangerous positions both up and down the cliffs, the meal was a just reward.
A few more pictures from the Kruger National Park.
Where the zebras check their stripes.
Impromptu lager forms; zebras catch the scent of an editor. Just thought of a better place for a black stripe.
Who or what is taking whom or what for a ride? An animal shuttle.
We’ve seen many beautiful birds and graceful animals, especially the antelope in the case of the latter. To watch antelope in motion is pure delight. However, when we saw the African fish-eagle perched in a tree, it struck us that this was an incredibly majestic creature, perhaps the supreme bird. The eagle seems to portray so much that is admirable in the wilderness, the world. When the eagle was chosen as an emblem of the United States, maybe that’s what such leaders had in mind. The eagle still portrays such majesty.
Unfortunately, we could not get closer.
Many pictures of zebra but it's our opinion that it's the character of the photo that counts rather than the
subject. (A 'rationalization' as we saw no big cats.)
Impala in the process of motion.
Cheers,
Jenni and Jeffrey
A Tribute to Linda Weaver.
We have just heard the tragic news of the passing of Linda Weaver. We hardly knew her but sufficiently enough to be impressed and motivated by her. A few years ago, Jenni and I were hiking up towards Helen Lake on Mount Shasta when flashes of lightning bolted from the sky. Wisely, Jenni decided to remain in the hut along the trail. I continued until I reached the lake. A while later, on the return, I noticed a woman standing near an edge and sketching scenes of the volcano and life upon it. We spoke for a while and when I turned to bid her farewell, she replied, “Hold it, Jeffrey. I’ll walk down with you.”
I had a dilemma. I needed to get back to Jenni so she would not be concerned while I could not leave Linda either—it was not right. Besides, I was enjoying talking with her. So, we walked down together while engaged in interesting conversation. She was a fascinating, gregarious woman who charmed and impressed me. She’d had a knee replacement a short while before—tough woman. I’ll never forget when she needed to relieve herself.
“Jeffrey,” she said, “Turn yourself around, I need to go to the bathroom.”
We kept in touch over the years and she always had inspiring words for us, even when she did not feel well. We're grateful for having met Linda. We’ll miss her.
Rest in peace.
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