tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-84726455495259359082024-02-18T20:10:17.435-08:00James Lidster's blogJameshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16133820297925479072noreply@blogger.comBlogger74125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8472645549525935908.post-33313277533132727932013-02-13T06:22:00.001-08:002013-02-13T06:24:31.504-08:0013 februari 2013 - bunting huntingOk, it's been too long, but i have been very busy.....<br />
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Anyway enough of the small talk. Today i went searching for Pine Buntings, in a flock of 300+ Yellowhammers very close to home near Wolfheze. The field is amazing, hundreds (400+) Brambling, ringtail Hen Harrier, 7 Reed Buntings, and a couple of Black Woodpeckers chasing each other around.<br />
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But what of the buntings? Well i have learnt, reconfirmed a few things today.<br />
<br />
A) my right eye shows different colours to my left eye. Right is my scope eye, and it shows much colder colours. <br />
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B) photos, especially bad ones, can be confusing<br />
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The most interesting bird i had today was a cold plumaged Yellowhammer type. First glance with my right eye showed no colour, but that was something i am used to. So i switched to my left eye, warmer colours, but harder to concentrate. Woth my left eye it also seemed to lack any yellow tints to the underparts. He bird was 150+ metres away but i decided to try and digiscope it. The photos below are really weird, as well as being very poor. They illustrate the white background to the underparts, but they show a yellow wash on the head and to the remiges. Now the remiges may well have had yellow fringing, i seriously couldn't have made that out at that distance, but i would swear that the head didn't have a hint of colour to it, when viewed with either of my eyes!<br />
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The birds are very mobile, and unless they flush into the wood then viewing on the ground is near impossible.<br />
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<br/><br/><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWR4yFX-irsUHchiCuK0ctziicjvG8oqW-T59NexdFOEmDM968ta7szRcGvaqBnhmmXJOs-9TeJoykO0kdbb26FAhYaUi88uOiLwZdC4QWLNyLQQRQ6g8ewQ6Ow-fHW5nkIixj82wxDG3f/s640/blogger-image--1009171058.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWR4yFX-irsUHchiCuK0ctziicjvG8oqW-T59NexdFOEmDM968ta7szRcGvaqBnhmmXJOs-9TeJoykO0kdbb26FAhYaUi88uOiLwZdC4QWLNyLQQRQ6g8ewQ6Ow-fHW5nkIixj82wxDG3f/s640/blogger-image--1009171058.jpg" /></a></div> <br/><br/><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd9G04WjLIifbEbqM_oiP2mCk-ANaDOciLNlwwVz4b5e7FAmyiN5_JPK82v_z5BnFzcO8AqIGQSIrm1DW_GYwVC-BhfHUsXxhapUQA9Ly1Du8O8_G1xtwOdR5sT6PKeCKgMuKkHhhzEE9y/s640/blogger-image--396806299.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd9G04WjLIifbEbqM_oiP2mCk-ANaDOciLNlwwVz4b5e7FAmyiN5_JPK82v_z5BnFzcO8AqIGQSIrm1DW_GYwVC-BhfHUsXxhapUQA9Ly1Du8O8_G1xtwOdR5sT6PKeCKgMuKkHhhzEE9y/s640/blogger-image--396806299.jpg" /></a></div>Jameshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16133820297925479072noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8472645549525935908.post-5975845776755427512012-06-09T04:18:00.001-07:002012-06-09T04:18:42.972-07:00Mongolia - golden balls does it againDan did it again! Not only having found Relict Gull, Falcated Duck, White-naped and Sibe Cranes (among lots of other good stuff) he finished the tour by picking up an Asian Dowitcher in flight!! Pure class, as Paul Harris once said about Dave Chown "if he wasn't so nice i would smear vaseline on his scope to give others a chance!"<br />
Thankfully that warmed up a very cold morning.<br />
Here is another selection of various photos, the steaming turd photo is not only used as fuel but kept the insects away!<br />
<div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtXLAZnxRpBUghYGWl1qht3KE0c6ETM60zLgTWD1Xlh4tOWeVOwXghDHnB75Y-iqHbpSjEkoMXbnXebGNHAMVbJQ7qGrt0fbhwdbpcNARAlnWtT0Z6ha4BZJfSsyJnqbZgm9s4OkQKMTm_/s640/blogger-image-2054649741.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtXLAZnxRpBUghYGWl1qht3KE0c6ETM60zLgTWD1Xlh4tOWeVOwXghDHnB75Y-iqHbpSjEkoMXbnXebGNHAMVbJQ7qGrt0fbhwdbpcNARAlnWtT0Z6ha4BZJfSsyJnqbZgm9s4OkQKMTm_/s640/blogger-image-2054649741.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8kyaS9XoZNRgt9PENCy8HuNAZrjUqA1pmNT_0xlt6K-3QpmYHtF5EGvvEqHrPgxo-Apf8UzAMKdnMbq-3o6LtghQqPSG1YJJve0Ad1stoYnHRrU-Y_jzj5H8_XxOaSAoTRm093bnyGDfc/s640/blogger-image-1020425716.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8kyaS9XoZNRgt9PENCy8HuNAZrjUqA1pmNT_0xlt6K-3QpmYHtF5EGvvEqHrPgxo-Apf8UzAMKdnMbq-3o6LtghQqPSG1YJJve0Ad1stoYnHRrU-Y_jzj5H8_XxOaSAoTRm093bnyGDfc/s640/blogger-image-1020425716.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator"style="clear: both; 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We have now moved on to Gun Galuut, the large lake had 11 Stejneger's Scoters this morning plus 2 Red-necked Stint, PG Plover, Mongolian Larks, 300+ Demoiselle Cranes, breeding Whooper Swans.<br />
It's now chucking it down, so sitting in the ger while it passes....<br />
It stopped raining briefly so Dan, Guido and I checked a handful of small bushes in the camp, producing 6 PG Tips, 2 Black-faced Bunting, Thick-billed Warbler and a Dusky Warbler.<br />
Then the sun came out and Dan decided to take his scope to the restaurant, where (whilst downloading photos) he managed to find 2 White-naped Cranes....so i gathered everyone up and we drove off into the marsh. Once there and watching the cranes Dan then exceeded himself again by finding a Siberian Crane!!! A lifer for all of us and having missed the species 8 times before a real surprise.<br />
At the same time we saw the White-napes again, were surrounded by singing Mongolian Larks, Pacific Swifts, feeding swallows and Pale Sand Martins and a fly through Amur Falcon!<br />
Back at the ger we could even see the Sibe from the ger!<div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgotPcjaDK7p5oosuMFvSP3dLolu7NEUJebI4G7IF56J_sPsXkUrXccWWONnWWT0OGccEq3F8Ma3CVwyKJ_CRWn4bUXchUSE5_Q_4yivEWj068HVRZakqJCM18GRFakft-oaUTB0YbEFZv-/s640/blogger-image-258754209.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgotPcjaDK7p5oosuMFvSP3dLolu7NEUJebI4G7IF56J_sPsXkUrXccWWONnWWT0OGccEq3F8Ma3CVwyKJ_CRWn4bUXchUSE5_Q_4yivEWj068HVRZakqJCM18GRFakft-oaUTB0YbEFZv-/s640/blogger-image-258754209.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggqdWq5wpzOBR-c6776tpeMWLqglO4T3-UT6QQBYXrrAhbixHE35WwP-UHBgG6z4BoS9uzDH0vpiffZWm4b2bBljKZKZA7yjrzsEEvnjmGit-4kVU4cP5u_xFQIsE2oT8EaTnOTl1xAYrR/s640/blogger-image-717824151.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; 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margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5dbRkdhpEpb_qQ0UzAIIi-V5SLVEVIzrHp2IGGuw-hyHzel8hhPBW7Xx9C5VQPQj7bjItQxR7FE_aOGOkJroxUYvmqfL6zGi2p66cfxDEkxGiiA4Bpm4D8GhJxBrSoVGrTnyhdJZCnMX2/s640/blogger-image--1918943575.jpg" /></a></div>Jameshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16133820297925479072noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8472645549525935908.post-19866876564995308122012-06-05T08:01:00.001-07:002012-06-05T08:01:45.491-07:00June 2012 - Mongolia updateWell about time for another update...im currently sitting in Bayankhongor airport after a brilliant loop through the Gobi desert on the Mongolia tour.<br />
Highlights so far have included all the hoped for specialities including Altai Snowcock (distant), Oriental Plover, Pallas's Sandgrouse, Relict Gull (3), Falcated Duck, Mongolian Lark, Amur Falcon (hopefully more to come), Azure Tit, Wallcreeper, Lammergeier, Pallas's Gull, Swan Goose (i guess?)! Pallas's Fish Eagle, Demoiselle Crane, Kozlow's Accentor, Mongolian Ground Jay, Saxaul Sparrow.<br />
Then there are the sibes, migrants and supporting cast including Oriental Honey, Black Vulture, Saker, Upland Buzzard, Steppe, Golden and Booted Eagles, Lesser Kestrel, Long-toed Stint, Pacific Golden Plover, Greater Sandplovers, Ferruginous Duck, Pacific Swift, Hoopoe, Beeeater (2-3 record for Mongolia), Asian Brown, Dark-sided, Red-throated and Yellow-rumped Flycatchers, Blyth's, Richard's, Red-throated and Olive-backed Pipits, Pallas's Reed, Black-faced, Little, Godlewski's Buntings, Daurian Jackdaw, Daurian, Desert Grey and Brown Shrikes, Hume's, Asian Desert, Sulphur-bellied, Pallas's Grasshopper, Pallas's, Dusky, Thick-billed, Oriental Reed, Arctic, Two-barred Warblers, tristis Chiffchaff, Black Stork, Isabelline, Pied & Desert Wheatears, Oriental Turtle Dove, Red-necked Phalarope, Temminck's Stint, Caspian, Gull-billed and White -winged Terns, Citrine and Amur Wagtail, Alpine and Brown Accentor, Daurian Redstart, Common, Beautiful and Long-tailed Rosefinch, Mongolian Finch and Rock Sparrow.<br />
All of these birds have been seen in stunning scenery, a few nights camping and with a good selection of mammals thrown in...namely Corsac Fox, Long-eared Hedgehog, Tolai Hare, Goitered Gazelle, Siberian Chipmunk, Daurian Pika and 2 souslik species.<br />
Now heading north to Ulaanbaatar, and on for Siberian Rubythroats, Red-throated Thrush, Azure Tits, Amurs, White-naped Crane, Oriental Cuckoo, Grey-headed Woodpecker and lots more.<br />
Here's a few taster photos....<div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_2sfe5OJObbr-urTFERW0AA1qX6_AomwBpD1WDn9XEdXnXyJrmnhIKNzrXIqCYQLUy5gX5_M6QK6xPu65xewnSI6lQ41AAEWZ6hKx-aU4-54GpZXMBF1rFqAybqHSGrTgLZ03zBRAlktW/s640/blogger-image--1145704978.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_2sfe5OJObbr-urTFERW0AA1qX6_AomwBpD1WDn9XEdXnXyJrmnhIKNzrXIqCYQLUy5gX5_M6QK6xPu65xewnSI6lQ41AAEWZ6hKx-aU4-54GpZXMBF1rFqAybqHSGrTgLZ03zBRAlktW/s640/blogger-image--1145704978.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif21lwR4aa8a5j4ze4F-gfJD4-wLfqB4My_9hDlD1xLCN6rv3jnKB_nv9lXs6vPno9_mDQe8iwyEtOBBxshIKt_5e7ORRz-Q-EQnhBh9ozuZ5jeIjNYF7-4_k9vYB_sHWs_CYPbyndgVXM/s640/blogger-image--784757344.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; 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Yet again it's been a long time between blog posts, this time a combination of my stag do in Spain and survey work. <br />
The highlights of Spain included seeing Iberian Lynx and some great raptor passage as well as just having lots of fun with a great group of friends.<br />
Survey work has seen me all over the place and in that time some good birds as well including Black-shouldered Kite, Baird's Sandpiper, Corncrake, Marsh, River and Savi's Warblers, Spoonbills, Great Egrets, Black Tern, Long-eared Owl, Woodcock, Nightjar, Garganey, Bittern, Bluethroat, White Storks, Hobby and probably several other things i cant remember right now?!<br />
The last week has been nice and warm in the Netherlands, several days of 28-31 degrees....nice if you're on a beach, not so great when you are trying to sleep after working all night.....<br />
Today im leaving for Schiphol, no early train so it's a hotel for the night before leaving for Mongolia tomorrow afternoon, via Berlin and Moscow.<br />
I have posted many photos of Mongolian birds before so now it's time for some scenic shots, it's such a beautiful country.<br />
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</div>Jameshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16133820297925479072noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8472645549525935908.post-32830025940852392832012-04-26T23:36:00.002-07:002012-04-26T23:36:28.944-07:0027 april 2012 - Home from Morocco<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Well it has been way too long since my last blog post, no excuses really as i did have internet in Morocco, but never had the time to do anything here as i was busy posting photos on facebook or to my new photo hosting website <a href="http://jameslidster.smugmug.com/">http://jameslidster.smugmug.com/</a><br />
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The Morocco tours were brilliant, below is the tour summary i sent to the WINGS office after the trips:-<br />
<em>I am just home after two amazing tours to Morocco, both very similar and yet still quite different! On both trips we recorded many of the hoped for species including Northern Bald Ibis, Moussier's Redstart, Tristram's, African Desert & Scrub Warblers, Levaillant's Woodpecker, Seebohm's, Red-rumped and White-crowned Wheatears, Black-bellied and Spotted Sandgrouse, Pharaoh Eagle Owl, Cream-coloured Courser, African Crimson-winged Finch, Egyptian Nightjar, Thick-billed, Hoopoe and Temminck's Larks, plus all the exciting 'new' species (or species in waiting). The latter included Moroccan Wagtail, Maghreb Magpie, Ultramarine Tit, Atlas Chaffinch, Desert Grey Shrike and Atlas Horned Lark. There were other constants as well from the healthy picnics of sardines, fresh vegetables and local bread, mint tea and tastey tajines to the stunning scenery and friendliness of everyone we met.</em><br />
<em>So what was different between the two tours? The weather for one. The first trip saw some wet days, some windy days ending with some pleasantly sunny days along the coast. Snow was limited in the Atlas and there was no lake in the Sahara....roll on 2 weeks and there is still no snow in the Atlas, but a lake several miles long in the Sahara!! The day after our arrival in the Atlas we then had 40cm of fresh snow fall, providing some quite dramatic scenery....or rather making already dramatic scenery even more beautiful! <br />Where one tour missed out, eg no Maghreb Wheatear on the first tour, but they did see Crowned Sandgrouse. In fact, of all the hoped for species those 2 were the only ones that were only recorded on one of the tours. <br />Migration differed between the two trips of course, the first trip finding some nice surprises in the form of a male Pallid Harrier, several Isabelline Wheatears and a small group of Little Crakes. The second trip was rewarded with a few of the later migrants such as European Roller, Golden Oriole, Rufous Bush-robin and even larger numbers of European Bee-eaters.</em><br />
<em>Could I choose between which tour was the best, no chance! Morocco remains a top class birding destination.....the only downside, I wish I was going back for a 3rd trip!</em><br />
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There has been quite a lot of talk of late of seeing Houbaras in Morocco. I have now seen 2, but the release project is now so large that seeing a genuine wild bird must be nearly impossible (or impossible to prove). There are now 3 breeding centres, releasing 2000 birds a year for the Arab hunters. Someone told me it's like counting Pheasants on your British list or White Storks in the Netherlands. The former i can agree with, the latter are (as far as i know) not supplemented by huge releases each year.<br />
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All the photos from both tours are now on the smugmug site, with labels. Im hoping that that site will be the definitive place for all my photos. The idea being that it will be fully searchable, by both english and scientific name, or by country. I have thousands of photos sitting on hard drives that although i dont think they are great photos they may well be of value to someone with regards ID features (Eastern & Western Ollys for example, Pallid Swifts).<br />
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Im working backwards with putting photos online, and am currently at 24th jan 2012......long way to go.<br />
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In the meantime the self employment is going well. The taxman sends me more letters than the average stalker, work is coming in, and basically i cant remember the last time i had a day of doing nothing. Next week Spain.....<br />
</div>Jameshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16133820297925479072noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8472645549525935908.post-60299354004256021902012-03-19T22:53:00.000-07:002012-03-19T22:53:31.171-07:0020th maart 2012 - Off to Morocco<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">I will shortly be leaving for Morocco, to lead my 70th tour for Sunbird/WINGS. Hopefully i will have internet on a few days to keep you up to date with what we are seeing and to upload some photos.</div>Jameshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16133820297925479072noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8472645549525935908.post-60532269556736569482012-03-12T08:47:00.001-07:002012-03-12T08:47:10.241-07:0012 march 2012 - updateTo say it has been hectic since we arrived home would be something of an understatement....<br />
In fact the first week flew by with unpacking, washing clothes, downloading photos, catching up on post etc. <br />
After that i made the giant leap to become self employed. Basically i will still only be guiding for Sunbird/WINGS but will not be working through agencies in the Netherlands. This has involved numerous meetings with intelligent people, people with calculators, desks and large collections of pens.....<br />
Anyway it's now nearly all sorted, registered with the chamber of commerce (KvK) and insurances are in place.<br />
Somewhere in the middle i have sorted my taxes, been arranging my stag do and am now in the UK. After a few days in Dorset, seeing family, friends and lots of Med Gulls i was collected by BBRC secretary Nigel Hudson and his wife Danni. They then drove me to Minsmere, seeing Red Kite along the way, for the annual BBRC meeting. Our chairman Adam Rowlands is the main man at Minsmere and he arranged our digs in Scott Hall cottage. This was just a few minutes walk from Island mere hide where we saw Otter, Bittern, Cetti's Warbler, Glossy Ibis, Med Gulls and Marsh Harriers over two pre breakfast visits.<br />
On the saturday we broke our meeting for a quick look at the scrape, where several Yellow-legged Gulls were in residence although without a scope i didn't see any Caspian Gulls.<br />
Sunday morning we continued with the meeting, and once again it was great to see everyone. After lunch Martin 'super chef' Garner and i had a quick look for Dartford Warblers at Dunwich, seeing at least 4 birds. After leaving Dorset 4 years ago it seemed strange to be exerting myself to find a Dartford! Martin then kindly drove me to Sandy where i could catch up with the Sunbird crowd (well Steve at least).<br />
A quick trip to the office this morning and im now near Newark for a few days before flying home on thursday. One week tomorrow i will be off to Morocco.....<br />
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Since the bungy jump we headed to Knysna and spent 3 relaxed days, walking, eating and being tourists. We met up with Bex and Mustard for the best meal of the holiday, bacon wrapped scallops followed by ostrich steak and washed down with local honey flavoured beer and red wine. <br />
From Knysna we headed west to Swellendam, ate at a restaurant where there was no menu and no prices, had a hostel room again full of mossies and then were up early to drive to Cape Town. In Cape Town we went shopping for souvenirs, had another great meal, more stunning scenery before heading back to the hostel to pack our bags. <br />
Hoping to make the most of our last day we checked out of the hostel and drove to the Cape of Good Hope. The weather wasn't great but the mist and strong wind just made for a great atmosphere. We picnicked in the car due to baboons and bad weather. <br />
There was then time to shower back at the hostel, catch up with Alan and then head to the airport for an 11 hour flight home. <br />
Neither of us slept well but the sight of Martine, Ester and Vera, with homemade muffins, was enough to keep us awake until we reached Arnhem. Can't believe it's over....11 weeks of life changing experiences would do it all again tomorrow!!!<br />
<div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHUErBAxCR3wFlsg8yWYk_XKAPO-f-bDyB1b5Uk5LmqtKPPLb1m7yzpJABcZx2PrDRcVwCgAj_rkUVBzdG8DuHwhZxic0iKdB_E0kN0_k5lC90tVf3LAQZTLfDmKQLDYWZM0GTafBI0YxX/s640/blogger-image--1956691648.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHUErBAxCR3wFlsg8yWYk_XKAPO-f-bDyB1b5Uk5LmqtKPPLb1m7yzpJABcZx2PrDRcVwCgAj_rkUVBzdG8DuHwhZxic0iKdB_E0kN0_k5lC90tVf3LAQZTLfDmKQLDYWZM0GTafBI0YxX/s640/blogger-image--1956691648.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji7YEpuKU1c6eCzcvXerIMnntm6jX7JgmX2AeXHYRMgDdySOFGc1xZl9PggkZqamvHzAyl6ODz0ekMO4acWA15aMYp2JsL0BgXpwtqhcnt4bNPHfKVYL2kRBnJ1rJfH8F_RDjezvUjTZIT/s640/blogger-image-529935210.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji7YEpuKU1c6eCzcvXerIMnntm6jX7JgmX2AeXHYRMgDdySOFGc1xZl9PggkZqamvHzAyl6ODz0ekMO4acWA15aMYp2JsL0BgXpwtqhcnt4bNPHfKVYL2kRBnJ1rJfH8F_RDjezvUjTZIT/s640/blogger-image-529935210.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx6dEr3dWlL2tDlMEj9DarikW-qtpzffNRNsjFcp4xEiksMUn87hmhl1FBGwCaKpGpIn82woQa6wgSvkMZFkiD3zItMtBhWldREM7NoWY9oyKUbCMSgavktpsDwfSiV2r_MeNiZG0ShyphenhyphenjK/s640/blogger-image-1479753263.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx6dEr3dWlL2tDlMEj9DarikW-qtpzffNRNsjFcp4xEiksMUn87hmhl1FBGwCaKpGpIn82woQa6wgSvkMZFkiD3zItMtBhWldREM7NoWY9oyKUbCMSgavktpsDwfSiV2r_MeNiZG0ShyphenhyphenjK/s640/blogger-image-1479753263.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia02pZfpeNDjJlQlGi-Gjr9PNWT_sfyGLHXF2GS9c37JuXY3yjZWtSjL4okAtiKxnrqkb9uw1CCzwYtWnzm0G6WNs1KFy4POcdZGC2FHR6eU6rRYRz6nB7l69f5taoinSQyYnv6qJoecJ4/s640/blogger-image-2063547242.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia02pZfpeNDjJlQlGi-Gjr9PNWT_sfyGLHXF2GS9c37JuXY3yjZWtSjL4okAtiKxnrqkb9uw1CCzwYtWnzm0G6WNs1KFy4POcdZGC2FHR6eU6rRYRz6nB7l69f5taoinSQyYnv6qJoecJ4/s640/blogger-image-2063547242.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7Q_ofcbYWElFUR1pPrH66wgNVLi2KKsiSEPlDReKm2VrFPM8CAKG-gHHWpMfqVUBo_zuSQQ9sVc8xaBzvGeFZii5LK3lZPna5y_FEZLwSgFkSyJpltFxOfLHrOKzUiFqSzDzXCjbCe-NB/s640/blogger-image--825760480.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7Q_ofcbYWElFUR1pPrH66wgNVLi2KKsiSEPlDReKm2VrFPM8CAKG-gHHWpMfqVUBo_zuSQQ9sVc8xaBzvGeFZii5LK3lZPna5y_FEZLwSgFkSyJpltFxOfLHrOKzUiFqSzDzXCjbCe-NB/s640/blogger-image--825760480.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbdcqMN6WM_j086N_Qm7-07Vc-h7xzC1zi5uXPaU_XYDhS1wZz8a2Zb2ewkkWsmL1FpINKXP_lgSzejr8X3wM4dqH_bz_3x6h6X3QVcB7LL_LEGXwFWfkTgj2l0BEuOK34N7Wk4jLuo7US/s640/blogger-image-918662160.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbdcqMN6WM_j086N_Qm7-07Vc-h7xzC1zi5uXPaU_XYDhS1wZz8a2Zb2ewkkWsmL1FpINKXP_lgSzejr8X3wM4dqH_bz_3x6h6X3QVcB7LL_LEGXwFWfkTgj2l0BEuOK34N7Wk4jLuo7US/s640/blogger-image-918662160.jpg" /></a></div>Jameshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16133820297925479072noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8472645549525935908.post-63703771265674899532012-02-18T07:21:00.001-08:002012-02-18T07:21:49.229-08:0017 februari 2012 - bungeeeeeeeeeeeWhen we first started this trip we discussed what we did and didn't want to do. Remke was 110% certain that she didn't want to Bungy, i was 95% sure that i didn't.....when we arrived at Vic falls we were met with the news that the bungy had snapped a week before and that all bungys were off. Shame but that made decisions making easier.<br />
After our sky-dive i started to think more about a bungy jump, and by the time we reached SA i was up to 70% that i wanted to do it.<br />
After a morning birding and walking around Tsitsikamma forest (Knysna Woodpecker etc) it was time to head to Bloukrans. Maybe if i saw some people jumping it would make my mind up. I watched 4 people jump and started to have serious doubts as to whether i could or would do it. After a calming cup of coffee, no alcohol allowed, i headed to the info desk to ask how long the whole jump process would take. Not long at all i heard but i still wasn't sure and had just 2 minutes to make a decision. There were 2 Germans already waiting, and i was offered the chance to walk with them onto the bridge and decide once i was there. I jumped at that opportunity, the bridge itself was spectacular although i tried not to look down too much!<br />
I watched the first 2 jump and made my mind up, i was going to jump as well. The guys on the bridge were great, very calming and professional. I waddled like a penguin to the edge and on their countdown i jumped, arms out and head up from 216 metres.....OH MY GOD......what i have done as i plummeted towards the ground at 120kmph, feeling the reassuring tension of the bungy, followed by 3-4 more falls, and more tension. It was amazing, different to the sharks and the skydive but my heart was racing. I hung upside down for a minute before some guy was winched down to me, to turn me upright and winch me back to the bridge.<br />
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C84VSln2VjI&feature=youtube_gdata_player<br />
Once on the bridge i couldn't stop smiling. So pleased i had done it and was buzzing for hours afterwards!!<br />
<div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI9I5hcoGFSwAAJCrSXzB4K8vFA4077hevxFRMTbBAt3ceKZyTtRMjzIP4xtxGw9roXsRCydUTAz3e9TRkOcyFRV03dXQH0_P3ml1AWZ4QN4XDIlXSraM0p9v1CY08cMaWVexJbC0KUjac/s640/blogger-image--316628807.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI9I5hcoGFSwAAJCrSXzB4K8vFA4077hevxFRMTbBAt3ceKZyTtRMjzIP4xtxGw9roXsRCydUTAz3e9TRkOcyFRV03dXQH0_P3ml1AWZ4QN4XDIlXSraM0p9v1CY08cMaWVexJbC0KUjac/s640/blogger-image--316628807.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrlrv0MpQrGc08O5Hp6R1C0SRcGcITonySOuCikYNB7ODSNIGYe5lLC9oxCTCspZex_p_UVwhLmU521IDdiX-Op1xggS9wImHGGuJMNuiAMBzcAIAQMH-O-bqsmp4ZbnWdFGuvNFG2aI3X/s640/blogger-image-1452500583.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrlrv0MpQrGc08O5Hp6R1C0SRcGcITonySOuCikYNB7ODSNIGYe5lLC9oxCTCspZex_p_UVwhLmU521IDdiX-Op1xggS9wImHGGuJMNuiAMBzcAIAQMH-O-bqsmp4ZbnWdFGuvNFG2aI3X/s640/blogger-image-1452500583.jpg" /></a></div>Jameshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16133820297925479072noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8472645549525935908.post-51965483515380875102012-02-15T01:44:00.001-08:002012-02-15T01:44:55.083-08:0015 februari 2012 - pelagic photosTitle says it all really, im not able to crop or edit my photos so these are as they come.<div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRV5YhTw5cneySJ4ExGqhSmUbedoOxIfsg5sB4aAewARn3n0JvABrjFqlcX95rS6qzsH0yGT62NB0usddAuwfce5HuXbYYQT4L_Su14mF0lKyh2VcLgHazlqjUaiEwNtbDezaTFSHBfhnD/s640/blogger-image-1317246413.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRV5YhTw5cneySJ4ExGqhSmUbedoOxIfsg5sB4aAewARn3n0JvABrjFqlcX95rS6qzsH0yGT62NB0usddAuwfce5HuXbYYQT4L_Su14mF0lKyh2VcLgHazlqjUaiEwNtbDezaTFSHBfhnD/s640/blogger-image-1317246413.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAzSKhSXk-uEnKPFqsEF0-IEs-jcFSQpMMGQ0ZZzJKbzEsvXXypPwD0A1OOGGTP36AfAua82gXoWxVybHby4iyIRk-dloKv0ytvBA5GJFTjDYKAoBUeJnopi_1ZqwH_JhrQli-oDxHbs70/s640/blogger-image--801686399.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAzSKhSXk-uEnKPFqsEF0-IEs-jcFSQpMMGQ0ZZzJKbzEsvXXypPwD0A1OOGGTP36AfAua82gXoWxVybHby4iyIRk-dloKv0ytvBA5GJFTjDYKAoBUeJnopi_1ZqwH_JhrQli-oDxHbs70/s640/blogger-image--801686399.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator"style="clear: both; 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text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjlzWZeHSmkNLGICg_jR8c2dNDmiUEU1nae4bZX0Y8Cl1O38muFah-DE30vNdZHprdgjE1NmyxkHgUfAuZ1O_LIiRsAiab2ir7VzE2CtS5fYjSDCUsQdh8m13H1V8c2jbWZJCXREaHaCbw/s640/blogger-image-456892230.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjlzWZeHSmkNLGICg_jR8c2dNDmiUEU1nae4bZX0Y8Cl1O38muFah-DE30vNdZHprdgjE1NmyxkHgUfAuZ1O_LIiRsAiab2ir7VzE2CtS5fYjSDCUsQdh8m13H1V8c2jbWZJCXREaHaCbw/s640/blogger-image-456892230.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD-YAocYEMYwdhV9h_EKbp0Y_EGye5t38kxqSF17Gvo9sva1EI-jfOxl_i_7mTiAilhqIf9qrYBoPjEvOscxjrVXVcnRf2P8hw2IgWFcfV87hlckXkNxYllfKcPQeCubXG5JuvnSQDoxAR/s640/blogger-image--1841711420.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD-YAocYEMYwdhV9h_EKbp0Y_EGye5t38kxqSF17Gvo9sva1EI-jfOxl_i_7mTiAilhqIf9qrYBoPjEvOscxjrVXVcnRf2P8hw2IgWFcfV87hlckXkNxYllfKcPQeCubXG5JuvnSQDoxAR/s640/blogger-image--1841711420.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzlebeJYdN4um4cmNDekvXbRg2pEs_yetpLf4Cfb_hJtNodstj0sTlPOkyMFqqZhUIJgU9LUXaJG1m5O2XwR0JNLwUxywmWSoXAwWMsvMOxVIMZiYuFeQr_5Q0PbEyFMNnCs6hOeyLTMyN/s640/blogger-image-1897706101.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzlebeJYdN4um4cmNDekvXbRg2pEs_yetpLf4Cfb_hJtNodstj0sTlPOkyMFqqZhUIJgU9LUXaJG1m5O2XwR0JNLwUxywmWSoXAwWMsvMOxVIMZiYuFeQr_5Q0PbEyFMNnCs6hOeyLTMyN/s640/blogger-image-1897706101.jpg" /></a></div>Jameshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16133820297925479072noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8472645549525935908.post-7521782185394026262012-02-15T01:34:00.001-08:002012-02-15T01:34:49.943-08:0015 februari - and relaxFinally time to do nothing. We are now in East London having driven (well Remke did) from Sedgefield in a day, about an 8 hour drive. We were supposed to be meeting a friend of Remkes here but he can't make it, so instead we are sitting by the pool, being treated superbly and the zebras last night were so close we could hear them grazing. We are staying on a farm/hostel type place and are the only guests. This morning i saw Knysna Turaco before breakfast and tonight they are doing a braai for us.<br />
Anyway no photos yet but chance to put some photos from last few weeks online. All mammals, the lions weren't in the wild by the way. Pelagic photos to follow<div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMNcZqlEFmxlrTMClRLqoyv56oqpFgVF98Xrh5SrE40cIYm11abQj31AShmo6SAqdUvreuvk8nriqp2CGNAZuPER2fMr7Q5nm-dyk7uUJ5WYA96mCaAhna1pRhTeIU6_b9wj4PzWNP6iQV/s640/blogger-image-2140428531.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMNcZqlEFmxlrTMClRLqoyv56oqpFgVF98Xrh5SrE40cIYm11abQj31AShmo6SAqdUvreuvk8nriqp2CGNAZuPER2fMr7Q5nm-dyk7uUJ5WYA96mCaAhna1pRhTeIU6_b9wj4PzWNP6iQV/s640/blogger-image-2140428531.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDZntwa57Yit_BZLDeREuHlmDi5sLDgKjmla_4zcsnrmp3i1FWX-GiGTANhA0_pja5gDZ_u59IEa8DrrjdfsKu5LFFJMObdnBPb-49QK9DZjTDbakWsFRqP5w5NXmgYt1x-RI4Nqm7KAJU/s640/blogger-image-1143808181.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDZntwa57Yit_BZLDeREuHlmDi5sLDgKjmla_4zcsnrmp3i1FWX-GiGTANhA0_pja5gDZ_u59IEa8DrrjdfsKu5LFFJMObdnBPb-49QK9DZjTDbakWsFRqP5w5NXmgYt1x-RI4Nqm7KAJU/s640/blogger-image-1143808181.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghrw0eeYkf_Bj1636WYUalDiAt1ANTMfxw-fYqVQO0O3ramh8UGP2_1Z6xc-5Q4g71A8qGxcQQNkzbBMvl1xdtfV_LqUtCpyXsWbbsO33CPOZlXIpXGyOozSRu-C_eZbd4Gits1yCRKALt/s640/blogger-image--286329051.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghrw0eeYkf_Bj1636WYUalDiAt1ANTMfxw-fYqVQO0O3ramh8UGP2_1Z6xc-5Q4g71A8qGxcQQNkzbBMvl1xdtfV_LqUtCpyXsWbbsO33CPOZlXIpXGyOozSRu-C_eZbd4Gits1yCRKALt/s640/blogger-image--286329051.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJEjbA2oxL5nTwxRuJRdu7ZAB7VCt5hAA4YPPo4ovVkYVhs9th7yzdln07yFvSFPyZL4DpxqZlMIGEQmSP224rlN-Hi-pLSlUwNdvrsQu2ZgIWNleVpAUNbs4g2tKJ26D8xGbfmhMbF8nG/s640/blogger-image-506224794.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJEjbA2oxL5nTwxRuJRdu7ZAB7VCt5hAA4YPPo4ovVkYVhs9th7yzdln07yFvSFPyZL4DpxqZlMIGEQmSP224rlN-Hi-pLSlUwNdvrsQu2ZgIWNleVpAUNbs4g2tKJ26D8xGbfmhMbF8nG/s640/blogger-image-506224794.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI8wMRW7muiq1mf2UfmvfF4F-4PJaupFZG67nKhZw0H5XO9HbVOlAzB9_SEcXSE77Dlwewls0i2MFpChAQFKSR_yk9KnRSMZLaa4tifz2G7THsXHHR5CJ8wmRVtfosdiAQnOFYr2aaqCvt/s640/blogger-image--1215132689.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI8wMRW7muiq1mf2UfmvfF4F-4PJaupFZG67nKhZw0H5XO9HbVOlAzB9_SEcXSE77Dlwewls0i2MFpChAQFKSR_yk9KnRSMZLaa4tifz2G7THsXHHR5CJ8wmRVtfosdiAQnOFYr2aaqCvt/s640/blogger-image--1215132689.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi72haIEg0bf5sDqTrxfzu269ulDp4ER_3N8PZpWC2YctUkcYZBZzkblUhL4KkR9cWmyK1SBtHVDcvaUK2gif3kFcvXqI45eYOmD2CgluXnEsmnIgZRqACUcTQykSIyJasLxqWidAyWtx98/s640/blogger-image--1533849292.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; 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margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHfy6Tz5vWcYPdyj0wRWCn-lFyq2QVxz-1Jo00Rx4KS0uAdV7LCiz3AvXSXO3M3o1C587OEgyENgJy-P0inFgjXoVp9FacoLTbL__UCSaqchHwZLu-8vlW4CCiaOd4B83B6rhjs52X_M4G/s640/blogger-image-623017507.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtL72qNNapTJxzCmmtCevCe0HtdElXsjnIZWgJnMzsjK9-QBWX3w2eSSGJMoZT1MjRbeytMb7AGs9xqd1xRRQ4K60h_4fZi62B8TERsTOYwWU8rRJQdbXCqowqyjDq9CGJCZgkqsjrnJQ5/s640/blogger-image--604549003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtL72qNNapTJxzCmmtCevCe0HtdElXsjnIZWgJnMzsjK9-QBWX3w2eSSGJMoZT1MjRbeytMb7AGs9xqd1xRRQ4K60h_4fZi62B8TERsTOYwWU8rRJQdbXCqowqyjDq9CGJCZgkqsjrnJQ5/s640/blogger-image--604549003.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIXRg_ngPxW9uno6ymoP5YVO9cg1qiLiHTiAoUdl3zVLSbs39huqz2plpDXeTuBdB_e5QeX7l9UNVtCB5lska00XNV2mH5vkIfFSqg13nJIJWRAa6VuSNKWfjUO5Y4TUzB0ZJMlR7OA_O3/s640/blogger-image--1121719641.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIXRg_ngPxW9uno6ymoP5YVO9cg1qiLiHTiAoUdl3zVLSbs39huqz2plpDXeTuBdB_e5QeX7l9UNVtCB5lska00XNV2mH5vkIfFSqg13nJIJWRAa6VuSNKWfjUO5Y4TUzB0ZJMlR7OA_O3/s640/blogger-image--1121719641.jpg" /></a></div>Jameshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16133820297925479072noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8472645549525935908.post-66804805135166214752012-02-13T12:38:00.001-08:002012-02-13T21:58:37.399-08:0013 februari 2012 - Sharks and AlbatrossesWith several days of bad weather altering our plans it has been a hectic few days. During lunch with Remke and Jules i called Cape Town pelagics and was shocked to hear that the pelagic was going ahead. Windguru was still forecasting a swell of over 4 metres....when i arrived at Houtbaai i was pleased to see that our boat was a mighty 9ish metres....oh joy!<br />
The ride out, 35km to the shelf, was fast, rough, bumpy, horrible, etc. The best we could manage was to hang on one handed as the boat crashed from wave to wave, sending us flying from our seats. The use of bins, legs etc was limited to say the least.<br />
Our captain, who, like our guide, was excellent and once he honed in on a trawler on the horizon we found ourselves among hundreds of White-chinned Petrels, Wilson's and European Storm petrels, 50+ Shy Albatross, a juvenile Wandering, a couple of Atlantic Yellow-nosed (several yellow-nosed sp) and 10+ Black-browed, Subantarctic Skuas, Sabine's Gulls (maybe 50), Arctic and a single Pomarine Skua, Sootys, Cory's types and Greats. Watching the trawler bring its net in was fantastic, birds everywhere, and the swell just about bearable (others weren't so fortunate).<br />
The photos will follow when i get chance to look through all 1600 of them. By mid afternoon the swell dropped, the sun was still shining and we even picked up a couple of Grey Phalaropes on the ride back, as well as the numerous Cape fur seals feeding in the mix.<br />
Thoroughly drenched we dried off with coffee in the harbour (sorry about the puddle of water in the restaurant), and i couldn't stop smiling after brilliant birding and surviving at sea!<br />
Remke picked me up and we went to fish and chips before she had the great idea to dash to table mountain as the weather was still holding, and we had a few hours before going out for Katies birthday.<br />
Ill prepared we boarded the cable car, enjoyed the view, the cloud descended again an we headed for the cable car home. After 30minutes it became clear that there was a problem, which was confirmed, upgraded on the advice of the technician to more serious than thought and therefore we stayed on Table mountain until 2230. By then we had missed dinner, arriving home at 2300. By this time i had been up since 0500, still soaking wet, covered in salt from pelagic and now aware that my long awaited shark diving trip was leaving at 0510 in the morning. There were some 200+ other people behind us in the queue so who knows how late they were home.<br />
Today was the shark dive. This has been a dream of mine for many years and i quite positively get some kind of emotional high from even seeing Great Whites on tv.....but i never thought i would ever see one, let alone get in the water with one (FIVE!!!)' albeit from the safety of a cage.<br />
Thankfully my seasickness tablets worked again and i got to enjoy 10 minutes in the cage. Although exciting the views from the boat were much better and we spent 3 hours watching animals up to 3.5 metres coming to the chum. My hair stood on end, one of the real big 5 for me and a dream come true. Yet another life highlight for me and one i will never forget.<br />
After a nice lunch, beer and watch of the dvd for sale i was picked up by Remke and we said more goodbyes. I hate saying goodbyes : ( although we missed several by being stuck up a mountain!!<br />
This also meant that i couldn't sign as second driver for the hire car, so Remke has driven for nearly 8 hours today. Now lying in dorm bed at cool surfers hostel, fish and squid for dinner, beer brewed in Knysna, fire burning etc. Tomorrow we continue east to East London. Hostel looks great again, private room, wooded grounds, pool and chance to relax after the manic last few days. <br />
Some shark photos below, pelagic photos when home if no time before. Just 9 full days to go now......<br />
<div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB1dYWVX6OZMHZWIlppVZzqKgAISr8hHFpCM9JgDQVkDvpL3gkK8S374eNggdMCBPXuoA7Cm4tTmIsfM6gdNBEezR1rrHeyAuHvYhDxsGHQiIg_QrObPKbqt6AzbTpOo7EhKiFgHYEUz2V/s640/blogger-image-1653467785.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB1dYWVX6OZMHZWIlppVZzqKgAISr8hHFpCM9JgDQVkDvpL3gkK8S374eNggdMCBPXuoA7Cm4tTmIsfM6gdNBEezR1rrHeyAuHvYhDxsGHQiIg_QrObPKbqt6AzbTpOo7EhKiFgHYEUz2V/s640/blogger-image-1653467785.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8_5DAY2APCniF2St5F0IJjvvu77DJHDvgZDGPPo70GlCMPJXbOeiEcHLcaZzuVzTo0Y2eljtF9Tr6SGtbwtEJ-7hiqGJWBR3HHnA4G3Dz-_SYJ6vH_DsS-50HoRymFiYYEHYbDGNSlGDg/s640/blogger-image--1323642723.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8_5DAY2APCniF2St5F0IJjvvu77DJHDvgZDGPPo70GlCMPJXbOeiEcHLcaZzuVzTo0Y2eljtF9Tr6SGtbwtEJ-7hiqGJWBR3HHnA4G3Dz-_SYJ6vH_DsS-50HoRymFiYYEHYbDGNSlGDg/s640/blogger-image--1323642723.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikssPKdxH1DNidfU_mJ8Dt8Hvh7XRAR_WZmOQhYnOg7Yjcfv0B9oKFFIGY9I2e-hDzhnUfdolRbEY0t-eqAW6rzzBtJ03bp4yTC0tB0wPNymk-g_ogpMgNDlxBe5eQ_pfe7gNKoBhosQs3/s640/blogger-image--1617348186.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikssPKdxH1DNidfU_mJ8Dt8Hvh7XRAR_WZmOQhYnOg7Yjcfv0B9oKFFIGY9I2e-hDzhnUfdolRbEY0t-eqAW6rzzBtJ03bp4yTC0tB0wPNymk-g_ogpMgNDlxBe5eQ_pfe7gNKoBhosQs3/s640/blogger-image--1617348186.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhReQ1XECUx2VO6bdjA0KMbv6YcplSOwtsgF2HTd2KFjbQCTSZQpsrjkxgGpBWc7P3nlqREa0Dp_VgeXEmUkl8VWrSEd7bKnPa8IkW03lUsKrqWp4qtoHN-N9azt11EDMrYwoLRQVMMWCO/s640/blogger-image--1653614456.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhReQ1XECUx2VO6bdjA0KMbv6YcplSOwtsgF2HTd2KFjbQCTSZQpsrjkxgGpBWc7P3nlqREa0Dp_VgeXEmUkl8VWrSEd7bKnPa8IkW03lUsKrqWp4qtoHN-N9azt11EDMrYwoLRQVMMWCO/s640/blogger-image--1653614456.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAA1nsJ6jWUTYlAws3jHdKTshjo2mnzw2dPMUWdeKOyXWLC2_2Arx9YTReLcITpL6fCZuPzh3JjgU-N8OOGeWYBU5zXcwvBdC80qnL4z9fhdAKVjRw7nu-QhTTF8hZzmXeH0zTpOtgCqv3/s640/blogger-image-1178379149.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAA1nsJ6jWUTYlAws3jHdKTshjo2mnzw2dPMUWdeKOyXWLC2_2Arx9YTReLcITpL6fCZuPzh3JjgU-N8OOGeWYBU5zXcwvBdC80qnL4z9fhdAKVjRw7nu-QhTTF8hZzmXeH0zTpOtgCqv3/s640/blogger-image-1178379149.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7ib1omF3JfqBS50EQ19aeXDz8K-gotxX5ud0XwaINwYWLK7wG-AjkOLQSGj2XT9JVALVtQGVbsRcZ3NMQrI0A_GRLErQKAZgtu5YJURFrotZUXk7goFD_sRq-OP3b_hdbgy52LksLCOdO/s640/blogger-image-858316224.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7ib1omF3JfqBS50EQ19aeXDz8K-gotxX5ud0XwaINwYWLK7wG-AjkOLQSGj2XT9JVALVtQGVbsRcZ3NMQrI0A_GRLErQKAZgtu5YJURFrotZUXk7goFD_sRq-OP3b_hdbgy52LksLCOdO/s640/blogger-image-858316224.jpg" /></a></div>Jameshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16133820297925479072noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8472645549525935908.post-47160647188996719132012-02-11T07:28:00.001-08:002012-02-11T07:28:05.426-08:0011 februari 2012 - Cape TownLast night we headed out for dinner to celebrate Mustards birthday, before a glass of Belgian beer, and a few more beers in the Irish pub. The weather has been quite rough, at least windy, and todays pelagic was cancelled. It is now rescheduled for tomorrow.<br />
With Table Mountain also closed due to the weather we opted for the Planetarium, and despite offering some of the rudest staff i have ever met was actually quite interesting, but.......reclining seats, darkened room, little sleep and soporific voice soon sent me to dreamland....sorry about the snoring ; )<br />
After Remke woke me up there was time to look at some of the wildlife photo of the year entries, some quality stuff.<br />
Called into the supermarket on the way home, bought supplies ready for tomorrow and thought i would upload a few photos of myself from Remkes camera, whilst Remke repacks her belongings. Meanwhile the fruitcakes that are the other inhabitants of our hostel sit outside discussing how great they are.<div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5kZ6IXUTtOBsoM0O6Oay4tC2EvmmXHzB7Z_eNfJNOFAHSSws3ycrzRKEYM4UL26KyDGxhDpCBEA1d51j5Ha_Dgl8p86tEPvGHDEwT0u9v1kUY0jyClFF9SGHYYBRefVt8A9GAiZWN4miY/s640/blogger-image--570705706.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5kZ6IXUTtOBsoM0O6Oay4tC2EvmmXHzB7Z_eNfJNOFAHSSws3ycrzRKEYM4UL26KyDGxhDpCBEA1d51j5Ha_Dgl8p86tEPvGHDEwT0u9v1kUY0jyClFF9SGHYYBRefVt8A9GAiZWN4miY/s640/blogger-image--570705706.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWPPnQL3cYEijZuRUA3B_ns06m7r-eoMteD2VC9qVMFxe2zlt1yI5mGNtkYO8VnC7QgKdXdgXIF7HetP_1BwYwB7PTfYHSEr4MEDQjYTqhcFEdNrYsjHsFuOSUzLY49NgG4o-jgUMA2Cqe/s640/blogger-image--1971160736.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWPPnQL3cYEijZuRUA3B_ns06m7r-eoMteD2VC9qVMFxe2zlt1yI5mGNtkYO8VnC7QgKdXdgXIF7HetP_1BwYwB7PTfYHSEr4MEDQjYTqhcFEdNrYsjHsFuOSUzLY49NgG4o-jgUMA2Cqe/s640/blogger-image--1971160736.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifMz-wwVpqPeoSbih-UcSIoD3DPusj4WYEdpvfzUadxXwNXglZWM4AnyUwWzp0-2j2Fq8SLEzZiAy0z6NOjtqCXVjSBrWwx07Z95bu8G287xrsz6qt_znk2hGv866OGflET0vsm6fbRzB9/s640/blogger-image--89919814.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifMz-wwVpqPeoSbih-UcSIoD3DPusj4WYEdpvfzUadxXwNXglZWM4AnyUwWzp0-2j2Fq8SLEzZiAy0z6NOjtqCXVjSBrWwx07Z95bu8G287xrsz6qt_znk2hGv866OGflET0vsm6fbRzB9/s640/blogger-image--89919814.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx8_CCWAuiAs7AOtCjHrfs6eJXlztc68X_964FFBnER5ws6BUP3nG0sapZ4viD2HTisJ36cc7OgS7r-oZO-xzf5EgrSWLnV4_UVM0MKWfNC2tycfAC_ZmDVwJs6trMPtEBkT80thz0GGTk/s640/blogger-image-1989386094.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; 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margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqHT-cyJxWiWDbIcP5uz08b5QmH18vz3M6FRpW2kEBRtYT5jbYP66-YVHHaMlIKt1_lGH9siNNh_l5MsXggZrmcnM11lWwDvmpVAKbJELQp0QaFcR7OmW_6Ysv0k1V1WXizMuGohSASMbv/s640/blogger-image-565645936.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOfb0TaXpU-Qr0j9xYM_FQ9R_yFa023oG0nlTZZIpiXmdnEVywQ_RVUc77f7Zy7eKkaYEnPiVaZ57NU64dGsxzs0N25a5eR8pJpD37ysqVZmUCORieoxnp6DcdF_uzsBgIK3vF4NkTnKbE/s640/blogger-image-1779655753.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOfb0TaXpU-Qr0j9xYM_FQ9R_yFa023oG0nlTZZIpiXmdnEVywQ_RVUc77f7Zy7eKkaYEnPiVaZ57NU64dGsxzs0N25a5eR8pJpD37ysqVZmUCORieoxnp6DcdF_uzsBgIK3vF4NkTnKbE/s640/blogger-image-1779655753.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijRiBpTyvGKn9Rysmeg_jXfCH8BCnQwt3siTgJ0oh-62Noxmcdb_Ic2ExbRVvWxULvVGC7VQ_ltpT58_jSWw92oft4RpMrFDVirTD_PkcmHoF-DBcg5hIKqp-MRYN5PK74UFMTX4f1jlZ_/s640/blogger-image-263983631.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijRiBpTyvGKn9Rysmeg_jXfCH8BCnQwt3siTgJ0oh-62Noxmcdb_Ic2ExbRVvWxULvVGC7VQ_ltpT58_jSWw92oft4RpMrFDVirTD_PkcmHoF-DBcg5hIKqp-MRYN5PK74UFMTX4f1jlZ_/s640/blogger-image-263983631.jpg" /></a></div>Jameshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16133820297925479072noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8472645549525935908.post-11615389832408530032012-02-09T21:54:00.001-08:002012-02-09T21:58:17.434-08:009 februari 2012 - Southernmost tip of AfricaIm now sitting in Cape Town, one of the most beautiful places i have ever been. The sight of Table mountain, with table cloth, amazing light is just stunning.<br />
Our last few days in Namibia were nice, with a stunning bush camp near Fish River canyon and a nice camp along the Orange river. Here we said goodbye to Brendan and Meg. We were scheduled anyway to change from Gunga to a bus, but were hoping that Brendan and Meg would still come with us to Cape Town. Understandably considering the circumstances they decided to do their own thing. So it was time for a party and good send off. Josh initiated the drinking, and the speeches, and the pile ons. It was a real testament to the groups love of Brendan, and Meg, which ended with the traditional throwing of the driver into the pool!!<br />
The temperature by the border and in Stellenbosch was unreal. I can't remember ever feeling a heat like it, from the Gobi to the Sahara. Remkes thermometer was reading 54,8 in the sun!<br />
In Stellenbosch i did a wine tasting which was only interesting because our guide was so bad and i saw a chameleon! After sampling 23 wines i still couldn't find one i liked....until Bex let me sample a bottle she bought for €5 for the Spar, much better! Sleeping was hard work due to the heat and the mosquitoes. Having bouht mozzie nets in Nairobi we had given them to Bex to take to Malawi when she goes there to work in the hospital after the trip.<br />
Yesterday we went to Robben island where we were shown around by one of the most entertaining guides ever, really interesting and thankfully we survived a very rough crossing home. I also noticed a Belgian bar with Koninck on tap.....sadly they didn't allow take aways and i fell below the dress code to be served inside.<br />
Below are a selection of photos, hopefully all self explanatory from nice views, Cape Agulhas, Remke trying to catch dinner, Remke repacking (check out how much stuff she is carrying)!<br />
<div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnFUTxoEsjjfn2N9vGKTHLV711Y7WSqdKas2sJ8f04KgTfdvaFFJ-0CEYzCc4Hy6y25n_D2MCg0QlrkAlaLRklvSdxBJA5XEvKFX_rz6qPI2qHvjt7xVDbnPq3UYB9bbWRKMA4B14bGJrY/s640/blogger-image--148078474.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnFUTxoEsjjfn2N9vGKTHLV711Y7WSqdKas2sJ8f04KgTfdvaFFJ-0CEYzCc4Hy6y25n_D2MCg0QlrkAlaLRklvSdxBJA5XEvKFX_rz6qPI2qHvjt7xVDbnPq3UYB9bbWRKMA4B14bGJrY/s640/blogger-image--148078474.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAJLm85-lGNB5Lu5Ny-idLvC9oYiEu1dv_Y7lxMKQBW9wUvUMrkybKJOUL3lFgJ5fbA_-JY3pwtXSVWPiB8IyFC1nKP7p7OEsuOdawAXAtJyDZix5mlvpwdZD91uZ2LuHQ-EUFmKhfORk1/s640/blogger-image-129140098.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAJLm85-lGNB5Lu5Ny-idLvC9oYiEu1dv_Y7lxMKQBW9wUvUMrkybKJOUL3lFgJ5fbA_-JY3pwtXSVWPiB8IyFC1nKP7p7OEsuOdawAXAtJyDZix5mlvpwdZD91uZ2LuHQ-EUFmKhfORk1/s640/blogger-image-129140098.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator"style="clear: both; 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text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPs5Xqi9SXPa3wwbBEzBTGn5oB1tBg06p8UhUWP_67olbnKn6hXKGED1py9QOSWOBR4ydb3qMjlTbHxmCqBQl02HQ9xxWKi9X58EcqkLrYPi3SQS7H7qPALCmRnxhRoSsh9qlAW_9ykJVI/s640/blogger-image--2047258485.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPs5Xqi9SXPa3wwbBEzBTGn5oB1tBg06p8UhUWP_67olbnKn6hXKGED1py9QOSWOBR4ydb3qMjlTbHxmCqBQl02HQ9xxWKi9X58EcqkLrYPi3SQS7H7qPALCmRnxhRoSsh9qlAW_9ykJVI/s640/blogger-image--2047258485.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrZHzPeec5pRGtAVM0ViINYEGpVb2wCOBonnGY8GafGTRDBCvESkU6VDL5bc8v6D1Dw2gX7ZfT8TUhWb_BLwmqAGRSY1dnIQJ4ZWe5ZO52TNZDcJQHvTAveaHISlzApOp5f0bNtNhzOtcS/s640/blogger-image-1609275315.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrZHzPeec5pRGtAVM0ViINYEGpVb2wCOBonnGY8GafGTRDBCvESkU6VDL5bc8v6D1Dw2gX7ZfT8TUhWb_BLwmqAGRSY1dnIQJ4ZWe5ZO52TNZDcJQHvTAveaHISlzApOp5f0bNtNhzOtcS/s640/blogger-image-1609275315.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwlDAF1U8MBjrD_zBY-wQVkR2Ikg5ykpoDTM6Xpcb4Ot62tImbb_tulbhSZj5QAsUfN54u6nop5ZlQqwSdhyaeAkY4Hs0V5g6pJMfrghyphenhyphenilKsuWdyc5E1ugoQT_esdipN1NiwrwIueN5bd/s640/blogger-image-1471620557.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwlDAF1U8MBjrD_zBY-wQVkR2Ikg5ykpoDTM6Xpcb4Ot62tImbb_tulbhSZj5QAsUfN54u6nop5ZlQqwSdhyaeAkY4Hs0V5g6pJMfrghyphenhyphenilKsuWdyc5E1ugoQT_esdipN1NiwrwIueN5bd/s640/blogger-image-1471620557.jpg" /></a></div>Jameshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16133820297925479072noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8472645549525935908.post-7198140235972885112012-02-01T02:13:00.001-08:002012-02-01T02:16:34.172-08:0031 januari 2012 - FreefallingSince we arrived in Swakopmund, adrenaline capital of Namibia or something like that we decided to have a go at skydiving. Well we had thought about it for awhile, but now the time had come....<br />
We signed up, with 5 others from the group and awaited our 9am pick up, due to weather this was delayed until 10am, 12pm and finally at 2pm it was time to go. We drove to the office, paid our money, both of us wanting a cameraman to photo and film the event. Then we drove to the airstrip, and before i knew it my name was first up!!!<br />
Into the plane, climbed to 10000 feet, 3000 metres which really felt much higher. The guys checked i was attached again, the cameraman climbed out and i shuffled my way to the door, the sight of the desert and atlantic below probably not as appreciated as normal?!<br />
Then as easy as 1,2,3 we were out the door, freefalling at 200kmph for 30 seconds, trying to remember to smile to the camera as the wind grabbed my cheeks and sucked every last bit of moisture from my head! Then all too soon the parachute was open, which isn't a bad thing in the world of skydiving....and we had 6-8 minutes of floating down to earth, which in reality was taken up by Dries spinning the parachute in circles, stalling etc and generally making me very pleased that i hadnt just eaten lunch!<br />
What an experience, highly recommended, would have done it again 5 minutes later, just brilliant!!!!<br />
<div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPCWaWQSmQd8cmbdLMAjuRPgiuYuJScFtGkjKq_fi6yUBKU0bDdqk6uDFBuKKjPcb7Odm_OJ8dfH2cg17pM-TIZXUJEYOkCzeV1NFyZL2YE5ulMin-ebBYt5CY5tTB4B_EfYafoejkRu7v/s640/blogger-image-1263863651.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPCWaWQSmQd8cmbdLMAjuRPgiuYuJScFtGkjKq_fi6yUBKU0bDdqk6uDFBuKKjPcb7Odm_OJ8dfH2cg17pM-TIZXUJEYOkCzeV1NFyZL2YE5ulMin-ebBYt5CY5tTB4B_EfYafoejkRu7v/s640/blogger-image-1263863651.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidAnNo-3k2Qa_40Cfb_19so4oYh4YVhyphenhyphenDcaMAnjFJSZKG5j4q_0RrQo-GKI81qvoU7jnijmUjRpia6NpaTAkmkR5X4gqggzq6lUu1C1FAcm3g-AbF4SCdeDhYerGIG5aZ7H5vQgwIsM7u0/s640/blogger-image-1925016842.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidAnNo-3k2Qa_40Cfb_19so4oYh4YVhyphenhyphenDcaMAnjFJSZKG5j4q_0RrQo-GKI81qvoU7jnijmUjRpia6NpaTAkmkR5X4gqggzq6lUu1C1FAcm3g-AbF4SCdeDhYerGIG5aZ7H5vQgwIsM7u0/s640/blogger-image-1925016842.jpg" /></a></div>Jameshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16133820297925479072noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8472645549525935908.post-7518392892263613692012-01-31T03:04:00.001-08:002012-02-01T02:14:27.867-08:0030th januari 2012 - updateStruggling to remember what we have done since the last update....after our lion walks and a night encounter with captive hunting lions (who nearly ate the parks horses!) we then went to Bulawayo and were supposed to do Rhino tracking on foot. Our white Zimbabwean guide was hopeless and spent more time telling me he was on facebook than telling us about Rhinos. By chance we bumped into an anti poaching team who were learning to shoot poachers on sight, an interesting concept (and i wont be losing any sleep over shot poachers). These guys were really helpful and informative but only 2 people could go with them so the rest of us waited in the truck. It was also one of the best raptor sites in Africa, but the rain meant we didnt see a single raptor! We did see some rock paintings and Elephant shrews (one if the 'small 5')<br />
That night Jules, Azusa, Chris and i cooked 'boerenworst', mash and garlic and tomato kale, i was so hungry especially after the night before when i had been so ill that i thought i would never eat again!<br />
At Victoria falls we met up with Dan, who stayed with us for all of a week before he had to fly back to London for medical reasons, he is still awaiting the results of his tests but we wish him all the best and hope to hear how he is getting on soon.<br />
From Vic falls we drove into Botswana. The days are a bit of a blur now but on one afternoon we took a boat trip on the Chobe river and had great views of hippos, elephants etc. I celebrated my birthday by waking up in a bush camp, and returnig to my tent to find it filled with baloons (that would explain last nights banging noises). That afternoon i saw my 2000th species, Meve's Long-tailed Starling, was treated to curry by Remkes cook group, a few beers, cake, a swim, some presents, a bottle of wine from Katka and Katie, African Baileys, a wooden bird and a book about Botswanan mammals and various monkey related things from Remke : )<br />
The next day we left early for the Okavango, where we were 'poled' by our mokoro poler 'beauty', whose poling was bettered only by her howling when singing! The delta was beautiful and we spent our time swimming (the area was delcared croc and hippo free by our local guides), doing bush walks and trying our hand at poling, not the easiest!<br />
After getting back to Maun we cleaned up our tents and cooking equioment from the delta and then drove to town for a scenic flight over the delta, sadly cancelled due to inclement weather (read - Botswana were playing Ghana in the African cup of nations?)<br />
The following morning we took our flight and could appreciate the deltas sheer size. It was also possibe to see elephants, giraffes, hippos and crocs from the sky, in fact i could even make out Pied Kingfishers so we must have been fairly low!<br />
In the afternoon we crossed the border to Namibia and slept at Ngepi camp with hippos calling at night and a lion roaring in the distance, apparently it was ok to walk off birding on my own, whilst 3 of the group went jogging.<br />
That night we bush camped illegally (as it all is in Namibia apparently), our site was near a famous big baobab tree called 'the big tree'. <br />
From there it was just a few hours to Etosha where we did a game drive in Gunga. Highlights were the Leopard that Brendan found, plus a pair of Lions mating, Gemsbok, Black-backed Jackals and lots of birds. We stopped for lunch at a campsite, with swimming pool and ice creams! That evening we arrived at our camp, complete with waterhole and spent from 1830-0130 sitting watching African Wild Cat, more Jackals but this time within a few metres, Verreaux's Eagle and Barn Owls, Rufous-cheeked and Mozambique Nightjars and 2 Common Genets at stroking distance, had we wanted to stroke them that is!<br />
After dragging myself to bed i was woken at 0500 by an ever increasing Lion roar, sadly i didnt muster the energy to get up, others did and saw the lion drinking. The waterhole was amazing, floodlit, benches and tables etc. We even ate a great veggie coconut curry that Katka had made whilst watching the wildlife.<br />
We left the park seeing more game, more Springboks (actually springing) and drove to Cheetah park where we were allowed to stroke their 3 pet Cheetahs as well as seeing other Cheetahs being fed. The latter have apparently been collected from the wild as the local farmers wanted to shoot them. Not sure what was really going on....a bit of an odd place!<br />
Then we drove to Spitzkoppe, beautiful scenery, we cooked zuurkool stampot with more boerenworst and then slept on the sand next to our tent. Thankfully no snakes or scorpions found our sleeping bags to their liking and we could gaze at thousands of stars. Also lots of birds present but no sign of Herero Chat in 4 hours of searching.<br />
The girls bush stop the next morning produced a small snake, the reason i was running towards the girls with my camera honestly! It was a young Horned Adder.<br />
We are now in Swakopmund having visited Cape Cross Cape Fur Seal colony yesterday (30th). There we fulfilled our last cooking duty of the trip, followed by a group hug. Swakopmund is very German, with great food, some German beer and right on the beach. For Remkes birthday i have upgraded us to a room, with ensuite facilites, chance for laundry and internet before we do our last 3 nights camping. At the South African border we leave the truck behind (due to extortionate overland costs) and travel the last few days by bus.<br />
Hope to get some more online tomorrow but for now here are a few photos of our last week or so.<div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZv3iFNhWW9g3Kcky6ownhLPp5P0ihcZllge8X99QWT23yBsefpGEetKU9cmtd3HSounE7Qkz2oKOB0UUQv6idY0zgSdcHCL4fTXgbkN_KNlt-7KE1-01bo5wYLXjByEoRs2CmWvtgziW7/s640/blogger-image-626615769.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZv3iFNhWW9g3Kcky6ownhLPp5P0ihcZllge8X99QWT23yBsefpGEetKU9cmtd3HSounE7Qkz2oKOB0UUQv6idY0zgSdcHCL4fTXgbkN_KNlt-7KE1-01bo5wYLXjByEoRs2CmWvtgziW7/s640/blogger-image-626615769.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqjAFEIHjFaDOSlOiqlfbXv01Th_nYH5CfV2DKAZ2zpSzbdXQLs1v82-1Aeh7A06IN_RLqD7K0q5ZieyRdGKVY81XxpudDnYrmNoPjCGLa5PANY5BlFAbQYQhc3y97d5-OifXSwtmvDUc4/s640/blogger-image--1842128552.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqjAFEIHjFaDOSlOiqlfbXv01Th_nYH5CfV2DKAZ2zpSzbdXQLs1v82-1Aeh7A06IN_RLqD7K0q5ZieyRdGKVY81XxpudDnYrmNoPjCGLa5PANY5BlFAbQYQhc3y97d5-OifXSwtmvDUc4/s640/blogger-image--1842128552.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN1bzz4HblZs909cG-PJJaTss1wcoSf_93r3tChbNEs7rx_bXOJOvphzjAVsV99e9kDKiHkSq-JMwQbUUtCTfiK0P8nvPrktwqe2StNyQWuZ4V_KVbwvJnMmeaRdpf7F7v-OmOYaOyAzBi/s640/blogger-image-1138685446.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN1bzz4HblZs909cG-PJJaTss1wcoSf_93r3tChbNEs7rx_bXOJOvphzjAVsV99e9kDKiHkSq-JMwQbUUtCTfiK0P8nvPrktwqe2StNyQWuZ4V_KVbwvJnMmeaRdpf7F7v-OmOYaOyAzBi/s640/blogger-image-1138685446.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgejFGz28C1IQTSyzXkznxTcOjGMhnXD4obt5oCc3HC3V6MyLe5r1RZU0Z2iw8rnmb8dkBLc-QqHtqe8e3MsfcGQEvyk5PS5ue_3WFO-9Z8Zq7djwLRzJFvfhHiuQ4PQ0pQrB9T0AV0Mz82/s640/blogger-image-904957113.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgejFGz28C1IQTSyzXkznxTcOjGMhnXD4obt5oCc3HC3V6MyLe5r1RZU0Z2iw8rnmb8dkBLc-QqHtqe8e3MsfcGQEvyk5PS5ue_3WFO-9Z8Zq7djwLRzJFvfhHiuQ4PQ0pQrB9T0AV0Mz82/s640/blogger-image-904957113.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9_VNmcuAjf-6iFzJtiIghyDVPH9j3MXR6NWn27e6fYSohMUge9v-DWitBOloVdpapRg8AqqWsptPYm6bKJF03kuv5an5cfU-0PK_4Aqd0-xL0mVMEyqG_FnPXKfW4OCeBVlFfPTMhqJAe/s640/blogger-image--14359028.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9_VNmcuAjf-6iFzJtiIghyDVPH9j3MXR6NWn27e6fYSohMUge9v-DWitBOloVdpapRg8AqqWsptPYm6bKJF03kuv5an5cfU-0PK_4Aqd0-xL0mVMEyqG_FnPXKfW4OCeBVlFfPTMhqJAe/s640/blogger-image--14359028.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-nzdQUU_Mc542u0A5kv8wxODGMfhjnb2NvK3AWuCFQWU1_EBJQsuKd8T9t-QdkmcgO3QlEzUWrggfeuRvHHUM5tXqeIRnmaCI5qvvAUj9gC0PM10kYSQMIeRdkRaXhyphenhyphenr1rnTzuXrgf3E1/s640/blogger-image-1726938971.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-nzdQUU_Mc542u0A5kv8wxODGMfhjnb2NvK3AWuCFQWU1_EBJQsuKd8T9t-QdkmcgO3QlEzUWrggfeuRvHHUM5tXqeIRnmaCI5qvvAUj9gC0PM10kYSQMIeRdkRaXhyphenhyphenr1rnTzuXrgf3E1/s640/blogger-image-1726938971.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjha8-hQ_74_bH_G7X98DCVQ_3NaL4i2efSz2hVpHHm9XZKITGh75MBo0P6Txo5lX02ff-o6kaBMAo4c94T4qe7dja6IW4lgh0ChDTiq-M_SZsyE0-Z3MXIGBCw-M5g79Z5F5DzB88g1vxB/s640/blogger-image--89846918.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjha8-hQ_74_bH_G7X98DCVQ_3NaL4i2efSz2hVpHHm9XZKITGh75MBo0P6Txo5lX02ff-o6kaBMAo4c94T4qe7dja6IW4lgh0ChDTiq-M_SZsyE0-Z3MXIGBCw-M5g79Z5F5DzB88g1vxB/s640/blogger-image--89846918.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSEBftpmvFL4GoePR9N6TfCiuHFBuF5UY8NJkVlFXDmgwONe_5MarFjYos9BCugb0nbgThXbxONwCC9dqDcteYTbM9KWwMfzVxMTAwPJsuOy7SlliTIG0r4OQ2AgCBcN9TqjHNStdNn1OE/s640/blogger-image-1496670245.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSEBftpmvFL4GoePR9N6TfCiuHFBuF5UY8NJkVlFXDmgwONe_5MarFjYos9BCugb0nbgThXbxONwCC9dqDcteYTbM9KWwMfzVxMTAwPJsuOy7SlliTIG0r4OQ2AgCBcN9TqjHNStdNn1OE/s640/blogger-image-1496670245.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbb_2o0FAKkJLx4ZP2ozHU3njCQQh9jLFSM2tIOZzOWom7_3eFEHmLXC2vNwa0yTtu735eeipP3JGHHsh4N095L-3kMAj24FHymFzIkvcA6U17iScarY9bpBlUjFgI3hu-v26-ji34JNvD/s640/blogger-image--263564895.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbb_2o0FAKkJLx4ZP2ozHU3njCQQh9jLFSM2tIOZzOWom7_3eFEHmLXC2vNwa0yTtu735eeipP3JGHHsh4N095L-3kMAj24FHymFzIkvcA6U17iScarY9bpBlUjFgI3hu-v26-ji34JNvD/s640/blogger-image--263564895.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijpsyKThW83j8DMAINWoO6eyNN9G8CB1zdTfIJEJTqpv6zK-ZIeqIEKcz92BKU54PeJmUYFfBYGwaMtKrFr3OQ3KiSwM5SZ_BDpj6IUzqUfC62AyKANF_Z25p_5xttYXW-97KyrFRhh7fJ/s640/blogger-image--1556321659.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijpsyKThW83j8DMAINWoO6eyNN9G8CB1zdTfIJEJTqpv6zK-ZIeqIEKcz92BKU54PeJmUYFfBYGwaMtKrFr3OQ3KiSwM5SZ_BDpj6IUzqUfC62AyKANF_Z25p_5xttYXW-97KyrFRhh7fJ/s640/blogger-image--1556321659.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmE7HOjmFWDYcu3dzYbaqpp9VLlE3oqOgnAeAe3aVjaesZha0X6gKrBE6HPcKMV2ObmqrShj2bxHZZfjyv8nP5NxWCrHVkusjphCBAo8wJUzCc3hul0HPth34Eszt27i5M4IRbqJq4YnAH/s640/blogger-image-1250802555.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmE7HOjmFWDYcu3dzYbaqpp9VLlE3oqOgnAeAe3aVjaesZha0X6gKrBE6HPcKMV2ObmqrShj2bxHZZfjyv8nP5NxWCrHVkusjphCBAo8wJUzCc3hul0HPth34Eszt27i5M4IRbqJq4YnAH/s640/blogger-image-1250802555.jpg" /></a></div>Jameshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16133820297925479072noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8472645549525935908.post-34296078314151385752012-01-18T07:39:00.000-08:002012-01-18T07:39:01.965-08:0018 januari 2012 - Vic Falls<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">We are now on our 2nd full day by Victoria falls. On arrival we were told that there would be no bungee jumping due to the elastic snapping on New Years eve...thankfully the girl survived but there are now South African inspectors coming to see what happened..erm, the bungee snapped?<br />
Dinner was at the Boma restaurant, with an eat all you can meat feast. Tried Kudu, Warthog, Impala, Buffalo and Eland as well as eating a Mopani worm (we both received a certificate for eating that!), before being given drums to play and do a bit of dancing. <br />
Yesterday we took an early morning taxi to the Zambian border, walked through customs and were picked up and taken the short distance to a local airfield where we took microlights over the falls. Absolutely unbelievable, brilliant view, 15 mins of excitement ending with a low level flight over swimming hippos and crocodiles!! Within 2 hours we were back in Zimbabwe, talk about quality time in a country.<br />
After that we watched Raoul and Claire do a tandem gorge swing (as far as i can tell just as scary as bungeeing), and Jo and Jules both did individual jumps....very impressed girls!<br />
We then went to the national park for a walk around, great lunch and a thorough drenching from the spray.<br />
Today we were up early again to go white water rafting, which was also brilliant. One of the rapids was level 4 but most were 2-3, which meant we only came out of the boat once. There were also times when we were allowed to jump overboard and just drift with the flow downstream until the guys picked us up again. All very well organised and followed by lunch.<br />
For her birthday Remke received High tea at the Vic falls hotel, so we just ate our fill of cakes, scones and sandwiches and tonight Claire is doing a BBQ.<br />
Tomorrow we go to the Chobe river for a cruise, followed by a bush camp, then to Maun where i will celebrate my birthday before 3 days (2 nights) camping rough in the Okavango delta. Hopefully my 2000th world tick will happen in the next few days, at 1990 now.<br />
We are up to 6 countries now, 3 to go....and all still fantastic. Oh and we found Dan at Vic falls, and he will join us until Cape Town, before flying to America (slightly different from his original idea of spending 2 months in SA!)<br />
More when i get chance, and hopefully some more photos.</div>Jameshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16133820297925479072noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8472645549525935908.post-72715466599481410782012-01-11T09:07:00.001-08:002012-01-12T00:43:54.017-08:0011 januari 2012 - stil loving ZimbabweSince leaving Harare we headed up into the eastern highlands of Chimanimani. This was a new route for Oasis and the scenery just got better and better. Im now spending most of my time on the 'beach', a cushioned area on top of the truck, with the best view, fresh air and rather a lot of sun. It does provide a great place to bird from and by midday it's usually too hot for other people to want to sit there!<br />
Once at our camp, who didn't know we were arriving, we chose our camping spots (tent set up is now a very fast process) and checked out the facilities. These ranged from a toilet to a shower with no water. The bar was set behind a cage and the 5 locals in the bar all pretty much hammered by 1800.<br />
After dinner we got an early night in anticipation for a free day hiking/birding. <br />
The next morning we paid our $10, sorry no maps available, and set off for the local landmarks of 'pork pie' and 'bridal veil falls'......several hours later we had seen no such sights, a few birds and picnicked in Miombo type woodland. It was then time to walk back as i was on cooking duty. On the way home we saw Jules, Jo, Asouza and Mika in the beer garden (a garden where they could drink beer), and we headed to camp. <br />
Tonight we we were cooking veggie curry, and as it was so early Remke offered to help me. By 1600 the curry was made and it was time for a beer, a game of cricket and a few hours later the beer garden people rounded the corner, singing 'my heart will go on'.....seems like a wise move cooking early as 1 of my cooking group soon passed out, and the other wasn't much use : ) There is a 4th member of our group, Chris, but he isn't very keen on cooking. In fact on 3 occasions he has stabbed himself in the finger whilst cutting veg, and we all think it's deliberate. What Chris lacks in culinary ability he makes up for in charm and making cups of tea! <br />
Some of the more serious walkers had been off for hours and they arrived back just before 2000 in time for dinner. Curry went down well, one of the 'meat 3 times a day guys' even going back for more. <br />
The next morning we were on omelette duty, although Chris thought we should just offer everyone crisps for breakfast!<br />
After breaking camp, thankfully after no showers for 2 nights, we drove through more great scenery, finally ending up in Great Zimbabwe. A few hours were spent checking the ruins (the largest and oldestin sub saharan Africa). Personally they were a bit of a let down, although the view was great. <br />
Back at camp, a nice spacious site, we were treated to warm showers (although there were 4 showers there were only 3 doors, 2 shower heads and 0 locks!) <br />
I was just making Remke a cup of tea when Alan came to tell me that there was a bird in the toilet....i kind of thought this might be a practical joke but once in the cubicle sure enough there was a kingfisher species about to drown. He has since been put in box, with some dirty clothes (those white t shirts of mine will never be clean again) and after dinner he has at least stopped shivering and is dry. The box is now in our tent and at first light im going to see if he has survived the night. Fingers crossed.<br />
Before dinner we also spent some time by the tent, lay on the fly sheet, watching Jupiter and the stars getting brighter. We saw one shooting star, plus Katka told us she had just seen an owl. I forget how casual non birders are when it comes to birds, and when i asked her if it was still there she told me it was and within 30 seconds i was watching my first Spotted Eagle Owl. As i type from my tent, it seems that everyone is asleep, the moon is very full, there are hundreds of insects calling and what i assume are my first Fiery-necked Nightjars calling. Sadly have mislaid my speaker so no hope of luring them in.<br />
The last few nights have been a bit cooler although i haven't yet slept inside my sleeping bag.<br />
Tomorrow (11 jan) we drive about 3 hours to Gweru, where i hope to put this online. We will be staying at Antelope park, famous for its Lion breeding programme. There we will get the chance to walk with Lion cubs (up to 18 months), and if i can round up 4 more people then we can also follow older animals as they are allowed into the park to feed at night. Eventually they will be released into the wild, or at least that's what we have been told....may have to ask some questions when there. Apparently the camp is nice, so 3 nights of decent facilities, and Remkes birthday whilst we are there. This is also the place where it is possible to do a horse ride safari, which surely puts you in the realms of 'prey item'? The camp also has a bird guide, who for $15 can show me a selection of local birds.<br />
Neither of us can believe how fast the time is going, we have been away for 32 days already and just 43 to go, but that includes Victoria falls, Rhino stalking, the Okavango delta (2 nights taking local canoes, our food and tents into the delta), Namibia (Etosha, Swakopmund etc) and nearly 3 weeks in South Africa.<br />
A great morning, our kingfisher, a Brown-hooded, woke us up at 0530 by calling and rattling around in the box. There was another calling outside so we placed him in a branch and he flew strongly away, such a great feeling! <br />
I also found my speaker this morning, had a healthy breakfast and the theme has been set for Remkes birthday....friday 13th....i wonder if there will be a bird theme for my birthday? Yellow-bellied Sapsucker anyone?<br />
Mid afternoon update, we stopped in town to allow the next 3 cook groups to go shopping.....after getting my lunch i then went to the local department store to ask for white and black make up so i can paint my face for friday.....where the assistant decided to call the town clown and ask him to meet me to tell me where he buys his make up!!! Anyway he didn't turn up (never trust a clown!) but Claire has make up i can use.<br />
Now at Antelope park and we have signed up for walking with lions, lion feeding and tracking lions at night. I am also the only person signed up for the bird walk and the snake walk, but we will both do the bush walk.....basically it sounds like we eat poop and decjde how long ago it happened?<br />
Great location here, tent on river shore, bar, laundry (no underwear for health reasons - their words), Remke is cooking, cold beer and lots of birds, bliss!<div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiudPjge5V4oNmLfjZtjMVmZ7dvv3X0XlCsEWvJGM_WEhYqFYbT67ub2uWICEWaOUDa8FOQfj6ybSDmif7cSsu3zKVvqqk8PRcIu1juOC51dDB4AJI1IIaTuXlqWesoaR3KKNuxTjCl1hVB/s640/blogger-image--1688725275.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiudPjge5V4oNmLfjZtjMVmZ7dvv3X0XlCsEWvJGM_WEhYqFYbT67ub2uWICEWaOUDa8FOQfj6ybSDmif7cSsu3zKVvqqk8PRcIu1juOC51dDB4AJI1IIaTuXlqWesoaR3KKNuxTjCl1hVB/s640/blogger-image--1688725275.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVK0Q8E9Keod2lFKR7AOsXJqvjpp4cGBCShHtwDzbWVBzFyD41T-5q9z2hb4uQktFz-sGr0waNvQ0HjO3vYAOD_6XXSwqBFvm5IE4GUzFodAkfKkol95wX_9PCYJUee1twUA-r3rY-NXNH/s640/blogger-image--156242540.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVK0Q8E9Keod2lFKR7AOsXJqvjpp4cGBCShHtwDzbWVBzFyD41T-5q9z2hb4uQktFz-sGr0waNvQ0HjO3vYAOD_6XXSwqBFvm5IE4GUzFodAkfKkol95wX_9PCYJUee1twUA-r3rY-NXNH/s640/blogger-image--156242540.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdjKkjfxPZrcrDfY27zJpGNDij30bASPcIqHEGgjP_dNxeyBk8f_-5iNbz_aU02TxuAb3RIlbpaw7mn-m5rFR-sx03RvFjik1VQfHfEd1juu9hvtUdNYYCmCDiKI2TJ3RvBxAEsu_nHsox/s640/blogger-image-925274949.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdjKkjfxPZrcrDfY27zJpGNDij30bASPcIqHEGgjP_dNxeyBk8f_-5iNbz_aU02TxuAb3RIlbpaw7mn-m5rFR-sx03RvFjik1VQfHfEd1juu9hvtUdNYYCmCDiKI2TJ3RvBxAEsu_nHsox/s640/blogger-image-925274949.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkFG2F2BAzm7CuLfvIB9KRNU3CAftCyyy18s86lbJdDE7O1TA9Qqs0uLzJTGgvRpH59y2W2Mavd4MJQ52ZTiHRUEKaUGWgHgn1SCUEu6BRa52ek7OLE9QYBRTSjNbIK1uOeG4Sc2zGwiWO/s640/blogger-image-37191415.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkFG2F2BAzm7CuLfvIB9KRNU3CAftCyyy18s86lbJdDE7O1TA9Qqs0uLzJTGgvRpH59y2W2Mavd4MJQ52ZTiHRUEKaUGWgHgn1SCUEu6BRa52ek7OLE9QYBRTSjNbIK1uOeG4Sc2zGwiWO/s640/blogger-image-37191415.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjBWIdDLsbhA3r2vjNNuUTQ-lJKK4wMqtjCeVjcPDbwVKSPoBYs1boclvcAtax0fpFdGrsIhW8NBTHcztWMoGKAaXlEwR5UsTCewtJXSdK-pv9mdMBnw2gfVifZw08KCGURvmv-EnL1JEN/s640/blogger-image--1561310719.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjBWIdDLsbhA3r2vjNNuUTQ-lJKK4wMqtjCeVjcPDbwVKSPoBYs1boclvcAtax0fpFdGrsIhW8NBTHcztWMoGKAaXlEwR5UsTCewtJXSdK-pv9mdMBnw2gfVifZw08KCGURvmv-EnL1JEN/s640/blogger-image--1561310719.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-Invl2WXtCraF6BaRHZm5mmr-04CdrNP-irXdVJ9iO_op2Yxz0VHtuEE8ir5edUzFfKEoeBfxl-u7lL_1iDCjg2V_YGgAU292Oh_DoJJ-9lhW8-_ZsSmIBaxxDfitkDz0ZassNgdXNR_F/s640/blogger-image-878385703.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-Invl2WXtCraF6BaRHZm5mmr-04CdrNP-irXdVJ9iO_op2Yxz0VHtuEE8ir5edUzFfKEoeBfxl-u7lL_1iDCjg2V_YGgAU292Oh_DoJJ-9lhW8-_ZsSmIBaxxDfitkDz0ZassNgdXNR_F/s640/blogger-image-878385703.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3NUUFePtC6iwm75UQfZfO6AbTHEGuH3labdXdYq566C9TStGfMUNXVBydJnk1r3Z3ugKAHosm9K5ZLTrFbkw6u3-ryQMlU3_ONw7LEoYscpQDVNtjkNQLaOc1_AmM50zi-ZOHZQsNwcQ8/s640/blogger-image--2083902667.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3NUUFePtC6iwm75UQfZfO6AbTHEGuH3labdXdYq566C9TStGfMUNXVBydJnk1r3Z3ugKAHosm9K5ZLTrFbkw6u3-ryQMlU3_ONw7LEoYscpQDVNtjkNQLaOc1_AmM50zi-ZOHZQsNwcQ8/s640/blogger-image--2083902667.jpg" /></a></div>Jameshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16133820297925479072noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8472645549525935908.post-54693304613672313052012-01-07T07:53:00.001-08:002012-01-07T07:53:41.499-08:007 januari 2012 - ZimbabweJust a brief update now. We travelled from Malawi through Mozambique and are now in Zimbabwe. What a beautiful country! Stunning scenery and great people. Today we walked to the botanic gardens, nice birding and really peaceful. Walked a good few km in total and we have stocked up for a picnic by the pool later. Most of group are going into Harare for dinner but breakfast is at 0630 so we are having an easy night. Tomorrow to the Chimanimani mountain range, supposed to be stunning and a free day for hiking (read birding).Jameshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16133820297925479072noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8472645549525935908.post-77762081400113293112012-01-04T03:51:00.001-08:002012-01-04T03:51:24.279-08:004 januari 2012 - African updateSo much to write and so little time to write it! Here's a summary of what we have done so far. After leaving the Masai mara we met up with the rest of the group in Nairobi. They have been on the road for 2 months already, from Cairo, and we really are the new blood. In total there were 4 of us 'newbies'. Two people left the group in Nairobi, so there are 22 of us in total, plus Brendan our driver and Claire our guide. Well actually we are now 21 as Dan decided to stay in Dar es Salaam.....we hope he might rejoin the trip in Zimbabwe as he was only here for 10 days before he departed!!<br />
Anyway, we first headed to Arusha, and were based at Snake park with several other overlanding trucks (not to be called buses as i keep forgetting). From there we headed out for a 3 day Serengeti safari. This was superb and quite different from the Masai mara. The views of the animals weren't as close but the scenery, especially Ngorongoro, the vastness of the plains and the sheer numbers of wildebeest were amazing. I can't remember ever seeing so many mammals of one species in one place, just wildebeest right to the horizon. We also saw more Lions, yet another Leopard (one of the single most impressive pieces of field skill i have ever seen - picked up by our driver at great distance, whilst driving, with just it's tail hanging down from a tree), another Cheetah and we completed the big 5 in a day with Black Rhinoceros. Bird wise it was also good, too many things to mention but Heuglin's and Two-banded Coursers were great, plus loads of raptors.<br />
At snake park we checked out the snake collection....not sure who thought the idea of deadly snakes next to a bar was a good one, but i got to see a Black Mamba at less than a metre distance, which was very cool. Also some great looking vipers.<br />
From Arusha we headed towards Dar es Salaam, stopping to bush camp along the way. In fact it was supposed to be a basic campsite but it had been closed a while. I was also on cook duty that night, so the 4 of us used our budget wisely to make veggie pasta sauce. The next morning we were up at 0430 to make breakfast.....20+ omelettes and no casualties!<br />
Once in Dar we camped at a beachside campsite and had our first swim in a very warm, and dirty Indian ocean. The site also had a saltwater pool, and saltwater showers, the latter didn't work. It was a very warm, humid night and not used to there being so many tents in close proximity. We were up early again to take tuc-tucs to a ferry, then another ferry for the 3 hour boat to Zanzibar. Caught up with one of my main targets on the trip, Crab Plover but too far for photos. Also my first Brown Noddy. Once on Zanzibar we headed to our hostel, luxury of a double ensuite room for $40 incl breakfast. We spent the afternoon shopping for 'secret santa' before bumping into Dan and losing ourselves in the actual town market. On the way back we found Mercury's bar and it seemed rude to not to call in for a xmas eve drink. That evening we headed to the fish market, where it was possible to buy just about everything. Unfortunately i think i just chose badly as everything i ate was pretty bad! Others enjoyed it though.<br />
Xmas morning - woke up early and opened my presents (Remke had hung stockings at the end of the bed) and then we had breakfast on the roof with a few of the others who were up early. Remke then set off for a day spice tour, whilst i opted to transfer to the north, and the beach, which was to be our home for the next 3 nights. So xmas day was spent with a bit of swimming, a bit of lazing about and in the evening we all went out for dinner. Im sure that we didn't disturb the other diners.....as we dished out our secret santa presents, and received gifts of equal value back. The food was excellent, especially the seafood...so im not sure why i ordered beef?<br />
The next day was a really lazy one, swimming, reading, sleeping, drinking cocktails, etc. Dinner was late, slow and not great. <br />
10 of us arranged to go snorkelling today, and we were joined by about 20 other tourists and set out, in the rain, to Mnemba atoll. As the rest of the group huddled under a tarpaulin to stay dry i was loving seeing more Noddys, Lesser-crested terns and best of all 2 Red-necked Phalaropes battling through the rain. Great to see this species on its winter quarters.<br />
The sun did come out in the end, and it was scorching, nothing better than to jump in the inviting water, where Josh, our resident marine biologist told us that the jellyfish shouldn't sting too much.....and 10 minutes later we were nearly all back in the boat, sting after sting. They weren't painful but there just becomes a point where they are a pain in the ass! Before i got out of the water i did see some amazing fish and having never snorkelled over a coral reef before it was a great experience.<br />
Back on land we went back to our xmas day restaurant and this time enjoyed a good fish meal.<br />
28th dec - ferry back to Dar es Salaam. Uneventful until Katka and i offered to take Remke and Katies luggage back for them as they were doing cook group shopping. It was only 15 minutes walk to the ferry, so with my luggage on my back, my hand baggage on my chest and Remkes bag on my head we sweated our way to the ferry. The fact that Katka had to carry 2 bags made me wonder if the local guys thought i was a wimp for not offering to carry hers as well?? This feat of human endurance saved us $2! That night was back at the beach camp, this time some pool swimming, showers working and the news that we are leaving at 0430. Roll on through a warm, humid night, a tent full of things that bite and it's time to leave. Our guide is somewhere passed out on the beach apparently and Dan tells us he's staying behind! Rumours abound about who he has met, and most of us assume he was joking, but sure enough he stayed in Dar! Hopefully he will catch us up later, otherwise we will never know!<br />
So early start, long drive, great scenery (as most days have been, forgot to say how amazing the water colour on Zanzibar was) and some heavy traffic meant we missed our hoped for bush camp and set up at a quiet campsite with no power but some water, and loos!<br />
Next day another early start and we cross over into Malawi. Stopped en route to do our cook group shopping, and buy bits for our 'animal' theme party. Remke and i wanted to go as dung beetles but settled for leopard, zebra type hybrids. Due to conservative local customs i (the group) was saved from me wearing a leopard print mini skirt! Although it fitted perfectly and was nice and airy in the humid climate.<br />
After dinner we all dressed up, had a few beers and before i know it's 3am....i had sacrificed my shirt to a beach bonfire and at the same time lost my headtorch (the single most useful item i have with me). Now using the wind up torch Renate gave me until we get to the shops. Somewhere during the night my ipod was also used for the disco, and thankfully no one played 'african bird sounds' by mistake.<br />
Woke up on new years day with a slight hangover, which when inside a tent, and 30 degrees is really not to be recommended. Still some people looked worse and some were still drinking til lunchtime. The sight of others swigging neat rum for breakfast, followed by vodka and beer at the bar made me realise that my alcohol consumption really was very tame by comparison!<br />
That evening we were on cook duty, made all the easier by Claire ordering a spit roast, so we made some side salads, chucked some sweet potatos in the fire and our job was done.<br />
Today, 2nd of jan, is a day of doing nothing, writing this blog post, maybe a swim later. Dinner tonight is at a local house in the village, which should be fun. Tomorrow we leave for Lilongwe, where we have 2 nights. This will give Claire time to sort our Mozambique visas (just a transit visit), on our way to Zimbabwe. I can also buy a head torch, hopefully find wifi, stock up on supplies etc.<br />
Still no internet and now 4th jan. Our evening meal in a local village was ok, food was good, and local kids did a few dances before us. Before it was our turn to dance with them.....had they been Masai then my dance style of jumping up and down might have impressed them. However they weren't and i didn't. We also sung for them, old macdonald seemed like a good idea at the time : )<br />
Back at camp i tried playing thr ipod for African Wood Owl (Brendan had seen 2 owls in the daytime yday). Sure enough after 5 secs of playing 4 flew in, and then called above our tent for an hour.<br />
After leaving camp on 3rd it rained most of the way to Lilongwe (did see Southern Ground Hornbill along the road) then we had 2 free hours to do some shopping. First port of call was a local grill house to use their loos.....where i couldn't help but notice 'giblets galore' on the menu, maybe tomorrow?<br />
I also found a head torch, Remke found muesli and now we are heading back for a whole day of shopping, blogging etc whilst others post their shoppingr home, chairs, tables, etc!<br />
Last night there there were 00's of small falcons flying over the town in the twilight. They looked like Amur types but hope to see them in better light tonight.<br />
Tomorrow we reach Mozambique, a night camping in the bush along the formerly infamous 'gun corridor', before reaching Zimbabwe the next day. We have a few days in Harare, plus chances to track rhinos on foot, feed lion cubs, and then we reach Vic falls.<br />
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I assumed our chances of seeing Leopard were slim, and after a 30 second encounter on the first safari i was feeling pretty smug....only to see 3 more sat under a bush the next day. We saw 8 Cheetahs, incl 2 on a kill....lots of Lions and also Spotted Hyaena, Bat-eared Fox, Black-backed Jackdal, Hippos, Nile Crocs, Giraffes, Zebras, Thomsons and Grants Gazelles, etc..Bird wise it was also excellent and i have now seen 151 species, 63 lifers and the best for me were Kori Bustard, Secretary Bird, Verreaux's Eagle, male Pallid Harriers flying behind Elephants, Grey-backed Fiscal, lots of Red-throated Pipits, White-rumped Swifts etc. <br />
We were well looked after by Gametrackers safari company, and our travelling companions were really great. Yesterday we couldn't return through the park as 2 massai had been killed by a Lion and there was a bit of animosity between locals and the government (apparently they want financial compensation for the deaths). As we are nature/lion loving tourists it was decided to take us the long way home to avoid any conflict. This morning we heard that Massai Mara was closed to tourists so it seems that we left just in time.<br />
There was something very special about laying in your cabin hearing lions, hipos and hyaenas calling outside.....hopefully more of that to come when we get to the Serengeti and Ngorogoro.<br />
Tomorrow we meet the overland group for the first time and spend the night in a new hostel. After a bad night last night wishing that every mosquito in the world died a painful death we have now bought mosquito nets....<br />
Not sure when we will next have internet but will tweet, blog or facebook as and when.<div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJyfCMv2V4GPxvuce64ErnRShXLjBhzcJvrDFNp00b9AepRJDct3wDUCn1cq83MsTizOugjSJjZ7NhJnW7yMCWYda7d_oYePO7XVgHuWVMs52p794QnPfMBbw446nJdemxodtsmV8UBHcP/s640/blogger-image-1076440026.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJyfCMv2V4GPxvuce64ErnRShXLjBhzcJvrDFNp00b9AepRJDct3wDUCn1cq83MsTizOugjSJjZ7NhJnW7yMCWYda7d_oYePO7XVgHuWVMs52p794QnPfMBbw446nJdemxodtsmV8UBHcP/s640/blogger-image-1076440026.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcTVCsf3Vo24iJgSATFyP5AwwYdBYyTF8Ncs99g4fMndK6dUiYC7CRGE-vQdd97tWH35KSUm7OBJ7Q74MvUiiA3tqYv7QN9VdwW8iWNjI-ZsO773EcW3IPg4cYQD7tHm-EP7wqQfxrKqYW/s640/blogger-image-1595107224.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; 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margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1KDPjIB7h6BwhzLLnLQs6R822mEurDo0R6Nc8PZXFEUfMTEaowYrA6GtCTiYfgpKfdzFMkLFtuKuMabU0mvFn3uGOX6MT6duA1BAX6__DTX1jEQ1Floy-TWxXcELEXTuM_W8hXupnBvC7/s640/blogger-image-329205435.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrPpC6LzNahoVFUScm0Av3jcrvbxvyYRPVXy43l_fsOacSBrbtZorszo64Km2kRj1x_QCyzLxMH6yzSXi_t7ETrziknCl1W2_KCr_3PxuC602dIQ1zzEYQhbAU9UeAd8Pbi3g2JKMiu9l5/s640/blogger-image-2143093752.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrPpC6LzNahoVFUScm0Av3jcrvbxvyYRPVXy43l_fsOacSBrbtZorszo64Km2kRj1x_QCyzLxMH6yzSXi_t7ETrziknCl1W2_KCr_3PxuC602dIQ1zzEYQhbAU9UeAd8Pbi3g2JKMiu9l5/s640/blogger-image-2143093752.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0vQW_wgVh0fH4RakEonK5LXL-RoiX6HQCmmltyKg42l7EDTBSSyX_eXh4zsR7_ttz9nzKZzL24Bo6UXdVoR4mCcAgPUAcKt5c947ROE2hAJ919VmO6bpxzKh4M_UE5FU5McwwvYn5_8bN/s640/blogger-image-456250181.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0vQW_wgVh0fH4RakEonK5LXL-RoiX6HQCmmltyKg42l7EDTBSSyX_eXh4zsR7_ttz9nzKZzL24Bo6UXdVoR4mCcAgPUAcKt5c947ROE2hAJ919VmO6bpxzKh4M_UE5FU5McwwvYn5_8bN/s640/blogger-image-456250181.jpg" /></a></div>Jameshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16133820297925479072noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8472645549525935908.post-63076718263900187622011-12-10T02:27:00.001-08:002011-12-10T02:28:42.077-08:0010 december 2011 - NairobiArrived safely last night and transferred to our hostel. Already put the field guide to good use, with war waged on mosquitoes in our room! Few new birds around the camp, Bronze Sunbird and Speckled Mousebird nice in their own ways!<br />
So today its just about relaxing in the sun, in the shade and preparing for iur safari on monday. Tomorrow we hope to go to the equator, although our taxi driver told us yesterday that there are two : ) and which one did we want to go to? Remke has already started ticking stuff off her bird list.....and if anyone tells me our yellow bags are horrible then imagine how easy they were to find yday at the airport among 400 black bags!<div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi94e8G8txdD4ddA7gn0RzkXUgOnVf3t9TEP8_oFmkzgn-9PD0YPx2Tm6dRy1nt-BY-6C2iGJ1a-WiEka4Le2EkcvRb5XGYIxCV-ISxvxpuplFiZL7ZyU9i2atZNVbH-RbynDGXjTN9ZwLe/s640/blogger-image-1432386408.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi94e8G8txdD4ddA7gn0RzkXUgOnVf3t9TEP8_oFmkzgn-9PD0YPx2Tm6dRy1nt-BY-6C2iGJ1a-WiEka4Le2EkcvRb5XGYIxCV-ISxvxpuplFiZL7ZyU9i2atZNVbH-RbynDGXjTN9ZwLe/s640/blogger-image-1432386408.jpg" /></a></div>Jameshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16133820297925479072noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8472645549525935908.post-63246646068962167542011-12-08T00:49:00.000-08:002011-12-08T00:49:31.656-08:008 december 2011 - Last minute madness<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">All a bit hectic now, those last minute things....My luggage was weighing in at 15kg, then i added a couple more items and it's all of a sudden 25kg! Checking with KLM we can take 2 x 23kg, but then that's not allowed in the overland truck, so a few things have been left behind. Jar of marmite has found it's way back in though!<br />
Yesterday we received an email from Oasis to say it's very wet in Kenya at the minute, so the umbrella has gone back in the bag.<br />
Since i was laid up last week i have been rushing around this week. Last saturday night we celebrated Sinterklaas with friends, and somehow came home with a 'glowing rabbit'....just what we alway wanted?<br />
Remke had shirts made up for us, so now people will at least know how her name is spelt, even if they can't say it<br />
ttp://remkevos.blogspot.com/ <br />
Tuesday night Frank and i headed around to Hermans, where we were treated to chicken sushi and got to learn about 'tough love' ; )<br />
Yesterday i packed and repacked my bags, managed one last meal of 'patat met' and then went on to see Joost. It seems really strange wishing everyone a happy christmas, new year etc and saying see you in 3 months!<br />
This morning we are all checked in, another bomb appears to have hit Remkes 'packing space' and it's time to clean the house, inform the neighbours that we are going away (i know Remkes looking forward to that) and generally wonder what on earth we are doing!<br />
This time tomorrow we will be about to board the plane....and 24 hours later i will be looking at something odd like my first Giraffe!!<br />
Have a great Christmas and NewYear everyone, hope to be in touch.....</div>Jameshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16133820297925479072noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8472645549525935908.post-68234891227631584912011-12-05T00:47:00.000-08:002011-12-05T01:28:31.425-08:005 december 2011 - Tarzan dream comes true<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">I don’t remember too much about the first 4 years of my life, but do know that I had various obsessions, from cows, hippos, elephants</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQUon4JuPQjqL7ze2sIhJaFjQACr7vrop8rZcOjTAgP9wUWoKLJcUinmpOTUn5rlAjfNJCif4kitEdMArX747c37f6nBtb-3oz7qKK4FvQ4BVOzXAqKGVDCE4LQ6hDG3vhswlzG1Pox2-i/s1600/sized_20080914_054.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" dda="true" height="347" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQUon4JuPQjqL7ze2sIhJaFjQACr7vrop8rZcOjTAgP9wUWoKLJcUinmpOTUn5rlAjfNJCif4kitEdMArX747c37f6nBtb-3oz7qKK4FvQ4BVOzXAqKGVDCE4LQ6hDG3vhswlzG1Pox2-i/s400/sized_20080914_054.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOI6jRSzlQnHb_tJ9RhwGMYEWFkVMYkW1oXoLHUAeCNJZ-5To8VA3ReLh5GXi1HTKyDXK877aEzrXgNCsAx-ezgFg4XSL_uuq8W1VZMWbRCGrlIXiGGyxeC2htXFXD-v97dlXcdJNfmFah/s1600/sized_20080914_055.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" dda="true" height="343" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOI6jRSzlQnHb_tJ9RhwGMYEWFkVMYkW1oXoLHUAeCNJZ-5To8VA3ReLh5GXi1HTKyDXK877aEzrXgNCsAx-ezgFg4XSL_uuq8W1VZMWbRCGrlIXiGGyxeC2htXFXD-v97dlXcdJNfmFah/s400/sized_20080914_055.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<span style="font-size: 11pt;"> to ‘foot’balls and birds. I used to love watching Tarzan movies, thought Indian Elephants were positively dull in comparison with African Elephants (likewise male Lions do nothing for me, but Lionesses look brilliant!) Anyway, I have always, always wanted to go on safari, and after <place w:st="on">Antarctica</place> it has always been my biggest dream. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">In September 2007 I saw my first ever African Elephants, and managed to get close enough for it to be slightly nervous, although my elephant ensure there was a shallow ditch between me and them.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmBdP2plyr6ZD82VRRWM0pa-kHI4Le0f3XHE04etzv9YGqwYlMxZFyyiZpZ9pNvDcIkH0Y6ztTYC_V3_oeRo2i6jxj-ToP50tI1g9TLrkKNpE4e6tD86BZe2kz3HhDpyrLZQ2FivipmwsO/s1600/sized_IMG_7181.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" dda="true" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmBdP2plyr6ZD82VRRWM0pa-kHI4Le0f3XHE04etzv9YGqwYlMxZFyyiZpZ9pNvDcIkH0Y6ztTYC_V3_oeRo2i6jxj-ToP50tI1g9TLrkKNpE4e6tD86BZe2kz3HhDpyrLZQ2FivipmwsO/s400/sized_IMG_7181.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">The same year I went to Antarctica where I had many ‘best days’ ever from sitting on Prion Island, South Georgia with Wandering Albatross chicks just days away from their first flights </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ3w90rcl1L8lin2NXb77d6Jc2wEnm8JgAhyxzsM6zRVHoSCpbiCJMDYKEFxWTIh37gKm48oW_Eb5SwlMXTZIzV1uiLiP3qLF9GHIfV9WMPMD6o_PUQkFJW5Ph3t-v65xtFAN-ysZ7ZAh_/s1600/sized_IMG_8859.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" dda="true" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ3w90rcl1L8lin2NXb77d6Jc2wEnm8JgAhyxzsM6zRVHoSCpbiCJMDYKEFxWTIh37gKm48oW_Eb5SwlMXTZIzV1uiLiP3qLF9GHIfV9WMPMD6o_PUQkFJW5Ph3t-v65xtFAN-ysZ7ZAh_/s400/sized_IMG_8859.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">to a force 9 gale in the Drake Passage with amazing light and lots of Black-browed Albatrosses following the boat (I only took 2000 photos that day!)</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiul1iU-85g2pgSo1ctEPQp-VA-Ubp8uyccjlOkEMT59OiDYswSqPwFyc31jwMPrMi-hy0FIMmrpW8lDDeoiu1g-SieRmt4iDAymlx_acKxiPP563ri0LnziH9IqdO12680IBoywRMcr4KP/s1600/sized_IMG_9583.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" dda="true" height="258" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiul1iU-85g2pgSo1ctEPQp-VA-Ubp8uyccjlOkEMT59OiDYswSqPwFyc31jwMPrMi-hy0FIMmrpW8lDDeoiu1g-SieRmt4iDAymlx_acKxiPP563ri0LnziH9IqdO12680IBoywRMcr4KP/s400/sized_IMG_9583.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">In <country-region w:st="on"><place w:st="on">Ghana</place></country-region> in November 2009 Remke joined me for a weeks holiday between the two tours, and one evening after dinner we started discussing the things we wanted to do in life. One of Remkes big wishes was to travel the length of <place w:st="on">Africa</place>…..the more we talked about this the more excited we got, and once home she started looking at the possibilities. The first option would be to drive ourselves, but although Remke is very practical she doesn’t have much knowledge of engines and mechanics (whereas I know enough to know if it’s a car or a motorbike). The next option was to join an ‘overlanding’ expedition and that soon seemed like the best idea. The only downside to this was that they last 4.5 months and are very expensive. The next option was to do half a trip, now don’t get me wrong Cairo to Nairobi would be great, but given the choice Nairobi to Cape Town would be better. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">A year later we made our booking, travelling with Oasis Overland, and we even started putting a few items to one side. I already had the field guides I needed, and so a couple of small piles started building in our spare room. Over the weeks these piles have grown and grown, to the extent where it’s no longer possible to pick a book from the bookcase, and by last night it wasn’t actually possible to get into bed!!</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhwcf5M2WHLr-so9hbqB5b1CbCxzv5JCXMH8H4xDXr046z9zpD4EiXYMfsHUEXHv5mjj2Y4A09TxTw2P7NkghQVfvcjkgxRq00ykSBE9T7YcmLD2Tke_nUAWmpwkHuBcmIteNPvGWMJthU/s1600/sized_IMG_0071.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" dda="true" height="302" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhwcf5M2WHLr-so9hbqB5b1CbCxzv5JCXMH8H4xDXr046z9zpD4EiXYMfsHUEXHv5mjj2Y4A09TxTw2P7NkghQVfvcjkgxRq00ykSBE9T7YcmLD2Tke_nUAWmpwkHuBcmIteNPvGWMJthU/s400/sized_IMG_0071.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7pODaUvZtvvcJo5vCdDriggxuj4Jsy8adHGBTWZfvQW1mnVGdztxtqtnyytx9E6vvmNShEDEL49mA5sqdvo6wc5u7vWurr_EbNWbsOAEJWe6f9MePzZWS6UiRdT-5IqUdGSJ4dCDxOWUk/s1600/sized_IMG_0113.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" dda="true" height="281" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7pODaUvZtvvcJo5vCdDriggxuj4Jsy8adHGBTWZfvQW1mnVGdztxtqtnyytx9E6vvmNShEDEL49mA5sqdvo6wc5u7vWurr_EbNWbsOAEJWe6f9MePzZWS6UiRdT-5IqUdGSJ4dCDxOWUk/s400/sized_IMG_0113.JPG" width="400" /></a></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">And now it’s just 4 days to go……</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">We fly on Friday 9<sup>th</sup> from Schiphol to <city w:st="on">Nairobi</city> and will be spending the first 3 nights at a hostel on the outskirts of <city w:st="on"><place w:st="on">Nairobi</place></city>. It looks like there will be some birding in the grounds of the hostel, plus we have time to get over the flight and take a day trip somewhere. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">From 12<sup>th</sup>-14<sup>th</sup> December we are taking a safari to the Masai Mara. We then head back to our hostel before meeting the rest of our travelling companions on 17<sup>th</sup>, and heading out of <city w:st="on"><place w:st="on">Nairobi</place></city> on 18<sup>th</sup>.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">The itinerary is naturally a little vague to allow for travelling time, but roughly we are doing the following, adapted from the company website (please note I have deleted words such as ‘Pink Flamingos’-aargghhh!)</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; line-height: 150%;">18<sup>th</sup>-27<sup>th</sup><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>- </span><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 150%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">We depart <city w:st="on"><span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Nairobi</span></city> early morning and head south and cross into <place w:st="on"><country-region w:st="on"><span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Tanzania</span></country-region></place> - where we camp on the outskirts of <span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Arusha </span>town. Here you have the option to use a local African safari travel company to guide us through <span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Ngorongoro Crater</span> and<span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"> <place w:st="on"><placename w:st="on">Manyara</placename> <placetype w:st="on">National Park</placetype></place>. </span>After leaving Arusha we pass a number of small towns and villages along the way and, if we are lucky, we may see the towering <place w:st="on"><placetype w:st="on">peak</placetype> of <placename w:st="on"><span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Kilimanjaro</span></placename></place>. We will stop off at Marangu where you have the opportunity to climb to Kilimanjaro base camp. A days drive brings us to <city w:st="on">Dar Es Salaam</city> where our truck is based for around 4 nights in a campsite on an <place w:st="on"><span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Indian Ocean</span></place><span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"> beach</span>. From here most people take the ferry out to <city w:st="on"><span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Zanzibar</span></city> for the full four days and venture into the narrow bustling streets of <place w:st="on"><placename w:st="on"><span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Stone</span></placename><span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"> <placetype w:st="on">Town</placetype></span></place> and its famous <span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">spice markets, old slave forts and dungeons</span>. There is also time to relax on <city w:st="on">Zanzibar</city>'s famous white beaches, scuba dive or snorkel and swim with dolphins - before returning to <place w:st="on"><city w:st="on">Dar Es Salaam</city></place>.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; line-height: 150%;">28<sup>th</sup>-1<sup>st</sup> jan - </span><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 150%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">After meeting the <city w:st="on">Zanzibar</city> ferry we begin the journey through the interesting and <span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">mountainous</span> hinterland of <country-region w:st="on"><place w:st="on">Tanzania</place></country-region>. In the afternoon, after negotiating some appalling roads, we pass through the peaceful <place w:st="on"><placename w:st="on"><span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Mikumi</span></placename><span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"> <placetype w:st="on">National Park</placetype></span></place>. Passing through lush mountainous landscape and plantations - we enter <country-region w:st="on"><place w:st="on"><span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Malawi</span></place></country-region> which is dominated by its huge fresh water lake. Camping in <country-region w:st="on">Malawi</country-region> sums up the spirit of an <place w:st="on">Africa</place> overland trip with Oasis. We spend 4 to 5 days at friendly laid back campsites where most people choose <span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">to relax on the sandy beaches or try their hand at scuba diving, snorkelling or windsurfing</span> as we follow the lakeshore south. If you are more inclined to just relax - then there is no better place than on the shores of <place w:st="on">Lake Malawi</place>. This really is a warm friendly country - making it easy to wander off and meet up with your local hosts in one of the many villages or schools nearby. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; line-height: 150%;">2<sup>nd</sup>-8<sup>th</sup> jan - </span><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 150%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">From here we continue on to the capital <city w:st="on"><place w:st="on"><span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Lilongwe</span></place></city> in the south of the country where we stop for two nights. Here we organise our <country-region w:st="on"><place w:st="on">Mozambique</place></country-region> visas as well as giving you the opportunity to explore the city.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 150%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">From <city w:st="on">Lilongwe</city> we cross into <country-region w:st="on"><span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Mozambique</span></country-region> and head for <place w:st="on"><country-region w:st="on"><span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Zimbabwe</span></country-region></place> to continue our African overland trip. We follow the infamous Tete Corridor which was well known in the days of <country-region w:st="on"><place w:st="on">Mozambique</place></country-region>'s long running civil war as the Gun Run. Thankfully these days things are a lot different! We enter <span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Zimbabwe</span> and travel via the capital, <span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Harare</span> before we make our way to the Eastern Highlands of Zimbabwe, we will either visit Chimanimani National Park or Vumba Gardens, where you have the opportunity to take a hike through the mountain wilderness area, or hiking to the nearby bridal veil falls, or simply enjoying the stunning surroundings from this sleepy village whilst strolling through the village market. <span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"> Great Zimbabwe Ruins</span> which was once the greatest medieval city in Sub Saharan Africa and where the name <span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Zimbabwe </span>is derived<span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">, </span>literally meaning house of stone is where we stop next to view this ancient city.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; line-height: 150%;">9<sup>th</sup>-18<sup>th</sup> - </span><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 150%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">We drive across <span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Mashonaland</span> to the <span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Gweru</span>, here we visit a privately run horse and game ranch where you can go game viewing on elephant and horseback or even take a walk with Lion Cubs! It’s our destination for the next few days and always a highlight! Next we enter Matabeleland and the town of <city w:st="on"><place w:st="on"><span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Bulawayo</span></place></city>.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 150%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">You have the option of leaving the truck for a day to venture into <place w:st="on"><placename w:st="on"><span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Matobo</span></placename><span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"> <placetype w:st="on">National Park</placetype></span></place> with a local safari company. You will have a unique chance to get out on foot to try and spot the elusive <span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Black Rhino - amongst hordes of other game</span>. There is also the opportunity to visit <span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Cecil Rhodes' grave and Ancient Rock Paintings</span> before travelling to one of the greatest adventure playgrounds of the world - <place w:st="on"><span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Victoria Falls</span></place><span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">.</span></span><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 150%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 150%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">For some, <span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Mosi oa Tunya - The Smoke That Thunders</span>, is the highlight of their African safari. From the main road, in the bush 20kms away, a cloud of mist and spray can be seen against the blue sky. As you get closer, a low rumble like thunder can be heard. When you arrive it is a surprise to discover the enormity of <place w:st="on">Victoria Falls</place>. One mile wide and hurling over 5 million cubic metres of water a minute into the Zambezi Gorge this is the setting for the most adrenaline fuelled <span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">grade 5 white water rafting in the world</span>. There is something here for everyone to end off this Kenya to Zimbabwe safari: A <span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">day trip over the Victoria Falls bridge to view the falls from Zambia, Flight of Angels - a great way to get a birds eye view of the falls in a light aircraft or helicopter, Sunset Boat Cruises or a more sedate Canoe trip, to the adrenaline packed Gorge Swing, Abseil or a chance to experience one of the highest commercial Bungee Jumps in the world</span>.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; line-height: 150%;">19<sup>th</sup>-25<sup>th</sup> - </span><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 150%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">After your adrenaline has been spent we head into <span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Botswana</span>, where we spend the night on the outskirts of the <span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Chobe National Park </span>- famous for its herds of Elephants, as well as an abundance of other wildlife. You will have a chance to spend the afternoon on the <place w:st="on"><placename w:st="on">Chobe</placename> <placetype w:st="on">River</placetype></place> - a less intrusive way to view game and wildlife - as well as the Namibian frontier across the river. We then head south into the <place w:st="on"><placename w:st="on">Kalahari</placename> <placetype w:st="on">Basin</placetype></place> - known for its dry, desolate and expansive freedom. You will have an opportunity to leave the truck for a few days to venture into the <span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Okavango Delta</span>. Local poler guides will navigate the extensive waterways using canoes similar to their traditional Mokoro's (dug out canoes). This is a great experience - and the best way to have a chance of seeing the elusive wildlife of this unique desert oasis. You will have a number of opportunities to go on <span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">game walks with rangers - giving you the chance to see elephant, crocodile and hippo</span> up close and personal. The Okavango Delta is one of the world's largest inland waterways and its calming serenity will leave those who experience it feeling supremely relaxed. There is also the opportunity to experience the heights of African adventure travel too: see the delta from the air during an hour-long flight.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; line-height: 150%;">26<sup>th</sup>-30<sup>th</sup> - </span><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 150%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Travelling west we enter <country-region w:st="on"><span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Namibia</span></country-region> and continue toward <place w:st="on"><placename w:st="on"><span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Etosha</span></placename><span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"> <placetype w:st="on">National Park</placetype></span></place><span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"> - </span>recognised as one of the <span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">worlds greatest wildlife viewing areas</span>. The semi desert is quite a contrast to the more fertile terrain we have been used to. The night sky ablaze with shooting stars and the warm glow of our campfire makes for unforgettable camping experiences. Besides game drives we can also <span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">game watch by night at one of the floodlit water holes</span> where we may well spot <span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Rhino, Elephant and Giraffe</span> among a host of other wildlife. From Etosha we visit a local <span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Cheetah park</span> and get up close to these amazing and endangered creatures, before continuing on to the <place w:st="on"><placename w:st="on"><span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Brandberg</span></placename><span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"> <placetype w:st="on">Mountains</placetype></span></place> in Demaraland<span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">.</span> We then travel to the stunning <span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Spitzkoppe Rock formations. </span>Known as the Matterhorn of Namibia - the <span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Spitzkoppe</span> is part of the Erongo Mt range and was formed over 100 million years ago after the collapse of a gigantic volcano. The scenery is striking from every angle - even more stunning as the granite massifs turn red at sunset. Next stop is the world famous <place w:st="on">Cape</place> Cross Seal Colony, where the sight of thousands of these mammals, as well as their accompanying pungent odour is remembered by all! The Cool Atlantic Ocean and the prominent Benguela current provide a perfect location for feeding and breeding for the <place w:st="on"><placetype w:st="on">Cape</placetype> <placename w:st="on">Fur Seal</placename></place>.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; line-height: 150%;">31<sup>st</sup>-6<sup>th</sup> feb - </span><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 150%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">For the next three days, our Africa overland trip will be based in <span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Swakopmund</span> - <country-region w:st="on"><place w:st="on">Namibia</place></country-region>'s adventure gateway. In Swakopmund itself you can walk along miles of deserted beaches, visit the museum or relax in a cafe. A one day drive takes us to the <place w:st="on"><placename w:st="on"><span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Namib-Naukluft</span></placename><span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"> <placetype w:st="on">Park</placetype></span></place>, a vast expanse of desert which contains some of the highest sand dunes in the world. At <span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Sossusvlei</span> we stop and explore the area and the dunes. Continuing south we enter the semi-desert, and wide-open countryside of cattle ranching until we arrive at one of Africa's most sensational natural features, <place w:st="on"><placename w:st="on"><span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Fish</span></placename><span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"> <placetype w:st="on">River</placetype> <placetype w:st="on">Canyon</placetype></span></place>. We will spend a few hours chilling out beside the massive gorge where you take in the awesome scenery before continuing along the dusty Namibian track.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; line-height: 150%;">7<sup>th</sup>-8<sup>th</sup> - </span><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 150%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">A couple of hours drive away we enter <country-region w:st="on">South Africa</country-region> and cross the <place w:st="on"><span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Orange River</span></place> - a rich source of diamonds. We travel south through the <span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Cederburg Wilderness Area</span>, an area of rugged valleys and peaks - before reaching our final destination on this amazing expedition - <city w:st="on"><place w:st="on">Cape Town</place></city>. Our accommodation here will be in a backpackers lodge. Tour ends.</span><span style="font-size: 11pt; line-height: 150%;"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">9<sup>th</sup>-10<sup>th</sup> – <city w:st="on"><place w:st="on">Cape Town</place></city> – relaxing and sight-seeing</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">11<sup>th</sup> – James on <city w:st="on"><place w:st="on">Cape Town</place></city> pelagic</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">12<sup>th</sup>-22<sup>nd</sup> Self drive in <country-region w:st="on"><place w:st="on">South Africa</place></country-region></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">23<sup>rd</sup> feb –<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>flight departs from <city w:st="on">Cape Town</city> at 0020, due in to <city w:st="on"><place w:st="on">Amsterdam</place></city> at 1105</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div></div>Jameshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16133820297925479072noreply@blogger.com1