Winding Up South Africa
Trip Start
Jan 09, 2008
1
5
7
Trip End
Mar 21, 2008
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Karongwe Nature Reserve,
South Africa
Wednesday, March 12, 2008
We've been in Africa for over 2 months now, and it feels so comfortable here. The landscape, the people, and of course, the incredible animals. SO AMAZING! I feel like we've learned so much during our time here and have gotten to see things I'd only dreamed about before. The new reserve we're visiting has been busy with the birth of a new cheetah cub (so tiny and cute!), lion cubs (we haven't got to see these little guys yet!), and another lioness about to give birth any minute -- what an exciting place! Also, a new female cheetah was introduced to the reserve last week, so we got to take part in the reintroduction, too.
We spent a week up in the Drakensberg Mountains along the Blyde River Canyon -- the largest green canyon in the world and third in size to the Grand Canyon
Dust Bath!
. Spectacular scenery and our job there was to trap and measure the SMALL mammals. After all the time we'd been spending with the lions and elephants, it was fun to tackle the little ones like mice and shrews. The one in the picture looks scared to death, but we seemed to catch him in our traps every day -- I think he liked the peanut butter!! Next Friday is our last day here at the GVI expedition and then we're heading to Kenya for about 10 days. Hopefully, we'll get to visit the Masai Mara, Mt. Kilimanjaro, and the Serengeti while we're there catching up on our laundry!
Hope everyone is doing well -- miss you all a BUNCH!!
From Cheryl:
I am not sure where to even begin! How can I start to explain the amazing feelings - anxious, excited, apprehensive - you feel as you walk into a large predator like the lion or cheetah? Many times when we locate the animal we are lucky enough to do what they call a "walk-in". With rifle in hand (really has not been necessary, but rules are rules!) we walk toward the animal if they seem like they are in a relaxed position
Rear Views!
. We have been able to see a lion, a cheetah and her cubs, ANOTHER cheetah and her 4 day old cub, and a cute hyena named Giggles, up close and personal. All you hear from us as we approach is the crunching on the grass underfoot. We get about 10-15 ft away from these animals and are able to get up close encounters and take information on what they are doing, which is part of our data collection. Most of the time - after they take an initial glance our way to make sure that they are not in danger - they are lying around and napping!!South Africa has changed me in some way although I am not yet aware of what that change is. I can just feel it!
When we leave here in a little over a week it will be with mixed emotions. I will be sorry to leave, but am excited about what will be over the next several months. I have a feeling that this place, the people, the animals, the vast sky, will call me back someday. I just hope I hear the call and answer again...
I miss all my friends and family so much! I hope that you have enjoyed the African experience as much as we have. I wish I could share more with you all....
Be good and take care everyone!
Amani - peace...
Cheryl
Comments
Last days...
Cindy and I get soo excited when we get another invite to your adventure! We are both so thrilled about your steps out of your boxes and so happy that it has been such an incredible experience for you two. We look forward to hearing about all your life adventures! Peace and LOVE
Laurie
so, where to next?
Wow. what an amazing adventure! do you have any idea where you are going next?
-kris