Hi everyone,

Yes... it was a bit unnerving to hear them so close, and they are SO LOUD. The guide/driver and tracker didn't seem worried, so we shouldn't be, I guess. (Some of us were looking at each other with very big eyes) They do take all the "cats" seriously. The tracker sits on a seat on the hood of the jeep, but whenever they think any type of cat is near, it is Singita policy that they stop and he gets inside the jeep. Even did that this morning for a BABY leopard. The lions were so amazing. Can't wait to post pictures. (Probably too difficult with the dial up service here) I didn't get the shot, but several got pics of the male yawning. THey are so careful with the widelife. last night they saw chamilion (sp) and went and got it out of the brush to show up how it changed colors and then they took him back and put him right back in the same exact place, rather than put him down closer to the jeep. This morning they stopped just so the tracker could pick up a little piece of paper.

The trackers are amazing Last night when they were searching with the spotlights you could get a better idea of how they are constantly looking all around by the way he used the spotlight. bck and forth very fast over and over and up and down the trees also, looking for birds and monkeys. Andi is haveing the best time outside now, with the monkeys, they are all around in the trees, and she is having a great time spotting and photographing them. They are really cute, kind of light grey with darker feet, faces and tails. They have robins egg blue b---s. It quite strange the first time you see them. (Hope I didn't offend anyone).

Today we saw lots of giraffs. They are so beautiful and gracefull. Amazing how close you get and they just don't care. They just ignore you. some animals are more shy and hide though.

This morning we were wakened at 5:30 then at six they came to escort us to the lodge. Quick coffee and off just at sunrise. They just kind of drive on the established dirt trails until they spot tracks or dung or sounds. when we see soemthing we sit and watch long enough to get lots of pics or until they wonder off, run off or until the guide gets word of soemthing else more intersting. If we are sitting looking at soemthing and the guide just take off, we have learned they are on the go for something special, as the guides can all radio each other. This mornign it was the leopard cub. When we got there, there were three jeeps already there, includeing Nagire's and she is staying at the other lodge. No one wanted to frighten or wake the leopard cub so were were all just waving silently at each other and pointing. It was very small, hidden down in the brush very well, so it was almost impossible to get a good pic. With that spotting our jeep has seen all of the "big 5" though not in big quantities. About 8:30 - 9 we stopped for hot chocolate (mine with a whole small bottle of amarula... yum yum yum!!) and coffee. So quiet and peacful, with all the animal and bird noises. Truly special.

When we got back this morning had a wonderful breakfast out on the deck overlooking the river. So beautiful. Then some on to massages, etc. and some off to the shopping building. Fun fun!

Oh well, got to go take a nap so I ready for tea this afternoon then another game drive then tonight over to the other lodge (Ebony) for our BOMA dinner...

MOre latter.....

Susie and Marilyn just came up, and say hi.....

I'll let susie post next......