Apologies to charlie brown: it was a dark and stormy morning. Rangers were perched on deck, scouting for rain. A light rain commenced, sending the rangers running for the roof coverings for the vehicles. Meanwhile, monkey swung in on a branch, plotting strategy to capture the goods on the breakfast buffet. Janice, our acting alpha female, took up the front line, bobbing and cutting off monkey's path. She swiftly closed the doors so monkey was out of luck .. or not. Monkey found the back entrance, slipping past the bar, gaining speed when Ken stepped in to guard the buffet. Monkey rebuffed Ken, pushing past him and throwing Ken off balance. Monkey's prize was a shiny apple .. or not. Monkey ran straight into a bigger badder group of monkeys who quickly stole the prize.
Ranger Nigel burst in, shouting the wild dogs were just inside of the lodge, so hustle down carefully, sit down and roar on out into the grasses to track those maa-dash-ies (shaagan for wild dogs). Ngaire flew out of the lodge and off we went. Meanwhile, back at the lodge, two couples opted to skip the morning festivities. The doggies were even faster than the monkeys. The faster we drove, the further we got behind. Ngaire asked: where were the doggies? Nigel said the doggies were past the DND line. What the heck is the DND line? Umm ..the do not disturb line at leopard hills lodge! What a visual .. the two couples skipping the rides instead had the best view of the doggies - if looking out the windows was on their agenda.
We turned to slip back towards the doggies, when what to our wandering eyes should appear but the male leopard who was mating a few days ago. No sooner does Ranger Nigel say if they are still mating, the female will make sure the male does not stray until she is done with his services, so out pops the female. We learned the difference between mating and proper mating. They strolled, she hit the ground, he assumed the position, serious growling and biting commenced, ending with her slapping him in the face. Times 4 within the space of 20 minutes.
We voted to finish our ride with lion cubs in the pride whose development contradicts normal pride progression. 3.5 year male lion who is not the father of the cubs, lets them play and cuddle with him. Inclusive is rare and good. Cubs are 12 weeks, + or - and beyond cute as can be.
We exchanged fond wishes with Christine and Paul, who are headed off today for the USA. They are fantastic company!. Next up, with a heavy heart, we drove to the airstrip awaiting the Kodiac prop plane. Kodiac? In Africa? Really? Some things will never meet the test of logic.
As an aside, for those who were at Lion Sands with us several years ago, we had a ranger spotting of Branden from our pair of rangers (Branden and Trevor). Branden is at ullusaba - richard branson's lodge. You can't miss it - next door to leopard hills, up the hill and look for massive communication towers.
