tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37720780744578855612024-03-02T09:12:44.703+02:00OneStonedCrow<b>"... tell 'em a hookah smoking caterpillar has given you the call ..."</b>OneStonedCrowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00500359406575114699noreply@blogger.comBlogger278125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3772078074457885561.post-3274733465664913512013-08-10T11:00:00.000+01:002013-08-10T11:00:00.297+01:00On The RoadA selection of images from The Road - most taken during a recent trip:<br />
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<center><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/2KS_bcSLGd1BPMiOpzGaWZobaH6S4n-ENeZs3r-bHqA?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="527" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-OX0HjT-mEy0/UgIAOHnqHqI/AAAAAAAAUBQ/-PR6yi6uWZ8/s800/001%2520IMG_4235%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG" width="800" /></a><br />
The Outjo Maower - this Cool Cat and his Donkeys were nowhere to be seen ...<br />
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... he'd probably gone looking for help after suffering a Blowout. <br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/RO3ThZ6ji-efpkmfABacFpobaH6S4n-ENeZs3r-bHqA?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="534" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-S9oVpzZa8dY/UgIALAWbV7I/AAAAAAAAUBI/QRbGs9bTDyk/s800/002%2520IMG_4228%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG" width="800" /></a><br />
Hmmm, I wonder if I should translate that message?<br />
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Ok ... it says "I've got a F#%*ing Reputation" - in other words, he's The Man!<br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/lOmfvyQU4x8umvrW9VROS5obaH6S4n-ENeZs3r-bHqA?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="525" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-5ByrJXgdBVE/UgIAQwI2nQI/AAAAAAAAUBY/QR8m5uhHK7g/s800/003%2520IMG_4300%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG" width="800" /></a><br />
A family of Warthog scramble under a fence, startled by the approach of the car.<br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/OU6WfYXtOWPi20cit65K8JobaH6S4n-ENeZs3r-bHqA?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="768" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-aEJd9nlE2NM/UgIAU3nNBoI/AAAAAAAAUBo/UoTPXtg0LD0/s800/004%2520IMG_4616%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG" width="627" /></a><br />
Entrance sign at Camp Mara - the Metal Birds depict a species of Parrot endemic to the area.<br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/r1S6mDRCUa55QrScMueX4JobaH6S4n-ENeZs3r-bHqA?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="540" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ujuNoBX4lcw/UgIATjtedQI/AAAAAAAAUBg/t0v9ViCZ93w/s800/005%2520IMG_4311a%2520%2528Large%2529.jpg" width="800" /></a><br />
This Kudu Bull jumped two fences then crossed the road and jumped another ...<br />
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... this jumping habit of theirs is especially dangerous at night and results in many road accidents.<br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/zIpENbTSu_r-96PKATJG7JobaH6S4n-ENeZs3r-bHqA?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="534" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlhBgiIJHaH1jmRoELT-roWx7vp3V6sGxo-in5vwTQpu_cHqiib-qNgl1rRL9Panc64uLMReuSX_ol3A3i4gbfs7HA1QEFGAxGzEW1rtMft9Rl-HcytbUqKDlXu3fiE8TP-9Nwy_Bcrlg/s800/006%2520IMG_5659%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG" width="800" /></a><br />
Desert Balloon flights - I'd love to go on one but they're way too expensive.<br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/D62Q3Y5cgYBx5r1dJ7Z68ZobaH6S4n-ENeZs3r-bHqA?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="530" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9IRASSPAQDz_-8YMAKBYqulu3jFJvUo67Hwcw-z1BTvyZCkHCydw3pdXWRLZi7oDAzA-vF-MHeoXfDW4tVanb4qQxJDbhGmwRee2skreFMVLJQZGrgihbkbWn3vJgtT9K6U6rgZRiHUo/s800/007%2520IMG_7967a%2520%2528Large%2529.jpg" width="800" /></a><br />
A Southern Pale Chanting Goshawk feeds on roadkill - it has obviously been captured by Researchers at some time - notice the Ring on it's leg.<br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/HqAVUeqsxYfGZ8uLGvhOOZobaH6S4n-ENeZs3r-bHqA?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="530" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-MOX7QMFlgGk/UgIAeBN-CdI/AAAAAAAAUCI/et5e5temS1I/s800/008%2520IMG_5786%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG" width="800" /></a><br />
A Sociable Weavers' Nest forms a Cradle in a desert Tree - makes me feel like singing a Lullaby to them ...<br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/5J29BilngnLMNjmbfzKCg5obaH6S4n-ENeZs3r-bHqA?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="527" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-5As1Vxj_qWc/UgIAjEpxHvI/AAAAAAAAUCg/4mzEZFSWU_o/s800/009%2520IMG_5858%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG" width="800" /></a><br />
A pair of Bat-eared Foxes warily watch the passing car.<br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/X8nl1xVTuAuEozH5_4TYA5obaH6S4n-ENeZs3r-bHqA?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="534" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWa2XgNkRZj7EIO4A5hsS-5LAN5oJhowLh17uKGzYrTAtoFKiC2pkOMD1XChs57XcwLhQOmzuurXH-0nMMGwwCXCM1jpzZ6H00_NdCcjJDNzv9jz-zxqM0VG_oaKwn3iR_1ib7ji46D34/s800/010%2520IMG_5783%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG" width="800" /></a><br />
A wreck in the Desert - it looks like the car rolled before catching fire - someones Namibian Vacation in ruins.<br />
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Driving on Gravel can be treacherous - especially for the inexperienced.<br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/HWiHNyjafYH2t96x9KW8c5obaH6S4n-ENeZs3r-bHqA?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="521" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXLbsxlNylLM2nsa-N23YlzKhj3skszp113Jx_SxITpKLPX5njIMy_QUHMlZiGj1riadXv5C2gG1aVfHuY71yWpd8PrDUWwL2nOeRqZJla7AjrN4Hsz4FL_s8xDoMrsxRAU0-wDsyh8CY/s800/011%2520IMG_5802%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG" width="800" /></a><br />
'World's End' a Guest Farm in the Desert.<br />
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'Biltong' is dried meat, similar to American 'Jerky' - Namibia is a Carnivore's Paradise.<br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/1cHwIO--VFkEBt0TMOVosZobaH6S4n-ENeZs3r-bHqA?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="534" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-9jq1VtVZmdY/UgIAhWov8bI/AAAAAAAAUCY/HD7t0NqZYFc/s800/013%2520IMG_5828%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG" width="800" /></a><br />
A Mad Max type vehicle - it appears to have pumping equipment mounted on the back.<br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/1NXbmMwfPywKzAOp6YjPu5obaH6S4n-ENeZs3r-bHqA?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="524" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-NAI6BamFCEI/UgIAWabif2I/AAAAAAAAUBw/xT69H6kljOs/s800/012%2520IMG_5213%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG" width="800" /></a><br />
A Cheetah runs away from the Road - it was after Sunset and I only managed a few blurry shots.</center><br />
Daughter Megan is arriving in Cape Town from London this weekend and I'm fetching her from there - my Internet connection will be sporadic for awhile ...<br />
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Take care Friends.<br />
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.OneStonedCrowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00500359406575114699noreply@blogger.com50tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3772078074457885561.post-80200593627069884042013-08-03T13:12:00.000+01:002013-08-03T13:31:59.606+01:00Kavango From A Car - Pt. 2More passing images, taken from a Car, on a recent trip to the Kavango region in Northern Namibia:<br />
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<center><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/8OZ7cAUsS1EiisOtw9N5AJobaH6S4n-ENeZs3r-bHqA?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="526" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-VdACOkJbWMs/UeEduIOEifI/AAAAAAAAT9Q/tAM0YaTaFpI/s800/013%2520IMG_1748a%2520%2528Large%2529.jpg" width="800" /></a><br />
A young Man drives his Water-sleigh home. <br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/gLGBVxcIGALLNQKNbgTbf5obaH6S4n-ENeZs3r-bHqA?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="530" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-sb_zNZLGNlQ/UeEdG1rEXzI/AAAAAAAAT7g/Tn_uwfZRMh0/s800/014%2520IMG_0260a%2520%2528Large%2529.jpg" width="800" /></a><br />
'Welcome Shack Dweller" - I'm not sure what this means ...<br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/8kVj53Hhl3l7kARhKb9_GZobaH6S4n-ENeZs3r-bHqA?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="535" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-4-mESCl48sc/UeEdVPKwpBI/AAAAAAAAT8I/n9-E67CJi0w/s800/015%2520IMG_0423%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG" width="800" /></a><br />
Mom and Dad transporting Reeds and Kid a Bucket of Something.<br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/oQRloPWhWIPCs6-mVBLsFJobaH6S4n-ENeZs3r-bHqA?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="530" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-Ns7Iq7kLMAU/UeEdDlzAvMI/AAAAAAAAT7Y/TXRebbxn3BA/s800/016%2520IMG_0259%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG" width="800" /></a><br />
This Building looks like it's collapsing from the middle, inwards.<br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/TNt2cZFIGK9kFUOyCQwg9JobaH6S4n-ENeZs3r-bHqA?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="536" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-0uE6Et7vWNs/UeEd1tELLoI/AAAAAAAAT9o/qTTeI3gnGZ0/s800/017%2520IMG_0207%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG" width="800" /></a><br />
An old Man walks along a path.<br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/SvcRmdAdM80rSkTOedA955obaH6S4n-ENeZs3r-bHqA?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="520" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-LWHoWUqG-ak/UeEdj41Rl4I/AAAAAAAAT8w/1sYLfjXKUtk/s800/018%2520IMG_1440%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG" width="800" /></a><br />
DRC Gearbox Doctor - a business along the Road.<br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/aqMQmo_8XLdYoqyy0jhdEJobaH6S4n-ENeZs3r-bHqA?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="529" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-qGAJv2xg4RA/UeEdPtAHIlI/AAAAAAAAT74/0Nti0uT2mBw/s800/019%2520IMG_0331a%2520%2528Large%2529.jpg" width="800" /></a><br />
A street scene in Rundu - the biggest town on the Okavango river, bordering Angola<br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/IvAksOwt8HjQsY6iNti-hZobaH6S4n-ENeZs3r-bHqA?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="534" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-uJL-9IlhV_4/UeEdd8dv_5I/AAAAAAAAT8g/ja-6nPY9l5o/s800/020%2520IMG_1310%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG" width="800" /></a><br />
Herding Cattle - Namibia suffered a drought this year and many farmers and crop-dependent people are receiving Aid.<br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/Wra7pFuMDExu_sKwoeK1D5obaH6S4n-ENeZs3r-bHqA?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="525" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-yr7VCBHRWMU/UeEdApESK0I/AAAAAAAAT7Q/_lTKlXFDaxA/s800/021%2520IMG_0252a%2520%2528Large%2529.jpg" width="800" /></a><br />
Now this is what I call 'Pink' - Shocking against the dull winter colours.<br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/_WYnNpQwE-QGK5QKawinK5obaH6S4n-ENeZs3r-bHqA?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="526" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-xCwpUSc1awU/UeEdmVoTY1I/AAAAAAAAT84/WcIwDv0RNmU/s800/022%2520IMG_1487%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG" width="800" /></a><br />
Water Carriers - even the Kids pull their weight with this chore, except of course, those who are still strapped to Mama's back.<br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/p-Tg0qzeNI2Bscu670sgkJobaH6S4n-ENeZs3r-bHqA?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="523" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-G7tYf8tk038/UeEdNZDDRrI/AAAAAAAAT7w/XpkQBYNVxGo/s800/023%2520IMG_0312%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG" width="800" /></a><br />
A Village scene.<br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/OE1GzRQs2BJ--zfuunhej5obaH6S4n-ENeZs3r-bHqA?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="527" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-hTcdOtfI4Mc/UeEdgRIF0qI/AAAAAAAAT8o/lpyoddt7oAw/s800/024%2520IMG_1337%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG" width="800" /></a><br />
Need I say more?</center><br />
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<a href="http://onestonedcrow.blogspot.com/2013/07/kavango-from-car-pt-1.html">Kavango From A Car - Pt. 1</a><br />
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.OneStonedCrowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00500359406575114699noreply@blogger.com25Kavango, Namibia-18.271048 18.427604699999961-22.1281485 13.26403069999996 -14.4139475 23.591178699999961tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3772078074457885561.post-31075408237880295262013-07-27T14:56:00.000+01:002013-07-27T14:56:26.711+01:00Mahango Game ParkThe Mahangu Game Reserve is in NE Namibia at the start of the Caprivi Strip. The Reserve is located on the Okavango River where the river flows into Botswana's famous Okavango Swamps - it's a tiny reserve and not that well known, even amongst Namibians. <br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/b_0NimUwrrz3uG7Nh5IaaJobaH6S4n-ENeZs3r-bHqA?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="768" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU7tb7tUKrwqRJpoKLnGE_n1aFNQfU8rHg5oZTmrgl4-oLC4dzWqye5zND9f9HBC1Lam4FaCqIhG76z1vZdbjoA6QtMlfDui7gC-8FyLm6WEUbeOt59ruBVe3va4E5z0bKhMsDYQhy_Rk/s800/001%2520IMG_0787%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG" width="671" /></a><br />
The area is home to many ancient large Baobab Trees.<br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/x8zRnwbZD5mhWzvKv1vrw5obaH6S4n-ENeZs3r-bHqA?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="531" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-rDjpHm5RcEI/UelQvZ3ZgiI/AAAAAAAAT_k/NDr9XtKrHQY/s800/002%2520IMG_1010%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG" width="800" /></a><br />
In Namibia, the Savannah Buffalo is found only in the Caprivi region.<br />
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One of the 'Big Five', buffalo have a reputation for being extremely dangerous, especially when wounded.<br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/z-65pCihQub-7ItI4-CWEpobaH6S4n-ENeZs3r-bHqA?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="526" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0a5sASI5rVtEpeHnha36jEUCAxXbUamq-xzS5xv41nzRLv1UP9KYH8wdyomJ8aXDsExmQ6eNinbrydYAN_D-z77koOzvMfz0tYf_rqaPw19FP4IFw3bLAB-tnuWr3WMvECy30925i__w/s800/003%2520IMG_0720%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG" width="800" /></a><br />
I think that these beauties are Wattled Cranes - this region is a bird watcher's paradise.<br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/oEhH3H1gJAypr2HL5O3jM5obaH6S4n-ENeZs3r-bHqA?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="523" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-fbB0QOhWBwY/UelQcsAqx7I/AAAAAAAAT-s/8W0IfT6Xytg/s800/004%2520IMG_0755%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG" width="800" /></a><br />
Baby Vervet Monkey - there are a few troops in the reserve, also Baboons.<br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/hQE_XySetPJm-OmAA0QK-ZobaH6S4n-ENeZs3r-bHqA?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="534" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-2Qh90oea9GQ/UelQf6VG1JI/AAAAAAAAT-0/q7ZUVpBfbjk/s800/005%2520IMG_0772%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG" width="800" /></a><br />
Bateleur - an Eagle.<br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/B8bD_ZFsVezFhiUk9cOxM5obaH6S4n-ENeZs3r-bHqA?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="534" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-dDbjqBuf5wY/UelQnXcrmtI/AAAAAAAAT_M/PDszTxsXy2k/s800/006%2520IMG_0811%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG" width="800" /></a><br />
A Hippo peers from behind a bush - awesome creatures! <br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/awvFr-wqGyATyxujhdrWA5obaH6S4n-ENeZs3r-bHqA?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="530" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2gcNIe88i-A0EzRiOWwSCAOxDLJMXNTCdRBhNdrJC2Gtx5oxqwMEXVTSHJXmfpcYyeGXfzXFw8AyzrlS9Ir7jN6JSejQi-ebvDPlX1L01pjE2XMQqxWUaKyfPKcMrsTG2xsq7kkoNPxw/s800/007%2520IMG_0810%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG" width="800" /></a><br />
A closer-up shot - just got to love those lips ... :)<br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/yh2_ZaTMbr6LMeHtVW4_OpobaH6S4n-ENeZs3r-bHqA?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="527" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-jFX8EmPHcKs/UelQ-7T3JvI/AAAAAAAAUAc/MVz0dqdut34/s800/008%2520IMG_1082%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG" width="800" /></a><br />
A road sign warning to beware of Elephants ...<br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/1P2vIX0oYT8IOWrfh3JV6pobaH6S4n-ENeZs3r-bHqA?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="523" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-cbM0mvh_AMc/UelQxy3-t6I/AAAAAAAAT_s/cLAN_UBpur4/s800/009%2520IMG_1046%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG" width="800" /></a><br />
I told you to beware - this display caused me to flash on a previous <a href="http://onestonedcrow.blogspot.com/2010/08/charged-by-elephant-been-there-done.html">Hair-raising encounter with an Elephant</a>.<br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/9qac_MM9IYNwW11p-AWhlpobaH6S4n-ENeZs3r-bHqA?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="528" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-GrJz2GQKLNU/UelQroGxHjI/AAAAAAAAT_c/0KTuhltBEdg/s800/010%2520IMG_1002%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG" width="800" /></a><br />
An African Fish Eagle sits on a branch over the river.<br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/twZ1viV8gLesVltBna4IsJobaH6S4n-ENeZs3r-bHqA?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="534" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-Uga_3KDv0N4/UelQpktkygI/AAAAAAAAT_U/mWhTPK1d3a4/s800/011%2520IMG_0822%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG" width="800" /></a><br />
Roan Antelope.<br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/8fGYAf_DwvSd04_wz5I3D5obaH6S4n-ENeZs3r-bHqA?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="768" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-iEoR9pi9U9M/UelRCfcDkxI/AAAAAAAAUAs/eStM1V9M5ec/s800/012%2520Yellow-billed%2520Egret_003%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG" width="563" /></a><br />
Yellow-billed Egret on a burned tree stump.</center>
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.OneStonedCrowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00500359406575114699noreply@blogger.com29Mahango Game Reserve, D3403, Namibia-18.211616587604286 21.691551357421872-18.332267087604286 21.53018985742187 -18.090966087604286 21.852912857421874tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3772078074457885561.post-65402069250734092292013-07-20T13:28:00.000+01:002013-07-20T14:46:46.534+01:00... and in Other News ...<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/00ig0ENcy8BgR4HqspnnzJobaH6S4n-ENeZs3r-bHqA?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="534" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-ZMiArMYbhdA/UelQQPVD-OI/AAAAAAAAT-E/klK638iFyts/s800/001%2520Stretch_168%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG" width="800" /></a><br />
Stretch Moonman visited a few times while I was up North - here he displays a magazine article about him and Namibia's Deadliest Snakes.<br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/W9ftDTgPF8emwlvEziGjdZobaH6S4n-ENeZs3r-bHqA?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="793" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-yNJWgYzS1vw/UelQUjGy0jI/AAAAAAAAT-U/3hqHwOkreSQ/s800/002%2520Stretch_260%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG" width="800" /></a><br />
Stretch catches a female Boomslang at my home where they are common residents.<br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/Wmtcpu_2_D487l6KNLl_pZobaH6S4n-ENeZs3r-bHqA?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="502" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-JlSt3cy_oZk/UelQWBCeC0I/AAAAAAAAT-c/0tmKa7S5b7M/s800/003%2520Stretch_289%2520%2528Large%2529.jpg" width="800" /></a><br />
A close-up of the Boomslang's large eyes and mouth, showing two sets of deadly back-fangs.<br />
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The venom is potently haemotoxic and can lead to human deaths if not treated with a specific anti-venom. Fortunately the Boomslang is a rather shy snake and is reluctant to bite.<br />
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After Stretch released it, it sped away and disappeared quickly into the long grass.<br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/fjdLnfrmzj3PxoBqKW48S5obaH6S4n-ENeZs3r-bHqA?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="511" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-osteRpXPeNM/UelQRhSRIhI/AAAAAAAAT-M/nkbuVtW2Vsc/s800/004%2520Boomslang_003%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG" width="800" /></a><br />
I ruined a great photo-op because I didn't check my camera settings - a Boomslang swallowing a Chameleon.<br />
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After the snake had bitten the Chameleon, the hapless creature turned black and died within a matter of minutes - above is one of the few pics I was able to salvage.<br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/O8xJ3b48oi-PG2Hn8OEzQZobaH6S4n-ENeZs3r-bHqA?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="524" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-063KdSu78Mw/UelQ8HRFsnI/AAAAAAAAUAU/EcOXPkJuZ7k/s800/005%2520IMG_2414%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG" width="800" /></a><br />
I was amazed when I found this massive spider under a large water tank which I had moved - the first time I've seen one of these creatures.<br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/UvyTDSg4bveKoKTo8WGAYJobaH6S4n-ENeZs3r-bHqA?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="518" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqta74vJ67Sxgy6gUoTbOPK7vhtXthR7zqriDbEN_j406Hpr8F2AaY07i7snboq-pH0yAGCP9GICMBOhsB6Q-cEOjBcGN2Rj70kd2fkw1hnihSw7FeLrSHzl_equ6ut5wx3-Bg6z0IV5I/s800/006%2520IMG_2421%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG" width="800" /></a><br />
I placed a matchbox next to it in order to show the size of the Spider - when I'd finished photographing it, I picked it up (with a shovel) and placed it under some corrugated sheeting, safe from predatory birds.<br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/6ObhlupzeZAcwhZyp1cl2ZobaH6S4n-ENeZs3r-bHqA?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="527" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-scago36ccVA/UelQ063EYSI/AAAAAAAAT_0/9NO6jrQqaM0/s800/007%2520IMG_1987%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG" width="800" /></a><br />
I found this tiny snake on the patio - it's probably about 15cm long (6 inches) - I'm not sure whether it's a Beaked- or a Typical Blind Snake - these snakes spend most of their lives underground and feed on ants and termites.<br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/JQh04LILLsKeeW30Tb4pPJobaH6S4n-ENeZs3r-bHqA?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="534" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-kavxh4U3IUY/UelQ2RJXaMI/AAAAAAAAT_8/EjV4fDVfAvU/s800/008%2520IMG_6729%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG" width="800" /></a><br />
I loaded some building rubble onto the pick-up and transported it to the dump site near town. When I arrived at the site a group of men, who make a living off the dump, ran up and started unloading the junk, looking for salvageable items.<br />
<br />
I heard a commotion from the men who had found this Stowaway amongst the rubble in the back of the vehicle - they were about to kill it but I stopped them, telling them that it was my Friend and that I would take it back home - needless to say, they looked at me strangely as they muttered amongst themselves and shooed it to the front of the Pick-up..<br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/ayqGeTY00sTyGWgr5rigs5obaH6S4n-ENeZs3r-bHqA?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="530" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-kAp4tXON_Tk/UelRASnds_I/AAAAAAAAUAk/hF2BNM6Re1o/s800/009%2520IMG_6732a%2520%2528Large%2529.jpg" width="800" /></a><br />
The beautiful stowaway is an Ovambo Tree Skink and when we got home it allowed me to pick it up and transfer it to a safe spot - pics by Nadine.<br />
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<center>
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/s9V12Qdbp3V7HJ4ybL-TJJobaH6S4n-ENeZs3r-bHqA?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="768" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-mdpcwLAYYGY/UelQ5_gCnzI/AAAAAAAAUAM/D-8Gedr5qRw/s800/010%2520IMG_6248ab%2520%2528Large%2529.jpg" width="605" /></a></center>
My blog buddy, Botswanan Author <a href="http://thoughtsfrombotswana.blogspot.com/2013/02/the-cape-times-reviews-in-spirit-of.html">Laurie Kubuitsile</a> sent me a copy of her intriguing book 'In the Spirit of McPhineas Lata and Other Stories'.<br />
<br />
Laurie and I had come to an arrangement whereby she used one of my pics, taken from a blog post, on the cover of the book.<br />
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I felt so chuffed and proud - almost as if I'd written the stories myself ... :)<br />
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<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">References:</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Johan Marais - Reptiles Of Southern Africa</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">.</span>OneStonedCrowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00500359406575114699noreply@blogger.com28tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3772078074457885561.post-64155642231905959172013-07-13T15:30:00.000+01:002013-07-13T16:40:39.043+01:00Kavango From A Car - Pt. 1As a passenger on a recent trip to the Kavango Region, north of my Home, I was able to spend the journey taking pics of the passing scene.<br />
<br />
I don't have stabilizers on my lens and, travelling at 100 to 120 kph, it's not easy to capture sharp images - I took a few thousand photos and managed to salvage these, I hope you find them interesting:<br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/Kw4JGWfC0YY2wilMq4BZN5obaH6S4n-ENeZs3r-bHqA?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="518" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-l7yJ-TEM-9A/UeEc-en92oI/AAAAAAAAT7I/fOzl_esnMvI/s800/001%2520IMG_0151b%2520%2528Large%2529.jpg" width="800" /></a><br />
Most Dwellings in this area are made of wood and mud, with thatched roofs.<br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/IOmntL23AJE0jsxxO97riJobaH6S4n-ENeZs3r-bHqA?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="526" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-qAPIgJ5b4JU/UeEd3yN-HtI/AAAAAAAAT9w/ClfElKcEgXg/s800/002%2520IMG_0097a%2520%2528Large%2529.jpg" width="800" /></a><br />
A young boy transports water in a Drum on a cattle-driven sled.<br />
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Transporting water is a major hassle and chore for most people in the region, the exercise can take a whole day - water is collected from communal water points, mostly very far from people's homes - lucky are those who live close to the boreholes and wells.<br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/yNV1BXn0V3ajILG5tuo46ZobaH6S4n-ENeZs3r-bHqA?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="518" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-vH_qPfMIRBg/UeEc8XDpCEI/AAAAAAAAT7A/u9V8uMyXJLY/s800/003%2520IMG_0064b%2520%2528Large%2529.jpg" width="800" /></a><br />
An example of the <a href="http://www.nguni.info/nguni_facts.htm">Nguni</a> cattle breed found in the area. Nguni cattle are known for their fertility and resistance to diseases.<br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/i4X_LDZgM46W2xHusoNqd5obaH6S4n-ENeZs3r-bHqA?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="521" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-U3Uts3eOidg/UeEc67jRCjI/AAAAAAAAT64/9yJvtzkUTkg/s800/004%2520IMG_0061a%2520%2528Large%2529.jpg" width="800" /></a><br />
A young Cattle-herder atop his Donkey.<br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/ZCtSGC-SRqX92jEnznqaxJobaH6S4n-ENeZs3r-bHqA?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="530" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-JsoxfDd636U/UeEdwCNLemI/AAAAAAAAT9Y/xWWJ9Nf8ziY/s800/005%2520IMG_0160a%2520%2528Large%2529.jpg" width="800" /></a><br />
"Best Gloomy House" - one of the numerous Shebeens along the road.<br />
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I've got hundreds of pics of the sometimes comically-named Shebeens which are also known as 'Cuca Shops' - enough for a whole separate Post sometime ...<br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/NG1OELi5yEwBCle4uKsn45obaH6S4n-ENeZs3r-bHqA?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="527" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFlx6XnIXLz_pxr58NNKztz7-gxxVG-3sRySx674xk-oEDcEXXtMt8TuoZBUfvhIgl4O8z5TQMZoO7pY-jsoTp5dN_gX8LhIQthxMRYQVEeRhGV5bkjYXbdYYiwH3QqFdZDdtz1Jbz_Lw/s800/006%2520IMG_0307a%2520%2528Large%2529.jpg" width="800" /></a><br />
Kids using a net to catch fish in a pond.<br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/KkSyYXLE90MN24-dRKVDPZobaH6S4n-ENeZs3r-bHqA?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="534" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-gJGttohzS9k/UeEdSoZYlBI/AAAAAAAAT8A/Jvx6sJVj0Co/s800/007%2520IMG_0386%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG" width="800" /></a><br />
Our destination was the Ngepi Campsite on the Okavango River, close to Divundu.<br />
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It was great to be amongst old, big Trees again - most people use wood to meet their basic energy needs and the smell of Woodsmoke is always in the air; sometimes just a faint whiff and at other times overwhelming but, - ever present.<br />
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I've never been anywhere outside Southern Africa and I imagine that if I was on another continent, the one thing that would make me totally homesick is the smell of African Woodsmoke ...<br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/N3KVF7kNAMVoOP2OwvpF05obaH6S4n-ENeZs3r-bHqA?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="534" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-MMxw8Udo35I/UeEdah-8ZtI/AAAAAAAAT8Y/6y535v0XrUU/s800/008%2520IMG_1241%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG" width="800" /></a><br />
Dozens of Thatch-sellers were camped along a length of the road. <br />
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Thatch is mostly used for the roofing of rural homes and also for creating Features (Lapas) in wealthier homes, hotels and game lodges.<br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/_scKw4mLvh2OJHMtabzm8JobaH6S4n-ENeZs3r-bHqA?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="527" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOYXNQlET3u-gWPfTlpx_D7jYBnvLPHmLawzuosOMZxVZFOp5uTf2ivIA7UOV5XxPiA7EMO6Q-2rlyZE7PoUgOtGC5UzojBBbVXxpFm-eFS30EpFf8EwWdVnlJDHDxm1zYaMyWIaWNO4o/s800/009%2520IMG_0461%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG" width="800" /></a><br />
Three young women stride along the road carrying sheaves to one of the Thatch Dealers. <br />
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The harvesting of thatch Grass is a seasonal and often the only source of income for many people.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/NVhnha4L33oCVkZv6W5MkpobaH6S4n-ENeZs3r-bHqA?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="534" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-2-ONK9QkPnU/UeEdrtSVXLI/AAAAAAAAT9I/Q6ciAXQB9bg/s800/010%2520IMG_1693%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG" width="800" /></a><br />
Mbeyo Baptist Church - the walls are built with a stick frame which is filled with mud.<br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/yUma8sV6JSDnU-rdz4IT1pobaH6S4n-ENeZs3r-bHqA?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="531" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-MxvvTIuDe74/UeEdzIQH2EI/AAAAAAAAT9g/EsoaX7De8V4/s800/011%2520IMG_1812%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG" width="800" /></a><br />
A young Hunter stalks a bird, catapult at the ready.<br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/5EOhKZqWjhRxV_J0gT-pRZobaH6S4n-ENeZs3r-bHqA?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="525" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-VB8h2N_0Sak/UeEdpIgoLiI/AAAAAAAAT9A/tYgNpAE1Vgo/s800/012%2520IMG_1676a%2520%2528Large%2529.jpg" width="800" /></a><br />
Transporting water on a Donkey.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">... to be continued ...</span><br />
<br />
.OneStonedCrowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00500359406575114699noreply@blogger.com29Kavango, Namibia-18.271048 18.427604699999961-22.1281485 13.26403069999996 -14.4139475 23.591178699999961tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3772078074457885561.post-89593600488735272542013-07-07T11:10:00.000+01:002013-07-07T15:18:01.687+01:00Scenes From Etosha Pans - OneIt hasn't been all work and no play the last eight months - I've managed a few trips to the Etosha National Park, an hour's drive from my home:<br />
<br />
<center>
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/Z4IrR-U8SZvSAFlxoaLMmJobaH6S4n-ENeZs3r-bHqA?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="534" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-hW7LPAlLsoo/Udh-OFfayyI/AAAAAAAAT4Y/pQmLjr2D1bY/s800/001%2520IMG_6220%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG" width="800" /></a><br />
Klein Namutoni Waterhole at Sunrise - there's nothing I like more than sitting quietly at a waterhole watching the comings and goings.<br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/aDe0_XGi1cTXQeXeV0vGr5obaH6S4n-ENeZs3r-bHqA?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="534" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-XkS8ebbLRI0/Udh9-3IGq3I/AAAAAAAAT4A/ERtqQ54YcOY/s800/002%2520IMG_5885a%2520%2528Large%2529.jpg" width="800" /></a><br />
Giraffe at Twee Palms Waterhole. </center>
<center>
<br />
</center>
<centre>The trees are Ilala Palms (Hyphaene petersiana) and they occur in a broad swathe across northern Namibia. Known locally as the 'Makalani Palm' the fruit, a hard nut, is called 'Vegetable Ivory' because of the hard inner kernel which is used for carving trinkets and curios. </centre><br />
<centre><br />
</centre> <centre>The outer part of the fruit has a thin layer of ginger-flavoured pulp, much loved by Elephants and Baboons.<br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/iJeYummLSqXjUu-PtmbwfJobaH6S4n-ENeZs3r-bHqA?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="530" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-XbLSSFbsQtI/Udh-ERlJikI/AAAAAAAAT4I/5LbQtevBZQo/s800/003%2520IMG_6086%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG" width="800" /></a><br />
My first sighting of a Honey Badger (Mellivora capensis).</centre><br />
<centre><br />
</centre> <centre>Honey Badgers are generally solitary, nocturnal creatures and have a reputation for being mean, aggressive fighters, even taking-on animals as large as Buffalo, going for the groin and genital organs, causing it's enemy to bleed to death.</centre><br />
<centre><br />
</centre> <centre>Curiously, according to my Reference, "These animals are easily trainable and make interesting pets ..." - mmm, a Guard Badger?<br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/N2bidDs0Z4h3bKVVCS-B6pobaH6S4n-ENeZs3r-bHqA?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="530" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-BRqPW8G2f0Q/Udh-JQNoX4I/AAAAAAAAT4Q/e8YJYpS5wjg/s800/004%2520IMG_6090%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG" width="800" /></a><br />
Honey Badgers are omnivorous, feeding on rodents, snakes, insects and spiders. It's favourite food though, is Honey.</centre><br />
<centre><br />
</centre> <centre>The Honey Badger's association with a bird called the Honey Guide (Indicator indicator) is well known - the bird locates a bees' nest then goes to 'call' a Honey Badger. The Badger breaks open the nest, protected from stings by its tough hide and underlying layer of fat, then shares the feast with the bird.<br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/vLwXXR1m9BmUJJ4-RBgFgpobaH6S4n-ENeZs3r-bHqA?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="534" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAdQHbReL7RQS_4ogULqOZrL_jir0kpTAD_M_lcQDWDT1OYqiGPou5kD4ExcKXJGy7e93vxTRq5NBJCJOmdwtIymXFUrU9SpTIXskLEx6dXjO8fybHHXZEDAK_mIEjjuVsszazjAZVPCg/s800/005%2520IMG_6581%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG" width="800" /></a><br />
A Termite mound which has been raided by an Aardvark - the hole probably serves as a temporary home for some-or-other creature, like the Honey Badger, or Hyaena.<br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/7ZMD6yOJezI3OtuFcSlYUZobaH6S4n-ENeZs3r-bHqA?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="521" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-P5YdE5cLDQs/Udh-TFy26wI/AAAAAAAAT4g/vE9jjZuZdtw/s800/006%2520IMG_6242a%2520%2528Large%2529.jpg" width="800" /></a><br />
I was thrilled to spot this Caracal (Felis caracal) running across the road and into the bush where it stopped briefly to give me a photo-op - my first Caracal sighting in Etosha.</centre><br />
<centre><br />
</centre> <centre>Caracal are the number one 'problem' animal in Namibia - they are responsible for considerable stock losses and are powerful enough to kill full-grown goats and sheep.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/ncj_bHuGrQoh7gKprRRGGZobaH6S4n-ENeZs3r-bHqA?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="512" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-tW5kUKxSt3E/Udh-rJraJ2I/AAAAAAAAT54/kgv3sgaGpdw/s800/007%2520IMG_9620%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG" width="800" /></a><br />
Lilac-breasted Roller (Coracias caudata) - a common bird in Etosha.<br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/y2OK6s-Z92hZRWZtZU82zpobaH6S4n-ENeZs3r-bHqA?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="530" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-fj5gf27-OG4/Udh-YUyhLGI/AAAAAAAAT4o/wH-GMdPRB2s/s800/008%2520IMG_6282%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG" width="800" /></a><br />
I managed to get close to three male Spotted Hyaena (Crocuta crocuta) walking resolutely alongside the road. </centre><br />
<centre><br />
</centre> <centre>They are strange creatures in appearance and behaviour; feared and associated with Witchcraft and Evil in African lore. However, "researchers regard the Hyaena as an animal of superbly adapted build, with a functional beauty of its own."<br />
<br />
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/AKa6Hex1gkHuNkvDlDP5VZobaH6S4n-ENeZs3r-bHqA?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="538" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-MTvSN6JHeIE/Udh-c136EeI/AAAAAAAAT4w/cW9KX-bwkA8/s800/009%2520IMG_6310%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG" width="800" /></a><br />
One of the Hyaena stopped to examine the car and I felt distinctly uneasy as it regarded me with unfathomable liquid eyes - the same eyes I've seen on kids who sniff glue ... almost like a death glaze ...<br />
<br />
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/gBccKyWxzjI37kbyfB_l6pobaH6S4n-ENeZs3r-bHqA?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="768" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWLHw4lO4rW6ynocmO09KQyc5OY66unMH6NU30lacbF24mjQlVCEmsY8eZvhkYMCzpbnA-LfOVTrvdC3Qg2uh8ld9EEbKXQK0GtZas9GqhvNtXCNNZ5rmn-6KLAc7VsvfxowUr2Y52m34/s800/010%2520IMG_6373%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG" width="634" /></a><br />
Etosha Agama (Agama etoshae) - Endemic to the Etosha Pans and surrounding area.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/K-wMDjH8kgaKbXPZbM1JpZobaH6S4n-ENeZs3r-bHqA?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="525" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-JYBv05DhFSU/Udh9x95uUDI/AAAAAAAAT3o/Dw0bogjGQs8/s800/011%2520IMG_3293%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG" width="800" /></a><br />
A visitor records the scene at a Waterhole, framed in his rear view mirror - I couldn't resist this shot.<br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/1JDPSzyZ38CirKImnjBXsZobaH6S4n-ENeZs3r-bHqA?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="768" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-qIOrfctg5JU/Udh-lk72rlI/AAAAAAAAT5Y/LCRWcwAZSJg/s800/012%2520IMG_9440%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG" width="554" /></a><br />
I bought this Owl from a vendor at the Namutoni gate - it now hangs against a newly-painted Orange wall ... :)</centre><br />
<br />
... to be continued ...<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">References:</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Amy Schoeman - Notes on Nature.</span>OneStonedCrowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00500359406575114699noreply@blogger.com23Etosha National Park, Ombika, Namibia-19.116005985643831 16.134903430938721-19.119756985643832 16.129860930938722 -19.11225498564383 16.139945930938719tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3772078074457885561.post-6034307971337155092013-06-30T14:40:00.000+01:002013-06-30T14:53:14.773+01:00Stone and LightHello Friends ...<br />
<br />
Whew! It seems like years since I was last on-line and connected to anything. It's scary how days and nights slip past so quickly - the only way to create the illusion of slowing Time down is to live in the moment - not an easy thing to do.<br />
<br />
It wasn't my intention to stay away for five months but, in February, because of an error of judgement on my part, Tumbili, one of the two remaining Fur People in my care, seriously injured herself - I had no choice but to stay with her until she'd healed. I'm still too distraught to write about the incident.<br />
<br />
I hope that you're all well and happy. Physically, I'm in good shape but I have been in turmoil for many months now. It seems that my life progresses in roughly 12-year cycles; at the end of each cycle things fall apart and then, gradually, fall back together again - right now I'm in a process of renewal and, despite recent setbacks, I feel wiser and more confident about who I am and the path I've chosen in life. I'm thankful to be alive to enjoy the wonders of Creation.<br />
<br />
Recently I met an 84 year old farmer who I hadn't seen for awhile. He asked if I was retired. I replied that I'd banished the concept from my mind and that the day that I Croak I'll be "retired" - he just gave me a wry smile in return. I hope my words were not ignorantly arrogant and that they won't come back someday to bite me on the butt.<br />
<br />
<center><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/BgFVAlbfulDs5aGV4YxFjZobaH6S4n-ENeZs3r-bHqA?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="768" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-jhOVQfI2-6U/UdAAEgzdOFI/AAAAAAAAT2A/-6VnW3kX-jc/s800/001%2520Bullsport%2520Rocks_004%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG" width="512" /></a></center>One of the first things I did in January was to erect three Rocks from the Bullsport area in the Fern garden.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/0C-pQp1EwVhmRjUrbWQUIZobaH6S4n-ENeZs3r-bHqA?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="534" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnb0f_xMI75u6yyI51SUSs_M61wfoiWZtZLfOyrXaGvG4Ghywy7haJ1C4dQQDQzQQymjNbMd36a3Z_QoTO7Q6YHaBbtkwyxt0E7p2kHhgCfET8RTYleCoWYl2MUBfyN8G2hKsKeQUUMjk/s800/002%2520IMG_2793%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG" width="800" /></a><br />
I started work on the Guest Room - 'Nadine's Room' as it's known because my daughter claimed it for herself many years ago. I painted it 'Morning Clarence' ... Nadine was not overly impressed with my choice, she calls it 'Pink' and prefers Yellows.<br />
<br />
<center><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/eFoaoDP5J-PwK_XII_g-zJobaH6S4n-ENeZs3r-bHqA?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="768" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Ez2sKnQjR40/UdAANrxwr4I/AAAAAAAAT28/Mf8T3arTNXc/s800/003%2520IMG_2795%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG" width="512" /></a></center>I laid the shower floor and the slate floor of the en suite bathroom to Nadine's room, and installed the basin and toilet. I only painted the top half of the wall 'pink' because it was my intention to tile the bottom half - Nadine suggested that I only tile the shower area and paint the rest of the wall ... I'm still thinking about it.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/Z0C5pJtiKZ8SeLh3C4jpKpobaH6S4n-ENeZs3r-bHqA?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="534" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-GDJOs8KUD34/UdAAKiP2cQI/AAAAAAAAT2k/BQBdTRXQ2ys/s800/004%2520IMG_2780%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG" width="800" /></a><br />
I had enough 'Morning Clarence' left over to paint the Main Bedroom - I like the colour, it's peaceful and pleasant on the eye - I've been told that 'pink' is the preferred colour in psychiatric institutions, I don't know if that's true ... :)<br />
<br />
The door in the centre of the pic is the entrance to the en suite bathroom, which is also fully-functional now.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/l7PBTAZ4UKJbCyYntMWjvZobaH6S4n-ENeZs3r-bHqA?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="534" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-bQ8dh54WCKY/UdAAGDnreHI/AAAAAAAAT2I/v802dkIcG1w/s800/005%2520IMG_6651%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG" width="800" /></a><br />
I chose the colour 'Foothills' for the lounge and Nadine did the painting (she calls it 'Orange' and refuses to commit herself to liking it, preferring only to say that it complements the Rock work) ... sigh! ... I was trying for a Sossusvlei Sand Dune effect but I must admit that it does seem a shade too dark, it appears much lighter in the pic.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/WAzchqqpcMUJrMO1MLGDd5obaH6S4n-ENeZs3r-bHqA?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="534" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-URGqxTIMsiA/UdAAC23DHxI/AAAAAAAAT14/jE9blKwdjd0/s800/006%2520Work%2520In%2520Progress_1704%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG" width="800" /></a><br />
My major task was to break down and rebuild the old kitchen and bathroom which were always two dark, dingy holes - seen in the pic is the back door to the old kitchen and windows to the old bathroom, the last walls remaining of the old house ... the door in the distance is the door to the new main bathroom.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/aiCdHWKUsy7WnB7K9JFyCpobaH6S4n-ENeZs3r-bHqA?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="534" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-phr1-FXVn9M/UdAAHlmZq5I/AAAAAAAAT2Q/yw_2L0qZTfc/s800/007%2520IMG_6745%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG" width="800" /></a><br />
After rebuilding the walls and creating a passage and pantry I contracted two local builders, both named Lazarus, to plaster the walls, a task requiring skill and experience and which I could not do myself.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/7IacI5E_bQ2-5vTeE9l6t5obaH6S4n-ENeZs3r-bHqA?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="534" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-1I7B9BEJxQk/UdAAJEZjrwI/AAAAAAAAT2c/A9T3BxAdJ5Q/s800/008%2520IMG_6748%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG" width="800" /></a><br />
The two Lazaruses did such a good job of the plastering that I invited them back the next week to place a 40mm topping on the floor.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/jEkiyfm9p5DUOIQd5EjgiJobaH6S4n-ENeZs3r-bHqA?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="534" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-SrUD1Hwxwdg/UdAAPhiRdKI/AAAAAAAAT3M/IuYJSHNHkVQ/s800/009%2520IMG_2801%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG" width="800" /></a><br />
The almost-complete new Kitchen after I'd installed the ceiling - it must still be painted and a tile floor laid.<br />
<br />
The new kitchen has five windows and is light and airy the whole day and has already become a favoured gathering spot - (as kitchens often are).<br />
<br />
<center><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/CUiuj6ABf6f28FHpRbwK_ZobaH6S4n-ENeZs3r-bHqA?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="768" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-htNf-KOEH5w/UdAAOd3fEMI/AAAAAAAAT3E/nfDP1gULFWI/s800/010%2520IMG_2800%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG" width="512" /></a></center>I dug this old metal bath out of it's concrete enclosure in the old bathroom and was delighted to find that it still had it's legs'<br />
<br />
I decided not to buy a new plastic bath and to use this old one - it has a few dings in the enamel and the legs need fixing but it's big, great for wallowing in and can comfortably accommodate two people at the same time ... :)<br />
<br />
The bath and toilet are functioning but I must still do the floors and install a wash basin.<br />
<br />
<center><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/ZNY-yrEQvFmdXi5SELndtJobaH6S4n-ENeZs3r-bHqA?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="768" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-Dgjh4nT3tvw/UdAALfROjEI/AAAAAAAAT2s/UDK_Sy5dkw0/s800/011%2520IMG_2784%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG" width="512" /></a></center>Nadine stayed with me for two months and did a lot of painting, including the passage through to the kitchen. The passage walls were in a bad state and she did a great job of patiently repairing and painting them 'Glow-worm', (her choice), a happy shade of yellow which lightens the inside of the house considerably.<br />
<br />
Thanks for all the hard work Nadine, you're a Star - and it was great to spend some time with you again.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/IT0FDhDkwFwwmrqzqJv3w5obaH6S4n-ENeZs3r-bHqA?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="534" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-bdRfWdfKm4U/UdAABPzg4cI/AAAAAAAAT1w/1BgRP2Z15_g/s800/013%2520Work%2520In%2520Progress_1660%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG" width="800" /></a><br />
I haven't done any Rockwork on the outside of the house for quite awhile now and the top of the en suite bathroom still awaits a Crown - I've been agonizing for months about how to finish it off but can't form a clear picture in my mind - I decided that I need a starting point so I've lugged a long Bullsport rock onto the roof where it awaits installation when I feel inspired again.<br />
<br />
I've worked hard these last five months, rising and going to bed with the Chickens - sometimes I was in a frenzy where I paid little attention to safety and was lucky to escape with only a few cuts and bruises. <br />
<br />
I'm satisfied, even surprised, at the amount of change I made to the inside of the house. After twelve years of concentrating on the outside walls of the house, everything is coming together, all of a sudden it's more spacious and Light and feeling more like a Home.<br />
<br />
... oh how I miss my darling Stoffel ...<br />
<br />
<center><iframe width="420" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/eIa9UEXd98Q?rel=0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></center><br />
.OneStonedCrowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00500359406575114699noreply@blogger.com28tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3772078074457885561.post-6132150846167319722013-05-26T20:34:00.000+01:002013-05-26T20:34:34.890+01:00Stuck In The MiddleHello Friends - Just a short note to let you know I'm still alive and well and wasting precious Oxygen ... :)<br />
<br />
... I got hung-up here at home in the north of Nam because I've been building like crazy ...<br />
<br />
My Internet still sucks and I rarely go on-line ... I don't have TV either so I don't know who's doing what to whom ... poor me!<br />
<br />
I trust that you're all well and happy and hope to connect with you again sometime early in July.<br />
<br />
Keep well hey.<br />
<br />
Graham OneStonedCrowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00500359406575114699noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3772078074457885561.post-63325673691575279482013-01-19T11:35:00.000+02:002013-01-19T11:49:36.417+02:00Off AgainHello Friends, a few pics I've taken recently ... hope you enjoy them:<br />
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<center><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/QfPN_ty9fEUwuWSuZKMAuZobaH6S4n-ENeZs3r-bHqA?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="527" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-23QHJNm2m2Y/UPkg8fRUzkI/AAAAAAAATwo/5QV5BA8zYls/s800/001%2520Steinkopf_059%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG" width="800" /></a><br />
On The Road … a dead car used as a feature outside the town of Steinkopf in the Northern Cape, S Africa.<br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/pBJWLLb44ht3QZpaYX3xWpobaH6S4n-ENeZs3r-bHqA?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="534" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-Ts9xYwZN3Ww/UPkg4VLhncI/AAAAAAAATwY/L6TMQj1LQnI/s800/002%2520IMG_4888a%2520%2528Large%2529.jpg" width="800" /></a><br />
Two guys sitting on a step in Nababeep, N Cape.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/r1UZs2MDnjHyumI98XMEApobaH6S4n-ENeZs3r-bHqA?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="534" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-X4SAFc3byfs/UPkhF7JGRzI/AAAAAAAATxI/neyw9GdXHTY/s800/003%2520Quiver%2520Tree%2520Forest_026%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG" width="800" /></a><br />
Quiver Tree Forest, Keetmanshoop, Namibia<br />
<br />
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/wUdVr_tLaYy80HJ7FcqJ75obaH6S4n-ENeZs3r-bHqA?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="522" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-G8iX91KZU3k/UPkhDogwHFI/AAAAAAAATxA/R4t73j43iyo/s800/004%2520IMG_5571%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG" width="800" /></a><br />
Ostrich Mama with a Gang of Chicks.<br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/jR4scUOO7ERY92AvLNMQL5obaH6S4n-ENeZs3r-bHqA?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="729" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOHlLoD_e0CgX-9FI4xapambHuDSL-obk7j7MyTk7fwnkbNImT0RfHqStgINGE4rb985uhZ_-DF9q2ScLWPYB2ldG1r998AR46x0I1G8MOpksh-_l4EM_IutXNczNkpCO5mOhk-W4qT0k/s800/005%2520IMG_1854%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG" width="800" /></a><br />
Cactus feature.<br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/eXqquqiwfOCtmf-XgzJkIJobaH6S4n-ENeZs3r-bHqA?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="768" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-J8ryN8pbe6Q/UPkg5-ghHpI/AAAAAAAATwg/6kG7a4wJ7jU/s800/006%2520Roadside%2520Vendors_132%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG" width="512" /></a><br />
This dude selling belts on a street in Springbok asked me to take his pic …<br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/IZ-zW7Kov0WJuUGL55C5KpobaH6S4n-ENeZs3r-bHqA?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="524" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-SM1_bkiQ464/UPkg3HxXeNI/AAAAAAAATwQ/FRjznuNFMGk/s800/007%2520IMG_4880%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG" width="800" /></a><br />
A Dog guarding his turf eyes me.<br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/b2qq4ao0BurBqiQWZzb1pJobaH6S4n-ENeZs3r-bHqA?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="768" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ybcIHHbqvrQ/UPkg9r0bktI/AAAAAAAATww/awDEUL06DlU/s800/008%2520Steinkopf_074%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG" width="598" /></a><br />
Who Are You?<br />
<br />
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/3SteD-LpYxS8UVRV68cq2pobaH6S4n-ENeZs3r-bHqA?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="534" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-7W-Pidxjtfg/UPkhBJ1TcRI/AAAAAAAATw4/oJUqjOUAxzs/s800/009%2520IMG_5527%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG" width="800" /></a><br />
Another Dead car<br />
<br />
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/ODBZa3GUZVNHKiuAcjKMkpobaH6S4n-ENeZs3r-bHqA?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="534" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX4JtPrnWOWs3v6yDFWRRnx6tjtaIxJ7QwjYgPIGzbJazUgNxBjGUI_SfU45fIMHYTDbnoKrU3St4o-bmMoi4IhfO-h0Yk9r4isA4VSi1u2upqqLirAZvwZC6lU7svKvsGUG1tbtcf1hw/s800/010%2520Quiver%2520Tree%2520Forest_057%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG" width="800" /></a><br />
Rock Dassie or Hyrax. I'm sure I read somewhere that, in evolutionary terms, this creature is the Elephant's closest relative but, I'm not going to stick my neck out and say it is so ...<br />
<br />
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/3dEA2Q3RSvYq96LF6FfK_JobaH6S4n-ENeZs3r-bHqA?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="768" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-DVMiWUCt-X0/UPkhJDg86XI/AAAAAAAATxY/KQk92kGX2pM/s800/011%2520Quiver%2520Tree%2520Forest_076%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG" width="518" /></a><br />
Sociable Weavers’ Nest in Quiver Tree at Sunset. notice the lovely flat rocks on the ground - there was one rock more than 6 meters long but sadly, none were for sale.</center><br />
<br />
My apologies for being so scarce on Blogylon, the truth is that I haven't had much enthusiasm for anything.<br />
<br />
I'm returning home next week and not looking forward to facing an empty house but, I have much work to do.<br />
<br />
Thank you all for your messages of condolence, support and wisdom, I appreciate them all - it is true that a burden shared is easier to bear.<br />
<br />
Please take care of yourselves and each other - I'll see you after awhile.<br />
<br />
.OneStonedCrowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00500359406575114699noreply@blogger.com24tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3772078074457885561.post-87303800404617272792012-12-15T20:00:00.000+02:002012-12-15T20:00:03.758+02:00Goodbye Stoffel Dear Friend<center><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/wUo-klxIJObEqUGlQCklZJobaH6S4n-ENeZs3r-bHqA?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="661" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-9h_w0noxC7k/UMwfvgZIgYI/AAAAAAAATuo/H0SiBOybPqY/s800/001%2520Graham%2520%2526%2520Stoffel_032%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG" width="800" /></a></center>October and November have been the darkest days of my life - my beloved friend <a href="http://onestonedcrow.blogspot.com/2009/08/soul-sister.html"><span style="color: lime;">Stoffel</span></a> is dead.<br />
<br />
Stoffel was almost 25 years old, ancient for a Vervet Monkey which, in the wild, has a lifespan of about 9 to 14 years. <br />
<br />
I had long been expecting her passing and tried to mentally prepare myself for this eventually - nothing could ready me for the circumstances and the reality of her death - I am devastated.<br />
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<br />
<center><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/iAqDPrceRV4xZil2zT6scZobaH6S4n-ENeZs3r-bHqA?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="768" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-5nCDHtitE_k/UMwfnczBz-I/AAAAAAAATuA/bvvsj40JBx8/s800/002%2520Stoffel_046%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG" width="656" /></a></center>Stoffel had always been very healthy and the only times that she was ill was usually with Diarrhoea, caused by the strange things she sometimes ate.<br />
<br />
About two weeks after I returned home she suffered from Kidney failure - I had noticed that she was moving with difficulty and becoming incontinent, peeing wherever she was sitting, which was unusual because she was always very clean and hated being grimy or sticky. <br />
<br />
One Saturday morning she stopped eating, refusing all food and liquids. She was obviously in pain because she was sitting and lying hunched-up in an unusual position. <br />
<br />
I was unable to determine exactly where she was hurting but the signs were that internal organs were shutting-down. The weather was extremely hot and that afternoon, using a small feeding bottle, I started regularly forcing a solution into her mouth because she was dehydrating. I instinctively realised that her end was approaching.<br />
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Her illness was age-related and there was not much that could be done - in the oppressive heat I was loath to stress her out by driving 200 km to a Vet familiar with treating Primates. I hoped that she would just pass peacefully but, it was not to be.<br />
<br />
By Tuesday she had perked-up a little and, though still refusing any food, she started drinking copious amounts of water on her own. <br />
<br />
Disaster struck on Wednesday afternoon when she fell and, probably as a result of Osteoporosis, broke her spine - I found her lying paralysed on the floor like a rag doll. She was trying to drag herself along with her one remaining functional limb, her right arm.<br />
<br />
I contacted Axel, the Vet who, so many years ago, had saved her life after her electrical accident. I asked him how long she could survive in her present condition. He did not answer my question and instead replied that my only consideration should be to 'be fair to Stoffel'.<br />
<br />
<br />
<center><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/pKtdrCjJfsJ7R0LXCqMZmpobaH6S4n-ENeZs3r-bHqA?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="791" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-FTycersuyXg/UMwflgFYwYI/AAAAAAAATt4/FMzfTxm2iQo/s800/003%2520Stoffel_015_1%2520%2528Large%2529.jpg" width="800" /></a></center>That evening I placed Stoffel next to me on the bed where she squirmed around restlessly, unable to come to terms with the loss of her legs. <br />
<br />
My Soul was in turmoil - I was living a Nightmare, facing the most difficult decision of my life.<br />
<br />
I don't often consciously Pray but, that night, I prayed for one thing only - Wisdom.<br />
<br />
My waking awareness the next morning was crystal-clear, I Knew what my duty was, what I had to do. <br />
<br />
Stoffel was lying tucked-up against my side - she was lying still, exhausted and in pain, she had given-up on trying to move. The bedsheets were wet beneath us.<br />
<br />
I placed Stoffel on a duvet on the floor, facing the rising Sun and contacted the local Vet - I begged her to come to my house. She must have recognised my anguish and agreed to my request but due to other commitments, could only come late in the afternoon.<br />
<br />
I sat with Stoffel throughout the day, feeding her an electrolyte solution, grooming her, talking, singing and weeping over her, desperate to convey my Love. <br />
<br />
Stoffel had always been a pretty creature but that day, as she lay on her tummy staring at her hand, slowly opening and closing her fingers, she radiated a serenity such as I had not seen before - she had never looked more beautiful.<br />
<br />
The Vet arrived shortly before Sunset. <br />
<br />
I buried Stoffel in the Fern Garden in front of one of her favourite windows, together with her Brush, her only worldly possession.<br />
<br />
<br />
<center><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/9ZDIrc4vipZQMBe6PlM8PZobaH6S4n-ENeZs3r-bHqA?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="768" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-rb-LJw4IT9Q/UMwfxAxSf7I/AAAAAAAATuw/OGKVuUWPhu4/s800/004%2520Stoffel_460%2520%2528Large%2529.jpg" width="509" /></a></center>Stoffel's death left me an emotional wreck, my Spirit has been ripped apart and the days following were the most intensely difficult of my entire life - I replayed the events leading up to her death over and over in my head, searching for sticks to beat myself with - was there anything I should or could have done differently? <br />
<br />
I saw Stoffel everywhere in her favourite spots and was unable to release her Spirit - "Go Dear Stoffel" I kept saying, "you're Free now, go play" - and each time I would call her back, I could not let go.<br />
<br />
I lay naked and quivering like a new-born babe before the Universe, screaming for relief - but the Universe is impartial, indifferent to my pain ... there are no Chosen Ones. <br />
<br />
I've realized that my tears are not for Stoffel, she enjoyed a long and healthy life.<br />
<br />
My tears are for me - I must live with the inescapable Truth that I, the person she loved and trusted most, ended her life. <br />
<br />
Why was I placed in a position where I was forced to take such an awful decision? It seems so unfair.<br />
<br />
In anger my mind dwelled much on the God of Abraham, a jealous God who requires Blood Sacrifice as appeasement; a God Omnipotent yet so insecure that He commanded a mere Mortal to slaughter his child in order to prove his love and obedience? - this is not my God - such a malicious Entity was conceived and exists only in the diabolical mind of Man.<br />
<br />
I'd always considered it my Sacred, or Cosmic, duty to protect and care for Stoffel, a feeling amplified after the electrical accident in which she lost her left arm and tail. I believe that, in my imperfect way, I discharged that Duty - right until the bitter end.<br />
<br />
Everyone I've spoken to, including Doctors and Vets, have assured me that the decision I took was the correct one - but still it hurts ... so badly. <br />
<br />
How much worse would her suffering have been had I not been there when she fell ill? Could I have felt even worse than I do now had I not been with her at the end? <br />
<br />
Perhaps, in a twisted kind of way, the Universe <i>was</i> merciful ...<br />
<br />
<br />
<center><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/dL9r46N0TLlwWM7OS0i_xZobaH6S4n-ENeZs3r-bHqA?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="553" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-JxexRon_7Fw/UMwfy-Ea8mI/AAAAAAAATu4/BaS7AC10EPo/s800/005%25201989%2520stoffel2%2520%2528Large%2529.jpg" width="800" /></a></center>Stoffel was never trained to do any 'tricks', she was not regarded as a Pet, she was an integral member of the family - she grew up with my kids and their friends, playing and fighting with them. She was the Little Sister with special needs. <br />
<br />
We were her troop, the only family she knew - she was a defining influence and, life decisions were taken with Stoffel's welfare a priority.<br />
<br />
When she was a babe, at night she wore new-born baby daipers with a hole in them for her tail, to prevent her from soiling the bed. In the mornings I would wash and dry her bum, just like a baby.<br />
<br />
Her body was shaped much like that of a human and, after she lost her tail, this similarity became even more pronounced - she had long slender fingers and toes, with fingerprints, like us.<br />
<br />
I was the Alpha Male in her life, the Troop Leader - the only person she ever deferred to.<br />
<br />
Stoffel was no Angel - she had a quick and vicious temper and never hesitated to defend her perceived position as No 2 in the troop hierarchy. I was eventually obliged to ask Axel to remove her razor-sharp incisors because her bites were becoming dangerous.<br />
<br />
She was mischievous and caused much property damage during her lifetime. Things like superglue and chewing gum were banned from the house - if she bit into a tube of glue it could have had disastrous consequences. Chewing gum was outlawed after she got hold of a piece and, while I was having a nap, she came and lay down against my neck and spat the gum out on my pillow ... when I awoke I had to cut a large chunk out of my hair.<br />
<br />
In her later years Stoffel mellowed-out considerably. Though ever quick-tempered she did not bite as readily as she did when she was younger ... she never lost her jealousy though and always became highly agitated if anyone approached me, especially females.<br />
<br />
She was madame of the House which was, in fact, built around her - I often had to confine her to one section while I worked on another.<br />
<br />
My only regret about Stoffel's life is that she was not able to fulfil her true purpose and become a Mother - I would not allow her to mate as this would have meant more Monkeys in captivity. <br />
<br />
<br />
<center><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/Dyo77aMHGsrVXGaf47wz4JobaH6S4n-ENeZs3r-bHqA?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="768" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-BIE8BRPY3JM/UMwfuMIvaiI/AAAAAAAATug/zdvEqg4krDU/s800/006%2520Stoffel_162%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG" width="613" /></a></center>Although she shared her Wild attributes with the two other Fur People outside, Tumbili and Lucky, she was also very different - a step ahead of them. <br />
<br />
It's difficult for me to adequately describe the magical bond which existed between us without the risk of being thought weird.<br />
<br />
We met and interacted in a unique place that was between Human and Monkey.<br />
<br />
She was my real Imaginary Friend, a furry visitor from a Parallel Dimension- we experienced Love free from the demands of ego or hope of reward.<br />
<br />
<br />
<center><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/3JfR7EEBcWVsrILxtPXA05obaH6S4n-ENeZs3r-bHqA?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="768" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-grObGjiaQT0/UMwfsvz2F6I/AAAAAAAATuY/sIzGAjcy1uI/s800/007a%2520Stoffel_139%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG" width="660" /></a></center>I've had a hard time dealing with the loss of Stoffel and I hope that writing this difficult post will be cathartic - that I can move on.<br />
<br />
It was a Blessing and a privilege to know and take care of her, the experience has shaped the way I think and who I am - She is in my Identity.<br />
<br />
<center>All things must pass.</center><br />
<br />
<center><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/Zv_wpv_D8AMXvqrJM9S7jpobaH6S4n-ENeZs3r-bHqA?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="768" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJbns4Bi5llcAi3etkIfENWbYI9yrhFj4iymwCy4toU1H-E8pTT-JVeFJ1RRWQRtxhV64izYEsgiqwWPgqN52qSgq19FcRtSjtNtJJhr6d8c69oq2Hardy-dYBVGi-EhQu_yVFSBfpmo8/s800/008%2520%2520Graham%2520%2526%2520Stoffel_006a%2520%2528Large%2529.jpg" width="680" /></a><br />
Goodbye dear Stoffel, we were good Buddies - we were Love</center><br />
<br />
<center><iframe allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/MzpShIhvrjU?rel=0" width="420"></iframe></center><br />
<br />
<center><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/m4FkyJ6hi2Y7KbTOsNM4k5obaH6S4n-ENeZs3r-bHqA?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="538" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhVawym8S3Hcq7zIIEV4MquiJIjaD9-TFodXnhZ1gQVtr1AIGROqw1gZ6BpAnGdehyphenhyphenSLqAqb0H9OxXeF6eJme3qPnLDNsPrej0HZBoiDA65pxvNbXkuNN-HcxdMBPGVDZhyD9D-MB0H9Q/s800/009%2520Stoffel_055a%2520%2528Large%2529.jpg" width="800" /></a><br />
Go now Little Sister, you're Free, go play.</center><br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #444444;">.</span><br />
OneStonedCrowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00500359406575114699noreply@blogger.com37tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3772078074457885561.post-74022883845660135722012-09-30T08:00:00.000+02:002012-09-30T10:18:04.125+02:00Over And Out<span style="font-size: small;"><b><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">A few images I've been unable to squeeze into a post:</span></b></span><br />
<br />
<center><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/2BUNW5I7qqBf2_7jJGZt65obaH6S4n-ENeZs3r-bHqA?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="781" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-vu9Dt1LSetU/UGa7sIlVqqI/AAAAAAAATsI/h_qVw573e4o/s800/001%2520IMG_2617%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG" width="800" /></a><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><b><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">A Quiver Tree with it's head in the clouds.</span></b></span><br />
<br />
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/FQxPWsbG0g4DWq5SJfSakJobaH6S4n-ENeZs3r-bHqA?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="768" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-y3nE3My3PnU/UGa71Onw5DI/AAAAAAAATsg/HGaoty3UUHA/s800/002%2520IMG_4598%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG" width="635" /></a><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><b><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Southern Rock Agama - Males have a white stripe on the back during the breeding season.</span></b></span><br />
<br />
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/w2MOzkkH2ZTfsfxv_pAEyZobaH6S4n-ENeZs3r-bHqA?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="535" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC_IeUnHJJB-VAFUd-mVpRTs4KoBMH_US5UdTL8V4BmV9TuZe5mCMPURe8oo7VLB33eitXjmKRS6DGeo-8mmiIfKTeP8qxm9LHAZUSoLPFExOBi6v4DZKLTxBxhYPzydNxf5HbFuVN0K4/s800/003%2520IMG_4601abc%2520%2528Large%2529.jpg" width="800" /></a><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><b><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">A blow-up of the hind quarters of the Agama.</span></b></span><br />
<br />
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/4SbMDGynVI9bq2EShaeCV5obaH6S4n-ENeZs3r-bHqA?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="520" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Ppkcce8QQYY/UGa7_FssxGI/AAAAAAAATtA/5hYXepKmH_M/s800/004%2520IMG_7265%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG" width="800" /></a><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><b><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">A bareback Horseman on the road.</span></b></span><br />
<br />
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/SwoIrZuqufv1hMJY0vjyHJobaH6S4n-ENeZs3r-bHqA?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="530" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-n3Saqog0D4Y/UGa7yFerBhI/AAAAAAAATsY/Ljrul4FUyEk/s800/005%2520IMG_3580%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG" width="800" /></a><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><b><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Sociable Weavers' Nest.</span></b></span><br />
<br />
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/cJsD2zpTBdGq5WE5DSN1p5obaH6S4n-ENeZs3r-bHqA?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="534" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Fy3HFlS1Y4M/UGa7nH84zcI/AAAAAAAATr4/hFVxaYpE9-o/s800/006%2520Sociable%2520Weavers%2527%2520Nest_121%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG" width="800" /></a><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><b><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">The underside of a Sociable Weavers' nest.</span></b></span><br />
<br />
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/Yv9xglDN8q1PO9vnh-Mk0JobaH6S4n-ENeZs3r-bHqA?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="534" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-mFnxNq9x6Zw/UGa7vejv8XI/AAAAAAAATsQ/BFmlZKNcVw0/s800/007%2520Jagerhof_002%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG" width="800" /></a><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><b><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">A dead car with a cactus growing from it's nose serves as a Farm-entrance marker.</span></b></span><br />
<br />
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/bKsYuGikrq4oPZ5_jMlv05obaH6S4n-ENeZs3r-bHqA?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="522" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-Gm9VJ1HxjRQ/UGa73ZqU2VI/AAAAAAAATso/dS-ehWkUzIA/s800/008%2520IMG_4668%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG" width="800" /></a><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><b><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">An Angulate Tortoise - this species is endemic to Southern Africa and occurs in the Southwestern areas of South Africa and a few kilometres into Southern Namibia.</span></b></span></center><center><br />
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/pJMOhVd59nKkBbBYCCyDkJobaH6S4n-ENeZs3r-bHqA?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="551" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-bWyPVWAtLmw/UGa75nbVJSI/AAAAAAAATsw/H4HBh1wSmfE/s800/009%2520IMG_4679%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG" width="800" /></a><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><b><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Another view of the Angulate Tortoise - the delicate bottom scales make it look like it's wearing a skirt.</span></b></span><br />
<br />
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/2kA7v987TULHiZs7JWzfBZobaH6S4n-ENeZs3r-bHqA?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="534" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-lBt2ugiFeeM/UGa7o-0lccI/AAAAAAAATsA/AMWSMbEfLM0/s800/010%2520Mutt%2527s%2520Whiskers_002%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG" width="800" /></a><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><b><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">The Cat's Whiskers.<br />
<br />
I allowed Mutt (the cat) into the house and left him with Stoffel grooming him on a desk - when I looked again Stoffel had chewed all his whiskers off.</span> <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
<br />
Whiskerless Mutt looks even dumber than normal but it doesn't seem to affect him adversely - it was not the first time Stoffel had chewed his whiskers off - they've grown back again.</span> </b></span><br />
</center><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><b><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">My apologies for not visiting your Blogs lately - I've had to deal with a death in the Family and also my broadband connection was down for a few days.</span></b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><b><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</span></b></span> <span style="font-size: small;"><b><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Tomorrow I'm going home to cyber exile again, until the beginning of December, (goodness! how time flies, it's almost New Year again) - October/November are the hottest months in Namibia but, with the weather going haywire all over the World, who knows what it will be like.</span></b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><b><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</span></b></span> <span style="font-size: small;"><b><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I wish you all good health and happiness.</span></b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><b><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</span></b></span> <span style="font-size: small;"><b><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Until we meet again.</span></b></span><br />
<br />
<center><iframe allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/6DqMl0shEtw" width="420"></iframe></center><br />
<span style="background-color: #444444;">.<span><span style="background-color: black;"></span></span> </span>OneStonedCrowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00500359406575114699noreply@blogger.com30Namibia-22.95764 18.49041-30.4305105 8.382988000000001 -15.484769500000002 28.597832tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3772078074457885561.post-190004705437705432012-09-16T08:10:00.002+02:002012-09-16T13:05:59.964+02:00Cairns - Kilroy Was Here<center><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/i-AcCSrHYW-9_cBFS0tG-5obaH6S4n-ENeZs3r-bHqA?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9gCpWjD9rR3yC73sr95Uikp9p2OUdyOTqJ5kDIT7jbWI0Go93tEaVRZcif3ArPp3wI35Q5QbJq0vmb-WQOsu9ajtz6-OOM-7uoBYBRoJ_43ww0XzxeuikNQiPaMPBvuhskIhhI9JQ2eI/s800/001%2520Cairns_042%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG" height="534" width="800" /></a><br /><b><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:85%;">Over the last ten years I've noticed small rock Cairns popping up all over Namibia, especially in the desert areas - on the verges of remote gravel roads and at popular Tourist spots.</span></b><br /><br /><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/7fbC_cL__kzASJiCiQpA7JobaH6S4n-ENeZs3r-bHqA?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-h9zfKS7G4Ds/UFL9ImlRmdI/AAAAAAAATqA/O_ugITHeqC0/s800/002%2520Cairns_011%2520%2528Large%2529.jpg" height="534" width="800" /></a><br /><b><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:85%;">It seems that they're mostly built by Visitors intent on leaving a little bit of themselves in the Desert. </span></b><br /><br /><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/nkY0awxG_GtONUn7TYatN5obaH6S4n-ENeZs3r-bHqA?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-1sCL7JzgXCg/UFL9R5puxtI/AAAAAAAATqY/UL_KnMwn1jM/s800/006%2520Cairns_024%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG" height="534" width="800" /></a><br /><b><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:85%;">Some people may say that they spoil the landscape but personally, up to now, I don't find them to be an eyesore - I enjoy the surprise of finding them.</span></b><br /><br /><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/PQhTBDw-wHJ59wNgDInO8ZobaH6S4n-ENeZs3r-bHqA?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-fHzPWK8IJGM/UFL9ME3kR8I/AAAAAAAATqI/zsElFPVygFM/s800/003%2520Cairns_015%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG" height="534" width="800" /></a><br /><b><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:85%;">A large Cairn built near the uncompleted house mentioned in <a href="http://onestonedcrow.blogspot.com/2012/04/desert-structures-in-rock-and-glass.html">this post</a>.<br /></span></b><br /><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/z6XpO15g95UVFOA8-tE8XZobaH6S4n-ENeZs3r-bHqA?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Dmj9GE_NKeo/UFL9WNuUqEI/AAAAAAAATqo/wuxJsEFDIdk/s800/005%2520Cairns_051%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG" height="534" width="800" /></a><br /><b><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:85%;">Some structures are quite creative, like this one on the edge of the Fish River Canyon.<br /><br />They do serve their purpose because I often stop and wonder about the Unknown Travellers who built them - come to think of it, I've never seen anyone actually building a Cairn ... maybe ...</span></b><br /><br /><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/kM0WCJjfbbr5w2NgP5FwD5obaH6S4n-ENeZs3r-bHqA?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-o1jOnTk8JWc/UFL9ZSPs4bI/AAAAAAAATqw/SM1moBPmdLo/s800/004%2520Cairns_070%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG" height="534" width="800" /></a><br /><b><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:85%;">The sides of a hill near the Ai-Ais Hot Springs are covered with about fifty small Cairns, painted white.<br /><br />I'd love to know the story behind them because their construction was obviously a concerted effort by a large group of people.</span></b><br /><br /><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/unEWXDKnkPtWoy3diqqJE5obaH6S4n-ENeZs3r-bHqA?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-dJZKn19B5a0/UFL9bsf6adI/AAAAAAAATq4/5NdbKJKBZeU/s800/008%2520Cairns_078%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG" height="534" width="800" /></a><br /><b><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:85%;">Star Wars Cairns</span></b><br /><br /><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/n4--LpbWylQrzF4d2way_ZobaH6S4n-ENeZs3r-bHqA?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-yGlsE1ZXHn4/UFL9fac_blI/AAAAAAAATrI/94QzPTt2Iy0/s800/009%2520Cairns_096%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG" height="534" width="800" /></a><br /><b><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:85%;">I often feel the urge to build a small Cairn but, I haven't found the 'Right Spot' yet - I guess I could argue that I have already built one and that I'm living in it ... :)</span></b><br /><br /><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/QiwZJwNp68_S6_odskNw3pobaH6S4n-ENeZs3r-bHqA?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt5jB2RbhJN6gaaiJm6Hj7IE1gdXHVMd0XEL7rSbZdyH1uYL-wp_vgKRGB_esNHXF4tPSKVzIblTuBBGxIGyZV_47yd1AgrDQPqc2m3kg1wbeHy2juWcHEVK5mOxsT6FqoW7PYgAmhLL0/s800/007%2520Cairns_089%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG" height="534" width="800" /></a><br /><b><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:85%;">This gigantic Cairn was built by some creative Road Builder during the construction of the Aus - Rosh Pinah road a few years ago.</span><br /></b><br /><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/jt8gIz-DzfMTGCauEhXf0pobaH6S4n-ENeZs3r-bHqA?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUhMYF0TrjcQMs4d2uDKMYVw6dNGU_DBKkzIjuyrzxbi2WzSw4l9WHDQAv7F-HUpKizB5IQJx6STTuOth_4N0y0UkcaO23LWRBqn9aXgTTJFRVuyC0MZcDnwcYntuFMe_Hmw7Q49Ltn6g/s800/010%2520Cairns_021%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG" height="534" width="800" /></a><br /><b><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:85%;">A finely-balanced Cairn - one of my favourites.</span></b></center><br /><br /><span style="color:#333333;">.</span>OneStonedCrowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00500359406575114699noreply@blogger.com19tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3772078074457885561.post-84587416971593376382012-09-09T08:00:00.009+02:002012-09-09T08:16:39.236+02:00Rhino and Hyaena<b><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:85%;">More pics from a trip to Etosha:</span></b><br /><br /><center><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/U8XWfOj6bXGVI8ikvDki9pobaH6S4n-ENeZs3r-bHqA?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-bQwhbcBV0yM/UEi4m_JTDtI/AAAAAAAATn4/YyqR2Puzm_Y/s800/014%2520IMG_2976a%2520%2528Large%2529.jpg" height="525" width="800" /></a><br /><b><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:85%;">Two Zebra sparring - Spring is in the Air! </span></b><br /><br /><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/ZvBFnNnEdhj2roWTahJPjpobaH6S4n-ENeZs3r-bHqA?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-EmwJf2uIaGc/UEi4oTk9UMI/AAAAAAAAToA/i6wDE_2-cCM/s800/015%2520IMG_3111%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG" height="495" width="800" /></a><br /><b><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:85%;">These two Gnu were locked in mock-battle - we stopped to watch them ...</span></b><br /><br /><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/nYgx8B9kq2vI7aF4gp_DdZobaH6S4n-ENeZs3r-bHqA?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-v5uAX6xvoDk/UEi4_akkmpI/AAAAAAAATpA/IoR1mn7Wla8/s800/016%2520IMG_3115%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG" height="516" width="800" /></a><br /><b><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:85%;">... after about a minute, as if on cue, they both paused and turned to stare at us ...<br /><br />Gnu are You?</span></b><br /><br /><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/NnLxyZHX7dcOS-g20THunZobaH6S4n-ENeZs3r-bHqA?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-1_x8EiyKqgw/UEi4rQZbOQI/AAAAAAAAToI/bJok_Kh0OS8/s800/017%2520IMG_3125%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG" height="513" width="800" /></a><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"><b><span style="font-size:85%;">It was a chilly morning and the wind was blowing hard ... we didn't expect to see much.<br /><br />Suddenly, a young male Spotted Hyaena lying in the grass just off the road ...</span></b></span><br /><br /><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/pVAogFS2M2YMfWEU-7xuR5obaH6S4n-ENeZs3r-bHqA?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-MOessUrRjsU/UEi5CvECJjI/AAAAAAAATpI/0wMEWF5O5uc/s800/018%2520IMG_3151a%2520%2528Large%2529.jpg" height="530" width="800" /></a><br /><b><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:85%;">... and a Rhino appeared from across the open plain.</span></b><br /><br /><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/-XmQ_VocPUjaSluIxDeMEZobaH6S4n-ENeZs3r-bHqA?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-CDXaoXLS3Vo/UEi4uTE49YI/AAAAAAAAToQ/TMeJw6X6cgQ/s800/019%2520IMG_3177a%2520%2528Large%2529.jpg" height="519" width="800" /></a><br /><b><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:85%;">The Rhino stopped to graze on some bushes and also mark his territory.</span></b><br /><br /><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/zRiNK1wnnrn6IffL6F6OiJobaH6S4n-ENeZs3r-bHqA?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-hyAawrY51Sg/UEi4wsoWa-I/AAAAAAAAToY/7CCeCW9cK6o/s800/020%2520IMG_3195%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG" height="502" width="800" /></a><br /><b><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:85%;">Hyaena started following the Rhino ...<br /><br />... it was then that we spotted the pride of Lion in the distance to the left and on either side of the central tree - it was likely a kill ...<br /><br />the Lion were watching the Rhino.</span></b><br /><br /><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/wSvfWnqjVPEP7hHiR0oGc5obaH6S4n-ENeZs3r-bHqA?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-y3bUKKk_Hpc/UEi5FMkDExI/AAAAAAAATpQ/V5IUajEXs5A/s800/021%2520IMG_3201a%2520%2528Large%2529.jpg" height="518" width="800" /></a><br /><b><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:85%;">Rhino became irritated and started chasing the Hyaena ... it was not a serious charge and soon ended.<br /></span></b><br /><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/14UI75g00FVv-p617DjSvpobaH6S4n-ENeZs3r-bHqA?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjydACLDXWbiJ703QHd2pjzAOd1RO88WRseNeaAyNSTXKJhzXcZ9BeBm6nGvFy-RBBlckW_XVs-C9Fe_KxAAOwyutHqf_nX-W6uS_JERspR_h2mxRA7rQnuan0Pw9YD6c1QKrI_32f-pl0/s800/022%2520IMG_3220%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG" height="534" width="800" /></a><br /><b><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:85%;">The Hyaena slunk away and went to lie down in the grass again.</span></b><br /><br /><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/APZ1HH323Siy_4IiG8Is-pobaH6S4n-ENeZs3r-bHqA?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYk5aJz_KYDzBuOi31wZ9jNPMIQhyaDZiOctkD64EZY_gM10sYTOkDERVXjUTnAUOyAXyYJNvJvQPZ1p81tYmeK_1ZgB57GdB-zhv5HqZRLwscLK-muylF8jJQ2RlSusTCarhslrEWHSo/s800/023%2520IMG_3237a%2520%2528Large%2529.jpg" height="541" width="800" /></a><br /><b><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:85%;">A few minutes later we encountered another young male heading in the direction of the Lion.<br /><br />He took fright at the car, turned around and came charging back across the road.<br /><br />Hyaena have a really strange gait, their hind legs appear weak.<br /></span></b><br /><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/8eYBzbdasvV7zswAAWK-GZobaH6S4n-ENeZs3r-bHqA?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-jdHW4fhqRtk/UEi46ZiFv8I/AAAAAAAATow/wq3t5SWguPE/s800/024%2520IMG_3241a%2520%2528Large%2529.jpg" height="535" width="800" /></a><br /><b><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:85%;">I was really chuffed about the Spotted Hyaena because I'd never seen them before ...<br /><br />... not bad for a day when we expected to see nothing at all.<br /><br />Blog buddy Joan, at SA Photographs, recently did an informative post on these fascinating creatures - check it out <a href="http://saphotographs.blogspot.com/2012/08/spotted-hyaenahyena-crocuta-crocta.html">here</a>.</span></b></center><br /><span style="color:#333333;">.</span>OneStonedCrowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00500359406575114699noreply@blogger.com26tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3772078074457885561.post-78202629032147562852012-09-02T08:00:00.007+02:002012-09-02T11:23:51.249+02:00A Jumbo Day In Etosha<b><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:85%;">I spent two days in Etosha with buddy Stretch - we traveled in his new second-hand Mini-bus Camper which has a cool hatch in the roof, great for Game viewing and photos:</span></b><br /><br /><center><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/f4kAJTClCNNhROE8CymOS5obaH6S4n-ENeZs3r-bHqA?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-59nTz1FNM-c/UEHZFoH5pEI/AAAAAAAATlY/ayBvh9w3R4I/s800/001%2520IMG_2696%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG" height="532" width="800" /></a><br /><b><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:85%;">Hand-crafted curios for sale just inside the Namutoni entrance gate.<br /><br />I was disturbed to also see carved wooden Porcupines covered with real quills - saddened because I know that the animals the quills came from were probably caught in snares and died a torturous death.</span></b><br /><br /><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/qv7BTUcymfRS0xgLjTMzApobaH6S4n-ENeZs3r-bHqA?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLWTNw8Wt_ezs0ysFrayBd31qeSqxvA245wN9rYj1I97hlmdgtFiw1hOH-FxAUvTrA2VK-Scl3jP7Hu4gPOUgczMG9-hLTVOQx2ZcvKXJxEdOINATygw5F_kUbxx506BZDz0YQeFqvf-U/s800/002%2520IMG_2758%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG" height="513" width="800" /></a><br /><b><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:85%;">We saw many groups of Elephant on day One - the first being these two bulls ambling along the road.<br /><br />Strangely, on the Second day, a chilly wind was blowing and we didn't see one Jumbo.</span></b><br /><br /><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/vgdd3VjOVr_W5IWlbXTyapobaH6S4n-ENeZs3r-bHqA?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjygX1LeV9-3uVgvTwz62pTxY14QI7V7UqlmSlGo6LObwg-UdHjldwvWlqneh_yogTdRbaK9nDdTW7UWoDeIEa3CX16Fp8iDtNdoFcOCXW0umQCgB-aKRhw7Gh6qf-tGV7y12YWvGfaAWk/s800/003%2520IMG_2724%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG" height="534" width="800" /></a><br /><b><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:85%;">Something I've heard about but never seen - people getting out of their cars and walking around at waterholes - despite being given a list of 'Dos and Don'ts' upon entering the Pans and signs at almost every waterhole saying 'Stay In Your Car'.<br /><br />In one day we came upon four separate groups walking around at waterholes and Stretch, being bolder than me, minced no words when ordering them back into their cars.<br /><br />For my part, on these occasions, I was disappointed at not getting pics of a Lion Feast ... :)</span></b><br /><br /><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/v9GBgYSQM7Z1m_Ly1Yar55obaH6S4n-ENeZs3r-bHqA?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-tmDZAHav-5I/UEHavFfyZWI/AAAAAAAATmA/oZ3zJLNtbQQ/s800/004%2520IMG_2833%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG" height="501" width="800" /></a><br /><b><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:85%;">We encountered two separate pairs of Lion mating.</span></b><br /><br /><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/-imIrW2EWJ9-s1BmZ5o39ZobaH6S4n-ENeZs3r-bHqA?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-3zi4DCLE_kY/UEH4u5o5WLI/AAAAAAAATng/AoO1AY99_To/s800/004a%2520IMG_2798ab%2520%2528Large%2529.jpg" height="508" width="800" /></a><br /><b><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:85%;">A Bus-load of Tourists jostle to get a view of the Big Cats doing the Deed.</span></b><br /><br /><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/AV5pZbb5N4N2YCloNY1GxZobaH6S4n-ENeZs3r-bHqA?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ez5ooKME0H4/UEHbFidzBVI/AAAAAAAATmQ/zaAKkCQOa1E/s800/005%2520IMG_2867%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG" height="534" width="800" /></a><br /><b><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:85%;">An Elephant drinking at a waterhole - he surprised us by sticking his trunk through a hole in the ground to get to the water under the ledge ... considering the water level, this shows how long his trunk is.</span></b><br /><br /><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/ehwGJgmfE8ueET7liHeLVpobaH6S4n-ENeZs3r-bHqA?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi1Oo7YT3Ji1nwfhc0yRkgKRi_VYBmOIgL3moA9CW4x2aQF4rb7rFOP-9m-cUkjeL8j5v5ulK0j0tJ6CjkTOWbu9Dw_OoY2ha_1g5dk-6XoC0nIO60mQtyUWMv2jUood-ghngoWL_qjLs/s800/006%2520IMG_2721a%2520%2528Large%2529.jpg" height="510" width="800" /></a><br /><b><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:85%;">A Kori Bustard takes off - these heavy birds don't fly very far, just enough to get out of danger.</span></b><br /><br /><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/vb7x1izxvR_G7Mwyt5lCjpobaH6S4n-ENeZs3r-bHqA?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-es2Q1bWSNLc/UEHcNRZfLFI/AAAAAAAATmY/t5X1ZbHda68/s800/007%2520IMG_2903%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG" height="520" width="800" /></a><br /><b><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:85%;">Black and White.</span></b><br /><br /><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/mF0XGba1r3eIYM8qulZPGJobaH6S4n-ENeZs3r-bHqA?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-IcJtMYhoNh4/UEHZ68cCn0I/AAAAAAAATl4/W1eRX02AOyU/s800/008%2520IMG_2815%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG" height="534" width="800" /></a><br /><b><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:85%;">Young Black-faced Impala drink at a waterhole.</span></b><br /><br /><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/87oQXS5gbxCy9SxzTMH5DpobaH6S4n-ENeZs3r-bHqA?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga_wNwPDyK5yqz5p_x2HYe52ZgsLrClYTfjfn3EHhOYYXX1k3YF9GB7cxoXUuB5r_rJrehKyIyls5TNRYMZdRv5bO9aTRdagWqRLdZNqCq9ngRbsWjYolv5WrXo68Ixumh-OLuZ8uJam8/s800/009%2520IMG_2944%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG" height="528" width="800" /></a><br /><b><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:85%;">Close-up of an Elephant drinking.<br /><br />Etosha's Elephants are the largest in Africa but they have the smallest tusks.<br /><br />Notice how small and worn his tusk is - due to a mineral deficiency in their diet.</span></b><br /><br /><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/rHTYhEN8n5AqKTh-0JQDT5obaH6S4n-ENeZs3r-bHqA?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-mISLpYqU9lo/UEHa-KSiQ5I/AAAAAAAATmI/4sbQX3JKb3U/s800/010%2520IMG_2850%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG" height="548" width="800" /></a><br /><b><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:85%;">A Southern Pale Chanting Goshawk surveys the world from the top of a thorn tree.</span></b><br /><br /><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/VP4eKiDRuWLwTmxVrfoDVJobaH6S4n-ENeZs3r-bHqA?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSJGBN2nOSTU9bWwSN0SM15wWmvnb4VDW_u5I0U-4VhLqGuYbe2FiDhmZBobd0_D3-Egj3XxpIgW4InQArW6zN1bd2DjL-kGBtprGvSTnoLZnr4vHh7vpItENBAk0bLqsb8QrLpaauZj8/s800/011%2520IMG_3089%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG" height="534" width="800" /></a><br /><b><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:85%;">A small herd of Elephant approach a waterhole near sunset - the camp gates close precisely at sunset and sadly, it's impossible to linger at a waterhole as the sun goes down.</span></b></center><br /><span style="color:#333333;">.</span>OneStonedCrowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00500359406575114699noreply@blogger.com30tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3772078074457885561.post-72703851731724191932012-08-26T12:15:00.005+01:002012-08-27T09:22:45.091+01:00... in from the Cold.<b><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:85%;">Hello Friends - I hope you're all well.<br /><br />I'm back in the (cold) Desert - I've been on-line for a few days but, having been zapped by a bad bout of Flu, I've had no appetite for blogging, or anything else for that matter ... I just want to be warm again - I'm feeling a lot better now but still not quite Human yet ...<br /><br />Up North, I spent two days in the Etosha Pans with Stretch Moonman but only took a few pics at home:</span></b><br /><br /><center><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/ITvE7BZ0wlnuCtj_wqvs5JobaH6S4n-ENeZs3r-bHqA?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-NR4j7Ytc2oE/UDnfW4vsgZI/AAAAAAAATjs/wg6OWtjy3GY/s800/001%2520IMG_2654%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG" height="534" width="800" /></a></center><br /><b><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:85%;">It was my intention to take advantage of the cooler weather to build-up the wall above the roof of the en suite Bathroom but, I didn't get very far because other opportunities arose when I found a guy to help finish the plumbing in the new kitchen and main bathroom and also do some of the plastering there.</span></b><br /><br /><center><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/qsAvxM9DTjy5tkf4hUBTqJobaH6S4n-ENeZs3r-bHqA?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-F0PIkPOjDCw/UDnfVcw93xI/AAAAAAAATjk/5twYef30_Wk/s800/002%2520IMG_2623%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG" height="534" width="800" /></a></center><br /><b><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:85%;">I installed a solar water-heater on the en suite bathroom. The heater holds 85 litres of water - I only got to test it once as I was working on the shower floor at the same time. Although the winter sun was weak, I had a shower well after dark and the water was still hot.<br /></span></b><br /><center><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/FL00fJoJZjYE0H-iITdfvZobaH6S4n-ENeZs3r-bHqA?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-QappGQAoXoI/UDnfbetautI/AAAAAAAATkM/36M2gLK6Hag/s800/003%2520IMG_3428%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG" height="534" width="800" /></a></center><br /><b><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:85%;">A view of the new kitchen after the plumbing had been completed for a washbasin and washing machine and, the wall had been plastered.<br /><br />On the left is one of the last remaining walls (white) of the old farmhouse - my next task here is to break down this wall and continue building the new wall, including a passageway through to the house and also a pantry.<br /><br />All the work has to be done strategically because I need to ensure that Stoffel can't get out and go wandering.</span></b><br /><br /><center><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/wlDvrydF6R_UgJlTKKFPHZobaH6S4n-ENeZs3r-bHqA?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-6dr2VKTPaKM/UDnfYlSxN1I/AAAAAAAATj8/_Gx49z5PUoQ/s800/004%2520IMG_3407%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG" height="768" width="602" /></a></center><br /><b><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:85%;">Stoffel sitting at one of her favourite spots where she has a good view of what's going on outside - the marks on the window are from porridge - when she's finished her breakfast she comes to this window to bask in the morning sun and cleans her mouth by wiping it on the window. </span></b><br /><br /><center><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/axhJWXmssBX72Eilk_GfnZobaH6S4n-ENeZs3r-bHqA?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-83pTd0T_CSE/UDnfX7i3n8I/AAAAAAAATj0/aQrV37Y1GEE/s800/005%2520IMG_3368%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG" height="534" width="800" /></a></center><br /><b><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:85%;">Stoffel was not amused when I confined her to the main bedroom while we were working in the house - she showed her displeasure by shredding three rolls of toilet paper ... luckily they were a cheap, one-ply brand.</span></b><br /><br /><center><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/EKAfH_Q4IwUX_JAehw620JobaH6S4n-ENeZs3r-bHqA?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSR369dYOIF9mHWvafs0u_Y6NMlf_jBPqyfHLZatQsTcvpb2GBV2EOgBvA1eQKSR3TyQePfOoHy3qvZ6BWU0LvsIB2XaeSl_z1t2R34eKXxpb5hq0emJrifJ0CiVfkJwLAydec8DkKOYg/s800/007%2520IMG_3425%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG" height="534" width="800" /></a></center><br /><b><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:85%;">A noisy Grey Loerie eyes me from an early-blooming Acacia tree.</span></b><br /><br /><center><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/h76TvdfIK2Lcd0QO_RbHhpobaH6S4n-ENeZs3r-bHqA?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-tTRhuC3yzDA/UDnfewXzN5I/AAAAAAAATkk/Kdpps0ZLGvM/s800/008%2520IMG_3515%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG" height="534" width="800" /></a></center><br /><b><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:85%;">A hen looking for a place to nest in a rock feature.</span></b><br /><br /><center><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/hDE1Vb8WGFbbgt7NE7NmvZobaH6S4n-ENeZs3r-bHqA?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-lZOaRsGrIgA/UDnfdn_czvI/AAAAAAAATkc/yENcA1eycv0/s800/006%2520IMG_3500%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG" height="768" width="512" /></a></center><br /><b><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:85%;">Stoffel grooming my leg one evening - she doesn't like me to wear socks or shoes and always tries to take them off when I do ...<br /><br />I had to wear socks because if my feet get cold, my whole body is cold.<br /></span></b><br /><center><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/PxjIkCG2uUCC05a6fpfz55obaH6S4n-ENeZs3r-bHqA?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-5oifom2brKU/UDnfc2CAO2I/AAAAAAAATkU/Bj0AF-jvI2k/s800/009%2520IMG_3473%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG" height="768" width="512" /></a></center><br /><b><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:85%;">A winter-flowering plant in the garden - I don't know what the name of this plant is - it looks like a succulent.</span></b><br /><br /><center><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/3uhUWOoELPx0W7EeqqaYU5obaH6S4n-ENeZs3r-bHqA?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-wz9FvZdFszs/UDnfh-etTiI/AAAAAAAATks/HKF8V-qSY_U/s800/010%2520224215_277574689013130_1815191930_n.jpg" height="600" width="800" /></a></center><br /><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:78%;">(Photo Credit: Unknown)</span><br /><br /><b><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:85%;">Travelling into the Desert I had the weirdest experience - I'd taken the gravel roads past Bullsport hunting for more rocks (I bagged eight) and the further South I travelled the colder and windier it became.<br /><br />Shortly after sunset, between Maltahohe and Helmeringhausen, I pulled over to have a P and put a jacket on - when I got out of the heated cab I was struck by a cold wind such as I've never felt before ... I felt like I was in the grip of the claws of Death and after a few seconds I was doubled-up in an icy cramp - I didn't get out of the car again until I reached my destination.<br /><br />At about 21h00, when I passed Aus, the wind was still howling and it was raining - I couldn't even see the lights of the town - the next morning the ground here was covered in snow as can be seen from the above pic, which I found on-line.<br /><br />Well, now that I've been able to put a post together, I feel better already ... thanks.</span></b><br /><br /><br /><center><iframe src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/U_dBwJDUlS4" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" width="420"></iframe></center>OneStonedCrowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00500359406575114699noreply@blogger.com38tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3772078074457885561.post-52570431196823181102012-07-01T08:00:00.007+01:002012-07-01T10:49:37.044+01:00This , That and Away<span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:85%;" ><span style="font-family: arial;">Tomorrow I'm heading North again for a few weeks to do some work on the House - I feel a sense of urgency to get as much of the heavy work done while I still enjoy relatively good health. </span><br style="font-family: arial;"><br style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-family: arial;">I'm unfit though, having pigged-out in front of computer and TV for the last month - I'm looking forward to a week of aching muscles ... :)</span><br style="font-family: arial;"><br style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Watching worldwide events unfolding on TV has reinforced my belief that Global Chaos on an unprecedented scale is not only inevitable but, looming imminent. </span><br style="font-family: arial;"><br style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-family: arial;">With this in mind, a main priority is to finance and install a Solar-Powered pump on the borehole which would guarantee an independent Water source.</span><br style="font-family: arial;"><br style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-family: arial;">On a lighter note, a few random pics which I hope you'll like:</span><br style="font-family: arial;"><br style="font-family: arial;"></span><center style="font-family: arial; font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/B6m1qJ9jhIBQBrKddJtZuJobaH6S4n-ENeZs3r-bHqA?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-O9TwVOnGydU/T-4HR0a5ZoI/AAAAAAAATiY/0wSvoQ9ZQfQ/s800/001%2520IMG_6117%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG" height="534" width="800" /></a><br />Grass like Snow.<br /><br /><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/qKGXIzR3zwBeUAtGbDkzf5obaH6S4n-ENeZs3r-bHqA?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-00p7Mkf9ziE/T-4HcS_qe4I/AAAAAAAATjA/CehhJd2_o0Y/s800/002%2520C27%2520Helmeringhausen%2520-%2520Sesriem%2520Road_123%2520%2528Large%2529.jpg" height="516" width="800" /></a><br />A touring Motorcyclist on a remote gravel road - what's interesting about this guy is that he has a camera mounted on his helmet, allowing him to take pics all the time - how cool is that?<br /><br /><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/_dXNXSyWv0DN39B8Rq-Rl5obaH6S4n-ENeZs3r-bHqA?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-NKGa2d5VhDU/T-4HKxMaEmI/AAAAAAAATiI/eWu13L5ui50/s800/003%2520IMG_0875a%2520%2528Large%2529.jpg" height="535" width="800" /></a><br />The Fur People alerted me to this Helmeted Terrapin near their cage - I was surprised to find it so far from water but, I've since heard that they're sometimes found in the most unlikely, inhospitable places.<br /><br /><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/eJb0BOd23lKpV0S5oPOO6pobaH6S4n-ENeZs3r-bHqA?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-dqrumeDThQ0/T-4HabuVYzI/AAAAAAAATi4/NzcMOAueFrI/s800/004%2520IMG_2227%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG" height="534" width="800" /></a><br />Quiver tree - </span><span style="font-style:italic;font-size:85%;" >Aloe dichotoma</span><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /><br /><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/5wu595IN344WzfrWtrgiHpobaH6S4n-ENeZs3r-bHqA?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-I1JNWaYKp4Q/T-4HWiJGWPI/AAAAAAAATio/GMUt0NXYfbU/s800/005%2520C27%2520Helmeringhausen%2520-%2520Sesriem%2520Road_271%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG" height="503" width="800" /></a><br />A bird perched on an island in a sea of grass.<br /><br /><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/U9hVrms2HUohuexWBa93SZobaH6S4n-ENeZs3r-bHqA?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZkLIozvlrtZr_N6Pl4yZqcYfMPeh0KK85G6Xs9JGh55t10aDa62owJLbZA8bEw1KtvOoeMbxwyaJWVJzmZ6022kUq6QLU32ToMLfcCRNw_iEY_1N7mqsV3QyjeMSf-gDRUXqBPOWO3Zw/s800/006%2520IMG_1517%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG" height="527" width="800" /></a><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/8_r6xiLMB7S5vPFHgp_vSpobaH6S4n-ENeZs3r-bHqA?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-QxR8KTmubX4/T-4HO9yosMI/AAAAAAAATiQ/-YlNdA_YVUo/s800/007%2520Dung%2520Beetle_029%2520%2528Large%2529.jpg" height="527" width="800" /></a><br />Two Dung Beetles vie for possession of the Ball.<br /><br /><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/dqj0e5WF4fGkI74RgIJmCJobaH6S4n-ENeZs3r-bHqA?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-GGntpczM4Lc/T-4HUo3sTMI/AAAAAAAATig/-BDJ12F1mcM/s800/008%2520IMG_6290%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG" height="534" width="800" /></a><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/OYHA4lsFiIG__5PKEevYi5obaH6S4n-ENeZs3r-bHqA?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-PB_gvC2XbEQ/T-4Hgo4jrzI/AAAAAAAATjQ/Jd4OlCe2icU/s800/009%2520D827%2520between%2520C27%2520and%2520C19_009%2520%2528Large%2529.jpg" height="516" width="800" /></a><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/OWbztZ7WBj33cRBmLr05IZobaH6S4n-ENeZs3r-bHqA?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-8tQuyDol-S0/T-4HYTuzkQI/AAAAAAAATiw/shuiiMNVJik/s800/010%2520IMG_1423a%2520%2528Large%2529.jpg" height="567" width="800" /></a><br />This pic was taken from a moving car - a Woman in the middle of nowhere, carrying her possessions on her head.<br /><br />Most rural African Women learn, from a young age, how to balance and transport sometimes unbelievably heavy loads on their heads for long distances.<br /><br />The only thing I've ever seen a Man carry on his head is a hat.</span></center><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:85%;" ><br style="font-family: arial;"><br style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-family: arial;">I have no TV at home and don't feel confident about my Internet connection - I hope to be able to post occasionally but, even at best, my time on-line will be limited.</span><br style="font-family: arial;"><br style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Keep well hey.</span></span><br /><br /><center><iframe width="420" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/MN_ojkyZzC8" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></center><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);">.</span>OneStonedCrowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00500359406575114699noreply@blogger.com29tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3772078074457885561.post-55902104492326819632012-06-24T08:00:00.006+01:002012-06-24T14:08:14.585+01:00Big Birds and a Bigger Cat<span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:85%;" ><span style="font-family:arial;">At the beginning of May I spent a few days in the </span><a style="font-family: arial;" href="http://onestonedcrow.blogspot.com/2010/04/etosha-national-park-timeless.html">Etosha Pans</a><span style="font-family:arial;">, 100km from Home:</span></span><br /><br /><center><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/ZEwoGEIFtKjJdYZCj3ajGZobaH6S4n-ENeZs3r-bHqA?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-hdAbejHozco/T-VX22vVkJI/AAAAAAAATfU/kXXLgYiTRdo/s800/001%2520Etosha%2520-%2520May%25202012_0039%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG" height="768" width="512" /></a><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:85%;" ><span style="font-family:arial;">There was not much game to be seen at this time of the year because, following a good Rain season, there was still ample water and grazing in the bush.</span><br style="font-family:arial;"><br style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-family:arial;">Often tourists are disappointed because they fly in for a few hours expecting to see every kind of animal.<br /><br />For me, the magic is in just sitting quietly at a Water Hole in the knowledge that the scene unfolding is thousands, perhaps millions, of years old.</span></span><br /><br /><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/BIoMmV7Kc52nWpgCOZDhgpobaH6S4n-ENeZs3r-bHqA?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-eHr2dUvFLAQ/T-VX4yolSlI/AAAAAAAATfc/1NRxRLFajmI/s800/002%2520Etosha%2520-%2520May%25202012_0109%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG" height="513" width="800" /></a><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:85%;" ><span style="font-family:arial;">This Elephant was drinking at the waterhole when it suddenly took fright and stomped off in a huff.</span><br style="font-family:arial;"><br style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-family:arial;">I could see no other animals around which might have alarmed it - maybe Elephants just </span><a style="font-family: arial;" href="http://onestonedcrow.blogspot.com/2010/08/charged-by-elephant-been-there-done.html">don't like me</a><span style="font-family:arial;">.</span><br style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/0A4BT70xNKe7qpDa42fmx5obaH6S4n-ENeZs3r-bHqA?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHKDoI6HKBQOHXN4CXhds-CyVJKmChfyQoxHq0pDYaXQ5CAJ0mTC5g6b-U2a-0fP9WVo4Pm8xABGHrwJ_bup2ZajsRxPm20WdY4EYngQHrUWrTd3QqHZ3NrSVZhibcSH0okPS1k7mP9kA/s800/003%2520Etosha%2520-%2520May%25202012_0119%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG" height="548" width="800" /></a><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:85%;" ><span style="font-family:arial;">King Of The Road.</span><br style="font-family:arial;"><br style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-family:arial;">I was forced to spend 15 minutes staring at this fellow's butt as he ambled along the road. </span><br style="font-family:arial;"><br style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-family:arial;">He eventually moving off into the bush when another car appeared from the front.</span><br style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/QZTV_25kfsYTo6DSOXrERpobaH6S4n-ENeZs3r-bHqA?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-CjJQW0vewY8/T-VYBJi93iI/AAAAAAAATf0/tZviVPs9L2w/s800/005%2520Etosha%2520-%2520May%25202012_0311%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG" height="530" width="800" /></a><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:85%;" ><span style="font-family:arial;">For the first time I got quite close to Marabou Storks - a gang of about thirty hanging-out at a shallow pool of water.</span><br style="font-family:arial;"><br style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-family:arial;">They're scavengers and I'd seen them before in the distance, once waiting hopefully near a Lion kill.</span><br style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/RJYFX3xFx_w0iiUgpRHREpobaH6S4n-ENeZs3r-bHqA?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-n_jE0H9Snrk/T-VX-cMKs1I/AAAAAAAATfs/bm3wDP9kTkg/s800/006%2520Etosha%2520-%2520May%25202012_0300%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG" height="521" width="800" /></a><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:85%;" ><span style="font-family:arial;">It's difficult to decide which are uglier, Vultures or Marabous.</span><br style="font-family:arial;"><br style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-family:arial;">According to </span><a style="font-family: arial;" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marabou_Stork">Wiki</a><span style="font-family:arial;"> 'Marabous eating human garbage have been seen to devour virtually anything that they can swallow, including shoes and pieces of metal.'</span></span><br /><br /><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/Xbr9zGPMaEtaFG8hhbrZOJobaH6S4n-ENeZs3r-bHqA?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-azlQrJSS9Bo/T-VYIjjI9JI/AAAAAAAATgM/xf9qX9eNhJk/s800/007%2520Etosha%2520-%2520May%25202012_0496%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG" height="519" width="800" /></a><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:85%;" ><span style="font-family:arial;">I don't know what was going on in this Warthog boar's head.</span><br style="font-family:arial;"><br style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-family:arial;">He was feeding peacefully with his mate and two offspring when he suddenly started chasing after them making grunting a squealing noises - this went on for about ten minutes, with them all running around in circles.</span></span><br /><br /><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/qq3yFSlZQN6vTTLlJ9yxD5obaH6S4n-ENeZs3r-bHqA?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-lk59ksrII-o/T-VYCxlNTeI/AAAAAAAATf8/X8_Np-44ki8/s800/008%2520Etosha%2520-%2520May%25202012_0320%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG" height="768" width="541" /></a><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:85%;" ><span style="font-family:arial;">There were a quite few Zebra around - but not the large herds seen in Spring when water and grazing is scarce.</span></span><br /><br /><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/SO2Hdcf9PDGm-6yo05wpd5obaH6S4n-ENeZs3r-bHqA?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-MdTeW0CIWCw/T-VYEwFqb9I/AAAAAAAATgE/_5MvVpNq8oY/s800/004%2520Etosha%2520-%2520May%25202012_0451%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG" height="508" width="800" /></a><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:85%;" ><span style="font-family:arial;">Who are You? - Giraffe and the Moon.</span></span><br /><br /><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/tf_Z0dvcE4OI7-AT_ot1xZobaH6S4n-ENeZs3r-bHqA?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-xc0eKbxxWgo/T-VYLC5my-I/AAAAAAAATgU/Mpo6_kqJHt0/s800/009%2520Etosha%2520-%2520May%25202012_0002%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG" height="508" width="800" /></a><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:85%;" ><span style="font-family:arial;">The highlight of my visit occurred shortly after entering Etosha - the first thing I saw was the distinctive tail in the grass - the first time I've been close to a Leopard.</span></span><br /><br /><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/m7lnv_pKU0HbIhCBl_nhSZobaH6S4n-ENeZs3r-bHqA?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBer8V_5FbogdJb4oHc-djuH3u_9TIN5Wes1Lz-yFcPAAFmxKyr19EXuf90kyv5DvUbvtKDo1OiC_U67PnEZGcvQ7zrbd9DEQ0gg-94bG-mxop8JzAhoDBf6uY5AylRc09sPBl1myVrzw/s800/010%2520Etosha%2520-%2520May%25202012_0009%2520%2528Large%2529.jpg" height="518" width="800" /></a><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:85%;" ><span style="font-family:arial;">The sighting was over in a flash as she disappeared into a culvert underneath the road.</span><br face="arial"><br face="arial"><span style="font-family:arial;">She glanced up once but totally ignored me - in that moment I felt completely exposed - I knew that she could reach me in one bound ...</span></span><br /></center><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);">.</span>OneStonedCrowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00500359406575114699noreply@blogger.com30tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3772078074457885561.post-24388888044424826692012-06-17T08:00:00.004+01:002012-06-17T08:00:04.265+01:00More Junk Art and a Fig Tree Spook<span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:85%;" ><span style="font-family: arial;">More </span><a style="font-family: arial;" href="http://onestonedcrow.blogspot.com/2012/05/tsauchab-river-junk-art.html">Tsauchab River Junk Art</a><span style="font-family: arial;"> - and the Fig Tree Shower mentioned in that post:</span></span><br /><br /><center><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/0NDE-vqO63yr7XF9Jlt07JobaH6S4n-ENeZs3r-bHqA?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-g65v97cd80c/T9sLQhhiiNI/AAAAAAAATeU/JIGW9EYavv0/s800/00%2520IMG_6750%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG" height="768" width="606" /></a><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:85%;" ><span style="font-family: arial;">An alert Kudu beside a tree.</span></span><br /><br /><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/5aZ9b3U1zTEOpRPWcVw9s5obaH6S4n-ENeZs3r-bHqA?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-8xUG-KvjbPQ/T9sLHvd2-SI/AAAAAAAATd0/9MSVQ1XxYUc/s800/002%2520IMG_6676%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG" height="534" width="800" /></a><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:85%;" ><span style="font-family: arial;">A snapshot of the entrance road and Reception area.</span><br style="font-family: arial;"><br style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Johan has used tons of scrap metal objects and natural things like rocks, dead trees and plants to create an attractive open-air art exhibition.</span></span><br /><br /><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/OCUQ5m261HcHq3WbTpo8OZobaH6S4n-ENeZs3r-bHqA?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA_pcBf9D_hG0l62DXpnUOaRNjq2izu3uXJuTnMQMCwfK95dqi6H7xEz1u_JW-759CK2IhmO-HPWPDHcN122GUbMNx9JZUNqydz3AneFngkVW5EVLj_dO1O_XjBPDdAcJqmvsfW6szyCg/s800/003%2520IMG_6748%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG" height="534" width="800" /></a><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:85%;" ><span style="font-family: arial;">A fearsome Crocodile grasps an antelope in it's jaws.</span></span><br /><br /><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/kz2fhhWC1MZne3rfyZ4X85obaH6S4n-ENeZs3r-bHqA?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-pcTV7cVVL5g/T9sLJMxkm_I/AAAAAAAATd8/owZY-NWhlLk/s800/004%2520IMG_6699%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG" height="768" width="558" /></a><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:85%;" ><span style="font-family: arial;">Birds of Paradise?</span></span><br /><br /><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/yX0oiPgKqaI8TjB92NMex5obaH6S4n-ENeZs3r-bHqA?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_VjM6I7lfBstIbmYHSoQ5SZX_UPr8TLnmaR4JFCdqSgduUWzrQA8Kl_4HBVT3jF3I6FFiv9d2h1qtYHp7LbJQcgDPZhRCVoSR7Bebgo9dRJI6gbViVVYwKkmZhjqgb8OF7h3HwmXnVdA/s800/005%2520IMG_6757%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG" height="534" width="800" /></a><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-family: arial;font-size:85%;" >A Scorpion scuttles </span><span style="font-weight: bold; font-family: arial;font-size:85%;" > </span><span style="font-weight: bold; font-family: arial;font-size:85%;" >defensively </span><span style="font-weight: bold; font-family: arial;font-size:85%;" >around it's pedestal</span><span style="font-weight: bold; font-family: arial;font-size:85%;" >.</span><br /><br /><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/-nyC7SE2TqXeEVK2miYCYJobaH6S4n-ENeZs3r-bHqA?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-FGlvwoITOEY/T9sLLKgrWQI/AAAAAAAATeE/5UMdCsi1MQI/s800/006%2520IMG_6739%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG" height="768" width="579" /></a><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:85%;" ><span style="font-family: arial;">I wonder what this gaggle of Ostriches are discussing?</span></span><br /><br /><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/vbieGRe8euyG-ZCxGOT2uZobaH6S4n-ENeZs3r-bHqA?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-OlzNgiCbfJA/T9sLVgcEKnI/AAAAAAAATek/OAhHaK-w470/s800/007%2520IMG_6787%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG" height="768" width="512" /></a><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:85%;" ><span style="font-family: arial;">Camera 'round the neck and binoculars in hand, visitors on a hike - the smaller figure doesn't look too happy ...</span></span><br /><br /><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/0du_ydtDC0Q2s0ZUC9vuwpobaH6S4n-ENeZs3r-bHqA?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-3-3ZFAMoOsI/T9sLYH89XHI/AAAAAAAATes/z-Y3xAyzgNY/s800/008%2520Tsauchab%2520River%2520Camp_058%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG" height="768" width="512" /></a><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:85%;" ><span style="font-family: arial;">The Fig Tree Shower I mentioned.</span><br style="font-family: arial;"><br style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-family: arial;">The tree is probably a few hundred years old and the centre, where the shower is, is hollow.</span><br style="font-family: arial;"><br style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-family: arial;">The smoke is coming from the "Donkey" - a wood-fired water heater.</span></span><br /><br /><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/d7BJoQ9l82rmo39EOpVVx5obaH6S4n-ENeZs3r-bHqA?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/--80txujYpX4/T9sLZYI97FI/AAAAAAAATe0/YBYUH_r8VKo/s800/009%2520Tsauchab%2520River%2520Camp_067%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG" height="768" width="512" /></a><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:85%;" ><span style="font-family: arial;">When I first went to check-out the shower near Dusk, my peripheral vision told my mind that the mirror inside the tree was a Window ...</span><br style="font-family: arial;"><br style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> ... I was startled when I looked at it and saw someone staring at me ... :)</span><br style="font-family: arial;"></span><br /><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/bEyadJxeTETKOymYF6m0s5obaH6S4n-ENeZs3r-bHqA?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-4GseQ6VOHb8/T9sLaqC7vaI/AAAAAAAATe8/RmQRDyHpXcA/s800/010%2520Tsauchab%2520River%2520Camp_020a%2520%2528Large%2529.jpg" height="768" width="512" /></a><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:85%;" ><span style="font-family: arial;">Sadly, I didn't get any good pics of inside the tree and the shower but, this should give you an idea of what it looked like.</span><br style="font-family: arial;"><br style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-family: arial;">There's nothing quite like the sensation of standing in the open under a hot shower with a coolish breeze blowing over your body.</span></span></center><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:85%;" ><span style="font-family: arial;">Related Post: </span><a style="font-family: arial;" href="http://onestonedcrow.blogspot.com/2012/05/tsauchab-river-junk-art.html">Tsauchab River Junk Art</a></span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);">.</span>OneStonedCrowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00500359406575114699noreply@blogger.com31tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3772078074457885561.post-70248477526589128512012-06-10T08:00:00.003+01:002012-06-10T08:00:05.231+01:00Amazing Lithops Collection<span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:85%;" ><span style="font-family:arial;">On returning to the desert a few days ago, I stopped at the recently opened </span></span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:85%;" ><span style="font-family:arial;">Alte Kalköfen Lodge</span></span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:85%;" ><span style="font-family:arial;"> on the Keetmanshoop - Aus Road. </span><br style="font-family:arial;"><br style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-family:arial;">Besides other curiosities which I'll write about in another Post, I was delighted to discover that the owner, Frikkie, has a Lithops collection in a nursery called the "Cole Lithoparium".</span></span><br /><br /><center><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/FqCFSTwcLgL8ggSi2cCEn5obaH6S4n-ENeZs3r-bHqA?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-A5z10B8g5RY/T9BvvEoynsI/AAAAAAAATWQ/o1bBz1P0wCU/s800/001%2520IMG_1903a%2520%2528Large%2529.jpg" height="534" width="800" /></a><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:85%;" ><span style="font-family:arial;">Lithops is a genus of succulent plants in the ice plant family, Aizoaceae. Members of the genus are native to southern Africa. </span><br style="font-family:arial;"><br style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-family:arial;">The name is derived from the Ancient Greek words λίθος (lithos), meaning "stone," and ὄψ (ops), meaning "face," referring to the stone-like appearance of the plants.</span></span><br /><br /><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/GVmkiDyvHFduf7BVblEmJJobaH6S4n-ENeZs3r-bHqA?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-FNXAdmMtHwI/T9BvqgGKttI/AAAAAAAATWA/VOdXWr8vq2A/s800/002%2520IMG_1895a%2520%2528Large%2529.jpg" height="768" width="569" /></a><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:85%;" ><span style="font-family:arial;">Frikkie, a registered collector, has a stunning selection of these small thumbnail-sized plants which occur in the arid western areas of Namibia and South Africa.</span><br style="font-family:arial;"><br style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-family:arial;">I was so engrossed in taking pics that I missed a lot of what he was saying but, from what I could gather, he has examples of every known Lithops species. A reference says that he has the best collection of Lithops in Namibia but I think that this is possibly the best (most comprehensive) collection in the world.</span><br style="font-family:arial;"><br style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-family:arial;">I believe too, that he has discovered one or two species himself - I'll pay more attention when I visit again.</span></span><br /><br /><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/MOlgcr1OgOSoF6LjQESd4ZobaH6S4n-ENeZs3r-bHqA?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-5dEtVpk_4hc/T9Bv9WBXMUI/AAAAAAAATW4/v5hD7e9FPsM/s800/003%2520IMG_1884a%2520%2528Large%2529.jpg" height="520" width="800" /></a><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:85%;" ><span style="font-family:arial;">Lithops are also known as "Living Stones" and "Baba Boudjies" (Baby Bums) or "Beeskloutjies" (Cattle Hooves) in Afrikaans.</span><br /></span><br /><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/vgF1pOFxSHsZM4QZrTyaoJobaH6S4n-ENeZs3r-bHqA?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-5qc3A8U2q8Y/T9BvlrZ8W5I/AAAAAAAATVw/3Zj3V-oNGHc/s800/004%2520IMG_1880%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG" height="534" width="800" /></a><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:85%;" ><span style="font-family:arial;">Besides Lithops, Frikkie also has other rare succulent species from this Region in his collection.</span></span><br /><br /><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/raLsiK4XCfTLj5-E38SqrZobaH6S4n-ENeZs3r-bHqA?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Jeq3dQ8H4kc/T9Bvwl1MZbI/AAAAAAAATWY/f8V1njyea14/s800/005%2520IMG_1905%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG" height="524" width="800" /></a><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:85%;" ><span style="font-family:arial;">Another amazing desert plant.</span><br style="font-family:arial;"><br style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-family:arial;">I only have a 300mm zoom lens and was unable to really do justice to the beauty of these plants.</span></span><br /><br /><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/QRxlOJcyANM324kuLNgmBZobaH6S4n-ENeZs3r-bHqA?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhr5tS6aOxtZadLImyemwoGNjF6Xaa67ZsSAm9UzvzfDJuc1l_fZx-00umMQqilJONhK6EixfhF9-gneHe7bnYwRLJEoDnIEFMCu5KhGDEWeFtAXGUE6FbtPrDKD7E6zpEdNYSgG5Dux4/s800/006%2520IMG_1885ab%2520%2528Large%2529.jpg" height="530" width="800" /></a><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:85%;" ><span style="font-family:arial;">Individual Lithops plants consist of one or more pairs of bulbous, almost fused leaves opposite to each other and hardly any stem. The slit between the leaves contains the meristem and produces flowers and new leaves. </span></span><br /><br /><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/298d1JSwquVyZOMzIUF765obaH6S4n-ENeZs3r-bHqA?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-ADyVyL0OQms/T9Bv_05AZWI/AAAAAAAATXA/l4e5_vCnSRo/s800/007%2520IMG_1907a%2520%2528Large%2529.jpg" height="516" width="800" /></a><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/hykMu0ucRmCO20H0jIxi4pobaH6S4n-ENeZs3r-bHqA?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-4BacFTOstOA/T9Bvs4UBPWI/AAAAAAAATWI/XgTenhODxU8/s800/008%2520IMG_1898a%2520%2528Large%2529.jpg" height="532" width="800" /></a><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:85%;" ><span style="font-family:arial;">I had to smile - this variety is nicknamed "Hotlips" - you can see why from the plant without a flower.</span><br style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/fJ9Kqayskua-zVss6jlTUpobaH6S4n-ENeZs3r-bHqA?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-W9nLItzA0M8/T9Bv2P8pKVI/AAAAAAAATWo/jVG7sHH48zc/s800/009%2520IMG_1910%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG" height="534" width="800" /></a><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:85%;" ><span style="font-family:arial;">A moss-like growth of tiny individual Lithops plants, many with small yellow flowers. </span></span><br /><br /><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/kcdUKuf24PqzPi0Y_jeSDpobaH6S4n-ENeZs3r-bHqA?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-cMbxk4q1PXo/T9Bv6LN0YeI/AAAAAAAATWw/ua0Gp5mi-5c/s800/010%2520IMG_1911a%2520%2528Large%2529.jpg" height="541" width="800" /></a><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/Y1I4Pw1rJLLo2UQRmAbfFZobaH6S4n-ENeZs3r-bHqA?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-z0Bha9j3pOk/T9Bv0G3obxI/AAAAAAAATWg/ZmJ1NyGEiuE/s800/011%2520IMG_1908a%2520%2528Large%2529.jpg" height="530" width="800" /></a><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:85%;" ><span style="font-family:arial;">The most startling adaptation of Lithops is the colouring of the leaves. The leaves are not green as in almost all higher plants, but various shades of cream, grey, and brown, patterned with darker windowed areas, dots, and red lines. The markings on the top surface disguise the plant in its surroundings.</span></span></center><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:85%;" ><br face="arial"><br style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-family:arial;">There are some better images of Living Stones on </span><a style="font-family: arial;" href="http://onestonedcrow.blogspot.com/2009/12/living-stones-lithops.html">this related post.</a></span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:78%;" ><span style="font-family:arial;">References:</span><br style="font-family: arial;"><a style="font-family: arial;" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lithops">Wikipedia</a><br style="font-family: arial;"><a style="font-family: arial;" href="http://www.namibian.org/travel/lodging/private/alte-kalkofen.html">Alte Kalköfen Lodge</a></span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);">.</span>OneStonedCrowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00500359406575114699noreply@blogger.com29tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3772078074457885561.post-52571018707014043262012-06-03T08:00:00.003+01:002012-06-29T11:20:22.982+01:00Cape Town, My Eye - Two<centre><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/mTyufYid5ArlQfw-Bj_PKJobaH6S4n-ENeZs3r-bHqA?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-h2OHUhYsOW4/T8j3x0WfBFI/AAAAAAAATUo/R70B_uyfmP4/s800/011%2520Cape%2520Town%2520Views_134%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG" height="534" width="800" /></a><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:85%;" ><span style="font-family:arial;">I don't like Cities in general but, Cape Town is an exception - mainly because it's so easy to escape the Concrete Jungle and disappear into Nature.</span></span></centre><br /><br /><centre><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/cK6dOknzhnZAEOLDlszTkpobaH6S4n-ENeZs3r-bHqA?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJOKWKclBEYBOZeV6JpnqTcxCErsxmqdLEuQ0cKwn1r8J_hQCXUwkvU6-0MvZsKEkDh7zuOuQjZqgq1gApNKX7arIdh3GGduQsAeGBmvZE9PwTm-ojqVwkYE3bOtX4fS9-VA2SjSLiBCY/s800/012%2520Cape%2520Town%2520April%25202012_0116%2520%2528Large%2529.jpg" height="530" width="800" /></a><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:85%;" ><span style="font-family:arial;">A Bronze Lion in front of the Studio of sculptor Donald Greig.</span></span></centre><br /><br /><centre><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/0JP5AzoguOirv0PnGxLwAJobaH6S4n-ENeZs3r-bHqA?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-o95B5SB0p1U/T8j32rvEC9I/AAAAAAAATVA/A99MQ9_Iafw/s800/013%2520Street%2520Art_077%2520%2528Large%2529.jpg" height="609" width="800" /></a><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:85%;" ><span style="font-family: arial;">A section of a giant mural which adorns the wall of a building.</span></span></centre><br /><br /><centre><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/Y-icZM5Zy8XzEO3RgXwPuJobaH6S4n-ENeZs3r-bHqA?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-hQfm3Fcr66U/T8j33gBTyEI/AAAAAAAATVI/mVel_LCA76s/s800/014%2520Cape%2520Town%2520April%25202012_0095%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG" height="500" width="800" /></a><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:85%;" ><span style="font-family: arial;">Someone's Hog against a red brick wall.</span></span></centre><br /><br /><centre><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/gOt4QxD0cosk-0cR0v1V85obaH6S4n-ENeZs3r-bHqA?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-r5En6SmzBqk/T8j34IY7WUI/AAAAAAAATVQ/FbveA7ul7pc/s800/015%2520Europa_002%2520%2528Large%2529.jpg" height="768" width="552" /></a><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:85%;" ><span style="font-family: arial;">A steel-hulled sailing ship, Europa, in dry Dock for repairs - I believe it's a training vessel but I don't know it's origin.</span></span><br /><br /></centre><br /><centre><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/WPAd1EwBV7fxlDJKFhjWNZobaH6S4n-ENeZs3r-bHqA?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-cm3JJanJ8VA/T8j36MsNBqI/AAAAAAAATVY/PwKfQa-gmZw/s800/016%2520Cape%2520Town%2520April%25202012_0572%2520%2528Large%2529.jpg" height="512" width="800" /></a><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:85%;" ><span style="font-family: arial;">All shall be Equal before the Law</span><br style="font-family: arial;"><br style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-family: arial;">I wonder what motivated the artist to paint this message on the last remaining wall of an old demolished building.</span></span></centre><br /><br /><centre><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/14-OKTH6BSHL5b6b3mWHUJobaH6S4n-ENeZs3r-bHqA?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-Vij0MJ5YIKI/T8j3vWnm9XI/AAAAAAAATUg/cBcyC0yKkPQ/s800/017%2520Cape%2520Town%2520April%25202012_0591%2520%2528Large%2529.jpg" height="499" width="800" /></a><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:85%;" ><span style="font-family: arial;">The yellowing Spirit of Autumn reflected off a car's windscreen.</span></span></centre><br /><br /><centre><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/nd1uq6VBp74Tav-K8LMVHZobaH6S4n-ENeZs3r-bHqA?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjHfFLMmeRPQyjEqD2E7nvC79PEA9GLPiYuF33n20MzbbVyZvPPiCjNFd_rVZ8R3DlezoVzgS8c0f4N8_5lv5c6dZK1-_CwbDuxGfRNpIewj4tsfNnmgVlOpFBVXf6KYdC94wB2dGzc5A/s800/018%2520Sculptures%2520%2526%2520Statues_018%2520%2528Large%2529.jpg" height="520" width="800" /></a><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:85%;" ><span style="font-family: arial;">Mercury sitting atop a building, holding a Caduceus.</span></span></centre><br /><br /><centre><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/mvw3m7nGjHzI0W0ojrlznJobaH6S4n-ENeZs3r-bHqA?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizBb4Bh-bVTphUjBqIdjwBGuzvK4vH5f2tNG5Vfsri_0o-tPNNPKz4I497m9PFXWfhvKxTF9-nxSBkZoOLsSZqaSZCpcFwIcLGfjjZRFwIxhH6ucQMWhbI3zZObwIjF9qSkMDt9Ve-Lrk/s800/019%2520Cape%2520Town%2520April%25202012_0050%2520%2528Large%2529.jpg" height="511" width="800" /></a><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:85%;" ><span style="font-family: arial;">The balcony of the Timbuktu Restaurant on Long Street.</span></span></centre><br /><br /><centre><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/zJd1moVNGqvaisn68WX6fJobaH6S4n-ENeZs3r-bHqA?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-MWx1ieGKQS0/T8j3zmQPP0I/AAAAAAAATUw/UyZVozJ9dIs/s800/020%2520Drummers_014%2520%2528Large%2529.jpg" height="527" width="800" /></a><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:85%;" ><span style="font-family: arial;">The Drumming Troupe again - I can kick myself now for not being bolder and getting some close-ups of their faces.</span></span></centre><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:85%;" ><br style="font-family: arial;"><br style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Related Posts:</span><br style="font-family: arial;"><a style="font-family: arial;" href="http://onestonedcrow.blogspot.com/2012/05/cape-town-my-eye-one.html">Cape Town, My Eye - One</a><br style="font-family: arial;"></span><br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);">.</span>OneStonedCrowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00500359406575114699noreply@blogger.com20tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3772078074457885561.post-83519302129691042972012-05-27T08:00:00.007+01:002012-05-27T09:52:36.239+01:00Tsauchab River Junk Art<centre><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/WLljR7hxzXm1eC_ZilfZqZobaH6S4n-ENeZs3r-bHqA?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-SpAVDqGz4C8/T7vgPFOK8ZI/AAAAAAAATTY/IPkLnKhGcA8/s800/001%2520IMG_6753%2520%%20%2529.JPG" height="525" width="800" /></a><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:85%;" ><span style="font-family: arial;">On my previous trips past </span><a style="font-family: arial;" href="http://onestonedcrow.blogspot.com/2011/12/bullsport-rocks-rock-me.html">Büllsport</a><span style="font-family: arial;"> I'd seen signboards for the Tsauchab River Campsite.</span><br style="font-family: arial;"><br style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-family: arial;">It was off my normal route but, on my way North a few weeks ago, I decided to detour and check it out ...</span></span></centre><br /><br /><br /><centre><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/xTlfRb-Ymc04UvIti9VztZobaH6S4n-ENeZs3r-bHqA?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-SSRCXK6GiP0/T7vgHRdcefI/AAAAAAAATTQ/V2KjF4hOxKY/s800/002%2520IMG_6733%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG" height="549" width="800" /></a><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:85%;" ><span style="font-family: arial;">... I'm glad I did because, starting at the gate and all the way up the 300 meter driveway to the Reception Area, were hundreds of pieces of "Iron Art" created by the owner, Johan Steyn.</span><br style="font-family: arial;"><br style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Above is a small display advertising one of the amenities of the Campsite, complete with Sunbather.</span></span></centre><br /><br /><br /><centre><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/K23UqMhfD9GwuytWjJbaKpobaH6S4n-ENeZs3r-bHqA?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeHPku6b25pHsYLr8tnGfW2u13xYifdwTcc52uSDugjeqA0vK9Qdi51kTeA0i4jlszXLvZulrG7oxbtiMTBTXnIqXkrZORY2iOL3qy_eLfxAQ58QdmQEWd1iTN08t_vnz2_M3nb31oBiw/s800/003%2520IMG_6704%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG" height="534" width="800" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:85%;" ><span style="font-family: arial;">Rusty Aardvark - Johan has a knack of capturing animal peculiarities which make his creations instantly recognizable.</span></span></centre><br /><br /><br /><centre><a com="" lh="" photo="" feat="embedwebsite""><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-dt8szlOPSYU/T7vgn2ZISOI/AAAAAAAATTo/gfGzkdmNOac/s800/004%2520IMG_6716a%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG" height="768" width="661" /></a><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:85%;" ><span style="font-family: arial;">Come linger</span></span></centre><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:85%;" ><span style="font-family: arial;"> awhile</span></span><centre><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:85%;" ><span style="font-family: arial;"> with me, under the Old Boot Tree ...</span></span></centre><br /><br /><br /><centre><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/UpRZgy5RgYDw_qViGTdgZZobaH6S4n-ENeZs3r-bHqA?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-QFt6v7XitcM/T7vf43bRwSI/AAAAAAAATTI/YceDG4An9FI/s800/005%2520IMG_6721%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG" height="768" width="555" /></a><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:85%;" ><span style="font-family: arial;">A determined Cyclist heads for the Hills.</span></span></centre><br /><br /><br /><centre><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/kGlJjI-pRBVEfCNqdHlsuZobaH6S4n-ENeZs3r-bHqA?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-aYTovARrML0/T7vgsGfa-zI/AAAAAAAATTw/aztY7CZX3qM/s800/006%2520IMG_6801%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG" height="768" width="637" /></a><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:85%;" ><span style="font-family: arial;">One Blue Bottle - part of a display of dozens of similarly-colored Glass and Enamel items on an old dead tree.</span><br style="font-family: arial;"><br style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-family: arial;">What shade of blue would you say this is?</span><br style="font-family: arial;"><br style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Bottle Blue?</span></span></centre><br /><br /><br /><centre><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/5XjPuhPPb8GSVLj0-jKgOZobaH6S4n-ENeZs3r-bHqA?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-WcytKETfV78/T7vhsShrgTI/AAAAAAAATT4/jGyJRcHfeHA/s800/007%2520IMG_6804%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG" height="555" width="800" /></a><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:85%;" ><span style="font-family: arial;">A tufted Secretary Bird holds a Lizard in it's beak.</span></span></centre><br /><br /><br /><centre><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/8LIKIKgyr_xiltEMxyUQSJobaH6S4n-ENeZs3r-bHqA?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzu-zW1QEX8hVPdov6yH1qp1Hm181N_wOg40mB8mjBo_JUr3DUwuwjcj4UbgLHtN9GgwM8xQMYBy4ST_ZUHNehPHk6ZFjinNWMhanz8nWI8oJPYaLeffoAcXxP7XC584fs4sU5O3jxLJ8/s800/008%2520IMG_6775%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG" height="498" width="800" /></a><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:85%;" ><span style="font-family: arial;">A Gas Bottle Couple lie basking in the Sunshine.</span><br style="font-family: arial;"><br style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-family: arial;">I wonder what the Bucket's for? ...</span><br style="font-family: arial;"><br style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-family: arial;">... junk dentures probably ...</span></span></centre><br /><br /><br /><centre><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/9yO5Qi3bDyVU_tXO4SYa2pobaH6S4n-ENeZs3r-bHqA?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-90E00pMRTl8/T7vh8O1duzI/AAAAAAAATUA/tfYCdTIK7cc/s800/009%2520IMG_7102a%2520%2528Large%2529.jpg" height="564" width="800" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:85%;" ><span style="font-family: arial;"><br />I was informed by Johan that due to space restrictions he could only construct a half-Fokker - a proper one is two barrels long ...</span><br style="font-family: arial;"><br style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-family: arial;">... a local joke I guess ... :)</span></span></centre><br /><br /><br /><centre><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/kZUhF65OqNx9HQsOQhYLdpobaH6S4n-ENeZs3r-bHqA?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-xcB-d54v4vM/T7viAjb5cSI/AAAAAAAATUI/gIdI85varyQ/s800/010%2520IMG_6816a%2520%2528Large%2529.jpg" height="768" width="612" /></a><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:85%;" ><span style="font-family: arial;">I enjoyed the private Bush Camp too, including a hot shower in the centre of a massive, ancient Wild Fig Tree.</span><br style="font-family: arial;"><br style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-family: arial;">... and surprises like this, a wooden Face in the Grass on one of the four-wheel drive tracks on the farm.</span></span></centre><br /><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);">.</span>OneStonedCrowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00500359406575114699noreply@blogger.com22tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3772078074457885561.post-7321024155776647192012-05-19T07:10:00.002+01:002012-05-19T15:51:39.018+01:00Cape Town, My Eye - One<center><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/J_v3zSQHe3ztEAUs2vWN_ZobaH6S4n-ENeZs3r-bHqA?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx1AwKSJeHNChT1tNpl5maNttY2hkQJngXMYB1BO5ugqXi_7_lqjq53MNu5UD5hSJ3vuoYkY7uU2S7rfA-RPESKTWliDcoC4WCJhVpvVx7GU3DEa-lfGChlzfYoIGYNCMayUvJOqkabrg/s800/001%2520Cape%2520Town%2520April%25202012_0110%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG" height="534" width="800" /></a><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:85%;" ><span style="font-family: arial;">Good Morning, Cape Town! - on a clear day you can see Table Mountain forever.</span></span></center><br /><br /><center><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/umCeSjFL5JKOXXxdFdLpV5obaH6S4n-ENeZs3r-bHqA?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxHQR9bqr46QK3y_XxQkAZ2-ZF0WWEVrTkojFTKnU5DvEMeVkJqn84oNFqrHMaiHUlj9RxZeC9bOYmQW1N1FutX9b3KII-7pWVHHn1LGJHa2LVjUouA3_ZIvKbrgCfyAqRDYXknvBZswQ/s800/002%2520Cape%2520Town%2520April%25202012_0037%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG" height="534" width="800" /></a><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:85%;" ><span style="font-family: arial;">For the first time ever I stayed in the City Centre and got a street-eye view of the buildings, which, though impressive to my desert mind, are likely tiny by world standards.</span></span></center><br /><br /><center><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/WrVG1yasQsucog1nYiHeaZobaH6S4n-ENeZs3r-bHqA?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2OCpxFH2gvkZcol5qfx4Irt1hQwp8cNKt4aIahOulXi8frWDjVpfjD6DbMcU2uRKYDInzPEurqRRjkElrzOcbaEvC9Xd_IOeXWhFY4lYW6M1GfY7q9u8-PPHNweahx3qiRLn5rWUFXqo/s800/003%2520Cape%2520Town%2520April%25202012_0166%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG" height="527" width="800" /></a><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:85%;" ><span style="font-family: arial;">Cleaning Windows - not for the faint-hearted, I'm sure.</span></span></center><center style="font-family: arial; font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /></span></center><center style="font-family: arial; font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size:85%;">I had a Bird's-eye view touring the City on the top of an open Bus ...</span></center><br /><br /><center><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/-YM-P0a1Hjsk2meGA_V0DZobaH6S4n-ENeZs3r-bHqA?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-YoI3oecOOfM/T7PcdsR6yrI/AAAAAAAATRw/dWd7qSPiveM/s800/004%2520Cape%2520Town%2520April%25202012_0061%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG" height="534" width="800" /></a><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:85%;" ><span style="font-family: arial;">An advertisement for Caterpillar mining equipment - I probably should know what make of car this is but I don't ... anyone?</span></span></center><br /><br /><center><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/p-2NvzerhLOauV7Fu3VzfZobaH6S4n-ENeZs3r-bHqA?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-shGAwRRH9Mc/T7PcgyjkrgI/AAAAAAAATR4/AdOcAUMx4-s/s800/005%2520Cape%2520Town%2520April%25202012_0076%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG" height="768" width="523" /></a><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:85%;" ><span style="font-family: arial;">One of the older buildings on Long Street, built in the late 1800's.</span></span></center><br /><br /><center><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/SC7Zd4RorxoQm1-6IPy4ApobaH6S4n-ENeZs3r-bHqA?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-X3TBn2z-u2c/T7PdegvUPSI/AAAAAAAATSY/mphocZWRTpY/s800/006%2520Cape%2520Town%2520April%25202012_0617%2520%2528Large%2529.jpg" height="575" width="800" /></a><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:85%;" ><span style="font-family: arial;">A tuft of Grass grows proudly defiant in a crack in the Concrete Jungle.</span></span></center><br /><br /><center><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/6Cg8wnDhSanXRJEA8pDrAZobaH6S4n-ENeZs3r-bHqA?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-RfOXadQ-7NU/T7PdluMo0sI/AAAAAAAATSg/0DsPnskrHiY/s800/007%2520Cape%2520Town%2520April%25202012_0088%2520%2528Large%2529.jpg" height="768" width="603" /></a><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:85%;" ><span style="font-family: arial;">One of a series of murals on the outer walls of Mama Africa's - a store on Long Street - I didn't go in so can't tell you what they sell.</span></span></center><br /><br /><center><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/eIDDDzFmPDR_6mH9EJqFTJobaH6S4n-ENeZs3r-bHqA?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-vSDu6IpKKjo/T7PdNWaB3xI/AAAAAAAATSI/PPrbdP1Acmo/s800/008%2520Cape%2520Town%2520April%25202012_0387%2520%2528Large%2529.jpg" height="519" width="800" /></a><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:85%;" ><span style="font-family: arial;">Friends stroll up a hill at Camps Bay - another old, familiar-looking car in the background.</span></span></center><br /><br /><center><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/1XyD0BjZ5XtoTV37KHxYMpobaH6S4n-ENeZs3r-bHqA?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-d3L3yt5Il70/T7PdqolA_8I/AAAAAAAATSo/439VxCUlPFM/s800/009%2520Cape%2520Town%2520April%25202012_0098%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG" height="768" width="512" /></a><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:85%;" ><span style="font-family: arial;">Looking down a steep, covered sidewalk in the City.</span></span></center><br /><br /><center><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/W871Mp48RslcWri16K2GY5obaH6S4n-ENeZs3r-bHqA?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-GAXhxwROXT0/T7Pd4pGttKI/AAAAAAAATSw/RJVKI18Yjv0/s800/010%2520Drummer%2520and%2520Child_001%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG" height="525" width="800" /></a><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:85%;" ><span style="font-family: arial;">This kid was thrilled when a member of a passing Drummer troupe noticed her admiration and exchanged a few words and a smile with her.</span></span></center><br /><br /><span style="font-size:78%;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Continued Overleaf ...</span></span><br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);">.</span>OneStonedCrowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00500359406575114699noreply@blogger.com24tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3772078074457885561.post-83666852230780402972012-05-13T15:10:00.005+01:002012-05-13T15:36:05.502+01:00Road-trip To Cape Town<span style="font-family:arial;font-size:85%;"><b><span><span>Hello Friends<br /><br />I'm well and back at Home - my Internet 'Device' is installed, it works but not much of an improvement over my old setup - needs some fine tuning ...<br /><br />Anyway, it's not good enough to make me enthusiastic about surfing the web but at least I'm connected.<br /><br />I've just come back from a camping visit to the Etosha Pans and, together with my Cape Town pics, have thousands of images to edit.<br /><br />Here are a few from the road-trip to Cape Town</span>:</span></b></span><br /><br /><span style=" ;font-size:100%;" ><span></span></span><center style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><span><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/3T3ZVXlO5EPUaysBPMI1u5obaH6S4n-ENeZs3r-bHqA?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-NhxR_peB5Pw/T6eZKy9QURI/AAAAAAAATRc/bl2ShiAwpyU/s800/001%2520Rosh%2520Pinah%2520-%2520Noordoewer%2520Road_916%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG" height="527" width="800" /></a></span> <span style=" ;font-family:Georgia, serif;" ></span></center><div style="font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; line-height: normal; font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><b>Crossing the bridge over the Orange River at Noordoewer.</b></span></div><div style=" font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; font-family:Georgia, serif;font-size:100%;"><span><br /></span></div><div style=" font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; font-family:Georgia, serif;font-size:100%;"><span style=" ;font-family:Georgia, serif;" ><center><span><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/1YS6oD_-rmAdiQBUcHVTKpobaH6S4n-ENeZs3r-bHqA?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-86SlueBFf8c/T6eZA6b5s1I/AAAAAAAATRM/g1bWHkjSyg4/s800/002%2520On%2520The%2520Road_133%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG" height="520" width="800" /></a></span><span style=" ;font-family:Georgia, serif;" ></span></center></span></div><div style="font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; line-height: normal; font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><b>A travelling couple stop at a Roadside rest place in the northern Cape.</b></span></div><div style=" font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; font-family:Georgia, serif;font-size:100%;"><span><br /></span></div><div style=" font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; font-family:Georgia, serif;font-size:100%;"><span style=" ;font-family:Georgia, serif;" ><center><span><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/jwoxAaWL-6vwR2Pob5Cf3JobaH6S4n-ENeZs3r-bHqA?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-JlK0DfJxVag/T6eZFWIAlUI/AAAAAAAATRU/JbyYXlDCZkM/s800/003%2520On%2520The%2520Road_143%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG" height="768" width="512" /></a></span><span style=" ;font-family:Georgia, serif;" ></span></center></span></div><div style="font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; line-height: normal; font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><b>A lone tree on a curve going up a hill.</b></span></div><div style=" font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; font-family:Georgia, serif;font-size:100%;"><span><br /></span></div><div style=" font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; font-family:Georgia, serif;font-size:100%;"><span style=" ;font-family:Georgia, serif;" ><center><span><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/dGJgbEGnbXsP6Vg_0hRLx5obaH6S4n-ENeZs3r-bHqA?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-tRptjRXrxH8/T6eYmEUGksI/AAAAAAAATQc/Wz7qrY_CUcI/s800/004%2520Hitchikers_360%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG" height="521" width="800" /></a></span><span style=" ;font-family:Georgia, serif;" ></span></center></span></div><div style="font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; line-height: normal; font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><b>A woman hitching a ride - she's holding a ten Rand note in her hand to indicate that she's prepared to pay for the ride - many Truckers make money on the side from hikers ...</b></span></div><div style=" font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; font-family:Georgia, serif;font-size:100%;"><span><br /></span></div><div style=" font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; font-family:Georgia, serif;font-size:100%;"><span style=" ;font-family:Georgia, serif;" ><center><span><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/86HjFj_wPNNt8qUtY9OdyJobaH6S4n-ENeZs3r-bHqA?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEo6MMPzEl6QBNJDWzRmUadXaAfm-EG5TiGv3w9uW2QvM-HSg_USdhaAm9dt-NmvNalXdGK8sCv0zNmjdW3a1VVwnGRyduXdQE5zqzzJvBm5wL1jkdwhER9v9mghDtcZZBT72U91efSyw/s800/005%2520On%2520The%2520Road_137%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG" height="534" width="800" /></a></span><span style=" ;font-family:Georgia, serif;" ></span></center></span></div><div style="font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; line-height: normal; font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><b>A colourful Truck dominates the view.</b></span></div><div face="Georgia, serif" size="3" style=" font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><span><br /></span></div><div face="Georgia, serif" size="3" style=" font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><span style=" ;font-family:Georgia, serif;" ><center><span><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/UyFh6Chkegr93oLvXp0wfJobaH6S4n-ENeZs3r-bHqA?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-nukhY9ler1Y/T6eY0AkdUXI/AAAAAAAATQ0/7L3Dw0qRI8I/s800/006%2520People%2520In%2520Cars_2846%2520%2528Large%2529.jpg" height="492" width="800" /></a></span><span style=" ;font-family:Georgia, serif;" ></span></center></span></div><div style="font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; line-height: normal; font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><b>A ring-knuckled driver concentrates as he negotiates a sharp bend in the road, his passenger with a far-away look - in the back a dude sleeps and in the front, a young girl blows a bubble into space ...</b></span></div><div face="Georgia, serif" size="3" style=" font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><span><br /></span></div><div face="Georgia, serif" size="3" style=" font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><span style=" ;font-family:Georgia, serif;" ><center><span><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/rrvzEHTDkyyGzd2GE9FvlpobaH6S4n-ENeZs3r-bHqA?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Wq_thYQ0NQM/T6eYr_Rk9uI/AAAAAAAATQk/5p9TMpUWjcA/s800/007%2520On%2520The%2520Road_138%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG" height="554" width="800" /></a></span><span style=" ;font-family:Georgia, serif;" ></span></center></span></div><div style="font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; line-height: normal; font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><b>I liked the cars curving over the hill and the telephone poles curving under.</b></span></div><div face="Georgia, serif" size="3" style=" font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><span><br /></span></div><div face="Georgia, serif" size="3" style=" font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><span style=" ;font-family:Georgia, serif;" ><center><span><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/6kHtSOKdsM7XXXzNCjZewZobaH6S4n-ENeZs3r-bHqA?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-awtc3wJKbS0/T6eY5PxErtI/AAAAAAAATQ8/tM-n9aqyaMA/s800/008%2520People%2520In%2520Cars_2851%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG" height="499" width="800" /></a></span><span style=" ;font-family:Georgia, serif;" ></span></center></span></div><div style="font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; line-height: normal; font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><b>"Skattebol" is a cuddly Afrikaans term of endearment - out of place when applied to these hefty Truckers.</b></span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><span><br /></span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><span style=" ;font-family:Georgia, serif;" ><center><span><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/5AH7kC6SXUawaWaaV25Bb5obaH6S4n-ENeZs3r-bHqA?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvcrNQ3OZG1L_dyCCshPoXyKbWlX4p4mpv_CWwgH2ySzJvS-ojnVAteuhZqeHGGPPYFej2bRXCOgKB6sprd-qkPNg_zVyDGbQKTzca9h8EBRlk4Sx1yw2Br4YU9ZeU160RoH1XkJxxVcs/s800/009%2520Roadworkers_025%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG" height="768" width="503" /></a></span><span style=" ;font-family:Georgia, serif;" ></span></center></span></div><div style="font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; line-height: normal; font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><b>Bathed in Yellow - a traffic controller at road works in the mountains.</b></span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><span><br /></span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><span style=" ;font-family:Georgia, serif;" ><center><span><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/WvFJJpJxF_HSLuEmezSG25obaH6S4n-ENeZs3r-bHqA?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-N4Oul_k7TQI/T6eY8853pEI/AAAAAAAATRE/nKQP1lYCrcc/s800/010%2520Vanrhynsdorp%2520to%2520Piketberg_076%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG" height="534" width="800" /></a></span><span style=" ;font-family:Georgia, serif;" ></span></center></span></div><div style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><b>Out of the mountains and onto the flat wheat-lands a few hundred kilos from Cape Town. </b></span></div><div style="font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; line-height: normal; font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div style="font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; line-height: normal; font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><b>Well, here goes, my first post from Home ...</b></span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><span>.</span></div>OneStonedCrowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00500359406575114699noreply@blogger.com23tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3772078074457885561.post-74347881170158801042012-04-28T10:20:00.002+01:002012-04-28T10:27:35.499+01:00Half Bach<span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:85%;" ><span style="font-family:arial;">Hello Friends - well, I'm bach from Cape Town but tomorrow I'm heading to my home in the North for a month.</span><br style="font-family:arial;"><br style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-family:arial;">I haven't had time to edit the thousands of pictures I took but here are a quick selection:</span></span><br /><br /><center><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/_IYeSX6k3g_MPSnFaAHfcZobaH6S4n-ENeZs3r-bHqA?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-9USBDboWbGc/T5upguTyohI/AAAAAAAATPk/l1foNla7fm4/s800/001%2520955%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG" height="534" width="800" /></a></center><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:85%;" ><span style="font-family:arial;">A Lego-type man built with empty Coca Cola crates at the Waterfront in the City - the ever stunning Table Mountain in the background.</span></span><br /><br /><center><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/J3xxDthB34P8hADPYKDVAJobaH6S4n-ENeZs3r-bHqA?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheQgMi4O38zSoXWOJNieY36eAFiDW15-8NeytTRfUX7_YsjvFJLarONpD3q_xqwUGY-8eZfafFWErk4cXk2t5AiYbNIygec8odsol5JFcalkmxr4JDUrdqg-CDI-foNkzRS28v3Io-vtg/s800/002%2520IMG_3524%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG" height="534" width="800" /></a></center><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:85%;" ><span style="font-family:arial;">The view from my seventh-storey hotel room overlooking the Waterfront, the infamous Robben Island in the background to the left of the wheel.</span><br style="font-family:arial;"><br style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-family:arial;">I usually stay with relatives and it felt quite strange sleeping so high up in the sky - kind of reminded me of the Cave I mentioned in my 'Six Stoned Sisters' post.</span></span><br /><br /><center><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/nKkPmaerNF4W43NhWfKqWpobaH6S4n-ENeZs3r-bHqA?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-WilkyoYBP1M/T5upSiDTW6I/AAAAAAAATO8/dE0gIajzTVE/s800/003%2520269%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG" height="534" width="800" /></a></center><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:85%;" ><span style="font-family:arial;">After I'd had my camera cleaned and repaired I bought a whole-day ticket on the open-topped City Tours Buses and spent about six hours being a Paparazzi Tourist </span><br style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><center><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/r73nLT_R7ln4cf6rdIPhf5obaH6S4n-ENeZs3r-bHqA?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-sudmY3eA4Bg/T5upYFBTcXI/AAAAAAAATPM/M4VhgmYUnd0/s800/004%2520573%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG" height="534" width="800" /></a></center><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:85%;" ><span style="font-family:arial;">A view up one city street - many Cape Town roads are very narrow and I was left with a feeling of admiration for the bus drivers who navigate these streets for ten hours a day.</span></span><br /><br /><center><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/5IeUnfMoIH22xYaOthM8uJobaH6S4n-ENeZs3r-bHqA?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-SbhnCBJaaVg/T5upVEnoVVI/AAAAAAAATPE/7qL0zf3NgcI/s800/005%2520531%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG" height="534" width="800" /></a></center><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:85%;" ><span style="font-family:arial;">I saw quite a few Dreadlocked guys travelling the streets on Skateboards, zipping in and out of the traffic. </span></span><br /><br /><center><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/P19FLMjUfIc7YN7j-d9BsJobaH6S4n-ENeZs3r-bHqA?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/--Nx2i--orXU/T5upbYwOaoI/AAAAAAAATPU/kfgWA_sIg9U/s800/006%2520741%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG" height="534" width="800" /></a></center><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:85%;" ><span style="font-family:arial;">A view of the City from the Cable station on the side of Table Mountain - there were hordes of tourists waiting to go to the top of the mountain so I just wandered around a bit before catching another bus.</span></span><br /><br /><center><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/XQRONLRRZ-UOLQVejNibO5obaH6S4n-ENeZs3r-bHqA?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgKsbKePJUCACBqXikQ_OwlXYd1cP6iNhcui9ffy94QM8ohe3WVzJOsZgaFKDC5MwVvnBG7yxbOLw5CHnhCLDsGG716nptiBLYFqqz20GSGV6qWOXXpNN_0OOPsQeJyTwpHzLDyBWzc8Q/s800/007%2520831%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG" height="534" width="800" /></a></center><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:85%;" ><span style="font-family:arial;">Camps Bay beach - the weather was great and there were quite a few people enjoying the sunshine.</span></span><br /><br /><center><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/Q155Do-zZeNYMf7KYtBXu5obaH6S4n-ENeZs3r-bHqA?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGF1Y6qchXTk5An-WVgqG9eqe4-_WCS8AmchGQ39z5QprJ5De8df_u4-0vv5xCMkVN8-2cePtWvZ95ds0Kc475xbQHNCpwP4YGo5g4O735Xd67Re4Rs4uCVskoJH17YrWK_JjfVD-I3O8/s800/008%2520IMG_4569%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG" height="534" width="800" /></a></center><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:85%;" ><span style="font-family:arial;">I spent quite a bit of time at the Waterfront, resisting the temptation to spend too much money on things I like but don't really need - I did splurge on two long-sleeved Hemp shirts which should last for a couple of years.<br /><br />Here a group of Drummers perform for the passing crowd.</span></span><br /><br /><center><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/Pj7L9vo9ILTywUSZEirAOZobaH6S4n-ENeZs3r-bHqA?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-_-ZcMie_FIg/T5uplIsbYSI/AAAAAAAATP0/357qMdTjJLA/s800/009%2520IMG_4589%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG" height="534" width="800" /></a></center><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:85%;" ><span style="font-family:arial;">Another view at the Waterfront.</span></span><br /><br /><center><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/VrSy0SIvxAp3mh7BwBnx7pobaH6S4n-ENeZs3r-bHqA?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg-swAFZaboQx4JAHEHzXuUOY-LfSdHcNkmjRUBYLcW_D8jPaCF2p83wNqdS3vjXp0Ww3HPyPye9BiFml8yR364PJbq0F1KqnnNR2Iw2OfXVtj6VydlmgoUCkxmYL6UOFaZJlvJUZk52g/s800/010%2520IMG_4626%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG" height="534" width="800" /></a></center><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:85%;" ><span style="font-family:arial;">After three days I'd had enough and was glad to hit the road North again.</span><br style="font-family:arial;"><br style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-family:arial;">Tomorrow I head home and the half-good news is that I've been given a device which will hopefully boost my Netman signal and allow me to blog from home - so, if it works you'll hear from me again soon, if not, I'll see you at the end of May.</span><br style="font-family:arial;"><br face="arial"><span style="font-family:arial;">Take care of yourselves hey ... :)</span></span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);">.</span>OneStonedCrowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00500359406575114699noreply@blogger.com33tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3772078074457885561.post-28076707652568672012-04-21T11:10:00.003+01:002012-04-21T11:17:39.019+01:00Cape Town Here I Come ...<center><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/474lfs61Yo9Bk6s8i6fyHJobaH6S4n-ENeZs3r-bHqA?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-0xGsRvUvaUI/T5J7A-Xm0XI/AAAAAAAATN8/QVJjMDEMTXc/s800/001%2520Table%2520Mountain_007%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG" height="534" width="800" /></a></center><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:85%;" ><span style="font-family: arial;">Tomorrow I leave for Cape Town - I don't like cities much and Cape Town is the only one that I can handle for a few days. In fact, I'm quite looking forward to the buzz.</span><br style="font-family: arial;"></span><br /><br /><center><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/Lou-QZHOygw3pL3bAwi_TJobaH6S4n-ENeZs3r-bHqA?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-9uf6kTxUeKA/T5J7EZQndhI/AAAAAAAATOE/fEEO7W5nZ7s/s800/003%2520Snoek%2520Fishermen%2520Return_011%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG" height="534" width="800" /></a></center><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:85%;" ><span style="font-family: arial;">I need to breathe the sea air again and eat as much fresh fish as I can - Mariner's Wharf in Hout Bay will be one place I'll be sure to visit.</span></span><br /><br /><br /><center><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/g7JOni8WUBwY-os_qI7EkJobaH6S4n-ENeZs3r-bHqA?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-F-cu9hSeWAE/T5J7a9v0SwI/AAAAAAAATOs/nUGwMcORgp8/s800/002%2520Kirstenbosch_013%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG" height="768" width="512" /></a></center><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:85%;" ><span style="font-family: arial;">Also on my agenda is the Kistenbosch Botanical Gardens, a place I always try to visit whenever I'm in Cape Town ... green, green, green ...</span><br style="font-family: arial;"></span><br /><br /><center><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/b-XQeyA-DP_ucatTFWkeRJobaH6S4n-ENeZs3r-bHqA?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-c4UKXucecb8/T5J7OaQeOZI/AAAAAAAATOc/YqrizHe-8rI/s800/004%2520Desert%2520Plant_389%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG" height="534" width="800" /></a></center><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:85%;" ><span style="font-family: arial;">Before I leave though, take a look at these Desert Flowers. </span></span><br /><br /><br /><center><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/WCWW-ZEP1FPtrhnbepxW_pobaH6S4n-ENeZs3r-bHqA?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYCWGe5RrdPet71657LYgXq2Ww4XIk7K11vvAXkJQ4GuYTgpBihtzLkyna2hOJ1PZ9530Dq7AyxVPOOjEyK_CQo-tjFmKw8GLRydIRJhGkuGgQy1B8usAwyY42f29FNCv-A4PIywvjwfY/s800/005%2520Desert%2520Plant_369%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG" height="534" width="800" /></a></center><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:85%;" ><span style="font-family: arial;">When I arrived in the Desert last month, it rained lightly one night - four days later dozens of these plants suddenly appeared in the otherwise arid landscape.</span></span><br /><br /><br /><center><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/7PEV9lmk-quz8EbU511AqpobaH6S4n-ENeZs3r-bHqA?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-IffyA7AMv6s/T5J7K1WbdTI/AAAAAAAATOU/vrRLnnJGNM4/s800/006%2520Desert%2520Plant_375%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG" height="534" width="800" /></a></center><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:85%;" ><span style="font-family: arial;">What I find interesting is that, in some specimens, there are both white and pink flowers on the same plant.</span></span><br /><br /><br /><center><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/fvzYu96QW60-dQcj-UhWe5obaH6S4n-ENeZs3r-bHqA?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-lOVlnzJCxaU/T5J7QwuVlZI/AAAAAAAATOk/ujXq5yn0Teo/s800/007%2520Desert%2520Plant_376%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG" height="527" width="800" /></a></center><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:85%;" ><span style="font-family: arial;">About four days after flowering, all the plants died-back and disappeared. It was also amazing that these were the only plants which reacted to the one-night rainfall ...</span><br style="font-family: arial;"><br style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-family: arial;">When I return from Cape Town I'll only be in the desert for 4 days before leaving for my home - I hope to have good news regarding my internet connection and also to get a post in before I head North ...</span><br style="font-family: arial;"><br style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Take care friends.</span></span><br /><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);">.</span>OneStonedCrowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00500359406575114699noreply@blogger.com33