tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31682840113383301332024-02-21T23:04:28.743+11:00my travels in pixelsa personal travel diaryJanehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06017837107696030036noreply@blogger.comBlogger285125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3168284011338330133.post-67021828898697810282020-04-09T20:41:00.003+10:002021-02-14T12:08:06.779+11:00Time for a changeI have decided to try a new blog site as the formatting of this one is erratic.<div><br /></div><div>Please join me at my new location: <span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="http://luminositytrails.wordpress.com." target="_blank">Luminosity Trails Blog</a></span><div><br /></div><div>Or the new site which is <a href="https://sites.google.com/view/luminosity-trails/home/australian-travel-photos-and-diaries" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: arial;">Luminosity Trails Website</span></a></div></div>Janehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06017837107696030036noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3168284011338330133.post-67951393933108182912020-03-11T00:00:00.001+11:002020-04-09T20:42:20.833+10:00Paulet Island<h1 style="font-family: "times new roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt; text-align: left;"><b><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5KiBUdJzHX557II_Sw45WRjqQQEmRAn2_-nMo5dw2XZS_Gw1ptqHxbIxJg_DW9PIPYJVEuilD6vpA4alz9F7UTF8P0moAkhuTHARFgGIN34qqo0ZocF0E-gI3R6c89VfGV5fZH7nOy68/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="591" data-original-width="1400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5KiBUdJzHX557II_Sw45WRjqQQEmRAn2_-nMo5dw2XZS_Gw1ptqHxbIxJg_DW9PIPYJVEuilD6vpA4alz9F7UTF8P0moAkhuTHARFgGIN34qqo0ZocF0E-gI3R6c89VfGV5fZH7nOy68/" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">These penguins are in the middle of nowhere<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><font face="verdana"><br /></font></b></h1><h1 style="font-family: "times new roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt; text-align: left;"><b><font face="verdana">Day 13 - March 11 2020</font></b></h1><h2 style="text-align: left;"><b><font face="verdana" size="4">Paulet Island</font></b></h2><div style="text-align: left;"><b><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ot0b7k9dlQo/Xo1DL-EdW7I/AAAAAAAAuI8/3TwG1gi599owR1LF-7nqZMMkaa2T8EVAwCK4BGAsYHg/iceberg-1.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="933" data-original-width="1400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ot0b7k9dlQo/Xo1DL-EdW7I/AAAAAAAAuI8/3TwG1gi599owR1LF-7nqZMMkaa2T8EVAwCK4BGAsYHg/iceberg-1.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Iceberg on the way to Paulet Island<br /></td></tr></tbody></table></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><font face="verdana"><br /></font></b></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "times new roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt; text-align: left;"><font face="verdana">Paulet island is where we zodiac and go on land this morning. The water is like glass with just a few ripples, as calm as I’ve ever seen it out here. It is cold, 0°C, so I will be wearing different gloves and a balaclava. The sunrise this morning was beautiful but already above the horizon when I got up. We had been told that the island was volcanic rock and that we might see some cormorants. My group were on land first and will then changeover on the island to zodiac around in the waters. On land we saw the hut where 20 men spent 8 months over winter because their ship was crushed by the ice of the Weddell sea. Only one man died due to a heart condition. The island is now home to Weddell seals, fur seals and cormorants. Annie took photos of all of us individually in front of a blue iceberg – the bluer they are the less air they have in the water crystals. Unfortunately that was one of the photos on my iPhone, so I don't have it. There was also sea ice which is usually flatter and has yellow bits which are the phytoplankton. Phytoplankton is what krill eat. Krill is what nearly everything else eats, they are like little shrimps.<o:p></o:p></font></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "times new roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt; text-align: left;"><font face="verdana"><br /></font></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "times new roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt; text-align: left;"></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-do6Dv9g7WvY/Xo1T4siNrqI/AAAAAAAAuRE/XYIi1f8HaUUV1Wvw9pnSWStHj8074NgiwCK4BGAsYHg/Paulette%2BIsland-7.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="933" data-original-width="1400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-do6Dv9g7WvY/Xo1T4siNrqI/AAAAAAAAuRE/XYIi1f8HaUUV1Wvw9pnSWStHj8074NgiwCK4BGAsYHg/Paulette%2BIsland-7.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Remnants of the hut, not a very nice place in summer, imagine what winter was like</td></tr></tbody></table><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "times new roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt; text-align: left;"><font face="verdana"><br /></font></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "times new roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt; text-align: left;"></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-o9kl6C1K9W0/Xo1DxrxrkGI/AAAAAAAAuJU/S9H15NHCRCw9A9wnLa1vamQOh9mDdrO0gCK4BGAsYHg/iceberg-5.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="935" data-original-width="1400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-o9kl6C1K9W0/Xo1DxrxrkGI/AAAAAAAAuJU/S9H15NHCRCw9A9wnLa1vamQOh9mDdrO0gCK4BGAsYHg/iceberg-5.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ice sheet the phytoplankton grow on/under<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "times new roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt; text-align: left;"><o:p><font face="verdana"> </font></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "times new roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt;">Our afternoon cruise and landing were cancelled due to rough seas. It was replaced by some talks in the auditorium. When you aren't listening to talks, there is the observation room on the top level which has sweeping 180° views. We had a quick navigation talk with Annie where she explained how to read a map with the latitude & longitude numbers. And one of the Canadian expedition members showed us how to make a few knots. Lindsay does these knots all the time but I've never been able to master them but this guy was very patient and explained it well. There are lots of chairs and couches with lap blankets as it can get cold sitting next to the windows. Sometimes the double doors on either side would have to be locked due to the high winds. There is a gym with treadmills, bikes, dumbbells. Yes I did do 20 mins on the treadmill once during a sea day. You can also watch various movies in your room, unfortunately they don't keep track of where you are up to, which is a pain as you don't always get a two hour window to watch a movie and we would watch them in stages.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "times new roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "times new roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt; text-align: left;"><font face="verdana"><br /></font></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "times new roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt; text-align: left;"></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQRv5uetYUcMEcME5_G1iblph2CLJ1rd9FOKGYjwMfAvZiOxaIY3C0Hqo93Di5IBqL3NX71_vsgVlt9eYNz2E_howm4vQH8lnI5eGaOCVUXcSBkpNQ4S_hsJR1LlrJw1FdGiX6r5FVA54/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="933" data-original-width="1400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQRv5uetYUcMEcME5_G1iblph2CLJ1rd9FOKGYjwMfAvZiOxaIY3C0Hqo93Di5IBqL3NX71_vsgVlt9eYNz2E_howm4vQH8lnI5eGaOCVUXcSBkpNQ4S_hsJR1LlrJw1FdGiX6r5FVA54/" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Iceberg</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--Q7HObe2uY8/Xo1ETRUiOuI/AAAAAAAAuJ8/FfhSk4Id1gAczZIMpXNxd7v7bmgs8gJkwCK4BGAsYHg/iceberg-10.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="933" data-original-width="1400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--Q7HObe2uY8/Xo1ETRUiOuI/AAAAAAAAuJ8/FfhSk4Id1gAczZIMpXNxd7v7bmgs8gJkwCK4BGAsYHg/iceberg-10.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Abstract Iceberg<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jZLiohZmN4c/Xo1Egdr6PdI/AAAAAAAAuKM/cuSmV2W3Q4UN_72oE3J8DSMPwFxyej9QQCK4BGAsYHg/iceberg-14.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="933" data-original-width="1400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jZLiohZmN4c/Xo1Egdr6PdI/AAAAAAAAuKM/cuSmV2W3Q4UN_72oE3J8DSMPwFxyej9QQCK4BGAsYHg/iceberg-14.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Elephant Iceberg<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mMNCxcIH4vo/Xo1E45rA0KI/AAAAAAAAuKs/gpJtC6tUpxUvOScNHS7MBkiKkXJcPbGkACK4BGAsYHg/iceberg-15.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="933" data-original-width="1400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mMNCxcIH4vo/Xo1E45rA0KI/AAAAAAAAuKs/gpJtC6tUpxUvOScNHS7MBkiKkXJcPbGkACK4BGAsYHg/iceberg-15.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cave Iceberg<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XPAwQf2ZywY/Xo1KyuY-i4I/AAAAAAAAuLk/82aStZioLII7aP0frbSC4sXe1b0UMzXJgCK4BGAsYHg/iceberg-22.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="560" data-original-width="1400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XPAwQf2ZywY/Xo1KyuY-i4I/AAAAAAAAuLk/82aStZioLII7aP0frbSC4sXe1b0UMzXJgCK4BGAsYHg/iceberg-22.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Large icebergs<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hKgQdMMrXhA/Xo1LPsl7-jI/AAAAAAAAuMI/sopuo4PCO4MZq2Bg27n0ICLAUJIXuaINwCK4BGAsYHg/iceberg-23.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="933" data-original-width="1400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hKgQdMMrXhA/Xo1LPsl7-jI/AAAAAAAAuMI/sopuo4PCO4MZq2Bg27n0ICLAUJIXuaINwCK4BGAsYHg/iceberg-23.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Penguins on the iceberg<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="933" data-original-width="1400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-K08ew7YePLI/Xo1NK7ve9JI/AAAAAAAAuNw/qVF0yeerFOk2Chdykz0noCGxI2b_ooBqACK4BGAsYHg/Paulette%2BIsland-6.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cormorants on Paulet Island<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-JITQ2A-NK08rMmaOUSTcBGAMmZraQDpv8i-B245cbCRpYzicAg9xK8Xqo1jOKjDvm6D9swRXuq0aJ54NArYxlUGvvSqGuaLarDmIIY9a5hnX0gv4dW4zSeyZLyGqYC8SOlclFyDgyuM/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="933" data-original-width="1400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-JITQ2A-NK08rMmaOUSTcBGAMmZraQDpv8i-B245cbCRpYzicAg9xK8Xqo1jOKjDvm6D9swRXuq0aJ54NArYxlUGvvSqGuaLarDmIIY9a5hnX0gv4dW4zSeyZLyGqYC8SOlclFyDgyuM/" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Passing an iceberg, looking out from the observation room - side window</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zpoHhK_05-Y/Xo1PQ5UIkOI/AAAAAAAAuPI/ITyXf8AKVA43PE6qrH-JzzaZzNhYXVdGQCK4BGAsYHg/Paulette%2BIsland-13.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="933" data-original-width="1400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zpoHhK_05-Y/Xo1PQ5UIkOI/AAAAAAAAuPI/ITyXf8AKVA43PE6qrH-JzzaZzNhYXVdGQCK4BGAsYHg/Paulette%2BIsland-13.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cormorants have blue eyes<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FPqLzwK4oy8/Xo1QIw_oLNI/AAAAAAAAuP0/lRyNqosAyEAOTggNf9k_sGxswSOnJoluACK4BGAsYHg/Paulette%2BIsland-31.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="933" data-original-width="1400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FPqLzwK4oy8/Xo1QIw_oLNI/AAAAAAAAuP0/lRyNqosAyEAOTggNf9k_sGxswSOnJoluACK4BGAsYHg/Paulette%2BIsland-31.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Weddell seal scratching<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br />I love the patterns on the Weddell seals. We could only see the seals from the zodiac as they weren't near the landing beach.<br /><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-quZUdO5CYhU/Xo1O9CWeyQI/AAAAAAAAuOw/JTiQ_BdlI2Y9YSslBa54TnjtVSrdVYtNwCK4BGAsYHg/Paulette%2BIsland-8.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="933" data-original-width="1400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-quZUdO5CYhU/Xo1O9CWeyQI/AAAAAAAAuOw/JTiQ_BdlI2Y9YSslBa54TnjtVSrdVYtNwCK4BGAsYHg/Paulette%2BIsland-8.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2ZqMF7Vk1cY/Xo1PnpJL6dI/AAAAAAAAuPc/NVOF_-nQIB46lJlDdjP8MIXQVxA-IzVHQCK4BGAsYHg/Paulette%2BIsland-16.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="933" data-original-width="1400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2ZqMF7Vk1cY/Xo1PnpJL6dI/AAAAAAAAuPc/NVOF_-nQIB46lJlDdjP8MIXQVxA-IzVHQCK4BGAsYHg/Paulette%2BIsland-16.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Only a handful of penguins amongst the cormorants<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OmRY_HcVbNk/Xo1R2D-pCpI/AAAAAAAAuQU/HTHL-dBbYfM897Q-dlJMnwQQSGRvd8EVACK4BGAsYHg/Paulette%2BIsland-32.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="933" data-original-width="1400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OmRY_HcVbNk/Xo1R2D-pCpI/AAAAAAAAuQU/HTHL-dBbYfM897Q-dlJMnwQQSGRvd8EVACK4BGAsYHg/Paulette%2BIsland-32.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I think some men would be jealous of his whiskers<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3o6ivuJ4cuo/Xo1SK4L37II/AAAAAAAAuQo/uGOzlEDRnGI7cnOk06cvP8oB5Txkft3GACK4BGAsYHg/Paulette%2BIsland-33.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="933" data-original-width="1400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3o6ivuJ4cuo/Xo1SK4L37II/AAAAAAAAuQo/uGOzlEDRnGI7cnOk06cvP8oB5Txkft3GACK4BGAsYHg/Paulette%2BIsland-33.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><h3 style="text-align: left;"><div style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400;">(1) <a href="http://tvlbug.blogspot.com/2020/02/the-7th-continent.html" style="color: #1155cc; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 18px;" target="_blank">The 7th Continent</a></div><div style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400;">(2) <a href="http://tvlbug.blogspot.com/2020/03/falkland-islands-its-more-than-just-war.html" style="color: #1155cc; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 18px;" target="_blank">Falkland Islands - it's more than just a war zone</a></div><div style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400;">(3) <a href="http://tvlbug.blogspot.com/2020/03/south-georgia-wildlife-paradise.html" style="color: #1155cc; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 18px;" target="_blank">South Georgia - Wildlife Paradise</a></div><div style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400;">(4) <a href="http://tvlbug.blogspot.com/2020/03/salisbury-plain-and-hercules-bay-more.html" style="color: #1155cc; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; text-size-adjust: auto;" target="_blank">Salisbury Plain and Hercules Bay, more penguins and seals</a><br /></div><div style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400;">(5) <a href="http://tvlbug.blogspot.com/2020/03/whaling-stations-on-south-georgia.html" style="color: #1155cc; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; text-size-adjust: auto;" target="_blank">Whaling Stations on South Georgia</a></div><div style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400;">(6) <a href="http://tvlbug.blogspot.com/2020/03/golden-light-at-gold-harbour.html" style="color: #1155cc; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; text-size-adjust: auto;" target="_blank">Golden light at Gold Harbour</a></div><div style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400;"><br /></div><div style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400;"><a href="https://sites.google.com/site/fraserholidays/home/Home" style="font-family: verdana;" target="_blank">Main menu</a></div><div style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400;"><br /></div></h3></div>Janehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06017837107696030036noreply@blogger.com0Paulet Island, Antarctica-63.5789576 -55.7865645-90 -90.9428145 -35.268723763821157 -20.630314499999997tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3168284011338330133.post-67733776234151097732020-03-09T09:10:00.000+11:002020-04-09T20:42:46.871+10:00The largest iceberg is how many kilometres long?<h1 style="font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt; text-align: left;"><b><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--bNTgcwxwBw/XoV-QUBP7UI/AAAAAAAAt_E/6w529O40oCsKIUCybZRDvmHWHhrzYy6CgCK4BGAsYHg/Iceberg%2BTerritory-2.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="933" data-original-width="1400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--bNTgcwxwBw/XoV-QUBP7UI/AAAAAAAAt_E/6w529O40oCsKIUCybZRDvmHWHhrzYy6CgCK4BGAsYHg/Iceberg%2BTerritory-2.jpg" title="My first iceberg sighting" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My first iceberg sighting<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><font face="verdana"><br /></font></b></h1><h1 style="font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt; text-align: left;"><b><font face="verdana"><br /></font></b></h1><h1 style="font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt; text-align: left;"><b><font face="verdana">Day 11 - March 9 2020</font></b></h1><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "times new roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;"><font face="verdana">The first day of sailing to the Antarctic Peninsula. Rougher seas today that took hold yesterday afternoon. You can’t walk in a straight line as you zig zag down the hallways. Standing in the shower is an unusual experience. Luckily it is narrow, although it doesn’t seem small and there are the rims that hold the soap and shampoo bottles in that you can hold onto if necessary as well as a seat. </font></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "times new roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;"><font face="verdana"><br /></font></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "times new roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PqQVqLZiNlw/XoV-mG0AHOI/AAAAAAAAt_Y/32S_HoZ4uBo-QplRRjMncPbAkkXZ8EEKgCK4BGAsYHg/Iceberg%2BTerritory-3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="933" data-original-width="1400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PqQVqLZiNlw/XoV-mG0AHOI/AAAAAAAAt_Y/32S_HoZ4uBo-QplRRjMncPbAkkXZ8EEKgCK4BGAsYHg/Iceberg%2BTerritory-3.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pJ87QWcrxnU/XoV-2qYPgWI/AAAAAAAAt_s/4syZyWqWOfIcI5kaLp4yyJ2htfcGf3tbQCK4BGAsYHg/Iceberg%2BTerritory-9.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="933" data-original-width="1400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pJ87QWcrxnU/XoV-2qYPgWI/AAAAAAAAt_s/4syZyWqWOfIcI5kaLp4yyJ2htfcGf3tbQCK4BGAsYHg/Iceberg%2BTerritory-9.jpg" /></a></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "times new roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;"><font face="verdana"><br /></font></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "times new roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;"><font face="verdana">We had a number of talks to keep us occupied: Pinipeds of the peninsula (seals), photographing birds in flight and the penguin species we will find on the peninsula. Did you know that birds replace all their feathers once a year. The ones on the wings are done symmetrically so they can keep flying. They showed the first part of the Shackleton movie with Kenneth Branagh but the quality when it was blown up on the screen was awful so I left and watched it when I got home. Shackleton was trying to get to the south pole again. He had tried once before. On that trip a number of days before they would have made it they realised that they didn’t have enough food for the return journey unless they turned around prematurely. Thankfully they chose life over success. This time they could have landed on Antarctica but would have had to spend longer trekking across the land to get to the pole. To reduce the distance on foot they decided that they would move further along the coast. This was a mistake as the ship got stuck in the ice which destroyed it. They moved off the boat onto the ice shelf which started to fall apart. Piling the men onto three small row boats, they made it to Elephant Island. Six men then sailed the James Caird boat to South Georgia but they arrived on the wrong side of the island and spent a couple of weeks trekking over the mountains to get to Stromness which had a whaling station. It then took Shackleton a few months to get back Elephant island to rescue the men who had been living in the two upturned boats for all those months. Everyone survived.<o:p></o:p></font></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "times new roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;"><font face="verdana"><br /></font></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "times new roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;"></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WVgZZ-bTUA8/XoV_OC04pxI/AAAAAAAAuAE/lOrF3QRm24soFjvNt1_S7OgDf_fIwJ1KgCK4BGAsYHg/Iceberg%2BTerritory-11.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="933" data-original-width="1400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WVgZZ-bTUA8/XoV_OC04pxI/AAAAAAAAuAE/lOrF3QRm24soFjvNt1_S7OgDf_fIwJ1KgCK4BGAsYHg/Iceberg%2BTerritory-11.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our first look at A68-A<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "times new roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;"><br /></p><h1 style="font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt; text-align: left;"><b><font face="verdana">Day 12 - March 10 2020</font></b></h1><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "times new roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;"><font face="verdana">The second day of sailing to the Antarctic Peninsula. The seas are much calmer and I see my first iceberg just after 7am. The bridge saw the first iceberg at 3:30am so I was half an hour out as I had put down 4am on this day for the competition and someone else was within 15 minutes. I was pretty happy coming so close, I have no idea what the prize was. First presentation today was with Norm the geologist who explained the drifting continent that is Antarctica. Australia was once attached to Antarctica along the bottom and was the last land mass to break off and move away. They have found marsupial fossils down there as well as tropical plants – the word tropical just blows me away. Antarctica holds 95% of the worlds fresh water, imagine what is going to happen when it starts melting. All the countries still move around and in a few not too distant years Japan will pull up alongside China - <i>I don't think they will be happy about that</i>. Australia is moving towards the equator but that is not what is causing more humidity even as far down as Melbourne; Norm explained to me that it is climate change.<o:p></o:p></font></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "times new roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;"><font face="verdana"><br /></font></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "times new roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8Sj7tWPPzGk/XoWBQD1vsoI/AAAAAAAAuAk/4xSVcM0WFv0R4t4axJfyWFbHU85cXQw5gCK4BGAsYHg/Iceberg%2BTerritory-31.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="609" data-original-width="1400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8Sj7tWPPzGk/XoWBQD1vsoI/AAAAAAAAuAk/4xSVcM0WFv0R4t4axJfyWFbHU85cXQw5gCK4BGAsYHg/Iceberg%2BTerritory-31.jpg" /></a></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "times new roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;"><o:p><font face="verdana"> </font></o:p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2jmeAZCU7wA/XoWE5J9GFAI/AAAAAAAAuDE/DlmGRMS9cqM-9sFyUyNVJm7TGq1baJr-gCK4BGAsYHg/Iceberg%2BTerritory-34.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="468" data-original-width="1400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2jmeAZCU7wA/XoWE5J9GFAI/AAAAAAAAuDE/DlmGRMS9cqM-9sFyUyNVJm7TGq1baJr-gCK4BGAsYHg/Iceberg%2BTerritory-34.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">our guide quickly loses interest in the iceberg and we go looking for humpback whales</td></tr></tbody></table><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "times new roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;"><font face="verdana"><br />Another bio security check of all our gear in preparation for landings on the Antarctic Peninsula.<o:p></o:p></font></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "times new roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;"><font face="verdana"><br /></font></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "times new roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;"></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aY0cUGZPhhU/XoWBcJVfSBI/AAAAAAAAuAw/wjlaa-JmqSAypHi9Lz4Rsq5eFNWITBFxwCK4BGAsYHg/Iceberg%2BTerritory-38.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="975" data-original-width="1400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aY0cUGZPhhU/XoWBcJVfSBI/AAAAAAAAuAw/wjlaa-JmqSAypHi9Lz4Rsq5eFNWITBFxwCK4BGAsYHg/Iceberg%2BTerritory-38.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Seal on an iceberg in far from land</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><font face="verdana"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EU0gTDfFNSs/XoWBp372llI/AAAAAAAAuBA/Oq6jL6BHinokzXqYUFFTQ_bBeak3ULIFgCK4BGAsYHg/Iceberg%2BTerritory-40.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /><img border="0" data-original-height="478" data-original-width="1400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EU0gTDfFNSs/XoWBp372llI/AAAAAAAAuBA/Oq6jL6BHinokzXqYUFFTQ_bBeak3ULIFgCK4BGAsYHg/Iceberg%2BTerritory-40.jpg" /></a></font></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><font face="verdana"><br /></font></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><font face="verdana"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCU7PY4zpZPQlz-2VqHdW8W_MM3u7VHXDQKlctOcpJjAaCh_AUIxm4rV1kwi6iGtJRGinPqloXP3JM-iMk3T4lJ5IlWg2RF1TH4XqT8Scy2b1rvgdBmEsj35R8GapxEMZmJOiC2ZZWfeo/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="544" data-original-width="1400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCU7PY4zpZPQlz-2VqHdW8W_MM3u7VHXDQKlctOcpJjAaCh_AUIxm4rV1kwi6iGtJRGinPqloXP3JM-iMk3T4lJ5IlWg2RF1TH4XqT8Scy2b1rvgdBmEsj35R8GapxEMZmJOiC2ZZWfeo/" /></a></font></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><font face="verdana"><br /></font></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><font face="verdana"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9r1SbTBaZKY/XoWFonFpm4I/AAAAAAAAuDY/x1oAC2WjJd8yOgQ8r0TplmIaABGgdhVbACK4BGAsYHg/Iceberg%2BTerritory-24.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="501" data-original-width="1400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9r1SbTBaZKY/XoWFonFpm4I/AAAAAAAAuDY/x1oAC2WjJd8yOgQ8r0TplmIaABGgdhVbACK4BGAsYHg/Iceberg%2BTerritory-24.jpg" /></a></font></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><font face="verdana"><br /></font></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><font face="verdana"><br /></font></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "times new roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;"><font face="verdana">We expected to pass one of the largest icebergs around here at about 3pm, they had been tracking it for a while as it is moving all the time. You only see about 25% of any iceberg above the water line. The A68A iceberg fell off the Larsen shelf and looks like an ice shelf itself because it’s so big – 30km wide by 160km long. The original plan was just to look at it from the ship but as the seas were calm, a rare occurrence in the Weddell sea, we took a zip around in our zodiacs. About 50 metres shows above the water line and the distance we have to keep between us and the iceberg is double its height in case it calves. They have never done a zodiac cruise around it since it formed two and a half years ago. During our zodiac cruise we saw many humpback whales, a few seals reclining on floating ice and a few swimming. We also saw a Right Whale, well its tail anyway. The swell around the ship had increased by the time we got back and I was propelled up the steps as I got off the zodiac. A ship that was there two days beforehand couldn’t even find the iceberg, let alone zodiac near it. I don’t say around it as it is so large it would take hours; we were near the smallest </font><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt;">tip. As it moves towards the equator it will melt.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "times new roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "times new roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SOfegu2jdTI/XoWCfSlzvMI/AAAAAAAAuBw/jHd2yZg0Uk87TgTisoZ1AXUOwufWFQdNQCK4BGAsYHg/Iceberg%2BTerritory-16.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="933" data-original-width="1400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SOfegu2jdTI/XoWCfSlzvMI/AAAAAAAAuBw/jHd2yZg0Uk87TgTisoZ1AXUOwufWFQdNQCK4BGAsYHg/Iceberg%2BTerritory-16.jpg" /></a></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "times new roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "times new roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;"><font face="verdana">Ed’s talk on the discovery of Antarctica is postponed, as was part two of the Shackleton movie.<o:p></o:p></font></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "times new roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;"><font face="verdana"><br /></font></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "times new roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1euRSE8NZPk/XoWCxIejOCI/AAAAAAAAuCI/EGwYzgcW66cguTMwfMSEemODbTZi0jv9QCK4BGAsYHg/Iceberg%2BTerritory-25.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="416" data-original-width="1400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1euRSE8NZPk/XoWCxIejOCI/AAAAAAAAuCI/EGwYzgcW66cguTMwfMSEemODbTZi0jv9QCK4BGAsYHg/Iceberg%2BTerritory-25.jpg" /></a></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "times new roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;"><o:p><font face="verdana"> </font></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "times new roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;"><font face="verdana">We had access to the BBC World News which was filled with stories on the Coronavirus and the demise of the stock market. I worried about my trip in May which transits through Hong Kong, thinking that I may have to find another route. Many people thought I was being pessimistic and said it would be over by then. I didn't agree but neither did I expect the tragedy to unfold across the globe. Right up to the last few days the expedition team were optimistic that they would be going on another trip straight after ours. I never thought they would.</font></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "times new roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;"><font face="verdana"><br /></font></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "times new roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lAAxxF4bD58/XoWEE4F6eWI/AAAAAAAAuCs/kTxXJIw58Z4LptnZWf3jZb3AfJCBXFbXgCK4BGAsYHg/Iceberg%2BTerritory-30.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="933" data-original-width="1400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lAAxxF4bD58/XoWEE4F6eWI/AAAAAAAAuCs/kTxXJIw58Z4LptnZWf3jZb3AfJCBXFbXgCK4BGAsYHg/Iceberg%2BTerritory-30.jpg" /></a></div><font face="verdana"><br /></font><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "times new roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;"><font face="verdana"><br /></font></p><h3><div style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400;">(1) <a href="http://tvlbug.blogspot.com/2020/02/the-7th-continent.html" style="color: #1155cc; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 18px;" target="_blank">The 7th Continent</a></div><div style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400;">(2) <a href="http://tvlbug.blogspot.com/2020/03/falkland-islands-its-more-than-just-war.html" style="color: #1155cc; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 18px;" target="_blank">Falkland Islands - it's more than just a war zone</a></div><div style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400;">(3) <a href="http://tvlbug.blogspot.com/2020/03/south-georgia-wildlife-paradise.html" style="color: #1155cc; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 18px;" target="_blank">South Georgia - Wildlife Paradise</a></div><div style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400;">(4) <a href="http://tvlbug.blogspot.com/2020/03/salisbury-plain-and-hercules-bay-more.html" style="color: #1155cc; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; text-size-adjust: auto;" target="_blank">Salisbury Plain and Hercules Bay, more penguins and seals</a><br /></div><div style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400;">(5) <a href="http://tvlbug.blogspot.com/2020/03/whaling-stations-on-south-georgia.html" style="color: #1155cc; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; text-size-adjust: auto;" target="_blank">Whaling Stations on South Georgia</a></div><div style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400;">(6) <a href="http://tvlbug.blogspot.com/2020/03/golden-light-at-gold-harbour.html" style="color: #1155cc; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; text-size-adjust: auto;" target="_blank">Golden light at Gold Harbour</a></div><div style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400;"><br /></div><div style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400;"><a href="https://sites.google.com/site/fraserholidays/home/Home" style="font-family: verdana;" target="_blank">Main menu</a></div><div style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400;"><br /></div></h3><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "times new roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;"><font face="verdana"><br /></font></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "times new roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;"><font face="verdana"><br /></font></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "times new roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;"><font face="verdana"><br /></font></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "times new roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;"><font face="verdana"><br /></font></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "times new roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;"><font face="verdana"><br /></font></p>Janehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06017837107696030036noreply@blogger.com0Weddell Sea-71.187901 -45-90 -80.15625 -42.877667163821151 -9.84375tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3168284011338330133.post-23795306537285488072020-03-08T12:00:00.061+11:002020-04-07T11:00:03.228+10:00Golden light at Gold Harbour<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2pZrvf1syN0/XoFreRhqX7I/AAAAAAAAt0A/IeV8dZXhfBEKEAOj6iNxc1qug5rE8MoNwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Gold%2BHarbour-43.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="482" data-original-width="1400" height="220" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2pZrvf1syN0/XoFreRhqX7I/AAAAAAAAt0A/IeV8dZXhfBEKEAOj6iNxc1qug5rE8MoNwCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/Gold%2BHarbour-43.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gold Harbour not called so because we were there when the light was indeed golden</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<h2>
<br />Day 10 - March 8 2020</h2>
<h3>
Gold Harbour</h3>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3I2QZcWN7rA/XoFsRWEqzWI/AAAAAAAAt0Y/hP2VHGil8VsHHlI8vLkzGGUBnm_drs4SQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Gold%2BHarbour-19.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="933" data-original-width="1400" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3I2QZcWN7rA/XoFsRWEqzWI/AAAAAAAAt0Y/hP2VHGil8VsHHlI8vLkzGGUBnm_drs4SQCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/Gold%2BHarbour-19.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gentoos molting</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ySJP0jOLx5E/XoFsRL4pRMI/AAAAAAAAt0U/3wfsV1U5jXc-AHStsav1JIPZmoUjMPrAwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Gold%2BHarbour-28.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="933" data-original-width="1400" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ySJP0jOLx5E/XoFsRL4pRMI/AAAAAAAAt0U/3wfsV1U5jXc-AHStsav1JIPZmoUjMPrAwCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/Gold%2BHarbour-28.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I forget that they are birds until they lie down like a duck</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--7U9KXtGHuo/XoFsQS5JbDI/AAAAAAAAt0Q/K4hqR8oKeAsklr4YNS1OyIOGaOYO3_ljgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Gold%2BHarbour-34.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="933" data-original-width="1400" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--7U9KXtGHuo/XoFsQS5JbDI/AAAAAAAAt0Q/K4hqR8oKeAsklr4YNS1OyIOGaOYO3_ljgCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/Gold%2BHarbour-34.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">There are bullies in all parts of the world</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-512gVyg5mNY/XoFsTVc_DvI/AAAAAAAAt0c/WNEmtk63XG01v8Ou3a3r7lMr6U_POmBLACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Gold%2BHarbour-35.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="933" data-original-width="1400" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-512gVyg5mNY/XoFsTVc_DvI/AAAAAAAAt0c/WNEmtk63XG01v8Ou3a3r7lMr6U_POmBLACLcBGAsYHQ/s640/Gold%2BHarbour-35.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Okay, it's unanimous, a swim this afternoon</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Jw7uxHGyUMk/XoFr7yryo2I/AAAAAAAAt0I/dn_iJF4zqHI0ig4c9cPYfROUnjXQfcfhgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Gold%2BHarbour-52.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="933" data-original-width="1400" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Jw7uxHGyUMk/XoFr7yryo2I/AAAAAAAAt0I/dn_iJF4zqHI0ig4c9cPYfROUnjXQfcfhgCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/Gold%2BHarbour-52.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Elephant seal - either a young one or female, I'm not sure</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /><br />
We tried for a second time to get into Gold Harbour and this time we were successful. There was a little bit of drizzle and our group would go on land first and do the zodiac cruising after breakfast. So a 5:30 wake up call let us know that we would be called at 6am and as we were first I got down there a few minutes earlier to get started as I can’t fit my socks on with my slip on shoes. We are getting dressed and undressed 2-3 times a day. Two pairs of socks as the boots you choose must fit two pairs and if you only wear one it’s a little too roomy. Although there was drizzle it was a balmy 8°C, so no jumper but my full jacket – inner and outer. A beanie to keep the wind and rain from messing my hair about, gloves, waterproof pants and of course, gumboots. Last to go on is the life jacket. On the Falklands we were able to take them off once we were on land but not so in South Georgia as the bio security is much more strict here. They are heavy and uncomfortable but as we zodiac every time we leave the ship they are mandatory.<br />
<br />
If I had to choose only one place to land in South Georgia, this would be it. I'm so glad we gave it a second chance. While trying to find out the name of the glacier, I read a post that said that on one trip they only made three landings during the whole trip due to the weather.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FyjTT-O1w1o/XoFtOdKpPaI/AAAAAAAAt0s/zMsONDCeV4wtl_FT5O-Oe_DP9W2zGIw9gCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Gold%2BHarbour-56.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="933" data-original-width="1400" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FyjTT-O1w1o/XoFtOdKpPaI/AAAAAAAAt0s/zMsONDCeV4wtl_FT5O-Oe_DP9W2zGIw9gCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/Gold%2BHarbour-56.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hmKzr9o4Vb8/XoFtQ_hVf2I/AAAAAAAAt0w/8b8Uxh58m1ElQGRSbSh3FYAJlcg3GWNBgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Gold%2BHarbour-57.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="933" data-original-width="1400" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hmKzr9o4Vb8/XoFtQ_hVf2I/AAAAAAAAt0w/8b8Uxh58m1ElQGRSbSh3FYAJlcg3GWNBgCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/Gold%2BHarbour-57.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-e_4gMvxPfuc/XoFtRCmasKI/AAAAAAAAt00/zvmUmWbH-yQgwah0pal2FfoLvZZypLJHQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Gold%2BHarbour-59.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="933" data-original-width="1400" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-e_4gMvxPfuc/XoFtRCmasKI/AAAAAAAAt00/zvmUmWbH-yQgwah0pal2FfoLvZZypLJHQCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/Gold%2BHarbour-59.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oFteU8wurtU/XoFtUdDjBlI/AAAAAAAAt04/GpshqjMpnko4hy9bWSfccgcQk14iLP4cACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Gold%2BHarbour-60.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="933" data-original-width="1400" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oFteU8wurtU/XoFtUdDjBlI/AAAAAAAAt04/GpshqjMpnko4hy9bWSfccgcQk14iLP4cACLcBGAsYHQ/s640/Gold%2BHarbour-60.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-F0TLrra7-M8/XoFtWeVfX7I/AAAAAAAAt08/0FwMdWqloSE0vWdnzDT7XGfi8przA7XnACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Gold%2BHarbour-61.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="933" data-original-width="1400" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-F0TLrra7-M8/XoFtWeVfX7I/AAAAAAAAt08/0FwMdWqloSE0vWdnzDT7XGfi8przA7XnACLcBGAsYHQ/s640/Gold%2BHarbour-61.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-e7KCpp7CYpg/XoFtdrZ85fI/AAAAAAAAt1E/weWx7MUEklsGpUtNjMHqNxHkIhINJd-mQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Gold%2BHarbour-63.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="933" data-original-width="1400" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-e7KCpp7CYpg/XoFtdrZ85fI/AAAAAAAAt1E/weWx7MUEklsGpUtNjMHqNxHkIhINJd-mQCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/Gold%2BHarbour-63.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fg7-lhPHVT4/XoFteDAuKHI/AAAAAAAAt1I/7cFqVZDw_Egj59w-OsrH56sYg6UtYw24wCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Gold%2BHarbour-75.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="933" data-original-width="1400" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fg7-lhPHVT4/XoFteDAuKHI/AAAAAAAAt1I/7cFqVZDw_Egj59w-OsrH56sYg6UtYw24wCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/Gold%2BHarbour-75.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Elephant Seal scratching</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5sI4EhW68b4/XoFteilT08I/AAAAAAAAt1M/hIrCqn2EPXosfFu7s4P_EYnkqwNW2CuCwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Gold%2BHarbour-78.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="933" data-original-width="1400" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5sI4EhW68b4/XoFteilT08I/AAAAAAAAt1M/hIrCqn2EPXosfFu7s4P_EYnkqwNW2CuCwCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/Gold%2BHarbour-78.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Only the male elephant seals have the big bulbous noses, bigger is better apparently</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
This landing is home to fur seals, elephant seals, King penguin, Gentoo penguin and large gulls. The young fur seals are a bit naughty and I’m sure it’s the male ones that come bouncing up to you in a bluff charge. Like a bear, you have to stop moving and make yourself look big. And when they take no notice of that, as they invariable do, you tell them off and shoo them away. Even with no jumper it became very warm when the sun came out and even though this was the least amount of walking we had to do, we still got hot.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FcRUsEJKMtM/XoFuQiw4lNI/AAAAAAAAt1c/CkNVQBCU4sAYInsmVr_1WCX7wqP1oOWNQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Gold%2BHarbour-39.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="933" data-original-width="1400" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FcRUsEJKMtM/XoFuQiw4lNI/AAAAAAAAt1c/CkNVQBCU4sAYInsmVr_1WCX7wqP1oOWNQCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/Gold%2BHarbour-39.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Elephant seal flippers</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gjSKfStQS4E/XoFu4JlpTpI/AAAAAAAAt1s/EhLFq2pgpfMjsBp-YTCZkMZkmZRU48ttgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Gold%2BHarbour-77.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="933" data-original-width="1400" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gjSKfStQS4E/XoFu4JlpTpI/AAAAAAAAt1s/EhLFq2pgpfMjsBp-YTCZkMZkmZRU48ttgCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/Gold%2BHarbour-77.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And so are these, but I wasn't able to find out what the difference was. They look like propellers.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
By mid morning it was sill foggy and the temperature had reached 12°C! No need for a jumper. We go for a zodiac trip around the harbour.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisMssNfYL97XfXXPOEZMwpWQlxO66_9RQGTLpq1exuHXpjJl0Vbq1l7HZCk9q0vgTFCaJXdlMyha2KuYQYTwa4INeT33PrdFg_WB1ID67ZSG7RTLmjdadc3KDaFP_3Rq3aOo7b61oD1wI/s1600/Gold+Harbour-81.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="832" data-original-width="1400" height="380" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisMssNfYL97XfXXPOEZMwpWQlxO66_9RQGTLpq1exuHXpjJl0Vbq1l7HZCk9q0vgTFCaJXdlMyha2KuYQYTwa4INeT33PrdFg_WB1ID67ZSG7RTLmjdadc3KDaFP_3Rq3aOo7b61oD1wI/s640/Gold+Harbour-81.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Elephant seal and cub</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cg3gw5D2kXY/XoFwljI66MI/AAAAAAAAt2E/nANA7CR_BgUluUFlhRD0EHGr81c8XsxcQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Gold%2BHarbour-82.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="933" data-original-width="1400" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cg3gw5D2kXY/XoFwljI66MI/AAAAAAAAt2E/nANA7CR_BgUluUFlhRD0EHGr81c8XsxcQCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/Gold%2BHarbour-82.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gentoo Penguin</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0nC4MShfAMc/XoFwq-Ne2iI/AAAAAAAAt2I/tSy8B7KA-g401I69pi-hFMPK6AiAhPGvQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Gold%2BHarbour-87.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="933" data-original-width="1400" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0nC4MShfAMc/XoFwq-Ne2iI/AAAAAAAAt2I/tSy8B7KA-g401I69pi-hFMPK6AiAhPGvQCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/Gold%2BHarbour-87.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Elephant seal cub</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KIn86ooyf3Q/XoFwtLWhCAI/AAAAAAAAt2Q/WkqaKyiLAic7zpn4NnOtOdDtvy4YgCI_ACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Gold%2BHarbour-88.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="933" data-original-width="1400" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KIn86ooyf3Q/XoFwtLWhCAI/AAAAAAAAt2Q/WkqaKyiLAic7zpn4NnOtOdDtvy4YgCI_ACLcBGAsYHQ/s640/Gold%2BHarbour-88.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gold Harbour</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyAwqOl34GycddyMD1SyLJhQWQVP3Q2fdU_nGkNsuAZyswCg4_Wk-DLyFZS5XoqxsFlWfgwqCbizXCm2V5BlN0t0pCZTQW3n6JRadX0hWO0jYTsNC4cCFgmCKKGXaaWm6EFWKMvleNeA0/s1600/Gold+Harbour-90.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1400" data-original-width="934" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyAwqOl34GycddyMD1SyLJhQWQVP3Q2fdU_nGkNsuAZyswCg4_Wk-DLyFZS5XoqxsFlWfgwqCbizXCm2V5BlN0t0pCZTQW3n6JRadX0hWO0jYTsNC4cCFgmCKKGXaaWm6EFWKMvleNeA0/s640/Gold+Harbour-90.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">King Penguin shedding the last of it's chick feathers</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-41F5d4UsNYY/XoFwxbztQgI/AAAAAAAAt2c/DkCKGbTz3asTzTqkyPSIsVLEYu8lzW-ywCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Gold%2BHarbour-95.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="933" data-original-width="1400" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-41F5d4UsNYY/XoFwxbztQgI/AAAAAAAAt2c/DkCKGbTz3asTzTqkyPSIsVLEYu8lzW-ywCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/Gold%2BHarbour-95.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ITjN6LZrc8Q/XoFwxABp5JI/AAAAAAAAt2Y/sRjR-1PaEiQoMYxYLqjzfpfT0bG5pXllgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Gold%2BHarbour-99.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="933" data-original-width="1400" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ITjN6LZrc8Q/XoFwxABp5JI/AAAAAAAAt2Y/sRjR-1PaEiQoMYxYLqjzfpfT0bG5pXllgCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/Gold%2BHarbour-99.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shags</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-14XWxc8_pRo/XoFwjrFtHGI/AAAAAAAAt18/fTGWXgS7C4MU-A7J9xvuWKDBntE2FjADACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Gold%2BHarbour-100.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="933" data-original-width="1400" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-14XWxc8_pRo/XoFwjrFtHGI/AAAAAAAAt18/fTGWXgS7C4MU-A7J9xvuWKDBntE2FjADACLcBGAsYHQ/s640/Gold%2BHarbour-100.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Now listen carefully....</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wC1cWRBP0o8/XoFwfSLzkwI/AAAAAAAAt14/OdsIixYanOoxHq2Z1dYd5MD9np_qySArwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Gold%2BHarbour-111.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="933" data-original-width="1400" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wC1cWRBP0o8/XoFwfSLzkwI/AAAAAAAAt14/OdsIixYanOoxHq2Z1dYd5MD9np_qySArwCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/Gold%2BHarbour-111.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bertrab Glacier</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br /><div>
I'm sure this is the glacier that they showed us photos of it from a few decades ago. It went right down to the shoreline so we would not have been able to land on the beach.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4gqdpRY2Tig/XoFwdU_EdQI/AAAAAAAAt10/WdSJgphXfqU5fq8fzkwZ-YQ9u-e2EJtZACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Gold%2BHarbour-112.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="599" data-original-width="1400" height="272" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4gqdpRY2Tig/XoFwdU_EdQI/AAAAAAAAt10/WdSJgphXfqU5fq8fzkwZ-YQ9u-e2EJtZACLcBGAsYHQ/s640/Gold%2BHarbour-112.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<h3>
Cooper Bay</h3>
<br />
No landing in Copper bay but a zodiac ride around this unusual area. Norm must have been in his element as the rocks were amazing. There were Pinstrap, King, Gentoo and Macaroni penguins, Shags and fur seals.<br /><br /><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wdseYwUuu9Y/XoKDJ-AmTpI/AAAAAAAAt3c/1bYj8p22ILYfoJCCX3YufUBTt--9Mb-nQCK4BGAsYHg/Cooper%2BBay-6.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Giant Petrel" border="0" data-original-height="933" data-original-width="1400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wdseYwUuu9Y/XoKDJ-AmTpI/AAAAAAAAt3c/1bYj8p22ILYfoJCCX3YufUBTt--9Mb-nQCK4BGAsYHg/Cooper%2BBay-6.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Giant Petrel</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GSP9DUYoJsA/XoKDetLIDcI/AAAAAAAAt30/umdLMI4Uw8QbCcb3xm7gu4ylfGBVjjrWgCK4BGAsYHg/Cooper%2BBay-7.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Young chinstrap" border="0" data-original-height="1088" data-original-width="1400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GSP9DUYoJsA/XoKDetLIDcI/AAAAAAAAt30/umdLMI4Uw8QbCcb3xm7gu4ylfGBVjjrWgCK4BGAsYHg/Cooper%2BBay-7.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Young chinstrap penguin</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iHchI1izvb0/XoKFoq7GzEI/AAAAAAAAt4Q/1rx_2NIk3EUZDr8xzrueQkTbaYws5wIWwCK4BGAsYHg/Cooper%2BBay-9.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="933" data-original-width="1400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iHchI1izvb0/XoKFoq7GzEI/AAAAAAAAt4Q/1rx_2NIk3EUZDr8xzrueQkTbaYws5wIWwCK4BGAsYHg/Cooper%2BBay-9.jpg" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QN05_B48Ojs/XoKGEYrNuiI/AAAAAAAAt4k/O7nXl2LfCDcwr-VmNOf0UwjotGy3MFIuQCK4BGAsYHg/Cooper%2BBay-11.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="933" data-original-width="1400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QN05_B48Ojs/XoKGEYrNuiI/AAAAAAAAt4k/O7nXl2LfCDcwr-VmNOf0UwjotGy3MFIuQCK4BGAsYHg/Cooper%2BBay-11.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bcTEFZ9XZMo/XoKL-Dn5t1I/AAAAAAAAt5A/AZXtaaWL1b4qqASFJx7fFd94hxE6k_cJwCK4BGAsYHg/Cooper%2BBay-3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="933" data-original-width="1400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bcTEFZ9XZMo/XoKL-Dn5t1I/AAAAAAAAt5A/AZXtaaWL1b4qqASFJx7fFd94hxE6k_cJwCK4BGAsYHg/Cooper%2BBay-3.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mFuIHPwfzV8/XoKMQmWErcI/AAAAAAAAt5U/cHbe4VPc3eorb5cldmKrjxqsYPdrHGZCACK4BGAsYHg/Cooper%2BBay-22.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="933" data-original-width="1400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mFuIHPwfzV8/XoKMQmWErcI/AAAAAAAAt5U/cHbe4VPc3eorb5cldmKrjxqsYPdrHGZCACK4BGAsYHg/Cooper%2BBay-22.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nM8cVMPAZng/XoKMkCi8A3I/AAAAAAAAt5o/hPHp1VcAMXYIA0qb14CDzLE-ccuUfVoMQCK4BGAsYHg/Cooper%2BBay-23.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="933" data-original-width="1400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nM8cVMPAZng/XoKMkCi8A3I/AAAAAAAAt5o/hPHp1VcAMXYIA0qb14CDzLE-ccuUfVoMQCK4BGAsYHg/Cooper%2BBay-23.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Macaroni Penguin</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vNzvfvyYdNU/XoKMyGyXS3I/AAAAAAAAt50/N7MAFgPvRrcY5Al0NQW6s01Gy_LzP_RpACK4BGAsYHg/Cooper%2BBay-27.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="625" data-original-width="1400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vNzvfvyYdNU/XoKMyGyXS3I/AAAAAAAAt50/N7MAFgPvRrcY5Al0NQW6s01Gy_LzP_RpACK4BGAsYHg/Cooper%2BBay-27.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-6aQGR59kx4Kq3SslSa-lA2NsFKRzFb-t1k8-jkloImAOHE4tz_cuE5WYLrTdkKVLmDbpZQtfR8qCrEHHRZ1wBGLHjYzz3KC563lOPN-JsGlUTnO95TaVmHTzMhP2lFehwFgf1yotEu8/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="933" data-original-width="1400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-6aQGR59kx4Kq3SslSa-lA2NsFKRzFb-t1k8-jkloImAOHE4tz_cuE5WYLrTdkKVLmDbpZQtfR8qCrEHHRZ1wBGLHjYzz3KC563lOPN-JsGlUTnO95TaVmHTzMhP2lFehwFgf1yotEu8/" title="King Penguins" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">King Penguins swim school</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lXkgD1Oh_DI/XoKNQH3ecqI/AAAAAAAAt6g/imW5tXXM7isKGYNmVhrL3bHZ-0KwGW0IgCK4BGAsYHg/Cooper%2BBay-33.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="933" data-original-width="1400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lXkgD1Oh_DI/XoKNQH3ecqI/AAAAAAAAt6g/imW5tXXM7isKGYNmVhrL3bHZ-0KwGW0IgCK4BGAsYHg/Cooper%2BBay-33.jpg" title="Shag" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shag with chick</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-466ADk2jW_M/XoKNfh_SnuI/AAAAAAAAt60/55mHJLfLfhwI0BE5fXjU-0xU5NkFEFlDwCK4BGAsYHg/Cooper%2BBay-34.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="933" data-original-width="1400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-466ADk2jW_M/XoKNfh_SnuI/AAAAAAAAt60/55mHJLfLfhwI0BE5fXjU-0xU5NkFEFlDwCK4BGAsYHg/Cooper%2BBay-34.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wk7msbZIqio/XoKNsOEVgvI/AAAAAAAAt7E/6bMAXZh4Kzc5-cRA1J2aGqtAWuRsAZHdgCK4BGAsYHg/Cooper%2BBay-36.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="933" data-original-width="1400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wk7msbZIqio/XoKNsOEVgvI/AAAAAAAAt7E/6bMAXZh4Kzc5-cRA1J2aGqtAWuRsAZHdgCK4BGAsYHg/Cooper%2BBay-36.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hZRuTNSAx_c/XoKOCceA_4I/AAAAAAAAt7o/p-NNTsyESucgBreWc-gIcsyUV0A82pK2gCK4BGAsYHg/Cooper%2BBay-37.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="933" data-original-width="1400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hZRuTNSAx_c/XoKOCceA_4I/AAAAAAAAt7o/p-NNTsyESucgBreWc-gIcsyUV0A82pK2gCK4BGAsYHg/Cooper%2BBay-37.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I didn't join the kayaking group as I had serious doubts as to my stamina capability</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_jDqVR6fXDg/XoKOXTyPXpI/AAAAAAAAt78/E4C7hp7KsMIixJGtU_FphP4ZazGYd42mwCK4BGAsYHg/Cooper%2BBay-39.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="933" data-original-width="1400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_jDqVR6fXDg/XoKOXTyPXpI/AAAAAAAAt78/E4C7hp7KsMIixJGtU_FphP4ZazGYd42mwCK4BGAsYHg/Cooper%2BBay-39.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-B9Gj_snIhH8/XoKOk8ov2qI/AAAAAAAAt8M/1g1zLR3qQogatU7QT_DLmbEC0g1hEq_uwCK4BGAsYHg/Cooper%2BBay-40.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="933" data-original-width="1400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-B9Gj_snIhH8/XoKOk8ov2qI/AAAAAAAAt8M/1g1zLR3qQogatU7QT_DLmbEC0g1hEq_uwCK4BGAsYHg/Cooper%2BBay-40.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uYdFtB_MEAw/XoKZHdfb3UI/AAAAAAAAt84/nQRe9D3Zwmw3_HEhCPLovcFVBD64IHrHACK4BGAsYHg/Cooper%2BBay-44.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1400" data-original-width="933" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uYdFtB_MEAw/XoKZHdfb3UI/AAAAAAAAt84/nQRe9D3Zwmw3_HEhCPLovcFVBD64IHrHACK4BGAsYHg/Cooper%2BBay-44.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mcjNQwQ7OBY/XoKbr_krDNI/AAAAAAAAt9Q/KZZvFHEyVrgLXDyxs-G8FjCO0Azr5QGawCK4BGAsYHg/Cooper%2BBay-48.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="933" data-original-width="1400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mcjNQwQ7OBY/XoKbr_krDNI/AAAAAAAAt9Q/KZZvFHEyVrgLXDyxs-G8FjCO0Azr5QGawCK4BGAsYHg/Cooper%2BBay-48.jpg" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>
The captain navigated the ship up the Drygalski Fjord which was shrouded in fog, before we headed towards the Antarctic Peninsula.</div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eqPSLZIZYs0/XoKcx8SuxWI/AAAAAAAAt9k/9A08ci7-lYcUjNhZf1SE4sKnw6deR8VMACK4BGAsYHg/Dryzalski%2BFjord-1.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="933" data-original-width="1400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eqPSLZIZYs0/XoKcx8SuxWI/AAAAAAAAt9k/9A08ci7-lYcUjNhZf1SE4sKnw6deR8VMACK4BGAsYHg/Dryzalski%2BFjord-1.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dryzalksi Fjord<br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YnYNkbYboIE/XoK0Uf-Y14I/AAAAAAAAt-A/jJKWDMAKRAg4dsp2BNXVJJLgfg41i5gcACK4BGAsYHg/Dryzalski%2BFjord-2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="933" data-original-width="1400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YnYNkbYboIE/XoK0Uf-Y14I/AAAAAAAAt-A/jJKWDMAKRAg4dsp2BNXVJJLgfg41i5gcACK4BGAsYHg/Dryzalski%2BFjord-2.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ojmRpCTCvMc/XoK0eDkjVCI/AAAAAAAAt-M/BB3oHVbzB5gkOvM3s27bQm1H5_u5D4NtACK4BGAsYHg/Dryzalski%2BFjord-3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="933" data-original-width="1400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ojmRpCTCvMc/XoK0eDkjVCI/AAAAAAAAt-M/BB3oHVbzB5gkOvM3s27bQm1H5_u5D4NtACK4BGAsYHg/Dryzalski%2BFjord-3.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><br />
<h3>Previous related posts:</h3><h3><div style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400;">(1) <a href="http://tvlbug.blogspot.com/2020/02/the-7th-continent.html" style="color: #1155cc; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 18px;" target="_blank">The 7th Continent</a></div><div style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400;">(2) <a href="http://tvlbug.blogspot.com/2020/03/falkland-islands-its-more-than-just-war.html" style="color: #1155cc; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 18px;" target="_blank">Falkland Islands - it's more than just a war zone</a></div><div style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400;">(3) <a href="http://tvlbug.blogspot.com/2020/03/south-georgia-wildlife-paradise.html" style="color: #1155cc; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 18px;" target="_blank">South Georgia - Wildlife Paradise</a></div><div style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400;">(4) <a href="http://tvlbug.blogspot.com/2020/03/salisbury-plain-and-hercules-bay-more.html" style="color: #1155cc; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; text-size-adjust: auto;" target="_blank">Salisbury Plain and Hercules Bay, more penguins and seals</a><br /></div><div style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400;">(5) <a href="http://tvlbug.blogspot.com/2020/03/whaling-stations-on-south-georgia.html" style="color: #1155cc; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; text-size-adjust: auto;" target="_blank">Whaling Stations on South Georgia</a></div><div style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400;">(6) <a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://tvlbug.blogspot.com/2020/03/golden-light-at-gold-harbour.html&source=gmail&ust=1586040231498000&usg=AFQjCNEANvg6QTM0bgaew81XDXaoul3wmA" href="http://tvlbug.blogspot.com/2020/03/golden-light-at-gold-harbour.html" name="m_7220239465401398844_1" style="color: #1155cc; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; text-size-adjust: auto;" target="_blank">Golden light at Gold Harbour</a></div><div style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400;"><br /></div></h3><h3><div style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400;"><font color="#3367d6" face="verdana"><a href="https://sites.google.com/site/fraserholidays/home/Home" target="_blank">Main menu</a></font></div></h3>
<br />
<br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>Janehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06017837107696030036noreply@blogger.com0South Georgia Island, SIQQ 1ZZ, South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands-54.4138333 -36.5827165-55.5958783 -39.164503499999995 -53.2317883 -34.0009295tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3168284011338330133.post-29591981683523165542020-03-07T06:00:00.020+11:002020-04-07T10:59:23.523+10:00Whaling Stations on South Georgia<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QphxtYV7Fag/Xn0jAXZRdEI/AAAAAAAAtyY/QiA7cpa5iBMa6ZqmZoCwraaReiJ1AEvHgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/D9-Stromness-15.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="937" data-original-width="1400" height="428" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QphxtYV7Fag/Xn0jAXZRdEI/AAAAAAAAtyY/QiA7cpa5iBMa6ZqmZoCwraaReiJ1AEvHgCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/D9-Stromness-15.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The whaling station at Stromness</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-L5Ufv8qQ64E/XoF1laEYxVI/AAAAAAAAt24/aWsrKjymHzsCOO5uVEpMQ0aoXHIf25_6ACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/South%2BGeorgia.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1003" data-original-width="1600" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-L5Ufv8qQ64E/XoF1laEYxVI/AAAAAAAAt24/aWsrKjymHzsCOO5uVEpMQ0aoXHIf25_6ACLcBGAsYHQ/s640/South%2BGeorgia.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Places we stopped in South Georgia</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<h2>
<br />
Day 9 - March 7, 2020</h2>
<h3>
Stromness</h3>
Stromness whaling station – no zodiac cruise today, only a land excursion as the winds were a bit strong for any cruising; there were white caps on the waves. I knew there were seals and penguins here but as there was a long walk, I knew I couldn’t carry both cameras. We couldn’t explore the whaling station because it wasn't safe but we could trek to the bottom of the waterfall that Ernest Shackleton had to tackle at the end of his South Georgia expedition. Calling it an expedition sounds like he planned it but it was actually a life or death mission to get help to rescue his men who were stranded on Elephant Island.<br />
<div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-d1sbmJAL_c8/Xn0jW1UGnLI/AAAAAAAAtyk/8SGwuNM4vRAlDoNcjY-xWYHKtN2MgUzCwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/D9-Stromness-5.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1400" data-original-width="934" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-d1sbmJAL_c8/Xn0jW1UGnLI/AAAAAAAAtyk/8SGwuNM4vRAlDoNcjY-xWYHKtN2MgUzCwCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/D9-Stromness-5.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The waterfall that Shackleton had to climb around to get to the Stromness Whaling station to seek help to rescue his men</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--pY9wD_4q00/Xn0jW3TzA5I/AAAAAAAAtyo/c1FsO04P2vMY94JBm0AP_vTHnpOAA6QTACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/D9-Stromness-8.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="933" data-original-width="1400" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--pY9wD_4q00/Xn0jW3TzA5I/AAAAAAAAtyo/c1FsO04P2vMY94JBm0AP_vTHnpOAA6QTACLcBGAsYHQ/s640/D9-Stromness-8.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Supposedly a 40 minute walk one way, but I'm sure it took us all longer</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
It was another early morning and we had quite a few streams to cross, though none that were more than ankle deep. One of the reasons that we had to get up early was that as the day progresses, the ice melts and the streams that we crossed get larger and the current stronger which would have made it difficult if not impossible to get back to the ship after walking to the waterfall. Some people didn’t make it to the waterfall as they ran out of time.<br />
<br />
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
<o:AllowPNG/>
</o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
</xml><![endif]-->
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves/>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:DoNotPromoteQF/>
<w:LidThemeOther>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther>
<w:LidThemeAsian>JA</w:LidThemeAsian>
<w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/>
<w:EnableOpenTypeKerning/>
<w:DontFlipMirrorIndents/>
<w:OverrideTableStyleHps/>
<w:UseFELayout/>
</w:Compatibility>
<w:DoNotOptimizeForBrowser/>
<m:mathPr>
<m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/>
<m:brkBin m:val="before"/>
<m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/>
<m:smallFrac m:val="off"/>
<m:dispDef/>
<m:lMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:rMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/>
<m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/>
<m:intLim m:val="subSup"/>
<m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/>
</m:mathPr></w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="false"
DefSemiHidden="false" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="376">
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Normal Indent"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="footnote text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="annotation text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="header"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="footer"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="table of figures"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="envelope address"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="envelope return"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="footnote reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="annotation reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="line number"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="page number"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="endnote reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="endnote text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="table of authorities"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="macro"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="toa heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Closing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Signature"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text Indent"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Message Header"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Salutation"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Date"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text First Indent"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text First Indent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Note Heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text Indent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text Indent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Block Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Hyperlink"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="FollowedHyperlink"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Document Map"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Plain Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="E-mail Signature"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Top of Form"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Bottom of Form"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Normal (Web)"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Acronym"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Address"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Cite"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Code"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Definition"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Keyboard"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Preformatted"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Sample"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Typewriter"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Variable"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Normal Table"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="annotation subject"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="No List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Simple 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Simple 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Simple 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Contemporary"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Elegant"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Professional"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Subtle 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Subtle 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Web 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Web 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Web 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Balloon Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Theme"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" QFormat="true"
Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" QFormat="true"
Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" QFormat="true"
Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="41" Name="Plain Table 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="42" Name="Plain Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="43" Name="Plain Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="44" Name="Plain Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="45" Name="Plain Table 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="40" Name="Grid Table Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46" Name="Grid Table 1 Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51" Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52" Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46" Name="List Table 1 Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51" Name="List Table 6 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52" Name="List Table 7 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Mention"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Smart Hyperlink"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Hashtag"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Unresolved Mention"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Smart Link"/>
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]-->
<style>
<!--
/* Font Definitions */
@font-face
{font-family:"Cambria Math";
panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4;
mso-font-charset:0;
mso-generic-font-family:roman;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:-536870145 1107305727 0 0 415 0;}
@font-face
{font-family:Calibri;
panose-1:2 15 5 2 2 2 4 3 2 4;
mso-font-charset:0;
mso-generic-font-family:swiss;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:-536859905 -1073732485 9 0 511 0;}
/* Style Definitions */
p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal
{mso-style-unhide:no;
mso-style-qformat:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
margin:0cm;
margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;
mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";}
.MsoChpDefault
{mso-style-type:export-only;
mso-default-props:yes;
font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;
mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;
mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;
mso-ansi-language:EN-US;
mso-fareast-language:EN-US;}
@page WordSection1
{size:612.0pt 792.0pt;
margin:72.0pt 72.0pt 72.0pt 72.0pt;
mso-header-margin:36.0pt;
mso-footer-margin:36.0pt;
mso-paper-source:0;}
div.WordSection1
{page:WordSection1;}
</style>
</div>
</div>I’m glad we were the first group to land as we just managed to walk to the waterfall and back again before it was time to go back to the ship. It was a long walk and I got extremely hot and had to strip off my layers including my life jacket which didn’t quite fit in my backpack. The yellow jacket has arm straps so that you can carry it without wearing it. Many of the people had to turn back before they reached the waterfall.<br />
<div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RUd0jsmB5s8/Xn0jUS9WV3I/AAAAAAAAtyg/6979GtmNXL0ZJiJ-qAFOoBKg4ryHQe1MgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/D9-Stromness-7.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="935" data-original-width="1400" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RUd0jsmB5s8/Xn0jUS9WV3I/AAAAAAAAtyg/6979GtmNXL0ZJiJ-qAFOoBKg4ryHQe1MgCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/D9-Stromness-7.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking back to the bay, from somewhere on the trip back</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<h3>
Grytviken</h3>
The whaling station at Grytviken is the only one you can visit in the area. There is a post office and museum on the island and a research station a few kilometres away. We landed near the cemetery and visited Ernest Shackleton’s grave before navigating our way through the fur seals which kept running at us, to the museum. It’s a game of bluff and you have to stand your ground as they have very sharp teeth if they bite you. Grytviken is pronounced grit - vic - n, easy when you know how. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wQ0lOhomf1E/Xn0kTW0yn5I/AAAAAAAAty8/LWmsceDLQLMNpQC21kvdf3dzlaLp2R0igCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/D9-Grytviken-6.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="1400" height="342" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wQ0lOhomf1E/Xn0kTW0yn5I/AAAAAAAAty8/LWmsceDLQLMNpQC21kvdf3dzlaLp2R0igCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/D9-Grytviken-6.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The town of Grytviken</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
They are building a new port because the new research ship called the Attenborough is too large to dock at the current one. I guess they don't want to use zodiacs like we did...<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-s_XzMU3v3zY/Xn0mtJjqKnI/AAAAAAAAtzU/wfBmMOlFGqUb4LSIFl9ohoMNjWWwxQuAwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/D9-Grytviken-11.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="933" data-original-width="1400" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-s_XzMU3v3zY/Xn0mtJjqKnI/AAAAAAAAtzU/wfBmMOlFGqUb4LSIFl9ohoMNjWWwxQuAwCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/D9-Grytviken-11.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Whaling station buildings</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MNu9zYiNtZQ/Xn0m56utraI/AAAAAAAAtzY/v8JtWXdiVPUPMVb6-ObVsWrJpQk8w8JNgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/D9-Grytviken-16.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="933" data-original-width="1400" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MNu9zYiNtZQ/Xn0m56utraI/AAAAAAAAtzY/v8JtWXdiVPUPMVb6-ObVsWrJpQk8w8JNgCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/D9-Grytviken-16.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">These huge chains were used to drag the whales onto shore</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7dypEjOdPX4/Xn0kX8EXLII/AAAAAAAAtzE/Ep5tO8e21j0sNctcVdT9gJxiBNzB0onqwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/D9-Grytviken-7.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1400" data-original-width="909" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7dypEjOdPX4/Xn0kX8EXLII/AAAAAAAAtzE/Ep5tO8e21j0sNctcVdT9gJxiBNzB0onqwCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/D9-Grytviken-7.jpg" width="414" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shackleton's Grave</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SEe-xdpKDW4/Xn0kSQPOicI/AAAAAAAAty4/NDZSzbVjFL00FUkyQC9i4MVy-Au8fh1swCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/D9-Grytviken-14.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="933" data-original-width="1400" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SEe-xdpKDW4/Xn0kSQPOicI/AAAAAAAAty4/NDZSzbVjFL00FUkyQC9i4MVy-Au8fh1swCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/D9-Grytviken-14.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-d6Kp8bOD-A8/Xn0kVIsuQBI/AAAAAAAAtzA/tE75VfcDXv0GRbMLQUD6B8-hqMNF-sCvQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/D9-Grytviken-17.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="933" data-original-width="1400" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-d6Kp8bOD-A8/Xn0kVIsuQBI/AAAAAAAAtzA/tE75VfcDXv0GRbMLQUD6B8-hqMNF-sCvQCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/D9-Grytviken-17.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lutheran church that was never used by the workers but they did use the library held at the rear</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<br />
Pat’s wife is the curator of the museum and gave us an interesting talk about the whaling station days. There were so many whales here at the time that for years they didn’t even need to go out of the bay. After decimating the whale populations of the Minke, Blue, Humpbacks and Right Whales, it finally closed down in 1966. The Norwegian men who worked here were not allowed alcohol so they would order perfume in large quantities which they would drink and also made their own in stills, hidden in their wardrobes. Spending a few years here could set you up for life financially. At first they just boiled down the blubber to make oil but then it was mandatory that they use every part of the whale.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><font size="2">(Pat is one of the Expedition Team who worked in South Georgia for many years)</font></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span>
<br />
<h3>Previous related posts:</h3><h3><div style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400;">(1) <a href="http://tvlbug.blogspot.com/2020/02/the-7th-continent.html" style="color: #1155cc; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 18px;" target="_blank">The 7th Continent</a></div><div style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400;">(2) <a href="http://tvlbug.blogspot.com/2020/03/falkland-islands-its-more-than-just-war.html" style="color: #1155cc; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 18px;" target="_blank">Falkland Islands - it's more than just a war zone</a></div><div style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400;">(3) <a href="http://tvlbug.blogspot.com/2020/03/south-georgia-wildlife-paradise.html" style="color: #1155cc; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 18px;" target="_blank">South Georgia - Wildlife Paradise</a></div><div style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400;">(4) <a href="http://tvlbug.blogspot.com/2020/03/salisbury-plain-and-hercules-bay-more.html" style="color: #1155cc; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; text-size-adjust: auto;" target="_blank">Salisbury Plain and Hercules Bay, more penguins and seals</a><br /></div><div style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400;">(5) <a href="http://tvlbug.blogspot.com/2020/03/whaling-stations-on-south-georgia.html" style="color: #1155cc; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; text-size-adjust: auto;" target="_blank">Whaling Stations on South Georgia</a></div><div style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400;">(6) <a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://tvlbug.blogspot.com/2020/03/golden-light-at-gold-harbour.html&source=gmail&ust=1586040231498000&usg=AFQjCNEANvg6QTM0bgaew81XDXaoul3wmA" href="http://tvlbug.blogspot.com/2020/03/golden-light-at-gold-harbour.html" name="m_7220239465401398844_1" style="color: #1155cc; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; text-size-adjust: auto;" target="_blank">Golden light at Gold Harbour</a></div><div style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400;"><br /></div></h3><h3><div style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400;"><font color="#3367d6" face="verdana"><a href="https://sites.google.com/site/fraserholidays/home/Home" target="_blank">Main menu</a></font></div></h3><h3><div style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400;">
<br />
<br /></div>
</h3>
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
Janehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06017837107696030036noreply@blogger.com0Grytviken SIQQ 1ZZ, South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands-54.281149 -36.5087385-54.285784 -36.518823499999996 -54.276514 -36.4986535tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3168284011338330133.post-3064741132485520412020-03-06T06:00:00.002+11:002020-04-07T11:01:29.198+10:00Salisbury Plain and Hercules Bay, more penguins and seals<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtZqk4IJUSpGlYPJlwfkpjBdKvJ2J1FPvYWmE3MRghEeNbfNN5EbmepR5rxPjbrHG6p9n0b3GvfjhApz63f3gwR-0ZMS-LZVsQNU4nHyEybKJ4r7gzzz3hCNaN0dXAZq4HzPCidKofLR0/s1600/D8+Salisbury+Plain-86.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="933" data-original-width="1400" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtZqk4IJUSpGlYPJlwfkpjBdKvJ2J1FPvYWmE3MRghEeNbfNN5EbmepR5rxPjbrHG6p9n0b3GvfjhApz63f3gwR-0ZMS-LZVsQNU4nHyEybKJ4r7gzzz3hCNaN0dXAZq4HzPCidKofLR0/s640/D8+Salisbury+Plain-86.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<h2>
Day 8 - March 6, 2020</h2>
<div>
<h3>
Salisbury Plain</h3>
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CtDAx_UB3UE/Xn0RTUOu-_I/AAAAAAAAtuc/NU9lt85wqQE4KZuGchUrSB_rcJpB1wFiQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/D8%2BSalisbury%2BPlain-1.jpg" style="clear: left; font-size: 18.72px; font-weight: 700; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="932" data-original-width="1400" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CtDAx_UB3UE/Xn0RTUOu-_I/AAAAAAAAtuc/NU9lt85wqQE4KZuGchUrSB_rcJpB1wFiQCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/D8%2BSalisbury%2BPlain-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fur seals</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
We have four days in South Georgia and this is day two. Another early start to visit a large king penguin colony and fur seals. A landing and zodiac excursion and I was doing the zodiac cruise first.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XGurCqo17ow/Xn0RuwJI-UI/AAAAAAAAtu8/LarPuphuDecpu5mol_lzKwWnsq0XyNKCACEwYBhgLKs4DAMBZVoCTFjJ-9x0AZFg1JefXHTVzAzntexkbWbCnV8hGJOwbzxC8euHKUp6CrA5H14LGPv9Vrsbun9ifcvbRS5ZUgRzODR-ssrP-gGMKdlLqjNkUrbfUv1-C3txCBabSk9Wem0BPSnk4UbnY7U95Otm_hfMxnXrJaqWkR27kxzNHBiIfBdpUzqQTauUq87bH55Q1EzvR34VLtyx7idYeAh3kBiW2BOVithvVmPSDaZlaMBykdKfabZpscZCOgrQs5aZ0LvC-igA0EaOyW0Irmy9j78-7rFY8PFFj6c_xEoJyXafXIuzsUUJuQr8Yy0YsfbV9qYf_-KPC_ET3_oZvMONt1cWoJaWf5II_HTkpn5MGjhwiH-tnxXjq4k0EJ9RTX4q-PF4awmEj6U9BJJp0xMtwPb4PqJ_YHQsbf4wCPIMb-sVxEDBMQ1hP4c1W44aoR8DHzolEUUHcj3wTDDavyVdjEeiy3_JkESrlrqMhq34Ge7CCceR7Ul36odsitNkJZQj6HuU9S2mq4O037vnivfi_HcsW-zNLzkRU4RoGV9GxkA8IRg25XB3jiuGLkZf1FUca7mYeTHDz2BWmXzi8ohH4hkwhi9Kr8d3Z4AyUMKmo9PMF/s1600/D8%2BSalisbury%2BPlain-6.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="933" data-original-width="1400" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XGurCqo17ow/Xn0RuwJI-UI/AAAAAAAAtu8/LarPuphuDecpu5mol_lzKwWnsq0XyNKCACEwYBhgLKs4DAMBZVoCTFjJ-9x0AZFg1JefXHTVzAzntexkbWbCnV8hGJOwbzxC8euHKUp6CrA5H14LGPv9Vrsbun9ifcvbRS5ZUgRzODR-ssrP-gGMKdlLqjNkUrbfUv1-C3txCBabSk9Wem0BPSnk4UbnY7U95Otm_hfMxnXrJaqWkR27kxzNHBiIfBdpUzqQTauUq87bH55Q1EzvR34VLtyx7idYeAh3kBiW2BOVithvVmPSDaZlaMBykdKfabZpscZCOgrQs5aZ0LvC-igA0EaOyW0Irmy9j78-7rFY8PFFj6c_xEoJyXafXIuzsUUJuQr8Yy0YsfbV9qYf_-KPC_ET3_oZvMONt1cWoJaWf5II_HTkpn5MGjhwiH-tnxXjq4k0EJ9RTX4q-PF4awmEj6U9BJJp0xMtwPb4PqJ_YHQsbf4wCPIMb-sVxEDBMQ1hP4c1W44aoR8DHzolEUUHcj3wTDDavyVdjEeiy3_JkESrlrqMhq34Ge7CCceR7Ul36odsitNkJZQj6HuU9S2mq4O037vnivfi_HcsW-zNLzkRU4RoGV9GxkA8IRg25XB3jiuGLkZf1FUca7mYeTHDz2BWmXzi8ohH4hkwhi9Kr8d3Z4AyUMKmo9PMF/s640/D8%2BSalisbury%2BPlain-6.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XvLt6HA016o/Xn0RoziRMeI/AAAAAAAAtuw/7d6qyVtLnz04jWxLDdkWjAkYEyoiVRSOACEwYBhgLKs4DAMBZVoCTFjJ-9x0AZFg1JefXHTVzAzntexkbWbCnV8hGJOwbzxC8euHKUp6CrA5H14LGPv9Vrsbun9ifcvbRS5ZUgRzODR-ssrP-gGMKdlLqjNkUrbfUv1-C3txCBabSk9Wem0BPSnk4UbnY7U95Otm_hfMxnXrJaqWkR27kxzNHBiIfBdpUzqQTauUq87bH55Q1EzvR34VLtyx7idYeAh3kBiW2BOVithvVmPSDaZlaMBykdKfabZpscZCOgrQs5aZ0LvC-igA0EaOyW0Irmy9j78-7rFY8PFFj6c_xEoJyXafXIuzsUUJuQr8Yy0YsfbV9qYf_-KPC_ET3_oZvMONt1cWoJaWf5II_HTkpn5MGjhwiH-tnxXjq4k0EJ9RTX4q-PF4awmEj6U9BJJp0xMtwPb4PqJ_YHQsbf4wCPIMb-sVxEDBMQ1hP4c1W44aoR8DHzolEUUHcj3wTDDavyVdjEeiy3_JkESrlrqMhq34Ge7CCceR7Ul36odsitNkJZQj6HuU9S2mq4O037vnivfi_HcsW-zNLzkRU4RoGV9GxkA8IRg25XB3jiuGLkZf1FUca7mYeTHDz2BWmXzi8ohH4hkwhi9Kr8d3Z4AyUMKmo9PMF/s1600/D8%2BSalisbury%2BPlain-11.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="933" data-original-width="1400" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XvLt6HA016o/Xn0RoziRMeI/AAAAAAAAtuw/7d6qyVtLnz04jWxLDdkWjAkYEyoiVRSOACEwYBhgLKs4DAMBZVoCTFjJ-9x0AZFg1JefXHTVzAzntexkbWbCnV8hGJOwbzxC8euHKUp6CrA5H14LGPv9Vrsbun9ifcvbRS5ZUgRzODR-ssrP-gGMKdlLqjNkUrbfUv1-C3txCBabSk9Wem0BPSnk4UbnY7U95Otm_hfMxnXrJaqWkR27kxzNHBiIfBdpUzqQTauUq87bH55Q1EzvR34VLtyx7idYeAh3kBiW2BOVithvVmPSDaZlaMBykdKfabZpscZCOgrQs5aZ0LvC-igA0EaOyW0Irmy9j78-7rFY8PFFj6c_xEoJyXafXIuzsUUJuQr8Yy0YsfbV9qYf_-KPC_ET3_oZvMONt1cWoJaWf5II_HTkpn5MGjhwiH-tnxXjq4k0EJ9RTX4q-PF4awmEj6U9BJJp0xMtwPb4PqJ_YHQsbf4wCPIMb-sVxEDBMQ1hP4c1W44aoR8DHzolEUUHcj3wTDDavyVdjEeiy3_JkESrlrqMhq34Ge7CCceR7Ul36odsitNkJZQj6HuU9S2mq4O037vnivfi_HcsW-zNLzkRU4RoGV9GxkA8IRg25XB3jiuGLkZf1FUca7mYeTHDz2BWmXzi8ohH4hkwhi9Kr8d3Z4AyUMKmo9PMF/s640/D8%2BSalisbury%2BPlain-11.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">He's not albino, just blonde</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-icI-6NybtLk/Xn0RoJvYHCI/AAAAAAAAtus/dYpcQJfEvLEw0q6Mor31WBP4B1313jOrACEwYBhgLKs4DAMBZVoCTFjJ-9x0AZFg1JefXHTVzAzntexkbWbCnV8hGJOwbzxC8euHKUp6CrA5H14LGPv9Vrsbun9ifcvbRS5ZUgRzODR-ssrP-gGMKdlLqjNkUrbfUv1-C3txCBabSk9Wem0BPSnk4UbnY7U95Otm_hfMxnXrJaqWkR27kxzNHBiIfBdpUzqQTauUq87bH55Q1EzvR34VLtyx7idYeAh3kBiW2BOVithvVmPSDaZlaMBykdKfabZpscZCOgrQs5aZ0LvC-igA0EaOyW0Irmy9j78-7rFY8PFFj6c_xEoJyXafXIuzsUUJuQr8Yy0YsfbV9qYf_-KPC_ET3_oZvMONt1cWoJaWf5II_HTkpn5MGjhwiH-tnxXjq4k0EJ9RTX4q-PF4awmEj6U9BJJp0xMtwPb4PqJ_YHQsbf4wCPIMb-sVxEDBMQ1hP4c1W44aoR8DHzolEUUHcj3wTDDavyVdjEeiy3_JkESrlrqMhq34Ge7CCceR7Ul36odsitNkJZQj6HuU9S2mq4O037vnivfi_HcsW-zNLzkRU4RoGV9GxkA8IRg25XB3jiuGLkZf1FUca7mYeTHDz2BWmXzi8ohH4hkwhi9Kr8d3Z4AyUMKmo9PMF/s1600/D8%2BSalisbury%2BPlain-20.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><br /><img border="0" data-original-height="933" data-original-width="1400" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-icI-6NybtLk/Xn0RoJvYHCI/AAAAAAAAtus/dYpcQJfEvLEw0q6Mor31WBP4B1313jOrACEwYBhgLKs4DAMBZVoCTFjJ-9x0AZFg1JefXHTVzAzntexkbWbCnV8hGJOwbzxC8euHKUp6CrA5H14LGPv9Vrsbun9ifcvbRS5ZUgRzODR-ssrP-gGMKdlLqjNkUrbfUv1-C3txCBabSk9Wem0BPSnk4UbnY7U95Otm_hfMxnXrJaqWkR27kxzNHBiIfBdpUzqQTauUq87bH55Q1EzvR34VLtyx7idYeAh3kBiW2BOVithvVmPSDaZlaMBykdKfabZpscZCOgrQs5aZ0LvC-igA0EaOyW0Irmy9j78-7rFY8PFFj6c_xEoJyXafXIuzsUUJuQr8Yy0YsfbV9qYf_-KPC_ET3_oZvMONt1cWoJaWf5II_HTkpn5MGjhwiH-tnxXjq4k0EJ9RTX4q-PF4awmEj6U9BJJp0xMtwPb4PqJ_YHQsbf4wCPIMb-sVxEDBMQ1hP4c1W44aoR8DHzolEUUHcj3wTDDavyVdjEeiy3_JkESrlrqMhq34Ge7CCceR7Ul36odsitNkJZQj6HuU9S2mq4O037vnivfi_HcsW-zNLzkRU4RoGV9GxkA8IRg25XB3jiuGLkZf1FUca7mYeTHDz2BWmXzi8ohH4hkwhi9Kr8d3Z4AyUMKmo9PMF/s640/D8%2BSalisbury%2BPlain-20.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<h3>
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5Gfj8LVBV24/Xn0RmUl3xoI/AAAAAAAAtuo/QP4RtuKpwE0sFcVC3N-UqiLVYMeDgVUdgCEwYBhgLKs4DAMBZVoCTFjJ-9x0AZFg1JefXHTVzAzntexkbWbCnV8hGJOwbzxC8euHKUp6CrA5H14LGPv9Vrsbun9ifcvbRS5ZUgRzODR-ssrP-gGMKdlLqjNkUrbfUv1-C3txCBabSk9Wem0BPSnk4UbnY7U95Otm_hfMxnXrJaqWkR27kxzNHBiIfBdpUzqQTauUq87bH55Q1EzvR34VLtyx7idYeAh3kBiW2BOVithvVmPSDaZlaMBykdKfabZpscZCOgrQs5aZ0LvC-igA0EaOyW0Irmy9j78-7rFY8PFFj6c_xEoJyXafXIuzsUUJuQr8Yy0YsfbV9qYf_-KPC_ET3_oZvMONt1cWoJaWf5II_HTkpn5MGjhwiH-tnxXjq4k0EJ9RTX4q-PF4awmEj6U9BJJp0xMtwPb4PqJ_YHQsbf4wCPIMb-sVxEDBMQ1hP4c1W44aoR8DHzolEUUHcj3wTDDavyVdjEeiy3_JkESrlrqMhq34Ge7CCceR7Ul36odsitNkJZQj6HuU9S2mq4O037vnivfi_HcsW-zNLzkRU4RoGV9GxkA8IRg25XB3jiuGLkZf1FUca7mYeTHDz2BWmXzi8ohH4hkwhi9Kr8d3Z4AyUMKmo9PMF/s1600/D8%2BSalisbury%2BPlain-27.jpg" style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="537" data-original-width="1400" height="244" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5Gfj8LVBV24/Xn0RmUl3xoI/AAAAAAAAtuo/QP4RtuKpwE0sFcVC3N-UqiLVYMeDgVUdgCEwYBhgLKs4DAMBZVoCTFjJ-9x0AZFg1JefXHTVzAzntexkbWbCnV8hGJOwbzxC8euHKUp6CrA5H14LGPv9Vrsbun9ifcvbRS5ZUgRzODR-ssrP-gGMKdlLqjNkUrbfUv1-C3txCBabSk9Wem0BPSnk4UbnY7U95Otm_hfMxnXrJaqWkR27kxzNHBiIfBdpUzqQTauUq87bH55Q1EzvR34VLtyx7idYeAh3kBiW2BOVithvVmPSDaZlaMBykdKfabZpscZCOgrQs5aZ0LvC-igA0EaOyW0Irmy9j78-7rFY8PFFj6c_xEoJyXafXIuzsUUJuQr8Yy0YsfbV9qYf_-KPC_ET3_oZvMONt1cWoJaWf5II_HTkpn5MGjhwiH-tnxXjq4k0EJ9RTX4q-PF4awmEj6U9BJJp0xMtwPb4PqJ_YHQsbf4wCPIMb-sVxEDBMQ1hP4c1W44aoR8DHzolEUUHcj3wTDDavyVdjEeiy3_JkESrlrqMhq34Ge7CCceR7Ul36odsitNkJZQj6HuU9S2mq4O037vnivfi_HcsW-zNLzkRU4RoGV9GxkA8IRg25XB3jiuGLkZf1FUca7mYeTHDz2BWmXzi8ohH4hkwhi9Kr8d3Z4AyUMKmo9PMF/s640/D8%2BSalisbury%2BPlain-27.jpg" width="640" /></a></h3>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rNH15o3aHNQ/Xn0RuiaT1dI/AAAAAAAAtu4/IldyrnuNCUUdT-TlQ7Xkzn801SOZhvcqgCEwYBhgLKs4DAMBZVoCTFjJ-9x0AZFg1JefXHTVzAzntexkbWbCnV8hGJOwbzxC8euHKUp6CrA5H14LGPv9Vrsbun9ifcvbRS5ZUgRzODR-ssrP-gGMKdlLqjNkUrbfUv1-C3txCBabSk9Wem0BPSnk4UbnY7U95Otm_hfMxnXrJaqWkR27kxzNHBiIfBdpUzqQTauUq87bH55Q1EzvR34VLtyx7idYeAh3kBiW2BOVithvVmPSDaZlaMBykdKfabZpscZCOgrQs5aZ0LvC-igA0EaOyW0Irmy9j78-7rFY8PFFj6c_xEoJyXafXIuzsUUJuQr8Yy0YsfbV9qYf_-KPC_ET3_oZvMONt1cWoJaWf5II_HTkpn5MGjhwiH-tnxXjq4k0EJ9RTX4q-PF4awmEj6U9BJJp0xMtwPb4PqJ_YHQsbf4wCPIMb-sVxEDBMQ1hP4c1W44aoR8DHzolEUUHcj3wTDDavyVdjEeiy3_JkESrlrqMhq34Ge7CCceR7Ul36odsitNkJZQj6HuU9S2mq4O037vnivfi_HcsW-zNLzkRU4RoGV9GxkA8IRg25XB3jiuGLkZf1FUca7mYeTHDz2BWmXzi8ohH4hkwhi9Kr8d3Z4AyUMKmo9PMF/s1600/D8%2BSalisbury%2BPlain-8.jpg" style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="550" data-original-width="1400" height="250" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rNH15o3aHNQ/Xn0RuiaT1dI/AAAAAAAAtu4/IldyrnuNCUUdT-TlQ7Xkzn801SOZhvcqgCEwYBhgLKs4DAMBZVoCTFjJ-9x0AZFg1JefXHTVzAzntexkbWbCnV8hGJOwbzxC8euHKUp6CrA5H14LGPv9Vrsbun9ifcvbRS5ZUgRzODR-ssrP-gGMKdlLqjNkUrbfUv1-C3txCBabSk9Wem0BPSnk4UbnY7U95Otm_hfMxnXrJaqWkR27kxzNHBiIfBdpUzqQTauUq87bH55Q1EzvR34VLtyx7idYeAh3kBiW2BOVithvVmPSDaZlaMBykdKfabZpscZCOgrQs5aZ0LvC-igA0EaOyW0Irmy9j78-7rFY8PFFj6c_xEoJyXafXIuzsUUJuQr8Yy0YsfbV9qYf_-KPC_ET3_oZvMONt1cWoJaWf5II_HTkpn5MGjhwiH-tnxXjq4k0EJ9RTX4q-PF4awmEj6U9BJJp0xMtwPb4PqJ_YHQsbf4wCPIMb-sVxEDBMQ1hP4c1W44aoR8DHzolEUUHcj3wTDDavyVdjEeiy3_JkESrlrqMhq34Ge7CCceR7Ul36odsitNkJZQj6HuU9S2mq4O037vnivfi_HcsW-zNLzkRU4RoGV9GxkA8IRg25XB3jiuGLkZf1FUca7mYeTHDz2BWmXzi8ohH4hkwhi9Kr8d3Z4AyUMKmo9PMF/s640/D8%2BSalisbury%2BPlain-8.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<h3>
<span style="font-size: small; font-weight: 400;">The main king penguin colony is not that far from the beach and you need to walk through the seal colony. Quark put out witches hats for the path you are supposed to follow but it's easy to get sidetracked and I was told off more than once for forgetting. There was lots of grass for the seals to lie on and thankfully they were spread out and sleepy so didn't try to attack us.</span></h3>
<h3>
</h3>
<h3>
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-grtCuOF-0CE/Xn0Rt05GXBI/AAAAAAAAtu0/UyvmEAi2wqA2jFK-J_LMwXH6q26pGq13wCEwYBhgLKs4DAMBZVoCTFjJ-9x0AZFg1JefXHTVzAzntexkbWbCnV8hGJOwbzxC8euHKUp6CrA5H14LGPv9Vrsbun9ifcvbRS5ZUgRzODR-ssrP-gGMKdlLqjNkUrbfUv1-C3txCBabSk9Wem0BPSnk4UbnY7U95Otm_hfMxnXrJaqWkR27kxzNHBiIfBdpUzqQTauUq87bH55Q1EzvR34VLtyx7idYeAh3kBiW2BOVithvVmPSDaZlaMBykdKfabZpscZCOgrQs5aZ0LvC-igA0EaOyW0Irmy9j78-7rFY8PFFj6c_xEoJyXafXIuzsUUJuQr8Yy0YsfbV9qYf_-KPC_ET3_oZvMONt1cWoJaWf5II_HTkpn5MGjhwiH-tnxXjq4k0EJ9RTX4q-PF4awmEj6U9BJJp0xMtwPb4PqJ_YHQsbf4wCPIMb-sVxEDBMQ1hP4c1W44aoR8DHzolEUUHcj3wTDDavyVdjEeiy3_JkESrlrqMhq34Ge7CCceR7Ul36odsitNkJZQj6HuU9S2mq4O037vnivfi_HcsW-zNLzkRU4RoGV9GxkA8IRg25XB3jiuGLkZf1FUca7mYeTHDz2BWmXzi8ohH4hkwhi9Kr8d3Z4AyUMKmo9PMF/s1600/D8%2BSalisbury%2BPlain-29.jpg" style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="933" data-original-width="1400" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-grtCuOF-0CE/Xn0Rt05GXBI/AAAAAAAAtu0/UyvmEAi2wqA2jFK-J_LMwXH6q26pGq13wCEwYBhgLKs4DAMBZVoCTFjJ-9x0AZFg1JefXHTVzAzntexkbWbCnV8hGJOwbzxC8euHKUp6CrA5H14LGPv9Vrsbun9ifcvbRS5ZUgRzODR-ssrP-gGMKdlLqjNkUrbfUv1-C3txCBabSk9Wem0BPSnk4UbnY7U95Otm_hfMxnXrJaqWkR27kxzNHBiIfBdpUzqQTauUq87bH55Q1EzvR34VLtyx7idYeAh3kBiW2BOVithvVmPSDaZlaMBykdKfabZpscZCOgrQs5aZ0LvC-igA0EaOyW0Irmy9j78-7rFY8PFFj6c_xEoJyXafXIuzsUUJuQr8Yy0YsfbV9qYf_-KPC_ET3_oZvMONt1cWoJaWf5II_HTkpn5MGjhwiH-tnxXjq4k0EJ9RTX4q-PF4awmEj6U9BJJp0xMtwPb4PqJ_YHQsbf4wCPIMb-sVxEDBMQ1hP4c1W44aoR8DHzolEUUHcj3wTDDavyVdjEeiy3_JkESrlrqMhq34Ge7CCceR7Ul36odsitNkJZQj6HuU9S2mq4O037vnivfi_HcsW-zNLzkRU4RoGV9GxkA8IRg25XB3jiuGLkZf1FUca7mYeTHDz2BWmXzi8ohH4hkwhi9Kr8d3Z4AyUMKmo9PMF/s640/D8%2BSalisbury%2BPlain-29.jpg" width="640" /></a></h3>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-znxZ-v02pHI/Xn0S7Cwsg0I/AAAAAAAAtvc/iQ4ABqQQjNQlsbjGAXE5CuzSuKT70vNOgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/D8%2BSalisbury%2BPlain-30.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="933" data-original-width="1400" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-znxZ-v02pHI/Xn0S7Cwsg0I/AAAAAAAAtvc/iQ4ABqQQjNQlsbjGAXE5CuzSuKT70vNOgCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/D8%2BSalisbury%2BPlain-30.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-K7mdwp8MXHs/Xn0S68OtcfI/AAAAAAAAtvU/GSV1ietoGfsVSlU3V-ga8T0VzTnIB7i9wCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/D8%2BSalisbury%2BPlain-36.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="933" data-original-width="1400" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-K7mdwp8MXHs/Xn0S68OtcfI/AAAAAAAAtvU/GSV1ietoGfsVSlU3V-ga8T0VzTnIB7i9wCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/D8%2BSalisbury%2BPlain-36.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IeP9EB_NWiA/Xn0S68pU7eI/AAAAAAAAtvY/Dkfu8Hmkp7MMOMONFIbCmlkhnnrxEJlwACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/D8%2BSalisbury%2BPlain-37.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="933" data-original-width="1400" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IeP9EB_NWiA/Xn0S68pU7eI/AAAAAAAAtvY/Dkfu8Hmkp7MMOMONFIbCmlkhnnrxEJlwACLcBGAsYHQ/s640/D8%2BSalisbury%2BPlain-37.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-97TsZKSizPg/Xn0TCHJOUjI/AAAAAAAAtvk/7g0b4blHGwMhWizUNPrJ2EL4qWFhXMqeQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/D8%2BSalisbury%2BPlain-46.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="933" data-original-width="1400" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-97TsZKSizPg/Xn0TCHJOUjI/AAAAAAAAtvk/7g0b4blHGwMhWizUNPrJ2EL4qWFhXMqeQCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/D8%2BSalisbury%2BPlain-46.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Giant Petrels have amazing blue eyes</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Z_VY2bFJUmE/Xn0TCTnl6sI/AAAAAAAAtvo/n-YeRQyUlwYY0jupRxajxTICBkdYNWlawCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/D8%2BSalisbury%2BPlain-48.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="656" data-original-width="1400" height="298" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Z_VY2bFJUmE/Xn0TCTnl6sI/AAAAAAAAtvo/n-YeRQyUlwYY0jupRxajxTICBkdYNWlawCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/D8%2BSalisbury%2BPlain-48.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We could go right up to the middle clump of green, about a third of the way into the picture</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-n5vJJJezSnI/Xn0S_m_gXaI/AAAAAAAAtvg/7oCvwnBe-u4uXEmfSo3qi3Oeqg8S9rwHQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/D8%2BSalisbury%2BPlain-49.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="452" data-original-width="1400" height="206" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-n5vJJJezSnI/Xn0S_m_gXaI/AAAAAAAAtvg/7oCvwnBe-u4uXEmfSo3qi3Oeqg8S9rwHQCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/D8%2BSalisbury%2BPlain-49.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-62U9Hzt71pY/Xn0TF3A2BeI/AAAAAAAAtvs/IyzHh6CisxEIdlo2wutCXxx3c-4goAVkwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/D8%2BSalisbury%2BPlain-52.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="933" data-original-width="1400" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-62U9Hzt71pY/Xn0TF3A2BeI/AAAAAAAAtvs/IyzHh6CisxEIdlo2wutCXxx3c-4goAVkwCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/D8%2BSalisbury%2BPlain-52.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">king penguin chick</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD5QaP7EvxSU0SeP6CUv4KW-x5HqMJ6XIOGksISaWDEBm9n5JEUM_BrKMa1s86JVgs76dNdMtbhlmLA30A77JzDAawvtQQZd48FdSE66mFM11h92lDStswlSp5LfTYPwzDNu8vcGlG6hY/s1600/D8+Salisbury+Plain-53.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="933" data-original-width="1400" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD5QaP7EvxSU0SeP6CUv4KW-x5HqMJ6XIOGksISaWDEBm9n5JEUM_BrKMa1s86JVgs76dNdMtbhlmLA30A77JzDAawvtQQZd48FdSE66mFM11h92lDStswlSp5LfTYPwzDNu8vcGlG6hY/s640/D8+Salisbury+Plain-53.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hAWRDUchWGs/Xn0TJiZltAI/AAAAAAAAtv0/L7ty_KGblQs1RKKoK0UpEKS_zQYjEGtcACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/D8%2BSalisbury%2BPlain-54.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="933" data-original-width="1400" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hAWRDUchWGs/Xn0TJiZltAI/AAAAAAAAtv0/L7ty_KGblQs1RKKoK0UpEKS_zQYjEGtcACLcBGAsYHQ/s640/D8%2BSalisbury%2BPlain-54.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">They have to stay on land while they molt once a year</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO3sTaxCOZRC0h9h77mUIWsKpXSI1zhoqtyUpu_Rm6DI1qQh_vPoJ-QAptpmVoC2_fqLFcGEKZqvgzXLI7D01qFmkpZpahikUX_F_sfAhhnti-5BYcODkHQSkusfqnAD_c3RxcnevnOr4/s1600/D8+Salisbury+Plain-60.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="933" data-original-width="1400" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO3sTaxCOZRC0h9h77mUIWsKpXSI1zhoqtyUpu_Rm6DI1qQh_vPoJ-QAptpmVoC2_fqLFcGEKZqvgzXLI7D01qFmkpZpahikUX_F_sfAhhnti-5BYcODkHQSkusfqnAD_c3RxcnevnOr4/s640/D8+Salisbury+Plain-60.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-W82XA9xX4z0/Xn0UKt2pQgI/AAAAAAAAtwQ/XOdMsvGdfB8o3s9c2U9J872SrKrH3txKgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/D8%2BSalisbury%2BPlain-67.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="933" data-original-width="1400" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-W82XA9xX4z0/Xn0UKt2pQgI/AAAAAAAAtwQ/XOdMsvGdfB8o3s9c2U9J872SrKrH3txKgCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/D8%2BSalisbury%2BPlain-67.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7FhCcEsMWUQ/Xn0ULEyQ1cI/AAAAAAAAtwU/01RF67hfBawUIwOP-8qYGvQW-OtP8N9CQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/D8%2BSalisbury%2BPlain-77.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="933" data-original-width="1400" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7FhCcEsMWUQ/Xn0ULEyQ1cI/AAAAAAAAtwU/01RF67hfBawUIwOP-8qYGvQW-OtP8N9CQCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/D8%2BSalisbury%2BPlain-77.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">check out those nails</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipDOrXU4vUyT6GK-rR1DNUOL1wM5k4GTZbOt8tFOFL2YWVJBdbzju7ORMAqIXfshW3oYa29lf16DQSeRPjCXG-RCjvvManIXfmSuKF_Kr55LwgtBWQQ1NT-ASEw5znUHHBME6yRS5v0f0/s1600/D8+Salisbury+Plain-79.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="933" data-original-width="1400" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipDOrXU4vUyT6GK-rR1DNUOL1wM5k4GTZbOt8tFOFL2YWVJBdbzju7ORMAqIXfshW3oYa29lf16DQSeRPjCXG-RCjvvManIXfmSuKF_Kr55LwgtBWQQ1NT-ASEw5znUHHBME6yRS5v0f0/s640/D8+Salisbury+Plain-79.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4mxC9tYg6hg/Xn0URSvegNI/AAAAAAAAtwg/tXYwfmx7PfkO6RqSPxdPBoFPvvwIRJUWgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/D8%2BSalisbury%2BPlain-84.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1238" data-original-width="1400" height="564" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4mxC9tYg6hg/Xn0URSvegNI/AAAAAAAAtwg/tXYwfmx7PfkO6RqSPxdPBoFPvvwIRJUWgCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/D8%2BSalisbury%2BPlain-84.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">They remind me of our magpies how they collect in groups</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<h3>
<br />Hercules Bay </h3>
<br />
The afternoon zodiac ride took us to visit the Macaroni penguins which are very cute with their yellow bushy eyebrows. There were also gentoo penguins and fur seals. The highlight of the day was when we saw a group of penguins trying to cross at the top of the waterfall. A couple of them missed their footing and fell down. I thought they were doing it on purpose, for fun, but on reflection - No! I managed to capture the second one as he fell, apparently he survived and came out the bottom. All that padding for the antarctic waters has a dual benefit. Everyone only thought one went down, so I'm not sure what happened to the first one.</div>
<div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-M_nH1j_Oy1U/Xn0bz6DJXAI/AAAAAAAAtww/_d1ayGDy8VsW_mDRTZ4PnldjL_oqpx2RwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/D8-Hercules%2BBay-54.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="933" data-original-width="1400" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-M_nH1j_Oy1U/Xn0bz6DJXAI/AAAAAAAAtww/_d1ayGDy8VsW_mDRTZ4PnldjL_oqpx2RwCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/D8-Hercules%2BBay-54.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Then after they got to the other side they decided they couldn't go any further and went back again!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WeyGmmlDUvM/Xn0cXKK_DaI/AAAAAAAAtw4/888R9uW4vc8WzfkKZqv5wXL011jderijQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/D8-Hercules%2BBay-1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="671" data-original-width="1400" height="306" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WeyGmmlDUvM/Xn0cXKK_DaI/AAAAAAAAtw4/888R9uW4vc8WzfkKZqv5wXL011jderijQCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/D8-Hercules%2BBay-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6HRGZmZFQ54/Xn0cpLdd_FI/AAAAAAAAtxY/NDtrYKJ_QnIpxb_1sAdcTf_cWKDBR5VLACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/D8-Hercules%2BBay-8.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="933" data-original-width="1400" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6HRGZmZFQ54/Xn0cpLdd_FI/AAAAAAAAtxY/NDtrYKJ_QnIpxb_1sAdcTf_cWKDBR5VLACLcBGAsYHQ/s640/D8-Hercules%2BBay-8.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The kayaks are out for the paddlers</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Bks9ULPMq3E/Xn0ca79oq_I/AAAAAAAAtw8/himOn8s688kw_HW3iHJUvaJOTOTkNLnyQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/D8-Hercules%2BBay-11.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="933" data-original-width="1400" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Bks9ULPMq3E/Xn0ca79oq_I/AAAAAAAAtw8/himOn8s688kw_HW3iHJUvaJOTOTkNLnyQCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/D8-Hercules%2BBay-11.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fur seal</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LUAwF8AudFU/Xn0cbSk4lTI/AAAAAAAAtxA/-MgGFJpcXTYSBg1PbxClpm-9m2LkBlCAACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/D8-Hercules%2BBay-14.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="933" data-original-width="1400" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LUAwF8AudFU/Xn0cbSk4lTI/AAAAAAAAtxA/-MgGFJpcXTYSBg1PbxClpm-9m2LkBlCAACLcBGAsYHQ/s640/D8-Hercules%2BBay-14.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Young chick with it's mother, amazing how different they look</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-y6yoiGWjYGE/Xn0cfN_2okI/AAAAAAAAtxE/QYXSezXPXp0t_S2bAEZd2gjj_OF-zWVoQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/D8-Hercules%2BBay-19.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="933" data-original-width="1400" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-y6yoiGWjYGE/Xn0cfN_2okI/AAAAAAAAtxE/QYXSezXPXp0t_S2bAEZd2gjj_OF-zWVoQCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/D8-Hercules%2BBay-19.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Macaroni penguins</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HeDvmNsk8iM/Xn0ciQpIS6I/AAAAAAAAtxI/ACelCRgbaMMAV27re4pGCwSIXzhGv8dXgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/D8-Hercules%2BBay-21.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="933" data-original-width="1400" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HeDvmNsk8iM/Xn0ciQpIS6I/AAAAAAAAtxI/ACelCRgbaMMAV27re4pGCwSIXzhGv8dXgCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/D8-Hercules%2BBay-21.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ7arm957DWH5JCcLuw9paeLbiR6YQJ92ZjLZWJ5QMXIXPJUbCcxcgquC8KsxGo_I-fC022YlvHeR2SbzRkKzJsv8troVb8UfMJ8foXcgBoWEPlG2sOVbDyDC_AJLh3gXBV5i2C1sibZM/s1600/D8-Hercules+Bay-22.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="933" data-original-width="1400" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ7arm957DWH5JCcLuw9paeLbiR6YQJ92ZjLZWJ5QMXIXPJUbCcxcgquC8KsxGo_I-fC022YlvHeR2SbzRkKzJsv8troVb8UfMJ8foXcgBoWEPlG2sOVbDyDC_AJLh3gXBV5i2C1sibZM/s640/D8-Hercules+Bay-22.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">just back from a dip</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mFHTn--zux4/Xn0cnTTRKDI/AAAAAAAAtxQ/SHH4uUpOtewyyN2O5TT5ivrdbZp2M-ZkgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/D8-Hercules%2BBay-23.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="933" data-original-width="1400" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mFHTn--zux4/Xn0cnTTRKDI/AAAAAAAAtxQ/SHH4uUpOtewyyN2O5TT5ivrdbZp2M-ZkgCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/D8-Hercules%2BBay-23.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chinstrap penguin</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><br />
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XRWauP7mkSA/Xn0dpm_JYdI/AAAAAAAAtx8/nP6M5iIRgvwuHX1qDkJwxt0HbToFNVAugCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/D8-Hercules%2BBay-24.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="933" data-original-width="1400" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XRWauP7mkSA/Xn0dpm_JYdI/AAAAAAAAtx8/nP6M5iIRgvwuHX1qDkJwxt0HbToFNVAugCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/D8-Hercules%2BBay-24.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Amazing how they can hop up onto these rocks</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lOVRKNl9x3s/Xn0doTFZlEI/AAAAAAAAtx4/mdFSAhNhK_EyO1FLhx8d61Jjg8t-UMsyACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/D8-Hercules%2BBay-28.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="933" data-original-width="1400" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lOVRKNl9x3s/Xn0doTFZlEI/AAAAAAAAtx4/mdFSAhNhK_EyO1FLhx8d61Jjg8t-UMsyACLcBGAsYHQ/s640/D8-Hercules%2BBay-28.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Southern giant petrel can have a wingspan of up to two metres</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Lf9YYqWdnEQ/Xn0dn1oybVI/AAAAAAAAtx0/A2WQnl1vQp0XAmo3g-eGw35HB__10tk2ACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/D8-Hercules%2BBay-29.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="933" data-original-width="1400" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Lf9YYqWdnEQ/Xn0dn1oybVI/AAAAAAAAtx0/A2WQnl1vQp0XAmo3g-eGw35HB__10tk2ACLcBGAsYHQ/s640/D8-Hercules%2BBay-29.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Macaroni's molting</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VRiQl2Bv07I/Xn0dwWq4OiI/AAAAAAAAtyA/qT0MLiNSDeovcUcSqY7n9ot4RS0yhlwawCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/D8-Hercules%2BBay-30.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="933" data-original-width="1400" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VRiQl2Bv07I/Xn0dwWq4OiI/AAAAAAAAtyA/qT0MLiNSDeovcUcSqY7n9ot4RS0yhlwawCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/D8-Hercules%2BBay-30.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8cBFLhiHMO0/Xn0dwdU-8CI/AAAAAAAAtyE/1sN11hAf-y49zQUxHNZdsyOuqe1Q5QlsACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/D8-Hercules%2BBay-37.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="933" data-original-width="1400" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8cBFLhiHMO0/Xn0dwdU-8CI/AAAAAAAAtyE/1sN11hAf-y49zQUxHNZdsyOuqe1Q5QlsACLcBGAsYHQ/s640/D8-Hercules%2BBay-37.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MzOwgoDPeC4/Xn0dxKR2E0I/AAAAAAAAtyI/LpPqiItAZg04pVt0yyZ9CIekbWEKi333ACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/D8-Hercules%2BBay-43.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="933" data-original-width="1400" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MzOwgoDPeC4/Xn0dxKR2E0I/AAAAAAAAtyI/LpPqiItAZg04pVt0yyZ9CIekbWEKi333ACLcBGAsYHQ/s640/D8-Hercules%2BBay-43.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gentoo penguin</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<h3>Related posts:</h3><h3><div style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400;">(1) <a href="http://tvlbug.blogspot.com/2020/02/the-7th-continent.html" style="color: #1155cc; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 18px;" target="_blank">The 7th Continent</a></div><div style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400;">(2) <a href="http://tvlbug.blogspot.com/2020/03/falkland-islands-its-more-than-just-war.html" style="color: #1155cc; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 18px;" target="_blank">Falkland Islands - it's more than just a war zone</a></div><div style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400;">(3) <a href="http://tvlbug.blogspot.com/2020/03/south-georgia-wildlife-paradise.html" style="color: #1155cc; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 18px;" target="_blank">South Georgia - Wildlife Paradise</a></div><div style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400;">(4) <a href="http://tvlbug.blogspot.com/2020/03/salisbury-plain-and-hercules-bay-more.html" style="color: #1155cc; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; text-size-adjust: auto;" target="_blank">Salisbury Plain and Hercules Bay, more penguins and seals</a><br /></div><div style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400;">(5) <a href="http://tvlbug.blogspot.com/2020/03/whaling-stations-on-south-georgia.html" style="color: #1155cc; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; text-size-adjust: auto;" target="_blank">Whaling Stations on South Georgia</a></div><div style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400;">(6) <a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://tvlbug.blogspot.com/2020/03/golden-light-at-gold-harbour.html&source=gmail&ust=1586040231498000&usg=AFQjCNEANvg6QTM0bgaew81XDXaoul3wmA" href="http://tvlbug.blogspot.com/2020/03/golden-light-at-gold-harbour.html" name="m_7220239465401398844_1" style="color: #1155cc; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; text-size-adjust: auto;" target="_blank">Golden light at Gold Harbour</a></div><div style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400;"><br /></div></h3><h3><div style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400;"><font color="#3367d6" face="verdana"><a href="https://sites.google.com/site/fraserholidays/home/Home" target="_blank">Main menu</a></font></div><div style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400;"><br /></div><div><br style="font-size: 18.72px;" /></div></h3>
Janehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06017837107696030036noreply@blogger.com0South Georgia Island, SIQQ 1ZZ, South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands-54.4138333 -36.5827165-55.5958783 -39.164503499999995 -53.2317883 -34.0009295tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3168284011338330133.post-33944600986436977072020-03-03T08:00:00.005+11:002020-04-07T11:01:06.131+10:00South Georgia - Wildlife Paradise<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-F2d_5Jq8IsI/XnxRqrx5bEI/AAAAAAAAtro/vm_e_5zzbVkuuhA0RRThg-vFRQ1XCZUPACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/D7-Sth%2BGeorgia-3.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="933" data-original-width="1400" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-F2d_5Jq8IsI/XnxRqrx5bEI/AAAAAAAAtro/vm_e_5zzbVkuuhA0RRThg-vFRQ1XCZUPACLcBGAsYHQ/s640/D7-Sth%2BGeorgia-3.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shag Rocks, probably not an official name, but the Shags like them. You can't quite see them flying but they are everywhere</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<h2>
Day 5, March 3 2020 </h2>
<h3>
At sea to South Georgia </h3>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VRP5nUSJITY/XnxSB5OlJ_I/AAAAAAAAtrw/JsK0jt2Eyzs9HCmCpwYSUnE0v6rS681CgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/D7-Sth%2BGeorgia-15.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="933" data-original-width="1400" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VRP5nUSJITY/XnxSB5OlJ_I/AAAAAAAAtrw/JsK0jt2Eyzs9HCmCpwYSUnE0v6rS681CgCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/D7-Sth%2BGeorgia-15.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Giant Petrel</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
It would take two days to sail to South Georgia, so breakfasts were at 8am, lunch at 12:30 and dinners at 7pm. I made a conscious effort to sit with different people at eat meal time. It is amazing how many people are just travelling around the world. The expedition team came and sit with us so I had opportunities to speak to a number of them, they come from all over the world and many different fields. There are four Australians in the Expedition team and I think at least a quarter of the guests are Australian, with many from Melbourne! <br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-X0Oo1JCdAug/XnxSQmGgWHI/AAAAAAAAtr0/-P0P3bz3q3spMokcY_XMmy7-rleMCXsvwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/D7-Sth%2BGeorgia-8.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="933" data-original-width="1400" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-X0Oo1JCdAug/XnxSQmGgWHI/AAAAAAAAtr0/-P0P3bz3q3spMokcY_XMmy7-rleMCXsvwCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/D7-Sth%2BGeorgia-8.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Southern Royal Albatross</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
There was an iceberg spotting competition. While we didn’t actually have to see it, we had to guess at what time and what date the first iceberg that was bigger than the size of a bus would be spotted, as it turned out by the captain. I had no idea but decided it would be at least until after South Georgia, so picked the 10th March at 4am. It was sighted at 3:30am! I was close, but not close enough, a Singaporean woman was closer at 3:15am. <br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5m8mXxgb9cw/XnxSdS3Dl0I/AAAAAAAAtr8/vKLyjs4qQh0h6q4rgR5KQn-Q-eUJu73FQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/D7-Sth%2BGeorgia-11.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="933" data-original-width="1400" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5m8mXxgb9cw/XnxSdS3Dl0I/AAAAAAAAtr8/vKLyjs4qQh0h6q4rgR5KQn-Q-eUJu73FQCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/D7-Sth%2BGeorgia-11.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Southern Royal Albatross</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Annie gave us a talk about the fur seals and elephant seals that we would be seeing in South Georgia. They will be in the molting stage when we see the elephant seals, where they shed not only their fur but their skin also. The seals are impregnated just after they give birth but it is held over until they have weaned their young, isn't nature amazing. It is the only time the males can pair up with them, so the timing is important.<br />
<br />
We had a mandatory South Georgia briefing and if we didn’t attend we wouldn’t be allowed off the ship.<br />
<br />
Adrian, our ornithologist who gave us a presentation of seabird threats. We then went out to the back deck to photograph some giant petrels and albatross.<br />
<br />
Ed who is a mountain climber gave us a presentation on the History of South Georgia and the explorers who had travelled there – namely Shackleton. Shackleton is the reason he had joined the expedition team as he has climbed Mt Everest a few times.<br />
<br />
We had to put our watches forward an hour before we went to bed but I had a Fitbit which needs to be connected to the internet to change the time which of course I couldn't do. Tip: always take a normal watch on holidays with you! We did have access to their intranet which allowed us to access our daily schedule and biographies of the expedition team.<br />
<br />
The most interesting after dinner talk was about the Iceland volcano eruption in 2010 at Eyjafjallajokull glacier. Henry was with a 21 year old police officer going to investigate the eruption. When faced with a black cloud, Henry asked the police officer if he was going to drive into it and he said “yes”. I would have been saying “oh noooo you’re not!” Once engulfed in the cloud they couldn’t see anything in front of them and were forced to stop. He put the windscreen wipers on which made the ash melt into the glass. One of them opened the windows for a nanosecond and they breathed in more poisonous gases than if they had smoked all their life. It took them forever to reverse backwards as they had no idea where they were going but could just see the grass next to the side of the road and used that as a guide. Needless to say the police car was a write off! Talk about scary. <br />
<br />
<h2>
Day 6, March 4 2020</h2>
<h3>
At sea to South Georgia</h3>
Another day at sea started off with a presentation from our geologist Norm on the Glaciers and Glacier processes. I really like Norm as a presenter and it didn’t come as a surprise that he was a university lecturer in his previous life. He should be retired but obviously loves this subject with a passion and he makes it really easy to understand by using examples that we could all relate to. He also has a dry sense of humour and got annoyed when we forgot the answers to his questions, telling us we were all hopeless or asleep.<br />
<br />
You can feel the weather getting colder as we pass over the Atlantic convergence and I have to start wearing my thermals on board. The auditorium was nearly always cold.<br />
<br />
We had to get everything checked that we would be taking on shore down to the mud room and sign off that we had complied or we wouldn’t be allowed on shore. We had our own cubicle in the mud room where we could keep our boots, life jacket and parka. The Bio security check meant we had to make sure there weren’t any hitch-hikers on our Velcro, sand in the crevices of boots – just about anything that could affect the bio diversity of this island.<br />
<br />
I skipped the “getting out of Auto” photography presentation from Keith for obvious reasons. <br />
<br />
Annie gave us a talk on the Cetaceans of the Southern Ocean. Which was all about whales, dolphins and porpoises and the differences between them all. <br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Gw80Q03pp00/Xnv_Vo9pdJI/AAAAAAAAtrc/WbiMW796GoIQOzxyjFg6DENcTEwAu2eBACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Whales.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="359" data-original-width="753" height="304" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Gw80Q03pp00/Xnv_Vo9pdJI/AAAAAAAAtrc/WbiMW796GoIQOzxyjFg6DENcTEwAu2eBACLcBGAsYHQ/s640/Whales.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We did see some whales but the pictures are too small or they are submerged and you only see their back</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
Most of the birds, whales and seals eat krill. Krill eats phytoplankton. Phytoplankton grows on the underside of ice sheets in very cold waters. With global warming the the ice sheets will melt, therefore no phytoplankton. You can guess the rest. I think only one penguin has adapted its diet to something else, let's hope the others follow suit.<br />
<br />
<h2>
Day 7 – March 5, 2020</h2>
<h3>
St Andrews Bay, South Georgia </h3>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--WioblzFhOI/XnxaIlS36bI/AAAAAAAAtuQ/5Qdqz-ipFsw7bPjmPfmMk9PaxjINfDMDQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/D7-Sth%2BGeorgia-89.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="933" data-original-width="1400" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--WioblzFhOI/XnxaIlS36bI/AAAAAAAAtuQ/5Qdqz-ipFsw7bPjmPfmMk9PaxjINfDMDQCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/D7-Sth%2BGeorgia-89.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">King Penguins</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9H6dhogyshY/XnxTyotWX2I/AAAAAAAAtsI/TiRz2_IDc-MU63ispTYvrCvb0cSmngSkgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/D7-Sth%2BGeorgia-80.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="933" data-original-width="1400" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9H6dhogyshY/XnxTyotWX2I/AAAAAAAAtsI/TiRz2_IDc-MU63ispTYvrCvb0cSmngSkgCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/D7-Sth%2BGeorgia-80.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The King Penguin Colony at St Andrews Bay</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
There was a 50% chance that we would be able to disembark from our ship today. To make the odds more in our favour, it was decided that we would start leaving before breakfast at 6pm. Annie said it was the best light she had seen in the 19 years she had been coming here. It was snowing! <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qZBzl7Vu324/XnxUBf7laJI/AAAAAAAAtsM/S33996vpF78VI8Hnuwy_TcfIdv7KahHpACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/D7-Sth%2BGeorgia-16.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="933" data-original-width="1400" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qZBzl7Vu324/XnxUBf7laJI/AAAAAAAAtsM/S33996vpF78VI8Hnuwy_TcfIdv7KahHpACLcBGAsYHQ/s640/D7-Sth%2BGeorgia-16.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Our group went on shore first came back for breakfast and then went out on the zodiacs <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-y1Hh6C58WNg/XnxUZx4dUXI/AAAAAAAAtsY/sDPpdjcLjAAZMED-HOTgSZRX9PZEMAfggCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/D7-Sth%2BGeorgia-46.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="933" data-original-width="1400" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-y1Hh6C58WNg/XnxUZx4dUXI/AAAAAAAAtsY/sDPpdjcLjAAZMED-HOTgSZRX9PZEMAfggCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/D7-Sth%2BGeorgia-46.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
We were supposed to go to Golden Bay at 3:30pm but there were three metre swells around one of the take off points from the ship although it was better on the other side. They did a recognisance drive to the beach but the waves were crashing over the back of the zodiacs when they tried to land making them into baths, so the afternoon was cancelled. <br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dKumgIgmDUI/XnxWe4ak44I/AAAAAAAAtsg/hWipOkLMX0s4CAyzfnFcztQa7vGcEU1_gCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/D7-Sth%2BGeorgia-67.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="933" data-original-width="1400" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dKumgIgmDUI/XnxWe4ak44I/AAAAAAAAtsg/hWipOkLMX0s4CAyzfnFcztQa7vGcEU1_gCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/D7-Sth%2BGeorgia-67.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A king penguin chick - he's needs a good coat to keep warm</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-67ow64gxtpA/XnxXHBMl3FI/AAAAAAAAtss/Mh5kTAh8BRICsGa0_bpa8euMdOvfTjb8ACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/D7-Sth%2BGeorgia-98.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="621" data-original-width="1400" height="282" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-67ow64gxtpA/XnxXHBMl3FI/AAAAAAAAtss/Mh5kTAh8BRICsGa0_bpa8euMdOvfTjb8ACLcBGAsYHQ/s640/D7-Sth%2BGeorgia-98.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
In its place Pat gave us a talk of the eradication of long tails (rodents) on the island of South Georgia, which took 10 years and $10 million pounds. It would have cost more if the Government had done it but a charity had so they were more stringent on costs. The Government had already eradicated the reindeer that the sealers had brought over in the 1800’s for game shooting and food. I was so tired from our early outing this morning that I’m sure I nodded off a few times. This is the reason for the very strict bio security measures, it doesn't take much for a seed to transfer on your boots or socks.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyFy2JueDOhKSUPe6lgUc5QPyiUkceRGZvQPhYhTeOcU2x-ykSe4QhwLmg8xJXLgi7O6i1-HCfsjlB2WVVreMvMzWoT8Q51Uy35G71cW6srHE_Auubs6sTuVdoWjse_xun5tl6dvwqkis/s1600/D7-Sth+Georgia-177.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="933" data-original-width="1400" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyFy2JueDOhKSUPe6lgUc5QPyiUkceRGZvQPhYhTeOcU2x-ykSe4QhwLmg8xJXLgi7O6i1-HCfsjlB2WVVreMvMzWoT8Q51Uy35G71cW6srHE_Auubs6sTuVdoWjse_xun5tl6dvwqkis/s640/D7-Sth+Georgia-177.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JWS7QxM6GvU/XnxZfoTyv6I/AAAAAAAAtt4/CgPkGynvGm4SPvRX482_tPQdn3uFp1HZQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/D7-Sth%2BGeorgia-167.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="933" data-original-width="1400" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JWS7QxM6GvU/XnxZfoTyv6I/AAAAAAAAtt4/CgPkGynvGm4SPvRX482_tPQdn3uFp1HZQCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/D7-Sth%2BGeorgia-167.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8HvVgKy1Ijo3j4Uc3hvxlz3zJiztpKvYDwOMPD7-DTGwbxutV3K4Gnp_t0C2NJefV5bhD_YCSfiXZgox6b7RqjO45-2WGq6Z7L5P3U22TotQUTRas1gMCWMykKh99jgcG4EdUEWI-asw/s1600/D7-Sth+Georgia-166.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="416" data-original-width="1400" height="190" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8HvVgKy1Ijo3j4Uc3hvxlz3zJiztpKvYDwOMPD7-DTGwbxutV3K4Gnp_t0C2NJefV5bhD_YCSfiXZgox6b7RqjO45-2WGq6Z7L5P3U22TotQUTRas1gMCWMykKh99jgcG4EdUEWI-asw/s640/D7-Sth+Georgia-166.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PzEa_q2y3zs/XnxZMhsMxWI/AAAAAAAAtts/gDB2ad7qD7wMoRdrdNSO2rHtveO8mgX0wCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/D7-Sth%2BGeorgia-147.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1400" data-original-width="934" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PzEa_q2y3zs/XnxZMhsMxWI/AAAAAAAAtts/gDB2ad7qD7wMoRdrdNSO2rHtveO8mgX0wCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/D7-Sth%2BGeorgia-147.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--yiYvzC1Egk/XnxY3nbeYoI/AAAAAAAAttk/2s6jC84y0VsfXCJlVubYkpAh0lo84q4nwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/D7-Sth%2BGeorgia-144.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="933" data-original-width="1400" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--yiYvzC1Egk/XnxY3nbeYoI/AAAAAAAAttk/2s6jC84y0VsfXCJlVubYkpAh0lo84q4nwCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/D7-Sth%2BGeorgia-144.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkXiRnRv0vSm7i6xd22LggPNBDm7b4PwsjkeVc29UycqE_MreETougBJbqJO5eNEgl8q_2mvb5s-4LltDeDSpu5qg_4Ep93DgNs-VgkKECGttfCGR3sPQ49GbMlXQewox-eLmyenbOkGA/s1600/D7-Sth+Georgia-137.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="933" data-original-width="1400" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkXiRnRv0vSm7i6xd22LggPNBDm7b4PwsjkeVc29UycqE_MreETougBJbqJO5eNEgl8q_2mvb5s-4LltDeDSpu5qg_4Ep93DgNs-VgkKECGttfCGR3sPQ49GbMlXQewox-eLmyenbOkGA/s640/D7-Sth+Georgia-137.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-w8X9DPCUlOM/XnxXvaCqe8I/AAAAAAAAttE/qRddOHeuBfsW2qKn_BlIsat2RkHQxihzACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/D7-Sth%2BGeorgia-127.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="933" data-original-width="1400" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-w8X9DPCUlOM/XnxXvaCqe8I/AAAAAAAAttE/qRddOHeuBfsW2qKn_BlIsat2RkHQxihzACLcBGAsYHQ/s640/D7-Sth%2BGeorgia-127.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I'm beat, me too</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gIyEJBUA9jw/XnxYCCqNv-I/AAAAAAAAttQ/8VKseLF860oqAmibumWZKvkSVbXiNDa_gCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/D7-Sth%2BGeorgia-128.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="933" data-original-width="1400" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gIyEJBUA9jw/XnxYCCqNv-I/AAAAAAAAttQ/8VKseLF860oqAmibumWZKvkSVbXiNDa_gCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/D7-Sth%2BGeorgia-128.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We had the penguins swimming all around the zodiac, some even tried to peck the rubber</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oo45SETnurQ/XnxYV_oCZMI/AAAAAAAAttY/R_-Xt3Hc_yA54WTS7-UcT46y1_13CoPdgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/D7-Sth%2BGeorgia-132.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="933" data-original-width="1400" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oo45SETnurQ/XnxYV_oCZMI/AAAAAAAAttY/R_-Xt3Hc_yA54WTS7-UcT46y1_13CoPdgCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/D7-Sth%2BGeorgia-132.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It's popular spot</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tkITU-MdIaw/XnxXjJLfqNI/AAAAAAAAts8/I_4LCehmZn8dLCuNWO-OAjinrGoGaPxJACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/D7-Sth%2BGeorgia-126.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /><img border="0" data-original-height="937" data-original-width="1400" height="428" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tkITU-MdIaw/XnxXjJLfqNI/AAAAAAAAts8/I_4LCehmZn8dLCuNWO-OAjinrGoGaPxJACLcBGAsYHQ/s640/D7-Sth%2BGeorgia-126.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdydTHbT3ojduwpitbIyw-tDCIC956IydK6DNuG54qWp8VwAsuL2BXzT6fsnvKSGx04pyhJZWq9yKSMQKwyPz7zdJ5xl_WKOOY0czCzHvzFsVju4GHXS3s8jQKTka2gNBSudQHlyhcyjE/s1600/D7-Sth+Georgia-116.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="933" data-original-width="1400" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdydTHbT3ojduwpitbIyw-tDCIC956IydK6DNuG54qWp8VwAsuL2BXzT6fsnvKSGx04pyhJZWq9yKSMQKwyPz7zdJ5xl_WKOOY0czCzHvzFsVju4GHXS3s8jQKTka2gNBSudQHlyhcyjE/s640/D7-Sth+Georgia-116.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<h3>Related posts:</h3><h3><div style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400;">(1) <a href="http://tvlbug.blogspot.com/2020/02/the-7th-continent.html" style="color: #1155cc; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 18px;" target="_blank">The 7th Continent</a></div><div style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400;">(2) <a href="http://tvlbug.blogspot.com/2020/03/falkland-islands-its-more-than-just-war.html" style="color: #1155cc; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 18px;" target="_blank">Falkland Islands - it's more than just a war zone</a></div><div style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400;">(3) <a href="http://tvlbug.blogspot.com/2020/03/south-georgia-wildlife-paradise.html" style="color: #1155cc; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 18px;" target="_blank">South Georgia - Wildlife Paradise</a></div><div style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400;">(4) <a href="http://tvlbug.blogspot.com/2020/03/salisbury-plain-and-hercules-bay-more.html" style="color: #1155cc; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; text-size-adjust: auto;" target="_blank">Salisbury Plain and Hercules Bay, more penguins and seals</a><br /></div><div style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400;">(5) <a href="http://tvlbug.blogspot.com/2020/03/whaling-stations-on-south-georgia.html" style="color: #1155cc; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; text-size-adjust: auto;" target="_blank">Whaling Stations on South Georgia</a></div><div style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400;">(6) <a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://tvlbug.blogspot.com/2020/03/golden-light-at-gold-harbour.html&source=gmail&ust=1586040231498000&usg=AFQjCNEANvg6QTM0bgaew81XDXaoul3wmA" href="http://tvlbug.blogspot.com/2020/03/golden-light-at-gold-harbour.html" name="m_7220239465401398844_1" style="color: #1155cc; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; text-size-adjust: auto;" target="_blank">Golden light at Gold Harbour</a></div><div style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400;"><br /></div></h3><h3><div style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400;"><font color="#3367d6" face="verdana"><a href="https://sites.google.com/site/fraserholidays/home/Home" target="_blank">Main menu</a></font></div><div style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400;"><br /></div></h3>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Janehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06017837107696030036noreply@blogger.com0South Georgia Island, SIQQ 1ZZ, South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands-54.4138333 -36.5827165-55.5958783 -39.164503499999995 -53.2317883 -34.0009295tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3168284011338330133.post-41699983177678068792020-03-01T07:00:00.003+11:002020-04-07T11:00:46.342+10:00Falkland Islands - it's more than just a war zone<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mF_rsfLUB84/XnhYxYaVBDI/AAAAAAAAtrE/A5hfVkOkxHMKUyIEPc9Wp18_PRqSBxU4wCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Falklands-3.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="933" data-original-width="1400" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mF_rsfLUB84/XnhYxYaVBDI/AAAAAAAAtrE/A5hfVkOkxHMKUyIEPc9Wp18_PRqSBxU4wCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/Falklands-3.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Getting some fresh air - taken by Chris Andersen on <i>his</i> iPhone!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<h2>
<br />Day 2 – February 29, 2020 </h2>
<h3>
At Sea</h3>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
We were heading for the Falkland Islands. Most people only know the Falklands because of the war between Argentina and Britain in 1982. It is also home to some pretty amazing wildlife.<br />
<br />
First up was a bio security check, if you think Australia border security are finicky you haven’t been to the Falklands. We had to use paperclips to prise out grains of sand, and clean any dirt or fibres out of any Velcro. This had to be done every time we left the ship whether we were going on land or not. <br />
<br />
Our first full day at sea was overcast, windy and raining which made the seas a bit rough. Inevitably I got seasick even though I had taken a tablet, had put some herbal patches on as well as my wristbands. It is what I had feared the most. I didn’t quite make it to the restaurant for lunch and a kind man helped me back to my room and then went back down and got me some bread and apples. The doctor came to my room and gave me a stronger tablet than what I had been taking but it didn’t stay down long. I rang the doctor to ask if I should take another one and he said he could give me an injection if I liked or see how I went. No injections for me unless I’m dying, so I waited and was okay. Our housekeeper got the kitchen to make me some ginger tea, with real ginger which was sweet of her. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
There were quite a few talks in the auditorium that day. The first one was on history which I missed. It turned out we could get a live stream on the TV in our room so I was able to watch the next few from bed. I thought I should make an effort to go down to dinner. Nothing on the menu was conducive for someone who was seasick so I asked for some vegetables and chicken. I managed about three mouthfuls before I had to go outside and get some fresh air. After sitting back down at the table for a minute, I knew I had to go back to bed.<br />
<br />
Presentations: History of the Falklands, Expedition Photography and Birds of the Falklands <br />
<br />
<h2>
Day 3 – March 1, 2020 </h2>
</div>
<div>
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jP2ZjOtZfas/XnhIB3hGEII/AAAAAAAAtng/IXM8_zGkt8UFHziOwfyvpENYYahuUz5-wCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Falklands-12.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><br /></a>
<br />
<h3>
West Point – Falkland Islands</h3>
<h3>
<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jP2ZjOtZfas/XnhIB3hGEII/AAAAAAAAtng/IXM8_zGkt8UFHziOwfyvpENYYahuUz5-wCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Falklands-12.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="933" data-original-width="1400" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jP2ZjOtZfas/XnhIB3hGEII/AAAAAAAAtng/IXM8_zGkt8UFHziOwfyvpENYYahuUz5-wCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/Falklands-12.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Getting into the zodiac</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</h3>
Feeling much better today but took another heavy duty sea sickness tablet just in case. Our first landing was at West Point Island. It was the first time we had to kit up. Two pairs of socks, beanie, gloves, thermals, jumper, jacket, lifejacket and a backpack with two heavy cameras. We had signed up to one of four groups so that they don’t have everyone going down to the mud room at once. My Whale group was the last group to leave the ship today. We were ferried to shore in groups of ten in zodiacs and you have to step into the water to get to shore which is why we needed to always wear waterproof pants over our gumboots. We had a choice to either walk the 2.1kms to the other side of the island to see the albatross or to take a ride in the Landrover. With the weight of my camera gear I didn’t have to think very hard. Anyone who took the car didn’t miss out on anything but a bit of exercise and my Fitbit did happy dances at 10,000 steps, probably from the zodiac, so it though I was being good. The viewing area around the black-browed albatross and rockhopper penguins was a bit tight and the surrounding tussock grasses were quite high which made taking photos a challenge. Trying to work out the flying pattern of the albatross was not easy; I gave up and just tried to get whatever I could. The penguins were on the other side of the rockery while we had the albatross chicks closest to us. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8-9Q_22qdbk/XnhPpyWpYjI/AAAAAAAAtpI/UTB0cGqnO0U6X5kK5N58RcmKlnkBupHlgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Falklands-73.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="933" data-original-width="1400" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8-9Q_22qdbk/XnhPpyWpYjI/AAAAAAAAtpI/UTB0cGqnO0U6X5kK5N58RcmKlnkBupHlgCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/Falklands-73.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 12.8px;">Adult Black-Browed Albatross</span><span style="font-size: 12.8px;"> </span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5Mux4W3Nw_8/XnhKaZqIexI/AAAAAAAAtoA/WWnpU5JGfnYjadcB7DcaYUIyANHbAM3hwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Falklands-33.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="933" data-original-width="1400" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5Mux4W3Nw_8/XnhKaZqIexI/AAAAAAAAtoA/WWnpU5JGfnYjadcB7DcaYUIyANHbAM3hwCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/Falklands-33.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 12.8px;">Adult Black-Browed Albatross</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BQfRPoVcM04/XnhMbDsA2BI/AAAAAAAAtok/G2Lg2_P6ilksQ1Rd2j2d4WRg_3_J_dGOgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Falklands-60.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="933" data-original-width="1400" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BQfRPoVcM04/XnhMbDsA2BI/AAAAAAAAtok/G2Lg2_P6ilksQ1Rd2j2d4WRg_3_J_dGOgCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/Falklands-60.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">Feeding time</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dNmAr7m61Zs/XnhI3DwZrzI/AAAAAAAAtno/nv2GMQFXjJsCSGL7UqorCjUcdYzcyy9-ACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Falklands-14.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="933" data-original-width="1400" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dNmAr7m61Zs/XnhI3DwZrzI/AAAAAAAAtno/nv2GMQFXjJsCSGL7UqorCjUcdYzcyy9-ACLcBGAsYHQ/s640/Falklands-14.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Black-Browed Albatross chick</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SG1STuy7Gl8/XnhJ7V5UxPI/AAAAAAAAtn0/IfosPuVhn7cOz-PwDJ5xo0mtvaTY23e_gCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Falklands-23.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="933" data-original-width="1400" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SG1STuy7Gl8/XnhJ7V5UxPI/AAAAAAAAtn0/IfosPuVhn7cOz-PwDJ5xo0mtvaTY23e_gCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/Falklands-23.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rockhopper Penguin Chick</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ddtwlGpZvRM/XnhMy32-NyI/AAAAAAAAtos/gi0kxY_OWwESFRwtcebav9tewwltd-qPgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Falklands-27.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="933" data-original-width="1400" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ddtwlGpZvRM/XnhMy32-NyI/AAAAAAAAtos/gi0kxY_OWwESFRwtcebav9tewwltd-qPgCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/Falklands-27.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">Adult Rockhopper Penguins</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Only a couple of people live on this island and they had arranged a morning tea at the only house on the island. There were so many different varieties of homemade cakes and slices it was difficult just choosing a couple.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-X-t3OwGdkFA/XnhPMYtJ8WI/AAAAAAAAtpA/2-6Q4iMMWQcD6fYaE9TDGVTwZRwvVlLgACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Falklands-99.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="933" data-original-width="1400" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-X-t3OwGdkFA/XnhPMYtJ8WI/AAAAAAAAtpA/2-6Q4iMMWQcD6fYaE9TDGVTwZRwvVlLgACLcBGAsYHQ/s640/Falklands-99.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Adult Black-Browed Albatross</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Z6tYTkCtLLc/XnhQpbJiF2I/AAAAAAAAtpU/XF9W80yIYwMCv6hSfMTPNqtB_zRbVdJ8gCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Falklands-63.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="933" data-original-width="1400" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Z6tYTkCtLLc/XnhQpbJiF2I/AAAAAAAAtpU/XF9W80yIYwMCv6hSfMTPNqtB_zRbVdJ8gCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/Falklands-63.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rockhopper Penguins</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4AOQ8WmcRqI/XnhWSjEk3vI/AAAAAAAAtqY/7qKTF6y40NUkaZtNw458-qN01B0OGFN0wCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Falklands-119.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="933" data-original-width="1400" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4AOQ8WmcRqI/XnhWSjEk3vI/AAAAAAAAtqY/7qKTF6y40NUkaZtNw458-qN01B0OGFN0wCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/Falklands-119.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">so many pictures, it's hard to choose</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-z1t9-RQjKZE/XnhOi1nW1WI/AAAAAAAAto4/sQN5YSQYH10_yQ_4zMLAxFDKonbtwks1wCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Falklands-71.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="933" data-original-width="1400" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-z1t9-RQjKZE/XnhOi1nW1WI/AAAAAAAAto4/sQN5YSQYH10_yQ_4zMLAxFDKonbtwks1wCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/Falklands-71.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Striated Caracara</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UuVeuLWSki8/XnhKz7NCWOI/AAAAAAAAtoI/oMsx59S4WO0KTh78gV7lXXNgJy8hLdvRgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Falklands-40.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="933" data-original-width="1400" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UuVeuLWSki8/XnhKz7NCWOI/AAAAAAAAtoI/oMsx59S4WO0KTh78gV7lXXNgJy8hLdvRgCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/Falklands-40.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rockhopper Penguin Adults</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis33hIbFKY3ZM4m9hFA86OB_TwXOSuW0vKJJbd0yDQUOWByCSUeJTSJREX0hK4KQQ0IVv5Rpb58gS6-u4gzfuAqjBJRj0wML7IlOe4_XAKMI3C_a0wtYOj6wK4QGLQyvegIuag3DR0GMs/s1600/Falklands-29.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="933" data-original-width="1400" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis33hIbFKY3ZM4m9hFA86OB_TwXOSuW0vKJJbd0yDQUOWByCSUeJTSJREX0hK4KQQ0IVv5Rpb58gS6-u4gzfuAqjBJRj0wML7IlOe4_XAKMI3C_a0wtYOj6wK4QGLQyvegIuag3DR0GMs/s640/Falklands-29.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Requesting take off instructions please</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<h3>
Falklands - Carcass Island</h3>
Back to the ship for lunch and then Carcass Island at 2:20pm. We were the third group off the ship this afternoon. It’s 17°C! No need for any thermals or gloves today at all. <br />
<br />
Again a long walk across to the other side of the island, but no hitchhiking available this time. We started off at Sandy Beach where there was a group of Magellan penguins, then a 10 minute walk across to Leopold beach where there were a number of groups including Gentoo penguins too, in the grasslands and on the beach. It was a challenge getting up off my knees after taking photos at eye level with the penguins with the weight of my other camera in my backpack.</div>
<div>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iHmz57G7sWQ/XnhR5Sf2h2I/AAAAAAAAtpk/6yCx8YHS79MPfgxOCgijPj8umVEQJ3QAwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Falklands-48.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="933" data-original-width="1400" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iHmz57G7sWQ/XnhR5Sf2h2I/AAAAAAAAtpk/6yCx8YHS79MPfgxOCgijPj8umVEQJ3QAwCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/Falklands-48.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 12.8px;">Singing or an argument, it's hard to tell</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Back on board, we clean our boots as we disembark, our ID is zapped to make sure they can account for us all, then the great undress begins again.</div>
<div>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ixH51EA31-c/XnhVhKVr9WI/AAAAAAAAtqE/UOdOEmFd_1ooddhh7jOqaI1Qm_g0Pk8JACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Falklands-105.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="933" data-original-width="1400" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ixH51EA31-c/XnhVhKVr9WI/AAAAAAAAtqE/UOdOEmFd_1ooddhh7jOqaI1Qm_g0Pk8JACLcBGAsYHQ/s640/Falklands-105.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 12.8px;">Magellanic Penguin</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zDirg9gofsg/XnhVxqQ1oVI/AAAAAAAAtqI/-HPUnizVeiUcBfA8pBG4Hw7WfldCbOe7gCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Falklands-108.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="933" data-original-width="1400" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zDirg9gofsg/XnhVxqQ1oVI/AAAAAAAAtqI/-HPUnizVeiUcBfA8pBG4Hw7WfldCbOe7gCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/Falklands-108.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 12.8px;">Magellanic Penguin</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LGbTxQl2dbk/XnhWGDun-PI/AAAAAAAAtqQ/88sq4TUZWL09YWAvEdDic39QWdWSVRtdACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Falklands-117.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="933" data-original-width="1400" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LGbTxQl2dbk/XnhWGDun-PI/AAAAAAAAtqQ/88sq4TUZWL09YWAvEdDic39QWdWSVRtdACLcBGAsYHQ/s640/Falklands-117.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 12.8px;">Magellanic Penguin chick</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YfJb4ayHBg4/XnhXx0g23UI/AAAAAAAAtq4/TTPHuTKBalQ-r-PjBStXFkkEtQacS3MIACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Falklands-81.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="933" data-original-width="1400" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YfJb4ayHBg4/XnhXx0g23UI/AAAAAAAAtq4/TTPHuTKBalQ-r-PjBStXFkkEtQacS3MIACLcBGAsYHQ/s640/Falklands-81.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7nXmdvMFYyk/XnhWxPwiHKI/AAAAAAAAtqg/zugwuyyO9mAHPbO2cdFQyeI1nMVcc7ziACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Falklands-141.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="933" data-original-width="1400" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7nXmdvMFYyk/XnhWxPwiHKI/AAAAAAAAtqg/zugwuyyO9mAHPbO2cdFQyeI1nMVcc7ziACLcBGAsYHQ/s640/Falklands-141.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gentoo Penguins</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xYftTH-W8yM/XnhXBEn9CGI/AAAAAAAAtqo/rhEMbOY176krqwG3sZY7-Ozvcpd-HcpmACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Falklands-147.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="933" data-original-width="1400" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xYftTH-W8yM/XnhXBEn9CGI/AAAAAAAAtqo/rhEMbOY176krqwG3sZY7-Ozvcpd-HcpmACLcBGAsYHQ/s640/Falklands-147.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div>
<br />
Each day ends with a recap and briefing just before dinner in the auditorium. Dinner at 7:30 and usually some other activity at 9:30, mostly talks but always different. <br />
<br />
<h2>
Day 4 - March 2, 2020</h2>
<h3>
Stanley, Falklands</h3>
Breakfast was at 7am and today was a trip into the town of Stanley, the capital of the Falkland islands. The local currency here is the Falklands pound but they also take sterling and US dollars. </div>
<div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZF5UyXwPCPI/XnhXUd4L8pI/AAAAAAAAtq0/FBDJGcw3Lm8mMHUWFdw7Cisgh-jetDlvACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Falklands-192.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="933" data-original-width="1400" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZF5UyXwPCPI/XnhXUd4L8pI/AAAAAAAAtq0/FBDJGcw3Lm8mMHUWFdw7Cisgh-jetDlvACLcBGAsYHQ/s640/Falklands-192.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stanley</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
We had a few hours to wander around the town and visit the museum. They had video there that gave you a perspective of what it was like to live through the war. Basically the Argentines think of the Falklands as theirs but I don’t think they have ever lived there. The British have been there since 1690 and didn’t want to come under Argentine rule. Stalemate. Argentina just marched in took over for a few months then the British took it back. There are still many land mines all over the place. There was a sign next to the taxidermic birds saying "please don't feed the birds, they are stuffed". They have obviously had a problem! It was probably my least interesting outing.<br />
<br />
We were late getting back to the ship as it took forever to refuel the ship. Lunch was after 2pm and we finished the day with a film on the Falklands war and a geology talk which I skipped because I went up the observation deck on level 7 to watch some dolphins and whales. When we saw the talk on the Falklands Wolf and how it must have got there from Argentina when the tide was low, I realised that I should not have skipped that Geology talk and went to every one after that. The sea levels around the islands have changed a lot over time. <br />
<br />
After dinner Adrian gave a talk on the thought to be extinct Night Parrot in Australia but they have found evidence in Western Australia and Queensland where they nest in the large Spinifex. </div><div><br /></div><div><h3>Related posts:</h3><h3><div style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400;">(1) <a href="http://tvlbug.blogspot.com/2020/02/the-7th-continent.html" style="color: #1155cc; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 18px;" target="_blank">The 7th Continent</a></div><div style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400;">(2) <a href="http://tvlbug.blogspot.com/2020/03/falkland-islands-its-more-than-just-war.html" style="color: #1155cc; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 18px;" target="_blank">Falkland Islands - it's more than just a war zone</a></div><div style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400;">(3) <a href="http://tvlbug.blogspot.com/2020/03/south-georgia-wildlife-paradise.html" style="color: #1155cc; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 18px;" target="_blank">South Georgia - Wildlife Paradise</a></div><div style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400;">(4) <a href="http://tvlbug.blogspot.com/2020/03/salisbury-plain-and-hercules-bay-more.html" style="color: #1155cc; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; text-size-adjust: auto;" target="_blank">Salisbury Plain and Hercules Bay, more penguins and seals</a><br /></div><div style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400;">(5) <a href="http://tvlbug.blogspot.com/2020/03/whaling-stations-on-south-georgia.html" style="color: #1155cc; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; text-size-adjust: auto;" target="_blank">Whaling Stations on South Georgia</a></div><div style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400;">(6) <a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://tvlbug.blogspot.com/2020/03/golden-light-at-gold-harbour.html&source=gmail&ust=1586040231498000&usg=AFQjCNEANvg6QTM0bgaew81XDXaoul3wmA" href="http://tvlbug.blogspot.com/2020/03/golden-light-at-gold-harbour.html" name="m_7220239465401398844_1" style="color: #1155cc; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; text-size-adjust: auto;" target="_blank">Golden light at Gold Harbour</a></div><div style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400;"><br /></div></h3><h3><div style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400;"><font color="#3367d6" face="verdana"><a href="https://sites.google.com/site/fraserholidays/home/Home" target="_blank">Main menu</a></font></div><div style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400;"><br /></div><div><br style="font-size: 18.72px;" /></div></h3>
<br />
<h3>Previous related posts:</h3><h3><div style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400;">(1) <a href="http://tvlbug.blogspot.com/2020/02/the-7th-continent.html" style="color: #1155cc; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 18px;" target="_blank">The 7th Continent</a></div><div style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400;">(2) <a href="http://tvlbug.blogspot.com/2020/03/falkland-islands-its-more-than-just-war.html" style="color: #1155cc; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 18px;" target="_blank">Falkland Islands - it's more than just a war zone</a></div><div style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400;">(3) <a href="http://tvlbug.blogspot.com/2020/03/south-georgia-wildlife-paradise.html" style="color: #1155cc; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 18px;" target="_blank">South Georgia - Wildlife Paradise</a></div><div style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400;">(4) <a href="http://tvlbug.blogspot.com/2020/03/salisbury-plain-and-hercules-bay-more.html" style="color: #1155cc; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; text-size-adjust: auto;" target="_blank">Salisbury Plain and Hercules Bay, more penguins and seals</a><br /><br /><br /><font color="#3367d6" face="verdana"><a href="https://sites.google.com/site/fraserholidays/home/Home" target="_blank">Main menu</a></font><br /></div></h3></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
Janehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06017837107696030036noreply@blogger.com3FIQQ 1ZZ, Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)-51.796253 -59.523613-54.3145675 -64.687187 -49.2779385 -54.360039tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3168284011338330133.post-58226448506365058332020-02-28T11:55:00.001+11:002020-04-07T11:00:29.447+10:00The 7th Continent<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-npuYjIPB20s/XngGzF9a-RI/AAAAAAAAtmk/ZYVAYoF7B0MKgpac8L28gERnm3YYUfiDACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/D1-Ushuaia-1.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="933" data-original-width="1400" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-npuYjIPB20s/XngGzF9a-RI/AAAAAAAAtmk/ZYVAYoF7B0MKgpac8L28gERnm3YYUfiDACLcBGAsYHQ/s640/D1-Ushuaia-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ushuaia - known as the end of the world</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div>
Antarctica has been on my bucket list for years but as I get seasick I never thought I would ever go. Life is too short so I decided to go regardless. I already knew that I wanted to do the long itinerary which included the Falklands and South Georgia as well as the Antarctic Peninsula. Lindsay had always said he didn’t want to go, so I knew I would have to share a cabin with someone I didn’t know.</div>
<div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lofxu2YWmPw/XngEUYXTeOI/AAAAAAAAtmY/uaHY9AvvrEkgKlAak-YAbinZz2WsHDoIQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Me%2Bin%2Bfront%2Bof%2BWorld%2BExplorer.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lofxu2YWmPw/XngEUYXTeOI/AAAAAAAAtmY/uaHY9AvvrEkgKlAak-YAbinZz2WsHDoIQCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/Me%2Bin%2Bfront%2Bof%2BWorld%2BExplorer.JPG" width="360" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">The only photo that survived my iPhone erasing. Jacket gratefully lent by Mary</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Getting to the end of the world takes some doing. Living in Australia means that you often have to take multiple flights when you go anywhere but this time I had to take five. When I made the booking through a travel site I actually didn’t know who the company doing the tour was but I was very happy when I got my paperwork and it said it was Quark Expeditions as I had read some good reviews about them. The ship I had chosen was new and had stabilisers which would help reduce sea sickness.<br />
<br />
The trip started in the town of Ushuaia in Argentina, known as the end of the world, although there are a couple of other places, notably The Falklands and South Georgia that are below it.<br />
<br />
<br />
<h2>
Ushuaia </h2>
<h3>
Day 1 - February 28, 2020</h3>
Quark picked me up at the airport along with the other people on my flight and took us to a hotel they had booked for the first night. There was a tour to the national park the following day if we wanted to go but it was raining and I didn’t have a jacket, raincoat or umbrella so I had to pass. We were supposed to have an information briefing that night but it was postponed due to Coronavirus concerns. <br />
<br />
My hotel room-mate was from Melbourne and lives a ten minute walk from where we used to live in Glen Iris, that 6°of separation keeps popping up. We soon realised we had different cabin numbers so would not be sharing on the boat which was odd and we it seemed we weren’t the only ones. Even though I knew Ushuaia would be cold I didn’t bring a jacket as I knew we would be given one on the ship. The next day was fine and Mary and I trekked up to the glacier to fill in the morning the next day.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Gfj1Sydhwdc/XngHD2qzw8I/AAAAAAAAtmo/YUEks08sZOQYrt64-LbFfxkeMKFDQF_mgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/D1-Ushuaia-4.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="933" data-original-width="1400" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Gfj1Sydhwdc/XngHD2qzw8I/AAAAAAAAtmo/YUEks08sZOQYrt64-LbFfxkeMKFDQF_mgCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/D1-Ushuaia-4.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Walking through the forest to get to the glacier.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
It took longer than we expected leaving ourselves only 20 minutes for lunch as we had to be back at the hotel for the bus transfer at 15:15 to go to the ship. They gave us a questionnaire asking us where we had been lately and if we had drunk any unfiltered water as well as checking the stamps in our passports to make sure we haven’t been in China in the last 14 days. We were supposed to have our temperatures checked but for some reason this didn’t happen.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS6ddMu-tJreoEtS3Lm_BIvudGFRw3kYPB67l1v-lDMikfg2JjlMHFwMaOtDLbZkmLbtHzpyInMH4ewEA1Xfec1dCv1HpPUwrvwsQ-gm2Ftr-RQaaEQ_ESy2MqIhYJVhOnLL8Ifpnm3Uo/s1600/D1-Ushuaia-2.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="933" data-original-width="1400" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS6ddMu-tJreoEtS3Lm_BIvudGFRw3kYPB67l1v-lDMikfg2JjlMHFwMaOtDLbZkmLbtHzpyInMH4ewEA1Xfec1dCv1HpPUwrvwsQ-gm2Ftr-RQaaEQ_ESy2MqIhYJVhOnLL8Ifpnm3Uo/s640/D1-Ushuaia-2.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We went the red route on the way up and mostly down the white path, the road on the way back, bypassing the bottom section</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<br />
We were on our way, it was very exciting! Like most of my fellow travellers, I’d never been on a ship before. My cabin mate was Pennsylvanian and about my age which was good. Our beds were so close they were practically touching which was not good! Pretty much the first thing she said to me was that someone else wanted to bunk in with her and would I swap. This other lady was in a cabin without a verandah, so I said no. I had chosen this cabin so that I could open the door to take photos if I wanted. It wasn’t a very warm welcome L but we did get on for the rest of the trip.<br />
<br />
The afternoon was taken up with a welcome and safety meeting, then a life boat drill. Down to the mud room to try on our new jackets and the boots that would be lent to us and make any changes. The size of the jacket was perfect, but somehow a size 12 boot had been allocated to me which was not what I ordered, even with 2 pairs of socks I only needed a size 9.<br />
<br />
It was dark by the time we left port. While dinner on the first night was a buffet, all the other nights were à la carte – 6 courses if you could eat them all!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BqatVZhHsdU/XngI4jawnkI/AAAAAAAAtnA/YFd9x6UratI0Gljy-wcecKHTRw6t6JpagCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/D1-Ushuaia-13.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="933" data-original-width="1400" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BqatVZhHsdU/XngI4jawnkI/AAAAAAAAtnA/YFd9x6UratI0Gljy-wcecKHTRw6t6JpagCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/D1-Ushuaia-13.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Glacier Martial</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<br />
<h3>
Booking a taxi from the EZE airport to the city</h3>
Most taxis only take cash Pesos, Euros or USD. Trips to the city are a set rate of $AR1590 peso or $US28 and there is a booth at the airport. Before I left they said they took credit cards but when I got there they didn't. There is an ATM at the airport and even though it said it would charge me a fee, I didn't get charged. You will need cash if you take a taxi from AEP airport, there are yellow boxes that you can put in your destination and get a print out of the fare which you give your taxi driver - it was $AR300 to Palermo.<br />
<br />
<h4>
When to go to Antarctica and what to you will see</h4>
https://explore.quarkexpeditions.com/antarctic-peninsula/visit-antarctica-where-to-go-what-you-ll-see#2. There are three distinct phases of what you will see.<br />
<h4>
What to pack: A couple of you tube clips other people have put together</h4>
https://youtu.be/aPQw5gWFd4I<br />
<br />
https://youtu.be/sG8zKQ8kfyk<br />
<br />
<h4>
Before I left I downloaded a few apps:</h4>
<i>Google Translate.</i> It comes with your language downloaded but you need to add any other languages you need to use it offline. Press the expand button so that the translated text is all that you see.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.buenosaires.gob.ar/aplicacionesmoviles/ba-wifi?utm_source=https%3A%2F%2Fthetravelbrief.com&utm_medium=referral">Buenos Aires Wifi app </a>to help locate free WiFi spots.<br />
<br />
Uber to organise transfers without having to worry about local currency<br />
<br />
<br /><h3>Related posts:</h3><h3><div style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400;">(1) <a href="http://tvlbug.blogspot.com/2020/02/the-7th-continent.html" style="color: #1155cc; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 18px;" target="_blank">The 7th Continent</a></div><div style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400;">(2) <a href="http://tvlbug.blogspot.com/2020/03/falkland-islands-its-more-than-just-war.html" style="color: #1155cc; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 18px;" target="_blank">Falkland Islands - it's more than just a war zone</a></div><div style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400;">(3) <a href="http://tvlbug.blogspot.com/2020/03/south-georgia-wildlife-paradise.html" style="color: #1155cc; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 18px;" target="_blank">South Georgia - Wildlife Paradise</a></div><div style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400;">(4) <a href="http://tvlbug.blogspot.com/2020/03/salisbury-plain-and-hercules-bay-more.html" style="color: #1155cc; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; text-size-adjust: auto;" target="_blank">Salisbury Plain and Hercules Bay, more penguins and seals</a><br /></div><div style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400;">(5) <a href="http://tvlbug.blogspot.com/2020/03/whaling-stations-on-south-georgia.html" style="color: #1155cc; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; text-size-adjust: auto;" target="_blank">Whaling Stations on South Georgia</a></div><div style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400;">(6) <a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://tvlbug.blogspot.com/2020/03/golden-light-at-gold-harbour.html&source=gmail&ust=1586040231498000&usg=AFQjCNEANvg6QTM0bgaew81XDXaoul3wmA" href="http://tvlbug.blogspot.com/2020/03/golden-light-at-gold-harbour.html" name="m_7220239465401398844_1" style="color: #1155cc; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; text-size-adjust: auto;" target="_blank">Golden light at Gold Harbour</a></div><div style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400;"><br /></div></h3><h3><div style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400;"><font color="#3367d6" face="verdana"><a href="https://sites.google.com/site/fraserholidays/home/Home" target="_blank">Main menu</a></font></div><div style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400;"><br /></div><div><br /></div></h3></div></div>Janehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06017837107696030036noreply@blogger.com0Ushuaia, Tierra del Fuego Province, Argentina-54.8019121 -68.3029511-54.8751236 -68.4643126 -54.7287006 -68.1415896tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3168284011338330133.post-28783044224618461102020-01-13T12:31:00.002+11:002020-01-14T08:37:36.846+11:00Beginner's guide to night photography<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xtNhDQrtwaw/XhuwrFfTdzI/AAAAAAAAtXs/xeXaTDmJgE8R8IfuNV96V3wojwwoEPQiQCKgBGAsYHg/s1600/2016%2BSpain%2BWeb-58.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="675" data-original-width="1024" height="420" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xtNhDQrtwaw/XhuwrFfTdzI/AAAAAAAAtXs/xeXaTDmJgE8R8IfuNV96V3wojwwoEPQiQCKgBGAsYHg/s640/2016%2BSpain%2BWeb-58.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">f/13, 1/4s, 63mm, ISO160</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Most of my favourite photographs are ones that have been taken in low light or at night. While I don't profess to be an expert. This is what I do:<br />
<br />
<h3>
What you will need:</h3>
<br />
<ul>
<li>a camera, in this case I am using a DSLR with a lens hood (to block out any side on lights)</li>
<li>a tripod or wall</li>
<li>a remote shutter release or you can use your camera's 2s self timer</li>
</ul>
<h3>
Settings:</h3>
<div>
It is all about getting the right amount of light into your sensor. You will use time, the size of the aperture and ISO to get it right.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b>ISO:</b> 100-160</div>
<div>
<b>Mode:</b> M for manual</div>
<div>
<b>Aperture:</b> decide on the amount of depth of field you want. If you want the subject in focus and the background blurry - go wide such as f/2.8. If you want everything in focus somewhere between f/8-f/13. Anything aperture smaller than f/13 will make the lights sparkle. These are the higher numbers, yes its confusing. Think of it like this: the higher the number you go, the <i>smaller</i> the hole becomes and the less light will get to the sensor, so the longer you will need to have the shutter open. Most cameras are not sharp at f/22, so avoid this one.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
In manual mode, you don't set the shutter, you move the exposure until it comes back to zero using one of the two wheels on your camera - just try them to see what they change. Take a photo and see how it looks. Check the histogram to make sure you haven't clipped the blacks to the left and the whites to the right. If you have, then move the exposure to the left or right of zero and take another shot.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
For photographs needing more than 30s you will need an intervalometer and you change the mode to bulb - if you don't have one of these you will still set the mode to bulb and use the timer on your watch or phone, but you will have to keep your finger on the button of your remote shutter, lifting it at the end. You can also increase the ISO to let in more light. </div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2weHgig2MOs/Xhu0F_KR1II/AAAAAAAAtX8/tTbB2vpZlv0-iCGkAr72Z6xNhYSJ7n5XwCKgBGAsYHg/s1600/2016%2BSpain%2BWeb-170.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="816" data-original-width="1024" height="510" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2weHgig2MOs/Xhu0F_KR1II/AAAAAAAAtX8/tTbB2vpZlv0-iCGkAr72Z6xNhYSJ7n5XwCKgBGAsYHg/s640/2016%2BSpain%2BWeb-170.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">f/13, 8s, 27mm, ISO160</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div>
In this shot I had a neutral density filter on which reduced the light even more. There were a lot of people walking around and by slowing the shot to 8 seconds this allowed people to walk through my shot but not be captured by the camera. There was a taxi parked in front of the church who didn't look like he was going to leave anytime soon so we asked him nicely to move. I have three neutral density filters: a 3 stop, a 6 stop and a 10 stop. These are excellent to use during the day also. You can slow down water or disappear people as long as they are moving through your shot.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AE4QWonaw9I/XhuutcrJt-I/AAAAAAAAtXQ/ZJs1ARUo3YcHjKXB5u572nh8Je3BkbrzgCKgBGAsYHg/s1600/2016%2BSpain%2BWeb-59.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="637" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AE4QWonaw9I/XhuutcrJt-I/AAAAAAAAtXQ/ZJs1ARUo3YcHjKXB5u572nh8Je3BkbrzgCKgBGAsYHg/s640/2016%2BSpain%2BWeb-59.jpg" width="398" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">f/4, 1/125, ISO 2000, 60mm</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
Sometimes you don't want to get your tripod out in a busy area and have to hand hold your camera. In this case you need to make sure your speed is at least double your focal length. To increase the speed, increase your ISO as well as your aperture by choosing a lower number thus making the aperture hole bigger ie f/2.8 or f/4. Be aware that your picture might not all be in focus on this setting, in this case it worked.<br />
<br />
<h3>
Focusing at night</h3>
</div>
<div>
At sunrise or sunset you may be able to see clearly enough to focus but in blue hour or after it's nearly impossible. If you get there early enough you can focus and put a piece of tape on your focus ring to keep it in place but this isn't always possible or you may decide to change your composition after you have taken a few shots. Turn your lens off auto focus. Put your camera into "live view" press the zoom button until it shows x10, then manually focus. Close live view to conserve your battery and take the shot.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bHHlYZgtDTY/XhzRgURLiOI/AAAAAAAAtZo/9VEBbw8rR78NhCUWloUQi1ThvMAy9d9lQCKgBGAsYHg/s1600/2019%2BNamibia-362.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bHHlYZgtDTY/XhzRgURLiOI/AAAAAAAAtZo/9VEBbw8rR78NhCUWloUQi1ThvMAy9d9lQCKgBGAsYHg/s640/2019%2BNamibia-362.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">f/8, 2s, 153mm, ISO640</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
I didn't want to increase my ISO too much as it made the picture too grainy. I just had to hope he would stay still for two seconds.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9G_oGHIUIpY/Xhu1VhqaV0I/AAAAAAAAtYI/qP2zZ_Sk71Qx_Yjwg-hrUw1oyB6dHIduQCKgBGAsYHg/s1600/2016%2BNth%2BAmerica%2BWeb-1290.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="683" data-original-width="1024" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9G_oGHIUIpY/Xhu1VhqaV0I/AAAAAAAAtYI/qP2zZ_Sk71Qx_Yjwg-hrUw1oyB6dHIduQCKgBGAsYHg/s640/2016%2BNth%2BAmerica%2BWeb-1290.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">f/13, 30s, ISO160. White balance: tungsten</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1Qlp1NiGzIs/Xhu2DiTrotI/AAAAAAAAtYQ/d6MXkl49VfgNiNsSPA-wnlUF33W8qKXdQCKgBGAsYHg/s1600/2016%2BNth%2BAmerica%2BWeb-1292.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="683" data-original-width="1024" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1Qlp1NiGzIs/Xhu2DiTrotI/AAAAAAAAtYQ/d6MXkl49VfgNiNsSPA-wnlUF33W8qKXdQCKgBGAsYHg/s640/2016%2BNth%2BAmerica%2BWeb-1292.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">F/13, 25s, ISO160</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
We went to a photography workshop in New York and the photographer preferred ISO160, but I have gone back to ISO100 now. I don't know if it makes any difference.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RZUz7CXWUSk/Xhu27LMwvDI/AAAAAAAAtYc/ykn7gb1hxqIwa5yzFo1-GsNWN1xwgCzeQCKgBGAsYHg/s1600/2016%2BNth%2BAmerica%2BWeb-1045.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="429" data-original-width="1024" height="266" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RZUz7CXWUSk/Xhu27LMwvDI/AAAAAAAAtYc/ykn7gb1hxqIwa5yzFo1-GsNWN1xwgCzeQCKgBGAsYHg/s640/2016%2BNth%2BAmerica%2BWeb-1045.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">f/11, 71s, 19mm, ISO100</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
I didn't have an intervalometer and I couldn't see my watch so I had to count!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-T3bYkOzwYJk/Xhu3tW6OK4I/AAAAAAAAtYk/rze8uMdDmYkIY30aM1LSptg036B0LdT4QCKgBGAsYHg/s1600/2015%2BFrance%2BWeb-36.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="683" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-T3bYkOzwYJk/Xhu3tW6OK4I/AAAAAAAAtYk/rze8uMdDmYkIY30aM1LSptg036B0LdT4QCKgBGAsYHg/s640/2015%2BFrance%2BWeb-36.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">f/13, 1/10, 38mm, ISO100</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
A speed of 1/10 is too slow for hand holding, so you need a tripod. You can use this method for sunrise and sunset as well as night time.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0j0_ysFgnyE/Xhu7l3GfepI/AAAAAAAAtYw/HDa91B2TvMgFCqJK6b95KUqfcytZuFr_gCKgBGAsYHg/s1600/2015%2B-%2BEngland-460.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="683" data-original-width="1024" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0j0_ysFgnyE/Xhu7l3GfepI/AAAAAAAAtYw/HDa91B2TvMgFCqJK6b95KUqfcytZuFr_gCKgBGAsYHg/s640/2015%2B-%2BEngland-460.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">f/13, 1/1, ISO 100, 58mm</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
As you can see, my favourite aperture is f/13.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HD1fOUuDX_Y/Xhu-gBMq0EI/AAAAAAAAtY8/C29eexjQPd4u05jkYQqWTEwbF92R9vnTgCKgBGAsYHg/s1600/2016%2BNth%2BAmerica%2BWeb-52.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="683" data-original-width="1024" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HD1fOUuDX_Y/Xhu-gBMq0EI/AAAAAAAAtY8/C29eexjQPd4u05jkYQqWTEwbF92R9vnTgCKgBGAsYHg/s640/2016%2BNth%2BAmerica%2BWeb-52.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">f/3.2, 1/250, 68mm, ISO640 handheld</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-l8S5Onstwq4/XhvBhBsBUKI/AAAAAAAAtZI/nk0DqXtcVkkT0xEriCIJ46ExqYRDROVRgCKgBGAsYHg/s1600/2019%2BNamibia-79.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-l8S5Onstwq4/XhvBhBsBUKI/AAAAAAAAtZI/nk0DqXtcVkkT0xEriCIJ46ExqYRDROVRgCKgBGAsYHg/s640/2019%2BNamibia-79.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">f/2.8, 27s, ISO5000, 16mm</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
The ISO in this case is actually too high, you should aim for somewhere around 3500. The tree has been light painted with a torch. The white balance has been taken off auto and put on custom and set to 3700 kelvin, this helps balance the colour. To get sharp stars you divide your focal length into 500. So 500 divided by 16 = 30. So this shot should be less than 30s which it is or your stars will have tails on them. You will need to increase the ISO to get the right light which is why this one went up to 5000. I found it very difficult to get my trees and stars in focus, so this is not my picture! I think the trick is to be a fair way from your foreground subject.</div>
<div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XE7CLXFIYQ4/XhzP5e0ZsVI/AAAAAAAAtZc/l9Gjm-Wgl4M-CW2JewEw2FlLEkweGLNowCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/exposure%2Blengths.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="610" data-original-width="738" height="264" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XE7CLXFIYQ4/XhzP5e0ZsVI/AAAAAAAAtZc/l9Gjm-Wgl4M-CW2JewEw2FlLEkweGLNowCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/exposure%2Blengths.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<h3>
Related posts:</h3>
<a href="https://tvlbug.blogspot.com/2015/06/you-too-can-photograph-wildlife.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Photographing wildlife</span></a><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<a href="https://tvlbug.blogspot.com/2017/01/neutral-density-filters.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Neutral Density Filters</span></a><br />
<br />
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<br />
<br />Janehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06017837107696030036noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3168284011338330133.post-34778373256830645072019-11-14T16:16:00.000+11:002019-12-22T09:56:28.436+11:00Island of the long white cloudI was pretty excited when I got an email from Qantas about a New Zealand sale. Air New Zealand was too and we got two return tickets for $715. I'm sure we paid around that price 33 years ago when we went there on our honeymoon!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iaA0BhGEgp4/XfSPyloA1SI/AAAAAAAAs0I/8VjC1s6JzlseAKNHV8ifrVptGEbm4jdJQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/NZ065.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="683" data-original-width="1024" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iaA0BhGEgp4/XfSPyloA1SI/AAAAAAAAs0I/8VjC1s6JzlseAKNHV8ifrVptGEbm4jdJQCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/NZ065.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lindsay & I back in 1986 - he's front right, I'm back left</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
New Zealand is a beautiful country and it doesn't take that long to drive anywhere. I had found a website called inafarawayland written by a Polish girl who worked in New Zealand. She has published a number of itineraries and photography spots to choose from, plus she takes stunning photographs.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Landscape photography is not Lindsay's passion, so two weeks would be enough he decided especially when fishing season starts again in December. I thought an RV would be a good mode of transport, so that if I was off photographing he could have a nap, cup of tea or watch a movie. For such a short period I concentrated on the South Island only.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I bought the Wikicamps app for NZ before I found out that most people use the Rankers app which is free and seems to have more places in it. You can download offline maps for both - which would have been a good idea to do <i>before</i> I left home. After a bit of research I decided that 2° mobile was the way to stay connected. They have a one our free data hour every day and if we ran out of our allocated data we could buy 15 minutes for just 40c. It turned out to be better than that as they had a special of two free hours per day which we could split up into two different sessions. We only needed a $19 plan which also included free calls to Australia. The only place we didn't have connection was Milford Sound which was pretty impressive. Even Aoraki (Mt Cook) had reception. I only booked Caravan parks for the really busy places in advance - Milford Sound, Queenstown and Wanaka to give us more flexibility and it turned out that all those places were booked out.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The itinerary was as follows: Moeraki Rocks, The Nuggets lighthouse, Catlins State Forest, Te Anau, Milford Sound, Queenstown, Wanaka, Aoraki and Tekapo.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZaArygackQ4/Xe3LmaZZBKI/AAAAAAAAssw/nXM4polVOYAei42LzzNfobMrJlBRjL0uwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2019-12-09%2Bat%2B3.19.57%2Bpm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="898" data-original-width="1370" height="417" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZaArygackQ4/Xe3LmaZZBKI/AAAAAAAAssw/nXM4polVOYAei42LzzNfobMrJlBRjL0uwCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/Screen%2BShot%2B2019-12-09%2Bat%2B3.19.57%2Bpm.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<h3>
Moeraki Boulders</h3>
The Moeraki boulders are a very popular tourist spot and the Asians love standing on them or in front of them, all for the perfect selfie, a phenomenon that would follow us pretty much everywhere we went. They mostly came in waves by the bus load which mostly gave me a few minutes to grab a few photos in between but not always. Ideally I should have checked out the tides to make sure it was low tide at sunrise or sunset. Unfortunately for me, sunrise and sunset were both at high tide which meant the boulders would be under water. You don't want them at low tide either otherwise there is no water around them at all. As we had the camper we were able to go back and have lunch while waiting just over an hour for the water to rise a bit more.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OtTOj18cwsQ/XfCHHYCxyeI/AAAAAAAAstI/Cvx-AghGaActVm8NkkPyFHNv_uZxP0DUQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/2019%2BNew%2BZealand%2BWeb-9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="667" data-original-width="1000" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OtTOj18cwsQ/XfCHHYCxyeI/AAAAAAAAstI/Cvx-AghGaActVm8NkkPyFHNv_uZxP0DUQCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/2019%2BNew%2BZealand%2BWeb-9.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Wyi1uqk5QK4/XfCHQYD-urI/AAAAAAAAstM/1jhQXE8gYhoa-QPH0GJS-56wM1sNbwuZACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/2019%2BNew%2BZealand%2BWeb-8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="667" data-original-width="1000" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Wyi1uqk5QK4/XfCHQYD-urI/AAAAAAAAstM/1jhQXE8gYhoa-QPH0GJS-56wM1sNbwuZACLcBGAsYHQ/s640/2019%2BNew%2BZealand%2BWeb-8.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hKLw5gt4ihk/XfCHbPpXZMI/AAAAAAAAstU/COte82D0Qmc3o3s09YrKI_eUMwVrKLG2QCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/2019%2BNew%2BZealand%2BWeb-14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="667" data-original-width="1000" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hKLw5gt4ihk/XfCHbPpXZMI/AAAAAAAAstU/COte82D0Qmc3o3s09YrKI_eUMwVrKLG2QCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/2019%2BNew%2BZealand%2BWeb-14.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaU5Ton-Q2KnQ7YMpOGprxFJvQYuBjXWbJRDTm6_bc67XQ7TlqBCBHjYE-FvNwR248lWWtQToxutFhyphenhyphenLm6Mb6T62aSpszGOwyQEiFlmx7zpnNiRxkoDWchUJNhmhBzTChfqzHsFhgJYjw/s1600/2019+New+Zealand+Web-18.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="563" data-original-width="1000" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaU5Ton-Q2KnQ7YMpOGprxFJvQYuBjXWbJRDTm6_bc67XQ7TlqBCBHjYE-FvNwR248lWWtQToxutFhyphenhyphenLm6Mb6T62aSpszGOwyQEiFlmx7zpnNiRxkoDWchUJNhmhBzTChfqzHsFhgJYjw/s640/2019+New+Zealand+Web-18.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<h4>
Shag Point</h4>
It was the wrong time of day to be finding penguins at Katakiti point but anytime is a good time for the seals at Shag Point.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYoBVFQ83Lmy1Et_6nLSLzSSbIQa4yt4Cj1oJgxdzvOMknSeQUsbK7bb59wRr6_eZCBw5YGC4IuhwTyNNOdpIL_fLfBAXqjD8_H7aY85Jf5Rl0OcrkJh5PLqUrtVCi41WYfKlVY3XSl3c/s1600/2019+New+Zealand+Web-23.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYoBVFQ83Lmy1Et_6nLSLzSSbIQa4yt4Cj1oJgxdzvOMknSeQUsbK7bb59wRr6_eZCBw5YGC4IuhwTyNNOdpIL_fLfBAXqjD8_H7aY85Jf5Rl0OcrkJh5PLqUrtVCi41WYfKlVY3XSl3c/s640/2019+New+Zealand+Web-23.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fur seal at Shag Point</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
There are some pylons left over from a pier in Dunedin on the St Claire beach that I was interested in photographing. The wind was so strong that it sandblasted my face when I got to the beach. Needless to say I didn't get any pictures. A few days later Christchurch was hit by a tornado.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pbg-6UM2soE/XfK9bKR41kI/AAAAAAAAsuY/HD0iXzJBflUd1ot--jNxCwmwQ5Dcge38QCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/2019%2BNew%2BZealand%2BWeb-40.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pbg-6UM2soE/XfK9bKR41kI/AAAAAAAAsuY/HD0iXzJBflUd1ot--jNxCwmwQ5Dcge38QCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/2019%2BNew%2BZealand%2BWeb-40.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Up near the lighthouse there were more seals. It's amazing how they can climb up the steep cliffs.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-J6NgBtnUBxc/XfK9CMFW4xI/AAAAAAAAsuI/6S3TxxcIfb8oTezr-_l6WDtLs5VRvOx8ACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/2019%2BNew%2BZealand%2BWeb-32.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-J6NgBtnUBxc/XfK9CMFW4xI/AAAAAAAAsuI/6S3TxxcIfb8oTezr-_l6WDtLs5VRvOx8ACLcBGAsYHQ/s640/2019%2BNew%2BZealand%2BWeb-32.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1VQNKizf00Y/XfK9M8O6-MI/AAAAAAAAsuQ/5g-5W4iAGQIZQFLj9SA8M4R3oMY5i9xFwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/2019%2BNew%2BZealand%2BWeb-34.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1VQNKizf00Y/XfK9M8O6-MI/AAAAAAAAsuQ/5g-5W4iAGQIZQFLj9SA8M4R3oMY5i9xFwCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/2019%2BNew%2BZealand%2BWeb-34.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<h4>
Sandfly Bay, Dunedin</h4>
It's a long walk down to the beach at Sandfly bay through the sand dunes and down the steep cliff. The clouds were quite grey above our heads before we started but decided to take the chance and go anyway. The Elephant seals are spread out from one end of the beach to the other and look like big blobs on the sand. The rain held off until we started walking back but we still had the cliff to climb up in the rain.<br />
<br /></div>
<div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CgFgVqrBl3U/XfK9pfCVW8I/AAAAAAAAsug/O-_8ZFgHA7cxIAyMIkwMydIyojFUVrjUgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/2019%2BNew%2BZealand%2BWeb-57.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CgFgVqrBl3U/XfK9pfCVW8I/AAAAAAAAsug/O-_8ZFgHA7cxIAyMIkwMydIyojFUVrjUgCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/2019%2BNew%2BZealand%2BWeb-57.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Elephant seal at Sandfly Bay</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MDD8Aqf3BOk/XfK90EDSmYI/AAAAAAAAsuk/MrD9gXVsI9kO5CI_jBX9IWCopw_AGTLFgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/2019%2BNew%2BZealand%2BWeb-65.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MDD8Aqf3BOk/XfK90EDSmYI/AAAAAAAAsuk/MrD9gXVsI9kO5CI_jBX9IWCopw_AGTLFgCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/2019%2BNew%2BZealand%2BWeb-65.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Time for a dip</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<h4>
</h4>
<h4>
Tunnel Beach, Dunedin</h4>
I stopped about three quarters of the way down the one kilometre track, it would have been nice to go all the way but I knew I didn't have much time before the next rainstorm. Not only was I thinking of the rain but also about having to walk back up with my heavy camera gear. Lindsay had sensibly stayed in the RV, so I was on my own. The track down was as steep as Sandfly Bay but a proper well maintained walking track. I knew it was going to rain so I kitted myself out in rain pants, rain jacket and a rain cover for my camera. I took three bracketed sets of photos and hoped one was okay. After a hard slog back up the hill and getting very hot in my wet weather gear the heavens opened a few seconds after I got inside the RV.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uTTM88TUNbU/XfK-DBNGuFI/AAAAAAAAsus/P4DVw8DlM_ksdnLPKt4wezBMxPyakrzIQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/2019%2BNew%2BZealand%2BWeb-71.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uTTM88TUNbU/XfK-DBNGuFI/AAAAAAAAsus/P4DVw8DlM_ksdnLPKt4wezBMxPyakrzIQCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/2019%2BNew%2BZealand%2BWeb-71.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
</div>
<div>
<h3>
Catlins State Forest</h3>
<h4>
Nugget Point Lighthouse</h4>
</div>
<div>
The Catlins National Forest incorporates Nugget point and a number of waterfalls. We called into an information centre so that I could download some offline maps and fortunately I saw a sign on the wall just before I left saying that the Cathedral Caves were shut to visitors. That was very disappointing. There aren't many places to stay around here and I wanted to go back to the lighthouse for sunrise. You can't freedom camp anywhere around here but we passed a farm stay on the way back from the waterfalls that fit the bill. As we left the next morning people were getting bogged in the grass as it had rained overnight. Lindsay expertly took the right line and got out without any problems, while the others had to wait for the tractor to get them out.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FRQoDpdkpZA/XfK-UXg8PtI/AAAAAAAAsu4/mFKtmE3uI4M7YTaH4GgyCM0DoVyxs_SZgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/2019%2BNew%2BZealand%2BWeb-72.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FRQoDpdkpZA/XfK-UXg8PtI/AAAAAAAAsu4/mFKtmE3uI4M7YTaH4GgyCM0DoVyxs_SZgCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/2019%2BNew%2BZealand%2BWeb-72.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Nuggets</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gGRt1SkSX6E/XfK-fhyVliI/AAAAAAAAsu8/3rpVr8swcTIiYW6R6_nq5A0PCaUTqIOWgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/2019%2BNew%2BZealand%2BWeb-75.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="937" data-original-width="1500" height="398" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gGRt1SkSX6E/XfK-fhyVliI/AAAAAAAAsu8/3rpVr8swcTIiYW6R6_nq5A0PCaUTqIOWgCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/2019%2BNew%2BZealand%2BWeb-75.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Lighthouse at Nugget Point from the beach</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg65dDsUlYJ-hUIH_ewW5TPgTgIER06tFK-XPhEI_jU1HDotQjEtU3FEx2YR7B_dQ8WOYm2MkErW50s_EcEc0rl0d7zE2G5mmvIu8Zi4iZIic-UK-4L2cbvGlzxXCLPhXMQ2QMy1-lAIGY/s1600/2019+New+Zealand+Web-90.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg65dDsUlYJ-hUIH_ewW5TPgTgIER06tFK-XPhEI_jU1HDotQjEtU3FEx2YR7B_dQ8WOYm2MkErW50s_EcEc0rl0d7zE2G5mmvIu8Zi4iZIic-UK-4L2cbvGlzxXCLPhXMQ2QMy1-lAIGY/s640/2019+New+Zealand+Web-90.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nugget Point Lighthouse</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-o_vsVMt9deA/XfMeuF06S_I/AAAAAAAAsv4/TjkfuoUmQYg-whw1o9lW6WfL6WNRRanpwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/2019%2BNew%2BZealand%2BWeb-83.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-o_vsVMt9deA/XfMeuF06S_I/AAAAAAAAsv4/TjkfuoUmQYg-whw1o9lW6WfL6WNRRanpwCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/2019%2BNew%2BZealand%2BWeb-83.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">Purakaunui Falls</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div>
Photographing the waterfalls needed excellent timing to be able to walk in, take photos and walk out before the next hail storm hit.</div>
<div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NnMCFr7tJOs/XfMejpypFrI/AAAAAAAAsv0/pdYtvTXcw5o2wKCVE0ku5Kbg3f4ThlBoACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/2019%2BNew%2BZealand%2BWeb-88.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NnMCFr7tJOs/XfMejpypFrI/AAAAAAAAsv0/pdYtvTXcw5o2wKCVE0ku5Kbg3f4ThlBoACLcBGAsYHQ/s640/2019%2BNew%2BZealand%2BWeb-88.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Matai Falls</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rolXNk0K6nI/XfMfmX7xYbI/AAAAAAAAswE/VTS0pOmj_eoQppAlnyCO0030hvWLQ353ACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/2019%2BNew%2BZealand%2BWeb-102.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1000" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rolXNk0K6nI/XfMfmX7xYbI/AAAAAAAAswE/VTS0pOmj_eoQppAlnyCO0030hvWLQ353ACLcBGAsYHQ/s640/2019%2BNew%2BZealand%2BWeb-102.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Horseshoe Falls near Matai Falls</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3cD5U1hz538/XfMgTTpWzrI/AAAAAAAAswU/xjIXsCUZgf0l-C0-RmhHqMy2fke5PNUuACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/2019%2BNew%2BZealand%2BWeb-114.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3cD5U1hz538/XfMgTTpWzrI/AAAAAAAAswU/xjIXsCUZgf0l-C0-RmhHqMy2fke5PNUuACLcBGAsYHQ/s640/2019%2BNew%2BZealand%2BWeb-114.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">McLean Falls</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4fvbVQynQG8/XfMgAc7IU_I/AAAAAAAAswM/ar_jAfXlKlYT5dUn4bPwjegLtKUbHQt1ACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/2019%2BNew%2BZealand%2BWeb-110.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4fvbVQynQG8/XfMgAc7IU_I/AAAAAAAAswM/ar_jAfXlKlYT5dUn4bPwjegLtKUbHQt1ACLcBGAsYHQ/s640/2019%2BNew%2BZealand%2BWeb-110.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">McLean Falls</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bNE25JzmQ5g/XfMiTsoyNvI/AAAAAAAAswg/8e3VH2fx5II3QNJ0B5oxlpEq8WzT_Y6NQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/2019%2BNew%2BZealand%2BWeb-109.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bNE25JzmQ5g/XfMiTsoyNvI/AAAAAAAAswg/8e3VH2fx5II3QNJ0B5oxlpEq8WzT_Y6NQCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/2019%2BNew%2BZealand%2BWeb-109.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Walking into McLean Falls</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Sn3mRRP9TpM/XfMcnFcK7pI/AAAAAAAAsvY/15HtHaVi_kgPNV_H1DupqvVS3gytl7iLgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/2019%2BNew%2BZealand%2BWeb-121.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1000" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Sn3mRRP9TpM/XfMcnFcK7pI/AAAAAAAAsvY/15HtHaVi_kgPNV_H1DupqvVS3gytl7iLgCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/2019%2BNew%2BZealand%2BWeb-121.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ka-hBLexgaM/XfMdHywvhNI/AAAAAAAAsvg/kM9nl-ua2xgcYdWANMNDeB8ypJq0mGPtwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/2019%2BNew%2BZealand%2BWeb-120.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ka-hBLexgaM/XfMdHywvhNI/AAAAAAAAsvg/kM9nl-ua2xgcYdWANMNDeB8ypJq0mGPtwCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/2019%2BNew%2BZealand%2BWeb-120.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Waipapa Point Lighthouse</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bxldN3t33l0/XfMdYhOhAcI/AAAAAAAAsvo/FG9OABW6dIcuRhV1f6Kec-bm6D3WfiTeACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/2019%2BNew%2BZealand%2BWeb-124.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bxldN3t33l0/XfMdYhOhAcI/AAAAAAAAsvo/FG9OABW6dIcuRhV1f6Kec-bm6D3WfiTeACLcBGAsYHQ/s640/2019%2BNew%2BZealand%2BWeb-124.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Seals at Waipapa Point</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<i><br /></i>
Jack's blowhole was a non event, we couldn't even find it and obviously the tides have to be right for the water to push out of the rocks.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Zw9tN_TPH2o/XfMt2vBWevI/AAAAAAAAsws/UFaQQeiJ8CMmvOXkuycfhl21eMt8tWYuACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/2019%2BNew%2BZealand%2BWeb-133.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Zw9tN_TPH2o/XfMt2vBWevI/AAAAAAAAsws/UFaQQeiJ8CMmvOXkuycfhl21eMt8tWYuACLcBGAsYHQ/s640/2019%2BNew%2BZealand%2BWeb-133.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">30 Million sheep, less than 5 million people</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<h3>
Te Anau</h3>
Te Anau is a pretty little town surrounding a lake. They have had so much rain here that the jetty at the yacht club was under water. On the bright side I didn't have to get up early for sunrise or stay out late for sunset. On a whim, we decided to go into the information centre where she told us that the road to Milford Sound was closed. We had a booking for the following night and called up the lodge. Yes it was closed and we could call back at 5:30pm and again tomorrow at 7am to get an update.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7ncsxUAUICk/XfSBMUMcHpI/AAAAAAAAsyg/13jTG917mqAJcWcSjQ_gWieAYSgPOs-7gCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/2019%2BNew%2BZealand%2BWeb-300.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7ncsxUAUICk/XfSBMUMcHpI/AAAAAAAAsyg/13jTG917mqAJcWcSjQ_gWieAYSgPOs-7gCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/2019%2BNew%2BZealand%2BWeb-300.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Te Anau Jetty at the Yacht Club</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<h3>
<br />Milford Sound</h3>
<div>
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jeeFVfy5-Ck/XfXKqw946_I/AAAAAAAAs04/D1-YluyyXp4DfJb1uadnzmIbKm5N3FG8gCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/2019%2BNew%2BZealand%2BWeb-138.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jeeFVfy5-Ck/XfXKqw946_I/AAAAAAAAs04/D1-YluyyXp4DfJb1uadnzmIbKm5N3FG8gCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/2019%2BNew%2BZealand%2BWeb-138.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mirror Lakes</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
We got up early enough to make it to Mirror Lakes before the tour buses with the selfie takers did. The overcast cloud didn't really do much for the photo though.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
The reason the road to Milford Sound was shut was due to an avalanche warning. As it had rained so much the snow was unstable - there was a layer of ice, then one of snow and another of ice, this meant the snow could slide off the ice. They would check again at 2pm which gave us a few hours to fill in. Just before the avalanche gate is the road down to Lake Marian, we didn't go all the way to the lake but there are lots of rapids to see along the way. Two pm came and went and then we were waiting on an update at 4:30pm, by 5pm they said it wasn't going to open and we had to find somewhere else to stay. You can't freedom camp anywhere around there so we headed back to the first National Parks campground called Cascades. We didn't have the correct cash but I managed to find another couple who had change. The rangers come around about 7pm to check that you've paid and again in the morning. I found out the following day that they do have change and you can wait until you catch them to pay. They aren't unreasonable the ranger told me - good to know.<br />
<br />
<h4>
Trail to Lake Marian</h4>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QOTkXRdD1pA/XfMwRmBorFI/AAAAAAAAsxA/jCMVTX0S4uM6sBUg4SJF1QpDYJFfBMAtgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/2019%2BNew%2BZealand%2BWeb-142.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QOTkXRdD1pA/XfMwRmBorFI/AAAAAAAAsxA/jCMVTX0S4uM6sBUg4SJF1QpDYJFfBMAtgCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/2019%2BNew%2BZealand%2BWeb-142.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">First up is this wobbly bridge</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Jb6IHrdkrV8/XfRXYXuGucI/AAAAAAAAsxY/t0LwiAA_QusVfrfvCbksNJvVhh04cXktQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/2019%2BNew%2BZealand%2BWeb-155.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Jb6IHrdkrV8/XfRXYXuGucI/AAAAAAAAsxY/t0LwiAA_QusVfrfvCbksNJvVhh04cXktQCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/2019%2BNew%2BZealand%2BWeb-155.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beautiful cascades</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YbfnNr7eCok/XfRXtbwBNyI/AAAAAAAAsxg/8mz3l9JcnGcx3o_484b0Vx6zET2AZax_QCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/2019%2BNew%2BZealand%2BWeb-149.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="425" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YbfnNr7eCok/XfRXtbwBNyI/AAAAAAAAsxg/8mz3l9JcnGcx3o_484b0Vx6zET2AZax_QCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/2019%2BNew%2BZealand%2BWeb-149.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lovely rainforest trail</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
We didn't know if the road would open today but left the campsite just after we woke with the idea of having breakfast further down the road. The ranger was at the gate as we drove out and he said the road was due to open at 8:30am. Breakfast was postponed and we joined the already long queue at the avalanche holding gate.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_aw4_gRAf7I/XfRYDa-8v_I/AAAAAAAAsxo/yyE2rKVvFgQEk1BUfoaV6Ge0Fsm4jljAgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/2019%2BNew%2BZealand%2BWeb-160.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1002" data-original-width="1500" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_aw4_gRAf7I/XfRYDa-8v_I/AAAAAAAAsxo/yyE2rKVvFgQEk1BUfoaV6Ge0Fsm4jljAgCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/2019%2BNew%2BZealand%2BWeb-160.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Just about to go down the steep tunnel</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
This was one of the campsites that we had pre-booked, so we had missed one night. They were supposed to refund us the day we missed but I'm still waiting. Like every day before it, it rained the whole time. We did the cruise last time we were here so there wasn't any point going again in the rain.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tJkef6UTRBw/XfR-zZF__GI/AAAAAAAAsx0/sSvqFMaKEaIaFbJ2yXMolwLo7bKSNpvfQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/2019%2BNew%2BZealand%2BWeb-164.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tJkef6UTRBw/XfR-zZF__GI/AAAAAAAAsx0/sSvqFMaKEaIaFbJ2yXMolwLo7bKSNpvfQCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/2019%2BNew%2BZealand%2BWeb-164.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mitre Peak, I was hoping for a lovely sunrise. We got up early, but didn't even park the camper</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zFtiuPx-R9I/XfR--qq0kwI/AAAAAAAAsx4/O_f2VKFGQuAOQT6bPNn_yDmGbfJpHLbxQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/2019%2BNew%2BZealand%2BWeb-165.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1000" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zFtiuPx-R9I/XfR--qq0kwI/AAAAAAAAsx4/O_f2VKFGQuAOQT6bPNn_yDmGbfJpHLbxQCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/2019%2BNew%2BZealand%2BWeb-165.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GDdDRWtHvh8/XfR_THgKU0I/AAAAAAAAsyE/_efH1kOJmxsY_UKBpUGNLcPW6mbxvPdOgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/2019%2BNew%2BZealand%2BWeb-168.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GDdDRWtHvh8/XfR_THgKU0I/AAAAAAAAsyE/_efH1kOJmxsY_UKBpUGNLcPW6mbxvPdOgCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/2019%2BNew%2BZealand%2BWeb-168.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bridge to nowhere; it's just forest on the other side</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mLGeLLGpwKU/XfR_qhiPH7I/AAAAAAAAsyM/6iRWt1XwbVcBPm8LUrd-tqQDwsxQVvwrQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/2019%2BNew%2BZealand%2BWeb-172.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mLGeLLGpwKU/XfR_qhiPH7I/AAAAAAAAsyM/6iRWt1XwbVcBPm8LUrd-tqQDwsxQVvwrQCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/2019%2BNew%2BZealand%2BWeb-172.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<h3>
Queenstown</h3>
<div>
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEwOWd8QQhpn7fodVi-3n6m1Va0ch0keK5szyti6yXqX3kAptv4eaP5VpSY0KkxZInFfuVx1cROYsuWmk-pMAFcb8EVgaVW9s7LBIbdHzLX3h_l-0iQL9mH1szrMpscV8Nve13mri_zIA/s1600/2019+New+Zealand+Web-180.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEwOWd8QQhpn7fodVi-3n6m1Va0ch0keK5szyti6yXqX3kAptv4eaP5VpSY0KkxZInFfuVx1cROYsuWmk-pMAFcb8EVgaVW9s7LBIbdHzLX3h_l-0iQL9mH1szrMpscV8Nve13mri_zIA/s640/2019+New+Zealand+Web-180.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Queenstown's Remarkables</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
This was as much of a sunrise as I was going to get from the Remarkables. I don't think it looks any good without snow on it either - you would have to be here in winter. We could walk into town from the caravan park, so didn't have to try and find parking in this very busy town. I had decided I wasn't going to get up for sunrise, but then changed my mind at the last minute, quite frankly I shouldn't have bothered. We drove up to the blue pools during the day which is on the road to the west coast. The trail in is about 30 minutes which goes through rainforest, when I came to the end I thought there must be more but there wasn't. Unfortunately the water level was too high which meant you couldn't see the underlying rocks which is what makes them impressive and the usually bright blue glacial water was cloudy.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QN2QN02eYLI/XfSHS5V7K-I/AAAAAAAAsys/ZMSGO_nUKrUVquhIHsXx_uy2HoyPlsHXACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/2019%2BNew%2BZealand%2BWeb-301.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="988" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QN2QN02eYLI/XfSHS5V7K-I/AAAAAAAAsys/ZMSGO_nUKrUVquhIHsXx_uy2HoyPlsHXACLcBGAsYHQ/s640/2019%2BNew%2BZealand%2BWeb-301.jpg" width="420" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Shotover River is in shade in the morning</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<h3>
Wanaka</h3>
<div>
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HLkKaiV5AJI/XfSKQ8v7reI/AAAAAAAAsy4/p98eB6n3ww82yJeXoKQx4_TGfvlVmzpjACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/2019%2BNew%2BZealand%2BWeb-209.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HLkKaiV5AJI/XfSKQ8v7reI/AAAAAAAAsy4/p98eB6n3ww82yJeXoKQx4_TGfvlVmzpjACLcBGAsYHQ/s640/2019%2BNew%2BZealand%2BWeb-209.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Wanaka Tree at sunrise</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
I had booked a campsite at one of the town caravan parks as I didn't want to be too far out of town to photograph the tree at sunset and again at sunrise. Lindsay wasn't happy that the site they gave us wasn't level so he went and complained. The answer was "<i>but you are only here for one night".</i> <i>So what</i>, he said,<i> we booked 6 months ago, we deserve a better site</i>... and we got it.<br />
<br />
A couple of weeks beforehand people could walk out to the tree as there was hardly any water in the lake. Now there was so much water even one of the branches was under the water. At sunset the wind was so strong the waves lapped the shoreline which made you think you were at a beach. The tree faces north, so the sun rises over the town to the right of the tree. When the light eventually hit the mountain tops, it wasn't golden and it just washed them out.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xZ6u694xPhk/XfSKr717waI/AAAAAAAAszA/I8EmQZXzbXoZ7Dw4xJ4MM46VPJS0KisRwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/2019%2BNew%2BZealand%2BWeb-231.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xZ6u694xPhk/XfSKr717waI/AAAAAAAAszA/I8EmQZXzbXoZ7Dw4xJ4MM46VPJS0KisRwCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/2019%2BNew%2BZealand%2BWeb-231.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Peter's Lookout on Lake Pukaki with Aoraki in the background.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<h3>
Aoraki (Mt Cook)</h3>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kwz7QkT7Ar8/XfSMAWC-qmI/AAAAAAAAszU/WVOM9rasRnUvl2ycDTLiZ8OW9MvIzJt5wCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/2019%2BNew%2BZealand%2BWeb-239.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hooker Lake</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg11Bt8COR54xwaUF_Vhi53Uh68F4-ReXQ9sCmkGObVtT25161N7jM4aFoXdxIGrrZH7cvOwHA_rNCbEw8QLq9WcBE8Ep59O7_KejduG8C_4PzMTL3Tv7Mo8saOwTQliKaQmrsZjmqrulo/s640/2019+New+Zealand+Web-241.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of the three bridges</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7xP7CrQso3c/XfSMY0t4-tI/AAAAAAAAszg/adIMPDlpCiYsrxZqRrLuU_gRcRDWn470QCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/2019%2BNew%2BZealand%2BWeb-243.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7xP7CrQso3c/XfSMY0t4-tI/AAAAAAAAszg/adIMPDlpCiYsrxZqRrLuU_gRcRDWn470QCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/2019%2BNew%2BZealand%2BWeb-243.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Hooker lake was going to be the highlight of the trip for me. A storm had washed away one of the three swing bridges a number of months before hand and I hoped they would have it fixed by November which they did. The hike takes about 90 minutes which meant we had to leave around 4am. It was dark but not cold, in fact it was so mild we didn't even wear our jackets. Only about five minutes into our walk Lindsay twisted his ankle, not the one that was reconstructed last year but the other one that needs doing also. I told him to go back, that I would go on alone but he wouldn't. We were both carrying a tripod and cameras but he didn't end up taking any photos so we could have saved ourselves some weight. It was so windy at the lake that he got blown over. I had to hold my tripod steady to take photos. The lake was murky, not the gorgeous blue I had seen in photos nor was there any colour in the sky. The sun rose behind me at the lake, so the most you can hope for in the morning is colour in the sky. The camping ground at White Horse Hill is just a car park. There is a designated area for the campers but the day trippers park anywhere so when we came back from Tasman Lake after lunchtime there wasn't anywhere to park. We decided that we didn't want to be sandwiched next to other RV's anyway so parked in the day area. I don't think the rangers cared as they put a little red sticker on our rego to show that we had paid and didn't ask us to move.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<h3 style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Tekapo</h3>
<div>
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-B3dASEGKU_E/XfSNS0dhDxI/AAAAAAAAszw/gfGxhTkC1qISr609GcCKf79DryRMoUzcACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/2019%2BNew%2BZealand%2BWeb-278.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="624" data-original-width="1500" height="266" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-B3dASEGKU_E/XfSNS0dhDxI/AAAAAAAAszw/gfGxhTkC1qISr609GcCKf79DryRMoUzcACLcBGAsYHQ/s640/2019%2BNew%2BZealand%2BWeb-278.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Church of the Good Shepherd</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
This little church has stood here for 80 years undisturbed. Until Instagram. Now the tour buses have it on their itineraries and there are people taking selfies until the light goes. Only before sunrise could I get a photo without anyone in it. It was our only sunrise on the whole trip.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LEuyYglMZOA/XfSOXJ4RhmI/AAAAAAAAsz4/yRrYnhs7MMgVLCoVbrJzlXOYkVH5EglsACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/2019%2BNew%2BZealand%2BWeb-284.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1001" data-original-width="1500" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LEuyYglMZOA/XfSOXJ4RhmI/AAAAAAAAsz4/yRrYnhs7MMgVLCoVbrJzlXOYkVH5EglsACLcBGAsYHQ/s640/2019%2BNew%2BZealand%2BWeb-284.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lupins in Tekapo</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The lupins are a weed and there is talk about poisoning them. I just love them. Finally, some blue glacial water!!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DJ-PRCJdVLc/XfWjs9oZwqI/AAAAAAAAs0k/UBQdr_No-hoNi8yoT9GMD1koIoXeJ_AAACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/2019%2BNew%2BZealand%2BWeb-302.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1125" data-original-width="1500" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DJ-PRCJdVLc/XfWjs9oZwqI/AAAAAAAAs0k/UBQdr_No-hoNi8yoT9GMD1koIoXeJ_AAACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/2019%2BNew%2BZealand%2BWeb-302.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Don't complain about our fuel prices! Tax is included in the unleaded price but there is no tax payable on diesel at the pump, you pay a separate road user charge tax of $72 per thousand kilometres. If you hire a vehicle this will be payable when you return the vehicle.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IrzSHtfIP9g/XfWk43vP3zI/AAAAAAAAs0s/o_y580hNrT4QRyCJsLudDtwXkSz-4Bk8QCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/2019%2BNew%2BZealand%2BWeb-303.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1125" data-original-width="1500" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IrzSHtfIP9g/XfWk43vP3zI/AAAAAAAAs0s/o_y580hNrT4QRyCJsLudDtwXkSz-4Bk8QCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/2019%2BNew%2BZealand%2BWeb-303.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
I don't actually remember seeing a speed hump on the whole trip, they just narrow the road so that you have to slow down, especially if there is another car coming the other way. At bridges, just like 30 years ago, many are still single but now they have a sign and line on the road letting you know which side of the bridge has to give way to the other.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VgBAJbYD2Kw/Xf6i0GMGV7I/AAAAAAAAtTI/VhKkJGqN9-g1HxHNO7VzXpD3LgeBw_fhgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/2019%2BNew%2BZealand%2BWeb-234.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1066" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VgBAJbYD2Kw/Xf6i0GMGV7I/AAAAAAAAtTI/VhKkJGqN9-g1HxHNO7VzXpD3LgeBw_fhgCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/2019%2BNew%2BZealand%2BWeb-234.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lindsay is giving me lessons on the M2P</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://photos.app.goo.gl/gcV5PxZXpxhV9PNEA" target="_blank">NZ Photo Album</a><br />
<br />
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
Janehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06017837107696030036noreply@blogger.com4New Zealand-40.900557 174.88597100000004-65.2754965 133.57737700000004 -16.5256175 -143.805435tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3168284011338330133.post-15293162730912605172019-10-19T07:56:00.000+11:002020-01-14T10:17:15.657+11:00Namibia Photo Album<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2jlnr1fpaNW6031VHvZWa_pyE_Ywi2MaLSdMYSz27wEFwqpxQMcdk2AOGWkSTkS4SJ4BUrED8VijoncylqcIX5TSPnRYrn6GBBUOVWG8DsPA1vwcY9uTfbgSyeik2DRxQmnucYrxhJSI/s640/Album+cover.jpg" width="640" /> </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.app.goo.gl/ejrFXhH4MaoWcxdM6" target="_blank">Click here</a></div>
<h2>
Posts:</h2>
Part 1: <a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://tvlbug.blogspot.com/2019/07/namibia-in-30-days.html&source=gmail&ust=1571518730763000&usg=AFQjCNFsOY08l4H8a12DINy4EAaaKtlPoQ" href="http://tvlbug.blogspot.com/2019/07/namibia-in-30-days.html" name="m_5845954776645052375_m_-4840011125278977970_1" style="color: #1155cc; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-size-adjust: auto;" target="_blank">Namibia in 30 days</a><br />
<br />
Part 2: <a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://tvlbug.blogspot.com/2019/07/kgalagadi-tranfrontier-national-park.html&source=gmail&ust=1571518730751000&usg=AFQjCNEc4SBecGEQZc2aSrtaofi0188IBQ" href="http://tvlbug.blogspot.com/2019/07/kgalagadi-tranfrontier-national-park.html" name="m_-4840216801450502209_1" style="color: #1155cc; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-size-adjust: auto;" target="_blank">Kgalagadi Tranfrontier National Park</a><br />
<br />
Part 3: <a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://tvlbug.blogspot.com/2019/07/kokerboom-quiver-trees.html&source=gmail&ust=1571518730729000&usg=AFQjCNGmGxXSG90jNB-S1iaU-Tia9Dfdog" href="http://tvlbug.blogspot.com/2019/07/kokerboom-quiver-trees.html" name="m_8081022585844649833_1" style="color: #1155cc; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-size-adjust: auto;" target="_blank">Kokerboom - Quiver Trees</a><br />
<br />
Part 4: <a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://tvlbug.blogspot.com/2019/08/luderitz.html&source=gmail&ust=1571518730710000&usg=AFQjCNHU60uswrQhdfxKNYHohEC0zh5xBA" href="http://tvlbug.blogspot.com/2019/08/luderitz.html" name="m_482267118967599410_1" style="color: #1155cc; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-size-adjust: auto;" target="_blank">Luderitz</a><br />
<br />
Part 5: <a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://tvlbug.blogspot.com/2019/08/just-as-much-sand-as-sahara.html&source=gmail&ust=1571518730689000&usg=AFQjCNGS49-B-AZ-d7hZ-eucPGhiZCAYQQ" href="http://tvlbug.blogspot.com/2019/08/just-as-much-sand-as-sahara.html" name="m_-9077956529618588204_1" style="color: #1155cc; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-size-adjust: auto;" target="_blank">Just as much sand as the Sahara</a><br />
<br />
Part 6: <a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://tvlbug.blogspot.com/2019/08/flying-over-skeleton-coast.html&source=gmail&ust=1571518730148000&usg=AFQjCNESDvb0PMs23w_DR6leIWwaEBJ5uw" href="http://tvlbug.blogspot.com/2019/08/flying-over-skeleton-coast.html" name="m_253480716443209210_1" style="color: #1155cc; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-size-adjust: auto;" target="_blank">Flying over the Skeleton Coast</a><br />
<br />
Part 7: <a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://tvlbug.blogspot.com/2019/08/traditional-tribe.html&source=gmail&ust=1571518730118000&usg=AFQjCNFE4joTsVUBGdtZCtuq4JefC50TWA" href="http://tvlbug.blogspot.com/2019/08/traditional-tribe.html" name="m_6074327615547158155_1" style="color: #1155cc; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-size-adjust: auto;" target="_blank">Traditional Tribe</a><br />
<br />
Part 8: <a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://tvlbug.blogspot.com/2019/08/etosha-park-of-white-roads.html&source=gmail&ust=1571461014516000&usg=AFQjCNFhTw65Kpf36PSuMvofXN8vwn1DcQ" href="http://tvlbug.blogspot.com/2019/08/etosha-park-of-white-roads.html" name="m_8643674810446787997_m_4844713154564053438_1" style="color: #1155cc; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-size-adjust: auto;" target="_blank">Etosha - The park of white roads</a>Janehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06017837107696030036noreply@blogger.com2Namibia-22.95764 18.490409999999997-37.789792000000006 -2.1638870000000026 -8.125488 39.144707tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3168284011338330133.post-1518688281498745042019-08-14T12:00:00.000+10:002019-10-16T09:32:53.537+11:00Etosha - The park of white roads<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xgivNyUCpxk/XaUQ1X0IDHI/AAAAAAAArzI/4yP7GkjwZNQefjKbI7tnGZtnFbx8AKFgwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Etosha%2BNP-14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xgivNyUCpxk/XaUQ1X0IDHI/AAAAAAAArzI/4yP7GkjwZNQefjKbI7tnGZtnFbx8AKFgwCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/Etosha%2BNP-14.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
It's quite a long drive from Epupa Falls down to Etosha National Park. We stopped off at the supermarket and service station in Opuwo to fill up the car and our fridge. Then as we were coming south there was a quarantine gate for foot and mouth disease. Did we have any meat, again? yes because we had just filled up at the supermarket as there were no other shops between here and our next destination. Damn it. She said we could cook it then and there, but why would we want to do that when we are trying to get to our next destination. We gave them a few sacrificial items and then cooked up what was left when we got to our next stop, what is a 100kms in the middle of a desert really? It's what the locals do.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CI5MuUZoLE8/XaUgasOySWI/AAAAAAAArzc/jteX1Xr4Lrkkm_p26Hb4Yf3oF8OeRiSZwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Etosha%2BNP-55.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CI5MuUZoLE8/XaUgasOySWI/AAAAAAAArzc/jteX1Xr4Lrkkm_p26Hb4Yf3oF8OeRiSZwCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/Etosha%2BNP-55.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
I thought we had missed our turn off, so we went back only to find that the route google had given me had a locked gate on it. It's so annoying when you waste time like that. It turned out that Tom Tom was correct and we ended up having to go further south to then come back up again.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2GMj2m0oP0w/XaURJJUUm1I/AAAAAAAArzQ/g7EU2wKXxsYv4iC7FXWeuNfvnTdGKExzwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Etosha%2BNP-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1125" data-original-width="1500" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2GMj2m0oP0w/XaURJJUUm1I/AAAAAAAArzQ/g7EU2wKXxsYv4iC7FXWeuNfvnTdGKExzwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/Etosha%2BNP-1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
We arrived at Etosha National Park through the western Gaton gate. There is an east one and south one. Our camps were all pre-booked but we still had to pay for our daily park entrance fees as I didn't want to pay it in advance in case our plans changed. They don't take credit cards here and we had run down our cash. Fortunately they let you go in and expect you to pay further in. Even though I had downloaded some park maps we still bought a booklet which not only showed where the waterholes were but also which ones were still being used. There would be no point in driving 10kms or so down a road to find a dustbowl. It also has pictures of each animal found in the park. Everyone we had spoken to about Etosha had said the roads were really bad. Have they not been to Sossusvlei? Our opinion on the Etosha roads is that the main roads are pretty good. A couple of the side roads to waterholes were a little corrugated. One road, I think it was Rhino drive had huge potholes which made you drive around 20km/hr. Certainly nothing to complain about.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3fRNQutaKJg/XaUgq0reUYI/AAAAAAAArzk/XlGjTjIu9uAe72J_6Gbk3ylJ08ux6IZTQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Etosha%2BNP-60.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3fRNQutaKJg/XaUgq0reUYI/AAAAAAAArzk/XlGjTjIu9uAe72J_6Gbk3ylJ08ux6IZTQCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/Etosha%2BNP-60.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mud bath</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
We had booked three nights in three of the campsites which is about 7 days longer than most people stay. Olifantsrus in the west, Okaukuejo is near the south entrance and Halali is to the east. We didn't stay at Namutoni which is in the far east as we thought it was too far but we did end up going there on a day trip. All the camps have their own waterholes and each set up is different.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-g-wwH9JIBXE/XaUg7-QmGNI/AAAAAAAArzs/okEQeo1Wc6MwjAD29MiAKaFmA4uVRIRMgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Etosha%2BNP-90.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-g-wwH9JIBXE/XaUg7-QmGNI/AAAAAAAArzs/okEQeo1Wc6MwjAD29MiAKaFmA4uVRIRMgCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/Etosha%2BNP-90.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dust bath</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
Olifantsrus is the newest campsite and only caters to campers in an area that used to be closed off to tourists. It is a lot smaller than the others in the park. Our campsite shares a power pole with our neighbours across the driveway which is bizarre as it means they have to have a long extension lead and people will be driving over it, obviously they didn't want to dig trenches for the cable. One of our neighbours was travelling in a 2WD van and I wondered how it had fared around Sossusvlei. It turned out it didn't. They got two flat tyres and a broken shock absorber. I can't believe the rental companies allow people to bring normal cars to this area. We had to give our company an itinerary of where we were travelling, mainly for crossing borders as there are extra taxes to be paid, but surely they want to know where you are taking their vehicles?<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QjfyQLsMGYw/XaUhN9IVh2I/AAAAAAAArz0/05ZN0H73a_giTuan8I4xpuyWNtOiKfIqQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Etosha%2BNP-110.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QjfyQLsMGYw/XaUhN9IVh2I/AAAAAAAArz0/05ZN0H73a_giTuan8I4xpuyWNtOiKfIqQCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/Etosha%2BNP-110.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
The waterhole at Olifantsrus has a hide on stilts with a long slippery walkway, so you are fair way above the waterhole. There is a glassed in viewing area downstairs but the elephants keep smearing the windows so you can't photograph through them. Even though the campsite is at the end of the ramp you can't see if there are any animals at the waterhole from the fence. The action mainly happens at night but occasionally during the day too. The interesting animals here are the elephants and rhinoceros. The rhinos only come in at night. They both love stirring up the mud and either rolling in it or spraying it over themselves.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XVkvbpPERLA/XaUhfesBM7I/AAAAAAAArz8/I5M9aViR3-4CbS1J2i6RAjK_YiyZ2UzdQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Etosha%2BNP-120.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XVkvbpPERLA/XaUhfesBM7I/AAAAAAAArz8/I5M9aViR3-4CbS1J2i6RAjK_YiyZ2UzdQCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/Etosha%2BNP-120.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
The sites at Okaukuejo are in no particular order and the numbering isn't sequential or contiguous and it took us a while to find our site. It was the perfect location being the closest site to the path that led to the waterhole. We could also see animals coming from the west heading towards the waterhole as we were right on the fence line. This waterhole is a favourite for elephants and giraffe. To take photos of animals you need to have a high shutter speed which is made all the more difficult when it's dark. I had taken a few pictures with my little camera but deleted them when I realised they were all blurry. Lindsay persevered in trying to get shots and while the giraffes didn't co operate by drinking all at the same time, he did a really good job.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xoxNSCca-mQ/XaUokx139EI/AAAAAAAAr2I/pohcrMVLM8EFpmmPzhIarj0Aq96lFcU2ACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Etosha%2BNP-268.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xoxNSCca-mQ/XaUokx139EI/AAAAAAAAr2I/pohcrMVLM8EFpmmPzhIarj0Aq96lFcU2ACLcBGAsYHQ/s640/Etosha%2BNP-268.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zkk2RhJ5J8g/XaUh0mYFGnI/AAAAAAAAr0E/yHQHdT7fKyIVfmFViZnWuJvH_97n373pQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Etosha%2BNP-138.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zkk2RhJ5J8g/XaUh0mYFGnI/AAAAAAAAr0E/yHQHdT7fKyIVfmFViZnWuJvH_97n373pQCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/Etosha%2BNP-138.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The slightest unease and they all run away</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nBtLWnpaB9I/XaUiIJpcxWI/AAAAAAAAr0M/RkB-PtY6jOAIxv9NJM5cOg_EmZZGmg2vgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Etosha%2BNP-174.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nBtLWnpaB9I/XaUiIJpcxWI/AAAAAAAAr0M/RkB-PtY6jOAIxv9NJM5cOg_EmZZGmg2vgCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/Etosha%2BNP-174.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-H-lCcxkF1eE/XaUjUFmIV_I/AAAAAAAAr0g/IPmk4UgeDyoklM_MrmynsNm_v2U-z8tNgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Etosha%2BNP-201.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-H-lCcxkF1eE/XaUjUFmIV_I/AAAAAAAAr0g/IPmk4UgeDyoklM_MrmynsNm_v2U-z8tNgCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/Etosha%2BNP-201.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
The Lion cub had a lot of fun playing with a paper bag that the wind threw around so that he could run and catch it.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-E3q9EJNS_cM/XaUjyCnk5aI/AAAAAAAAr0o/FugpKXPNSG45IRZpCNIgDWmQFMIS1TSbACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Etosha%2BNP-231.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-E3q9EJNS_cM/XaUjyCnk5aI/AAAAAAAAr0o/FugpKXPNSG45IRZpCNIgDWmQFMIS1TSbACLcBGAsYHQ/s640/Etosha%2BNP-231.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sunset at Okaukuejo waterhole</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TcUWdiBoz10/XaUki63MXNI/AAAAAAAAr0w/yDI4O3RkjScH6HsGbL4GFa0wYsPI9QC1QCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Etosha%2BNP-214.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TcUWdiBoz10/XaUki63MXNI/AAAAAAAAr0w/yDI4O3RkjScH6HsGbL4GFa0wYsPI9QC1QCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/Etosha%2BNP-214.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSG4pkLYEls5yUk0ic6m99aRxv1ko2k7itWmWXT99VsIEr_pBM7NcqCzT-vbfKwp6FJUsbBH01MZENphaQnP1WoBbCfo_8BN_aZlj4tm5oYlzjGTfSqyqD6IHZhB2G1YZ9r4YxA4ASFKA/s1600/Etosha+NP-320.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSG4pkLYEls5yUk0ic6m99aRxv1ko2k7itWmWXT99VsIEr_pBM7NcqCzT-vbfKwp6FJUsbBH01MZENphaQnP1WoBbCfo_8BN_aZlj4tm5oYlzjGTfSqyqD6IHZhB2G1YZ9r4YxA4ASFKA/s640/Etosha+NP-320.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Night time at Halali waterhole</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
The baby Rhino had a lot of fun scarring off the birds. He would wait until they were on the ground and then run at them, go back to his mother and then do it again and again.<br />
<br />
There are cheetah and leopold in the park but we weren't fortunate enough to see them.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SrKXmFCXYqI/XaUlH-gh3jI/AAAAAAAAr1E/43EvEj-uOOsn1fNsvTwIwoXrBTzpxkyXQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Etosha%2BNP-242.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SrKXmFCXYqI/XaUlH-gh3jI/AAAAAAAAr1E/43EvEj-uOOsn1fNsvTwIwoXrBTzpxkyXQCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/Etosha%2BNP-242.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px; text-align: center;">While the jackals are eating, the hyenas just come in and take the whole bone</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BqR2RwfPA1c/XaUk04zMUqI/AAAAAAAAr08/CK6g6w7c2ZY0IqZwSff2ND41H1c90tSMACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Etosha%2BNP-233.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BqR2RwfPA1c/XaUk04zMUqI/AAAAAAAAr08/CK6g6w7c2ZY0IqZwSff2ND41H1c90tSMACLcBGAsYHQ/s640/Etosha%2BNP-233.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dgkNIfpKtcs/XaUl_Gyh5LI/AAAAAAAAr1U/V_XcMs4X81Ul_w90iJPIksRIE_ba_7jLQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Etosha%2BNP-285.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dgkNIfpKtcs/XaUl_Gyh5LI/AAAAAAAAr1U/V_XcMs4X81Ul_w90iJPIksRIE_ba_7jLQCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/Etosha%2BNP-285.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px; text-align: center;">During the day the rhino spend their time in dense bush to hid from predators</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FBTxndXVE00/XaUltWVG3YI/AAAAAAAAr1M/hRtJ8PDEhyIuR2WP8SD6Cmde9PkDbmkvwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Etosha%2BNP-311.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FBTxndXVE00/XaUltWVG3YI/AAAAAAAAr1M/hRtJ8PDEhyIuR2WP8SD6Cmde9PkDbmkvwCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/Etosha%2BNP-311.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Surprisingly very few vultures in the park</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mvpwUNybxz4/XaUmyuqRUTI/AAAAAAAAr1g/VE3ZtUhaFQgMRRIY4vFDt5JMjnsnagL9wCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Etosha%2BNP-19.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mvpwUNybxz4/XaUmyuqRUTI/AAAAAAAAr1g/VE3ZtUhaFQgMRRIY4vFDt5JMjnsnagL9wCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/Etosha%2BNP-19.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The lions only stay at the waterholes for about five minutes, so you are very lucky to see one.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XdSMq8RnEzc/XaUmk5LGipI/AAAAAAAAr1c/0BYIu1sJ0RAeFt7cQ_2yzbWRj6W1FxMCQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Etosha%2BNP-9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XdSMq8RnEzc/XaUmk5LGipI/AAAAAAAAr1c/0BYIu1sJ0RAeFt7cQ_2yzbWRj6W1FxMCQCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/Etosha%2BNP-9.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-y2EGrY34Eyc/XaUm_hzIRKI/AAAAAAAAr1o/OtY9ZT3rt44dSfNU0QGCd6k1DQc1d3CuACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Etosha%2BNP-36.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-y2EGrY34Eyc/XaUm_hzIRKI/AAAAAAAAr1o/OtY9ZT3rt44dSfNU0QGCd6k1DQc1d3CuACLcBGAsYHQ/s640/Etosha%2BNP-36.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-K9pKa_pBVVA/XaUnawEhOmI/AAAAAAAAr10/GFmUqmQMy3oW-ysZJ2JgdvkJcTyWxvzWgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Etosha%2BNP-85.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-K9pKa_pBVVA/XaUnawEhOmI/AAAAAAAAr10/GFmUqmQMy3oW-ysZJ2JgdvkJcTyWxvzWgCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/Etosha%2BNP-85.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidTu7GEtNy5zGcO67L4j7uUKhvX9z2kA7fwwkQuGXF-Wk-63CnMBSXw0hNBtbEVL4ZPMrJQxW7xt1jYHBty_5Pr7P29xSVx-x3yqs4ESv_FBsCiA7E-WRYpwdLRNLMg66c5YLbFBPydqc/s1600/Etosha+NP-105.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidTu7GEtNy5zGcO67L4j7uUKhvX9z2kA7fwwkQuGXF-Wk-63CnMBSXw0hNBtbEVL4ZPMrJQxW7xt1jYHBty_5Pr7P29xSVx-x3yqs4ESv_FBsCiA7E-WRYpwdLRNLMg66c5YLbFBPydqc/s640/Etosha+NP-105.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LoKo8Nx-t4A/XaUnytirQdI/AAAAAAAAr2A/xzQES3fsF9cB85fZAdjdQI_yV95qfreDwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Etosha%2BNP-147.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LoKo8Nx-t4A/XaUnytirQdI/AAAAAAAAr2A/xzQES3fsF9cB85fZAdjdQI_yV95qfreDwCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/Etosha%2BNP-147.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Our time had come to an end. If we had planned it better we should have stayed at Okaukuejo last so that we didn't have as far to drive to the south gate. It's over an hour between the two camps if you stick to the speed limit and we stopped at Okaukuejo to pump up our tyres and get more fuel. It's nearly a six hour drive back to our hotel in Windhoek and as you can't leave your camp until sunrise, you can't get an early start.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BsfL_bZIQjo/XaU3v19LhWI/AAAAAAAAr2U/8C3IIkbEbhcea8ZQTDiK4Ft7oZT_ErmWwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Etosha%2BNP%2Bcamp-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1002" data-original-width="1500" height="213" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BsfL_bZIQjo/XaU3v19LhWI/AAAAAAAAr2U/8C3IIkbEbhcea8ZQTDiK4Ft7oZT_ErmWwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/Etosha%2BNP%2Bcamp-1.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our campsite in Halali, again the closest to the waterhole</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
As we left through the south gates they checked our papers to make sure we had paid our park fees, which we had a few days before. They also checked for meat as you can't take it out of the park. As we weren't cooking any more meals we didn't have anything to declare. Again, I just don't understand it - the only place that you can purchase meat was in the National Parks camps - was there something wrong with what they were selling us?<br />
<br />
Along the main highway back to Windhoek there are baboons and warthogs along the side of the road. Surprisingly we never saw any warthogs anywhere else in the country. I had made sure that I had our passports out just in case any zealous policeman decided he wanted to see them, but thankfully we weren't stopped.<br />
<br />
We had arranged for the rental company to pick up our camper from our hotel. As they close at 5pm, he wanted to pick it up at 4pm and Lindsay wanted to get to our hotel even earlier so that we had time to unpack and sort of clean it up. Our only casualties were the rear number plate which had lost a few screws on the second day, so we had used double sided tape to put it back but that didn't last long. Then up in Epupa Falls, the clips that held the top of the camper down snapped so Lindsay had been using rope to fasten "the lid" of the camper ever since. The man from Bushlore was surprised that we hadn't wrecked any tyres or anything else for that matter. We had taken out extra insurance for a broken windscreen but didn't need to use it. We did have one stone hit our windscreen but it didn't mark it, well not noticeably anyway. Our suitcases had been stored at Bushlore during our trip which meant we had to repack everything when he brought them back to us. This is a nice service as not all rental companies will do this.<br />
<br />
It was really windy for most of our stay, which is apparently normal for August. I had asked a guide what his favourite time of year was and he said June/July - probably because there are less people. If we come back, I think September would be a better time for Etosha, yes it would be warmer but then the animals would have to come to the waterholes.<br />
<br />
I hope you enjoyed our trip as much as we did.<br />
<br />
Want to start at the beginning of this trip? <a href="http://tvlbug.blogspot.com/2019/07/namibia-in-30-days.html" target="_blank">Namibia - Pt 1</a>. Then just use the "newer post" button at the bottom of the page to get to the next post.<br />
<br />Janehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06017837107696030036noreply@blogger.com4Etosha National Park, Namibia-18.8555909 16.329319700000042-44.3776254 -24.979274299999958 6.6664436000000009 57.637913700000041tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3168284011338330133.post-52823679403327485582019-08-11T12:00:00.000+10:002019-10-11T08:38:22.121+11:00Traditional Tribe<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KTL3CTRZkiY/XY2fYf8AMSI/AAAAAAAArpY/_alj31-FSskHv_i8RGCGrJboLDNn4b5WgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Epupa%2BFalls%2BArea-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KTL3CTRZkiY/XY2fYf8AMSI/AAAAAAAArpY/_alj31-FSskHv_i8RGCGrJboLDNn4b5WgCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/Epupa%2BFalls%2BArea-3.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Epupa from further down the river</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<h2>
<br />Epupa Falls</h2>
<br />
Travelling north towards Angola, the temperature started getting warmer and more humid.<br />
<br />
Epupa is a fair way north which means a very long drive on dirt. There are traditional tribes people up here, the Himba, that smear red dirt on their skin and through their hair - well, the women do anyway. Like many cultures, the men dress the same as the rest of the world.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xtjvceokJW0/XY2fK5Hiv0I/AAAAAAAArpU/_D850mwoI3I8fh2p2kAnKDAUQsS8-St1gCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Epupa%2BFalls%2BArea-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1069" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xtjvceokJW0/XY2fK5Hiv0I/AAAAAAAArpU/_D850mwoI3I8fh2p2kAnKDAUQsS8-St1gCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/Epupa%2BFalls%2BArea-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I should have come back here with my good camera and tripod, this is just 5 mins walk down the road</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Our campsite was part of a resort right on the Epupa River and on the other side of the river is the country of Angola. While the spray from the waterfall is visible from our campsite, you need to walk about fives minutes down the road to see the falls. To get the photograph of the falls that I was looking for, we needed to go further afield and try and find a track in through the trees and rocks. It wasn't easy as the tracks petered out quite quickly and you had to drive carefully and slowly over rocks and when we couldn't go any further, we had to walk over the rocks with all our camera gear. We did this in the heat of the day and didn't have the energy to go back at sunset. If it was warm now, how hot did it get in summer I asked the new owner "you have to put wet towels on you with a fan to go to sleep" he said. Glad we were here in winter.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KqfKLsqfjpI/XY2fyFcKMlI/AAAAAAAArpo/2sLRuwuHa20wHtZeM4UpppOTJRJjbIQdgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Epupa%2BFalls%2BArea-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KqfKLsqfjpI/XY2fyFcKMlI/AAAAAAAArpo/2sLRuwuHa20wHtZeM4UpppOTJRJjbIQdgCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/Epupa%2BFalls%2BArea-2.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is the view we would wake up to each morning</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vri5V_MzFnQ/XY2gBd4nwpI/AAAAAAAArps/Fk221bNY48QmnDV5ZqaM4nSYr2nNRXSlgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Epupa%2BFalls%2BArea-4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vri5V_MzFnQ/XY2gBd4nwpI/AAAAAAAArps/Fk221bNY48QmnDV5ZqaM4nSYr2nNRXSlgCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/Epupa%2BFalls%2BArea-4.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">They loved chasing each other</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AvRe_6ecHoY/XY2gTgJb6jI/AAAAAAAArp4/z3Fw9CCs7kwO4ZPCtBECNwJW_HUKBfZSgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Epupa%2BFalls%2BArea-5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AvRe_6ecHoY/XY2gTgJb6jI/AAAAAAAArp4/z3Fw9CCs7kwO4ZPCtBECNwJW_HUKBfZSgCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/Epupa%2BFalls%2BArea-5.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">So innocent</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
On one of our exploration trips we found a troupe of monkeys and a troupe of baboons. There are crocodiles up here but we don't see any but that's not to say they didn't see us!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KLlACpuIRTI/XY2ged4RqvI/AAAAAAAArp8/VPMy5PBY6iYR6Ez86uadIoAqEBBjolDQgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Epupa%2BFalls%2BArea-10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KLlACpuIRTI/XY2ged4RqvI/AAAAAAAArp8/VPMy5PBY6iYR6Ez86uadIoAqEBBjolDQgCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/Epupa%2BFalls%2BArea-10.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The big male baboon stood guard to make sure everyone escaped from us before he followed</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
A local guide came to our campsite and asked us if we would like to be taken to a Himba Tribe. He gave us a price significantly lower than what the hotel was offering. So what was the catch? We also needed to buy some food at the local shop. We agreed as we thought it would be a different experience to the one the hotel would provide. If certain tribes were given food on a regular basis, they would be much better off than others. We had bought maize, oil, pasta, vaseline and a few other things, except the store owner had forgotten to put the oil in, or had he? Thinking back on what we paid, the store owner definitely played us. We wouldn't have paid that much if we had bought the food in Australia and the food in Namibia is cheap. We saw an opportunity to give away the rest of our Namibian pasta as we had switched to Italian made pasta. Believe me there is a difference. Gluggy or not gluggy, no contest. Lindsay and our guide confronted the store owner later that day and he promised to deliver the oil to the tribe. <i>sure</i>.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-l1H46SY8lDg/XY2gqfX5qeI/AAAAAAAArqE/_B-TW5g5RUIOuPFgsiB96l_aDqLCTsnowCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Epupa%2BFalls%2BArea-9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="593" data-original-width="1600" height="236" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-l1H46SY8lDg/XY2gqfX5qeI/AAAAAAAArqE/_B-TW5g5RUIOuPFgsiB96l_aDqLCTsnowCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/Epupa%2BFalls%2BArea-9.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A village we passed on the way back from the monkeys</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Visiting the tribes is not something you can do on your own as you need someone to explain why you are there, that we have brought food for them and in return, that you would like to take photos, because of course why else would they let you in unless they were getting something in return. While some of the locals such as our guide spoke English, the traditional tribes do not. Not only did we have our guide in our car but two of his nephews and their little friend. Their aunts had a "shop" where they made donuts and the boys were given a bag to take with them for the day. We got to taste some too. Even without any jam, they were pretty good considering what they had to work with.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-D9j8O3Fu5AE/XY2g5EDTF6I/AAAAAAAArqM/LPJdWV4sLug_-WfrJEccR5U1G_clsChdACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Epupa%2BFalls%2BArea-11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-D9j8O3Fu5AE/XY2g5EDTF6I/AAAAAAAArqM/LPJdWV4sLug_-WfrJEccR5U1G_clsChdACLcBGAsYHQ/s640/Epupa%2BFalls%2BArea-11.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Epupa Tribe - grandmother and grandson</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
The first community we went to only had the older women and the young ones that had babies, everyone else was out with the farm animals far away from home. One place had a little solar panel, their only way of recharging a phone, though I don't know how they afford a phone or a mobile plan.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zgo3hJUYzn4/XY2hL5hz5jI/AAAAAAAArqU/0b1YK895eYU2KDzjYEXCEpSMCmJKhBY6wCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Epupa%2BFalls%2BArea-12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zgo3hJUYzn4/XY2hL5hz5jI/AAAAAAAArqU/0b1YK895eYU2KDzjYEXCEpSMCmJKhBY6wCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/Epupa%2BFalls%2BArea-12.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Great grandmother maybe</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
I was invited to go into one of their houses where a number of women were sitting around a smoky fire. It was dark and oppressive. Their meagre possessions were packed in plastic bags. And even though they can't wash as there is not enough water, they did not smell at all. Some communities had one vehicle, but many did not.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tHoYctXg4J4/XY2hTJHLQZI/AAAAAAAArqY/LBEo0qMYr-c4orlLMLcgvps8dzOI_rZ3QCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Epupa%2BFalls%2BArea-16.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tHoYctXg4J4/XY2hTJHLQZI/AAAAAAAArqY/LBEo0qMYr-c4orlLMLcgvps8dzOI_rZ3QCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/Epupa%2BFalls%2BArea-16.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mother and child</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VWj4xQSvsp4/XY2hetLCZ3I/AAAAAAAArqc/kP-AWIUkf5EvgU93i1tKaV5ISKFHYH1YgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Epupa%2BFalls%2BArea-20.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VWj4xQSvsp4/XY2hetLCZ3I/AAAAAAAArqc/kP-AWIUkf5EvgU93i1tKaV5ISKFHYH1YgCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/Epupa%2BFalls%2BArea-20.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Only the men have chairs</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Lindsay had brought some balloons from home. They had never seen them before. Watching the little boys run with the balloons was priceless. Let alone when the balloon fell on the ground and broke. We felt good that we had given food to communities that were doing it tough and wouldn't normally get a handout from the tourists. While I have seen some beautiful photographs of Himba women, those people were clearly used to posing for photographs. Our photos were of normal people. It wasn't easy to take photos when they didn't know and if they did, their faces became blank.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Z8KWFybiCgA/XY2hyhTAMNI/AAAAAAAArqs/kuM4iL5y78UKuCvBqJhUH1h23pBUEO7fQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Epupa%2BFalls%2BArea-25.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Z8KWFybiCgA/XY2hyhTAMNI/AAAAAAAArqs/kuM4iL5y78UKuCvBqJhUH1h23pBUEO7fQCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/Epupa%2BFalls%2BArea-25.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The little boys play with the ballon</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wmd4AWwygmA/XY2hpwJjwUI/AAAAAAAArqk/TPyfEM_20T0gGIadf8uFHQLpl6ZPs4FrwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Epupa%2BFalls%2BArea-26.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wmd4AWwygmA/XY2hpwJjwUI/AAAAAAAArqk/TPyfEM_20T0gGIadf8uFHQLpl6ZPs4FrwCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/Epupa%2BFalls%2BArea-26.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">and they all get a go</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
We were asked by one of the women if we had any pain killers, it reminds you how much we take for granted, being able to get what we want, usually when we want it.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uDMXXr3m-zs/XY2iBycR3NI/AAAAAAAArq0/TZ475LR5IQQwoLZSnqQzB83kxi05agP8ACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Epupa%2BFalls%2BArea-29.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uDMXXr3m-zs/XY2iBycR3NI/AAAAAAAArq0/TZ475LR5IQQwoLZSnqQzB83kxi05agP8ACLcBGAsYHQ/s640/Epupa%2BFalls%2BArea-29.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">None of the men wore traditional clothes</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uozgWY0eo_Q/XY2iT9TAcRI/AAAAAAAArrA/tM_nMjRvzYoGzAnCI9gJdmBZZnWUw8KrACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Epupa%2BFalls%2BArea-17.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uozgWY0eo_Q/XY2iT9TAcRI/AAAAAAAArrA/tM_nMjRvzYoGzAnCI9gJdmBZZnWUw8KrACLcBGAsYHQ/s640/Epupa%2BFalls%2BArea-17.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">They had never seen a balloon until today</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Our guide's career was going to be short lived though as the hotel owner was going to call the police to keep him out of the hotel grounds. We didn't say a word when we overheard this conversation as we had aided and abetted him. What we paid him probably fed his family for a month.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-A975UPe9z_I/XY2ikC5YU7I/AAAAAAAArrI/G3ioOfwvN2op-d1_nESnImYbvwBhssVPQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Epupa%2BFalls%2BArea-22.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-A975UPe9z_I/XY2ikC5YU7I/AAAAAAAArrI/G3ioOfwvN2op-d1_nESnImYbvwBhssVPQCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/Epupa%2BFalls%2BArea-22.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Like women everywhere, how they look is important to them.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gtCCmQ3we2w/XY2l8Jja_oI/AAAAAAAArrU/alu1LoJQCTI4Py64OjVkDRvXf3gEwmHQACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Epupa%2BFalls%2BArea-28.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gtCCmQ3we2w/XY2l8Jja_oI/AAAAAAAArrU/alu1LoJQCTI4Py64OjVkDRvXf3gEwmHQACLcBGAsYHQ/s640/Epupa%2BFalls%2BArea-28.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The ballon becomes a treasure</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Want to start at the beginning of this trip? <a href="http://tvlbug.blogspot.com/2019/07/namibia-in-30-days.html" target="_blank">Namibia - Pt 1</a><br />
<br />
<br />Janehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06017837107696030036noreply@blogger.com4Epupa, Namibia-17.0003371 13.243336199999931-42.5223716 -28.065257800000069 8.5216974 54.55193019999993tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3168284011338330133.post-17426906111148685402019-08-09T12:00:00.000+10:002019-10-03T14:10:37.470+10:00Flying over the Skeleton Coast<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<h2 style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;">
Walvis Baai </h2>
<div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2mN0QR5N_8s/XYbK7fmcpTI/AAAAAAAArkk/EiWa80TEh94kczjeNQAjJnphXOVW8RjQgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Flamingos-4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2mN0QR5N_8s/XYbK7fmcpTI/AAAAAAAArkk/EiWa80TEh94kczjeNQAjJnphXOVW8RjQgCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/Flamingos-4.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
Walvis Baai/Bay (still pronounced Walfish Bay from a previous name) is on the coast. This a major town by Namibian standards and while the Germans have influenced most places, the British left their mark here. The road out of Sossusvlei was awful for the first few hundred kilometres with lots of corrugations. I’m sure our car has many more rattles than when it started. </div>
<div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-j-T27JmSpgU/XYbLOCPEw-I/AAAAAAAArks/7bOIvdZZR8Endpmg5lR6HA0qsTKVSBuQQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Flamingos-9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-j-T27JmSpgU/XYbLOCPEw-I/AAAAAAAArks/7bOIvdZZR8Endpmg5lR6HA0qsTKVSBuQQCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/Flamingos-9.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUW9qMowcr8z7sh45H-wHzIsnI4rrhbF49MZ6F8Mo6Qz5pEoRiFD9rk67Yy6ogntyrGdV-VQfu6UYcGCGVXJ2nQ3eVckNQMoy7zSlJ7JsCxecKCLonWUo09n_anciJTNBZy8Iu49OtT24/s1600/Flamingo-4781.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUW9qMowcr8z7sh45H-wHzIsnI4rrhbF49MZ6F8Mo6Qz5pEoRiFD9rk67Yy6ogntyrGdV-VQfu6UYcGCGVXJ2nQ3eVckNQMoy7zSlJ7JsCxecKCLonWUo09n_anciJTNBZy8Iu49OtT24/s640/Flamingo-4781.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div>
<br />
We stayed in the campground of a hotel. We were the first ones there so had our pick of the campsites and choose a paved one close to the very modern and clean ablutions block. We did some shopping and headed down to the waterfront to photograph the flamingos. The sun was shining straight at us which ruins your photos. We had a scenic flight booked for the following afternoon, so had time to go back in the morning. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bwG64qoxAjY/XYbMGycLKwI/AAAAAAAArlA/M2KBSh-WLns1UW6PIbdHB-4y9S1N01dSQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Flamingos-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bwG64qoxAjY/XYbMGycLKwI/AAAAAAAArlA/M2KBSh-WLns1UW6PIbdHB-4y9S1N01dSQCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/Flamingos-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div>
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-O4OCjhPdhfw/XYbL4KKMbKI/AAAAAAAArk8/ruKYtBfhAScB9MyeI8xf45glTbv2L1N4wCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Flamingos-5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-O4OCjhPdhfw/XYbL4KKMbKI/AAAAAAAArk8/ruKYtBfhAScB9MyeI8xf45glTbv2L1N4wCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/Flamingos-5.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div>
The flamingos love it here as their favourite pink algae is in the water. You can find them all along the waterfront which wasn't too far from where we were staying.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4CZvXRUj7iU/XYbMQWbmMjI/AAAAAAAArlI/gcYHWDLVJfssk5TZWOnH9TLZPDoefFhDQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Flamingos-13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4CZvXRUj7iU/XYbMQWbmMjI/AAAAAAAArlI/gcYHWDLVJfssk5TZWOnH9TLZPDoefFhDQCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/Flamingos-13.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
</div>
<div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-w4JPgGRQYjw/XYbNXYx9NWI/AAAAAAAArlg/OKuWO6wKycsrt80MiaifnLpzZAwJDfu0ACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Pelicans.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-w4JPgGRQYjw/XYbNXYx9NWI/AAAAAAAArlg/OKuWO6wKycsrt80MiaifnLpzZAwJDfu0ACLcBGAsYHQ/s640/Pelicans.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pelicans love it here too</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI8xOZ-sBVwPY9y2DacDbBAwpGxjR18h-veB1YDZV7bfr38WMVU32GRRiIrxF1vyr5iKbeIiwbCOYJd9L4U4l61UF7Y_6GxgkjD5mnGg5FfxNTGkiIpuqNtl0wlKG5idSOqxceAgIqxHU/s1600/Skeleton+Coast-32018.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI8xOZ-sBVwPY9y2DacDbBAwpGxjR18h-veB1YDZV7bfr38WMVU32GRRiIrxF1vyr5iKbeIiwbCOYJd9L4U4l61UF7Y_6GxgkjD5mnGg5FfxNTGkiIpuqNtl0wlKG5idSOqxceAgIqxHU/s640/Skeleton+Coast-32018.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sand moving across the highway</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
The following morning was very windy and I was worried we wouldn't be able to see anything clearly on the flight. Lindsay had an upset stomach and didn't make the 30 minute trip up to Swakopumnd without having to stop. The flight is nearly 3 hours so he didn’t want to take the chance and just as well as he wouldn’t have made it. He stayed back at the office and entertained them for the afternoon while I went on the flight. It was pretty amazing. We went over the Kuiseb river and canyon, Tsondabvlei, Sossusvlei, Diamond camps, Edward Bohlen shipwreck, Shawnee shipwreck, Sandwich Harbour, Walvis Bay harbour and Swakopmund. The girl next to me was scared of flying and grabbed some paper bags just in case. It got hot with the sun beaming in on me while we were in the desert and I worried that I might get sick, but neither of us were. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5wt1ZZ-zW1Y/XYbOGgcE2QI/AAAAAAAArlw/Ntbiv9MMwiUkTUja37JW6yUe2wqWJJZNQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Skeleton%2BCoast-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5wt1ZZ-zW1Y/XYbOGgcE2QI/AAAAAAAArlw/Ntbiv9MMwiUkTUja37JW6yUe2wqWJJZNQCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/Skeleton%2BCoast-3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-J2_Yxut5OTc/XYbOewUQaqI/AAAAAAAArl4/a_PUf_oMaLQSukBI-t7VNYE0F0FNmokxACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Skeleton%2BCoast-5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-J2_Yxut5OTc/XYbOewUQaqI/AAAAAAAArl4/a_PUf_oMaLQSukBI-t7VNYE0F0FNmokxACLcBGAsYHQ/s640/Skeleton%2BCoast-5.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Seals</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ptMRoJb27_M/XYbOnO_UJaI/AAAAAAAArl8/izwiu22uYx4s9EgUOJc0d6ngsnPmZFzwACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Skeleton%2BCoast-4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ptMRoJb27_M/XYbOnO_UJaI/AAAAAAAArl8/izwiu22uYx4s9EgUOJc0d6ngsnPmZFzwACLcBGAsYHQ/s640/Skeleton%2BCoast-4.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="text-align: left;">Edward Bohlen </span>Shipwreck</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eXwwPPtRLjE/XYbO9_uzWpI/AAAAAAAArmI/n-gvFq3bg6YGzldB9Ai-NZwpVme5akCFwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Skeleton%2BCoast-9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eXwwPPtRLjE/XYbO9_uzWpI/AAAAAAAArmI/n-gvFq3bg6YGzldB9Ai-NZwpVme5akCFwCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/Skeleton%2BCoast-9.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YRwI17sMByU/XYbPNaREPSI/AAAAAAAArmM/L4C6knorwo41z8_pvnaT8XjpXcSRS-KpwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Skeleton%2BCoast-12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YRwI17sMByU/XYbPNaREPSI/AAAAAAAArmM/L4C6knorwo41z8_pvnaT8XjpXcSRS-KpwCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/Skeleton%2BCoast-12.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AfuIE8DEYa0/XYbPVYd1pII/AAAAAAAArmU/wMtmA_ZTaIIv0Nfz5C6PRptSjwey8zEMwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Skeleton%2BCoast-14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AfuIE8DEYa0/XYbPVYd1pII/AAAAAAAArmU/wMtmA_ZTaIIv0Nfz5C6PRptSjwey8zEMwCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/Skeleton%2BCoast-14.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Not all the dunes are the same colour</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; float: left; font-family: Times; letter-spacing: normal; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-right: 1em; orphans: 2; padding: 6px; text-align: left; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sYG8NID-TfA/XYbPrTzPcNI/AAAAAAAArmo/9jZQZ9vet-I8sZMye0gW4tX-7apdb06PwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Skeleton%2BCoast-16.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sYG8NID-TfA/XYbPrTzPcNI/AAAAAAAArmo/9jZQZ9vet-I8sZMye0gW4tX-7apdb06PwCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/Skeleton%2BCoast-16.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="padding-top: 4px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Back to the coast</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GbO5PoyoABA/XYbPjRL1ssI/AAAAAAAArmg/t_KOEiTi4Z0B2TmPSHO2bRaCibqu-4yBQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Skeleton%2BCoast-17.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GbO5PoyoABA/XYbPjRL1ssI/AAAAAAAArmg/t_KOEiTi4Z0B2TmPSHO2bRaCibqu-4yBQCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/Skeleton%2BCoast-17.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shawnee Shipwreck</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-M6AigkMEBA0/XYbQSW1nXQI/AAAAAAAArm0/1BGcvye3050_1flerauaRtgWbNuB05nDACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Skeleton%2BCoast-18.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-M6AigkMEBA0/XYbQSW1nXQI/AAAAAAAArm0/1BGcvye3050_1flerauaRtgWbNuB05nDACLcBGAsYHQ/s640/Skeleton%2BCoast-18.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yep, I think that is a road along the beach, you would want to have done your homework on the tides</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vG4xZixHBXI/XYbQnYNdlyI/AAAAAAAArm8/U1Vd3esSf4whvKbmq6jy0G19F0-x-62xwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Skeleton%2BCoast-19.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="425" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vG4xZixHBXI/XYbQnYNdlyI/AAAAAAAArm8/U1Vd3esSf4whvKbmq6jy0G19F0-x-62xwCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/Skeleton%2BCoast-19.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I love the abstract lines of the rivers</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-62_iFuxmtb0/XYbQ2N0Ql8I/AAAAAAAArnA/6_e3I2g5yLMGwaZgqxmtFG4zdeuekD0owCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Skeleton%2BCoast-21.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-62_iFuxmtb0/XYbQ2N0Ql8I/AAAAAAAArnA/6_e3I2g5yLMGwaZgqxmtFG4zdeuekD0owCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/Skeleton%2BCoast-21.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">How pretty is that lime colour, they are flamingos in the water</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vnAeOaIK-RY/XYbRS9DcaHI/AAAAAAAArnI/XTLaqC6Dk-Q7AS2TG0dYMa9CNB1kAdpAQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Skeleton%2BCoast-22.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vnAeOaIK-RY/XYbRS9DcaHI/AAAAAAAArnI/XTLaqC6Dk-Q7AS2TG0dYMa9CNB1kAdpAQCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/Skeleton%2BCoast-22.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A community just out of town</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LZfmrT_LjMM/XYbRY_Pg-RI/AAAAAAAArnM/yaMEjozak3kn2eAPNgRgizyPjGF1eFgSACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Skeleton%2BCoast-31998.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LZfmrT_LjMM/XYbRY_Pg-RI/AAAAAAAArnM/yaMEjozak3kn2eAPNgRgizyPjGF1eFgSACLcBGAsYHQ/s640/Skeleton%2BCoast-31998.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Salt Works</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="text-align: left;">I was tired when we touched down, it's a long flight and I really hoped Lindsay would be at the airport to pick me up so I didn’t have to go back to their office as we still had a half hour trip back to Walvis Bay. Very happy to see him; he was in good spirits and didn't seem to mind missing out on the flight.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Lfmr8RMuXtU/XYbTStWIc5I/AAAAAAAArnk/FeRf2XzZr8oQ_7qTfvDegSZL-QKGx4rcgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Skeleton%2BCoast-23.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Lfmr8RMuXtU/XYbTStWIc5I/AAAAAAAArnk/FeRf2XzZr8oQ_7qTfvDegSZL-QKGx4rcgCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/Skeleton%2BCoast-23.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shipwreck Zeila<!--EndFragment--></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
This shipwreck is easily accessible from the main road just north of <span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12pt;">Swakopmund.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Our itinerary included Cape Cross to see the fur seals but as we had over 870kms to do over the following 2 days, I ask Lindsay a few days beforehand if he wanted to skip it as we hadn’t paid and I could just send an email and cancel. We ask the tourist office the best road to take as the coast road looked the shortest but there are gates that you have to be through by 3pm and what if we didn’t make it? She suggests we take the longer route towards Twyfelfontein and there’s a camp there. We didn’t get that far but opted for one a bit closer as we didn’t want to get caught out. We had done 495kms on gravel. Google says 6 hours, whatever it had been it was a long day. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS9mc6BAoLXCnporvwOwMPLOJ5QvpJIo9yOHmSzAIm2iYWylO3ceXL8D01rgnEw95N9cg0L0Mr_-Puwmc_mEnd6qQGh_OVODuEgB6FG7DqyWMU_zLZ9wAY6mdjNOUcZDp6yJb4-U3ggJU/s1600/Damaraland-1040708.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1069" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS9mc6BAoLXCnporvwOwMPLOJ5QvpJIo9yOHmSzAIm2iYWylO3ceXL8D01rgnEw95N9cg0L0Mr_-Puwmc_mEnd6qQGh_OVODuEgB6FG7DqyWMU_zLZ9wAY6mdjNOUcZDp6yJb4-U3ggJU/s640/Damaraland-1040708.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">You don't want anyone driving in front of you as the dust just sits there if there isn't any wind</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<h3>
Abu Huab Camp </h3>
<div>
<br /></div>
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-84i8bF1VR1U/XYbW-Ph7SYI/AAAAAAAArn4/KHpiLL58l2MXGlXtqMIYV3R-otYA62WTwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Damaraland-1040702.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1069" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-84i8bF1VR1U/XYbW-Ph7SYI/AAAAAAAArn4/KHpiLL58l2MXGlXtqMIYV3R-otYA62WTwCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/Damaraland-1040702.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our camp at Abu Huab</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Abu Huab campsite had interesting showers. Four cubicles were around a tree, with the shower roses in the middle. The walls weren’t really tall enough for privacy! Though I have to say they were the most spacious shower cubicles on the trip. I’m not sure if the spot we chose was really a campsite as everyone else had been escorted to their sites which had a primitive fence marking off their area. We didn't care, we were happy.<br />
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Z9C41r6pNCk/XYbXH8qHxPI/AAAAAAAArn8/F4_QFF8y_YUKODnyOLlplbzpTAYKUbQJACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Damaraland-1040703.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1069" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Z9C41r6pNCk/XYbXH8qHxPI/AAAAAAAArn8/F4_QFF8y_YUKODnyOLlplbzpTAYKUbQJACLcBGAsYHQ/s640/Damaraland-1040703.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Showers on the left under the tree, this was the only set out of three that had all working parts. A very basic camp.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<h3 style="text-align: left;">
</h3>
<h3 style="text-align: left;">
</h3>
<h3 style="text-align: left;">
</h3>
<h3 style="text-align: left;">
</h3>
<div>
<h3 style="text-align: left;">
Ongongo Waterfall Camp</h3>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-w9O8Iw7YmYA/XYbXdy4mHvI/AAAAAAAAroI/0_mpp7J1TMAguaSFbbTveHiJsGyP9QOcACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Damaraland-1040720.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1069" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-w9O8Iw7YmYA/XYbXdy4mHvI/AAAAAAAAroI/0_mpp7J1TMAguaSFbbTveHiJsGyP9QOcACLcBGAsYHQ/s640/Damaraland-1040720.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ongongo Camp, the roof was a welcome relief as it was heating up</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
The following destination was always supposed to be a transit stop. It was called the Waterfall camp and Lindsay was dubious that there would be any water there whatsoever. Ha. There was, and somewhere to swim too, not very deep but a small natural pool nonetheless. It was only 200kms (about 3 hrs) from the last camp so we had the afternoon to relax. From the town we followed some rudimentary signs to the camp. Passing lots of children with their hands out begging. We heard that someone had given some sweets to a couple of the children but this had caused the others who missed out to get upset. Even though we had some balloons to give them, we decided not to as we didn’t want to make anyone unhappy. To get into the camp you need to drive down into canyon of sorts and cross the river to get to some of the campsites including ours. Our only water crossing on this trip! There we had a covered area with bench, sink and three lights. Across from this was our private shower and toilet. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-P0CDWhr4At0/XYbX2td4tRI/AAAAAAAAroQ/yRkoUCsaylUfUGzreFiSM18810WO-AduQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Damaraland-1040722.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1069" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-P0CDWhr4At0/XYbX2td4tRI/AAAAAAAAroQ/yRkoUCsaylUfUGzreFiSM18810WO-AduQCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/Damaraland-1040722.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The waterfall and pool at Ongongo</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
We got chatting to a Dutch couple who love Australia and have been there a couple of times. We ended up taking our South African red wine to their site after dinner. It was delicious, funny how I would never describe white wine like this. Their campsite was on the other side of the river. Rock hoping during daylight was fine but getting back to our campsite in the dark without a torch made the journey a bit trickier.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_wyVEpEKPLk/XYbYuOzBm8I/AAAAAAAArok/cQk42WXWwDsZq-aCa1A5LvjmiQsESSAuwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Damaraland-1040713.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1069" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_wyVEpEKPLk/XYbYuOzBm8I/AAAAAAAArok/cQk42WXWwDsZq-aCa1A5LvjmiQsESSAuwCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/Damaraland-1040713.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Houses have to be made with what is available and affordable</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTFJz7Zf1y6gIKac_AzRKacpFgcVtKqYQTQbpkDrj1ndPAjyz41-alXQuANMbvC3XlryZo5FnosAUkGFNmVSStFCqqzB8R4XFIL72QF96r8w9INZuP_fup4g_x52Xza5OPe1HoCX4z9JM/s1600/Damaraland-1040717.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1069" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTFJz7Zf1y6gIKac_AzRKacpFgcVtKqYQTQbpkDrj1ndPAjyz41-alXQuANMbvC3XlryZo5FnosAUkGFNmVSStFCqqzB8R4XFIL72QF96r8w9INZuP_fup4g_x52Xza5OPe1HoCX4z9JM/s640/Damaraland-1040717.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Farmers have to move their stock to where the food is</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: left;">
It's not always easy taking photos while moving on a corrugated gravel road!</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JI_osCxQoPc/XYbYY3DPnRI/AAAAAAAAroc/vtRebfisxLcU7seQl0dJGd6uFqD-kEoGgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Damaraland-1040727.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1069" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JI_osCxQoPc/XYbYY3DPnRI/AAAAAAAAroc/vtRebfisxLcU7seQl0dJGd6uFqD-kEoGgCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/Damaraland-1040727.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Baobab trees are similar to Boab trees in the north of Australia</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<span style="text-align: start;"><br /></span>
<span style="text-align: start;"><br /></span>
<span style="text-align: start;"><br /></span>
<span style="text-align: start;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="text-align: start;"><br /></span>
<span style="text-align: start;"><br /></span>
<span style="text-align: start;"><br /></span>
</div>
<div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
<br style="text-align: start;" />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
About a five hour drive awaited us the next day, 331kms with a stop in Opuwo to fuel up and get groceries. We are headed for the Epupa Falls.<br />
<br />
Want to start at the beginning of this trip? <a href="http://tvlbug.blogspot.com/2019/07/namibia-in-30-days.html" target="_blank">Namibia - Pt 1</a><br />
<br />
<br /></div>
</div>
<br />Janehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06017837107696030036noreply@blogger.com5Walvis Bay, Namibia-22.9584081 14.505751099999998-23.0168936 14.425070099999997 -22.8999226 14.586432099999998tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3168284011338330133.post-18599053803098428842019-08-05T12:00:00.000+10:002019-09-26T16:43:03.426+10:00Just as much sand as the Sahara<h2>
Sossusvlei National Park</h2>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4dG3xwAb4Xw/XYXUwiJxR4I/AAAAAAAArh8/Kn2E03sAdzwATVtrcbN2TC9XMdpKVU97ACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Sossusvlei%2Bheader-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="539" data-original-width="1600" height="215" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4dG3xwAb4Xw/XYXUwiJxR4I/AAAAAAAArh8/Kn2E03sAdzwATVtrcbN2TC9XMdpKVU97ACLcBGAsYHQ/s640/Sossusvlei%2Bheader-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Road signs out in the desert</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
We left Luderitz after our walking tour, giving ourselves a half day start. Even though we had paid for the night we didn’t see the point in staying any longer. Google gives you approximate times but you don’t really know how long it will take until you drive it as it all depends when the road was last graded. Lindsay said he hadn’t expected so many of the roads to be gravel. I knew they were and had told him, but he obviously wasn’t listening. We couldn’t get reception in town but we could get it about 20kms out of town. We had to stop as I had some important emails to attend to. Life goes on.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ukq_jYK-l1c/XYXWbS6y3aI/AAAAAAAAriQ/wYHD3bUYxXU0HryaJncwen2ZJLmBWN7UwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Sossusvlei--5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1069" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ukq_jYK-l1c/XYXWbS6y3aI/AAAAAAAAriQ/wYHD3bUYxXU0HryaJncwen2ZJLmBWN7UwCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/Sossusvlei--5.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our campsite at Betta</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
We had no idea where we would stay that night. We could see a town called Betta about 2/3 of the way to our next destination but Tom Tom couldn’t find it and we had no data reception to ask Google when we tried. We went passed a sign with the name of a camp they said was 50kms up the road so that is where we would stay. We passed another farm stay on the way but decided to press onto this other one. When we got there it said the camp was 5kms down their driveway, which wasn’t a problem. The problem was that the driveway was very rough and Lindsay refused to go any further and turned around. So we are driving, driving and it’s getting later and later and I’m getting worried. In Australia we always start looking for a camp around 4pm as you need to be off the road by sunset because of wildlife and it's no different here. We should have stopped at that farm stay camp but it was too far back to turn around now. We passed a few farms but no-one had a camping sign out. The road started getting rougher and the corrugations were worsening. You don’t want to be driving these sorts of roads when you are tired. Then we come to Betta. It’s an oasis in the middle of nowhere. We are the first campers there and they have five campsites as well as some bungalows and chalets and a petrol station. It’s the cheapest, nicest campsite during the whole trip. The showers and toilets are clean, in good condition and with good water pressure. They even have bathmats and hand towels! The hot water donkey is put on at 5:00pm, so you can have a shower at 5:30pm. Each campsite has a covered walled sitting area with table and benches, power and a sink with water. They have a pet Oryx that chases their two dogs. Why couldn’t all the campsites be like this one? Google says it 429km from Luderitz, about 4 hours but it took us longer than that because of our road-side stop.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nZKe8NTfXMo/XYXXNR6QXXI/AAAAAAAAriY/8KGt8Yu13oAufQ_qGvxVWmFrsv9hu62PwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Sossusvlei--16.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1069" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nZKe8NTfXMo/XYXXNR6QXXI/AAAAAAAAriY/8KGt8Yu13oAufQ_qGvxVWmFrsv9hu62PwCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/Sossusvlei--16.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I didn't bring a hair dryer as the National park camps in Australia done have power, but all of these do!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
We only had 169 kilometres to go to Sesrium but it takes more than the estimated two hours. The road gets worse. A couple of hundred kilometres either side of Sossusvlei are the worst roads we encounter in the whole country. Later in the trip we meet a couple who broke a shock absorber and destroyed two tyres on this road. After lunch we go down to Dead Vlei so that we know what to expect at sunrise the next day, it's going to be an early start. When we get back I go to have a shower but I can’t find any light switches and it's starting to get dark. I get undressed and turn on the tap but no water comes out. I put a towel around me, grab my stuff and try another one. The hot water dribbles out but the cold water is better. I call out to someone in the other shower. Is your shower awful? Yes, she says. Any hot water? No. I'm not that tough, no cold shower for me, I've brought some baby wipes. The next day I ask a cleaner where I can find a better shower and she points me towards another shower block, I make sure I have one during the day before the hot water runs out as they must be solar.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mbAlkjL5I-M/XYXXoVg9hgI/AAAAAAAArig/1Etb4T8xhHke6Acx_BpIWnlX1JKe8XFXgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Sossusvlei--22.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mbAlkjL5I-M/XYXXoVg9hgI/AAAAAAAArig/1Etb4T8xhHke6Acx_BpIWnlX1JKe8XFXgCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/Sossusvlei--22.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">You never see a picture like this of Dead Vlei, but this is what it looks like when you arrive</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Staying in the national park or an exclusive lodge are the only options for accessing the park an hour before normal opening time at sunrise. Normal park hours in July are 7:30-18:30. Passing through the gate at 06:35, there was no-one to be seen. It’s a 60km drive on bitumen with a 60km/hr speed limit, so it takes an hour. Then you have a 15 minute 4WD on really really soft sand to the next car park. Anyone with a 2WD needs to walk or wait for a national parks car to take them in. Today was really windy so we had our cameras in dry bags to keep out the sand. Dead Vlei is our destination. No one takes any notice of the 60km speed limit. It’s supposedly a 6km return trek in but it doesn’t seem that long. It is tiring though as you are walking in soft sand. We have plenty of time as the sun hasn’t started lighting up the dunes yet as it has to get over Big Daddy first.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2w0f9O5_l8s/XYXYnKKuRZI/AAAAAAAAri8/6E7mtGioMGwznO20RJsOYVAGEIcLofnOgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Sossusvlei--40.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2w0f9O5_l8s/XYXYnKKuRZI/AAAAAAAAri8/6E7mtGioMGwznO20RJsOYVAGEIcLofnOgCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/Sossusvlei--40.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption"><span style="font-size: x-small;">This is what the ground is like - it's a pan</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3j5twlE5cdl4VpUaGeF6yBHCo78ZbQbBoax6e_i0Dtd704opu9GAcAGekKC7re1HAL3A00wz77NTS2MzYHGyyQsuvVYqVfXw29hHPjRXDyTsGSSA9vVojUaquewBVIm1wFbw8y_nDpco/s1600/Sossusvlei--27.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3j5twlE5cdl4VpUaGeF6yBHCo78ZbQbBoax6e_i0Dtd704opu9GAcAGekKC7re1HAL3A00wz77NTS2MzYHGyyQsuvVYqVfXw29hHPjRXDyTsGSSA9vVojUaquewBVIm1wFbw8y_nDpco/s640/Sossusvlei--27.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dead Vlei in the afternoon</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Photo tip: the sun lights up the left hand side of the pan (where the big sand dune is) in the afternoon. In the morning, it’s on the right hand side.<br />
<br />
We weren't sure where Dead Vlei was, so decided to just follow everyone else. I had read that you had to walk over a large dune before you got to it, but it is right next to the Big Daddy dune.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DgGRY4s17vg/XYXYPz5_GgI/AAAAAAAAris/9auGWVRihyYuWOsyPTpkablQzw6cgL2pwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Sossusvlei--33.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DgGRY4s17vg/XYXYPz5_GgI/AAAAAAAAris/9auGWVRihyYuWOsyPTpkablQzw6cgL2pwCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/Sossusvlei--33.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The trees don't rot because the air is so dry</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
A bottle of beer and a jar of spaghetti sauce broke in our fridge most likely from the bumpy 4WD section, ruining all our food not only with the smell of beer and tomatoes but shades of glass. Our neighbours whom Lindsay had been chatting to all afternoon were going to the restaurant for dinner, so we joined them.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fuvr78UuIpA/XYXcaVP8VSI/AAAAAAAArjU/nF2BA_ivpWYB8FAq44Ng2xadR8OYmFnzwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Sossusvlei--59.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-size: 12.8px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fuvr78UuIpA/XYXcaVP8VSI/AAAAAAAArjU/nF2BA_ivpWYB8FAq44Ng2xadR8OYmFnzwCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/Sossusvlei--59.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dead Vlei in the morning</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-s5uAFd_xnuc/XYXYecRG12I/AAAAAAAAri0/8xYblOKz3Nk8Khh06YmIA7CBwWUP28I7ACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Sossusvlei--41.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-s5uAFd_xnuc/XYXYecRG12I/AAAAAAAAri0/8xYblOKz3Nk8Khh06YmIA7CBwWUP28I7ACLcBGAsYHQ/s640/Sossusvlei--41.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dunes on the other side of the carpark</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nS0ylDA--5Q/XYXhLhdQOKI/AAAAAAAArkM/_OyFafI26rY06dLM2NBD0IdaTvlfQ8cYgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Sossusvlei--55.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nS0ylDA--5Q/XYXhLhdQOKI/AAAAAAAArkM/_OyFafI26rY06dLM2NBD0IdaTvlfQ8cYgCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/Sossusvlei--55.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption"><span style="font-size: x-small;">The sun is blocked by Big Daddy sand dune in the morning</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xTe9xEKg4dE/XYXdEcoyIbI/AAAAAAAArjk/87OzWoMt6xkedRc_y4aTiz9Lx4N9cs9DQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Sossusvlei--60.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xTe9xEKg4dE/XYXdEcoyIbI/AAAAAAAArjk/87OzWoMt6xkedRc_y4aTiz9Lx4N9cs9DQCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/Sossusvlei--60.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dead Vlei morning</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5hy4nzmuy6A/XYXghZJN4dI/AAAAAAAArkE/145Ni6s8j9cNTD2cFWDdUd_NQLGFqeqagCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Sossusvlei--69.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="787" data-original-width="1600" height="314" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5hy4nzmuy6A/XYXghZJN4dI/AAAAAAAArkE/145Ni6s8j9cNTD2cFWDdUd_NQLGFqeqagCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/Sossusvlei--69.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of many wind gusts that come through sending sand everywhere</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xNBJcvVS9zI/XYXbtDPw9qI/AAAAAAAArjM/bAPehqaLH9cMH5iJn-tB3TTWRAZ6nA-DQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Sossusvlei--48.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xNBJcvVS9zI/XYXbtDPw9qI/AAAAAAAArjM/bAPehqaLH9cMH5iJn-tB3TTWRAZ6nA-DQCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/Sossusvlei--48.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Dune 49 in the afternoon</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-U0rR_60pQwY/XYXcuIhaq9I/AAAAAAAArjc/gVKOY4yCSXgApQhpERpgaaExX1d2sJVpgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Sossusvlei--53.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-U0rR_60pQwY/XYXcuIhaq9I/AAAAAAAArjc/gVKOY4yCSXgApQhpERpgaaExX1d2sJVpgCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/Sossusvlei--53.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
On our second morning we head for Dune 42 which is 42kms from the gate, and the one just before that. Dune 45 is the most famous dune, but it’s not very picturesque. All the tour companies take tourists there to climb it, it saves them from having to navigate the 4WD section of the road and 15kms closer than Big Daddy. <br />
<br />
The dunes we photographed have nice trees at the bottom to give you some foreground interest. All the buses had gone to Big Daddy and Dune 42, so people trying to avoid all those tourists came to our dune and climbed up and sat there waiting for the sun to rise, leaving their footprints all over the sand which I have had to get rid of.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yPLE8YhDyi0/XYXdRRnsXhI/AAAAAAAArjo/g8_PnloHOOwfWseFr2_Y4zOFPyI3JlV5ACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Sossusvlei--67.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yPLE8YhDyi0/XYXdRRnsXhI/AAAAAAAArjo/g8_PnloHOOwfWseFr2_Y4zOFPyI3JlV5ACLcBGAsYHQ/s640/Sossusvlei--67.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dune in the morning, not sure which one. I thought is was 42</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
The campsite is large and very busy. On the second day the tourist buses started arriving, it was like someone had just opened the flood gates or maybe school holidays had just started. <br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XIHlxhsRmwU/XYXfCQ9LrmI/AAAAAAAArj4/9wkxwmBJ42odFpzSoi9i1VM5Kz4Q56TCgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Sossusvlei--66.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XIHlxhsRmwU/XYXfCQ9LrmI/AAAAAAAArj4/9wkxwmBJ42odFpzSoi9i1VM5Kz4Q56TCgCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/Sossusvlei--66.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Oryx</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WUfY7BoYdcA/XYXkw-kpdNI/AAAAAAAArkY/t67hSvRpNZ8tyJD758plmCLi1kkSWTmdQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Sossusvlei--70.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1096" data-original-width="1600" height="438" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WUfY7BoYdcA/XYXkw-kpdNI/AAAAAAAArkY/t67hSvRpNZ8tyJD758plmCLi1kkSWTmdQCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/Sossusvlei--70.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<i>Next stop:</i> Walvis Bay. 319km on gravel<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Want to start at the beginning of the blog? <a href="http://tvlbug.blogspot.com/2019/07/namibia-in-30-days.html" target="_blank">Namibia - Post 1</a><br />
<br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-size: x-small;">Disclaimer</span></b> - All of the clouds in these skies have been added as there were none<br />
<br /></div>
Janehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06017837107696030036noreply@blogger.com4Sossusvlei, Namibia-24.7273906 15.342390900000055-24.9581546 15.019667400000055 -24.4966266 15.665114400000055tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3168284011338330133.post-71595174623443528612019-08-03T09:00:00.000+10:002019-09-22T08:04:19.854+10:00Sand Drift<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div>
<h2>
Luderitz</h2>
</div>
<div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EHG4dovxJ00/XXgs9zAgnFI/AAAAAAAArgE/6ixyUo5PrWE784JKjVVITTi6umICFqxbgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Luderitz-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="935" data-original-width="1500" height="398" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EHG4dovxJ00/XXgs9zAgnFI/AAAAAAAArgE/6ixyUo5PrWE784JKjVVITTi6umICFqxbgCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/Luderitz-3.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The German influence can be seen in these colourful houses</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I was really looking forward to Luderitz because of the photos we had seen of the nearby ghost town of Kolmanskop. With no-one there to shovel the sand off the road or to close the windows, the sand is slowly taking over the abandoned once lavish houses.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FYs6-Fo1j08/XXltKfObyDI/AAAAAAAArhQ/dgPv6RGXSuEKJ0Ud1S9xzswg5g5Vsi0dwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Luderitz-Kolmanskop-36-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FYs6-Fo1j08/XXltKfObyDI/AAAAAAAArhQ/dgPv6RGXSuEKJ0Ud1S9xzswg5g5Vsi0dwCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/Luderitz-Kolmanskop-36-2.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The house on the left is so dangerously dilapidated that you can't enter it. <br />
Most of the houses single storey, only a few are two storey which belonged to the architect and other VIP's. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SZnirigSYk8/XXgqm8spv6I/AAAAAAAArfA/I5BoE3WTnE42ItXnr5WBk0gkKqgWAl26gCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Luderitz-Kolmanskop-5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1001" data-original-width="1500" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SZnirigSYk8/XXgqm8spv6I/AAAAAAAArfA/I5BoE3WTnE42ItXnr5WBk0gkKqgWAl26gCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/Luderitz-Kolmanskop-5.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div>
We arrived at lunchtime and went straight to the only place in town that could fix anything to do with cars to see if we could get the soldering for our inverter done correctly - third time lucky. There was another traveller there getting a side window fixed as they had been broken into. We both went to the supermarket which was a really nice one but Lindsay started feeling uneasy and sent me back to look after the car. It was Saturday and unbeknown to us the supermarket was about to close and most of the shops already had. There is no Saturday afternoon or Sunday trading in Namibia.</div>
<br />
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3wpr5vmmG5U/XXgp7ZF_C1I/AAAAAAAAre4/K3FEKQbJlfM8MVQqrYBQIradwGFoRZoRACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Luderitz-Kolmanskop-14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3wpr5vmmG5U/XXgp7ZF_C1I/AAAAAAAAre4/K3FEKQbJlfM8MVQqrYBQIradwGFoRZoRACLcBGAsYHQ/s640/Luderitz-Kolmanskop-14.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ukh2szlCPZs/XXgqyJCPoTI/AAAAAAAArfE/4SnnrHZBlyUSgZwTJQ2m14MPUvxT6AuLACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Luderitz-Kolmanskop-8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ukh2szlCPZs/XXgqyJCPoTI/AAAAAAAArfE/4SnnrHZBlyUSgZwTJQ2m14MPUvxT6AuLACLcBGAsYHQ/s640/Luderitz-Kolmanskop-8.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div>
We thought we needed a permit to photograph the ghost town, so was really annoyed that the shop that sold the permits was closed. After lunch we went back to Kolmanskop Ghost Town which is about 10kms out of town, but it was closed too. It’s the main tourist attraction in the area, what was going on?</div>
<div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YBV7VIVkERo/XXgu96gYiZI/AAAAAAAArgY/03SaCfEsf34G1j79jp33-V2_vLVzRg_rgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/kolmanskop%2Bentry%2Btimes-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1411" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YBV7VIVkERo/XXgu96gYiZI/AAAAAAAArgY/03SaCfEsf34G1j79jp33-V2_vLVzRg_rgCLcBGAsYHQ/s200/kolmanskop%2Bentry%2Btimes-1.jpg" width="188" /></a></div>
<br />
We tried to make sense of the permit rules and opening times, went back to the shop and looked at theirs. You can only buy the permit from the shop and we didn't know if they were open on Sundays as they had only posted their summer opening hours and it was winter. We gave up and decided we would just turn up on the Sunday at the opening time of 8am and hoped we could buy our entry tickets there. We got there early to be first in so that we could get some photos without other people in them. It turns out that you don’t need a photography permit to photograph inside opening hours, it is only for sunset to sunrise like the Quiver tree forest. Seeing as we only really wanted to take photos inside, we didn’t need one after all. The place is quite large and there are a number of buildings to choose from. Where to start? We asked the man who sold us our tickets and he said the ones up the far end - of course they were! All of the photos taken inside are between 2 and 4 photos blended to get the light right.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2UHfYsA5PEI/XXgq-xKyVAI/AAAAAAAArfM/6Stee8qo1c82-bh5UH8yBlFjBcdmV-FHgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Luderitz-Kolmanskop-13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2UHfYsA5PEI/XXgq-xKyVAI/AAAAAAAArfM/6Stee8qo1c82-bh5UH8yBlFjBcdmV-FHgCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/Luderitz-Kolmanskop-13.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">So glad they put colour on their walls!</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /></div>
<div>
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Included in your entrance fee is a guided tour at 10am. So we had two hours to take photos before the tour, which was just enough. This is an excellent tour and you hear about how the town started. They were mining for something else and a worker gave his boss a stone he had found on the ground. It turned out to be a diamond. Not long after people had started staking out claims, the German government took over and made it compulsory that only companies could mine here. The town had a school, ice works, butchery, general store, bowling alley, gym/concert hall and hospital. They had the first x-ray machine in Namibia and while it may have come in handy if anyone was sick it was actually to make sure no-one had swallowed any diamonds. The richest person in town was the store owner. She could get you anything shipped from South African or Germany. There was a railway in town that took everyone to her store. Every day each household was given a block of ice for their ice chest free of charge, when that melted it was used as drinking water. Water was originally brought in by ship. At one point it was cheaper to bath in champagne than water. The town declined after WWII.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fuImG8mZ5bo/XXgtunLYRBI/AAAAAAAArgQ/3F8Uw--fslcOaQoqnOgimDQ1sUTO1LCHwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Luderitz-Kolmanskop-32.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fuImG8mZ5bo/XXgtunLYRBI/AAAAAAAArgQ/3F8Uw--fslcOaQoqnOgimDQ1sUTO1LCHwCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/Luderitz-Kolmanskop-32.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TJ87WsBwAxI/XXgrenI3D7I/AAAAAAAArfY/UT2Pvi1k6pk_PJRTiQuaTatsOUyXdVehACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Luderitz-Kolmanskop-23.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TJ87WsBwAxI/XXgrenI3D7I/AAAAAAAArfY/UT2Pvi1k6pk_PJRTiQuaTatsOUyXdVehACLcBGAsYHQ/s640/Luderitz-Kolmanskop-23.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-H1JTOEETuUY/XXgrmjFx6EI/AAAAAAAArfc/obJ0E0K79K0-2y4S1jiaCe1r1cte--TfwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Luderitz-Kolmanskop-33.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-H1JTOEETuUY/XXgrmjFx6EI/AAAAAAAArfc/obJ0E0K79K0-2y4S1jiaCe1r1cte--TfwCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/Luderitz-Kolmanskop-33.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<br />
We stayed at the national parks campsite called Shark Island which now has a permanent causeway connecting it to the mainland. It’s right on the coast so can get a bit windy. The ablution blocks are woeful they are old and in need of maintenance, which is not good enough for the price they are now charging. One campsite actually had grass but as we didn't want to leave anything out we lost it when we left to go sightseeing.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-L02jHVTLnoo/XXgruFHkTDI/AAAAAAAArfg/crQnNBF6zf0_4Hbj6JHIKaFktnGy3PSbQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Luderitz-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1002" data-original-width="1500" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-L02jHVTLnoo/XXgruFHkTDI/AAAAAAAArfg/crQnNBF6zf0_4Hbj6JHIKaFktnGy3PSbQCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/Luderitz-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shark Island campsite</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Lindsay started to get worried about how long it would take to get to Sossusvlei and decided that we would leave here a day early even though we have paid for another night.</div>
<br />
During the first afternoon we went for a drive to do some local sight seeing to the south of town doing a loop to Diaz Point where the first Portuguese explorer arrived in the 1488. Along the way we came across some flamingoes.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fO_XBWgx6os/XXiPmS7PJtI/AAAAAAAArg4/NeCzf0Xf-_wQVAMILYbqAW0no4uXQrosgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Flamingo-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fO_XBWgx6os/XXiPmS7PJtI/AAAAAAAArg4/NeCzf0Xf-_wQVAMILYbqAW0no4uXQrosgCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/Flamingo-1.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-O7RnQ51u2m0/XXiPeHrK69I/AAAAAAAArgw/yDS6EYpCp08Dgy_oNv-tbv7Jz9v60nU5ACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Flamingo-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-O7RnQ51u2m0/XXiPeHrK69I/AAAAAAAArgw/yDS6EYpCp08Dgy_oNv-tbv7Jz9v60nU5ACLcBGAsYHQ/s640/Flamingo-2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-K2oQ2RbVgxY/XXiPLtvy_oI/AAAAAAAArgo/ZACtp1e0cCkEkAUUDuh5ScsUuNRQTxTIACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Flamingo-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-K2oQ2RbVgxY/XXiPLtvy_oI/AAAAAAAArgo/ZACtp1e0cCkEkAUUDuh5ScsUuNRQTxTIACLcBGAsYHQ/s640/Flamingo-3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FPaSzAFMLYc/XXiPSOb8JPI/AAAAAAAArgs/fcT2C1DCShYzwexxj4Yzqbi2HM_kwL_xQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Flamingo-4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FPaSzAFMLYc/XXiPSOb8JPI/AAAAAAAArgs/fcT2C1DCShYzwexxj4Yzqbi2HM_kwL_xQCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/Flamingo-4.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UQng3uMBhrY/XXgsFif_4DI/AAAAAAAArfs/l5j7eCwSmWEzMBI5pRq5fvBrmpSmSoakwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Luderitz-Diaz%2BPoint-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1017" data-original-width="1500" height="432" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UQng3uMBhrY/XXgsFif_4DI/AAAAAAAArfs/l5j7eCwSmWEzMBI5pRq5fvBrmpSmSoakwCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/Luderitz-Diaz%2BPoint-3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kYDEfeTYcIg/XXgsLyhDluI/AAAAAAAArfw/ZIWe3XBrgKot2e7bwSTkt8JsuBos3ImiwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Luderitz-Diaz%2BPoint-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kYDEfeTYcIg/XXgsLyhDluI/AAAAAAAArfw/ZIWe3XBrgKot2e7bwSTkt8JsuBos3ImiwCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/Luderitz-Diaz%2BPoint-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">There is a cross at the top of the rocks but I didn't notice it as I only interested in these pylons</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The air at the coast is noticeably less dry than further in. Lindsay thinks it's the water drying out our skin, but I think it's the air. Our skin is loving being near the coast.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8Hsdof5zZ6s/XXlsN81mr8I/AAAAAAAArhI/0it4Wt9j-ccB82RGFSI7adwYtYcEZDmZACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Luderitz-railway%2Bsiding-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="788" data-original-width="1500" height="336" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8Hsdof5zZ6s/XXlsN81mr8I/AAAAAAAArhI/0it4Wt9j-ccB82RGFSI7adwYtYcEZDmZACLcBGAsYHQ/s640/Luderitz-railway%2Bsiding-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 12.8px;">This old railway siding house is on the main road from Aus to Luderitz. </span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /></div>
</div>
<div>
Distance from Quiver Tree Rest Camp to Luderitz - 352kms on bitumen, 3:21 hrs approx.<br />
<br />
Want to start at the beginning of this trip? <a href="http://tvlbug.blogspot.com/2019/07/namibia-in-30-days.html" target="_blank">Namibia - Pt 1</a><br />
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
Janehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06017837107696030036noreply@blogger.com2Luderitz, Namibia-26.6420382 15.163908200000037-26.6988092 15.083227200000037 -26.585267199999997 15.244589200000037tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3168284011338330133.post-71791834653086184962019-07-31T12:00:00.000+10:002019-09-15T07:10:36.963+10:00Kokerboom - Quiver Trees <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IWd4V1CYmO4/XXgR7-QeSFI/AAAAAAAArd0/bmCTazOpuj0NcplTNvpkJIAcmooZqHZngCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Quiver%2BTrees-7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IWd4V1CYmO4/XXgR7-QeSFI/AAAAAAAArd0/bmCTazOpuj0NcplTNvpkJIAcmooZqHZngCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/Quiver%2BTrees-7.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Just out of Keetmanshoop is the Quiver Tree forest. There are a couple of trees dotted here and there in other places, but nowhere else is there such a number in one place. They say they were never planted, with the largest trees being between 200-300 years old. The bushmen and Hottentot tribes use to make quivers for their arrows from the tough, pliable bark which is where they get their name. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3Cj6KHVAS9Y/XXgSGZ8VYlI/AAAAAAAArd4/rQWMPVE1PFUoIkcc_ixuGyAjGLZdH_zQgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Quiver%2BTrees-8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3Cj6KHVAS9Y/XXgSGZ8VYlI/AAAAAAAArd4/rQWMPVE1PFUoIkcc_ixuGyAjGLZdH_zQgCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/Quiver%2BTrees-8.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
The forest is located on a private farm, but they also have a campground, guest houses and bungalows so that people can visit their forest. You don’t need to book to camp there which surprised me as most people have this on their itinerary. Just arrive before sunset they said. They charge per person – an entrance fee, a camping fee, a car fee and a night photography permit fee if you want to photograph between sunset and sunrise. We didn't book the night fee that night as we were tired from the drive and it was also a little cold and windy. She also said they had a group of Chinese coming in. Knowing how inconsiderate they can be when it comes to space and taking photos, we opted for the second night. Perfect conditions, no wind and it was even too warm to wear a jumper at the start. We went well prepared with our heavy chairs, jackets, tripods, remote timers, beanie and gloves - it not easy carrying this stuff over rocks even in daylight. I left my backpack with my camera gear at one stage to go searching for the perfect tree and Lindsay kindly moved my tripod and chair closer but it took me ages to find my black backpack amongst the black rocks.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-szuXdNrRYnE/XXgSSMrUDCI/AAAAAAAArd8/Bihg6I4CrvspLwpqNxqJFP9WuHoGec12ACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Quiver%2BTrees-13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1001" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-szuXdNrRYnE/XXgSSMrUDCI/AAAAAAAArd8/Bihg6I4CrvspLwpqNxqJFP9WuHoGec12ACLcBGAsYHQ/s640/Quiver%2BTrees-13.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
The dates for this trip had been worked around the new moon at this location as Lindsay wanted to do a star trail behind one of the trees. The reason you choose the new moon is so that the moon doesn’t light up the sky. To get the stars going in a circle, you need to point the camera at the southern polar star. Where Lindsay thought this was had the camera pointed towards the town which created light pollution in the photos, worse than a full moon. Looking at photos on the web, clearly other people have managed to capture this type of photo, but it was beyond us. He hadn’t done any practice which could have had a lot to do with it. I’m not interested in star trails as you need to take hundreds of photos over a period of 3-4 hours and I’m not that dedicated.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eh4DKEt506o/XXgSbZn0zeI/AAAAAAAAreE/ZOLHnQ-_z2gofexKrhWO9YcTr6XUdlHzwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Quiver%2BTrees-15.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1000" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eh4DKEt506o/XXgSbZn0zeI/AAAAAAAAreE/ZOLHnQ-_z2gofexKrhWO9YcTr6XUdlHzwCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/Quiver%2BTrees-15.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lindsay got the best night shot. He has light painted the tree with a torch or you wouldn't see it</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
We decided to concentrate on the Milky Way, this time I need to do some practice. The galactic centre was high above us, so pretty impossible to get this into any pictures. Our next option was photographing either side. I thought the milky way was only in one place, but there are two places that it intercepts the horizon – think of a rainbow. I was very disappointed with my photos. I don’t actually understand how it’s done. Some people manage to just take one shot. But if you focus for the stars, then your trees are out of focus. Some research and practice is in order. Too long a shutter speed and your stars will be out of focus. Too high an ISO and your picture will be grainy. Focusing in the dark - good luck with that. Trying to work all of this out in the dark is frustrating and difficult.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9rImh-2FzS0/XXgSnHpXmwI/AAAAAAAAreM/wfC4qubZdoUgIOeRbe0y2NgQ8xlBGQCkQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Quiver%2BTrees-12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9rImh-2FzS0/XXgSnHpXmwI/AAAAAAAAreM/wfC4qubZdoUgIOeRbe0y2NgQ8xlBGQCkQCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/Quiver%2BTrees-12.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">the forest</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
There were quite a few photographers there that night but by the time we finished there was no-one around. Getting back to the campsite in the dark with all our gear was awkward as these trees mostly grow in black rock formations, which they like because they retain the heat at night. We had to be careful not to twist an ankle or fall over. It was taking too long to get down from this forest, were we going in the right direction? No! we then remembered the lights of the town which were in the same direction as the campground, we had been walking in the opposite direction!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OmdznWYlmu0/XXgSxOay1RI/AAAAAAAAreU/PV5g1blYa3cHhfSO1lapYgmVJbSv94X_wCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Quiver%2BTrees-16.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OmdznWYlmu0/XXgSxOay1RI/AAAAAAAAreU/PV5g1blYa3cHhfSO1lapYgmVJbSv94X_wCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/Quiver%2BTrees-16.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 12.8px;">these love birds are in the campground</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
A few kilometres up the road is the Giants Playground, also owned by the same people, so your entrance fee allows you to go there too. <br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioEa1hPcfMVcQjyTnfSurrxgxk6FIOqzOZEELJnjgdz1Trqdg2A2WubKdexvOgc_rGO3V_bB3Au-Rh3sljNDqdyqAuJH7XHpLx3z0xCIa-03j5iWbeJtFfG_MIm44tm41-QFjnzvwJIgk/s1600/Quiver+Trees-10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioEa1hPcfMVcQjyTnfSurrxgxk6FIOqzOZEELJnjgdz1Trqdg2A2WubKdexvOgc_rGO3V_bB3Au-Rh3sljNDqdyqAuJH7XHpLx3z0xCIa-03j5iWbeJtFfG_MIm44tm41-QFjnzvwJIgk/s640/Quiver+Trees-10.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 12.8px;">Giants Playground: these trees just love rocks</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-czZEr4jQsnw/XXgTHL_9AYI/AAAAAAAArek/hZ1hZf8iMCUpK-keICTz_FIHh2_g6RPKQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Quiver%2BTrees-11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-czZEr4jQsnw/XXgTHL_9AYI/AAAAAAAArek/hZ1hZf8iMCUpK-keICTz_FIHh2_g6RPKQCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/Quiver%2BTrees-11.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 12.8px;">Only a giant could have placed these rocks like this</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div>
During the day we went into Keetmanshoop to get some groceries and to get someone to do some soldering on our cigarette lighter plug for the inverter. They took 45 minutes and soldered the wrong wires, so we still can't use it inside the car. Not much in the way of fresh vegetables here, definitely no broccoli. With all our camera gear in the car and camper we usually made sure one of us, usually me, stayed with the car. I reluctantly agreed to KFC for lunch as I knew we wouldn't have time for dinner, but I really really don't like fast food. We needed to buy Lindsay some sunglasses as he hadn't brought any and the gravel roads were really bright in the sunshine and were making his eyes sore. The local optometrist had a very limited range but we managed to find a pair in a sports store.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hSTRAsqljMY/XXgTSkRMFOI/AAAAAAAAres/Xdl8Oc1vd20i1tnVLWqt1WzrfgWp2ig2gCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Quiver%2BTrees-5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hSTRAsqljMY/XXgTSkRMFOI/AAAAAAAAres/Xdl8Oc1vd20i1tnVLWqt1WzrfgWp2ig2gCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/Quiver%2BTrees-5.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">we chose this campsite away from everyone else, less people driving past you = less sand and dust</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
The campground is like most of them, lots of dirt, a braai, water, power, rubbish bins. The showers were very small - the width was okay but the depth didn't allow you to turn around. It really makes you wonder who works out the dimensions of these things. Lindsay showered with the curtain open to give hime more space and left his clothes outside on a chair, so there was water everywhere. I washed some clothes before we went into town and hung them on their clothesline putting three pegs on most things as it was really windy. I seriously wondered if everything would be there when we got back, but they were.<br />
<br />
Distance between Rooiputs camp and Quiver tree, 2 border crossings - 367km, time estimate 4:30 hrs, how long did it take? I can't remember but at one point I did wonder how long we would have to sit at the boom gate for them to let us out of South Africa. I think they forgot us.<br />
<br /></div>
<div>
Next stop - Luderitz on the coast.<br />
<br />
Distance from Quiver Tree Rest Camp to Luderitz - 352kms on bitumen, 3:20 hrs approx</div>
<!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin:0cm;
mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:Calibri;
mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-language:EN-US;}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<!--StartFragment--><!--EndFragment--><br />
<div>
<br /></div>
Janehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06017837107696030036noreply@blogger.com9Keetmanshoop, Namibia-26.5642351 18.131008299999962-26.6778531 17.969646799999961 -26.450617100000002 18.292369799999964tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3168284011338330133.post-82835281670110708792019-07-25T12:00:00.000+10:002019-09-15T07:13:20.962+10:00Kgalagadi Tranfrontier National Park Everyone knows Lindsay loves his lions, so when he heard that Botswana had lions with black manes he had to put this on our list. <br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-71qV5IfgorQ/XW4FQDOkX2I/AAAAAAAArU8/zZlgkXv28q0_JqEzJ3MzXVv-fYty1wibQCLcBGAs/s1600/Kgalagardi-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="667" data-original-width="1000" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-71qV5IfgorQ/XW4FQDOkX2I/AAAAAAAArU8/zZlgkXv28q0_JqEzJ3MzXVv-fYty1wibQCLcBGAs/s640/Kgalagardi-3.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Honey Badger, which are nocturnal, but we saw quite a few</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Kgalagadi is accessible from Namibia from the eastern border. Too far to go straight to our campground so we had booked a night at Anib Resort, 280km south of Windhoek that has three camping spots. They offer a night drive but why would we want to have someone else drive us around when we were about to do it ourselves.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EOzDbAcf4zw/XW4Fhxns75I/AAAAAAAArVE/eR3EfHGRdL8T4cjo6BbH4FbUcc6bW4NiQCLcBGAs/s1600/Kgalagardi-5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="667" data-original-width="1000" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EOzDbAcf4zw/XW4Fhxns75I/AAAAAAAArVE/eR3EfHGRdL8T4cjo6BbH4FbUcc6bW4NiQCLcBGAs/s640/Kgalagardi-5.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lots of Ostrich</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
It was day one of camping; time to see how everything worked. We had bought some spaghetti and decided to have an easy meal. OMG. Namibian spaghetti is awful, it was just a gluggy mess. Our washing up bowl leaked slightly but not enough to worry about as long as I didn’t move it after it was filled up and washed quickly. We had forgotten to buy a sponge and scourer. I knew we should have camped in Windhoek to do a dry run, with no shops for the foreseeable future, we would have to try a service station for one. <br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wSvy6zmXV4I/XW4FsLvEHZI/AAAAAAAArVI/yXO7VZCtOfo6IAgfnm9LfPIWIllWCypkACLcBGAs/s1600/Kgalagardi-8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="667" data-original-width="1000" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wSvy6zmXV4I/XW4FsLvEHZI/AAAAAAAArVI/yXO7VZCtOfo6IAgfnm9LfPIWIllWCypkACLcBGAs/s640/Kgalagardi-8.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We only saw giraffe on one occasion</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Bed was pretty simple to set up, just open up the back and lift up the roof. The hire company had supplied pillows, a sheet and new sleeping bags rated to -3°C. Lindsay had brought over his MacPac -6°C rated sleeping bag but I’d left mine at home as always get too hot in it. Big mistake. It’s mid July and the desert can get freezing at night, not every night but quite a few. Lindsay gave me his sleeping bag, yay. I had brought over a polar fleece blanket which was also very useful. The nights are quite warm to start off with, so I would start off with the -3 bag, then progress as the night got colder, -6 bag, then add the blanket. <br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gRI_jdSKap8/XW4F7doLx9I/AAAAAAAArVQ/64TKfBshzLomzOfkZ127PJmA80KrmqcNQCLcBGAs/s1600/Kgalagardi-10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="667" data-original-width="1000" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gRI_jdSKap8/XW4F7doLx9I/AAAAAAAArVQ/64TKfBshzLomzOfkZ127PJmA80KrmqcNQCLcBGAs/s640/Kgalagardi-10.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Meer cats come into camp to beg for food and people can't resist them</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Our camper had two gas burners & bottles, one on the back of the truck – always set up and accessible and one packed in the side hatch with a burner on top. It was a little windy so the portable one is handy to sit in a sheltered spot but we also parked into the wind to protect the other one. <br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-j7SjYfKGuFk/XW4GIw4_HyI/AAAAAAAArVY/cLdVBjcN99M3Mp-gUF4A0LjTAM2uAJGpACLcBGAs/s1600/Kgalagardi-12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="668" data-original-width="1000" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-j7SjYfKGuFk/XW4GIw4_HyI/AAAAAAAArVY/cLdVBjcN99M3Mp-gUF4A0LjTAM2uAJGpACLcBGAs/s640/Kgalagardi-12.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nothing is close by</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
We had a paper map that our friend David had given us. I had also done screen dumps of google maps to each destination and I had downloaded Namibia on the maps.me app and saved each camp with a star – which came in handy a couple of times, especially when we had no mobile coverage. We had bought a MTC 3gb mobile phone plan that lasts 60 days at the airport. I had heard that there would be lots of places that would have no reception, so didn’t think we needed any bigger. We made sure we turned everything off and didn’t even use half of it. <br />
<br />
The bitumen road stopped after the next town from our first camp, then it was gravel for the next week or so. We filled up with fuel as we had no idea where our next fuel stop would be and reduced our tyre pressures.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9NtHuXXEC0k/XW4HMVUHkgI/AAAAAAAArVw/un5TpUy8nu8_F03dmx0A_jyInwz_gTGagCLcBGAs/s1600/Kgalagardi-14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="667" data-original-width="1000" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9NtHuXXEC0k/XW4HMVUHkgI/AAAAAAAArVw/un5TpUy8nu8_F03dmx0A_jyInwz_gTGagCLcBGAs/s640/Kgalagardi-14.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our first young male lion - he hasn't grown is mane yet</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
There is no border control going into South Africa at Mata Mata camp (pronounced marta). When you check into the South African run camp you have to give your passports to the policeman. The national parks lady organised our parks fee which you can pay by credit card. I had read numerous times that not many service stations took credit cards, so we got some money out at Johannesburg airport as they use two currencies in Namibia – the Namibian dollar and the South African Rand and some more in Windhoek. The maximum you can withdraw is $3,000 in either currency and they are worth the same value – this was $A310. So just take off a digit to get approximate Australian dollars. The South African machines charged us a $R150 withdrawal fee each! We had two accounts, so got out $N6,000 and $R6,000. I had read that you couldn’t exchange Namibian dollars back into another currency but you can Rand, so my plan was to use up the Namibian dollars first, then the Rand. I don’t know if this is true as we ended up spending all our cash. We had two fuel tanks so could sometimes need $1200 - $1500 to fill up, so I didn’t want to get caught out. Most service stations took credit cards, there were only two that didn’t.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIL0Kcg_vaHGsjUKBXkh8ZccWW0Bxw1EYSYPcA1qbRX24nyTEcqve00I6EjxWo2jP1QEpNfxUtlIqXDxJtug8a5WOStcIOsg1wlResVdZIReSUQ5vNchXlnhgipyldxmplioOZsn9SfEI/s1600/Kgalagardi-17.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="667" data-original-width="1000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIL0Kcg_vaHGsjUKBXkh8ZccWW0Bxw1EYSYPcA1qbRX24nyTEcqve00I6EjxWo2jP1QEpNfxUtlIqXDxJtug8a5WOStcIOsg1wlResVdZIReSUQ5vNchXlnhgipyldxmplioOZsn9SfEI/s640/Kgalagardi-17.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Oryx</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We explained (complained really) to the national parks lady that we had tried to book the Rooiputs campsite with Botswana but they hadn’t answered our emails or the phone when we rang. Everyone we spoke to complains about Botswana National Parks. She knew what they were like and offered to ring them for us, but no they were booked out but they could book a campsite nearby called Two Rivers. This was our only chance of seeing the black maned lions, so we agreed and would have to ditch Fish River Canyon. We had forgotten that we had gone into another country and hadn’t turned off our phone. Not only that but I used it to ring Namibian national parks to try and cancel our booking – not surprisingly it chewed up all our talk time. You have to send an email to cancel any bookings soI had to buy some South African WiFi at the store. I would only get 25% back, less if you count the WiFi cost, but better than nothing. This won't be the last time we change our plans, I really dislike having to book campsite ahead for this reason.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-T7e3Wu66cdU/XW4H4U55_hI/AAAAAAAArWA/AMsYtuVOEg01BTfjAjqvCMV5EhRNYgkgACLcBGAs/s1600/Kgalagardi-18.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="667" data-original-width="1000" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-T7e3Wu66cdU/XW4H4U55_hI/AAAAAAAArWA/AMsYtuVOEg01BTfjAjqvCMV5EhRNYgkgACLcBGAs/s640/Kgalagardi-18.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Considering lions can sleep up to 20 hours a day, do you wait around until he decides to wake up</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
You don’t get allocated a campsite at Mata Mata, you just go and choose one. We found one under a nice tree for our two nights. The site has power and water and the ablution block also has a room to wash your dishes. The store makes fresh bread, you order it in the morning and pick it up after 4pm. They had said that the camp was fully booked but there were a number of sites empty. We didn’t find out until the end of our trip that they work on the number of people in the camp that the facilities can handle. Some sites have quite a few people and sometimes 2-3 vehicles if friends are travelling together, which means other sites cannot be used. Prices are based on per person, so the camp is still getting the same funds, it’s just a pity that you can’t book sites next to each other so that friends don’t have to all squeeze onto one site. Mata Mata had fuel but they were rationing it, so it was lucky that we filled up the day before we left. We could then fill up again the following day and the allocation allowed had reduced again. Their store has basic supplies and you can also purchase WiFi but you can only get connection inside the park reception, where there is no where to sit, so you do what you have to do and that's it.<br />
<br />
On the first night we caught up with a couple of teachers from England who normally go to Kruger twice a year. On one trip they saw over 20 leopards. Guess what has been added to our bucket list! The following night a group of South Africans invited us over for a drink after dinner. Even though they knew we had eaten, they insisted on feeding us some some more. I tried to say no, but you feel really rude. When they barbeque or braai as they call it, they always do a number of toasted sandwiches with tomato, cheese and spanish onion over the braai, they tie them up with string. The meat and sandwiches are put in separate metal grids that can be lifted up and flipped over. It must be some type of tradition as we had them at Randal's place in Windhoek too. The next morning when Lindsay went to say goodbye, they insisted on giving him a bottle of South African red wine. So welcoming and generous.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iin3ePC5_jk/XW4Gye5-CHI/AAAAAAAArVo/GI3ZCJyDzNwu_wcKphjHihYqUSLV1cHdACLcBGAs/s1600/Kgalagardi-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="668" data-original-width="1000" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iin3ePC5_jk/XW4Gye5-CHI/AAAAAAAArVo/GI3ZCJyDzNwu_wcKphjHihYqUSLV1cHdACLcBGAs/s640/Kgalagardi-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our campsite at Mata Mata</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
The gates open at sunrise and close at sunset. 7:30am and 6:30pm while we were there. Today was our first self-driven game drive. Because we have a rooftop camper we have to pack it up every time we want to use the car. The sleeping bags can stay up there but not the pillows. We leave our table and chairs to claim our camp site.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-P3V4zLkXIss/XW4Ga03IhII/AAAAAAAArVg/YlboyN6O678V6QMV5TMU07kZ1k2SD-kngCLcBGAs/s1600/Kgalagardi-13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="668" data-original-width="1000" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-P3V4zLkXIss/XW4Ga03IhII/AAAAAAAArVg/YlboyN6O678V6QMV5TMU07kZ1k2SD-kngCLcBGAs/s640/Kgalagardi-13.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Our campsite at Nossob, you don't get allocated a campsite, you just go and choose your own</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
All the camps are fenced and the gates are shut but the jackals somehow get in at Nossob. We were warned not to leave anything out, especially shoes as they steal them, much like our dingos. Nossob also has fuel as well as a basic store. We didn't have power at our site, but other sites did - I like to choose a site not too far from the toilet block for those late night trips. Every time you leave the camp you have to pick up your parks pass and when you come back you have to drop it off again so that they can track when you go in and out of the park, we never put it on our dashboard but I'm thinking we were probably supposed to. Not being the driver, it was my job to open and shut the big gates to the camps. As I was wearing synthetic pants, I would get zapped every time with the static my pants had created!<br />
<br />
We decided it would work best if I sat in the back and had hired a double cab Hilux for that reason. That way Lindsay could have his cameras on the front seat and I could have the back seat and move to either side of the car if needed. Rangers do patrol the park. There is a 60kmh limit and Lindsay got pulled over for speeding. He apologised profusely and luckily there were no consequences.<br />
<br />
What did we bring? Canon 1DX with the 200-400mm with built in extender and his old 1D Mk4, a cropped lens with the 70-200mm. I had my 7DMk2 with 100-400, the cropped lens making the range 160-640mm. I would also use my little Lumix to take video.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EhlXDB7emAg/XW4IrRBFTqI/AAAAAAAArWM/wE99hbrOx5c5MFwffn5vEh2LYrlLdYWjgCLcBGAs/s1600/Kgalagardi-20.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="667" data-original-width="1000" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EhlXDB7emAg/XW4IrRBFTqI/AAAAAAAArWM/wE99hbrOx5c5MFwffn5vEh2LYrlLdYWjgCLcBGAs/s640/Kgalagardi-20.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">He guarded his kill for 3 days</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BLNifYra-u8/XW4I37SBHkI/AAAAAAAArWU/q9FV47kjMckLOIW2befCNPOg5KN4CLkUACLcBGAs/s1600/Kgalagardi-24.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="667" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BLNifYra-u8/XW4I37SBHkI/AAAAAAAArWU/q9FV47kjMckLOIW2befCNPOg5KN4CLkUACLcBGAs/s640/Kgalagardi-24.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">an owl in Nossob camp</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SOWWzLZKzHk/XW4M4EKxuEI/AAAAAAAArWk/1ICTJKQl7WAW5IgdJBl92PdTAHcThOW6ACLcBGAs/s1600/Kgalagardi-30.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="667" data-original-width="1000" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SOWWzLZKzHk/XW4M4EKxuEI/AAAAAAAArWk/1ICTJKQl7WAW5IgdJBl92PdTAHcThOW6ACLcBGAs/s640/Kgalagardi-30.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wildebeest</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-k4K3ccJUy4E/XW4ND52onAI/AAAAAAAArWo/WJv5Lu8m_Psl2HYRMwduahvcBCUODqPqgCLcBGAs/s1600/Kgalagardi-35.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="667" data-original-width="1000" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-k4K3ccJUy4E/XW4ND52onAI/AAAAAAAArWo/WJv5Lu8m_Psl2HYRMwduahvcBCUODqPqgCLcBGAs/s640/Kgalagardi-35.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We saw this lion on our way from Nossob camp to Two Rivers camp in Botswana</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Our camp site at Two Rivers was in Botswana, so we went into border control to register our campsite, "exit" South Africa and "enter" Botswana. The person in charge of passports couldn't find anything that had let us into South Africa, so she couldn't log us out. She told us just to go. <i>Okay, not realising this could be a problem when we wanted to leave</i>.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RcTljKswN7c/XW-BE_O77HI/AAAAAAAArYA/ufsBF9QGZrEtKcJe1ykTwC4H9jpzqms2ACLcBGAs/s1600/Kgalagardi-40.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="667" data-original-width="1000" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RcTljKswN7c/XW-BE_O77HI/AAAAAAAArYA/ufsBF9QGZrEtKcJe1ykTwC4H9jpzqms2ACLcBGAs/s640/Kgalagardi-40.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Two Rivers campsite doesn't look awful, it just was</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Our campsite at Two Rivers was awful. The wind was howling through. There was no-one else there, which normally wouldn't worry me, but it did this time. It was a lonely, desolate place. The ablution block was run down and the toilets were broken. Someone had blown up the hot water systems or maybe they did that themselves, whatever, we weren't going to be having showers. We sneaked into the campground on the South African side to have a shower. The first afternoon we drove up to the Rooiputs camp to have a squiz at the campsite we missed out on and to see if the British couple we had met in Mata Mata were there, but they weren't.<br />
<br />
We checked out the resort on the South African side and got ice creams at the store. It had a restaurant which would make a nice break from camp life that night. We could move freely between Botswana and South Africa as long as we were "in the park" or the Twee Rivieren resort which included a petrol station, campground, hotel, restaurant and shop. We could get from the restaurant to our campsite without going into the park, so didn't violate the entry/exit times. But if we had been staying at the Rooiputs camp, we wouldn't have be able to go to the restaurant as you would have to drive through the park after sunset.<br />
<br />
Our camp site had a fence around it but there was no gate at the entrance. We could hear lions far away, but what if they came into camp during the night... just as I had to go outside? I wasn't going outside our camper in the middle of the night here. Luckily I had made arrangements for this scenario and now was the time to use it.<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-x-iV7EHCuHs/XW4NgYIPO_I/AAAAAAAArW0/BEPqlAdIc6kfbQNsRYG0QGa_zZusae2kwCLcBGAs/s1600/Kgalagardi-31.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="667" data-original-width="1000" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-x-iV7EHCuHs/XW4NgYIPO_I/AAAAAAAArW0/BEPqlAdIc6kfbQNsRYG0QGa_zZusae2kwCLcBGAs/s640/Kgalagardi-31.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We had heard that the jackals would jump up and try and catch the birds. He didn't for us but he loved scaring them off</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
There aren't a lot of roads to go exploring in the park but we would go out at sunrise and come back at lunchtime. We knew that the animals don't do much in the afternoons, so didn't waste energy and fuel trying to look for them.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-920CmaBTbLU/XW4NzFSuakI/AAAAAAAArW8/YjRztlvToZQS6QLXwk7t4FhQ_Vob6dLewCLcBGAs/s1600/Kgalagardi-32.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="667" data-original-width="1000" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-920CmaBTbLU/XW4NzFSuakI/AAAAAAAArW8/YjRztlvToZQS6QLXwk7t4FhQ_Vob6dLewCLcBGAs/s640/Kgalagardi-32.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Still guarding his kill, it helped that he water close by. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="text-align: center;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
Predators often attack their prey as they are drinking, so you see animals warily approach the waterholes. A pair of Kudu's took over half an hour to move a few metres out of the cover of the trees to the waterhole before they felt comfortable that nothing was going to attack them.</div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: 12.8px; text-align: center;"><br /></span>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vxTb1G3YYhg/XW4OB9Pot8I/AAAAAAAArXA/3wQVPAhmF_oj1ZfHeBxvEP23Ff3I8KiDgCLcBGAs/s1600/Kgalagardi-26.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="667" data-original-width="1000" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vxTb1G3YYhg/XW4OB9Pot8I/AAAAAAAArXA/3wQVPAhmF_oj1ZfHeBxvEP23Ff3I8KiDgCLcBGAs/s640/Kgalagardi-26.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Eagle</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ThVlhSUl8zE/XW4RnmvnCVI/AAAAAAAArXY/ueMV_T8AKgckhwe8AS95VyhbdKbDfQ_rQCLcBGAs/s1600/Kgalagardi-44.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="667" data-original-width="1000" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ThVlhSUl8zE/XW4RnmvnCVI/AAAAAAAArXY/ueMV_T8AKgckhwe8AS95VyhbdKbDfQ_rQCLcBGAs/s640/Kgalagardi-44.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sometimes they are just too far away and then they just walk off</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBy4KHk-jsnyVxvzijpDj5XJcMrR1tYu6yvHLA9CnoZJoaV6uaVvGwvwsne20rG9-I2JDSAqjZUlAKI0GQWMZO6WKM7Jk07c7ONmWr5SzPwr9d4L2VuH-uOw2kPZPPJOzfwNOEBXaQdCA/s1600/Kgalagardi-39.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="667" data-original-width="1000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBy4KHk-jsnyVxvzijpDj5XJcMrR1tYu6yvHLA9CnoZJoaV6uaVvGwvwsne20rG9-I2JDSAqjZUlAKI0GQWMZO6WKM7Jk07c7ONmWr5SzPwr9d4L2VuH-uOw2kPZPPJOzfwNOEBXaQdCA/s640/Kgalagardi-39.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We probably drove past many lions, there are two in this picture, with another just to the left - but they are lying down, so you can't see them.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
There has been a drought for four years in this area and it's taking it's toll. Many of the animals have migrated to Botswana.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QJkNidB6D5E/XW4OLMTYvpI/AAAAAAAArXI/dz683au_sdwnIbNqM__fCpzBBh6ATjTQgCLcBGAs/s1600/Kgalagardi-42.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="668" data-original-width="1000" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QJkNidB6D5E/XW4OLMTYvpI/AAAAAAAArXI/dz683au_sdwnIbNqM__fCpzBBh6ATjTQgCLcBGAs/s640/Kgalagardi-42.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A rare picture of the two of us - thank you Elaine</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Arno and Elaine invited us to join them at their Rooiputs campsite, the campsite we had tried to book with Botswana over a year ago, which they booked only a couple of months ago. They had paid for four people but his sister and husband couldn't make it. We couldn't believe how generous they were. Elaine couldn't believe that she had asked complete strangers, whom they'd met on the side of the road, to share their campsite! All was good though and we all had a great time. It is encounters like these that make our trips memorable.<br />
<br />
This camp is not fenced, any animal in the park can walk through and they do. The lions just walk pass the campers, it would be an amazing experience - if only... but sadly not for us. They came through the night before; Arno dived into the camper and Elaine grabbed her camera! The jackals are a bit brazen and will come up to your camp fire in the hope of getting a hand out.<br />
<br />
Why is our bonnet up? the cigarette plug on the inverter wasn't working so we had to connect it directly onto the car battery to charge non USB items. You can hire one with your car but we brought ours from home. It will be getting some modifications before our next trip.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AYqqXpxTpbw/XW44VVivxGI/AAAAAAAArXs/qPbG9oDQkqc_1cxeBy_rA4ljCBNjdxP3QCLcBGAs/s1600/Kgalagardi-43.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="667" data-original-width="1000" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AYqqXpxTpbw/XW44VVivxGI/AAAAAAAArXs/qPbG9oDQkqc_1cxeBy_rA4ljCBNjdxP3QCLcBGAs/s640/Kgalagardi-43.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
When it came time to leave, there is a big gate we had to go through and you have to have your passport stamped before they will let you through. We had to go back into the border office and sort out the issue with our passports, and we got a different person this time. Undesirables it says will be banned from entering the country for 18 months, which would mean we couldn’t get home as we need to transit through Johannesburg. We had to depart from South Africa, even though we had been in Botswana. Confused? so were we. Long story short, the border officer said we were fine and stamped our passports, but where was our parks pass? We told him we had been in Botswana and had handed it in when we arrived but a week later I found it in the glove box - oops.<br />
<br />
The actual border is about 10kms down the road. We had a bitumen road in South Africa but as soon as we entered Namibia, it was gravel, a clear demarkation. We had to "depart" South Africa and "enter" Namibia. An officer on the South African side asked us if we had any meat and explained that Namibia might have an issue with it. We had been asked by fellow travellers in Mata Mata if we had been asked by border control AKA the policeman if we had any meat, but he hadn't. We did, but apparently you aren't allowed to bring meat from Namibia into South Africa. Now it seems we couldn't take meat from South African into Namibia. We explained that the meat had come from Windhoek, so was Namibian. Was it labelled? no because we had got them to cryovac it, so they had taken it out of the original package. Did they know we shouldn't have brought it over the border into South Africa? After much discussion we were allowed to keep it. I'm confused, are we all supposed to be vegetarian? Where are you supposed to buy meat in the middle of nowhere? This won't be the last time this issue comes up. Just as Australians find ingenious ways to hide alcohol going into places like Cape York, the locals here do the same with meat.<br />
<br />
<div>
Next stop, Keetmanshoop.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<br />
Want to start at the beginning of this trip? <a href="http://tvlbug.blogspot.com/2019/07/namibia-in-30-days.html" target="_blank">Namibia - Pt 1</a><br />
<br />Janehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06017837107696030036noreply@blogger.com3Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park, R360, Upington, 8800, South Africa-26.4724121 20.611703600000055-51.9944466 -20.696890399999944 -0.95037759999999949 61.920297600000055tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3168284011338330133.post-56295633992977893522019-07-21T12:00:00.000+10:002019-08-30T11:36:31.847+10:00Namibia in 30 days<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Namibia is an African country west of Botswana and South Africa. We first planned this trip back in 2017 but found that most of the campsites were booked out so had to cancel the camper we had paid a deposit on. So this time we started booking the campsites a year out before we booked the camper. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PNuSvzCC3Lo/XWh9gFus4fI/AAAAAAAArPc/nBXiM3y18OsYvXoc64dsh0yswofB-TBzwCLcBGAs/s1600/sunrise-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="667" data-original-width="1000" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PNuSvzCC3Lo/XWh9gFus4fI/AAAAAAAArPc/nBXiM3y18OsYvXoc64dsh0yswofB-TBzwCLcBGAs/s640/sunrise-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our first sunrise out camping</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Normally I would work out an itinerary, sometimes rough, sometimes detailed but I decided to leave this one to Lindsay. It was his idea and I knew nothing about the country until he showed me some photos. We would be able to combine both landscape and wildlife photography, which would keep us both happy.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qxZMsH6yOlM/XWhYpLVvetI/AAAAAAAArPA/9Yhxt0eymDoaj8qSfSbrHJgC3e7OstAJACLcBGAs/s1600/bitumen%2Broad-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="668" data-original-width="1000" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qxZMsH6yOlM/XWhYpLVvetI/AAAAAAAArPA/9Yhxt0eymDoaj8qSfSbrHJgC3e7OstAJACLcBGAs/s640/bitumen%2Broad-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bitumen road - a rare sight</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The original itinerary was 45 days but I suggested that this might be too long so we cut it down to 36 days door to door. I worked out the distances and times between stops which worried me as most of the roads are gravel, but he didn’t want to change anything. <br />
<br />
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-c58SYcStlAE/XWhVORgAuPI/AAAAAAAArOc/2xgHLUhk1LYGweLVT3-ZlDcY3ZJO8zVGwCLcBGAs/s1600/map.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1288" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-c58SYcStlAE/XWhVORgAuPI/AAAAAAAArOc/2xgHLUhk1LYGweLVT3-ZlDcY3ZJO8zVGwCLcBGAs/s400/map.png" width="321" /></a><br />
<br />
He researched 4WD campers and chose Bushlore. They had a good reputation. The vehicles are well set up and after seeing what everyone else that had hired, we had the best set up. You don’t want to be spending all your time packing your rooftop camper away or diving through boxes in the back of a ute to find a saucepan or whatever. It had a solar panel so we never had to plug into power, even though nearly every camp site had power we didn’t have an extension lead. If I had known that I would have taken a hairdryer! We didn’t need a Landcruiser, so went for the Hilux but the camper had a lift up roof instead of a tent. Compared to our Landrover Discovery it was a little bit gutless but did the job. <br />
<br />
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dqrc89FC3Gc/XWhUBt9xTmI/AAAAAAAArOM/jyPthhBPwPw4B_8NDw7aDuWGEm1YMoTOgCLcBGAs/s1600/quiver%2Btree%2Bcamp-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="667" data-original-width="1000" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dqrc89FC3Gc/XWhUBt9xTmI/AAAAAAAArOM/jyPthhBPwPw4B_8NDw7aDuWGEm1YMoTOgCLcBGAs/s640/quiver%2Btree%2Bcamp-1.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<br />
South African Airways does a code share with Virgin – Virgin does the Melbourne Perth leg, and while the Boeing planes were better and definitely more comfortable, the food was awful. The South African Airbus planes were a little older, the seats were uncomfortable for me but the food was great. Total trip time was nearly 26 hours – 4:15hrs, 11:30hrs and 1:55hrs flying time, less coming home because of the tail wind. <br />
<br />
I booked two days in the capital Windhoek to get over jet lag and do some shopping. On our first night we walked to a restaurant not that far from our guesthouse as we didn’t have our camper yet. The next morning at breakfast a South African explained that we wouldn’t want to do that in South Africa and probably shouldn’t do it here either. The theory is that if you have enough money to pay for dinner, the thieves will take it off you before you have time to spend it. You were going to give it away anyway weren't you, so why not to them?<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BbGU2p-bLV4/XWhWsaoA63I/AAAAAAAArOw/eqysAEEtsYMpPcmY5VxOlMlSDAL78IfVwCLcBGAs/s1600/gravel%2Broad-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="668" data-original-width="1000" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BbGU2p-bLV4/XWhWsaoA63I/AAAAAAAArOw/eqysAEEtsYMpPcmY5VxOlMlSDAL78IfVwCLcBGAs/s640/gravel%2Broad-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">a good gravel road - I wish they had all been like this</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<br />
The following day we picked up our camper – it takes a couple of hours to go through all the paperwork and explain everything about the 4WD and camper which sits on the back tray. Lindsay had researched supermarkets as food is very important to him as he was worried what we might not be able to buy. We brought some stuff from home just in case which was a good idea. It turned out to be the best supermarket in the city, they had the best range we ever saw in the whole country and were able to get them to cryovac some steaks and chicken. <br />
<br />
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wDlYiUfiM_U/XWhWc1T3I2I/AAAAAAAArOs/NjNPtSm5FqUqEXuHX6yoWyk-efQIGOGigCLcBGAs/s1600/old%2Bcar-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="667" data-original-width="1000" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wDlYiUfiM_U/XWhWc1T3I2I/AAAAAAAArOs/NjNPtSm5FqUqEXuHX6yoWyk-efQIGOGigCLcBGAs/s640/old%2Bcar-1.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<br />
Lindsay had been corresponding with an Australian expat for a couple of years and we were invited to their place for dinner. We were able to reciprocate by bringing some things from Australia that they can’t get there, including a huge tub of Vegemite. </div>
<div>
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Our Namibian Itinerary:</span><i> </i><br />
<br />
The Kgalagadi Tranfrontier National Park – wildlife <br />
<br />
Keetmanshoop - Quiver Trees <br />
<br />
Fish river canyon – which we cancelled <br />
<br />
Luderitz – to see the ghost town Kolmanskop <br />
<br />
Sossusvlei – the sand dunes <br />
<br />
Walvis Bay – flamingos and a scenic flight from Swakopumnd <br />
<br />
Cape Cross – fur seals, which we cancelled <br />
<br />
Epupa Falls – the falls and Himba people <br />
<br />
Etosha National Park – wildlife <br />
<br />
Most stops were two days, with three days in each camp in Etosha and Epupa Falls. When you are driving yourself, you just can't stop, sight see and drive again.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikJgcffvI90s1PoK1kBkvPcFaktHiUzoFub5BhDUqUYzoeKfaYv09Ql8hXFVP-CLb49Zr0s74Sj4xa57lOZwlhFcBquj3N3U5zBbmohzSTOsKdX1WKD7slajK6ENWLyLLhB4cgQF-F0Go/s1600/lowering+the+tyre+pressures-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="668" data-original-width="1000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikJgcffvI90s1PoK1kBkvPcFaktHiUzoFub5BhDUqUYzoeKfaYv09Ql8hXFVP-CLb49Zr0s74Sj4xa57lOZwlhFcBquj3N3U5zBbmohzSTOsKdX1WKD7slajK6ENWLyLLhB4cgQF-F0Go/s640/lowering+the+tyre+pressures-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lowering the tyre pressures - too much and you will strip the tyre off, too high and you will puncture it</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
We drove 6,927 kms on mostly gravel roads. Nambia only has two main bitumen roads, one that goes north/south and another that goes east/west. There are a couple of other ones but not many. Most of them were good, but a couple were just awful. The trouble is that you don’t know when they were last graded when working out your distances. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
Janehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06017837107696030036noreply@blogger.com2Namibia-22.95764 18.490409999999997-37.789792000000006 -2.1638870000000026 -8.125488 39.144707tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3168284011338330133.post-60979561987739518002018-12-13T15:47:00.000+11:002020-01-14T09:14:05.308+11:00High Country HutsWho knew that when we bought our preloved off road camper that it would come with Camping Rallies? Owners of Australian Off Road campers/hybrids get together every few months in the warmer months at different places around the country. Initially 95 people said they were coming to the one in the Victorian High Country, in the end 75 campers came, with most cars having two people. Surprisingly there were a number of single women driving their 4WD's and hybrids - good luck to them, I don't think I would do it. A hybrid is the camper you have when you really want a caravan, or is it the caravan comforts but you like cooking and sitting outside. They have some good positives like lots of light if you need to sit inside. There were only two of us with the hard floor camper, everyone else had hybrids. A couple from New Zealand have a camper in NZ and a hybrid in Australia and split their time between the two countries.<br />
<br />
We were camped at Fry's Flat just out of Mansfield which is a large flat area with a hut. I felt sorry for other campers who came in and found the area overrun. The main person who organised it let the council know that we were coming up just in case the weather turned and they needed to evacuate us, which is apparently what happened the year before. Bureaucracy then kicked in and the council then asked for permits and campsite layouts. They could't understand that we weren't an organised group like Rotary, that we were just individuals who through a camping forum had come together - social media if you like. It is clear they are going to make things harder in the coming years and I feel this will be the end - Mansfield will be the losers. We had three chains made up for our chainsaw and also bought fuel and food at the supermarket and bakery. I'm sure others did the same.<br />
<br />
There is a 4WD circuit track that takes you past some of the high country huts that help stranded walkers or bike riders if the weather turns. No chance of that today, the weather was warm and sunny.<br />
<br />
We somehow became the tour leader on a tag along with eight other cars. But just because you have a map doesn't mean you know where you are going. The entrance to the Gap Track is hidden behind a corner that you don't notice if you are going the way we were. After turning around and then asking some other people, we found the right track. It forms a loop that takes us past a number of the High Country Huts including Craig's Hut made famous as it features in the Man from Snowy River. I'm assuming the black diamond usually used for walking and ski trails means "difficult". There were a number of cyclists pushing their bikes on the track too, unfortunately for them it didn't look like they weren't having much fun.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-y_oDC-teprI/XBHanm_ufUI/AAAAAAAAqBs/xuJ_MeTaKeEwUlGDokg1EiYY-gY5XIb7gCKgBGAs/s1600/2018%2BMansfield%2BWeb-14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="426" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-y_oDC-teprI/XBHanm_ufUI/AAAAAAAAqBs/xuJ_MeTaKeEwUlGDokg1EiYY-gY5XIb7gCKgBGAs/s640/2018%2BMansfield%2BWeb-14.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It doesn't look like much of a track for cars</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The track is closed for half the year and even though we were a day early, the gate was open, so we were good to go. Many of the tag along team weren't experienced 4WD'ers so they appreciated being told when to let their tyres down and when to go into low range. Most of them were a bit shy to talk on the radios so we had no idea if they were listening to us. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eLD43xe9wVA/XBHbknSPUfI/AAAAAAAAqB0/V-8N-uoUAjkI5qtIfXUfGCbW4B70WtpNACKgBGAs/s1600/2018%2BMansfield%2BWeb-11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eLD43xe9wVA/XBHbknSPUfI/AAAAAAAAqB0/V-8N-uoUAjkI5qtIfXUfGCbW4B70WtpNACKgBGAs/s640/2018%2BMansfield%2BWeb-11.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Howqua Gap Hut</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YyvfaZAsKOE/XBHcaWGbPiI/AAAAAAAAqCg/7SF5Giz1ed0HznTM-yfMG0ts82lk3y9-gCKgBGAs/s1600/2018%2BMansfield%2BWeb-13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="426" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YyvfaZAsKOE/XBHcaWGbPiI/AAAAAAAAqCg/7SF5Giz1ed0HznTM-yfMG0ts82lk3y9-gCKgBGAs/s640/2018%2BMansfield%2BWeb-13.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Howqua Gap Hut</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wd_f0e0SKYo/XBHc_Cu5s_I/AAAAAAAAqC0/rtklAOse86owBejQgU9OPM3Drkr4ZyVfwCKgBGAs/s1600/2018%2BMansfield%2BWeb-12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="426" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wd_f0e0SKYo/XBHc_Cu5s_I/AAAAAAAAqC0/rtklAOse86owBejQgU9OPM3Drkr4ZyVfwCKgBGAs/s640/2018%2BMansfield%2BWeb-12.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.800000190734863px;">Hut next to Gap Hut</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WRAxpN3CKcU/XBHcqkjDIHI/AAAAAAAAqCk/P7W44sERWB40XIlnUCK_jUotiFNIkIvHgCKgBGAs/s1600/2018%2BMansfield%2BWeb-16.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WRAxpN3CKcU/XBHcqkjDIHI/AAAAAAAAqCk/P7W44sERWB40XIlnUCK_jUotiFNIkIvHgCKgBGAs/s640/2018%2BMansfield%2BWeb-16.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Craig's Hut from the front</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ij9F9W3ohgY/XBHcqhXo3iI/AAAAAAAAqCk/PQU-Pz9X6tkCEXQeBKCLlFZMgzm3mZPhACKgBGAs/s1600/2018%2BMansfield%2BWeb-17.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="426" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ij9F9W3ohgY/XBHcqhXo3iI/AAAAAAAAqCk/PQU-Pz9X6tkCEXQeBKCLlFZMgzm3mZPhACKgBGAs/s640/2018%2BMansfield%2BWeb-17.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.800000190734863px;">Moody Craig's Hut</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjm7yEg7_8S2Qs80JljNrHE5gv-iN_pb02PkCLwxW-yVDETd5svwkSc1ZgzRH212OA0S5zF69kuQeWIl7ohiYXAJ9CO9yJrnY0UAVE9AzU_YbQk8aNNDK9z_pIsDUBIsi6nXaekeogRfY/s1600/2018+Mansfield+Web-18.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="844" data-original-width="1500" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjm7yEg7_8S2Qs80JljNrHE5gv-iN_pb02PkCLwxW-yVDETd5svwkSc1ZgzRH212OA0S5zF69kuQeWIl7ohiYXAJ9CO9yJrnY0UAVE9AzU_YbQk8aNNDK9z_pIsDUBIsi6nXaekeogRfY/s640/2018+Mansfield+Web-18.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.800000190734863px;">Craig's Hut from the rear</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BMFk6CnsKaU/XBHddXV_WCI/AAAAAAAAqDA/V06s_N-LgAYHTKDEPQHS0f1emaX-eJKcwCKgBGAs/s1600/2018%2BMansfield%2BWeb-19.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="844" data-original-width="1500" height="360" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BMFk6CnsKaU/XBHddXV_WCI/AAAAAAAAqDA/V06s_N-LgAYHTKDEPQHS0f1emaX-eJKcwCKgBGAs/s640/2018%2BMansfield%2BWeb-19.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Craig's Hut black and white</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
This hut would look great as a panorama at sunrise, I guess I'll just have to come back. A dash of snow could be nice too.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3VYsBRonrTQ/XBHhNlpZbuI/AAAAAAAAqDM/Spj57CgHD8w1eATZotjjuDHc5vYMNIuLwCKgBGAs/s1600/2018%2BMansfield%2BWeb-20.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="426" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3VYsBRonrTQ/XBHhNlpZbuI/AAAAAAAAqDM/Spj57CgHD8w1eATZotjjuDHc5vYMNIuLwCKgBGAs/s640/2018%2BMansfield%2BWeb-20.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">King Hut</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
A photo competition was organised beforehand. So if you wanted to participate you had to print 6 of your best photos, one had to include your camper and another some form of wildlife. I made the fatal mistake of not considering my audience and printed our best photos which just happen to be of places in the USA. I like to think that our photography has improved over the years since we have travelled in Australia, so didn't include any from Oz. There were three categories and we didn't win any. One person won two, the best group of six and the owner's choice. The other person who won best presentation had their photos on a piece of corrugated iron from an old windmill with the names of the photos written on gum leaves. I had voted for two of the winners so it was fair; they deserved it. It wasn't really about the photographs though. The competition allowed people to walk around the campsites and talk to the owners - it was a way of breaking the ice. Though while I'm not super competitive, it would be nice to win and I will only be submitting Australian outback photos next time.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="text-align: start;"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-duBJ4OrWqhQ/XBHh4UNqdBI/AAAAAAAAqDU/ddGkLohuIg8CxNY-TY1PjBjxTfzthSG3gCKgBGAs/s1600/2018%2BMansfield%2BWeb-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="426" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-duBJ4OrWqhQ/XBHh4UNqdBI/AAAAAAAAqDU/ddGkLohuIg8CxNY-TY1PjBjxTfzthSG3gCKgBGAs/s640/2018%2BMansfield%2BWeb-3.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lots of Laughing Kookaburras</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qG7wfOXPwgw/XBHiETpu2pI/AAAAAAAAqDY/YeDIoKFqVK8_AnfueUrnbYp_u4BjhwJTwCKgBGAs/s1600/2018%2BMansfield%2BWeb-7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="426" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qG7wfOXPwgw/XBHiETpu2pI/AAAAAAAAqDY/YeDIoKFqVK8_AnfueUrnbYp_u4BjhwJTwCKgBGAs/s640/2018%2BMansfield%2BWeb-7.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Feed one and they all come - male King Parrots</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RXJ9HY4QUFc/XBHifq1qndI/AAAAAAAAqDk/hQtCFCDApWUYHlF6GJfVd5BKOmqTqqWfQCKgBGAs/s1600/2018%2BMansfield%2BWeb-8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="719" data-original-width="1500" height="306" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RXJ9HY4QUFc/XBHifq1qndI/AAAAAAAAqDk/hQtCFCDApWUYHlF6GJfVd5BKOmqTqqWfQCKgBGAs/s640/2018%2BMansfield%2BWeb-8.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View from Mt Stirling</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
On Saturday night they had a pirates feast, not that anyone dressed up. We all contributed a dish that we set out on trestle tables. All the food was a pretty high standard, everyone had gone to a lot of effort.<br />
<br />
In the early hours of Sunday morning I could hear the wind racing through the valley; a change was coming. The days had been very warm and there was dew everywhere in the mornings. Not long after came the lightening followed by deafening thunder. This is a flood area and I'm sure I wasn't the only one getting a little worried. The rain that came down was torrential. Decision time, stay or go? What was foremost in my mind was that 75 other campers had to go up that unpaved track and road. We decided to go, make a decision and stick to it I say. I could hear other campers discussing the same issue, not so easy when one wants to stay and the other wants to go. Everything was wet of course and we hadn't had time to pack our awnings up and our shower tent the night before. I had been tempted to leave the washing up from the Pirates night until the morning but I'm glad I didn't. The rain was early, it wasn't supposed to arrive for another day. I used to have a boss who always knew that when I went camping that rain was guaranteed. Unfortunately most of the time he was right!<br />
<br />
We couldn't go home as we had ordered some chains to be made for our chain saw in Mansfield and they weren't open on Sundays, so we had to find somewhere else close by for the night. After visiting a friend further on, we came back to a lovely campsite on the Wood's Point road just out of Jamieson. There are many really nice campsites along this road which I'm sure fill up quickly on Fridays as they are close to the road and free, but not many were staying Sunday night.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<br />Janehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06017837107696030036noreply@blogger.com2Mansfield VIC 3722, Australia-37.0625288 146.08214929999997-37.265297800000006 145.75942579999997 -36.8597598 146.40487279999996tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3168284011338330133.post-57624337084489558812018-09-07T08:00:00.000+10:002019-09-11T08:01:04.347+10:00Last days in the Mara<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<b>Masai Mara National Park, Kenya</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>Day 9</b><br />
<br />
We came to Kenya in September to see the Wildebeest crossing the Mara River on the annual migration route. There didn't seem to be the numbers and so far we hadn't seen any cross the river. Would we see any before we had to leave?<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-o4KqKUrKOPE/W6hVF3VyxoI/AAAAAAAAprk/LeI8KdPQ6Ugkb0i-9YgpGcHqzA4lYMP0QCLcBGAs/s1600/2018%2BKenya-687.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-o4KqKUrKOPE/W6hVF3VyxoI/AAAAAAAAprk/LeI8KdPQ6Ugkb0i-9YgpGcHqzA4lYMP0QCLcBGAs/s640/2018%2BKenya-687.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Many balloons out at sunrise</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6l-z4CTecP0/W6hU-bM2XaI/AAAAAAAAprc/8eJvIEB-E7YH9FXaquwyZl2KQfY3HFpXACLcBGAs/s1600/2018%2BKenya-685.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="827" data-original-width="1500" height="352" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6l-z4CTecP0/W6hU-bM2XaI/AAAAAAAAprc/8eJvIEB-E7YH9FXaquwyZl2KQfY3HFpXACLcBGAs/s640/2018%2BKenya-685.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lappet-faced vulture</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Cli2H94MwRg/W81fBMHd91I/AAAAAAAAp6s/7bDBoNII8EQHInWeT7CMBF1kGYUtYUeYgCLcBGAs/s1600/_47T1760.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="683" data-original-width="1024" height="426" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Cli2H94MwRg/W81fBMHd91I/AAAAAAAAp6s/7bDBoNII8EQHInWeT7CMBF1kGYUtYUeYgCLcBGAs/s640/_47T1760.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lappet-faced vulture</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4TYQ4S-BUTA/W6hVSUhmCrI/AAAAAAAAprs/noaSiksx2bkf2iRP2zHrUbruMIjVNnb5ACLcBGAs/s1600/2018%2BKenya-693.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="426" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4TYQ4S-BUTA/W6hVSUhmCrI/AAAAAAAAprs/noaSiksx2bkf2iRP2zHrUbruMIjVNnb5ACLcBGAs/s640/2018%2BKenya-693.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lappet-faced vulture</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-O2_oT3oEHIQ/W6hVdU7joRI/AAAAAAAApr0/Eeki7qYjE-clHB9xU1kMtqn2X_QU68eZwCLcBGAs/s1600/2018%2BKenya-715.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="426" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-O2_oT3oEHIQ/W6hVdU7joRI/AAAAAAAApr0/Eeki7qYjE-clHB9xU1kMtqn2X_QU68eZwCLcBGAs/s640/2018%2BKenya-715.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Maribou Stork</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wHBHUBT5NFY/W81fmHrHFBI/AAAAAAAAp68/QucVG4O71MoBThHh4L3hb2qTqhc664kVgCLcBGAs/s1600/_47T1782.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="683" data-original-width="1024" height="426" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wHBHUBT5NFY/W81fmHrHFBI/AAAAAAAAp68/QucVG4O71MoBThHh4L3hb2qTqhc664kVgCLcBGAs/s640/_47T1782.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tawny Eagle</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4UVPlcM4eF4/W81fm6hLQ1I/AAAAAAAAp7A/BxgYNTUuqW8jGYNW9pW_GvMmkmq1ttPdACLcBGAs/s1600/_47T1807.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="683" data-original-width="1024" height="426" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4UVPlcM4eF4/W81fm6hLQ1I/AAAAAAAAp7A/BxgYNTUuqW8jGYNW9pW_GvMmkmq1ttPdACLcBGAs/s640/_47T1807.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Landing gear down</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_Zqt4M9CZ-U/W6hWNCECCKI/AAAAAAAApsI/IXHv0bbHyYcW_VPBaMWB4P_iuwr2me5RgCEwYBhgL/s1600/2018%2BKenya-676.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="426" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_Zqt4M9CZ-U/W6hWNCECCKI/AAAAAAAApsI/IXHv0bbHyYcW_VPBaMWB4P_iuwr2me5RgCEwYBhgL/s640/2018%2BKenya-676.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The feast that everyone has come to join</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNFppaziMlrzx4eFvmZDLqUE4uqBtuy7TVn75eFPoCM78KNHTUhE3HXPLMFAbflR8MBGnrocgB3S364PXsH1sjYxZpKh0licycd9cVD1iu2rqPWWzwDagg6AalAUc2B6BWeXQXd56az1g/s1600/2018+Kenya-743.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNFppaziMlrzx4eFvmZDLqUE4uqBtuy7TVn75eFPoCM78KNHTUhE3HXPLMFAbflR8MBGnrocgB3S364PXsH1sjYxZpKh0licycd9cVD1iu2rqPWWzwDagg6AalAUc2B6BWeXQXd56az1g/s640/2018+Kenya-743.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Two wildebeest cross the Mara river right in front of a sleeping crocodile</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
When these two wildebeest decided to cross the Mara, the rest of the herd stayed behind. One of them walked half way across and then couldn't decide if he should go back, which he did, but changed his mind again and eventually crossed. It was a crossing, but not what we hoped for. When they go on mass, it is just amazing.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2GAgCzlgvyc/W6hXKRjzqdI/AAAAAAAApsQ/_idoBw7w2LUqjcdvm4ovbySydeEh0b5UQCLcBGAs/s1600/2018%2BKenya-716.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2GAgCzlgvyc/W6hXKRjzqdI/AAAAAAAApsQ/_idoBw7w2LUqjcdvm4ovbySydeEh0b5UQCLcBGAs/s640/2018%2BKenya-716.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: x-small;">Rüppell's vulture</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_XnsyLciyrM/W6hX6aLuTJI/AAAAAAAApsc/TgBXA_ye8ZID0huY82QZPV_nXCa7M9pdACLcBGAs/s1600/2018%2BKenya-719.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="426" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_XnsyLciyrM/W6hX6aLuTJI/AAAAAAAApsc/TgBXA_ye8ZID0huY82QZPV_nXCa7M9pdACLcBGAs/s640/2018%2BKenya-719.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Waterbuck</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZTadRQrKFqA/W6hYH_-XHZI/AAAAAAAApsg/XJeG3sZC7ywmbfj2C_1af2Xx2gyktX42wCLcBGAs/s1600/2018%2BKenya-724.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="426" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZTadRQrKFqA/W6hYH_-XHZI/AAAAAAAApsg/XJeG3sZC7ywmbfj2C_1af2Xx2gyktX42wCLcBGAs/s640/2018%2BKenya-724.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A birthmark, not all cells make it into stripes</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vR--SyBsYz4/W6hYZNvDbpI/AAAAAAAApss/z3Ewt71NZoccgeiB2nFlctBQ_Paqpre2gCLcBGAs/s1600/2018%2BKenya-725.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="426" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vR--SyBsYz4/W6hYZNvDbpI/AAAAAAAApss/z3Ewt71NZoccgeiB2nFlctBQ_Paqpre2gCLcBGAs/s640/2018%2BKenya-725.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hippos choose the same route everyday. They go out of the river at night to feed and stay under the water to keep cool.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TIYgoC5wDP0/W6hYv-0oTXI/AAAAAAAAps0/k05F4GMUqbsL3a55ddL-n3juKZ7Hzv-KACLcBGAs/s1600/2018%2BKenya-730.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="426" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TIYgoC5wDP0/W6hYv-0oTXI/AAAAAAAAps0/k05F4GMUqbsL3a55ddL-n3juKZ7Hzv-KACLcBGAs/s640/2018%2BKenya-730.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We thought these zebra would cross, but no, they were just thirsty</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ew7aMemK3v8/W6hZEI83-TI/AAAAAAAAps4/OuVmNHMlss0C19EYs28dXYjAjw53fvKUwCLcBGAs/s1600/2018%2BKenya-744.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="426" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ew7aMemK3v8/W6hZEI83-TI/AAAAAAAAps4/OuVmNHMlss0C19EYs28dXYjAjw53fvKUwCLcBGAs/s640/2018%2BKenya-744.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Grey Heron</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG914yN-lE8kaaxw1KGK3cw7npZEi93P76E-tDRuEwtnslFE0Vgru-MprXvuvFH-PFLBDK3JaBVaggBkgft2sZllSngvXnSOFFA1Jb2eaAEo5-VoGYHNSoDPDsjHAJ3-1osXNNIIHmmn8/s1600/2018+Kenya-749.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG914yN-lE8kaaxw1KGK3cw7npZEi93P76E-tDRuEwtnslFE0Vgru-MprXvuvFH-PFLBDK3JaBVaggBkgft2sZllSngvXnSOFFA1Jb2eaAEo5-VoGYHNSoDPDsjHAJ3-1osXNNIIHmmn8/s640/2018+Kenya-749.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Female and male ostrich</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UMQIQrq_4wo/W6haXSSkdfI/AAAAAAAAptI/R_eS1uEaJOkeqAGcT-k9Xcio4PjvQaojQCLcBGAs/s1600/2018%2BKenya-754.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="426" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UMQIQrq_4wo/W6haXSSkdfI/AAAAAAAAptI/R_eS1uEaJOkeqAGcT-k9Xcio4PjvQaojQCLcBGAs/s640/2018%2BKenya-754.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I'm assuming a male and female lilac breasted roller or maybe the lower one is a juvenile</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-poa84BOPwcc/W6has8LsSwI/AAAAAAAAptU/5GbM3Rlgj9wynAgimKefcZ4_400p1uWAQCLcBGAs/s1600/2018%2BKenya-762.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="426" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-poa84BOPwcc/W6has8LsSwI/AAAAAAAAptU/5GbM3Rlgj9wynAgimKefcZ4_400p1uWAQCLcBGAs/s640/2018%2BKenya-762.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I just couldn't get them to line up straight</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uwU2WFZXvMI/W6ha7KTj5lI/AAAAAAAAptY/PBit2YOVMUc6JtwI1pcIMBHIvk_vdQJKQCLcBGAs/s1600/2018%2BKenya-763.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="426" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uwU2WFZXvMI/W6ha7KTj5lI/AAAAAAAAptY/PBit2YOVMUc6JtwI1pcIMBHIvk_vdQJKQCLcBGAs/s640/2018%2BKenya-763.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Baby Impala</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBlaJhb2yCwzfL4MU95sNrZEFdeRQqEZlwJ7ammmPsMNL4zLgGe6Z4QpoyndTDzi9giL_GztjVTzzxQ_-C5IQCxyFPrhKB9KzAtzYjSJGxZspXJOnkU1S_rRxKJdxd2mGfVuxbNlT9Z3c/s1600/_47T1903.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="683" data-original-width="1024" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBlaJhb2yCwzfL4MU95sNrZEFdeRQqEZlwJ7ammmPsMNL4zLgGe6Z4QpoyndTDzi9giL_GztjVTzzxQ_-C5IQCxyFPrhKB9KzAtzYjSJGxZspXJOnkU1S_rRxKJdxd2mGfVuxbNlT9Z3c/s640/_47T1903.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bee eater</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xBMxqYOXqzs/W81f7G0vMRI/AAAAAAAAp7Q/vqa5HWaDR8k--DJV7Tst5pKcB5-dwg91gCLcBGAs/s1600/_47T1947.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="683" data-original-width="1024" height="426" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xBMxqYOXqzs/W81f7G0vMRI/AAAAAAAAp7Q/vqa5HWaDR8k--DJV7Tst5pKcB5-dwg91gCLcBGAs/s640/_47T1947.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lilac-breasted roller </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-P7tq18r4k_Q/W81f8U-PPBI/AAAAAAAAp7Y/oI_JfgoUmfAArkMoSL1UciIOhgmY91xUACLcBGAs/s1600/_47T1957.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="683" data-original-width="1024" height="426" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-P7tq18r4k_Q/W81f8U-PPBI/AAAAAAAAp7Y/oI_JfgoUmfAArkMoSL1UciIOhgmY91xUACLcBGAs/s640/_47T1957.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lilac-breasted roller</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b><br /></b>
<b>Day 10</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
Our last day in the Mara. We only had time to do a morning game drive as we had to be at the airstrip at 3:30pm for a 4:15pm flight. The plane sometimes comes early so you need to be there as this is the last flight of the day. I'd forgotten to print off or write down the hotel we were staying that night. I'd got confused when Conny had said they were staying at the Sheraton on their last night, so are we I said. Except we weren't! I'd forgotten to bring down the emails in my Kenya folder in my emails so I couldn't check, although I'd actually left it in my inbox but hadn't noticed. I did see an email they had sent me when I joined the Hilton Honors club, so realised that it was the Hilton we were staying in. Brian had given us $2000 Kenyan shillings to go from the airport to our hotel. Did we have enough to this hotel? It was near the airport and he said that usually it was $KS2000 from Wilson airport to the International airport but there was a fuel strike on so it could be more. Our hotel was close by the airport, so we had a pretty good chance that we would have enough. Lindsay approached a cab driver and asked if he would take us to the Hilton Gardens for $KS2000 shillings. I knew there were two Hilton's in Nairobi so I had said to specify the "airport". Yes, he would. Perfect. The hotel was only six months old, so very new and really nice. And yes - they had a booking for us, phew. Conny and Dirk had a different experience the next day. They had asked a cab driver to take them to the Sheraton near the airport but he took them to the one in the city and refused to take them any further without more money. Luckily they were able to reason with him and they eventually got to their hotel.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fdP19qIZFTM/W85nQ9vp3HI/AAAAAAAAp8I/CwF9xeLwa8k996gooZ8cQouQbuCrNfmAwCLcBGAs/s1600/_47T2078.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="683" data-original-width="1024" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fdP19qIZFTM/W85nQ9vp3HI/AAAAAAAAp8I/CwF9xeLwa8k996gooZ8cQouQbuCrNfmAwCLcBGAs/s640/_47T2078.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm3uxR4Lku1sbxRQglUA1x0gZwtvwSNDDa1MWE-t9ScKi30LREEB2G_q4NEb3wiovQoIZVQjAzqcthechOXfJxZiGbYko-VQD1Ih3qhL9TT7i0fW7V0eGWqAHNe839qOWZoQfudiU5GFQ/s1600/_47T2081.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="683" data-original-width="1024" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm3uxR4Lku1sbxRQglUA1x0gZwtvwSNDDa1MWE-t9ScKi30LREEB2G_q4NEb3wiovQoIZVQjAzqcthechOXfJxZiGbYko-VQD1Ih3qhL9TT7i0fW7V0eGWqAHNe839qOWZoQfudiU5GFQ/s640/_47T2081.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fOzorDQn0sU/W6hcFFvFT1I/AAAAAAAApt0/qQmfqoCsmHMlnEQuUMOYhOmsWlXpXNSTgCLcBGAs/s1600/2018%2BKenya-778.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="426" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fOzorDQn0sU/W6hcFFvFT1I/AAAAAAAApt0/qQmfqoCsmHMlnEQuUMOYhOmsWlXpXNSTgCLcBGAs/s640/2018%2BKenya-778.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-slccdMcYREo/W6hcMVFWbbI/AAAAAAAApt8/jVQr2ZidSdoQo4B6n2k_hRocPuCKEJtPgCLcBGAs/s1600/2018%2BKenya-782.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="426" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-slccdMcYREo/W6hcMVFWbbI/AAAAAAAApt8/jVQr2ZidSdoQo4B6n2k_hRocPuCKEJtPgCLcBGAs/s640/2018%2BKenya-782.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VbRZc3w2Oqg/W6hcT_VWIfI/AAAAAAAApuA/R9hiJwuwkvUgV2UYca5zUn6Dbs18nfZaACLcBGAs/s1600/2018%2BKenya-784.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="426" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VbRZc3w2Oqg/W6hcT_VWIfI/AAAAAAAApuA/R9hiJwuwkvUgV2UYca5zUn6Dbs18nfZaACLcBGAs/s640/2018%2BKenya-784.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Basking in the morning sun</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wQC0UUbwIl8/W85mLQbioDI/AAAAAAAAp7s/JyP78md16Ng-py4ujzcFDAx8z7w3ng8hwCLcBGAs/s1600/_47T2205.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="683" data-original-width="1024" height="426" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wQC0UUbwIl8/W85mLQbioDI/AAAAAAAAp7s/JyP78md16Ng-py4ujzcFDAx8z7w3ng8hwCLcBGAs/s640/_47T2205.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bHLtnO6_AKA/W6hcdZDV5pI/AAAAAAAApuM/znL73nNyfJ0jHm0VB8o9q5k-Q7LA8sv2QCLcBGAs/s1600/2018%2BKenya-790.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="426" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bHLtnO6_AKA/W6hcdZDV5pI/AAAAAAAApuM/znL73nNyfJ0jHm0VB8o9q5k-Q7LA8sv2QCLcBGAs/s640/2018%2BKenya-790.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mum, can I have.....</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sOXej5tzeio/W6hcpA6ZMBI/AAAAAAAApuU/FH50UsFp9-4EkerSTIruo-v-GgwHxQ8DQCLcBGAs/s1600/2018%2BKenya-799.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sOXej5tzeio/W6hcpA6ZMBI/AAAAAAAApuU/FH50UsFp9-4EkerSTIruo-v-GgwHxQ8DQCLcBGAs/s640/2018%2BKenya-799.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lion and 2 cubs</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wItctgANgO4/W6hdGjeObvI/AAAAAAAApuk/K_qUQLVk-fk7izxxk7jHRQpUa2BbhbQpwCLcBGAs/s1600/2018%2BKenya-807.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wItctgANgO4/W6hdGjeObvI/AAAAAAAApuk/K_qUQLVk-fk7izxxk7jHRQpUa2BbhbQpwCLcBGAs/s640/2018%2BKenya-807.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hamerkop</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uXqxJb217sQ/W6heDllvcGI/AAAAAAAApu4/KSQpmCDfYt4MN5z6fHSVMEnMXI7KmDF2QCLcBGAs/s1600/2018%2BKenya-801.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uXqxJb217sQ/W6heDllvcGI/AAAAAAAApu4/KSQpmCDfYt4MN5z6fHSVMEnMXI7KmDF2QCLcBGAs/s640/2018%2BKenya-801.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">He wasn't even letting his mate have any</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="clear: right; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gsB2zsxr08U/W6hdnG2nM6I/AAAAAAAApus/EQNpwfoFBdcIwOWGsQrvEB5JQnTZz20agCLcBGAs/s1600/2018%2BKenya-809.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="426" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gsB2zsxr08U/W6hdnG2nM6I/AAAAAAAApus/EQNpwfoFBdcIwOWGsQrvEB5JQnTZz20agCLcBGAs/s640/2018%2BKenya-809.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The thought the male lion might join the female one for a drink. He had pulled their kill to the bushes over a long distance but I don't think he was willing to leave it even though he must have been very thirsty</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
The male and female lion walked right passed our cars, not in the slightest bit interested in us. The female was about 30cm from my left foot with the side of the Landrover cut away for photographers to get down low if they wish, looking at me as she walked passed. Yes, I know you could jump in and yes you could eat me but luckily they don't.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PcvizsYS040/W6hecyWiLdI/AAAAAAAApvA/nvJOPobT_bQHgP9Q3hbtSM2jYqT0wGi9ACLcBGAs/s1600/2018%2BKenya-813.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="426" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PcvizsYS040/W6hecyWiLdI/AAAAAAAApvA/nvJOPobT_bQHgP9Q3hbtSM2jYqT0wGi9ACLcBGAs/s640/2018%2BKenya-813.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yellow billed stork eating a slug he had found in the water</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pvvr9FeXuwE/W6heqftNZbI/AAAAAAAApvE/-gA6pOl_GfoaRzrywYf8kKqHlSLPLP8jACLcBGAs/s1600/2018%2BKenya-816.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="426" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pvvr9FeXuwE/W6heqftNZbI/AAAAAAAApvE/-gA6pOl_GfoaRzrywYf8kKqHlSLPLP8jACLcBGAs/s640/2018%2BKenya-816.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We finished the day off with a family of elephants. The little one was still testing out what his trunk could do.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;">6th and 7th of September 2018</span></div>
<div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Day 1 & 2: </span><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://tvlbug.blogspot.com/2018/08/the-rains-of-africa.html&source=gmail&ust=1539757626004000&usg=AFQjCNF0-YHGVUUBhLHs1GuvuHA5Ng5upw" href="http://tvlbug.blogspot.com/2018/08/the-rains-of-africa.html" name="m_3167613132594103100_1" style="color: #1155cc; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;" target="_blank">The rains of Africa</a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Day 3 & 4: </span><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://tvlbug.blogspot.com/2018/09/an-unlikely-trio.html&source=gmail&ust=1539773661563000&usg=AFQjCNHTAgIShIe9EKJsAliVVejI06-6XA" href="http://tvlbug.blogspot.com/2018/09/an-unlikely-trio.html" name="m_-7004721460785757382_1" style="color: #1155cc; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: x-small;">An unlikely trio</span></a><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Day 5 & 6: <a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://tvlbug.blogspot.com/2018/09/lions-prize.html&source=gmail&ust=1539757624927000&usg=AFQjCNGHnl-7CRPx4Bo1zHPPgQZYFeRp6Q" href="http://tvlbug.blogspot.com/2018/09/lions-prize.html" name="m_2385337835802646431_1" style="color: #1155cc; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;" target="_blank">Lion's prize</a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Day 7 & 8: </span><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://tvlbug.blogspot.com/2018/09/very-special-lion-day.html&source=gmail&ust=1540339980928000&usg=AFQjCNFd-5hEDU9Lznxuol6jGaDksBp9Ng" href="http://tvlbug.blogspot.com/2018/09/very-special-lion-day.html" name="m_602743744318247008_1" style="color: #1155cc; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Very special lion day</span></a><br />
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
Janehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06017837107696030036noreply@blogger.com1Masai Mara National Reserve, Kenya-1.4065513 34.906551000000036-78.6420468 -130.32783449999997 75.8289442 -159.85906349999993tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3168284011338330133.post-76494928161546038382018-09-05T08:00:00.000+10:002018-10-22T16:23:15.624+11:00Very special lion day<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<b>Masai Mara National Park, Kenya</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>Day 7</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-g_f8F4GPeGc/W6hMH0WPkII/AAAAAAAAppw/z-5qq5jngFcmVT1f8NkJUoFwNiRaPwzigCLcBGAs/s1600/2018%2BKenya-565.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1002" data-original-width="1500" height="426" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-g_f8F4GPeGc/W6hMH0WPkII/AAAAAAAAppw/z-5qq5jngFcmVT1f8NkJUoFwNiRaPwzigCLcBGAs/s640/2018%2BKenya-565.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We saw balloons most mornings</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yH_GP4zWnTQ/W6hJ8372reI/AAAAAAAApos/9lLSUZrMDAcYTAeOp5MqKs6nBefpw4fOwCLcBGAs/s1600/2018%2BKenya-509.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="426" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yH_GP4zWnTQ/W6hJ8372reI/AAAAAAAApos/9lLSUZrMDAcYTAeOp5MqKs6nBefpw4fOwCLcBGAs/s640/2018%2BKenya-509.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is why we get up so early - look at that light</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rfBK8eS3kvQ/W6hKJO58xCI/AAAAAAAApow/SpDfKBO9AiUMoMSPwJaIEpP04zMh354WwCLcBGAs/s1600/2018%2BKenya-514.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="426" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rfBK8eS3kvQ/W6hKJO58xCI/AAAAAAAApow/SpDfKBO9AiUMoMSPwJaIEpP04zMh354WwCLcBGAs/s640/2018%2BKenya-514.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I'm all paws</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-H_LMgnlbZTM/W6hKR5Bb_0I/AAAAAAAApo4/oNQHg8u4o6U1ZGyhtufAP-g083Q9GxONwCLcBGAs/s1600/2018%2BKenya-518.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="426" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-H_LMgnlbZTM/W6hKR5Bb_0I/AAAAAAAApo4/oNQHg8u4o6U1ZGyhtufAP-g083Q9GxONwCLcBGAs/s640/2018%2BKenya-518.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A bit of discipline is needed</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yX3GefBPGes/W81bdUbDftI/AAAAAAAAp50/kY0outoqR44AqePgndxcRjicuCnlezEAACLcBGAs/s1600/_47T1291.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="683" data-original-width="1024" height="426" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yX3GefBPGes/W81bdUbDftI/AAAAAAAAp50/kY0outoqR44AqePgndxcRjicuCnlezEAACLcBGAs/s640/_47T1291.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This little fellow looks like he gets into lots of trouble</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QSIyKcLlSTM/W6hKfDEwNuI/AAAAAAAAppA/2_A35i_WdtoEkdDneLas_lI74DvKZFhswCLcBGAs/s1600/2018%2BKenya-525.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QSIyKcLlSTM/W6hKfDEwNuI/AAAAAAAAppA/2_A35i_WdtoEkdDneLas_lI74DvKZFhswCLcBGAs/s640/2018%2BKenya-525.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Three musketeers </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tc_6lGHgQj8/W6hKwt7VVsI/AAAAAAAAppM/b2625FW9wdcGKLhxTCVFZLPcQEWhEQFYwCLcBGAs/s1600/2018%2BKenya-546.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="426" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tc_6lGHgQj8/W6hKwt7VVsI/AAAAAAAAppM/b2625FW9wdcGKLhxTCVFZLPcQEWhEQFYwCLcBGAs/s640/2018%2BKenya-546.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">There's something down there</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We followed the pride of lions until they went into the bush and then they played on an dead tree<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-02MWdjbsDcg/W6hLBLDA3ZI/AAAAAAAAppU/Bm0dow-cZfcVAgxQh-020eehGtz49k7FgCLcBGAs/s1600/2018%2BKenya-553.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="886" data-original-width="1500" height="378" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-02MWdjbsDcg/W6hLBLDA3ZI/AAAAAAAAppU/Bm0dow-cZfcVAgxQh-020eehGtz49k7FgCLcBGAs/s640/2018%2BKenya-553.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bee eaters - Oh no, they really do eat bees!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kq3pwMit1Sc/W81bOHGI7WI/AAAAAAAAp5w/FvwdBk6Se0gxQw_zJLmVH0sMNFyn6ncSgCLcBGAs/s1600/_47T1410.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="683" data-original-width="1024" height="426" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kq3pwMit1Sc/W81bOHGI7WI/AAAAAAAAp5w/FvwdBk6Se0gxQw_zJLmVH0sMNFyn6ncSgCLcBGAs/s640/_47T1410.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">You don't see the hippos out of the water very often</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oFxLCy_NdKU/W6hLQmZeE_I/AAAAAAAAppY/hmRfAk1f2woCPUmZftjvgYlHfhvR8mfEACLcBGAs/s1600/2018%2BKenya-557.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="426" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oFxLCy_NdKU/W6hLQmZeE_I/AAAAAAAAppY/hmRfAk1f2woCPUmZftjvgYlHfhvR8mfEACLcBGAs/s640/2018%2BKenya-557.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">African Green Pigeon </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HShH9VBdNI0/W6hLl2om-lI/AAAAAAAAppk/wBhhzWHCudExEiYxm7HCRbvj_XDIsi4ogCLcBGAs/s1600/2018%2BKenya-578.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HShH9VBdNI0/W6hLl2om-lI/AAAAAAAAppk/wBhhzWHCudExEiYxm7HCRbvj_XDIsi4ogCLcBGAs/s640/2018%2BKenya-578.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Juvenile Marshal Eagle, he hasn't got his poker dots on his legs yet</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-okJgwEL8PmM/W6hL8v5o9-I/AAAAAAAApps/VLK0lJBefG4Yu0WmcgWXCTuoRA_UOLFmQCLcBGAs/s1600/2018%2BKenya-579.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="577" data-original-width="1500" height="246" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-okJgwEL8PmM/W6hL8v5o9-I/AAAAAAAApps/VLK0lJBefG4Yu0WmcgWXCTuoRA_UOLFmQCLcBGAs/s640/2018%2BKenya-579.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HfMi8S4veX4/W81Z2_xLN8I/AAAAAAAAp5I/iy3nIm4ZC0weKTBn4VxfmPhRkM42PsxqwCLcBGAs/s1600/_47T1482.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="683" data-original-width="1024" height="426" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HfMi8S4veX4/W81Z2_xLN8I/AAAAAAAAp5I/iy3nIm4ZC0weKTBn4VxfmPhRkM42PsxqwCLcBGAs/s640/_47T1482.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qbY_b5gXczA/W81Z--j_MhI/AAAAAAAAp5M/XUJDaONSYRYkdisJmPoN0DKAbKOfjhm5gCLcBGAs/s1600/_47T1521.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="683" data-original-width="1024" height="426" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qbY_b5gXczA/W81Z--j_MhI/AAAAAAAAp5M/XUJDaONSYRYkdisJmPoN0DKAbKOfjhm5gCLcBGAs/s640/_47T1521.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Q02QDFm1vEc/W81aHa4Wn-I/AAAAAAAAp5Q/17CmeHpJL6Ep5BYMo8ME7OkjpRuUM7Y-gCLcBGAs/s1600/_47T1648.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="683" data-original-width="1024" height="426" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Q02QDFm1vEc/W81aHa4Wn-I/AAAAAAAAp5Q/17CmeHpJL6Ep5BYMo8ME7OkjpRuUM7Y-gCLcBGAs/s640/_47T1648.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Are they playing Twister?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-S2jur43WnR8/W81aM8LOqgI/AAAAAAAAp5Y/O2nNATFgfLgylV9SS3v_FAdOuv6DIS9gQCLcBGAs/s1600/_47T1685.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="683" data-original-width="1024" height="426" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-S2jur43WnR8/W81aM8LOqgI/AAAAAAAAp5Y/O2nNATFgfLgylV9SS3v_FAdOuv6DIS9gQCLcBGAs/s640/_47T1685.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lilac-breasted Roller</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b><br /></b>
<b>Day 8</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wSvm-QjUryA/W6hMuZ3vJPI/AAAAAAAApp8/iReSjUzhKOc0ir2AnNiU2EwoPTtJROe-ACLcBGAs/s1600/2018%2BKenya-583.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="426" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wSvm-QjUryA/W6hMuZ3vJPI/AAAAAAAApp8/iReSjUzhKOc0ir2AnNiU2EwoPTtJROe-ACLcBGAs/s640/2018%2BKenya-583.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BBYZ1mAhuQ8/W81dWPshTUI/AAAAAAAAp6E/1DeCdrki2Vo9uog6ntnLo8QPg0qL0XS4gCLcBGAs/s1600/_N8J0017.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="683" data-original-width="1024" height="426" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BBYZ1mAhuQ8/W81dWPshTUI/AAAAAAAAp6E/1DeCdrki2Vo9uog6ntnLo8QPg0qL0XS4gCLcBGAs/s640/_N8J0017.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3dBW5csqxEs/W6hNc46N1WI/AAAAAAAApqQ/d0SE3ZXeltI9MhT13GZtn9sats3eIxeUQCLcBGAs/s1600/2018%2BKenya-603.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3dBW5csqxEs/W6hNc46N1WI/AAAAAAAApqQ/d0SE3ZXeltI9MhT13GZtn9sats3eIxeUQCLcBGAs/s640/2018%2BKenya-603.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FOE8ZRMQWc4/W6hQaeAIXlI/AAAAAAAApqo/vAxCS2rtKlQAPhuq4IVnsRJF2YQFyWJnQCLcBGAs/s1600/2018%2BKenya-664.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FOE8ZRMQWc4/W6hQaeAIXlI/AAAAAAAApqo/vAxCS2rtKlQAPhuq4IVnsRJF2YQFyWJnQCLcBGAs/s640/2018%2BKenya-664.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sunbird</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cpwPFdRZ6dA/W6hS5_IIstI/AAAAAAAApq0/PWd6FQb6q-wi6BUwNQV2JocPprJZ7VJEwCLcBGAs/s1600/2018%2BKenya-626.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cpwPFdRZ6dA/W6hS5_IIstI/AAAAAAAApq0/PWd6FQb6q-wi6BUwNQV2JocPprJZ7VJEwCLcBGAs/s640/2018%2BKenya-626.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One less grasshopper</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Vh924jRcyxs/W6hTE3My6cI/AAAAAAAApq4/NZM3CojykUcG04AJf425WOC8gy8sO4U_ACLcBGAs/s1600/2018%2BKenya-666.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1002" data-original-width="1500" height="426" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Vh924jRcyxs/W6hTE3My6cI/AAAAAAAApq4/NZM3CojykUcG04AJf425WOC8gy8sO4U_ACLcBGAs/s640/2018%2BKenya-666.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of the many water crossings</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2rSb-WfMBPw/W6hTSNw-_0I/AAAAAAAAprA/caepowBsxoY-77BQxDvVuLUkcGX6Gy4NACLcBGAs/s1600/2018%2BKenya-660.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2rSb-WfMBPw/W6hTSNw-_0I/AAAAAAAAprA/caepowBsxoY-77BQxDvVuLUkcGX6Gy4NACLcBGAs/s640/2018%2BKenya-660.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is what the banks of the Mara River look like where the wildebeest cross</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xaaGKQ1Wgk0/W6hTfEFyVcI/AAAAAAAAprI/EM-CXDBkMawk57T9UT1Q_cypXGPFJp2bQCLcBGAs/s1600/2018%2BKenya-634.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="426" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xaaGKQ1Wgk0/W6hTfEFyVcI/AAAAAAAAprI/EM-CXDBkMawk57T9UT1Q_cypXGPFJp2bQCLcBGAs/s640/2018%2BKenya-634.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">No, we aren't moving for you</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UILQ6mXWOSs/W6hUC-RBmsI/AAAAAAAAprQ/Yh9C41aBzkkSXCAqPcJrMg5k-H0q8P_ygCLcBGAs/s1600/2018%2BKenya-633.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="426" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UILQ6mXWOSs/W6hUC-RBmsI/AAAAAAAAprQ/Yh9C41aBzkkSXCAqPcJrMg5k-H0q8P_ygCLcBGAs/s640/2018%2BKenya-633.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hurry up</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUcqWEQ-wCCoAF5JIP142vqG_-hFoA0ayAd22HMPvCVZmSGTWEb0tXejcFpZuwPPWn1yBDjGBYtHNDmAFF3tQsdDxTNQJxs2mTLkTjy07XAFJcXtupLOTNswxyho0VD5TIUmgp5TI5zuQ/s1600/_N8J0111.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="683" data-original-width="1024" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUcqWEQ-wCCoAF5JIP142vqG_-hFoA0ayAd22HMPvCVZmSGTWEb0tXejcFpZuwPPWn1yBDjGBYtHNDmAFF3tQsdDxTNQJxs2mTLkTjy07XAFJcXtupLOTNswxyho0VD5TIUmgp5TI5zuQ/s640/_N8J0111.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Martin, Lindsay and me at the marker of Tanzania</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-F0Iks-J8Psc/W81d_UE_CxI/AAAAAAAAp6c/N3dEGy4wlcIMbaedBAAuQ4oIWglvwq25wCLcBGAs/s1600/_N8J0146.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="576" data-original-width="1024" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-F0Iks-J8Psc/W81d_UE_CxI/AAAAAAAAp6c/N3dEGy4wlcIMbaedBAAuQ4oIWglvwq25wCLcBGAs/s640/_N8J0146.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">There are some wildebeest here, just not where we want them</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<i><br /></i>
<i><br /></i>
<br />
<div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;">4th & 5th September 2018</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Day 1 & 2: </span><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://tvlbug.blogspot.com/2018/08/the-rains-of-africa.html&source=gmail&ust=1539757626004000&usg=AFQjCNF0-YHGVUUBhLHs1GuvuHA5Ng5upw" href="http://tvlbug.blogspot.com/2018/08/the-rains-of-africa.html" name="m_3167613132594103100_1" style="color: #1155cc; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;" target="_blank">The rains of Africa</a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Day 3 & 4: </span><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://tvlbug.blogspot.com/2018/09/an-unlikely-trio.html&source=gmail&ust=1539773661563000&usg=AFQjCNHTAgIShIe9EKJsAliVVejI06-6XA" href="http://tvlbug.blogspot.com/2018/09/an-unlikely-trio.html" name="m_-7004721460785757382_1" style="color: #1155cc; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">An unlikely trio</span></a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Day 5 & 6: <a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://tvlbug.blogspot.com/2018/09/lions-prize.html&source=gmail&ust=1539757624927000&usg=AFQjCNGHnl-7CRPx4Bo1zHPPgQZYFeRp6Q" href="http://tvlbug.blogspot.com/2018/09/lions-prize.html" name="m_2385337835802646431_1" style="color: #1155cc; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;" target="_blank">Lion's prize</a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"></span>Day 7 & 8: this post</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Day 9 & 10: not published yet</span></div>
</div>
Janehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06017837107696030036noreply@blogger.com0Masai Mara, Kenya43.537372 -109.6469739000000318.015337499999998 -150.95557040000003 69.0594065 -68.338377400000041tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3168284011338330133.post-36424386799815689952018-09-03T12:00:00.000+10:002018-10-23T13:03:03.069+11:00Lion's prize<b>Masai Mara National Park</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>Day 5</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7ydUpzdEHrw/W81YM2nL69I/AAAAAAAAp4o/8NcDP9TOh7ksBwfPtqqrSCWuXSkJbf9jACLcBGAs/s1600/_N8J9791.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="683" data-original-width="1024" height="426" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7ydUpzdEHrw/W81YM2nL69I/AAAAAAAAp4o/8NcDP9TOh7ksBwfPtqqrSCWuXSkJbf9jACLcBGAs/s640/_N8J9791.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-I9ESuWa8XYQ/W6g_4W-1WaI/AAAAAAAApk0/5DCSehm6SkwpAHI3z2i2CcITVg0lqVyIwCEwYBhgL/s1600/2018%2BKenya-384.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1002" data-original-width="1500" height="426" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-I9ESuWa8XYQ/W6g_4W-1WaI/AAAAAAAApk0/5DCSehm6SkwpAHI3z2i2CcITVg0lqVyIwCEwYBhgL/s640/2018%2BKenya-384.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Morning Tea</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The sun is out but the clouds are building.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_JEzBC_rq9w/W6hAIaeWFUI/AAAAAAAApk4/Q9wxBIAkdT4GxJaygQSekMNtC66G-g79gCLcBGAs/s1600/2018%2BKenya-388.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1002" data-original-width="1500" height="426" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_JEzBC_rq9w/W6hAIaeWFUI/AAAAAAAApk4/Q9wxBIAkdT4GxJaygQSekMNtC66G-g79gCLcBGAs/s640/2018%2BKenya-388.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The tracks are still pretty muddy</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-p4vCnsKgmY4/W6hAScn-73I/AAAAAAAAplA/lQM7xc5J_k4HQQAso6Hebl61l_RCrdytACLcBGAs/s1600/2018%2BKenya-393.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1002" data-original-width="1500" height="426" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-p4vCnsKgmY4/W6hAScn-73I/AAAAAAAAplA/lQM7xc5J_k4HQQAso6Hebl61l_RCrdytACLcBGAs/s640/2018%2BKenya-393.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The rain is coming, better put the roof on</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pEbkYy6xlQI/W6hAfUtC9ZI/AAAAAAAAplI/JpDvfr5rQOwbcXqXv5YlFvLgFuYs-cYeQCLcBGAs/s1600/2018%2BKenya-397.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="528" data-original-width="1500" height="226" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pEbkYy6xlQI/W6hAfUtC9ZI/AAAAAAAAplI/JpDvfr5rQOwbcXqXv5YlFvLgFuYs-cYeQCLcBGAs/s640/2018%2BKenya-397.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I don't know what it is about Africa, but the sunrises and sunsets here are stunning</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bt8l7OCLp-g/W6hAw6AIQKI/AAAAAAAAplU/8Nztjt2Jz6EWBzeNOb0vx7zr5grhc_oDQCLcBGAs/s1600/2018%2BKenya-398.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="426" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bt8l7OCLp-g/W6hAw6AIQKI/AAAAAAAAplU/8Nztjt2Jz6EWBzeNOb0vx7zr5grhc_oDQCLcBGAs/s640/2018%2BKenya-398.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mating lions - love isn't always perfect</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xOBGo3EI2ZA/W6hBDUDX5XI/AAAAAAAAplc/dD7pEZ4HRnkbK1qsduHT4CsPD_gu9hB5QCLcBGAs/s1600/2018%2BKenya-401.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="426" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xOBGo3EI2ZA/W6hBDUDX5XI/AAAAAAAAplc/dD7pEZ4HRnkbK1qsduHT4CsPD_gu9hB5QCLcBGAs/s640/2018%2BKenya-401.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.800000190734863px;">Little birds usually like plants with spikes as it makes them feel safer</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ce8aj3nw9nE/W6hBSQvc2cI/AAAAAAAAplg/THNKKGjiNJwL0XGv43qGFYvw5DPlwNsrgCLcBGAs/s1600/2018%2BKenya-406.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="426" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ce8aj3nw9nE/W6hBSQvc2cI/AAAAAAAAplg/THNKKGjiNJwL0XGv43qGFYvw5DPlwNsrgCLcBGAs/s640/2018%2BKenya-406.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BUtbfxfWDmQ/W6hBZos856I/AAAAAAAAplo/FTxKphFEx-ofEu-2AoDTsxfcZpHz-yEuACLcBGAs/s1600/2018%2BKenya-409.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="426" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BUtbfxfWDmQ/W6hBZos856I/AAAAAAAAplo/FTxKphFEx-ofEu-2AoDTsxfcZpHz-yEuACLcBGAs/s640/2018%2BKenya-409.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kingfisher</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yr6SBWBiTh0/W6hBo-3ZiMI/AAAAAAAAplw/GUBEuOED7z4Xh1TAI-Qz3xbut1R0VlaugCLcBGAs/s1600/2018%2BKenya-421.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="426" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yr6SBWBiTh0/W6hBo-3ZiMI/AAAAAAAAplw/GUBEuOED7z4Xh1TAI-Qz3xbut1R0VlaugCLcBGAs/s640/2018%2BKenya-421.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Large herds of zebra on this trip</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Y44s8wBJuRA/W6hB1R-wqxI/AAAAAAAApl4/848qFM0h93Q_s4_0NUlvyGi4a2ALCKGmgCLcBGAs/s1600/2018%2BKenya-424.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="425" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Y44s8wBJuRA/W6hB1R-wqxI/AAAAAAAApl4/848qFM0h93Q_s4_0NUlvyGi4a2ALCKGmgCLcBGAs/s640/2018%2BKenya-424.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Saddle Billed Stork</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2zxQ6dTjRwY/W6hD5HKjsiI/AAAAAAAApn4/BmCmUj_z0HQLfvyIOQSUQW_0SkqzsdQlgCLcBGAs/s1600/2018%2BKenya-417.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="426" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2zxQ6dTjRwY/W6hD5HKjsiI/AAAAAAAApn4/BmCmUj_z0HQLfvyIOQSUQW_0SkqzsdQlgCLcBGAs/s640/2018%2BKenya-417.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">They say we all need to do something with our hands, animals groom, <br />
people used to smoke, now they play with their phones</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-T5HCGadx1K8/W6hEPQOMM3I/AAAAAAAApoE/KyTd1v6IXKgYoU9mN2JKjh9YdTWyETnxQCLcBGAs/s1600/2018%2BKenya-425.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="426" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-T5HCGadx1K8/W6hEPQOMM3I/AAAAAAAApoE/KyTd1v6IXKgYoU9mN2JKjh9YdTWyETnxQCLcBGAs/s640/2018%2BKenya-425.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hartebeest, similar to a Topi but they are a lighter shade on their rump, and the horns and ears are different</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-g_jNdEEhzKk/W6hEzFJhLvI/AAAAAAAApoM/ksnDcQ2S7cotI4EAx_tBr-If2wtiYWDMwCLcBGAs/s1600/2018%2BKenya-432.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="426" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-g_jNdEEhzKk/W6hEzFJhLvI/AAAAAAAApoM/ksnDcQ2S7cotI4EAx_tBr-If2wtiYWDMwCLcBGAs/s640/2018%2BKenya-432.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I'm not sure where I'm going but I'm just making sure everyone knows it's mine</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
This lion spent ages moving this wildebeest but there weren't any trees or bushes close by. There were 18 hyena's waiting to see if he would leave it and a few vbulchers had gathered. Slowly they all left as they realised he wasn't giving it up any time soon.</div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-637JRb0ebdE/W6hFGGvaoaI/AAAAAAAApoU/sWPAO79ev5Q08q6l0o96ajm6lr6oWPeTgCLcBGAs/s1600/2018%2BKenya-430.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="426" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-637JRb0ebdE/W6hFGGvaoaI/AAAAAAAApoU/sWPAO79ev5Q08q6l0o96ajm6lr6oWPeTgCLcBGAs/s640/2018%2BKenya-430.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The hyenas wait patiently for the lion to give up his wildebeest </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nNKZfUGOynY/W6hHWLcXwnI/AAAAAAAApog/8sWqM5NRMKcjns6cfq7E1Mu1OjgNjNeIwCLcBGAs/s1600/2018%2BKenya-437.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1002" data-original-width="1500" height="426" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nNKZfUGOynY/W6hHWLcXwnI/AAAAAAAApog/8sWqM5NRMKcjns6cfq7E1Mu1OjgNjNeIwCLcBGAs/s640/2018%2BKenya-437.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
We check our emails just before dinner as there is internet in the mess room but we are not allowed any devices out near the fire which is fair enough. We find out that 87 elephants in Botswana have been killed by poachers for their tusks and we are all devastated. These wonderful giants are so family orientated. Someone explains that the reason the elephants are so aggressive in Kruger National Park is because they partially culled a herd and those that survived have passed on their hatred of humans, and rightly so, onto their offspring. I don't think I want to go to Kruger.<br />
<br />
<b>Day 6</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fxQuM-Hl1fo/W8V9MEk8AQI/AAAAAAAAp0E/GhZW80MiH1A4GwXsffXPYBG5ZNdxLZNmACLcBGAs/s1600/2018%2BKenya-442.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="426" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fxQuM-Hl1fo/W8V9MEk8AQI/AAAAAAAAp0E/GhZW80MiH1A4GwXsffXPYBG5ZNdxLZNmACLcBGAs/s640/2018%2BKenya-442.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Don't know what this little guy is and he didn't stick around for a chat</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2nmFAw3gXxw/W8V9bAsNWDI/AAAAAAAAp0I/B-WN71iVt786O0ortlr-GIYX4NeXeF3HwCLcBGAs/s1600/2018%2BKenya-445.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2nmFAw3gXxw/W8V9bAsNWDI/AAAAAAAAp0I/B-WN71iVt786O0ortlr-GIYX4NeXeF3HwCLcBGAs/s640/2018%2BKenya-445.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jackal cub outside his burrow</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rIhdNiKZqRA/W8V9v8NLX-I/AAAAAAAAp0U/GoG1L7ls9ssUofZYVG5MF5aivHrkxDD2gCLcBGAs/s1600/2018%2BKenya-447.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="426" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rIhdNiKZqRA/W8V9v8NLX-I/AAAAAAAAp0U/GoG1L7ls9ssUofZYVG5MF5aivHrkxDD2gCLcBGAs/s640/2018%2BKenya-447.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hunting Leopold</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We watched this Leopold stalking a group of zebras for about half an hour. He had no chance. When the long grass ran out he ran back the other way. Maybe he as just practicing stalking.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/--37_83ys2Vg/W8V-Ue6RtdI/AAAAAAAAp0c/WpydiXhbr_AXTQnQ3ijt1gNd07ueV00OwCLcBGAs/s1600/2018%2BKenya-452.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="426" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/--37_83ys2Vg/W8V-Ue6RtdI/AAAAAAAAp0c/WpydiXhbr_AXTQnQ3ijt1gNd07ueV00OwCLcBGAs/s640/2018%2BKenya-452.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Meanwhile the zebras were oblivious. Some had their own scores to settle.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ySY22Bl4EWc/W8V-ub2eVzI/AAAAAAAAp0k/3E4_wZGc8r8xPYOSLkW2TYnJxnKRmssQwCLcBGAs/s1600/2018%2BKenya-456.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="426" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ySY22Bl4EWc/W8V-ub2eVzI/AAAAAAAAp0k/3E4_wZGc8r8xPYOSLkW2TYnJxnKRmssQwCLcBGAs/s640/2018%2BKenya-456.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Just like horses - lots of biting and kicking</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-F5zzYyO8JGY/W8WAmCD-wDI/AAAAAAAAp1A/G4D6w4FlzCIQhhehSO_P1feCKuBZjGZHQCLcBGAs/s1600/2018%2BKenya-476.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="426" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-F5zzYyO8JGY/W8WAmCD-wDI/AAAAAAAAp1A/G4D6w4FlzCIQhhehSO_P1feCKuBZjGZHQCLcBGAs/s640/2018%2BKenya-476.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Baby elephant learning what his trunk is for</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-q_6OKUcihlE/W8WASPhlMdI/AAAAAAAAp04/Txer3chTMRAj_RfuNQEEUcD1di_0g_QrACLcBGAs/s1600/2018%2BKenya-475.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="426" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-q_6OKUcihlE/W8WASPhlMdI/AAAAAAAAp04/Txer3chTMRAj_RfuNQEEUcD1di_0g_QrACLcBGAs/s640/2018%2BKenya-475.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HW86GhDqglo/W8WBHWE6NAI/AAAAAAAAp1I/3-z_uhRk7Tob7ibllY9BoDSTYiZGESShwCLcBGAs/s1600/2018%2BKenya-493.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="426" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HW86GhDqglo/W8WBHWE6NAI/AAAAAAAAp1I/3-z_uhRk7Tob7ibllY9BoDSTYiZGESShwCLcBGAs/s640/2018%2BKenya-493.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-A04i4K9vls0/W8WB5Hov_RI/AAAAAAAAp1Q/rGrsc5L5o38yY5MEQWbjFoI7WvwT7YaxACLcBGAs/s1600/2018%2BKenya-505.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1002" data-original-width="1500" height="426" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-A04i4K9vls0/W8WB5Hov_RI/AAAAAAAAp1Q/rGrsc5L5o38yY5MEQWbjFoI7WvwT7YaxACLcBGAs/s640/2018%2BKenya-505.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Martin, Conny, Dirk & Duncan - yep you can get reception in the middle of the Masai Mara</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hDsq01FvVGo/W81Yn4bxGoI/AAAAAAAAp4w/nsBRh6i50ZIUhOXpKfOV4Ko0OrHPBSNdgCLcBGAs/s1600/_47T1138.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="683" data-original-width="1024" height="426" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hDsq01FvVGo/W81Yn4bxGoI/AAAAAAAAp4w/nsBRh6i50ZIUhOXpKfOV4Ko0OrHPBSNdgCLcBGAs/s640/_47T1138.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Splendid Starling</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OTHPEvZ2Qds/W81You1f7SI/AAAAAAAAp40/FOwHa0rmHm0SXC6mBJOmUvx1DUdbu_rkACLcBGAs/s1600/_47T1151.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="683" data-original-width="1024" height="426" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OTHPEvZ2Qds/W81You1f7SI/AAAAAAAAp40/FOwHa0rmHm0SXC6mBJOmUvx1DUdbu_rkACLcBGAs/s640/_47T1151.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lion cubs</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: x-small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XX8cAiLbtDY/W81YosYAnpI/AAAAAAAAp44/LpX0TUGy5nEl6hzbujTmUFPG1DlzVjpwwCLcBGAs/s1600/_47T1231.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="683" data-original-width="1024" height="426" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XX8cAiLbtDY/W81YosYAnpI/AAAAAAAAp44/LpX0TUGy5nEl6hzbujTmUFPG1DlzVjpwwCLcBGAs/s640/_47T1231.jpg" width="640" /></a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: x-small;">2nd and 3rd September 2018</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Day 1 & 2: </span><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://tvlbug.blogspot.com/2018/08/the-rains-of-africa.html&source=gmail&ust=1539757626004000&usg=AFQjCNF0-YHGVUUBhLHs1GuvuHA5Ng5upw" href="http://tvlbug.blogspot.com/2018/08/the-rains-of-africa.html" name="m_3167613132594103100_1" style="color: #1155cc; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;" target="_blank">The rains of Africa</a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Day 3 & 4: </span><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://tvlbug.blogspot.com/2018/09/an-unlikely-trio.html&source=gmail&ust=1539773661563000&usg=AFQjCNHTAgIShIe9EKJsAliVVejI06-6XA" href="http://tvlbug.blogspot.com/2018/09/an-unlikely-trio.html" name="m_-7004721460785757382_1" style="color: #1155cc; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: x-small;">An unlikely trio</span></a><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Day 7 & 8: </span><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://tvlbug.blogspot.com/2018/09/very-special-lion-day.html&source=gmail&ust=1540339980928000&usg=AFQjCNFd-5hEDU9Lznxuol6jGaDksBp9Ng" href="http://tvlbug.blogspot.com/2018/09/very-special-lion-day.html" name="m_602743744318247008_1" style="color: #1155cc; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;" target="_blank">Very special lion day</a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Day 9 & 10: not published yet</span><br />
<br />Janehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06017837107696030036noreply@blogger.com0Masai Mara Kenya-0.023559 37.90619300000003-16.069316999999998 17.25189500000003 16.022199 58.560491000000027tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3168284011338330133.post-6707346032940509612018-09-01T08:00:00.000+10:002020-01-14T09:15:05.481+11:00An unlikely trio<b>Masai Mara, Kenya</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>Day 3</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-16LInk74cyk/W6guSK71YFI/AAAAAAAAph0/00rINjbBmv0-GLNHbJoJx5m_S_VBPV7mQCLcBGAs/s1600/2018%2BKenya-224.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="426" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-16LInk74cyk/W6guSK71YFI/AAAAAAAAph0/00rINjbBmv0-GLNHbJoJx5m_S_VBPV7mQCLcBGAs/s640/2018%2BKenya-224.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Before sunrise in the Masai Mara</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nLjzPw4hFjM/W6gubPpYkPI/AAAAAAAAph4/Ys4lupOx1yskYVUG0p7kYg_UefnAHb3sQCLcBGAs/s1600/2018%2BKenya-225.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="426" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nLjzPw4hFjM/W6gubPpYkPI/AAAAAAAAph4/Ys4lupOx1yskYVUG0p7kYg_UefnAHb3sQCLcBGAs/s640/2018%2BKenya-225.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sunrise in the Masai Mara</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
There was a gorgeous sunrise this morning and we watch a number of hot air balloons take to the sky. The sun rises around an orange glow. We watch some zebras fight. Not as brutal as the wild horses but they do bite each other. Two jackals have a kill and keep watch nervously as they eat just in case someone comes to steal their find. A Maribou Stork stands close by waiting patiently until they have finished - he's not a vulture but is still part of the clean up crew.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MitkuMzaxUc/W6gutF7O3GI/AAAAAAAApiE/yPjWBNr9nocXOovvnUz9YdAZAGge2WxFgCLcBGAs/s1600/2018%2BKenya-237.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="426" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MitkuMzaxUc/W6gutF7O3GI/AAAAAAAApiE/yPjWBNr9nocXOovvnUz9YdAZAGge2WxFgCLcBGAs/s640/2018%2BKenya-237.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">What did I do to you?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AQZbFxI08xM/W6gu6-_VPcI/AAAAAAAApiI/Th9FcXNjRDoUzQpg-1ayAvt2NemZq9wdwCLcBGAs/s1600/2018%2BKenya-244.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="426" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AQZbFxI08xM/W6gu6-_VPcI/AAAAAAAApiI/Th9FcXNjRDoUzQpg-1ayAvt2NemZq9wdwCLcBGAs/s640/2018%2BKenya-244.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The pride is lazing about as usual</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WcxdtBDHkk0/W7G86B5KYpI/AAAAAAAApxY/sbA5nAiwdY40OF9rrDuNfh5Wv2tdNKe1ACLcBGAs/s1600/_47T0553.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="683" data-original-width="1024" height="426" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WcxdtBDHkk0/W7G86B5KYpI/AAAAAAAApxY/sbA5nAiwdY40OF9rrDuNfh5Wv2tdNKe1ACLcBGAs/s640/_47T0553.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
In the long tall grass we come across a pride of eight lions but you can only see seven. When they lie down flat, they are well camouflaged. There is a reason they are the colour of dry grass as they frequent the savannah plains and you could quite easily be a couple of metres from a lion and not know it. The grass is very long this year. A woman has taken over the running of the National Park and she has forbidden the Masai to graze their cattle within the park at night. As well as that the Wildebeest haven't arrived yet to mow down the grass, there are some here but there should be thousands.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yFlTM1b7EKY/W6gvN9UxmII/AAAAAAAApiU/WADtrY5N9loIL3yzZ8oIr5fRDTXP50UjgCLcBGAs/s1600/2018%2BKenya-261.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="426" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yFlTM1b7EKY/W6gvN9UxmII/AAAAAAAApiU/WADtrY5N9loIL3yzZ8oIr5fRDTXP50UjgCLcBGAs/s640/2018%2BKenya-261.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hippos big and small</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-i4YLn_QKg-k/W6gvX6ImjtI/AAAAAAAApiY/Jovxb-5ZOAIFQDkqKOXbNGGNsXqzpHG0gCLcBGAs/s1600/2018%2BKenya-242.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-i4YLn_QKg-k/W6gvX6ImjtI/AAAAAAAApiY/Jovxb-5ZOAIFQDkqKOXbNGGNsXqzpHG0gCLcBGAs/s640/2018%2BKenya-242.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A jackal - do you mind, I'm eating here</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HSFMgLOFozE/W6gvkEoDRLI/AAAAAAAApig/1AXyui2-mpEtXZY5tKII2l6mJ9Q4ZKCZACLcBGAs/s1600/2018%2BKenya-252.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HSFMgLOFozE/W6gvkEoDRLI/AAAAAAAApig/1AXyui2-mpEtXZY5tKII2l6mJ9Q4ZKCZACLcBGAs/s640/2018%2BKenya-252.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lilac-breasted Roller</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iDJOj9lnM9A/W6gv4lTJOcI/AAAAAAAApis/0X5Am3JnXpchgSSx70tA0bTB9_CBIit8ACLcBGAs/s1600/2018%2BKenya-281.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="426" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iDJOj9lnM9A/W6gv4lTJOcI/AAAAAAAApis/0X5Am3JnXpchgSSx70tA0bTB9_CBIit8ACLcBGAs/s640/2018%2BKenya-281.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Vervet Monkey</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We have swapped seats this afternoon and Conny has come with me and Lindsay has gone with Dirk, and we have heard that there has been a sighting of a Leopold but that doesn't mean you will get to see it. On our way there we come across a bizarre situation. There are two lionesses sitting near a solo Cape buffalo. He isn't moving so we don't know if he's injured. Three giraffes look on in disbelief as do some Zebra. A hyena lurks in the background hoping he can steal their kill. Two lioness cannot take on an animal this size and we aren't sure if they are waiting for backup. They look pretty sleepy, so we go to find the Leopold. Dirk and Lindsay are there but haven't spotted it yet, so we figure if they do see it, hopefully they will get some good shots, and we go back to the trio. Quite some time later back up comes, but they aren't lions, it's a herd of Cape buffalo who stop at the top of the next hill. One comes forward; he must be their leader. He comes up to the one sitting down who now gets up knowing that help is at hand if the lions try anything. I think they are starting to fight but they are greeting each other by rubbing faces together and the one who had been sitting down walks back to the herd. The tough one wants to teach the lions a lesson so he chases them off and they run behind the cars that have gathered and sit down again. Better not to exert too much energy, we might need it later...<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1Yu-ER0YYpQ/W6gwSK2yq1I/AAAAAAAApi4/Ypev_MIUsEMYabNN3Sxn_-o1WgWcSh0UACLcBGAs/s1600/2018%2BKenya-303.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="426" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1Yu-ER0YYpQ/W6gwSK2yq1I/AAAAAAAApi4/Ypev_MIUsEMYabNN3Sxn_-o1WgWcSh0UACLcBGAs/s640/2018%2BKenya-303.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I think the buffalo is too scared to stand up</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pgBEvwgTQEs/W6gwszr4w8I/AAAAAAAApjI/BJShZPJ3GVURI-ZUhI9pb2krQ4cOHJsAACLcBGAs/s1600/2018%2BKenya-296.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="426" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pgBEvwgTQEs/W6gwszr4w8I/AAAAAAAApjI/BJShZPJ3GVURI-ZUhI9pb2krQ4cOHJsAACLcBGAs/s640/2018%2BKenya-296.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.800000190734863px;">What is going on here?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0huQFLNbxeI/W6gwf3axOSI/AAAAAAAApjA/L_uFyXEo6ykbWaDOKNf3wXGMPcdLu6DdwCLcBGAs/s1600/2018%2BKenya-307.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="426" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0huQFLNbxeI/W6gwf3axOSI/AAAAAAAApjA/L_uFyXEo6ykbWaDOKNf3wXGMPcdLu6DdwCLcBGAs/s640/2018%2BKenya-307.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.800000190734863px;">Until his mate comes and runs the lions off</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1KugVSL1gClFq_2j4KA9Dc7S0i-0EvQS2sxji2XMHS-QpXsaTyGy17BHo85jr1_HjljbcRNS8_pgC0egwXCKiokTx8gqb4Wk666DwFxq_-Ro6160dWqLoMMMiBaS_6xeKnnVkzSWiOrU/s1600/2018+Kenya-317.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1KugVSL1gClFq_2j4KA9Dc7S0i-0EvQS2sxji2XMHS-QpXsaTyGy17BHo85jr1_HjljbcRNS8_pgC0egwXCKiokTx8gqb4Wk666DwFxq_-Ro6160dWqLoMMMiBaS_6xeKnnVkzSWiOrU/s640/2018+Kenya-317.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The hyena is a bit annoyed that the lions didn't get the buffalo </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XZx5CUfnGzU/W6gwE2PaQQI/AAAAAAAApiw/DrW0n_UhDiIwtTEPejyYCTbCCMre6cN8gCLcBGAs/s1600/2018%2BKenya-291.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="426" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XZx5CUfnGzU/W6gwE2PaQQI/AAAAAAAApiw/DrW0n_UhDiIwtTEPejyYCTbCCMre6cN8gCLcBGAs/s640/2018%2BKenya-291.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Baby baboon</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<b>Day 4 </b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0V_xwsakhQw/W6gx9h2f48I/AAAAAAAApjg/F1t-kSq_pA8HDawC0ZdRFOn0moKm5J-QACLcBGAs/s1600/2018%2BKenya-330.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="426" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0V_xwsakhQw/W6gx9h2f48I/AAAAAAAApjg/F1t-kSq_pA8HDawC0ZdRFOn0moKm5J-QACLcBGAs/s640/2018%2BKenya-330.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sunrise with cloud</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Bo7wbxcnbhE/W6gyL4LyFuI/AAAAAAAApjk/gimHlFPKzPEw23qhOSKSucnLEYMhUe2EgCEwYBhgL/s1600/2018%2BKenya-331.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="426" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Bo7wbxcnbhE/W6gyL4LyFuI/AAAAAAAApjk/gimHlFPKzPEw23qhOSKSucnLEYMhUe2EgCEwYBhgL/s640/2018%2BKenya-331.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stretching time</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The find for today was one of Koboso's older cubs. When we arrived we couldn't see her to had to go hunting in this large area of bushes. Then we spotted her. We got a couple of seconds and she was back in the scrub. We found her again, but just for a second and she was off again. Then someone thought they saw the ranger's vehicle so we all scrambled as we weren't supposed to be there. We had no idea if she had moved on while we were gone so we waited a for about ten minutes and then gave up, she could be anywhere. This was all before 9am in the morning.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LSbwGIX-yhk/W6gyc9R2UEI/AAAAAAAApjs/QVqPOapssPcsCvYTn0APGBxuieJ3zPtfACLcBGAs/s1600/2018%2BKenya-338.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="426" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LSbwGIX-yhk/W6gyc9R2UEI/AAAAAAAApjs/QVqPOapssPcsCvYTn0APGBxuieJ3zPtfACLcBGAs/s640/2018%2BKenya-338.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of Koboso's cubs</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-L1aVZTYOf-s/W6gysFaqpcI/AAAAAAAApjw/8vZB_9Jddg8gvANtI9sUhdCE9yKiz3NbwCLcBGAs/s1600/2018%2BKenya-340.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="426" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-L1aVZTYOf-s/W6gysFaqpcI/AAAAAAAApjw/8vZB_9Jddg8gvANtI9sUhdCE9yKiz3NbwCLcBGAs/s640/2018%2BKenya-340.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Their coat is camouflaged for bushes, but they are still hard to see in the long grass</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Around 9:30am we stop for morning tea and today we were joined by two other cars from camp which gives us a chance to chat about the morning.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dIp_8j0-7ZE/W6gztC4JvjI/AAAAAAAApkY/o6ySC9TwvXUfQC76I2IBmmYHowwTv1FAACLcBGAs/s1600/2018%2BKenya-373.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="426" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dIp_8j0-7ZE/W6gztC4JvjI/AAAAAAAApkY/o6ySC9TwvXUfQC76I2IBmmYHowwTv1FAACLcBGAs/s640/2018%2BKenya-373.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Elephants pass us in the distance while we sip tea</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
One of the other guests had seen a black rhino the day before so we made it our mission this afternoon to go and find him. He was a long way away and had last been seen heading for a forest so there was no guarantee that we would find him but we wanted to try anyway, so the four of us set out on a quest.<br />
<br />
Food must have been hard to come by today as we saw two lionesses run after some ducks. They didn't catch them of course but it was amusing to watch.<br />
<br />
<br />
A hyena sits on top of a dead hippo before he gets stuck into his dinner<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxKP6vBx6olpHdSUqc6_bxnrSZZugLUixDEALU1jXRcVK2wBH1mMLzwjCwq8RtWrObjQTOhK5jZlppJmwzB4GyxQWWI4Z2FxTa4xdi3LHritWdX4XGEkX0Wjy5rY7-EOpA-J2mYXGo_hg/s1600/2018+Kenya-374.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxKP6vBx6olpHdSUqc6_bxnrSZZugLUixDEALU1jXRcVK2wBH1mMLzwjCwq8RtWrObjQTOhK5jZlppJmwzB4GyxQWWI4Z2FxTa4xdi3LHritWdX4XGEkX0Wjy5rY7-EOpA-J2mYXGo_hg/s640/2018+Kenya-374.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">and he's all mine</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hfvkG-Nigkk/W6gzBBz1OoI/AAAAAAAApkA/h2VDdkw-TZgqcwXlofQD9FbcTHlaemr3wCLcBGAs/s1600/2018%2BKenya-380.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="426" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hfvkG-Nigkk/W6gzBBz1OoI/AAAAAAAApkA/h2VDdkw-TZgqcwXlofQD9FbcTHlaemr3wCLcBGAs/s640/2018%2BKenya-380.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Black Rhino</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Yes, we find the hippo, but it's 6:15pm and we have to be back in camp by 6:30pm. He's out in the open and there is still enough light for us to take some photos before he's had enough of us and trots off. We are all ecstatic. Brian is not happy that we are late back to camp, but it was worth it.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">31 August & 1 September 2018</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Day 1 & 2: </span><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://tvlbug.blogspot.com/2018/08/the-rains-of-africa.html&source=gmail&ust=1539757626004000&usg=AFQjCNF0-YHGVUUBhLHs1GuvuHA5Ng5upw" href="http://tvlbug.blogspot.com/2018/08/the-rains-of-africa.html" name="m_3167613132594103100_1" style="color: #1155cc; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;" target="_blank">The rains of Africa</a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Day 5 & 6: <a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://tvlbug.blogspot.com/2018/09/lions-prize.html&source=gmail&ust=1539757624927000&usg=AFQjCNGHnl-7CRPx4Bo1zHPPgQZYFeRp6Q" href="http://tvlbug.blogspot.com/2018/09/lions-prize.html" name="m_2385337835802646431_1" style="color: #1155cc; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;" target="_blank">Lion's prize</a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Day 7 & 8: </span><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://tvlbug.blogspot.com/2018/09/very-special-lion-day.html&source=gmail&ust=1540339980928000&usg=AFQjCNFd-5hEDU9Lznxuol6jGaDksBp9Ng" href="http://tvlbug.blogspot.com/2018/09/very-special-lion-day.html" name="m_602743744318247008_1" style="color: #1155cc; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Very special lion day</span></a><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Day 9 & 10: not published yet</span>Janehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06017837107696030036noreply@blogger.com0Massai Mara National Park, Kenya-0.023559 37.90619300000003-16.069316999999998 17.25189500000003 16.022199 58.560491000000027