Julie's Dispatch From the Field:
WE REALLY EXIST!!!
We have not had internet access, sorry, we were bush-bound!
We are having a fantastic time together. It is just so much more than we dreamed. The pictures say it all.
Forget the Big 5, it's the Big 100 and more! We have been awakened at 5:30 am, quick dress for cold (52*) turning to hot.
A quick cup of coffee and a couple of rusks, some fruit and cereal. Then it's climb into the open cruisers,(butt-busters)
and off to find the animals. The terrain is diverse...open scrub, to dense trees, down into dry riverbeds and
up to the tops of hills. Beautiful, giant old Mashatu trees, venerable old leadwoods. The acacias and mopanes are kept short
and small by the ellies. There are giant termite mounds built around the base of the trees.
Back to camp about 10am, a big brunch about 30 mins later and then it's showers, naps, sit by the pool or sit in the hide.
Regroup for tea and snacks at 3:30 and back in the Cruisers, dressed for hot turning to cold. Evening game drives are capped by
sundowners as the sun sets. Back to camp for cocktail hour and always a delicious dinner in the outdoor Boma
with a campfire and overlooking the hide. Heaven!! In bed by 10-10:30.
Game drives can be replaced by an Elephant drive with Jeanetta, a predator drive with Villiers (Phil)
or a bushwalk with Paul.
On Sunday, the 13th, we had a stop at the shop in MainCamp...seriously depleting their stock! Then the highlight...
an evening at THE POND. From about 4pm to 9:30. Yes, we were really there!!!!!
Now back in Joburg..10:15pm. Off to Djuma/Sabi Sands tomorrow and we should have internet there to really fill you in. Now going to try to post some pix.
So good to finally hear from you! We are all so excited! We NEED to see pictures! Tell Mamasafari that Kitty has been inquiring about her. Not worried, just asking if we have heard from you all! We are so happy!!!!
WOOHOO!!!! Julie, thanks for the update!! I'm so happy you all are having a great time and can't wait to see those pics! 5 hours AT THE POND. I am smiling beyond my ears . . .
Hi Julie! Thanks for the update! So great to hear from our traveling pondies! Looking forward to hearing all about your trip and seeing all your pics.
How fun to read this update! So glad you all are enjoying the special time there! I only joined the fun at Pete's Pond last fall, but lately I've been checking back often, looking forward to hearing about this special adventure you all are on! Looking forward to more updates and pictures!!
Thanks Lisa! Great hearing from someone on the trip! Hope to see pics and hear from Mamasafari (my mom) soon.
Kitty
Julie/Lisa,
Any word yet on whether the Nat'l Geographic live webcast with the Pondies is going to happen, and if so, when?
- Kitty
Hi Julie! So nice to hear from you. Keep your comments coming. We are suspended on your "webbie pen". Forwards my salutations to all members of the Pondie Expedition 2007.
Claire-M.
WOOHOOO glad you are all safe and sound and having a wonderful time. Now to look for the pics!
Peace
Your post sounds like you are having a wonderful time. It is so good to hear from you. I can only imagine how much fun you had sitting in the hide. Looking forward to what each of you have to share with us. Stay safe, Bonnie
Hi Julie, and to all our wonderful Pondie Delegation...how's Fatty liking his trip? We miss you all terribly. And we know you're all having a wonderful time...woohooo! Tip a sundowner for us. Hope to hear from you again soon. Hugs to all...
Karen/California
Great to hear from you!!!! I'm so happy that you are having a wonderful time!!!!!!Can't wait to see the pictures of all of you together---oh I hope you are still having the time of your lives!!!!!You are going to be some super tired Pondies!!! LOL Enjoy everything!!!!!!
Yaaaay for Julie! Thanks so much for the posting. From what you wrote, it's clear that this Safari has been even more wonderful than you could have imagined. Can't wait to see the photos. Hi to everyone!
So glad you all are having a wonderful time!! Keep posting updates! Look forward to seeing more wonderful pictures! Enjoy every minute!!!!
Carol and all, glad to finally hear something. I was afraid it was me. Looking forward to pics. Within reason, Carol.. Sandyj
Julie ~ Thank You! Thank You! Thank You for the update. We are so happy for you and so proud of what you are doing. You are living our dreams. It sounds so terrific!
Oh boy! I can't wait to relive your fantastic adventure once you're back. Can't wait to see your pictures (especially of the Pond). I'm so green with envy, I look like the Hulk! Is National Geographic going to feature this trip in their magazine - I should hope so as they inspired it with 'Pete's Pond' and enabled everyone meeting one another. What an amazing adventure and what fantastic memories you will have.
You are having a wonderful time----wish I was there. I think it is called ENVY!
Julie, thanks for all of your efforts.
ENJOY
Julie & Pondies,
Julie, I would give up a bridge game to be with you. What an adventure!!!!
May the photos be coming soon! It's a real treat to know how well you are all doing and that you've actually been at Pete's Pond! How does it seem in person as compared to the live camera feed? I am so with you in spirit...may the rest of your trip be just as marvelous!!!
Following every step of the way,
KCMary
Hey Martin,
I hope you are having a GREAT time. I can't wait to see your pictures and hear about the trip!!!
After a 7 hour drive we arrived at Djuma/Sabi Sands/South Africa yesterday at teatime. Some went straight out on a gamedrive, some chose to catch breath and regroup. This place is really lovely.but, kind of miss the intimacy of the Mashatu tent camp. Gameddrive this morning took us to a pool full of hippos for our morning coffe stop, also at the pool were waterbucks, saddle-bill storks, a gray heron, impala. Wow!! Last night we drank to all Pondies as we have every night. As soon as someone helps me connect my computer into their system...or I find another way, we will get some pix up. It has been as frustrating for us as it has been for all of you!!
Mom (Julie), soglad to hear from you. Everything is so exiting. Exept for the fact that the wildearth.tv is not working since you´ve arrived in Djuma. I have watched safaris for 2 weeks and now when it´s getting thrilling and possible to see you on screen, it´s not working anymore. What a pitty. Well, let us know when and if you all will be on the camera. I´ll stay online :) See you in Amsterdam. Big hug to you and the other pondies.
Djuma is absolutely amazing! Often I am breathless for the sheer beauty of Africa and its warm and welcoming people.
We saw a group of four lions this morning - a special treat! Also sighted on our morning game drive were impala, waterbuck, red-billed hornbills, Egyptian geese (George & Gracie have cousins here!), Burchell's starling, hippos, saddle-billed storks, grey heron, lilac breasted rollers, nyala, waterbuck, kudu, blacksmith plovers, a black mamba (!!), go-away birds, giraffes with a four month old baby and two yearlings (utterly enchanting!), red-billed oxpeckers, a bateleur, a gymnogene, hadeda ibis, wildebeest, zebra, an ellie bull about 50 years old and in musth, and numerous beautiful butterflies. Also exciting was finding lion tracks and the tracks of a leopard dragging something - hopefully, a sighting will follow on this afternoon's game drive!
The accommodations here at Djuma Vuyatela are luxorious and the staff wonderful.
I keep pinching myself to make sure this isn't a dream!!
All of us are thinking of all of you. We can't wait to share all of our photos and adventures with you!
Cheers & lots of love,
Pat & Randall - NJ
Dear Pondies, families and friends...we are trying to post pix...first figuring out to do it,working on a slow modem etc. now it's time to eat before going out on game drive again. Priorities!!
wonderful to hear from you gals, thanks for posting. We anxiously await the photos and I understand about the priorities things. Keep having fun, post when you can!
hugs
Debbie
Hello Everybody!!! We await your pictures!! Be careful there is a leopard there with two cubs..we want you all to come home with limbs attached!! Be safe and have fun!
Great to hear from you.....hope everyone is safe and happy on Safari. We were looking for you on the Djuma cam on Safari---we passed 2 landrovers yesterday and I swear I saw Marian in the front seat ....LOL Just wave next time ok? Looking Foward to seeing all the sights- through your eyes!
Mama safari to MitiKat
haven't patience to wait for e-mail to load, this is quicker. Everything is wonderful...seen lots of great stuff...enjoying the group. Will e-mail sometime (after Djuma, maybe) all is well. Love Mom
To the Pondies and others...
Fatty is currently sitting on the bar at Djuma, best seat in the house. Later...
Deb...Mama has a surprise for you...you will just have to wait. Even Rita can't figure this one out.
Gee Julie you are half way around the world and you make me ponder this Gift..I'll figure it out!!!! Empty bottle from the bar?!
It's so great to get the postings! You're bringing the trip alive beautifully for us back home. And I've gotta admit, the fact that you drink to us each night is lovely.....
May each day be as wonderful or moreso than the day before!
Please let us know if Fatty the Safari adventurer met Fatty the PP resident and what transpired!
Great to hear that all is going well. Hope the tire checks are being kept to a minimum ;) PLEASE POST MORE PICS!!! And let us know when you'll have the live webcast.
We saw you guys! Well, some of us did anyway. Many of us can't watch the game drives but those that do watch tell us what's happening and post pictures. Tonight they saw you guys in the jeep and heard mamasafari say hello to us pondies. Boo and PJ posted some great pictures! We are all just beside ourselves with happiness for all of you!
ALERT!! It's now Saturday, 19th, at 09h55 CAT and i have just received word that Pippa will be taking the Pondies on a tour to Nkorho Pan, a 12 mile drive. . They hope to arrive there shortly after 11am CAT, that would be 5am EDT/USA.
Hopefully they will appear on cam at Nkorho Pan....as they did this morning for some great closeups before they started their morning game drive on Djuma.
(http://www.wavelit.com/popup/playerAfricam.asp ) this URL will open the popup window for the Nkorho cam.
LOL, just watch for a woman driver/ranger..lol..no, she won't be dressed as a Ranger. , i don't think..? but one never knows with Pippa. lol
Also there is one really good closeup of the Pondies posted to the Djuma sites' Vuyatela live cam board.
URL is http://www.messageboard.co.za/djuma/index.php?board=23.0
click on te topic heading for the 19th may..
Enjoy...
Elaine
Hello, pondies!!
Yersterday, Carol - NY and Lynty had a monkey visit their kaya. Carol left a window open and the critter got in and stole her cookies and pooped on the rug. I guess it was some pretty funny stuff as the staff tried to persuade said monkey to leave! We now refer to their kaya as the "monkey house."
Last night on the game drive we tracked the leopard again and located the two year old cub of the White Cloth female - no sign of mom. We also saw two young male hyenas - very amusing to watch.
This morning we saw the most adorable hyena pup who walked right up to the truck and checked us all out. Then we again went leopard tracking and our fantastic rangers found a female (the Beacon leopard) and her year old female cub. It was quite exciting to see them!
We also saw a giraffe threesome - a mom and her two little ones, one about nine months old. They were quite lovely to watch.
The morning game drive also gave us sightings of impala, cape buffalo, purple roller, saddle-billed stalks, grey heron, a wartie family (quite cute!), kudus, lilac-breasted roller, ellies, tree squirrel, brown-headed parrot, grey horn bills, francolins, and more impala.
It is just about lunch time - they feed us and feed us and feed us!
We'll toast you all on our sundowner stop tonight!
Love and cheers,
Pat
A gift for ME!!! Oh my she is going to bring me one..... I want one I want one.... I do not even care what the one is!! LOL We miss you all, keep having fun. I know you have to be having peace.
The Safari experiences sound beyond fantastic, you lucky people! Thanks so much for posting so that we can share your journey with you.
Yes!!!! I saw you guys in the jeep this morning when you met Nick and Helen. Julie, nice blue jacket :-) You looked so happy! I wish I could be there. Ali and I are totally infected with the Safari bug. Now I can enjoy my breakfast. It´s so cool that we are in the same time zone.
Sunday, May 13th - Birthday Party at Pete's Pond.
The best birthday of my entire life. After our morning game drive and breakfast, we started out for the Bush Braae at Pete's Pond in the early afternoon. From Tent Camp, it took approximately 1 hour to get to there. We all have a much greater appreciation for what the volunteer camera operators go through to bring us live feed from the Pond. There is a whole lot of bounching around in vehicles over some pretty tough roads. No one will ever be able to impress me with their off-roading skills back in the US. These rangers are top notch drivers.
It was a glorious blue sky day, nice and warm, the way I like it. Upon arrival, we were met by all the staff, Jeannetta, Villiers, Paul and Pete himself. What a magical place Pete's Pond is. I think we all felt like we were on a movie set, so familiar, but so different because we were there live. The boma behind the hide was set up for fine dining, bush style. Pete and Jeannetta had set up all the camera equipment ahead of time and they were set to bring live feed from the pond that day, but unfortunately it didn't work out.
The jackals were the first to visit the pond while we were there. We also got to see fatty, skulking about. Right before sunset, we all gathered on Rocky Point for a group shot; raised the Pete's Pond flag on the termite mound, then had sundowners out on the Beach. We stayed out until it was dark to view the stars. UNBELIEVABLE! Then all of us piled up on one vehicle, to drive back to the boma.
Dinner was fabulous with many, many traditional dishes, great conversation, etc etc. After dinner, a good sized group of ellies paid a visit to the pond. How absolutely thrilling it was to hear them silently approach as they usually do. What a way to spend the day! I will never ever forget it.
Karen in Oregon
Karen Happy Belated birthday! And on my what a wonderful birthday you had! I am so glad that you are all having such fun! I have not been able to get on the Djuma site to see you guys, but there are pics! Very cool!
Your accounts are so thrilling! Thank you so much for sharing your impressions with us! We are all with you, every step (and bounce) of the way! Even though we aren't there, we can live it all vicariously through you! Thank you so much!
How wonderful to finally be at Pete's Pond and to just smell and touch and meet the people we have talked to and watched on our little screens. I had no idea it took so long to drive to the pond. My thoughts went to Gerrit and of course the other volunteers. Happy Belated Birthday Karen. We have seen, I think most of you, and got pics of you on the drives. Everyone is able to pick out Mamasafari in the pics (we know she sits in front). We are on the drive now with Nick (funny man) and have ellies all around us, one very large bull. Love it.
Happy belated Birthday, Karen...nice to know your special day was absolutely special in every way! I can only imagine the Pondie cheers as Fatty was spotted, live and up close :-) Karen, you're descriptions of everything made me smile & feel like I was there, too. Thank you! Enjoy! Enjoy!! Enjoy!!!