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After many, many hours in the air getting to South Africa and then many, many hours in the car driving to Kruger National Park...you can imagine our euphoric feeling of relief and happiness when we finally arrived at our camp. We stayed at Letaba and although I thought we would be "roughing" it in the bush, the house ended up being huge and incredibly comfortable and plush. Just what we needed as ground zero as we cruised through the park looking for animals during the day and braaied (South African BBQ) by night.
It rained quite a lot on our first day in the park. At first, we sighed with our unluck, but it turned out to be the best thing to happen to us. It had not rained in the park for 6 months and the animals found the rain rejuvenating and fun. This meant we saw more animals than we ever even dreamed! Rhinos, Buffalos, Monkeys, Hippos, Elephants, Giraffes, Kudu, Springbok and a Lion actually feasting on a recently killed Buffalo. Craziness!
I guess I should first introduce you to our crew. As I share more of my images from our trip (I hope you don't mind!), you will see them many times: Left to Right, Up and Down. My newly-engaged sister Erica, husband-to-be Evan, trip planner extraordinaire and sister Cynthia, hubbie Chris, cousin Ann and new British/South African friend Kate. Oh yeah, and me.
First sighting of elephants on our way into the park...
We had a family of springbok (antelope) that lived in our yard...
I know these are a little graphic, but I could not help but share. It was absolutely jaw-dropping to watch. I felt like I was watching Planet Earth! I have a video, but I will save that for the individuals with strong stomachs :)
We also had a family of Vervet monkeys that visited us one morning. While I was still scrounging for coffee, Evan grabbed the top shot - love it!
Sunset safari...
It rained quite a lot on our first day in the park. At first, we sighed with our unluck, but it turned out to be the best thing to happen to us. It had not rained in the park for 6 months and the animals found the rain rejuvenating and fun. This meant we saw more animals than we ever even dreamed! Rhinos, Buffalos, Monkeys, Hippos, Elephants, Giraffes, Kudu, Springbok and a Lion actually feasting on a recently killed Buffalo. Craziness!
I guess I should first introduce you to our crew. As I share more of my images from our trip (I hope you don't mind!), you will see them many times: Left to Right, Up and Down. My newly-engaged sister Erica, husband-to-be Evan, trip planner extraordinaire and sister Cynthia, hubbie Chris, cousin Ann and new British/South African friend Kate. Oh yeah, and me.
First sighting of elephants on our way into the park...
We had a family of springbok (antelope) that lived in our yard...
I know these are a little graphic, but I could not help but share. It was absolutely jaw-dropping to watch. I felt like I was watching Planet Earth! I have a video, but I will save that for the individuals with strong stomachs :)
We also had a family of Vervet monkeys that visited us one morning. While I was still scrounging for coffee, Evan grabbed the top shot - love it!
Sunset safari...
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animals. and more animals.
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95
Life passes fast. Sometimes, I have to force myself to sit, breathe and calm my thoughts to remember this exact moment. This weekend made me realize it even more. I went to hang out with my good friend Katie that I have known since high school. Not only did we get to reminisce on high school, college and who recently found us on Facebook...we also got to hang out with her beautiful 18-month-old twins. BABIES. CHILDREN. It causes me to pause - my friends who I knew as kids are having kids. WOW.
Luke and Allison were absolutely adorable. As soon as Allison looked at me those beautiful eyes and a mischievous grin, then vehemently shook her head - I was in love. Luke was a spitting image of his Dad, so handsome and such a little man. We had a great time just hanging out and taking a couple pictures. Oh, happy Sundays...
Love this one of Allison and Katie...
Then, it was time to go down for a nap. I got to witness milk time - heartbreaking!
Luke and Allison were absolutely adorable. As soon as Allison looked at me those beautiful eyes and a mischievous grin, then vehemently shook her head - I was in love. Luke was a spitting image of his Dad, so handsome and such a little man. We had a great time just hanging out and taking a couple pictures. Oh, happy Sundays...
Love this one of Allison and Katie...
Then, it was time to go down for a nap. I got to witness milk time - heartbreaking!
Anna Liesemeyer:
Julie this is absolutely adorable. I love your blog!! Will feature you on my blog soon!
(12.08.09)
lorraine:
awwwww soo adorable! love the milk down the chin one! :D
(12.17.09)
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allison & luke.
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94
I don't get the opportunity to watch a lot of movies or TV. Yesterday, in Houston, TX, it snowed. I know, your jaw just dropped on the ground. It's barely December! Anyway, this gave me the opportunity to be a little lazy around the house. In between working on my Africa pictures, I turned on a documentary my friend has been raving about, Food Inc. I always knew our food was made in far away farms and that our meat was produced in mass amounts, but I still wasn't prepared to see it first hand. I promise this is not a political post, but I encourage you to watch this film. To be knowledgeable about where our food comes from. I promise, it will make your jaw drop more than once.
Here is a link to watch it online for free:
http://steadfastfinances.com/blog/2009/11/12/controversial-documentary-food-inc-is-now-available-online/
Anyone want to join me at the farmer's market this morning??
Here is a link to watch it online for free:
http://steadfastfinances.com/blog/2009/11/12/controversial-documentary-food-inc-is-now-available-online/
Anyone want to join me at the farmer's market this morning??
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93
Sigh. I departed the plane back in the States a couple of days ago...against my will. Just kidding. We had such a good time in South Africa - tons of animals, good wine, excellent company and over a thousand pictures for me to look through. I promise to post more pictures as I continue to go through them and pick out my favorites. I will also be working hard to get back on track with my emails, so if there is a delay in my response time, know that I am getting there!
For now, here is a sneak peek at an animal shot. We all went crazy when these gorgeous zebras were nearby. Their stripes are like our fingerprints, one is never the same.
Oh, did I also mention that African sunsets set your soul on fire? Here was one while we were on safari...
For now, here is a sneak peek at an animal shot. We all went crazy when these gorgeous zebras were nearby. Their stripes are like our fingerprints, one is never the same.
Oh, did I also mention that African sunsets set your soul on fire? Here was one while we were on safari...
Happy Thursday!
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i'm back!
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92
Oh, I made it. FINALLY. I have been working so hard the past few months, all with this day in my mind. Chris and I are flying off to a far away place and never coming back. Whoops! Did I say that out loud? I KID. We will be back before you guys know it. ;)
I will have no access to email or phone. If you need me for any reason, I promise to respond as soon as we return. I will be back to work on Wednesday, December 2nd.
And for a little visual temptation. I will be sitting in this bar on one of the most beautiful beaches in the world, enjoying tempting sundowners (alcoholic beverages enjoyed while the sun sets). Sigh... heaven!
I will have no access to email or phone. If you need me for any reason, I promise to respond as soon as we return. I will be back to work on Wednesday, December 2nd.
And for a little visual temptation. I will be sitting in this bar on one of the most beautiful beaches in the world, enjoying tempting sundowners (alcoholic beverages enjoyed while the sun sets). Sigh... heaven!
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it's vacation time!
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ahhhmazing girl! these are awesome. i want to see that video.
(12.09.09)do it, do it, do it... does my chanting this early in the morning help? ;]
omg...early morning photo...LOL hilarious! Well, these are amazing. let's go back?? this time we fly.
(12.09.09)Amazing shots Julie!
(12.09.09)INCREDIBLE!!
(12.09.09)Allison, this is absolutely beautiful. Thank you,
(12.09.09)Love these! I WANT A MONKEY!
(12.09.09)Lovely photos... Excellent composition!
(12.10.09)AH-MAZING!!!
(12.17.09)