Life with Suzie - Addo

We decided to spend the weekend at the Addo Elephant National Park, but today's post is not about elephants, but more about taking risks.

We had just travelled from the Main Camp past Carol's Rest, on a quest for lions, when we came across the sign that said that the road was only suitable for vehicles with a high ground clearance. Suzie's Daihatsu Materia does not have a high ground clearance. Suzie on the other hand has a sense of adventure and does not mind the fact that he car does not have a high ground clearance.

"The road looks like it has just been graded," she said, "let's try it." I reminded her of her reluctance to drive on bad roads with her new car, but undeterred she drove past the warning sign and down the road.

The road had not been graded. "Oh well," I consoled myself, "someone with a 4x4 is bound to come down here at some stage today and if we ask them nicely, I'm sure they will tow us out."

As it turned out the road was not bad at all. a few rough spots here and there but nothing the valiant little car could not handle.

And then as we came down a hill we came across this Caracal lying at the side of the road, totally undeterred by our arrival. It was quite contented to pose for us.


You don't see these cats about every day. Caracals are nocturnal, secretive, solitary, and aggressive animals. Due to being hunted as a problem animal by farmers, the Caracal has become even more elusive and thus getting to see one is very difficult. This was a rare sighting for us and was truly the highlight of the the trip.

The moral of the story, take a risk you may be pleasantly surprised.

As you can see this little bus is not a 4x4.

Redwinged Starlings

I came across a flock of redwinged starlings off Park Drive last Sunday. They found something worth eating, which they were eagerly seaching out.




The link with last weeks Sky Watch picture is purely coincidental

Sky Watch Friday - Red-winged Starling

One of our local city dwellers stopping long enough for me to take a photo of him. The Red-winged Starling is fairly common in this part of the world, but are generally quite shy.

For more great pictures go to the Sky Watch website.

Pavement specials - Dikkop

This family of Dikkops were observed in Richmond Hill this weekend. I am always amazed at how many birds manage to adapt to city life. My only hope is that they move to a less populated area, where there will be more chance for the chick to survive.

For a picture of the whole family, go to Port Elizabeth Daily Photo.

Sky Watch Friday - Matters of the heart

I thought today's shot of the Westbank aerobatics team drawing a heart would be appropriate for this weeks Sky Watch.


A year ago today I had a heart attack, which was followed by a bypass operation. I am now as fit as a fiddle, my cholesterol is under control, I am fanatical about my diet and swallow pills every day. The sad fact is that this was all avoidable, had I just heeded the warning signs. But I did not, so there is no point looking back on the past and lamenting the fact that I could have done a better job looking after myself. I have been given a second chance and will embrace it and enjoy every day.


Don't take your health for granted - if the warning signs are there deal with them - once you lose it you don't get it back.

For a great selection of photos and posts visit the Sky Watch site for links to sites all around the world.