tourists blocking bridge and steal our beloved knocking-off time

 

There were about 80 cars blocking the bridge watching a male lion, two females and two lion cubs, elephants and a leopard all very close to the bridge. My accompanying game guard tried to organize the traffic but the only thing he archived with that was making everyone getting out of their cars... He then gave up telling everyone off and we just decided to take a detour instead of waiting for an hour for the traffic jam to clear up.

  

 

Much appreciated and voluntary support in the field from Tembi and Moffat (game guard) 

 

 Looking for some network on a termite hill or tree alternatively..

Today was 38 Degrees C! So a new record not only in heat but also in dehydrating and getting fried.. Since spring has only just started it can only get hotter ;)

Next week I'll be finally installing my sap flow probes in the exclosures.

Hippos and Shisha!

There is nothing nicer than having hippos right next to the sundowners spot at the dam on a Saturday evening while you sitting with your girl on the back of you bakkie... Amazing stuff!
Last weekend Tenele was here again and in contrast to the weekend before we enjoyed the comforts of a house. Eddie and his partner let me stay in their house while they away.
Since Tenele came into the park after closing hours on Friday night I had to organize a late permit for her. When I told the lady giving me the late permit that Tenele is my girlfriend she started calling me Sbali which is brother in law in Siswati. She also gave me her number and told me that she so much wants to meet Tenele. On Saturday she invited us for a braai (barbecue) and we actually found out that Tenele and her do have common relatives and the same sir name. Was an amazing evening in terms of hospitality and warmth from the first minute!
This week I'm going to the field a lot since there won't be any guards available for next week. So I'm keeping this brief and way too exhausted to write long stories.. Just enjoy the pictures!

When I'm getting bored I'm smoking Guelph - Shisha in the field...

The game guard felt sorry for me sitting in the sun.. he built the wheelbarrow-umbrella for me.. we had 38 degrees C that day.. After I finished my 2 litres of water I felt like I hadn't drunken a bit..

Spider hanging on his thread from the roof of a house..

Elephant crossing

More fieldwork...

Yesterday and today we had 36 degrees C. Almost too hot for being in the field but I'm already getting much more used to it. The nights still get quite chilly but its already getting much warmer and summer is at the doorstep. The current game guard accompanying me this week likes my music so we would listen to my crappy cellphone loudspeaker while we in the field watching bubbles from the tension infiltrometer. These measurements can be very tedious so that you have to let it run for up to 5 hours... But there is always lots to do in the meantime and I'm having loads of equipment to play with!
Not much news for now, but a few new pictures!
I changed the settings so now anyone can leave a comment. Maybe now I can also reply to comments....
Hot regards!!!

My supervisor Eddie came to the field with me for one day to check loggers

Game guard enjoys posing....

 busy busy busy

A reminder why you should drive 50 only...

 

Winter drought specialist