Three days of horses and wildlife--no communication with the outside world

Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday morning off to Makilali--a neighboring animal reserve. Riding from Wait A Little to the fence line, "crossing the street", and onto the next door neighbors property. Most of the animal population is the same, but the animals are less use to seeing horses/riders, so they are more likely to use their flight mechanism when we show up. Noticeable difference, but all wonderful aspects of getting a sense of these remarkable beings. We added a couple of new sightings to the list: baboons, a lioness, and an eagle-owl.

I continue to have respect and gratitude for our horse mounts. They are carrying us over not beginner terrain with certainty and cleverness: sliding down banks into rivers with strong currents, passing through thick, thorny brush, jumping up over downed logs/steep banks, long gallops on open roads and not so open roads... It is not an easy job for a horse to have sensitivity for an advanced rider and decision making for an intermediate/advanced rider. To do these rides, the riders definitely need to have have experience and guts.

The baby elephant/mother elephant combination was lovely (see photos.) We were able to stay awhile and see the difference in the maturity of the two. The lioness sighting was exciting sense it was my first large cat viewing--large and very elegant.

The second night at the lodge, there were three or so lions that came into the space around the 'huts' (see the photos of the huts), so Phillip was out chasing them away by cracking his whip--an intimidation technique. Most likely, we were in their pathway and not a real target, but they need to be discouraged from coming into the area so there aren't any accidents. On the way out the next morning, the horses were very fearful of the area they were sleeping. You could feel that it was a very deep, primal fear of the cat's smell and presence. We didn't see them, but there was no doubt that they had been there. All of them were on their toes and in a very serious way.

From the eating area, we took a short walk up the river to see the "sleeping" hippos from the bank (see photos.) We learned that they are at home in the water and actually sleep under water. They are herbivores, so the accidents with humans that do happen are often from them returning from grazing to the water source and a human happens to be in the way. The human panics, runs, and they are chomped. Interesting sounds.

The lodge rooms were very unique (photos.) Big soft mattress/pillows, lovely mosaic tiled bathtub, outside shower, nearby outdoor rest area, and all set in a roomy atmosphere. Very relaxing and luxurious--especially with the riding combination.

For myself, it is fun to do the blog and think of everyone who touches my life. I appreciate your interest to check in with my process. I can feel all of you out there... Going three days without driving, texting, emailing, or phoning--wow. It has been a surprisingly easy transition. All of this is a remarkable time to feel into the basics of life and the core of my being. To be surrounded with nature and animals--nothing obstructing the sky or the horizon. A feeling of limitlessness in the physical world.