4 March
Lord Grum-Peigh woke up and went straight into panic mode. “We have to get out of here as soon as the gates open!” he stressed. “Otherwise we won’t find the Frend-Leighs and they won’t know they need to sign us in!”
“Relax,” cooed Lady Peigh “We’ll find them – and probably at a sighting!” But still he fussed and rushed her and to his extreme annoyance she deliberately took her time at the showers and laughed when he got upset.
But once they were on the road his mood improved and he was a tad less grumpy specially when he saw the familiar green of Mr Leigh’s Nissen Pathfinder. The Leighs were looking toward the top of a dune and Lord Peigh nearly fell out of the car window when he saw two young lion cubs relaxing there.
Do I have to wake up now?
I wonder what there is in those cans on wheels?
They sure look tasty
The Lord was now in a very good mood and made plans to meet the Leighs at TR, sort out the Rooiputs booking and then go for brekkie.
After watching the cubs for a bit Lord and Lady Peigh went in search of their mother. They met a man who said he’d driven up and down the road but there was no sign of her. The Earl, though, has a nose for these things and would not give up until his curiosity was satisfied.
The presence of a jackal can indicate lions in the vicinity as they like to scavenge off their kill!
His vigilance paid off because all of a sudden they caught sight of three lions walking away from them along the road.
One of the lions
All three of them
With this lovely sighting dancing in their heads the went back to report to the Leighs. Late all the business of booking in at the Botswana side of reception was completed. Then they all headed to The Kgalagadi Lodge a few kilometres outside the gate. It was almost lunchtime but they ordered breakfast – Mr Frend-Leigh asked the waiter, “Is one allowed to have beer with breakfast, here?” The waiter laughed and brought one for him and the Earl.
Back at camp :Lady Peigh went for a swim and the Earl had a nap and then when he woke up they went for a swim together before going out for an afternoon drive
Brant’s whistling rat
Ground Scraper Thrush
Secretary Bird
Scaly-feathered finch
Southern Masked Weaver
Leopard Tortoise
The creatures have right of way at all times. This male ostrich finds something tasty on the gravel road.
Because His Lordship was a too tired to do a braai Her Ladyship cooked chicken casserole on her caravan gas stove for supper. It was a perfect evening but they were woken at 2am by heavy rainfall!
Diary of an Adventurous Retiree 