Last weekend we visited Elephant Sands again (see post # 5). Their signpost (the one not knocked down by elephants) states that this is "Where Elephants Rule"...As reported last time the waterhole is still dry, muddy and brackish, and doesn't offer much enticement to our pachyderm friends. During the day, a huge water-bowser truck comes in from one of the drillling companies operating nearby to replenish the lodge's water tanks and the swimming pool with fresh borehole water.
This time round we noted that the surreptitious slurping under cover of night has been abolished, all caution has been flung to the winds, and for now the swimming pool appears to be The Official Elephant Waterhole!
At about 4pm the generator had been fired up for the all important Springbok rugby match on TV, spectators were in place, drinks in hand. As the match got underway, those of us not actually watching the rugby were treated to the sight of 5 bull elephants first giving a disdainful sniff to the natural waterhole, then lumbering up behind the unsuspecting rugby supporters, and approaching their "real" waterhole. After that it was divided attention for the rugby fans, and a wonderful elephant-watching opportunity for us.
Here they are relishing their fresh water..
A forest of legs....
"What is that thing?" they had to investigate the blue pipe!
Humans watching safely from not too far away..
It was genuinely awesome to be so close to these magnificent creatures. They are so gentle, stealthy and silent in their slow walking gait, so playful amongst themselves, whilst also managing to perfectly convey a sense of massive power - and the potential danger of their presence as absolutely wild animals.I don't think I have the words to adequately describe being close to elephants. There is an ancient and wise perfection about them, and I just know that to us and to so many other humans, they are special and beautiful creatures. How I wish that we as humans could just protect them all and not let them down so badly and so often...
ah, "ancient and wise perfection" seems a perfect way to describe the wonderful elephants, thank you for sharing this with us Karen, great photos too! How many were at the waterhole/pool? it looks like alot!
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How totally stunning! I'm reminded of our trip to Kruger in August, so many elephants, so many different moods and experiences that went with each siting. You are so right about the ancient and wise perfection.
ReplyDeleteAnd I see that you, like me, are also very into your ellie close up shots!;-)
What a wonderful sight to witness. You describe it perfectly. They are my favourite animals. I suppose it's their size and power as much as their grace and caring.
ReplyDeletehi all, glad you enjoyed the elephants.. i have to hand all the credit to the two men who were taking the pics! i think about 200 photos were taken in total, thank heavens once again for digital cameras... :-)
ReplyDeleteLori there were only about 5 of them, but with 4 legs each it sure looks like a whole army!
I bring good news - I've tagged you for a literary meme. No really, it's a short fun one. Good luck.
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