Habari gani leo? ( how are you today?)  Ready to go travelling with me I hope.
Today we are off again looking for animals, hopefully we will see quite a few, and something that inspired me to paint it.
Plenty of sunscreen and bottled water, this might be a long and dusty road.
Always remember there may not be the modern facilities that we have become accustomed to. The stops when needed might only be a shack with a couple of chairs under a tree for some shade, with a few bottles of coke or beer in a box. Or you may even have a proper building, but don't be surprised if that looked for sign leads you to something like this: Ladies be warned! We have seen and used several of these, and you might even come across a proper one, with a sink as well,  looks good even if not plumbed in! Others can be the real thing.

     "As a child it was always 'behind the next tree' and what seemed void of life could find an african cycling past your bush with a cheerful "Jambo Mamma" , Do you still squat or blush!

                                'That's life'



Travelling along we come across some Impala, such graceful creatures especially when they go springing along. And those impressive antlers.

Female Impala

The Buck

You never know what will be round the next corner or bush. A slight movement amongst the grass or a sway of a branch, then you come across the herd. Elephants can hide themselves behind a blade of grass if they want too, and that is no easy feat, but we have looked long and hard at a tree or bush and only when we have driven passed, low and behold there are a few elephants!

I have a great love and admiration for these big giants. They may look lumbering creatures, but their footing is always sure. They test each footstep before going on their way. A gentle nudge from the trunk to help, comfort and reassure the youngster. I am sure many of you have seen this on T.V, when a baby has got stuck in the mud in a water hole and the others have all helped to get the youngster out.
Coming upon a river and watching a herd, each hanging onto the tail of the one in front while they cross, and when it gets too deep the trunk comes up like a periscope, a sight to be seen. Unfortunately I do not have a photo of this, only the memories of having witnessed it.
Elephants can smell water from miles away, and remember where watering holes are.They will also travel many miles to find it.
When coming across the bones of another elephant, they will tenderly feel it all around with their trunk, as if trying to communicate with the lost one. They do say there are elephant graveyards, where some will go to die, but I have never come across one. When herds meet each other, they communicate with each other, rather like we do when meeting up with friends. Some say they also pass on safe hunting grounds and where to find water.
This family that we came across had a youngster who became very intrigued with our vehicle. As you can see from the pictures it really was cute and finally managed to get it's trunk up to the window. We did have to follow them around to get better pictures. You will notice as we see other groups of elephants the different colours of their hides. This is due to the red soil in different areas and parks with which they dust themselves with, and cover themselves in mud from the mud baths, this helps with the insects and also the sun.You will also see little white birds 'tick birds' that sit on the backs of animals and rid them of these parasites.

The Group

                                                                     

                                                                                                                           

The really little inquisitive one

Just about to put his trunk up

                                                                                   



                                                                                




                                                          My painting of this family

                                                              "Our family in Tsavo Park"
                                                         

                  Time to travel back to our camp, a long hot shower awaits us and a long cold drink. Time to reflect on all that we have seen today and make sure you have plenty of film for the next day.

                        
                                       --------------------------------------------------------------                                                                          


This is the start of my picture. As you can see I have a base ready for the background which will be finished off in soft pastels when the picture is completed.
I always feel the picture starts to come to life when the eye gets done.

I would like to thank Klaus who helps me and keeps my photos for painting organised and easy for me to find, also in the right place on the computer. Without all his help I would probably not get anywhere!
Look out for the next stage of the picture.