Chapter 23.
Tomorrow was there last day here on holiday, and so today was the last chance for getting out into the park and being at one with the wildlife. Nick and Dawn strolled through the garden on their way to the dining room discussing and hoping it was going to be a day to remember, especially as it was the last full day in Africa.
The staff were talking about the big rains coming, already there had been a shower and thunder could be heard in the distant hills. Tourist numbers would be dropping. Not everybody enjoyed driving around in the rain, and the viewing was not good either. Lots of the animals would shelter while the rain poured down only coming out when the sun shone. Grazing would get better, so animals were not out searching for their food and so were not that easy to be seen.
After watching a baboon that had decided to come into the small dining room for breakfast, it had been busy sorting through the cereals and fresh fruit before being shooed out by the cook as they sat down at their table. They soon finished their breakfast, making sure they had kept off the cereals, and made their way to the transport park.
Both hoped it would be Thomas who was taking them out. They had formed a good friendship with him, and they were happy to see him waiting by the landrover.
"Jambo Mama Dawn and Bwana Nick" Thomas greeted them with his big cheerful smile.
"It is just us today, the other family joined the other family with children, the children can talk with each other and not get bored. Much better for us I think"
They were soon on the way, passing familiar landmarks. "That's where we saw our first lion" pointed out Dawn, as she lent out of the window, letting the breeze fan her face. "Remember that giraffe that stuck it's head in the window back there" remarked Nick. Dawn laughed, they had come to love this country, and hopefully if they could save hard enough, would be able to come out again in a few years time.
The tracks were getting very muddy and a couple of times they nearly got bogged down. Thomas was an excellent driver and managed to get them out each time.
The radio crackled and Thomas reached out for the receiver. He spoke agitatedly for a few minutes, glancing a few times towards Nick. "I will have to ask, "he said turning to Nick. "We have a problem, two people who are here for the government, from I think your country, have got stuck in the mud. They had to stop for elephant and now cannot move. They have to get to an area near here where they know illegal animals are being flown out. Have asked for my help. They know I work for the agency here as well." I will make sure if you agree that you are not in any way harmed or involved. They only ask for transport. To wait for another vehicle to come will take time and they do not have that". Nick looked across at Dawn and saw straight away she was in full agreement. "Of course we will help out, any thing to help the illegal trade in animals. We will help in anyway we can even if it is dangerous. I could get harmed walking down a road in our town ". "What are we waiting for for?" said Nick. Thomas answered on the radio and then gunned the engine. The wheels churned in the mud but soon gripped and they shot off.
Coming round a bend they suddenly stopped. A landrover was stuck firmly in the mud. The driver and another man who looked english were trying to shove bundles of grass under the wheels.
Thomas got out and after a few minutes talking with them came back. The man by the bogged down vehicle straightened up and walked over to them. A lady appeared from the other side, mud splattered down her trousers and came over to join the man.
."Hi, thanks for the help,you seemed to be the only transport nearby when we radioed in to control. We were starting to get really concerned, we are up against a very tight timetable. I will fill you in on the way. Sitting in the front he introduced himself to Nick and Dawn." I'm Dave and this is Jenny my wife. We are helping the wildlife parks police in conjunction with wildlife special forces. We have been after these people for sometime, and hopefully finally we will get them. They cannot be allowed to get these leopards out of the country. We will make sure we keep you out of this, but thanks for helping.
"This might be very serious and dangerous, but we want to help anyway we can. I speak for both of us.
This will now be a proper safari." said Nick
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Having practised with the textured acrylic to see if it was suitable, I started on the snowy scene.
I roughened up the snow in the front of the tiger to make it look like a rocky area. Had great fun doing all this. Hope you all like the finished picture.
Now will have to get it framed.
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| 'Snowy Times' |
Just remember you can click on any picture to enlarge them
Have a good week and come back next time to see my next project and catch up with 'Africa Calls'
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