South Africa Public Affairs Conference and Game Drive

Susan and I traveled to South Africa last week to attend a Public Affairs Conference in Johannesburg. This was 2 and 1/2 days of intense training and sharing of ideas.  We presented a section on Reporting and Follow-up, were both pleased with our efforts, and learned from the other couples as well.  We ate great food, attended the Temple and had a great time. Saturday, all of us loaded into 2 vans and a Land Rover and went to Pilanesberg National Park, about 3 hours out of Johannesburg to do a game drive.  I never get tired of these and we still have two more later this year.  What a great experience!

 Susan doing a skit to present our topic prior to our presentation

 

 Grey Go Away Bird in a Thorne Tree

 

 We came across this herd of Elephants at one end of this creek and could see they were moving toward the opposite end of the valley so we back tracked and waited for them to walk in front of us.  It was the right move and an amazing sight to see as they passed in front of the car.  We counted 25...all moms, babies, and young juveniles. 

 

 This picture was taken through the window so it has a different tint but it came out clear.  I didn't want to miss this baby.

 

 Zebras and Blue Wildebeest stay together as much as possible.  The  Zebra eat the top of the grass and the Wildebeest eat the lower part of the grass so they don't get in each others way.  They also protect each other from predators.

 

 

 Klipspringer, a very small antelope often seen on rocky outcrops

 

 Lone Zebra

 

 We are shooting from a blind in the lake and saw these Wildebeests across the water. 

 

 If you look close, you will see the Lioness stalking the Wildebeest.  She could not get close enough to chase them but it was fun to watch.

 

 Warthog

 

 Impala grazing along the lake

 

 Springbok

 

 This Rhino was staying cool under a tree.  They do not move around in the middle of the day.

 

 Three different Giraffe breeds than we had seen before.  There were about 10 of them in this herd.

 

 Again, a Wildebeest... this was taken in the middle of the day and it was hot

 

 We had a great bush lunch...tons of bacon with fried mushrooms and scrambled egg on a bun.

Wow, it was really good and I cooked a lot of it.

 This lizard is about 4 inches long but he was posing for me and I got this shot.

 

And we end with a Pied Kingfisher.