| "  It
was a hot clear, still day with not a cloud in sight
and precious little shade to be seen. The few early
showers of September had long since evaporated and
we eagerly awaited the first thunder storms of the
year. The little bit of shade that the lone living
tree provided, was a precious commodity and soon
I was surrounded by three elephant bulls. Edging
closer and closer to my vehicle - they were quite
happy to share their tree with me.! I picked up
my pen and tried again to day dream of Christmas.
Uncaring gusty thermals of hot dry wind covered
my paper with fine bits of elephant dung and sand.
The thirsty yellow bill kites were swooping down
to drink at the pan's edge, dodging elephant feet
and trunks continuously, as these giants battled
for fresh water, any
water, being pumped in the pan.
Hesitatin  g
for a moment as to how to start my letter, I noticed
an ivory chip lying near the edge of the pan. The
jostling for water amongst twenty or so elephants
was a commotion to be watched and recorded. Ivory
clashed as disgruntled elephants were being moved
around by the hierarchy of the herd and this was
how the little bits of soft tusk were broken off
from their mineral deficient ivory. A pair of shy
Secretary birds came in from the outer circle to
quench their thirst, drinking from the muddy end
rather than brave a swinging trunk.! The thoughts
of Christmas could not of been further from my mind
and I gave up the idea of running early on my annual
newsletter. Somehow, October and Savuti were not
the time or place to be writing or thinking of Christmas!!!
Love to you all
Daphne
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