Elephants on Safari

Living in Africa brings some interesting moments. We have been able to go on safari a few times and this is one of my favorite pictures from a river safari we were on (in Botswana). This big guy swam across the river (yes, elephants swim!) in front of our boat and seemed a bit upset that we were in his path. Once he got onto solid land our boat operator decided we could get a bit closer. That wasn't in the elephant's plans. He was none too happy and turned on us pretty quickly. The trunk you see him swinging in this picture was only about 10-15 feet away and, well, he can move a ton of water with it. I got drenched about 5 seconds after snapping this picture. Luckily, he seemed to think that we had learned our lesson and turned his back and quietly walked off. Our boat operator thought it was fantastic. I think so , too...... now.



This is another safari (in South Africa) and yet another elephant (hmmm...... elephant troubles seem to be a theme on our safaris). This one was an adolescent who jogged after us for about a mile or so. We were driving along when he stepped out of the bushes in front of us. And thought we looked like something to play with. Our driver was terrified. Elephants have been known to roll vehicles over and even sit on them, crushing the occupants to death. So we were suddenly reversing down this winding, dusty path hoping that the elephant wouldn't decide to pick up speed and overcome us. It was terrifying. At first. Then we realized he was really just amusing himself. We would slow down, so would he. We went around a curve and stopped. The elephant slowly crept around the curve; his head peeking out from behind a bush looking for all the world like a small child playing peek-a-boo. Finally, we passed a water hole and that was more interesting to him so off he went. We were relieved and disappointed all at the same time.

There is a joke in Africa: Q. How do you hide an elephant? A. Stand him behind a tree.
Ok, I know. I didn't get it either. There is no picture of what I am about to say but then we saw it and understood the 'joke.'
One evening we were on one of those amazing African plains that go on forever. There was a lone tree off in the distance and a line of about 7 elephants walking towards it. Our guide stopped us and said "Watch." As the elephants approached the one solitary tree in the middle of the vast open plain they disappeared, one by one, as they went behind the tree. Really. Logic says they got to the tree and turned with the distance making them seem to disappear but at that moment..... It was magic. African magic at sunset.