Before we leave tomorrow...

Today has been a bit challenging for us all. Without Jessica, we all feel a little bit rudderless, and miss her quick wit and smooth organization. We are also really conscious of the fact that we have to leave this remarkable experience tomorrow. It seems impossible that 2 short weeks ago, we came not knowing what to expect, not knowing anyone. Today we feel devastated to leave! In addition, it has been an incredibly full and busy 2 weeks, and we are all a bit fatigued; our 5:00 am departure this morning to get to the elephants by feeding time contributed to this as well.

The elephant ranch had previously offered elephant safaris, but has recently changed to offer individual interactions but not rides. The staff feel that the elephants are happier: After their hour-long feeding session with the tourists at 7:30 am, they are let out into the reserve, where they are free to mingle with the other elephants and lead an essentially wild life. These elephants were mainly rescued as orphans, although several were born on the reserve. They are no longer breeding, preferring to use contraception in their herd in order to maintain space for additional rescues and orphans. The herd matriarch seems to readily adopt orphaned young elephants, so they gain a family and a herd.

4 elephants were brought up and lined up along a short wall, so that they could reach us over the wall with their heads and trunks. We were introduced and allowed to feed, pet and interact with them for an hour! It was amazing!

James makes a friend

Hannah has a hug!

I'm checking out that trunk!

Kait has a handshake

We are all loving being so close to these fascinating creatures! This facility does not use chains, electric prods or physical harm to train; instead, they use positive reinforcement. Their "sticks" are short, blunt versions of cattle show sticks, and they are only used to tap a given location if the elephant does not respond to a command. For example, if the handler asks for the left foot, and the elephant raises the right, the handler touches the left leg and the elephant then makes the needed correction.

Kait and James 

Hannah almost disappears behind this youngster. He is only 9 years old, and a bit mischievous.

Brooklyn 

Chloe

Kait

Hannah

James

Brooklyn is in love!

I had never looked into the end of an elephant's trunk before! The 2 little "fingers" at the end can be used to pick up tiny things; they are really dexterous! Inside, there are 2 large holes (nostrils), but they close them off when picking up food or accepting it from your hand. They then toss the food into their mouth. They have enormous teeth, and go through SIX sets of teeth during their lifetime! In addition, they have fit, smooth, soft tongues, which seems odd given the thorny nature of much of what they eat! How do I know all this? Watch!

(video pending)

A small group of warthogs was hanging out nearby, waiting to clean up any leftover or spilled elephant feed--we were feeding them pelleted horse treat- type stuff made of alfalfa and molasses. After we played with them and posed with them, it was time to leave the elephants.

Warthog waiting for breakfast

These guys are ugly and fascinating!

Back in the van for the panoramic drive. This would take us into the mountains (who knew South Africa had those?!) and along the Blyde River canyon. We drove off the lowveld, and started gaining altitude. Things became progressively greener, and small villages began to appear in the higher valleys. Then citrus and mango groves appeared in higher valleys. We continued to climb along a narrow, curvy, steep road. We were often caught behind extremely slow-moving semi trucks, and sometimes slowed by cattle on the road, monkeys crossing, and, later, rocks, trees, broken glass and other debris littering the road from a miles-long blockade protesting something. Police and firefighters were just beginning to clear the roadways.

We stopped to view the Blyde River Canyon first, which is the 3rd largest canyon in the world! Its terrain was varied, and we first viewed it as a series of waterfalls and rapids running over colorful rocks and entering the canyon. It was warm and the sun felt especially strong at that altitude, and I sat on a rock overlooking the rapids and soaked in the sound of rushing water, birds, and a light breeze bringing the scent of fresh water and green plants as well as warm rocks. I could have sat there for days!

Blyde Canyon, the Tree Rondels (round huts) formation in the canyon. Note the Blyde river at the bottom.

This canyon is DEEP!

At one point, the river dams into a lake; most is invisible from our vantage point, and not very accessible.

Beautiful running water over rocks. If you look closely, you can see the students in the background on the left dipping their toes into the cold stream.

The students went and dipped their toes (and somewhat more, in some cases) into the cool water, while I climbed around on the broad flat rocks overlooking the canyon.


A second path led to a viewpoint where a deep, alpine-type lake lay, an impossible blue color contrasting red, brown and black rocks, greenery and an intense cloudless sky.


A short drive brought us to The Potholes, which are deep rock formations worn by the headwaters of the 2 rivers that flow together to carve out the Blyde River Canyon. The rocks were magnificent and the pools of water hundreds of feet below were so clear that we could see fish!

A view straight down into some of the clearest surface water on earth.

At Potholes, water has patiently worn away at the rock where 2 rivers converge and enter the Blyde River Canyon

Gurgling water, amazing rock

A broader view

Pools, potholes and waterfalls

Our last stop was at God's Window and the Rain Forest. We arrived there along with several busloads of uniformed students! A short climb brought us to God's Window, which is a view across the canyon between 2 cliffs.

God's Window

A long, steep climb, challenging at altitude, brought us to the Rain Forest. This area was lushly green and densely covered in thick vegetation. I identified lots of different ferns and mosses, succulents and many unfamiliar plants and trees. The shade and light breeze was lovely up here!


We were soon surrounded by students eager to meet the Americans and to try out their English. They were all so friendly and curious! It really made the climb twice as worthwhile!

Kait poses with some new friends

Brooklyn has a LOT of new little brothers!

2 hours drive brought us back to the lodge, where Jane had snacks waiting for us. The Wi-Fi was extremely slow, so we all struggled to upload our most recent adventures. Food is appearing, so supper is imminent. After that, I will do most of my sorting and packing, as we leave for good at 10:00  tomorrow morning. I am surprised by the depth of my sorrow about leaving here! I'm glad to have the long journey to gather my thoughts before we arrive back at home.

I don't anticipate that I will have another chance to update the blog before we arrive at home. I hope to add some final thoughts once we are home and rested. Continue to watch Facebook for updates regarding our journey home. And thanks for sharing our journey through our blog!