interaction

While we were up at White River recently, we had the incredible opportunity of being asked to test out a brand new project which has been in preparation for 18 months.

Two couples in Hazyview had the idea of training elephants to be able to 'interact' with people, as part of a bigger project which would work towards better conserving our environment.
These five elephants were originally in the Kruger Park, and were rescued from being culled due to the major problem they are having with over-population in the reserve.
For the past 18 months they have had individual trainers working very closely and gently with them, to get them to this point, where they are able to follow a number of instructions, and allow people to get really close to them, and learn more about these amazing animals

Their trunks consist of over 40 000 muscles, and are used for scooping food and water into their mouths. (they take up to 4 litres of water into their trunks at a time). They are able to pick up the smallest of objects with these highly sensitive organs, and have a very highly developed sense of smell. Their trainers are looking at the long-term idea of using these animals in anti-poaching endeavours.

the elephants were given one-word instructions such as salute (lift the front leg), turn right, turn left, trunk up (which allowed us to look into their mouths and even touch their tongues - an amazing feeling!)

they would lie down on command, and visitors were able to gather around and have the opportunity of seeing under their feet, and touching their rough skins.

Elephants actually walk on tiptoe, because of the design of the pads under their feet, which accounts for the way they can arrive en-masse to a water hole almost soundlessly

this was the largest elephant of the five - he was 30 years old - and allowed me to give him a 'hug'. I could only just touch my fingers on the other side of his leg.

Elephants live up to 80 years old, so their years are similar to ours.

Elephants are right or left-handed like we are - and the way you know, is by seeing which tusk is shorter than the other (because it is favoured)

There is a gland in the roof of the elephant's mouth, which is used for communication. These two elephants are communicating in this way.

after about an hour of enjoying these beautiful animals - they were taken down to the waterhole, and we were invited to watch them playing in the water

this was the highlight, because they transformed into 'naughty children' as soon as they hit the water!

they held each other under - pushed and shoved each other playfully - mock-charged the reeds - fell comically backwards into the water - snorkelled with just their trunks sticking out - and generally had 'huge' fun, much to the delight of us onlookers.

when it came time for the trainers to call them out - is when the fun really started! They had childish temper tantrums - trumpeting and mock charging their trainers, slapping the water with their trunks and feet, and diving under the water to pretend they couldn't hear them!

eventually they managed to convince the oldest one to come out (using food), and then the others followed meekly

an experience I will never forget

kruger

we spent some time in the kruger park game reserve recently with our good friends

Being in the bush for those three days was like drinking deep from the freshest of springs

have you spoken to a 98 year old today?

What a privilege we have ...

My grandmother is 98 years old - and although her body is frail, her mind is sound.

She embraces life fully, and will not allow the limitations of her weakened body to deprive her of the joy of being with her family.

She thought it was 'fantastic' to have her able-bodied grandson's-in-law transporting her, like a queen, to and from the car.

and she relished having her photo taken with 'the girls'

sons - a heritage from the Lord

family

We have been taking a family shot in this exact location at my parent's home since 1995. I will be uploading the previous photographs as soon as I can get copies of them onto digital.

This was the one we took yesterday ...

I've split it down the middle for a closer look ...
My brother and his wife at the back next to my folks, and Patrick, myself and our sons ...

Then my sister and her husband and their two children ...

what a gift!!

we received an amazing gift this week ...

somebody anonymously sponsored our entire family with annual passes to Ushaka Marine World!!

We couldn't wait to make use of them - so we bundled everyone in the car (including some of the neighbour's children) and had an afternoon of fun and wonder

note the divers in the 'tube' in this shot - we're planning to do that on our next visit!

... and this was a highlight for the boys! Talk about toilet humour!!

We'll be back ...

for your incredible generosity!