Ever had a situation where you feel life has thrown you a serious curve ball? Well, I should say when doesn’t life throw you a curve ball! (Feel free to post your problems, Doctor Markus is Listening)
The funny thing is, the wild dogs must be feeling this way, because they put the “pedal to the metal” until they hit the western most edge of Hippo Valley and there they were stumped. This is the area that has recently been fenced and there is no way out. This might seem unfair, but Kim and I felt quite relieved they they could go no further. Not only are we traveling 45 minutes to get there each day, but any further and you’re in the sugar plantations – this would not be good for the dogs. Anyway, the dogs have been sniffing at this fence for four days now. They want out and they can’t understand why there’s no give in the fence line.
Each day they test the electric strands and get shocked into a frenzy, but keep coming back to test the limits. No harm done though, and life carries on for the dogs, but I just don’t think they’ve learned any lessons – poor dudes.
Life along the banks of the Chiredzi River is vibrant, animals make a break for the water before sunset and it’s great to see the diversity of species. When we’re filming an animal we stick on their trail for months and we don’t see much else except what they come into contact with, not that this is boring, but an afternoon drive along the river refreshes the soul.
There was another hard shower of rain this week, which left us unable to negotiate the black clay soil on the Hippo Valley side of the reserve, and this left us with another opportunity to perambulate the rest of the property. Although, I had to eventually end up at the hyena, I hadn’t seen them for two weeks and I was getting withdrawal symptoms. I must say, it was as if I hadn’t been away, we all lay around Manyuchi Pan enjoying the sunset.
Lovely, peaceful film and music - good for the soul. Thankyou.
Do the dogs have established hunting routes? Could it be that they know they should be able to migrate in the direction beyond the fence, for some reason? I’ve heard about the “Transfrontier park” to let elephants migrate as they used to - do the hunting dogs do the same?
Nice film Mark! Very peaceful music and video, as Alison B quite rightly said. Those hyena and wild dogs look soooo cute! Can you ask if Kim if he will start posting again?
Yep ,… really sweet video !!
heh heh….. lucky bugger
OHH , when I think of what I do 9-5 … Monday-Friday
I believe the dogs have home ranges of hundreds of miles ,and this is one of the biggest problems facing the wild dog.
I wonder what drives the pack in a certain direction ?
just a reminder last year , when they had persistent intent to cross that river .
Very nice vid! One can almost feel the playfulness of the animals. Great!
I just returned from two weeks in Botswana in the delta area, Khawi River and the Savute, the channel is acturally running again after 30 years!!! What a sight that must be, it was a dry sandy bed when I was there and one month later water was flowing toward the Savuti Marsh. Had the privelege of watching a pack of wild dogs, what excitement for me!! But I can never get enough and yearn to return, I envy you guys. My camera was stolen at the Atlanta Airport soo no photos, broken hearted, but you can fill in! When will Kim’s videos come out????? Love your videos, always brings me back to Africa, Karen
Mark,
Found your blog through my friend Davor Gabino and wanted to say you have excellent footage of African wildlife and their ecosystem. I have always dreamed of going to Africa, but for now I can come to your blog and feel like I made the trip. Look forward to seeing more of your videos.
Very nice video Mark! The peaceful music fits the scene beautifully! You can really feel the playfulness between wildebeest and zebra as Limpopo Scenery said.
When will those dogs ever learn…curiousity may kill the cat, but these dogs are certainly inquisitive as well.
By the way, what are those odd mushrooms in your last photo…what an odd color!
Great video….we have done a safari from here…..especially the music gives a perfect idea..GREAT
Doc Markus,
Thanks so much for taking Josh and I out with you to see the hyena last month. It was great to meet you and the camera fascinated Josh. Maybe he will take up your line of work one day, he’s so bush crazy. I was very spoiled by my time in Africa & am getting used to the good things about getting home plus the bad thing …. it’s still winter.
Good luck to you and Kylie for 2010. May your desire to avoid those frustrating things in life come true.
mo
Kim, I am putting in a request for the name of the music to be included with each video. It’s just that sometimes and you include the most amazing music and would love to know what each piece is…
Me too!
Hi Mark,
You took me back to my Safari trip last year. Lovely.
It’s really funny reading about those wild dogs….they really stupid…dogs…maybe if you can put this story into an animated movie…it’s gonna be really funny!
Thank you for joining us on our adventures, hope you find your own piece of Africa through our site.