Sat July 2 part 2

Back to this morning. Our guide, John wanted an early start. I think he is feeling pressure as we haven't seen any cats yet. It grew light as I had said as we entered the park. Vultures were stil sitting in the trees but other birds were all over the place and making all sorts of racket. no one talks about the birdlife here but it is incredible.

There are trails across the savanah - not really roads. They are mixed with wildebeest trails elephant trails and all sorts of other tracks running to and from the river. Apparently many tourists are expecting to see a kill. Yeah you got it. Not on the top of our list. But to see cats you have to go where they will be which is where the food is which means water ( a whole other blog to write)

I don't think i mentioned that for the last couple nights i can't close my eyes without seeing animals We are driving around in a large landrover type vehicle with a top that pops up allowing you to stand up and look around. There is literally always something to see. And even if you were think nothing is there, you blink and see something new. After driving around looking all day it's like a movie replaying in your(my) head at night.

So we've been driving around and a lump in the grass over to the right caught my eye. We had John back up a liitle and sure enough there was our lion. He was an older gentleman just hanging out. He saw us! Pretended not to. After a bit he got up and started walking with a low rumble coming from his throat. We were on parallel tracks and the rumble began to turn to a growl. Not incredible volume but an intensity and internal resonance that was pretty amazing. Then you add the reverb from the river escarpment and you know why they call him the king of the jungle. He grew bored with us and headed back into the grass.
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Other highlights were an ancient baobab tree. With age the trees naturally hollow out. This tree had been enhanced with hand holds and extra space inside the tree for poachers to hide out. We saw marob storks and vultures feasting on a dead elephant. And we'll save the discussion on the sex life of baboons for another day (who can guess the Beatles song that applies?)

Just a ps from Melanie the lion was hiding in tall grass where even the guide could not see him. But Tracker David found him twice. Once in the tall grass and once climbing a bank What a guy.

The hotel were now at in lake Manyara is very nice. Very upscale with a fancy infinity pool overlooking the cliffs. So were sitting poolside relaxing with a drink. David was contemplating taking a dip and we look over at the pool. A baboon climbs over from the cliff and takes a drink of the pool water. That's it for me using the pool.

Although this place is fancier the food at the campsite was better. Fresher and more homemade. This last sentence was for Josh B benefit.

- Posted from the ipad