Tell me Dad, will we go see the rhino?

Child to father-

The pictures you show in the stories that you read me

when I grow, will we go?

Can we see them?

Oh, how I want you to take me to see them,

the great animals you show me in the stories you read me.

Will they be there?

Will they graze where we gaze

in the wild where they should be?

I want to see them.

I want to hear them.

Will they be there when I grow?

I want to know when I grow you will take me to see them,

all the stories you have told

when you read me to sleep and set me a-dreaming

and the pictures that you showed.

I want to know we can go see a rhino.

And if I want,

the elephant,

the leopard, the lion and the big buffalo

are going to be there,

roaming free where

a little boy dreamed them?

Tell me Dad, will we go see the rhino?

Can we go and enjoy them?

All the beasts in the pictures in the stories that you read me?

While man destroys them

can you ignore them?

Will you help me protect them for my own little boy?
I want to know we can go see a rhino.

And if we want,

the elephant,

the leopard, the lion and the big buffalo

are going to be there,

roaming free where

my own little boy dreams them?

467 rhino have been poached in South Africa to date this year!

You can all do a little to help in a big way- add your support to this petition.

Tell me Dad, will we go see the rhino?

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Magnificent Monday: That Christmas Feeling!

Magnificent Monday is late because it's that busy time of year leading up to Christmas. So much is happening and we have family gathering over the holiday.

In New Zealand, the Pohutukawa flowering heralds our southern Christmas.

 Everywhere, the New Zealand 'Christmas Tree' is coming into full blossom.

The masses of blossoms provide nectar for our native birds, particularly our favourite, the Tui.

Sorry about this short post, but we are waiting for news on someone close, who unfortunately is in hospital.

 I started this year off with a post called "Song Of The Tui " to wish everyone a great 2011, and there seems no better way of wishing her well, and everyone else, by posting up these great photos of our joyful, colourful Pohutukawa flowers so prevalent at this time of year, and finishing with a photo of that same bird! 

Have a wonderful time with your family, and friends. May your God bless you all as we celebrate what Christmas is about - a time of remembering the birth of Jesus. A time when families come together. 

Then for us, straight after Christmas we depart for our dream destination!
Galapagos Islands, off the coast of Ecuador has been on our hit list for so long and we finally made the decision to head over to that archipelago monster tortoises and marine iguanas! Unique birdlife and abundant marine mammals await! The stuff of National Geographic and TV feature documentaries. Darwin and finches; pirate havens and National Parks. 

Holes in My Soles will not be updated for some time until after we get back late January.  Spending time on a computer just doesn't figure high on my priorities when Kay and I are travelling, but be sure there'll be plenty written about our travels when we are home again. Get ready for marvellous wildlife photos - my new camera is loaded up with tons of memory cards, and an itchy finger!

Have a wonderful time with your family, and friends. 

I would like to read your end of year articles though, so post a link to your Christmas post here-

Magnificent Monday: That Christmas Feeling!

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This Moment: Fri 16th Dec.

{This Moment} - A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment from my week, or from thinking back on our travels. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember. 

Adopted from Soulemama. Drop in there and leave your link and comments also.

If you're inspired to do the same, leave a link to your 'moment' in the comments for all to find and see.

Yeah, OK we're not supposed to tell you about the pic, but talk about it in the comments.

Guess how old these are?
Where from?

..
I can chat about these a wee bit- they represent to me why I do not worry about Climate Change. These prove to me the fact that the earth has seen massive changes over billions of years of Ice Ages, Interglacial warm periods, and Continental Drift and cataclysmic earthquakes, uplifts in the Earth's crust and the effect of wind, water and temperature on the land.
These shells were found in rocks composed of sediment, laid down millions of years ago and compressed into rock then uplifted to 2,800 metres.
Shells found at that height 1,000's of miles inland? Can we comprehend the changes to the Earth that brought this about?

Oh, but recently, we humans are supposed to fight to control climate!

This Moment: Fri 16th Dec.

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Auckland: Travel Photo Thursday.

Auckland, is New Zealand's City Of Sails. Vibrant, cosmopolitan, beautiful weather, excellent night life, great shopping and a harbour frontage to die for. Oh, and a giant, sharp pencil you can jump off!

We lived in South Auckland for several years in the early 70's and couldn't wait to move out! Hated it then. But a recent visit around old haunts, taking in how the once scungy waterfront has been developed and made pedestrian and visitor friendly, has changed our views on our beautiful, largest city. It bubbles with life; going places.

I think what has also helped is being a travel blogger! Yes, it changes how one looks at a place. I found myself slowing down, observing minute detail, imagining how a place should be photographed, checking the light and shadows and how they highlighted each scene, and even taking mental notes in my mind of how each activity or place should be written about.

Thanks MatadorU!

Hey, we even stopped and allowed ourselves to get wrapped up with all the street performers in action! Trick cyclists, escape artists, jugglers and buskers: the main down town Queen Street was a cabaret of performers! Being there on a weekend during the height of the Rugby World Cup meant the streets were full of supporters proudly dressed in their country's colours, draped in national flags and bursting with welcoming camaraderie!
Amazing what a few beers can do!

We just loved the buzz of Auckland down town in September full of vibrant life and exuding ( yeah I love that word!) goodwill. Not a mugger in sight as is often the case in a main city late at night. We strolled up and down Queen street at various hours of the night and felt welcomed, and at home, such was the goodwill encouraged by the crowds of supporters both local and visitors for the RWC.

We booked a waterfront hotel room to enjoy the view and be able to wander anywhere in the Viaduct Basin area. Sort of reminded us a wee bit of Cape Town's Waterfront!

Travel Photo Thursday is on again where travel bloggers post up their great pics from around the world. Join us! Head over to Nancie's Budget Traveler's Sandbox and post up your travel photo and link into the fun!

Auckland: Travel Photo Thursday.

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Where are the young and clucky girls?

Photo by Matt Binns- Tui on flax or harakeke.

A tui sits on highest tree

Singing out so desperately,

"Oh won't you make a nest with me?

I'll share with you my love."

He's sung his song

For oh so long

He wonders now what he's done wrong,

But still sings from high above.

Where are the young and clucky girls?

There should be one out in this world.

Are they busy chasing pretty jewels,

Instead of one true love?

There used to be a time that we

Together would raise a family,

And give our young security.

But now that's not enough.

How can we raise our kids today,

Without two parents home to stay?

A man who's strong when youngsters stray,

And mentor them from wrong.

With a woman's sensitivity

To nurture their ability

And sense of responsibility

To keep our families strong.

A tui sings from highest tree,

Calling out so desperately,

While our own society.....

Falls apart. 

Where are the young and clucky girls?

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Cracking up here for YouTube Tuesday!

Share your favorite video every Tuesday. Be Creative, and have fun. The video can be about anything.

Visit Tiger Time for more great YouTube Tuesday selections. Josh is the man with the plan! Leave your name and link in his linky tool so everyone can view your video selection.

Leave your link in my comments section so I can drop by and see your choice.

I hope you have all cracked up over these! I just love that bird playing "Day and Night"! I have seen them in action and never thought of them playing a game- I thought they were seeking fish!

NWHS need funds to continue housing their rescued animals 

Donate here please. I'll be donating! Donate here.

Cracking up here for YouTube Tuesday!

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2011's Greatest Posts. Magnificent Monday!

Another big welcome to Magnificent Monday where we kick off the week with great posts!

No theme this week, just a round-up of great posts please. 

My great moment this year was watching this family drama unfold in front of our 4WD  in Chobe National Park, Botswana.
Photo is taken through our windscreen glass, hence the poor colour.

Read about that here- Botswana-elephant-traffic-jam

Over the year I have read many amazing articles, viewed incredible pictures, and written a few mediocre posts myself! 

So what do you consider the best post you have written this year?

Drop a link in the Mr Linky Tool below. And remember, the posts can be about anything, any topic, even just your best picture.

To join in this week's Magnificent Monday-

1. Paste your name and a link to your 'Goodwill' article in the Mr Linky tool below.

2. Leave a comment to show you care.

3. It's good etiquette to edit into your article a reference to this article to let your readers know also.

4. Visit each post, leave a comment and share Stumble, Digg, Tweet and Facebook etc so we can all benefit.

2011's Greatest Posts. Magnificent Monday!

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Empty Silence Is Not A Natural Sound: Hunter's Insomnia.

I raise my head up off the red dirt ground

To watch the fiery sun go down.

Where once I would sleep soundly in the black depths

To the lions roaring sound,

If we heard the comfort of branches snap and crackle,

We knew the big eles were around.

Now no leopard coughs, no jackal yelps, no hyena sarcastic laugh,

Awake, I cannot lay me down.

All around the vacant silence disturbs me,

This empty silence is not a natural sound.

We climbed the rocky koppies to search in vain,

Where once the great migration filled our gaze.

The scorched ground now barely fertile

Where the blood and bone decays.

There the scant grass grows the sweetest,

Cattle scatter skeletons to graze.

The curse of the charcoal-burners

Infesting the horizon with their smoky haze.

Gone are acacia-thorn and spreading shepherd trees

Under whose shade umbrellas we would laze.

Once we could look across the savannah,

Where the massive herds would parade.

The bribery for trophy permits we would pay

Far more than we would ever dare to tell.

We sent the big tuskers to their grave,

Rhino, lion, leopard - Ah, what the hell!

Anything in our way!

Oh, the hyena and vultures prospered swell!

Now within my massive halls so heavily adorned,

I brag, my courageous tales I tell,

My walls covered with those rare horned,

I got them before their last death knell.

Therein, I rest and slumber oh, so well!

http://www.all-creatures.org/hope/anti-th-20080320.htm

Empty Silence Is Not A Natural Sound: Hunter's Insomnia.

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This Moment: Fri 9th Dec.

.

{This Moment} - A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment from my week, or from thinking back on our travels. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember. 

Adopted from Soulemama. Drop in there and leave your link and comments also.

If you're inspired to do the same, leave a link to your 'moment' in the comments for all to find and see.

Yeah, OK we're not supposed to tell you about the pic, but talk about it in the comments, but sometimes it is just bursting out all over!
Anyway, I sure am not allowed to talk about anyone's age associated with the gift she received.

Another peek at the tiles surrounding our kitchen bench top. We purchased 28 of these tiles in the Covered Bazaar, Istanbul and carefully brought them home. They fitted perfectly. Each one is a different pattern, delicately hand painted.

This Moment: Fri 9th Dec.

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Travel Photo Thursday:Where? What?

..

Welcome to Travel Photo Thursday once again, and this week for some fun I have a question for all readers.

1. Where are these?

2. What are these?

Alright, two questions then...

Give me your answers in your comments. There's no prize so I'll hold the comments back for a few days then post them so as not to give the game away too early, otherwise Julia's going to let the cat out of the bag early!.

Travel Photo Thursday is on again where travel bloggers post up their great pics from around the world. Join us! Head over to Nancie's Budget Traveler's Sandbox and post up your travel photo and link into the fun!

Travel Photo Thursday:Where? What?

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Who Are The Beasts?

Photo Courtesy David Sheldrick Trust.

Shukuru,

Elephant of the great heart.

Once an orphan, still a child,

Now you play the mother's part.

Do you remember how you lost your mum,

Leaving you the traumatised one?

Now Kithaka feels your consoling trunk,

And loving heart.

What guides the love you now impart?

Is that just instinct?

Or intelligent art?

Shukuru,

Elephant of the great soul.

You need take on the mother's role.

Do you whisper? " I know the pain.

But here you're with family again."

As poachers take their deadly toll,

The killing soars out of control,

To satisfy the Chinese role.

That bloody trade, so inhumane!

When will it end?

What will remain?

Shukuru,

Elephant of the loving heart,

You show us how the healing starts.

This photo now just sent to me

Of human made refugees,

Provokes my thought, how can it be,

That man feels such superiority

Over the lowly beasts?

When it comes to love and morality,

Who knows the most? 

Who knows the least?

Elephant intelligence, social behavior, and family concern can show we humans a lot.
Read about elephant's intelligence and complex social codes here- Elephant intelligence

How is it, that young orphans themselves, welcome a strange orphan to their young herd?

Why can we not believe they have the intelligence to recognize what each new orphan has been through, and can console another to recover from trauma?

Who are the beasts?

 Shukuru is an orphan we adopted soon after she arrived at David Sheldrick Trust, Kenya. Now this 2 year old is welcoming new arrivals and ably taking on a mother's caring role of a new rescue - Kithaka.
Read the orphan stories here- http://www.sheldrickwildlifetrust.org/asp/orphans.asp one of the leading elephant and rhino sanctuaries in Africa.
 Our plan is to visit the sanctuary in Nairobi, hopefully as early as July 2012. It's a big buzz to read about about our adopted ele orphans in each monthly report; we really look forward to them!
For a small annual amount you too can help in saving Africa's wildlife. When we all work together we make a big difference.

Who Are The Beasts?

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Tigers for YouTube Tuesday!

Welcome to another YouTube Tuesday! 

Travel Bloggers Give Back. Yep, we're still giving back, picking our favourite charities and promoting them through this season of goodwill!

Especially for Josh of Tiger Time, today we have tigers!

Charities struggle to raise funds to achieve the mission they set out to do, so the least we can do is publicise their work and encourage everyone to share a little. Hey, if everyone gives a little, that'll soon mount up to feed these tigers for a few days. Feeding them ain't cheap! Meat has to be bought to feed them, sanctuaries need to be securely fenced, vets bills need to be paid along with diesel, and power and all the other costs of providing a home for these wild animals to live out their lives with dignity and quality of life!

These tigers are at a sanctuary operated by National Wildlife Humane Society's Top Of the Rock sanctuary.

A true sanctuary operates on a "No Buy, No Sell, No Breed and No Exhibit" basis, ensuring exotic species can live out their lives with dignity and quality. 

You have to ask yourself "Why on earth are these tigers in sanctuaries in the first place?" It's long overdue that countries stamp out the trade in exotic species and the keeping of them as "pets". Long overdue!

NWHS need funds to continue housing these graceful cats - they'll live for up to 35 years in well maintained environments - that's a hell of a lot of meat that needs paying for.

Donate here please. I'll be donating! Donate here.

Tigers Obi and Gizmo arrived at the NWHS sanctuary (Top Of The Rock) on September 13, 2011, and are now in their new enclosures. They came from a sanctuary in San Antonio, Texas that suffered financial distress and announced closure about a year ago. The San Antonio sanctuary had a great many animals, including, but not limited to, 400+ primates, 70+ big cats, 25+ bears, wolves & wolf hybrids and various other species.

Watch Obi, not a cat that likes to get his front paw wet! See how tigers will enter water backwards also. Interesting!

" I gotta keep my paw dry!"

Check out the rest of National Wildlife Humane Society's activities here- www.humanewildlife.org/

Kay and I are trying to rearrange our schedule on our Ecuador trip next month to take in the project

Touch The Jungle as we'll be in the region!

Tiger Tiger. burning bright,

In the forests of the night;

What immortal hand or eye.

Could frame thy fearful symmetry?

In what distant deeps or skies.

Burnt the fire of thine eyes?

On what wings dare he aspire?

What the hand, dare seize the fire?

And what shoulder, and what art,

Could twist the sinews of thy heart?

And when thy heart began to beat.

What dread hand? and what dread feet?

What the hammer? what the chain,

In what furnace was thy brain?

What the anvil? what dread grasp.

Dare its deadly terrors clasp?

When the stars threw down their spears

And watered heaven with their tears:

Did he smile His work to see?

Did he who made the lamb make thee?

Tiger Tiger burning bright,

In the forests of the night:

What immortal hand or eye,

Dare frame thy fearful symmetry?

The Tiger

William Blake

Share your favorite video every Tuesday. Be Creative, and have fun. The video can be about anything.

Visit Tiger Time for more great YouTube Tuesday selections. Josh is the man with the plan! Leave your name and link in his linky tool so everyone can view your video selection.

Leave your link in my comments section so I can drop by and see your choice.

Tigers for YouTube Tuesday!

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Should the Taj Mahal to ever face harm?

Taj Mahal, Agra, India. Picture by Jim McIntosh.

Should the Taj Mahal to ever face harm

The world would react in haste.

As rhino are slaughtered to their last breath

Will we react in time?

While man-made beauty can be rebuilt

Mother Nature's we cannot replace.

As we stand in awe of human endeavour

Of Great Wall and stone pyramid

Do we spare a thought that we built them all?

Were they gone, we’d soon fill that space.

The treasures of Nature which abound

For millions of years of time

May soon disappear and not be here

For your children, and those of mine.

Why aren't our governments reacting?
Where is their financial commitment
To the Anti-Poaching Units
And much tougher court judgement?

Temples of Angkor Wat we conserve

Stonehenge and Pisa Tower

Our valuable World Heritage Parks
That every Nation with money preserves.

While tiger sigh, and lion cry

And the elephant trumpets its last

Nature’s gifts are slaughtered and die

For the want of similar status.

When you finally gaze upon the Pearl

Or have the chance to enjoy the thrill

Of the Colosseum at dawn

Pray, spare a thought

Don't you think we aught

Protect the most precious jewels of all?

The reek of a rhino carcass leaves

A stink in my memory veins

But to keep them roaming wild and free

We need to effect great change

That rhino horn is not a medicine for Chinese Traditional Medicine.

 Dead rhino, Imbambala, Loskop Dam Nature Reserve. Picture by Jim McIntosh

The saddest sight from our safari to Loskop Dam Nature Reserve, South Africa. 
I can still 'smell' this scene.

The above poem is based upon a line I came across somewhere, which I remembered and serves as my first line. I'd like to acknowledge the author and thank him, for setting my mind upon exploring the theme. I have no wish to plagiarise.

Why are nations quick to conserve human-built wonders, but loath to commit fully to stopping the trade in endangered species?

There are many conservation NGOs fighting to protect rhino. The last Javan sub-specie has been killed on the Asian mainland.

The last Western Black Rhino has been killed in Africa. 

savetherhinotrust.org/

www.rhinoconservation.org/

www.sheldrickwildlifetrust.org

Dedicated to Dr Clay Wilson, Laura, and all wildlife in peril.

Should the Taj Mahal to ever face harm?

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