Saturday, November 16, 2013

The Day's End

Winter Storm Atlas really did a number on our bird population in South Dakota.  I've only seen 8 grouse this whole fall, and pheasants are very much just in pockets.  If you find them, there are a descent amount, but until you find them, you'll put miles and miles on (and your dog even more!) looking.

I've been hunting the north central part of the state the past two days as I was told there were birds there, crops aren't out yet, making it tough, but there are birds.  My first day, I saw one pheasant, just after sunset.  Yesterday, I saw several groups of birds along the road while driving, but at the end of the day I'd pretty much given up as I hadn't found where any combines were working to help me out in my quest.  I decided to spend the rest of the day just looking around and finding the public areas - about mid-afternoon, I FINALLY found a combine working very near a small CRP ground so decided to see what there was.  Casey did her job, and found the one pheasant that was in there, unfortunately, was way to overcome by the excitement and took complete leave of her senses.  I knew she was on a bird as I couldn't get her turned around, nor could I get there fast enough.  Bummer.  Found another nice walk-in area and decided to see what there was, if nothing else, it would give me a chance to reel Casey back in.  There wasn't a bird one (although Casey did 'flush' a rabbit!) so I shot the moon and the sun instead.

 



It was still a good day!

Sunday, November 10, 2013

Photo Contest

I have a good friend and mentor, Mike Burg, who is a professional photographer living just south of Rapid City.  He is my biggest fan of all my images; critics them encouraging me to get better at my new found craft.  Recently he sent me some information on a contest being hosted by B&H Photo, one of the largest photo supply companies in the US, if not in the world asking me what images I had to enter.  This morning I took that challenge and entered photo's in 6 of the 9 categories.  Thanks Mike for all the encouragement!

Information on the contest can be found at http://www.wildernessphotocompetition.com/index.shtml.  This contest is kind of a big deal.......People's Choice prize is an expense paid photo safari to Namibia and Judge's Choice grand prize being an expense paid photo safari to Botswana!  (Wouldn't it be cool to get to go to Africa again?!?!?!?!?)

This morning I am shamelessly asking for voting support of my images if any of you were so inclined.  You do need a user ID (email address) to cast a vote, but also don't think they will bombard you with spam.  (User ID is necessary as you are only allowed one vote - if you change your mind on an image, vote for a second one, it will cancel out the first vote.)  Images can be accessed by clicking the above link, then clicking on "Peoples Choice" which will show all images that have been entered.  From there you can type in my name which will bring up all 6 photo's I entered.  Or, I have included direct links to each entered photo below.  

Land Mammals Category:

http://www.wildernessphotocompetition.com/bin/Rate?image_id=2009824668


Conservation/Man & the Environment:

http://www.wildernessphotocompetition.com/bin/Rate?image_id=2009824901
Birds:

http://www.wildernessphotocompetition.com/bin/Rate?image_id=2009824902
Amphibian/Reptiles:

http://www.wildernessphotocompetition.com/bin/Rate?image_id=2009824904

Macro:  Floral/Insects

http://www.wildernessphotocompetition.com/bin/Rate?image_id=2009824906

Animals in Captivity:

http://www.wildernessphotocompetition.com/bin/Rate?image_id=2009824909

So, in my shamelessness asking for voting support, I also say thank you with great gratitude for that support.

Tuesday, October 22, 2013

Chasing Around in P.J.'s

The sunrise started out so pretty from the kitchen window, I grabbed a go cup of coffee and my camera, and me and Casey were out the door.  I'm quite sure she was wondering why we were leaving this fine morning with me still in PJ's and no shot gun (after all, it IS bird season!), but humor me she did.

I left the house with a plan, but as the sun continued to rise, that plan changed.  As the sun rose and rose, I thought maybe I made a mistake.  On 3rd thought, I think I'm pretty good with the change of plans and am pretty happy with the results.

Don't think I have ever seen Bear Butte look so majestic.

Heading home, I thought the photo ops were done, but happened to look in my review mirror and saw this.  I stitched 4 photograph's together to create this panoramic view.  I think it was worth chasing around in PJ's this morning.  At least no neighbors saw me!
I really am enjoying taking photograph's.  NOW, if I could just find a viable source to get some sold!

Thursday, October 10, 2013

Namibia

Now that the fishing is done, a hunting we shall go.  From the jungle to the high desert - what a change in climate!  Both countries one wanted a sweatshirt in the morning, but no mosquito's in Namibia.  Each country the temps would reach into the low 80's each day, but needless to say the humidity was much higher in Mozambique.  Both countries full of hard working natives and white-man alike,  no differences there.

 

Just like with the Mozambique photo's, I have divided them out by day, click on the links to see them all.

 

Namibia Day 1 & 2:  https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/sredir?uname=105766033855540861970&target=ALBUM&id=5932910726468284001&authkey=Gv1sRgCOb_wcvd86C50QE&feat=email

Waterbuck
2 cow Gemsbuck
Namibia Day 3 & 4:   https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/sredir?uname=105766033855540861970&target=ALBUM&id=5932911420189837169&authkey=Gv1sRgCOS8js2W1qXwCA&feat=email 


Hornbill Bird
View from where we took our morning coffee when in the mountains kudu hunting.

 
Female Ostrich

That'll leave a mark!

Namibia Day 6:  https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/sredir?uname=105766033855540861970&target=ALBUM&id=5932933541361897217&authkey=Gv1sRgCLn2oNP05tXvEA&feat=email

Female Wart Hogs

 Namibia Day 7:  https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/sredir?uname=105766033855540861970&target=ALBUM&id=5932937586129923665&authkey=Gv1sRgCOjX1t-K7s-AygE&feat=email

White Breasted Snake Eating Eagle

 

 Namibia Day 8 & Windhoek:  https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/sredir?uname=105766033855540861970&target=ALBUM&id=5932939174430866017&authkey=Gv1sRgCNXg_sW2_cWmUA&feat=email

Such a cute little guy!
Water fountain at Hotel Thule in Windhoek.

Wednesday, October 9, 2013

Mozambique

OK, the recent snow storm left me pretty pent up inside the house which gave me lots of time to edit photo's.  We've only been home two weeks and I'm totally done with all of them!  *That's a first.*

I've divided all the photo's up day, with a sneak preview here.  Click on the links to view all of them.


Luska/Mozambique Day 1:  https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/sredir?uname=105766033855540861970&target=ALBUM&id=5932742505196449937&authkey=Gv1sRgCLu9jZ7MsYS4Xw&feat=email

Curt, Renan & myself....ready for take off!
Hippo's!!!  
  Mozambique Day 2:   https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/sredir?uname=105766033855540861970&target=ALBUM&id=5932746421359454913&authkey=Gv1sRgCMOv4YTEoaTK2AE&feat=email

Hunting outside our cabin.



Mozambique Day 3:  https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/sredir?uname=105766033855540861970&target=ALBUM&id=5932749300489915777&authkey=Gv1sRgCPb_uef-uKrlXQ&feat=email


 
Countless crock.
'Bout a 10 pounder.
Mozambique Day 4:  https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/sredir?uname=105766033855540861970&target=ALBUM&id=5932750720789208337&authkey=Gv1sRgCIjVlOmJpOuJTw&feat=email

Fish Eagle
Locals heading to market a very smokey morning.
Mozambique Day 5:  https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/sredir?uname=105766033855540861970&target=ALBUM&id=5932752864817734705&authkey=Gv1sRgCPWo5LfKt5qztAE&feat=email

Sunrise



 Mozambique Day 6:  https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/sredir?uname=105766033855540861970&target=ALBUM&id=5932753852586892337&authkey=Gv1sRgCPX1pM-SyruzHA&feat=email

 

Mozambique Day 7 & 8:   https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/sredir?uname=105766033855540861970&target=ALBUM&id=5932759511248667505&authkey=Gv1sRgCP2pkZe_idX6kAE&feat=email

Kenneth, A+ Guide, Awesome Fisherman

 
Talk about a trip to the 'zoo'.......... Hope you are enjoying!

Sunday, October 6, 2013

Winter Storm Atlas: U.G.L.Y.

Old man winter came into South Dakota like a rabid dog looking to take out anyone/anything in it's path this past weekend.  The rain started Thursday evening and by Friday morning several inches of snow had begun piling up.  Snow continued all day long with the wind joining the party late afternoon. The storm basically stalled out over the Hill's before starting to weaken late Saturday and beginning to head out over the planes of the state. 

Travel came to a stand still as basically every road in western SD was closed or no advisable travel.  Before it was done, I-90 was closed from Sheridan, WY east to Murdo, SD - a 378 mile stretch.  Many motorist's spent the night in their vehicles along side of, or on the road as emergency crews were unable to reach them.  Downed power lines and down trees/tree limbs along with all those vehicles stuck hampered all rescue and clean up efforts.

As far as life running along normal....not a chance.  Virtually all business was shut down as most towns along the I-90 corridor had "No Travel Permitted" orders issued.  The Governor declared a "Civil Emergency" on Friday.  (That means the Red Cross will come in and pay for motel rooms for citizens and the National Guard is called out to help citizens reach help.  Who knew??!!?)  The two local News stations lost power so when the Emergency Broadcasts would come over the TV, one had no idea what the current emergency situation was as it was just a blank screen.  

Here at the Snow Chateau I believe we caught around the 30" mark of the white stuff.  Winds created mostly 4-5 foot drifts around the house but in the valley toward the shop  that was probably more like 10+ feet.  How does a person ready for this situation?  It's not that difficult really.  First, ensure you are stocked up on essentials.  Wine?  Check.  Beer?  Check.  Coffee?  Check.  Bottled water?  Check.  Dog food?  Check.  Oh yeah, food, bath essentials, lanterns, candles, propane, extra blankets?  Check.  (Things MUST be prioritized!)  Next, fill a bathtub full of water, just in case the electricity goes out so you have bathroom water.  Oh yeah, turn on the battery back-up on the gas fireplace...just in case the electricity goes out so you have A heat source. 

Did a little snow fall?  Just a bit.  Did it get cold?  Not horrible.  Was it simply miserable?  Yes. Yes. Yes.  But when put into perspective, it's just a little hick-up in this game called life.  We live in a snow belt - snow is GOING to fall.  And you just might get snowed in. 

 Mid-morning Friday, our trees were already feeling the effects with many broken limbs, along with a few trees.  By late afternoon, drifts were already forming in the corner of the back deck - the non-windy side of the house.

By Friday evening, snow was packed hard against the back door, making it near impossible for Casey to get out that way.

And this is what I woke up to Saturday morning.  The screen door wouldn't open in the bedroom to take these pic's as the snow was packed in to tight.  (Remember, the back deck is the NON-windy side of the house.)

Back yard, looking out master bath window, opening the garage door.  (When I opened this door to let Casey out, she simply looked up at me with a look saying "Really????  I can't even SEE out this door.  HOW do you expect me to get out???)

The front of the house.  No snow fence up for this storm!

 A few facts from the storm:


By Sunday morning the skies were blue, the clouds were gone, and the wind had died to a breeze and our local snow removing neighbor was out doing thankless work for the subdivision.  Rick worked much of the day to simply get one lane open for residents, taking the time to plow me out (even though I was insistent to him I am fine and can survive just fine as long as necessary - I am at the bottom of the priority list!) all the while taking calls from neighbor's bitching about not being able to get out yet.  Really?  The roads are still closed.  Where you gonna go?

Thanks Rick!  Appreciate it!


My driveway!  I remember it now!
After Rick was so kind to plow me out, I found a short handled, flat nosed garden shovel and went to work.  (The snow shovel broke last year.)  Got the sidewalk dug out, both decks dug out along with the door mats hanging over the rail to dry out, and the camper dug out to put a fresh propane tank on it just in case.  Oh, and while digging the back deck out, I found a pair of flip-flips and my mowing shoes, as they were in a "dry" spot along with a snow shovel I forgot we bought last year.  I still hate that snow shovel.....it's easier to use the garden shovel!  I survived the storm just fine......yes, I was bored putting updates on Facebook regularly, but I was just fine.  Many others, I think, it was a chance for them to realize they can't handle being isolated.


Tuesday, October 1, 2013

Namibia: A Drought Ridden Country Full of H.A.R.D Working People

As we flew into Windhoek, Namibia on the opposite side of the African continent, we saw a 100% change in the environment.  Dry, arid, brown and gray, the river bed baronly empty.  The country is in drought, the rains didn't arrive like normal last year.  It was just turning spring while we were visiting the country, residents anxious for the rainy season to arrive.



It didn't take long to leave the paved road as we traveled toward the farm we would be hunting - 25,000 hectares (61,776 acres) of African bush - dirt, THICK thorny brush, deeply rooted trees, very little grass as the weeds have taken over.  The owners of Makadi Safaris also raise cattle, as most farms in Namibia do, but honestly, I don't know what the cattle - or the game - were eating.  To say the land was over grazed would be a bit of an understatement.    What they did have lots of  was game and predators.  The amount of predators becoming quite apparent by listening to the jackals serenade us at night.  (At right, a kudu cow comes out from the brush only to ghostly disappear back into the brush across the 'road'.)

The air and land was so dry that at the end of the day we would be covered in dirt and dust, noses full of dust and pollen as the trees were beginning to bloom.  I kept saying that breathing was highly over-rated, but no one understood my humor.  Many, many dry wells on the ranch; a few good ones, but mostly dry wells.  No point in continuing to drill wells when you hit nothing.  Water a huge concern as the natural "lakes" which were mere stock ponds were quickly drying.  No garden would be put in at the ranch this year not knowing how Mother Nature is going to treat them this rainy season.  The ranch was currently in conservation mode, everyone bathing a little less frequently, more beer than water being consumed.  Don't judge........beer is far less expensive than buying bottled water.

 Most of the week would be spent driving around the bush in an open bush buggy, a short
Paulous driving the bush buggy.
wheel-based, 4WD, cabin gone, open benched, go any where 1970's old Toyota Land Cruiser.  A little top heavy?  Yes.  Will it go where you want it to?  Yes.  The perfect Bush hunting vehicle.  Our driver, Independence, a native, a new employee at the farm, speaking virtually no English, very eager to please not only our guide, but also us.

Our guide, Bernie, was the epitome of a hard-working entreprenurial spirit, guiding not only for Makadi and other outfitters, but also has a small outfitting business of his own.  Bernie also has a meat culling business - property owners having to much game on their land call him, he culls the animals, he and his partner take care of the meat, then sell the meat to the local Spar butcher counter.  Then in his spare time, he is a self-employed welder/mechanic and cattle rancher.  A busy guy indeed, and still manages to make time for his wife and baby girl.

Sunrise at the ranch.
 On day 3 a regular driver, Paulos (also a native), took over as our chauffeur.  Paulos spoke little English, but understood a good amount.  Namibia definitely has a class system, as most of Africa I believe does; neither of our drivers would sit on the bench with Bill and I until invited.  They would crawl in the back of the jeep, a "seat" to sit on, no floor board and literally hang on with hand, feet, toes - whatever appendage available!  Everyday, Paulos would bring the jeep around to our guestroom at 6:30am sharp!  When it was time to take a coffee mid-morning, he would break out the folding chairs, and folding table placing them in our blind for us to sit comfortably.  If we were using a natural blind, he carried a machete with him that he would cut branches down with to open shooting lanes and also build up cover where needed.  All of the labor, Paulos doing.  No one is being rude not helping, this is how life is done and how life is expected to be.

Our first days lunch, served in the bush!
Each day our laundry was 'magically' collected and just as in Mozambique, was washed, air dried, pressed and folded to be returned to our room prior to us returning to camp for the evening.  Our room made up each and every day.  Daily lunch consisted of a fresh baked loaf of bread for sandwiches, an assortment of salami's and cheese, along with the standby peanut butter!  Not to mention usually some left overs from dinner the night before were packed up and sent to the bush with us to be served on that table and chairs I was speaking of earlier....only complete with a table cloth.  The cooks prepared game meat for us each night, gemsbuck, ostrich, wart-hog, roan.  A-L-L good stuff!  When we would bring a harvested animal in at the end of the day, as we passed by the 'employee village', we would honk the horn of the jeep and 3-5 guys would meet us at the meat rack to hang and dress the animal.  Nothing going to waste.  When they would dress the animal, a wheel barrow was placed at the bottom of the animal to catch the innards so they could make their delicacies.  Bernie told me at one point, if they field dressed the animals as we do in America, the land owner would be in "big trouble with the natives".  Skinners would come in to cape the animal and skin it for the taxidermist.  A bushman worked in the skinning shed with, as I understand, his job being to boil off the skull and prepare the hide and skull for transfer to the taxidermist.  (Bill thought he finished a cigarette and threw it into the fire pit - that wasn't burning at the time - only for the bushman to scold him for being wasteful.  He picked it out of the ashes to finish the last two drags off that smoke.  NOTHING is wasted in the bush.)  

The 'employee village' was behind the main ranch complex.  Some of the homes had families living in them, some had single guys or gals living in them.  The kids played in the 'street' (which was simply what American's would consider a courtyard) barefoot.  (Somethings are the same the world over.)  Jerky makings would hang from the porch drying in the sun.  No dehydrators needed - the sun does the job 100% and it's pretty good stuff too!  The ranch employed people to not only work domestic chores, be drivers or skinners but also to work the cattle ranch side.  Diethelm & Katja raise award winning cattle so they have people to train the cows for showing, herdsman to tend to the goats and cattle, fix fence, and just everyday hired hands.  It takes a lot of people to make 25,000 hectares run efficiently!

Paulos: driver, tracker, awesome guy.
Not only was Paulos our driver, but our tracker too.  The springbok I shot had to be tracked for quite a distance, Paulos and Bernie stepping up to get the job done and get the job done they did.  We Americans can learn from these guys.  The blood trail was lost, and these two awesome guys tracked a single track amongst countless other tracks to recover the animal.  Neither Bill or I have EVER seen anything like it.  (The hierarchy order became very apparent during the tracking process.  Bernie the lead, a PH intern 2nd (employed by the ranch we were hunting on), Paulos 3rd and me last.  The intern wasn't worth much so purposely - I believe - lead away from tracks to keep him out of the way.)  Paulos tracked the animal while Bernie looked ahead for the animal, eyes get tired looking at tracks, so Paulos would back-track to pick it up again, or Bernie would pick it back up.  Once we found the animal, Paulos was last and the sneak was on. 

Not one time during any part of our trip, did anyone give us the "woe is me, I am poor".  It was quite refreshing to be in a 3rd world country and not have anyone begging us.  Bill being far more exposed to this than I.  I am very impressed with the work ethic of everyone we came in contact with on this trip, but then, when you live in the bush - be it Namibia or Mozambique - you have two choices in life:  work hard or go hungry.  There is no place for handouts in the bush. 

Unable to catch a flight home for a couple days after leaving the farm we stayed in town at Hotel Thule - first class, you ask?  In a word, Y-E-S.  Our room was bigger than our bedroom in our home, the bathroom complete with a jaquzzi tub and separate giant shower, heated towel rack, the rate including the mini-bar in the room and a buffet breakfast exceeding belief.  Dinner on the Terrace was beyond reasonably priced.  The view?  You decide.  The staff in the hotel, very friendly yet professional most speaking English quite well.  Our waitor quite attentive, but not overly.  An awe-inspiring evening to end our adventure, for sure.

View from the Terrace - the city of Windhoek.