sundowner

The most magical moment of the day - sunset over the Luangwa River. 

I actually enjoyed the morning drives most of all, when all the animals and birds were waking up and thankful for having escaped the predator's clutches to live another day...but sundown was a special time. It was the time when I thought about everyone at home. Its also a time that I treasure in my mind to go back to when I choose. At stressful times in my life, this is one of the peaceful scenes I can conjure up for reassurance and relaxation.

Once the sun has set, we are off on two hours of driving around in the dark. Victor has an assistant, Thomas, who sits on the bonnet of the Landrover and shines his powerful spotlight into the bush. He finds hunting lions, leopards, and  hyenas but also hippos lumbering out of the lagoons, festooned with Nile Cabbage, spotted gennet and mongoose and (amazingly) a tiny flat-necked chameleon perched on a leafy shrub.

When the spotlight is turned off, the stars are amazing, but all the wrong way up..Orion lies on his side, and the plough is low in the sky, almost on the horizon. I have lost my bearings and danger lurks everywhere. It is a relief to return to the peace and safety of the camp.