Hi all

Temperatures this morning were 13 C (about 55 degrees Fareinheit) at Vuyatela. We saw the two leopard cubs out with their mother, Karooli (?) or Karoola strolling down a dirt track. The cubs continue to practice their hunting skills by stalking and pouncing on one another. We circled the hyena den a few times, rewarded by the mother's return. Pups were sleeping in for the morning, so no sightings. There was a brief rutting dust-up among a herd stallion and the bachelor boys trying to butt (or rut) their way into herd dominance. The lighting, temperature and conditions were superb.

We then heard Karooli the leopardess had killed an impala in the early morning hours and stashed it in a thicket nearby Vuyatela. We found the female cub feeding on the carcass. Unlike lions, leopards eat one at a time. Karooli and the male cub were buried in the same bush, waiting for the female to finish feeding. She was, in every sense, the dominant leopard this morning. No one, especially her brother, got near the kill. It was notable the leopards feed individually as opposed to the lions, who all dine together at whatever kill is serving as today's buffet.

We finished up with breakfast, packing, showers and check out at Vuyatela. Our 6 minute airtime flight to Leopard Hills was slightly delayed. Ralph, your airline ticket and fermented leftover stuff is still sitting in the pocket of the Caravan's pilot seat.

We touched down and were quickly in our range rover and on our way to the camp. Gary, our ranger, appreciates he has a tall bar to climb with animal sightings. We hope to enjoy a few days with the wild dog pups .. another thing we are unlikely to see again .. especially in eastern Pennsylvania wink.

We met Ellen, Marv, Art and June enjoying a last game of bridge and lunch at Leopard Hills. They had a wonderful time here, and we gave them the "ROAR ON" farewell wave as they departed to Ulusaba International Airport. Marv was glad he has his Platinum card, so he can enjoy the VIP club facilities. wink

Lunch was delightful - a build-your-own salad followed by chicken bunny chow for Gary and pork schnitzel with monkey gland sauce for me.

Tea starts in a short 20 minutes. It may be a record for short teas at Leopard Hills, as we hope to hop into the vehicle and be on our way not later than 3:40 pm.

Cheers, Anne