A Veritable Potpourri, A Cornucopia, A Smorgasbord Of Creatures, If You Will

"...all you zombies hide your faces,

all you people in the street..." (Hooters, All You Zombies)

OR

"What's in your head, your head,

Zombie

Zombie

Zombie-he-he..." (Cranberries, Zombie)

KRUGER - DAY TWO

After the resounding success we had in our Kruger - Day One wanderings, we decided we would get up super early and try and catch the  animals as they hung out at the watering holes (similar to office workers hanging by the water cooler, except the animals are naked and on all fours. Which would be the same if the office was a porno film shoot, but I digress).

The reason for this is the temperature the night of Kruger - Day One was ridiculously hot and steamy; I would guess 95F (35C) with no breeze. So logically we thought these temperatures and sunshine would continue.

OK, so that's the back story for Kruger - Day Two.

So we got up real early (mmm, sometime before 6am; wasn't this supposed to be a holiday?) and of we went to find our version of "Battle at Kruger".

But first, I saw this massive insect called a "Shongalolo". Basically, a giant centipede. Here it is, in action:

The problem was that the morning was cloudy and cool, so the animals were sleeping in because it wasn't hot temperature-wise. So we weren't finding anything, alas.

Until...

Stopping by a small lake, we saw some turtles. Then they saw us. Cute little guys (or girls, hard to tell when they're in the water. Yes, also hard to tell when they're out of the water also) . They decided to come swim towards us. We also saw a small crocodile in the lake just chilling out. The turtles came out of the water like they were being commanded...by the crocodile...to attack the jeep. Hence the song titles listed above. See the exciting, scary, ridiculous scenes below:

Well, after such an intense experience, what could top that? Now much, apparently. On further travails through Kruger, we spotted a Klipspringer. Really small, and freaky looking, as it looks like they have four eyes!

Either That's Four Eyes Or They Were All Shot Straight Through The Head

Oh, and who said zebras and giraffes don't get along?

Spots, Stripes, We're All The Same Inside

And it's not just the animals that are to behold. Even the tress and bushes are bizarre. Like this bush, that grows upside-down into the ground!

You Really Didn't Believe Me, Did You?

But there were other creatures in the park I have yet to mention. For example, there are many types of birds, including this guy, the Bateleur. Pretty impressive looking bird. Or so he thinks. A member of the eagle or buzzard family, Wikipedia can't decide.

Look At Me, I'm A Bateleur!

Now some of you might be saying "Gee Steve, certainly there has to be some ugly creatures bandying about the park"? You are correct my friends, there are. May I present to you, a top five finisher in "The World's Ugliest Creature" contest many years running...The Warthog:

"Wait, Get My Good Side"

But there are some beautiful creatures in the park. For example, us. Ladies and gentlemen, children of all ages, I present to you my cohorts on this amazing journey, Abby, Candice, and Robert!!!

Robert, Abby and Candice In Deep Thought And Reflection On Our Journey So Far

Well, that was Day Two of Kruger, Day Three, our last day, will take us to the southern most camp, Berg-en-Dal. Still hoping to see jaguars and rhinos. We shall see...