Monday Dec. 15 Amboseli Park P,M.

After cooling down at the pool, a brief time to gather our gear for afternoon tea served adjacent to the bar we proceeded on our afternoon game drive. Once again Paul and I split the driving and as we went through portions of the park we were again struck by the wonders of God's creation. So many different species of animals, each with its own niche to fill. No real competition since many of the animals eat different portions of the bush and grass. About an hour into our afternoon drive we came across a nice family group of elephants including some quite small babies. We probably spent 20 minutes perhaps more with the group, lots of good shots and video. While we were watching them at close range we spotted some silver backed jackels quite a ways away, too far for pictures but great through binoculars. Anyway we decided to proceed on the chance we could find some reason for the jackels to be about. We had not gone far when Paul spotted a solitary lioness which was making tracks away from us, but towards another loop road. We managed to get close enough for a few shots, and then she rushed more quickly away, suddenly changing direction and into some brush she chased three cheetah (a mom and two nearly grown cubs) off of their kill. Wonderful to see, and quite rare. We followed the cheetah for a bit and managed to get some photos and video of them before they got out of range and then we returned to the lioness who was busy draging the kill to a more suitable place for her. We then noticed another lioness coming to join her and at some distance moving at a much more regal pace a male lion. Between the lions and cheetah we spent most of the remainder of our afternoon with them. Best of all there was only one other vehicle of tourists that came on the scene. A great afternoon.

On return to the lodge we were able to shower off the days dust and head to the dining room at 7:30 for the evening meal. There was a soup starter, green salad, potato salad (delicious) and your choice of entree either Rosemary chicked or Lamb with mint sauce...the chicken was delicious. Then a choice of Black Forest Gateaux or Strawberry Flan and of course tea or coffee. Then about an hour setting around the campfire sipping tea/coffee and talking about our first days sighting. Zach and Paul headed off to bed early as I stayed by the fire for a bit longer. On returning to my room I was treated to a full moon rising immediately in front of my cabin. GREAT!