Thursday 12 January 2017

About that Asian Rhino...

Many moons ago back in the 90’s, our Mum and I decided it would be a great idea to tick off a bucket list item; Nepal.  In the 90’s Nepal, was slowly becoming the flavour of the travel scene to venture and find yourself.  Where I’m not sure, still looking.  However, Nepal is one of the most amazing countries you could visit, nestled between the giants of India, China and the beautiful Himalayan mountains it has a flavour of its own and unique ways.

After exploring Kathmandu, a walk around the hills (ok, trek in mountains) we heading to Chitwan National Park.  The first National Park in Nepal.  Crossed a croc invested river and ended up in a grass hut surrounded by wild animals, as you do.  :)  During our stay an opportunity came up to ride an elephant (I refer back to this was early 90s) to try and find a tiger, and see other animals. 

Well the tiger was too smart for us, although some thought they saw one flash through the jungle, and I also think they had some Nepalese rum stashed.  But, they are in the park, so who is to say.  What we did see though was many Asian Rhino’s.  Now, unlike their cousins in Africa they have armour plates on their bodies.  Unfortunately, they do have poachers in common, for their horn, though. :( 

So what happened; well in the tropical fields of Chitwan, the grassy plans started to get taller.  The further we went the higher the grass got, and I was actually thankful we were on said elephant because the grass was tickling my nose, and it appeared we were now entering the swamp zone.  Not the place to sneak up on a Rhino.  But alas a rustle in the grass 50m away enter stage left, Mr Asian Rhino.  It was amazing at first, wow, so up close to a wild animal while essentially being on a previous wild animal, hmmm. 

Of course, Mr Asian Rhino was on the side I was on, which was cool for photos and we are talking back in film days, not so cool when he didn’t want to pose anymore.  Decided small man’s syndrome was coming to the forefront and take on the big guy who disturbed his peaceful snack time.   Next thing you knew, my legs were finding new ways to contort around the wooden seat strapped to five tonne animal to hold on, while camera was still in my hand (priorities right from start).
To the credit of our elephant, without being under our drivers advisement, he didn’t wait
to hang around and end up with horn in his side, so took off channelling Usain Bolt (who probably only just been born at this stage) and run with trunk & tale up, a wooden seat strapped to him with driver and four other humans all arms and legs going everywhere, wondering where it would end.  A good thing too, I wasn’t too old at that stage and my boobs didn’t bounce up and give me black eyes because a decent sports bra had not been invented for adventure sports; like riding on a sprinting elephant from a rhino. 

What seemed like hours, in reality was a terrifying minute and our driver regained control of our sprinting elephant.  Body parts contorted back to normal programming, and Mr Asian Rhino went on his merry business of going through the long grass. The balance of nature restored.
Have to say, that night I may have, or may not have had some special camp kitchen teapot brew with our Sherpa’s around the campfire.  Well, it was only manners and my young nerves were a tad fragile, its not everyday you are on a runaway elephant charged by a rhino.  Although, be warned of those special teapot brews, it can creep up on you and you start dancing like Michael Jackson.  But hey, that’s another story.  :)

Be happy and keep smiling
Michele xo :)

PS:  Nepal is never a footnote but a special mention, as the years have gone by since I travelled to this amazing country they have had their ups and downs.  If you get a chance to go, grab it with both hands, and help the Nepalese get back on their feet.  It’s a chance you will never regret.  Happy travels…

Whats Shirley's World All About?

My photography wouldn’t be complete without Shirley.  Now, who is Shirley?  Well, she comes for a trip with me every now and again.
I did try to jump...Big Red
Simpson Desert :)


When those special moments happen; like forget sd card in the camera, extra battery, chased by wild pigs, charged by Asian rhino, or wheel comes off the 4wd and floats right on by the front of car; that’s Shirley’s fault. 

So here is where all the behind the scene adventures happen, behind the photographs.  Life apparently isn’t suppose to be all beers and skittles, you are suppose to have some messy bits thrown in.  Trust me there will be some messy bits.  :)

Sit back and welcome to Shirley’s world, promise it will be an adventure.

Be happy and keep smiling.
Michele xo :)

One of those opps moments...                    Yep, old enough...