Eric and I are going this evening to see a special program at the National Geographic Society here in Washington DC this evening, with a photographic essay focussing on cheetahs in the Okavango! Looking forward to it! Here's the link
National Geographic

..and for anyone in the Washington DC area, the National Zoo recently has had TWO new litters of cubs, one of which is now on display. cheetah page from National Zoo

That should be a great program...I wish Portland had a NGS location.
For those of you who are not so fortunate as Carol here is a great link of a short video of David Doubilet's work on the Okavango Delta:
http://magma.nationalgeographic.com/ngm/0412/sights_n_sounds/media2.html
Enjoy..
16 days and counting....
Brenda

Really looking forward to it! I will post a note tomorrow about how it was. I am sorry that we missed the program in February..

Carol,

We are Life Members of a breeding facility in South Africa. As a result we have had incredible experiences beyond what you can imagine. Such as being in a blind while cheetahs are mating below. The sounds they make in the courtship ritual is amazing. They actually sound like chirping birds.
The discovery channels "Growing Up Cheetah" was done at one of the reserves we have been to.

We have played "soccer" with Cheetahs. They are great animals. The purr is amazing, the strange thing is, the furr is not soft, but bristle like.

Have fun!

Mike--thanks for the note. It is amazing to me that their fur is not soft, as it looks as though it would be ! However, I do not plan on getting that close to them in Africa, as I think that would not be a good thing!!! <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/jester.gif" alt="" />

Carol,

We were on foot with two while they were hunting, I stepped on a twig and it made noise, the cheetah turned looked, sized me up. It was an amazing heart stopping glance. Luckily I remember that I didn't have to outrun the Cheetah, just my wife.

After an hour or so, they just disappeared into the bush, tired of the 3 of us trailing them.

<img src="/forums/images/graemlins/jester.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/jester.gif" alt="" /> Mike--you're a BAD person!!!

Last night was interesting. I continue to be surprised at the LANDSCAPE pictures that excellent photogs can take in Africa. It is just so unusual for those of us here in the states here on the East Coast anyway, where huge expanses of open land do not exist, to see those huge expanses of land and those fantastic sunsets! I'm hoping to be able to take some of those same types of photos!

The show itself was interesting, with wonderful pictures and a little better understanding of the animals themselves, both predator and prey. Looking forward to setting out on OUR adventure two weeks from today!!

After our trip to South Africa, I recall thinking tha the MOST important item to take was the camera; just don't forget batteries and the charger cord!

Happy photographing (not a word? but then, I didn't want to say "happy shooting!") <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/jester.gif" alt="" />

JudyG

The extra rechargable camera batteries should arrive Saturday. So will have three, figuring we could hopefully always have two charged and ready to go while the 3rd one is being charged.

Looks like we are going to be charging 4 different things daily, as of course they all take different kinds of rechargable batteries and chargers.

Cheetahs must be very special. We have friends who live and work in Arusha Tanzania. They have three kids and often have to travel long distances for work. A few weeks ago they were travelling and their 8 year old daughter told them "don't wake me up for anything but cheetahs!" Have a great trip.

Yes, I hope to see some cheetahs! They do sound more exciting than lions, as everyone says the lions just lie around in the sun! <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/Grin.gif" alt="" />