Closer to wild, a shared adventure. . . . . . . . . .

If you love animals, especially viewing them in their natural habitats,

I hope you will enjoy this post. These are all photos from Kenya which I've

not shown previously - it's rather long and all the information is 

at the end.

This will probably be the final post on my safari trip to Kenya last Autumn.

These links below will take you directly to view my earlier posts of very exciting

 moments of that memorable trip --------------

 http://abreathoffreshair-mary.blogspot.com/2017/02/kenyan-birdsong.html

http://abreathoffreshair-mary.blogspot.com/2016/11/a-morning-on-maasai-mara.html

http://abreathoffreshair-mary.blogspot.com/2016/10/the-cheetah-on-early-morning-drive.html

http://abreathoffreshair-mary.blogspot.com/2016/10/the-maasai-community.html

http://abreathoffreshair-mary.blogspot.com/2016/10/the-leopard.html

http://abreathoffreshair-mary.blogspot.com/2016/11/the-crossing.html

http://abreathoffreshair-mary.blogspot.com/2016/09/mara-lions-from-sunrise-to-sunset.html

As usual, I took a lot (close to 2,000) photos, of people, places, and of

 course the amazing animals. I used the lightweight Canon Power Shot SX530HS

point and shoot, not a hefty complicated DSLR, and am happy with my photos.

This visit, we were in Kenya the entire time. All these beautiful creatures,

 large and small, were seen on the magnificent Masaai Mara National Reserve

 which is contiguous with the Serengeti National Park of Tanzania. 

I've included some shots which show you the stunning landscapes as well as

 close ups of the animals.

As mentioned, these are photos I've not shown in previous posts. They are more

 I really like and want to share with you before moving all the Africa photos

 to a portable drive to free up storage space here on my MacBook. 

If possible, never pass up a chance to visit the captivating

 continent of Africa. . . . . . and definitely go on a wildlife safari.

For more information on planning a wonderful customized safari trip,

I suggest you contact Kili McGowan here at NEXT ADVENTURE. 

Kili and her staff will make sure your experience will be unforgettable 

as mine have always been.

Leaving the September garden. . . . . . . . . . .

Just a few quick clipping and tidying chores, along with minimal pruning of the

 unruly jasmines on the front porch, and that's it for gardening around

 here. . . . . . well at least until the very end of the month. The grass was cut on

 Monday and, as the weather continues hot and dry, should not require any care

 until we return.

Twirling Clematis seed pods.

Bumble bees still feasting on the Pentas, white and pink.

Always sad to leave the garden no matter the season.

It should have much more of an Autumnal feel when we return.

A new dream adventure trip. . . . . . . . . and the winner is -

I always see myself in this particular painting by the talented American artist

 Jessie Willcox Smith.

Philadelphia born, she was one of the most prominent female 

illustrators of the late 19th early 20th century.

I excelled in geography which was always my favorite subject at school. 

I adored maps, looking at them, tracing them, coloring them.

I loved learning who lived where, what they grew on the land, how they 

made their living, the weather they had to contend with, what made each

 continent and country so different.

I never thought I would actually set foot in all seven continents (I have to thank

 my great friend Paula for that, who else would have taken me to Antarctica in 2013). . . . 

 . . . . . or that many of my exotic travels would happen when I reached my golden years!

The game brought up some interesting responses as you can see if you

 return HERE where all your comments are now visible. I will respond later to 

your questions on that post.

I've already visited some of the countries. Others are on my 'maybe someday' list.

A couple are perhaps a wee bit dangerous in the current world upheaval so I'm

not chomping at the bit to visit them.

Thanks to everyone who joined in.

Seven of you guessed the correct country, amazing KENYA.

We will be based in the most amazing safari camp in the Mara Plains.

Bob pulled one of those names out of his safari hat . . . . . . and the winner

 is. . . . . . . . ROSEMARY a great UK blogger who takes and shares the most

 beautiful photos.

Congratulations dear Rosemary, I know that you, like me, enjoys traveling to

 wonderful places. Please send me your mailing address via e-mail (it's in my profile) 

 and I'll be posting a memento from Kenya when I return in late September.

Closer to trip time I'm going to love showing you all where we are going. It's going to be

 a very exciting safari I'm certain, and at last I will get my real 'Out of Africa' fix on this one!