down the road.
Today I decided on riding my bicycle to the
second nearest big town. Which is actually
the bigger town and is about 65 kms from
my village.
It is a straight shot with just enough
hills to ensure an honest workout. It took
a total of 6 hours with stopping for coffee
and water and a break here and there along
the route.
Time was what I had today, so I took the
chance to relax and enjoy the journey.
Approximately 60 percent of the journey is
through a national park. It is a beautiful area
with wildlife as proven in the picture.
But this morning there was nothing until the
10 km marker before arriving at the town.
It started with one huge male elephant going
after a vehicle in the middle of the road. I
could see some commotion in front of me
from about a km away. A man on a motor scooter
said the elephant was acting up and that I
should be careful.
Didn't have to tell me twice and I waited some
then crept up and he was gone.
But a km after that I saw about 20 to 30
elephants and there were at least 10 very young
and baby elephants.
From my time in Namibia I learned it could be
dangerous as the big females are very protective.
I had my cellphone camera in hand and decided
to take the chance at a great photo-op.
They were approximately 25 meters or 75ft away
when I stopped.
The big female immediately took a defensive/
charging stance.
I didn't get a chance to focus and the pictures
taken of the group aren't worth much.
After about 20 seconds the female starts to move
in my direction at a very brisk pace.
I know that an elephant's top speed can get up
to 40 km or a little less than 25 mph.
Man, I start peddaling with everything I had and
the 100 meters that she chased me went by
quick.
Heart was pumping, adrenaline flowing and the
daily quota of adventure fulfilled.
It was great but I won't get that close again with
a bicycle only. Tomorrow I will head back and
will definitely not push my luck.
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