The Rookie Strikes!
by Chuck Stipanovich
(Youngstown, Ohio, USA)
Before the melee!
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My wife and I made our first trek to Kruger in September of 2013. Long and short of it we made every rookie mistake possible. I read and studied but it still did not prepare me for the experience. I am passionate about photography but can't seem to find the time needed to progress though the learning curve as quickly as I would like.
Regardless, we were fortunate enough to experience the Big 5 during our 6 days in the park. By far our best day ended with the sighting of the lion (photo's attached).
It was late in the afternoon and we were an hour away from Satara when we found him lying in the tall grass between the road and the river. We were within 20 feet and I starting shooting. This big boy couldn't have cared less about us being there. Another car came along and pulled up in front of us. A young couple soon stuck their heads up through the sunroof and excitedly asked, "What is it? What do you see?" We pointed and and in hushed tones tried to explain that there was a large male lion not 20 feet from their car. They looked and looked but could not see what were so intent on observing. The couple became quite agitated and started crowding each other for a better view. In a few short moments they started to argue a bit too loudly. Our dear friend the lion had had enough and moved quite quickly to stare down the couple and register his annoyance. When the lion moved, the couple saw him for the first time. They also saw the look in his eyes! They dove back into the confines of their little car all the while still fighting and jostling for the best route to safety. During the melee they banged their heads together rather harshly and both fell back into their seats while holding their heads and continuing their rude and colorful discussion.
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