It all started at Lion Country in California when I was six years old. I remember driving through the park, amazed by both the openness of the landscape and the variety of large creatures that lived there.
The lions came very close to the car and they were more formidable than I imagined. Then there were the giraffes, so graceful with their slow steps that seemed to take them so far so easily. I got to hold a baby cougar.
I know there must have been many other animals too, but the one I remember the most, the one that made a lasting impression that would persist throughout my whole life, was the elephant.
It wasn’t during the drive, but afterwards. I don’t remember how it all came about, but I will never forget riding the baby elephant. He was just young and so was I. I felt a kinship with him. I liked the feel of his thick skin, so wrinkled for just a youngster. And he had these wiry hairs like long whiskers on his back. Even today, riding the baby elephant is among the best experiences of my life.
I loved the elephant, and ever since I’ve wanted to see a wild one. A wild baby elephant. In Africa. That’s the dream.
40 years have passed since then! I’ve travelled to many places, but none that had wild elephants. Now that is about to change.
I made the decision after a health scare last year. Waiting to find out whether I had cancer was excruciating. While I was going through it, thinking perhaps the end was near, I wondered why I never made the time to go to Africa.
I’ve had 40 years, why didn’t I go? I was mad at myself. How could I have allowed a lifelong dream to slip by?
Even though I changed my life 3 years ago to become a full-time travelling photographer, I still haven’t made it to Africa. So I decided right then, in the midst of my anger at myself, that if I lived, I would go. Period. No worrying about the cost, no excuses, I’m going.
And so I am. Today.
I hope I’ll see a baby elephant.
Please click the image to view a larger version.
Note: This post was written the day I left on my African safari. I have since returned and have many photos and stories to share coming up on the blog.
Anne, I just started following you within the last year and find your travels and work very exciting. Like you I have a special spot in my heart for elephants. I really appreciate your sharing your photos of the elephants. I hope to be able to take a safari trip to Africa. If you ever led a trip I would love it. It seems the Serengeti is the place to go if you will only be able to go to one.
Hi Anne – I am so glad that you were able to see baby elephants in the wild. I am sure it was a special experience and I hope that is what you remember from your trip. Also, this post is a good reminder not to wait until tomorrow to live your life.
Hi Sarah, Absolutely, it’s so easy to let the years fly by and we don’t realize that the opportunity to live our dreams is flying by too. If there’s something you want to do in your lifetime, it’s time to do it! Watching the baby elephants play is one of the best memories of the trip – I’m sure it is what I will remember (and I’ll let the other stuff go).
That’s so great that a childhood dream has come true! Looking forward to more shots of Africa!!
Thank you very much for your visit and comments Mary!
Great image Anne! I’ll look forward to seeing more of your experiences from Africa. (BTW, I remember Lion Country Safari on the edge of the LA wilderness 🙂
Thank you so much Russ, much appreciated! I think everyone who ever went to Lion Country must have vivid memories of it.
At last the Africa images begin! 🙂 I’m looking forward to the rest of your photography from there.
Thanks Michael, it’s taken me awhile to get going on the processing, but I think I’m on a roll now! Thanks for your visit and comments.