CAMPING ALONE IN QUEEN ELIZABETH

Ranger with large elephant gun: "Now promise me that you will not leave the campsite sir"

Stupid American :  "Oh I wouldnt think of leaving the campsite, I promise"

Ranger: "Normally we would never leave someone alone out here, but we are low on rangers.  There are wild animals out here and they will kill you if you venture into their habitat"

Vern: "Understood, I'll just read my book and cook myself dinner and retire to  bed"

Ranger:  "Good we will see you in the morning.  The lions will roar this evening but dont worry they will not venture into your camp"

Vern: "Oh good! Thank you", yawn "I think I might actually retire early, see you in the morning"

I still have no idea why these cats let me camp alone in the bush, but they did and I certainly did not go straight to bed.  The pictures below were taken way closer than I should have been and that elephant was only about 15 meters away.  Probably one of the dumbest things I have ever done walking alone amongst these animals but let me tell you it ranks up there with highlights of my life.  The whole time my heart was beating out of my chest.  If that elephant had decided to charge I would have had two options - jump in the river and be eaten by the crocks or stare him in the eyes to alter his will.  Neither one would have had happy endings.  And yes the lions were roaring throughout the night and the hippos were actually chewing the grass around my tent.

QUEEN ELIZABETH NATIONAL PARK 1) cool hippo skull 2) these guys were not happy when i came around a corner and spooked them 3) sooo tired 4) shhhh i think i hear something 5) steaming and smelly he must be close 6) yep thats close, heart was seriously beating 7) chasing these giant chickens was fun 8) i tink he was tinking i was a little to close 9) hmm wonder what that is 10) still wondering