Category: Trips

Some of our development projects are in villages without roads. So, when we go check on them, it requires a bit of a hike.

That even means crossing rivers. I *almost* stayed dry. Not surprisingly, this was the first place we went, so I spent the next 8 hours with wet feet. By the time I finally got to change my socks, my feet were a bit pruny.

This road needs lots of work. It’s going to be rebuilt as a major road over the next two years.

Hiking along a little trail coming back from a project.

Off to see another site with the guys.

Although it’s hard to tell from this image, the building in the back is actually a mosque we refurbished. Although we don’t build new mosques, we have rebuilt a number of them. In fact, one of the most requested projects was to repair a major mosque. This is a huge counterinsurgency point for us. The bad guys are not building any new mosques and to repair or build a new mosque flies in the face of the insurgent’s claim that the coalition is fighting against Islam. Or, the other argument is that we only build roads to help ourselves. These mosques are unequivocally for Afghans and only for Afghans. Regardless of religious affiliation, support of these devout people’s religion, which is such a huge part of their life, is paramount.

Walking through the winter wheat fields.

This little guy came up to each of us and shook our hand. He was very cute.

Walking to another mosque site.

This is a basic health clinic we are building in Kapisa. This clinic will be staffed by Afghan health care providers and provide critical medical care for the region. Since there is no electric grid (yet), the main power is via generator. However, as a backup system for critical equipment and lights, there is a solar array. We have begun focusing on clean and renewable energy sources as a part of all our facility construction.

This is inside the clinic where I am pointing out a few construction deficiencies to the contractor. The quality is mediocre, but we work very hard to increase the capacity of these companies, but still ensure our tax dollars are being spent well and effectively.

This is another road we are building. This asphalt road is the main thoroughfare for the province. Before this construction, on average, 500-600 vehicles traveled on this road each day. One of our measures of effectiveness is to determine if there is any change once we complete the project. We’ve already seen the travel time cut in half and taxi fares drop 9 times after the first phase of construction finished.

To increase the effectiveness of the government, we’re building some of the Kapisa ministries a complex to house their staff and equipment. In this case, we have built this complex for the Kapisa Ministry of Education. It will permit them to function more effectively, train teachers, provide tutoring and more efficiently run their department. As you can see, it’s nearing completion and ideally, it will be finished in the next week or two.

I was also fortunate to be able to tour Kapisa via helicopter. It afforded not only magnificent views, but also a chance to inspect our projects from the air.

These mountains are the foothills of the spectacular Hindu Kush range.

An aerial view of a typical Afghan Khana G’lee (Farsi for mud house).

More Afghan natural beauty.

This is down in Kabul province (just south of Kapisa). It’s interesting that this landscape is so close to the major city of Kabul.


Here is another perspective of the Naghlu Reservoir that you’ve seen in earlier posts.

The road in the foreground is one of the roads we are building. It began as a rugged trail barely wide enough for our vehicles and will end early next year as a major asphalt highway.

Another valley in Kapisa.

More winter wheat fields.

You can see why irrigation and water in general is so important to the people of Kapisa.


One of my best friends, Jen, came to visit me at Bagram. She was supposed to deploy to Iraq, but got diverted to Afghanistan. Although her mission isn’t as exciting, I was glad to catch up with her for a few days before she went to work on the staff at Kabul.
So, that wraps up the first half of June.
Until the next post…
–Jim

The pictures on this post are entirely of a multi-day operation we did in Kapisa. The idea was to go out, do a number of quick impact projects, improve the appearance of the area and directly infuse a little cash into the local people’s hands. So, we drove down and set up shop. Also, since the chief was there, you will see a mix of his images and mine.

Here we are setting up camp. Chief’s wide angle does the scene more justice.

Here is Todd negotiating with the contractors for the projects. As with any transaction in Afghanistan, there was much bargaining. We try to always get the best blend of quality and price on any project. So, even a project that was a few thousand dollars, we haggled as much as with a project that is a few million.

OK, so this image may be a little crass, but it’s indicative. We had toilets that usually had water. Unfortunately, the toilets were eastern style squat ones. So, the guys fashioned this chair to westernize the experience.

One of the laborers during the morning meeting.

On the compound, we used colored tape to mark who was working each project. It worked pretty well, and there seemed to be quite a bit of camaraderie.

Here are the two docs (ours and Afghan). They invited me for a traditional Afghan lunch. As usual, it was delicious.

Here’s Todd, with his desk set up to pay all the workers.

One of our infantry soldiers providing security over watch.

We literally put cash in people’s hands. 1000 Afghani is about $20, which is four times the going rate for an unskilled laborer. We knew this would potentially inflate the job market, but felt that getting cash to people was a good stimulus package. Similar to the one in the US, it’s long term effect remains to be seen.

More security over watch while out looking at one of our school projects.

These boys were rather intrigued by us (and the Chief’s camera in particular). We were the first coalition convoy to go to this area in a couple years, so we got a lot of curious stares.

Chief caught me talking to a contractor and one of the guys communicating via the handheld radio.

We are looking over the map doing some mission planning. The boss is in the center with the operations guy on the right and me on the left. Certainly an ad hoc setup, but much like the chair, it worked.

Exterior painting was one of the projects. Although I wouldn’t have chosen that color combination, the people seemed to be pleased. It definitely contrasts with the rest of the buildings in the area.

To my environmentalist friends … I know. I’m sorry.

Driving our vehicles is a lot like driving a big rig. They weigh about the same too!

One of the Afghan National Policemen who stayed with us alongside one of our interpreters.

Our day-laborers were also a captive audience. So, we used their attention to teach dental hygiene. Then, as re-enforcement, offered some dental supplies as handouts.

Again, the people were fascinated to see their image on the digital display.

More workers with rapt attention.

They were all very serious.

However, these guys had been watching me take pictures for a while and apparently thought I was quite amusing. So, when I came over by them, they were all smiles. Of course, it was also the end of the day and they were about to be paid. But, I’d rather think that it was me.

The chief looking like the rugged photographer that he is.

Another Afghan National Policeman.

We also did a few projects out in the ~1,000 shop bazaar. So, to check on them we took a few walks out and about. This is one of the produce stores. Most normal fruit is available. The green vegetables that look like peas are actually an Afghan pepper. They are served with many dishes and are very tasty. In case you can’t tell, I really enjoy the food here.

This is an example of a “jingle” truck … always colorful, sometimes noisy and ubiquitous on the roads of Afghanistan. We also re-furbished the mayor’s office (in the center of the traffic circle in the background).

The jingle trucks also brought in the gravel to place on the dirt roads.

This guys was very happy to have a job with us. Although spreading gravel is easier and better with heavy equipment, it was more beneficial to the people to do it by hand, because it gave many people a job.

This boy’s shop is ingenious. He had a small generator and a number charging stations. It’s a perfect solution for a place in which most people have mobile phones, but with virtually no regular access to electricity.

Although there aren’t many driving rules here … I don’t think this little guy hits the road regularly.

Jon had his promotion ceremony out on site. It was a fitting place to be promoted and witnessed by (nearly) the whole team. I was honored that he asked the Chief and I to pin on his new rank.

Here we all are. It was a very good mission; we connected with the local people, made our presence felt, did a few small projects, and gave me the opportunity to see a number of projects we don’t get a chance to see as often as I would like. All in all, it was a success.
So, until the next post…
–Jim

Yet another photogenic and stoic Afghan.

Just checking on the vehicles to make sure they’re still there. I hate to get stuck without them!

This is a provincial sub-governor I met with. We discussed development in his district and how that we can best meet the needs of the people.

Discussion over a map.

The always beautiful lakehouse. Every time I see it, I think of Europe. Apparently, that’s what the King wanted. He built it modeled on the lakehouses of Europe.

These ANA soldiers joined us on a mission and were well armed (as you can see). The ANA is a very well respected organization in Afghanistan (as it should be). So we try to enlist their help and support as much as possible.

This is on a different patrol, in Parwan Province. As you can see, it’s a little more developed.

Another view of Parwan. It’s a very beautiful province, and relatively safe.

Typical houses of the region.

Some ANA and ANP who we joined for the evening.

This little boy was so adorable. He was very proud of his suit. His father looked quite proud as well.

Afghanistan has so much amazing natural beauty that contrasts sharply with the rugged living conditions. It really motivates me to help give the people a chance for success in the future with our infrastructure projects.

So, I know I haven’t included many construction images. Normally, that’s because the subject matter isn’t that interesting. I kinda like the texture here, so I’m adding it. This is standard Afghan brick and mortar work. Let’s just say, it leaves much to be desired. Fortunately, the brick walls are not normally load bearing, so they don’t have to be super strong. Nonetheless, I always try to have the contractors do quality work.

This is a partially completed District Center. This building will house the provincial sub-governor and a number of other district staff members.

The spring is a beautiful time in Afghanistan.

One of the nice things about the Army, is that they can fly parts in anywhere you need them.

The guys.

More natural beauty, and the traffic jam we caused in the village. But, when the vehicle can’t move, and the road isn’t wide enough to pass, there is no other option.

As a small token for their help, I gave these kids a few school supplies. To make it interesting though, I decided to play a trivia game (with the help of an interpreter, of course). So, I asked the kids questions on a variety of subjects. They really impressed me with their knowledge. Then, they asked me some questions to quiz me and got me on one! Who was the first person in space and what date was the flight? I got Yuri Gagarin, but missed the date (12 April 1961). Once my supplies ran out, I went out to the village and continued the game there. Eventually, I had quite a crowd gathered. It was interesting to see the sentiment of the people change from irritated that they had to wait for us to fix the vehicle to friendly because of the interaction.

Here we are back near southern Kapisa. The mountains are quite dramatic here as well.

One of our MRAP silhouetted in the tunnel.

Here are the guys (and girl) who were with me on the mission. The team is a great group of people.

Here is one of the roads we’re building. Although it’s not quite as straight as I would like, the road is already significantly improved. I can’t wait to see what it’s like once the asphalt is finished.

These next two images are of the Kuchi people in Kapisa. Although not a separate ethnicity, they are most often Pashtun and pastoral nomads who spend the winter in the south of Afghanistan and migrate with the season to the north.

Their camps dotted the valleys in Kapisa for several weeks.

These girls are a great image to represent the mixed emotion many people feel toward us. Overall, we are seen as helpful, but without a delicate touch, we will most certainly wear out our welcome in the country. If that happens, it would be a great loss for everyone, and things would devolve rapidly. I hope that doesn’t happen, so we work very hard to build positive relations with the people and ensure the government is legitimate and connected with the people. To that end, I believe we have been successful, but there is always more we can do. I will spend the remainder of my time here working toward that goal.
So, until the next post.
–Jim

Now that our adventures in South Africa have been appropriately chronicled, I will turn back to my mission in Afghanistan: the reconstruction of Kapisa and Parwan provinces. These two months were filled with many quality assurance inspections to ensure a quality product was being built, contractor meetings to gauge progress and capacity, and Afghan government meetings to plan, program and execute new projects.

The Afghan government representatives often join us when we go to the sites. For example, here the provincial line director for Rural Rehabilitation and Development joined us to inspect a compacted dirt road. This road is concurrently being paved with asphalt by another contract. Thanks to the chief for capturing this scene.

Here we are inspecting a deep well (>100 meters). Unfortunately, the quality isn’t quite what I hoped. So, the minister and I offered some suggestions to the contractor. With the chief’s fish-eye lens, you can see the whole scene.

As you can see, mobile phone technology has pervaded the market. Before 2001, there were no mobile phone carriers. Now, there are four with almost good coverage.

Answering some of the many questions from the people.

The people in this area (especially the children) loved to have their picture taken. In particular, the digital display was fascinating.

If you notice, this is the same man who was intently using his mobile phone.

These boys were a bit apprehensive at first, but warmed up to us (at least that’s what it appeared).

Doesn’t this boy have amazing eyes? Also, many children’s heads are shaved for the Afghan New Year (Mar 21). I was told they do that to help it grow back better in the future.

These next few images are of the people in the area.




The flowers were in bloom. As a good husband, he picked a bouquet for his wife.

These flowers poked out in one of the HESCO barriers on the forward operating base we stayed at.

These kids were collecting water for their family from the river.

It was still a bit chilly on this trip.


The view from the inside of our vehicle.

As much as I enjoy getting out to our projects, this room is where I spend a lot of time. Here we are meeting with the government officials to help us select a contractor. Once that contractor is chosen, we meet often to discuss everything from the design to execution of the project.

Here are a couple contract proposals. We’ve worked extensively to train companies (~200) on how to submit an adequate proposal. As a result, we’ve seen a huge leap in the quality of proposals submitted for our projects.

Here we are back out in another part of the province.

This is one of the many bazaars in the main population centers of Kapisa.


It seems I have a lot of pictures of old men. I don’t intend to, but they are often very photogenic and animated.

This kinda reminded me of what I expect a town in the west of the US looked like in the mid-nineteenth century. Sort of an Afghan Wild West (or east in this case).

To continue with the antiquity theme.

This pensive man was part of a discussion about development. The people need to help bring security. Then, we follow with development projects. The two are inextricably tied.
So, that covers my time up until mid-April. So, until the next post…
–Jim

The final leg of our trip took us back to Cape Town. There we went up to the top of Table Mountain. The view from the top is simply spectacular.

This is Cape Town’s city bowl (or downtown).


Anna’s outline connect Robben Island to the harbor. It’s seven kilometers into Table Bay and we’ll show you pictures from the island a little later in this post.

One of the beautiful vistas from the top of Table Mountain.


Looking out at the Cape of Good Hope.


Camp’s Bay was a great place to share sundowners.

The temperature was perfect … not too hot and not too cold.

A great beach to walk along and watch the sunset.

No, I didn’t retouch this image. This is the natural light. Isn’t she beautiful?

We took a mini-safari when we drove out to Cape Point National Park to see the Cape of Good Hope. These ostrich were getting a little feisty with each other.

Perhaps a bit unsightly, but very tasty (my favorite meat).

Strutting along the road.

We finally reached the most South-Western in Africa (although not intuitive for most Americans [me included], there’s a place to the east that’s a little further south than the cape).

As can see from the image, the wind was quite strong, perhaps a convergence to the two air masses over the Atlantic and Indian Oceans.


This is looking back at the Cape of Good Hope.


The first of two light houses on the cape.

The second.

Still windy.

Another Rock Dassie.

The wind was very useful for kite boarding.

On the way back, we stopped by Constantia, the oldest wine growing region in the cape. So, of course we felt obliged to stop and sample some from a winery.

Moving pollen to help the wine develop a complex flavor.

Steenberg has a classy production.

One of my favorite activities was SCUBA diving with the Cape Fur Seals (AKA Sea Lion). They were incredibly inquisitive creatures. Once we got to the colony the rough seas made for a tough entry and big surge hampered our descent. That aside, once we reached the bottom, we found a sandy patch and sat down to watch the show. The seals would come down and play with us (inches from my mask). I’m not sure who enjoyed it more, them or us. They loved the human interaction and bubbles, and we loved the nimble, aquatic showmanship. It was a great time underwater. However, the people
who stayed on the surface snorkeling, didn’t have as much fun. The seals would play with them, but the rough seas made almost everyone sick. Another good reason to SCUBA! 🙂

The seals didn’t seem to mind rough seas though…



On the way back, we decided to stop at the colorful beach houses on Muizenberg Beach.


One of our final activities in Cape Town was a trip out to Robben Island. This is the former island prison (kinda like Alcatraz) where they held political prisons, including people like Nelson Mandela for 17 years. This quarry is where the prisoners made big rocks into little rocks.

Here you can see Table Mountain and the City Bowl in the background.

Another view of the same.

This is the austere prison cell where Mandela spent several years.

Robben Island also has a large colony of African penguins.

Our final two days were spent back in the wine country. In particular, we stayed at an adorable bed and breakfast in Franschhoek, a village started by French Huguenots several centuries ago. It was a great way to slow down a little, enjoy great food and drink, and just spend time together.
That also wraps up our time in South Africa. It was a great experience, but parting ways again with the knowledge that it would be 5 more months until we saw each other was very difficult. But, today, we have less than 2 months remaining. I continue to let work consume me and Anna tries to enjoy herself in Europe. She’s been able to participate in the official University of Maryland commencement ceremony (even though she officially graduated last year) with my mother. Or, right now, she’s home with her family taking part in the planning festivities for Emma’s wedding in August (her sister).
I’m not sure if the next post will be on Afghanistan again (I have many stories and images to share), or one detailing Anna’s adventures, but we’ll try to post something soon.
Until then…
–Jim

The Kings of Kruger.


She was surveying her domain.

Lions have no fear of people. Although we were in our vehicle here, the window was rolled down and there was nothing stopping them from taking a swipe at us. However, we heard that the smell of the petroleum covers the human scent. I don’t know if that’s true or not, but the lions certainly weren’t fazed by our presence.



This gives a little better perspective on the lions just walking down the road, oblivious to the humans.

Intently watching the grass…


This cub was very distraught. He got separated from the rest of the pride and was trying to find them quickly.

Standing tall.

This is NOT the perspective you want to see a lion approaching you from.

On the prowl.

Man, it’s tough being a lion.

Such powerful creatures.





These guys look like food. Yum.

More kudu on the rock.


We always loved watching the elephants.




Back on another night game drive, we came across one of the most universally reviled animals … the spotted hyena. Our guide told us that someone had been killed by a group of them that week.

The night made them seem that much more sinister. I know it’s being anthropomorphic, but that is what it appeared.

Their gait is so ungainly.

Unlike the lions, these animals definitely knew we were there.

Well, that is the end of our safari. It was a great experience. Many moments of excitement mixed with long stretches where we could just talk, drive slow and enjoy being together. All in all, it was wonderful and I highly recommend the experience.
Up next will be one final post on South Africa … more images from Cape Town.
So, until then…
–Jim

It was another early morning, and we had a spectacular sunrise to watch.



I loved the varying layers of mist as the sun came up and warmed up the savannah.

Somehow, I don’t think the giraffe were impressed by the sunrise.


This unique looking creature is the Secretary Bird. It has an eagle-like body on crane-like legs. In South Africa, the Secretary Bird, while not the official bird, is featured as a symbol on the national coat of arms, representing vigilance and military might, as well as the rise and pride of modern South Africa.


The slender mongoose.

Although I have no idea what it’s sex is, this hippo looks like a female to me. She was startled to see us so close. We were too. Interestingly, the hippo’s closest living relatives are cetaceans (whales, porpoise, etc.). They are also the third largest terrestrial animal after the elephant and white rhino.

Since they spend most of their time in the water, this is normally all that you can see of the hippo.

Here’s a (bird) house with a view.

Pumbaa!!!

Ok, not the most handsome creatures.


Speaking of not the most handsome, this is the Southern Ground-hornbill.

I don’t know if it was something in the air, but this elephant didn’t like us nearby as well.


What can I say? Zebras walking down the road.

Hey, who’s over there??

This zebra was kind enough to strike a pose for me.

They were very cuddly.



These are Peters’ Epauletted Fruit Bats. They were hanging out over our head while we had lunch. Although that may not seem sanitary, we didn’t have any problem.


I think this is the scariest/meanest looking animal we saw.

A Leopard Tortoise sauntering away from us. Although this one was rather small, they can weigh up to 40kg and 75cm long.

More baboons cleaning each other, at or below the speed limit of course.
That wraps up part three of the safari. Only one to go. The star of that one is the lion. Truly kings of their domain.
So, until then…
–Jim

OK, time to move out into the savannah area of the park. Although these pictures would seem to indicate otherwise, there were long periods that we didn’t see any big animals. Of course, there were other times that every turn had a new surprise. This was one of those times…

These two adolescent males were fascinating.


This is Daddy and the two boys.

The small and stout zebra.

Another impala. He was with a group of males and zebra.

These two were sparring. They practice for the day to take over the role of lone male for the harem.

Now a third impala joined the fray.

The blue wildebeest. Although there weren’t as many as the 1 million in the Serengeti herd, there were quite a few.

What’s that smell??

Mmm, tasty.

Just a baby.

But still so tall.


The cape buffalo. Although apparently very docile, they are very dangerous. Reportedly, these animals kill 200 people every year.

Although, we had our own car, we didn’t always drive. When we ventured out after nightfall, we went with a guide and safari vehicle. It was a LOT easier to take pictures from that vehicle and have someone else worry about driving and spotting the animals.

Another female kudu.

We were also fortunate to see both species of rhino: black and white. These are white rhinos. They are so named not for their color. Rather, they refer to the shape of their lip. The white rhino has a flat upper lip and feeds on grasses, while the black rhino has a pointed lip to feed on trees and bushes.

They were fun to watch with the fiery sky as a backdrop.

Rhinos are also part of the famous “Big 5,” along with lions, leopards, elephants, and cape buffalo.

The crocs were out in force that night. I liked his fishing technique. Open up and see what swims in.

Verreaux’s (Giant) Eagle Owl.

The Blacksmith Lapwing or Blacksmith Plover.

Another buffalo eating his way toward us.

For comparison, this is a 5-year old kudu.

This is the Southern Yellow-billed Hornbill. If you’re interested, females lay 3 to 4 white eggs in their nest cavities and incubate them for about 25 days.

The Woodland Kingfisher. Although it is a “kingfisher,” it prefers drier habitats in more traditional woodland and this one was far from water.
That completes part 2. Next up will be hippos, warthogs, elephants, more zebra and bats.
Until then…
–Jim

We left Cape Town and flew to the northeast corner of South Africa to visit Kruger National park. We decided taking a vehicle and driving ourselves was the way to go. So, we rented a car from the airport and drove a couple hours to the park. Once inside, it was quite a sight. First of all, this park is not like any other park. It’s huge and teeming with wildlife. Although we could go hours without seeing major wildlife, there was life all around us. For me, the contrast with the Serengeti in Tanzania was stark. Both were great experiences, and I recommend either for a safari experience.
In Kruger, we spent the first few nights at a lodge in the middle of the park and the last two at an opulent lodge, just outside one of the gates (no camping on this trip).
Ok, enough commentary, here are the images from the safari.

This is an African eagle that was landing right after sunrise and one of my favorite images from the trip.

We got up early every morning, since that is often the best time to see the animals. So, although 5:30AM seemed a little early, it made for majestic sunrises.

This eagle was kind enough to pose for us.

This bull elephant greeted us on our arrival to the park. He wasn’t too happy we tried to drive by him, so he turned and made a motion to charge us. Unfortunately, this is one situation we could have used a guide. We didn’t know if it was better to acquiesce and back up, or hold our ground. In the end, we yielded to the massive animal coming our way and he eventually left the road and allowed us to pass. It was an exciting start!

Another bull elephant that wouldn’t allow us to pass. We ended up waiting for about 45 minutes. During which time, he was apparently waiting for a female, as you can see from the picture. Count his legs… 4 legs, a trunk, and yes, that is what you think it is.

Here he is again, with his one tusk. These elephants were huge … especially up close. They were over 10 feet high (>3m) and weigh in at between 11,000 and 13,000 pounds (5-6,000kg).

Impala are by far the most numerous animal in the park. They are in two types of group: all males, or one male with a harem of females (as is the case here)

Here’s another male impala in the late summer grass.

This brightly colored bird was a very active (and efficient) scavenger at our hotel. They sat outside, waiting for someone to leave their plate unattended for a moment, and would flit in to grab a morsel.


This is the sight that greeted us as we rounded a corner… a troupe of baboons.


They are not the nicest creatures so we didn’t mind seeing them in the rearview mirror.

This is a female Kudu. She’s an antelope, and while not quite as impressive as the male kudu you’ll see later, still very regal.

This giraffe was grabbing an early morning bite to eat.

After that, we were inspired to do the same. So, we finished our early morning game drive and came back to our camp to have a latte with a view.

These hippos provided great viewing pleasure.

This is a vervet monkey. However, we also heard them referred to as blue monkeys. You’ll see why in a couple pictures.

Much cuter than the baboons.

Can you see why now?


This is a blue-cheeked bee-eater.

Here is the king of the antelope, a Kudu. You can tell how old they are by the number of spirals in the horn. Each turn is approximately 5 years.

Another female kudu.

This is a female waterbuck and her youngster. They are also in the antelope family.

This is my favorite animal we saw on the trip. The ever elusive leopard. We were fortunate enough to see three.

So, that covers part one of the safari. Three more to go. Up next we’ll have giraffe, impala, zebra, and birds…
Until then.
–Jim

Despite my best intention, this (and the remaining South Africa posts) have taken forever to publish.
Our journey in Cape Town continued to the beach. We wanted to see the only African species of penguin, Spheniscus Demersus. There are 17 species penguins, but the African penguin is what lives in the Cape Town region.
I won’t belabor this post with a lot of text … just pictures.




Aren’t they cute? There was lots of penguin love on the beach that day.

As you can see, the penguins let me get up close and personal with them. However, if antagonized, they do bite. I saw a woman nearby who had a huge welt on her hip because she wasn’t nice to one of them.









Making a nest…





I don’t know who this guy is, but he provided a convenient comparison to see the relative size of the penguins. Plus, I think he looks a little like our friend, Tim.

The beach was a series of sandy areas and this one in particular had the highest concentration of penguins.

One of the few families with adolescent penguins.



This provides a different perspective of the beach. The boardwalk is where a majority of the tourists stay. It’s the easiest way to see penguins, but keeps you removed from them. I much prefered to be on the beach with them.




Playing in the surf.




Again, playing in the water.

You can see why the beach is called “Boulders Beach.”







This one was very cute. As I moved the camera to take his picture, he mirrored my movement.

So, that was our day at the beach with the African Penguins.
Next up will be some images of our Safari in Kruger National Park.
Until then…
–Jim