There is nothing more imposingly serene than a large herd of unruffled elephants on the move. We humans, on the other hand, may become thoroughly over-excited by such an encounter. The elephants are not impressed though. They note our existence, weighing us up with scant regard. We are quickly aware of being mentally ‘put in our place’. And as we watch, and watch the herd’s slow and steady progress through the Mara thorn trees, we find ourselves succumbing to the collective elephant will. There is the urge to follow, to step out, placing each foot with quiet intention on the surface of the earth, moving at one within ourselves instead of forever rushing about, seeking fresh excitement. As they disappear from view, we are left with a sense that something has changed. Have we been changed? In any event, it seems there is much to be learned from an early morning meeting with elephants.
Later that day, as dusk is descending, we meet the herd again. They are crossing the trail that leads back to our camp. The guide stops the truck, and we stand up, leaning out of the roof hatches as the herd moves all around us. It is breath-taking. This time they are close enough to touch. We can smell their musky hides. They move around the truck as if it is not there, then fade into the darkness as quiet as ghosts.
© 2015 Tish Farrell
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Their skin is so wrinkly! 🙂
janet
Isn’t it just. No wonder they like to wallow whenever they have a chance. They must have ever such dusty corners 🙂
wonderful scene: “…the herd moves all around us. It is breath-taking. This time they are close enough to touch. … They move around the truck as if it is not there, then fade into the darkness as quiet as ghosts…”
magnificent creatures, so well captured by you !! 🙂
Thank you, Andy.
Such a beautiful interpretation of our encounter with these giant beasts. Gorgeous.
Thank you, lovely Cee.
Lovely post, I’d be absolutely thrilled to see one in real, Tish.
And when you do see them, Dina, they are almost too hard believe. Awe-striking is the word.
I’m sure. I’d be star-struck. 🙂
This post reminds me of a day we were leaving Amboseli for a morning game drive and we had to wait for almost 20 minutes as some elephants had blocked the road.
Yes, they make you wait, don’t they. Eles go first.
They should just write in the park, elephants have right of way
I love elephants and appreciate the beautiful photograph and writing!
Very interesting interpretation of the theme. Two thumbs up!
Thanks, Jeremy.
Beautifully written! I’ve been thinking about these amazing creatures lately, as will be leaving for Thailand in a few days. Thanks for the inspiring (and timely:0)) post.
You are most welcome, Beth. Happy travels.
Such amazing creatures. We had a close encounter once in Ado Elephant park.
We bought a box of fruit on the road outside the park and it was in the boot of the car. It was a hot day and Elephants do have quite a good sense of smell! Scared the missus half to death!
Lovely photos, Tish.
I know you live in a beautiful part of the world , but sometimes … dont you miss Africa?
You described an encounter with elephants in Africa perfectly Tish. I will never forget those moments. Thanks for the beautifully-captured reminder!
“There is the urge to follow, to step out, placing each foot with quiet intention on the surface of the earth, moving at one within ourselves instead of forever rushing about, seeking fresh excitement.” Loved it, Tish!! That completely describes what one feels in the presence of these magnificent animals. Thanks for this post.
Great closeups, Tish. The babies are so adorable. 🙂
Thank you, Sylvia. You’ve reminded me that I have some baby ele pix, so I’ll post them this week for Ailsa’s challenge.
What a wonderful experience….such magnificent and intelligent creatures. When I began my career in 1970, I started out as a wildlife painter, and did a lot of work at the Philadephia and LA zoos….I loved painting elephants….:)
I bet you did enjoy painting the elephants. They have so many ‘features’. And the infants are so rubbery. Which reminds me. I think I’ll post some ele babies.
Have you read The Elephant Whisperer? Good read. Loved the post. Maybe I’ll be seeing some of my own soon.
Thanks for the book info. Shall look it out.
Oh my, what a wonderful sight. Let’s hope we manage to preserve some of the herds so our grandchildren get to see them too. I wish I could have seen that too!
Hear, hear, on the saving front.
BRAVO!!! 🙂
Thank you, Paula 🙂
Wow! Such an inspiring post. How blessed you are to experience this. Thanks for the article and pics!
Thank you for your comments. You are right. We were so very very lucky to see sights like this.
You are welcome! Are you still living there?
No. We left in 2000 after 8 years. It was a big wrench.
But very enjoyable I am sure.
Oh yes. I learned more there than in most of my preceding life.
Without a doubt. It is an amazing place!
Amazing photos and so close! Were you nervous?
No, there seemed no reason to be nervous. Though one did feel the need to respect their space. Our guide actually stopped our truck a little way off from the herd, and suggested we had our picnic breakfast. That was surreal, standing there eating hard boiled eggs and watching elephants pass by.
I can only dream of such a thing! Thanks so much for sharing this trip!
Both very interesting and fascinating… 🙂
Thanks, Drake.
I love this–“There is urge to follow…” Wonderful post, Tish.
Thank you so much, Naomi. I appreciate your input 🙂