Hike Up the Hill

Starting our ascend at the foot of the hill.

The beginning of the trail which consists mostly of big granite rocks on beaten paths.

Leaving pee markers on the bushes... as an experience hiker would leave behind route markers.

It may not be clearly visible but there's a deep ravine on my left... that makes the hoomans uneasy with my casual running alongside it.

These fire ants are nasty...

... as they bit me...

... on my left paw...

... and my right paw too... that really sucks!

After an eternal uphill climb...

... we reached a narrow connecting plank of wood...

... which we crossed with careful steps... else it's a long fall down the crevice.

Time to cool off with some water...

... and taking a breather before continuing our hike.

Licking those nasty ants' bites on my leg.

I saw something approaching from a distance.

It's some mountain biking dudes...

... racing each other down the hill.

We continue with our hike and here I'm making my way across another deep opening on the terrain.

Boy! That is a long way down the cliff... better not stand too close.

Phew! Finally we make it to the top...

... taking in the view.

Time to descend again...

... to the valley below.

Another water break along the way to recharge.

C'mon... let's move on...

... just follow my pee markers...

... and we won't get lost in this hill.

Awards and a Hunt

My little chihuahua furiend, Cocorue, gave me this nice award in conjunction with friends appreciation day. Thanks, Coco, you're the sweetest and definitely the sprinkles on our life indeed.

My visla furiend, Dennis the Visla also presented me with this pawsome sunshine award. Dennis together with Tucker, Trixie and Trouble the kitty, always has interesting and entertaining shows going on at their blog. I would like to pass the awards along to all my furiends out there. Please accept the awards for you all are my sunshine.

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Meanwhile in the stillness of the African night, a predator is on the hunt. He is stalking his prey under the moonlit sky, moving slowly and carefully into striking distance before making his move.

With a sudden pounce, the prey is ambushed and brought down without a chance of escaping its death grip.

The powerful jaw muscle of the fearless hunter tears out the limb of its prey in a single bite.

Retreating to the safety of his lair, the predator starts devouring its fresh kill.

The taste of blood and flesh is a welcome change, as the predator has gone without food for days in the harsh untamed African wilderness.

If only this kill can last through the drought season until the rain brings life back to this unforgiving savanna.

Note from koko: This is what happens when one watches too much Animal Planet on Discovery channel.

Pei ess: The stuffie involved is as good as new after its limb re-attachment surgery. No other stuffies were harmed in the imaginary role play exercise.

Sekinchan

We took a breather from city life with an excursion to the outskirt of town.

A casual ride along the coastal trunk roads...

... to a small town by the name of Sekinchan.

We were greeted by makeshift stalls along the road...

... selling local produce such as fragrant mangoes, juicy rose apples...

... and sweet corns too.

I find the vast openness of the countryside really refreshing...

... especially for a city dog like me.

The rustling of the tall grass against the afternoon breeze...

... and a sense of tranquility that emits through the surroundings.

Enjoying a stroll...

... by the countryside.

Taking in the warm afternoon sun amid...

... the picturesque landscape of a tropical paddy field.

Rice grain on paddy plant awaiting harvest.

This square building is a huge swiftlet house for birds' nests harvesting, which also acts as a resting place for migratory birds.

A view by the riverbank along the coastal village...

... where the hoomans had their afternoon nom nom.

Such a blissful idyllic life here.