Tiger, tiger!

Tiger Tiger, burning bright, 

In the forests of the night; 

What immortal hand or eye, 

Could frame thy fearful symmetry? 

In what distant deeps or skies. 

Burnt the fire of thine eyes? 

On what wings dare he aspire? 

What the hand, dare seize the fire? 

And what shoulder, & what art, 

Could twist the sinews of thy heart? 

And when thy heart began to beat, 

What dread hand? & what dread feet? 

What the hammer? what the chain, 

In what furnace was thy brain? 

What the anvil? what dread grasp, 

Dare its deadly terrors clasp! 

When the stars threw down their spears 

And water'd heaven with their tears: 

Did he smile his work to see? 

Did he who made the Lamb make thee? 

Tiger Tiger burning bright, 

In the forests of the night: 

What immortal hand or eye, 

Dare frame thy fearful symmetry?

      William Blake

Another amazing experience hugging these huge beasts!  

The two month old babies didn't seem quite as frightening! 

 Really just big kittens! 

They played and interacted just like cats....although big cats and I'm pretty sure he would

have completely torn up this piece of wood if given the chance.

 But how could you not love a little striped face like this?

Thinking of Megan!

My friend Megan LOVES elephants.  While on safari in Kenya, her prayers to see lots of elephants, especially babies, totally trumped my prayers to see big cats.  We spent so much time photographing elephants that we missed the cheetahs that were in the area.  Oh well!  Elephants are pretty amazing.

I couldn't help but think of Megan when we were in Chiang Mai, Thailand recently at the Maesa Elephant Camp where not only did we see elephants but we:

Got elephant kisses!

FYI - Elephant snot smells like wet dog!  Not very pleasant but how often do you have elephant snot on your cheek?

And elephant hugs!

The whole time they are hugging you, their trunks are busy checking your pockets and purse to see if you have anything interesting and yummy!

In the wild, elephants sleep about 4 hours a day and spend the rest of the time eating.  I guess that explains why their trunks are always searching for food!  

He knew that at least some of those tourist waiting for a ride were hiding sugar cane and bananas!  If he could just somehow manage to reach the treats!

We watched an exciting elephant soccer game! Not exactly like watching FC Barcelona but I did yell 'Goooooooal'! when they scored!

How in the world do you teach an elephant to paint?

And here we are riding over the mountain on Ozzie, a 29 year old male who is 'very strong and smart' and has 'lots of girlfriends'!

 An unforgettable day that would have been fun to share with Megan!