Saturday, 30 April 2016

Z IS FOR ZEBRA : A-Z Challenge

Welcome to the final day of the 2016 A-Z Blogging Challenge and my Wildlife Encounters theme.


I began the Challenge in Africa with A is for Aardvark, so it seems only fitting to complete the Challenge in Africa with Z is for Zebra.







We were in the Etosha National Park on our self-drive tour of Namibia. I had a map showing the location of the waterholes because they’re always a good place to view wildlife.

We were heading towards a waterhole we hadn’t visited before when we came upon two Burchell’s zebras right on the road.

The animals were very calm and unconcerned by our proximity: it was a perfect photo opportunity. 





In fact one passed the car so closely I couldn’t fit it in the frame!


In Kenya’s Samburu National Park we saw a beautiful male Grevy’s zebra.

 This zebra is chunkier, with narrow stripes shaped like chevrons. It’s the only zebra with an all-white belly.


I have also seen Mountain Zebra in South Africa, but they were so distant my photographs of them aren’t worth posting.



Thank you for following my blog during this Challenge – it has been a real pleasure to meet you and I hope you’ll look in from time to time in the future. 

 I usually blog once a week. I have a weakness for running mini-series. Past subjects have been Foreign Markets, Insects and On the Road Surprises – all of which will continue on an ad-hoc basis coupled with new subjects.










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56 comments:

  1. Unknown30 April 2016 at 08:39

    Aha!! A final victory!! Whooppee for me. I think I guessed about five right. That's about 20%. Does that make me a mind reader?
    Thanks for your challenge and making it interesting and fun! I'll look forward to reading and seeing some of your other weaknesses!
    So... where to next? I'm at a loss!! ;-)
    AJ at Ouch My Back Hurts

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    1. Susan A Eames30 April 2016 at 08:58

      I haven't been counting your victories - but that sounds about right, so yes, you can call yourself a mind reader.
      Thanks for visiting me during the Challenge - I've enjoyed compiling my posts. It's going to be a bit strange to go back to my usual weekly system.

      Delete
  2. Keith's Ramblings30 April 2016 at 09:55

    The zebra was the first and only creature you have featured that I anticipated! Well done me! Susan, thanks for a very entertaining and informative month.

    My final A-Z story features 13 neglected Z words

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  3. Susan A Eames30 April 2016 at 10:07

    You're most welcome, Keith - it's been quite a month, hasn't it? Thank you for visiting me so consistently and I hope you'll continue to pop in from time to time.

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  4. Unknown30 April 2016 at 14:31

    Beautiful animals and photos! Thank you so much for putting on an entertaining a-z. I've enjoyed your posts and will continue to visit. Great job with the challenge!

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  5. Sue Slaght30 April 2016 at 14:43

    Congratulations on completing the challenge! I can hardly believe how close these zebras are and to think they are wild! The first photo with the road will be in my mind all day. Glorious image.

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    1. Susan A Eames30 April 2016 at 16:19

      Thank you, Sue. I suspect it may have been a different story if we'd been on foot! :)

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  6. Unknown30 April 2016 at 14:53

    Your photos are lovely--you've lived an adventurous life!!! Thanks for playing. I enjoyed it so much.

    @Kathleen01930
    Meet My Imaginary Friends
    #AtoZchallenge

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    1. Susan A Eames30 April 2016 at 16:21

      Thank you, Kathleen. Life is not a rehearsal and I'm of the belief that you only have one chance to live and enjoy it - so live it I do!

      Delete
  7. Yolanda Renée30 April 2016 at 16:22

    Love the Zebra! Congratulations on such lovely pictures, and for completing the A to Z challenge. It's been fun, but I am glad it's done!
    Thanks for your support through out! And yes, I'll be back for more!
    Happy May!

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  8. Susan A Eames30 April 2016 at 16:31

    Thanks, Yolanda. It's going to feel quite strange to return to my regular blogging routine!

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  9. The Silver Fox30 April 2016 at 18:16

    You got some great shots there. I've enjoyed reading your posts this month!

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  10. Susan A Eames30 April 2016 at 18:37

    Thank you and likewise!

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  11. Sandra Cox30 April 2016 at 18:44

    Zebra! I should have figured that one out! I have loved this series. It's been absolutely awesome. Kudos and looking forward to more:)

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    1. Susan A Eames30 April 2016 at 19:18

      Thank you, Sandra - I've enjoyed devising my posts - it will seem strange to go back to blogging once a week!

      Delete
  12. Claudia Bookwright30 April 2016 at 19:14

    Love the sky in your Burchell’s zebra photo. Found your blog by visiting Karen O'Connor's Weekends in Maine blog from A to Z. Sounds like you've had as much fun with this year's A to Z as I have. I'm not much of a traveler myself, but thoroughly enjoy your sharing your travels with me. The Bookwright.

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    1. Susan A Eames30 April 2016 at 19:19

      Thank you Claudia - better late than never and hope you'll pop in again even though this challenge is over. :)

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  13. Janvi30 April 2016 at 20:18

    Lovely pictures of the Zebra and congratulations on completing A to Z challenge! I loved reading all the posts and will keep reading your posts

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    1. Susan A Eames30 April 2016 at 21:03

      Thank you, Jahnavi - it's lovely to know that you want to continue to visit my blog. :)

      Delete
  14. Roland D. Yeomans30 April 2016 at 20:39

    I will miss the forays into the wonderful, fascinating world of those who live above and below the sea. :-(

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    1. Susan A Eames30 April 2016 at 21:10

      Thanks, Roland - it's great to know that my efforts were worthwhile.

      Delete
  15. Bish Denham30 April 2016 at 21:05

    Wow, Aardvark to zebra. It's been a wonderful round-the-world journey. Now it's time to relax and celebrate!

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  16. Liz Brownlee30 April 2016 at 22:00

    Oh, that close-up zebra is so gorgeous! Did you know that they only walk as fast as the weakest member of the herd, whether young or old? I find that vey endearing! Very much enjoyed reading your posts, Susan, congratulations on reaching the end of your first A-Z! ~Liz http://www.lizbrownleepoet.com

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    1. Susan A Eames30 April 2016 at 22:46

      Thanks, Liz. I didn't know that about zebra! I've likewise enjoyed your entries this month - your poems in particular were fabulous. :)

      Delete
  17. kaykuala30 April 2016 at 22:12

    One with a white belly! That must have been a pleasant surprise. Congrats for surviving the Challenge, Susan and thanks for the company.You have a most interesting blog.Pity met you late in the day but will follow you forthwith.

    Hank

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  18. kaykuala30 April 2016 at 22:12

    One with a white belly! That must have been a pleasant surprise. Congrats for surviving the Challenge, Susan and thanks for the company.You have a most interesting blog.Pity met you late in the day but will follow you forthwith.

    Hank

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    1. Susan A Eames30 April 2016 at 22:48

      Thanks, Hank - and I shall look forward to entertaining you and my other regulars in the future.

      Delete
  19. Unknown1 May 2016 at 02:32

    I'm a little embarrassed to admit that I didn't know that there was more than one kind of zebra! I guess I hadn't really thought about it before.

    Thank you for taking us through your journeys and for sharing your beautiful pictures with us this month :)

    Tracy (Black Boots, Long Legs)

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    1. Susan A Eames1 May 2016 at 11:21

      You're very welcome, Tracy and thank for joining me on this a-z journey - it's much appreciated.

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    2. Susan A Eames2 May 2016 at 22:17

      p.s. Don't be embarrassed about not knowing that there are different species of zebra, Tracy! :)

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  20. Weekends in Maine1 May 2016 at 03:43

    I've enjoyed your A to Z challenge and meeting so many new animals. Great zebra pictures.

    @WeekendsinMaine
    Weekends in Maine

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    1. Susan A Eames1 May 2016 at 11:22

      Thank you, Karen - I'm happy to know you've enjoyed my posts - and thanks to you, I've learned many things about Maine! :)

      Delete
  21. Scarlett Braden1 May 2016 at 16:17

    Congratulations on completing the challenge!
    @ScarlettBraden from
    Frankly Scarlett

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    1. Susan A Eames1 May 2016 at 18:59

      Thanks, Scarlett - and many congrats to you too! :)

      Delete
  22. Guilie Castillo1 May 2016 at 18:25

    Great photos, Susan! Oh, I'll be back for sure... To read the A2Z posts I missed, but also to browse earlier stuff, too. It's been a pleasure to meet you, and to take this exotic journey along with you. Thank you for that! And congratulations on wrapping up the Challenge :)
    Guilie @ Life In Dogs

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    1. Susan A Eames1 May 2016 at 19:00

      Thanks, Guilie - it's great to get positive feedback on my posts and I shall look forward to your visits. :)

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  23. Birgit1 May 2016 at 22:55

    You had a great A to Z and I love all the animals you posted. You were up close with the zebras and some great pics here. I'm glad I found your blog:)

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    1. Susan A Eames1 May 2016 at 23:27

      Thank you, Birgit. I really enjoyed thinking up my posts - and digging out relevant photos - so I'm delighted that it was all worthwhile. :)

      Delete
  24. Li1 May 2016 at 23:48

    This post reminded me of a movie called "Racing Stripes" about a zebra who thought he was a Thoroughbred. They are beautiful and amazing animals, and I love the sound they make!

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    1. Susan A Eames2 May 2016 at 09:29

      Thanks, Li - yes, they make a lovely, musical sound don't they?

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  25. Liz A.2 May 2016 at 05:09

    Zebra is the perfect ending. Congrats on making it.

    Liz A. from Laws of Gravity and Unicorn Bell

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    1. Susan A Eames2 May 2016 at 09:29

      HI, Liz - thanks for visiting! The challenge has been quite an experience! :)

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  26. Stephen Tremp2 May 2016 at 13:58

    Zebras are very cool animals. I wonder why they've never been used to ride or as beasts of burdens. Congrats! on finishing A to Z!

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  27. Susan A Eames2 May 2016 at 15:12

    Thanks for the congrats, Stephen... likewise.
    As for using zebra to ride etc, attempts have been made in the past but they have proved unsuitable for domestication - largely due to their unpredictable and nervous dispositions. Besides - we have horses - why try to change these beautiful wild animals to suit our purposes? Let's leave zebras and ALL wild animals where they belong... in the wild.

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  28. liz young2 May 2016 at 17:27

    I have thoroughly enjoyed your A-Z, Susan, and admire you for sticking with it to the bitter end. I often wonder if zebras know how beautiful they are?

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  29. Susan A Eames2 May 2016 at 18:11

    Thank you, Liz - it's been quite a journey, but I have enjoyed researching and writing my posts, so it's been a worthwhile experience.

    p.s. Perhaps the zebra that walked so close to our car wanted to make sure we could see just how beautiful it was! :)

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  30. cleemckenzie2 May 2016 at 20:25

    These are such beautiful animals. Love those stripes.

    Thanks for the helping to make this a wonderful #atozChallenge!

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  31. Susan A Eames2 May 2016 at 22:13

    That's very kind of you to say that! I'm delighted you've enjoyed my blog posts. :)

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  32. Jeffrey Scott3 May 2016 at 02:12

    I love your series, I'm sorry I missed the earlier parts of it. I may have to go back and take a peek. You posted some wonderful shots. I loved it all. Gratz on completing the challenge.

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    1. Susan A Eames3 May 2016 at 09:36

      Thanks, Jeffrey - it means a lot to me to know that my efforts were enjoyed by those who checked out my blog during the challenge. Congrats to you too for finishing! :)

      Delete
  33. Unknown3 May 2016 at 07:47

    Congratulations on finishing the challenge! I've learned so much and will continue to follow your blog. Thank you! :)

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    1. Susan A Eames3 May 2016 at 09:37

      Thanks, Zeljka - I hope I can continue to enlighten and entertain you. I also learned so much from your blog - about Russia in particular. Congrats to you too for finishing the challenge. :)

      Delete
  34. Srivi3 May 2016 at 11:46

    That's such a lovely way to end the challenge :D
    I am glad we connected and I'll be surely following you in future as well ... :)
    Congrats on completing the challenge :)
    Srivi, The Piscean Me

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  35. Susan A Eames3 May 2016 at 12:44

    Thanks, Srivi - it's great to know that you've enjoyed my theme! I shall look forward to seeing again. Congratulations to you too for finishing the challenge. :)

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Many thanks for commenting. I appreciate your feedback.

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