Spent one day with Karl and Max. Really was very special and deeply spiritual to watch Karl taking care of this massive bull elephant. He has so much patience and love for Max. It took him almost 2 hrs to get him to cross the river to the otherside, where he could graze in his favorite patch of grass. It felt like a scene from Herman Hesse's Siddharta. Definitely awoken something deep inside of me. I think that this image will stay with me forever. When I go back in February, I'll try and work on it a bit more. Be great if we could get Max across the river a little earlier, when the light isn't so strong.

Max on his way across. This is only one out of about 40 shots that I took of him at the river. He moves at such a slow pace that it's easy to get carried away taking and retaking photos of him in action. 'Hold on Max! Can you do that again!!!..........'

This is 1 of the 2 cows that Lek rescued from slaughter. They actually fell off the back of a truck that was on the way to the slaughter house. As you can see, they are unbelievelable tame and friendly. And so tiny! Isa couldn't resist giving them a rub every time she passed by.

This is where we spent our afternoons and evening before diner. Located near the entrance to the park, the 'deck' kindda reminds me of the Holodeck from Startrek (I'm no trekky though). It's a surreal place where you feel as though you are part of a 3D moving image. You can sit an watch life at the park from a distance; elephants in the fields, just being themselves; volunteers arriving in the late morning; and food and grass being delivered. The whole thing, framed by the bamboo 'windows' of the deck, happening like a live movie before your eyes. Then you can just hop down the stairs and walk onto the set becoming an instant star in your own show. Many times I just sat there watching the scene unfold, pinching myself, making sure that we were actually there. And then, when the moment felt right- DINNER!!!- joining in the fun. Amazing and surreal.

Wishing you all a brilliant new year. Especially, to Mike and Sarah, Joe and Andrea who are married this January. Good luck guys. We wish we could make it. Maybe in March??? Keep you posted.