Wild Horses in the West

Last Light of the Day

The Battle over the Freedom of the Wild Horses in the West

News from Return to Freedom - Wild Mustang Sanctuary

[http://www.returntofreedom.org/]

A battle is raging in the west . . . America's wild horses are caught in the middle of greed, politics and fierce competition to lay claim to our natural resources and public lands.

—  We're Bringing The Fight To Washington — Return to Freedom Brings the Voice of the Public To Congress Today will be much like any other day for Hopi - a Navajo stallion who was sold for ten cents a pound for his meat when we found him. That almost fatal day is long behind him and today, like yesterday, he will enjoy the companionship of his herd mates, the freedom to stretch his powerful legs as he gallops across the rolling hills of the sanctuary. He will have food and clean water and nothing or no one will threaten his life, his family or his home. That is the promise of the sanctuary. This safe haven that we work so hard to provide is only possible with your support. Thank you. But 3000 miles away,our Founder Neda DeMayo will be leading a group of advocates through the halls of Congress today. Young and old alike have come from around the country as part of our Wild Horse Rangers program. This program provides members of the public with the education, information and direct experience they need to advocate effectively for our wild horses. The voice of the American people is what led to the creation of the 1971 Wild Horses and Burros Act. The act has been systematically dismantled over the years by special interest and corporate ranchers who want our public lands for their own profit. We're not going to stand by and let that happen. Today - our voices will be heard. And we won't stop here. We will keep lobbying Congress, attending roundups, and being the first line of defense against all that threatens our horses.   Wild Horse Rangers is part of RTF's Advocacy In Action program designed to empower the public to advocate effectively for America's wild horses.

You can visit Return to Freedom and learn about the fate of the wild horse and mustangs in the West by joining me for a great Photo Tour  on August 23-24, 2014.  The wild mustangs are in the cross-hair of big ranching business, the BLM and other mining corporations who want the public land for their exploitation.

All details for the Photo Tour here.

Til next time, 

Meggi

PAWS - Gypsy's Story

Come to PAWS and Meet Gypsy! 

Gypsy at PAWS

Gypsy was born in 1967.

Nicholas (PAWS'Asian Bull Elephant) and his surrogate mother, GYPSY, arrived in Galt on April 2, 2007. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the Hawthorn Corporation negotiated a consent agreement which permitted the transfer of the two Asian elephants to PAWS. The two elephants were closely bonded and their devotion to each other was indescribably touching. They shared food, rumbled, chirped and remained in close proximity to each other at all times.

When we accepted the responsibility of caring for Nicholas & Gypsy, we knew that dealing with the relationship between the young male and his older female companion would be challenging. When Nicholas matured and his hormones became an issue, separation would be inevitable.

When it came time to separate the two, on January 13, 2009, we knew it was the end of an era, a time when the young, captive born male no longer needed a surrogate mother. Gypsy had provided security, safety and wisdom to him as long as she could. In the wild, he would be sent out to follow older bulls and learn the ritual that all elephants understand.

Wanda at PAWS

We moved Gypsy down the hill to join the other Asian elephants where she's been given a much deserved rest and retirement after the daunting task of raising a young bull. When Gypsy moved to the Asian barn, she gravitated to Wanda immediately. When she made her first trips out to the habitat, she stayed close to Wanda, and since that time the two have remained almost inseparable.

Several weeks after Gypsy's move we were reviewing 20 year old circus videos, searching for footage of Ruby when she performed in the circus. What we found was astonishing — no footage of Ruby, but we did find Nicholas’ father Tunga, Gypsy, Gypsy’s calf (Brat, now deceased), and Wanda!

Sadly, circus elephants have little solace in their lives except for the comfort of other elephants, and they never forget old friends, even after more than 20 years. Gypsy and Wanda — best friends forever.

Gypsy was born in 1967 and after many years performing in circuses, she now enjoys the freedom to roam with her friend Gyspy on the large acreage of the PAWS sanctuary where they both will live out her live in peace.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

You can come and meet Gyspy, Wanda and all the 11 African and Asian elephants at PAWS during an unforgettable day at PAWS.  Learn about the plight of captive elephants and see for yourself how PAWS has created a true sanctuary for these animals.

Please see all details here.

Til next time, 

Meggi

Bhutan-Book

Bhutan, Land of the Thunder Dragon

Last  October, I lead a group of Photographers to the mysterious and for the longest time hidden Kingdom of Bhutan.  Please see my new book from this trip that includes wonderful images from all participants.

Bhutan by Meggi Raeder | Make Your Own Book

The book is available from Blurb and can be purchased by clicking on the above link:
Bhutan by Meggi Raeder.

I hope you check our my new book from an exciting trip to the high Himalaya and Bhutan, a land of happiness and serenity.

Til next time,
Meggi

Wildlife Babies-Montana

I just returned from Montana where I photographed wolves, lynx, mountain lions, coyotes, red and grey foxes and 2 wonderful and energetic 8-months old mountain lion cubs in the winter snow in a natural setting without fences between me and the animals!  This was an extraordinary trip and now I am able to offer and share not only this photo opportunity but also to add the rare possibility to photograph wildlife babies!
Come join me in Montana in July for this special 

                                      Wildlife Babies Photo Extravaganza!

“Wildlife Babies - Montana”

WildlifePhotography at its Best

July 14-17, 2012 Optional Activities on July 18 At the Triple D Ranch, Kalispell, Montana Workshop Leader:  Meggi Raeder

Spring is the time of new life when nature revives after the hard winter in the north, and the meadows are colorful with spring flowers.  In this setting, we will photograph wild cubs, pups and kittens.  This is a unique and very special opportunity to see and to ’capture’ these amazing baby animals in their natural environment.

©Triple D Ranch

Triple D Ranch is a family operated ranch and it offers a variety of animal species that would be difficult to photograph in the wild.  We will photograph these animals - mostly babies but some adult animals may also be included - in a selection of natural settings.  We will work with experienced and very caring animal trainers who will allow us to photograph the animals in specially designed safe areas with no fence between us and the wildlife.  Since the babies are still vulnerable and in training, the sessions will be short but they will be the best Triple D has to offer.  It will be inspirational and the images you will take home will become your prized possessions!

This maybe the only time that a tiger cub, a grizzly cub and potentially a snow leopard kitten can be photographed during the same visit at Triple D!

Anticipated baby animals will include:

Wolf Pups	Tiger cub	Grizzly cub
Kit Fox or Grey Fox Kits	Badger Pup	Snow Leopard Cub (tentative)
Bobcat kitten	Canadian Lynx kitten	Siberian Lynx Kitten
Raccoon Pups	River Otter Pup	Coyote Pups

[Please note that the listing above is tentative and cannot be guaranteed due to the fact that the babies are not yet born at the time of this writing.]

Cost of the Workshop:  $ 1350.- 

For all details, please click here.

For more information, call Meggi at

650-326-4570 or email me at mraeder33@gmail.com

Travel TidBits: Desert Sunrise

Sunrise over the Thar Desert, Rajasthan, India

After experiencing the sunset in the Thar Desert, Rajasthan, India, we decided to go back the next morning for an early sunrise.  We were staying at a tented camp in Osian on the Western end of Rajasthan, a very rural area with small villages dotted along the road.  This area is close to the Pakistani border.  Although this is a desert that heavily depends on the monsoon rains once a year, it is also known as a ‘green desert’ due to the abundance of farmland and animal husbandry.  If not cultivated the desert supports typical low shrubs and acacia trees favored by the camels as it is favored by giraffes in Africa.  Between the desert landscape and cultivated fields are sand dunes raising up 100-150 feet from the flats.  

We had ridden up to such a sand dune on our camels the evening before and then marveled at the view towards wide horizon all around.

The next morning by 5:30am, we were up and getting ready to jump into the 4-wheel jeep to meet the sunrise on one of the sand dunes.  Our driver, a young Rajasthani, took us half-way up and then it was on us to climb the remainder in the darkness.

We each selected a favorite spot and with my camera on the tripod, I waited for the sun to crest over the far horizon.

It is amazing to see how the camels purse their lips to just take the leaves without poking themselves on the heavy and pointed thorns!  The Acacia leaves must taste very good since the camel drivers always tried to lead the animals far from these trees lest they were ready to stop and see them munching away.

As the sun rose and the light came up, the red soil of the desert dotted with the yellow desert blooms offered another beautiful view towards the West.

Now ready for breakfast, we joint our driver and jeep at the bottom of the sand dune for the ride back to camp.  Later we would come back a village not far from the sand dunes for a great opportunity to observe the village life – but that is another story for next time.

Til then,

Meggi

New:  Join me for the next great photo opportunity 
to "See the Elephants" in March 2-4, 2012!

To see all workshops and photo travel opportunities 

offered by M. Raeder - Photography, please click here.

Travel TidBits: Udaipur, Rajasthan

Udaipur, the City of Lakes in southern Rajasthan, also called the Venice of the East, was a nice reprise from the hustle and bustle of New Delhi.  Although a city of ½ million people, it felt like a much smaller town specifically along the lake front and in the old town.  We lodged in a hotel at the waterfront built right over the Lake and early in the morning (4am!!) I could observe the activities on the other shore where the women gathered for their morning prayer – more of this later in this story.

Hotel Lake Pichola

After arriving, we rather enjoyed the Lake Pichola with its islands, among them the Jag Mandir Palace Island and Lake Palace Hotel each on its own island, from a boat at sunset.  The lake was originally created by Maharana Udai Singh II 400 years ago and is about 4km long and 3 km wide.  The city grew around it and its shores have many ghats, typical places for people to come in the morning and bathe and wash clothes.  The Lake Palace, now a renowned hotel, covers an entire island, Jag Niwas, and was originally built as a royal summer palace. 

Lake Pichola with Jag Mandir island (left) and City Palace (right)

City front along Lake Pichola

Jag Mandir Palace and gardens guarded by magnificent elephants

The Jag Mandir, also a former royal palace where Shah Jahan took refuge while revolting against his father.  We will learn a lot more about Shah Jahan in Agra when visiting the Taj Mahal since he built this impressive marble tomb on the banks of the Yamuna River in memory of his wife who died during child birth.

Invitation to a smoke – Jag Mandir Gardens                                      Jag Mandir Palace Island

City Palace, Udaipur

Beautiful sunset over Lake Pichola, Udaipur 

I woke early in the morning – if one can call 4am early morning?! – and stepped onto our balcony overlooking the Lake.  Still pitch dark, but armed with tripod and a comfortable wicker chair, I started observing the   activities on other side of the Lake.  As I learned later from our guide Ashim, it is typical for women to arrive at the ghats along the lake front to light candles and do their early morning prayers, followed by chores like washing their laundry later.

Early Morning at the ghat:  It is 4am and life on the other side of the Lake is already in flux.  I am looking at the waterfront of the old city where the road ends under an arched gate.  The night is still pitch dark but a small group of mostly women is gathering, sitting on the landing, chanting.  Some have candles or small lamps but mostly the scene is eliminated by one strong light mounted high on the gate.  It is peaceful and there seems to be a morning payer interrupted by chanting of the women’s voices.  A nearby temple, a conical stone structure with delicate carvings that we had seen on our walk yesterday is a place of worship:  the women get up and walk over and touch the stone and pray.   Nearby, I can already hear the rhythmic slapping of the washing of clothes in the river.  As I saw yesterday morning, this lake shore is a gathering place and the early mornings belong to the women.  The pre-dawn calmness may be their only time of reflection before the hard work begins.  For the poorer people, the lake and in other places the river is an integral part of life.  Without running water at their home, the public waters become the bathing place, the place for washing, and community.

As dawn arrives the sky illuminates the water and reflections become more pronounced.  By 6am, the city seems to be awakening and I can see the first foot traffic over the bridge linking the lake fronts.  Rural herders arrive with their donkeys that are used for moving construction materials to and from wherever it is needed. 

Bridge linking the waterfronts in Udaipur

But for me, it is time to get ready for another day of exploring.  Breakfast on the rooftop of the hotel offers a welcome hot cup of tea and soon we are off to more adventures.

Til next time,

Meggi

To see all of the workshops and photo travel opportunities 

offered by M. Raeder - Photography, please click here.
Join me for the next great outing to photograph the elephant seals and 

their newborn pups in January 2012!

Travel TidBits: Streets of India

This week, the New York columnist Thomas L. Friedman wrote an article reflecting on his recent visit to India.  Visiting the town of Jodhpur, his guide pointed to the traffic light and noted “It’s the only stoplight in Jodhur, a city with 1.2 million people!”  Friedman must have experienced the same amazing picture on the streets of every city we visited: utter chaos and yet albeit slow people manage to get to their destination.

Madness on the streets of India

We are in Jaipur, the capital of Rajasthan, a city of more than 5-6 million people.  As in the other cities, we are mainly staying in the old city with its narrow alleys around the City Palace and the Govind Devij Temple.  By now we should be accustomed to the chaotic traffic picture on India’s roads – but it continues to amaze us that traffic doesn’t come to a complete stand-still.  Like a river meandering around obstacles, Indian drivers just adjust, crawl forward in a flow of humanity and steel.

Tonight we visited a vegetable market and attended the prayer service at the Hindu Temple.  After night fall returning to the main road and waiting for Lucky, our driver, we observed the street life and more specifically the absolutely dense traffic – unimaginable for us Westerners.  The 2 lane thorough fare road is packed with pushcarts under man power, bicycles rickshaws, bicycles stacked high with goods almost swallowing the poor driver, motor rickshaws, motorbikes, cars, trucks, an occasional horse-drawn cart or maybe a camel cart, and of course the pedestrians weaving thorough the traffic to get from one side to the other.   It is not uncommon to see a holy cow leisurely crossing the street and all traffic just flows around them!  We were waiting on a busy intersection where traffic lights that were mostly observed.  “Traffic lights and lanes painted on the roads are mere suggestions” our guide had explained earlier!  The images that follow show impressions from this absolute street madness during the day as well as into the night so typical for city traffic and that we had previous marveled at New Delhi.

[My apologies for the less crisp images – but I had to share this spectacle which we encountered many times.]

The bus just stops in the middle of the street and people rush through traffic to catch it.

Finally, Lucky arrived and we hopped into the car only to advance at a snail’s pace.  The inner city streets are packed also with pedestrians doing their evening shopping on their way home. 

A rare moment of just one rickshaw driver on the street – amazing.

We passed by a stage at a round-about with a street performance of a belly dancer on a platform above the traffic which of course added to the further distraction and congestion. Add to that pedestrians weaving between lanes to get to the performance…. And amazingly no one gets upset about it besides the honking of horns that is common practice to make sure the others know you are coming.  It seems to take us a long time just to go a short distance, yet our driver is as calm as could be as he drops us at our hotel, a welcoming oasis after the madness on the streets.

Til next time,

Meggi

To see all of the workshops and photo travel opportunities 

offered by M. Raeder - Photography, please click here.
Join me for the next great outing to photograph the elephant seals and 

their newborn pups in January 2012!

Travel TidBits: Thar Desert, India

Camel Ride at Sunset
 We have traveled deep into Rajasthan and we are in camel country.  It is dry and hot and the desert is all around us.

By mid afternoon, we reach the Camp Thar Desert outside a small village Osian.  Since our driver and guide had not been there, we stop in the village to ask for direction and head into the desert on a narrow but paved street.  Along the way, we need to backtrack and finally find the entrance to the camp:  The reception area is an open but roofed area with a desk and some chairs and as we sign in it becomes clear that no computers are used here.  Our passports and the Indian Visa number are copied by hand together will all other necessary information. We then enter an open square lined on the outside with permanent small “houses” roofed by a white tent canvas.  Inside we find the walls covered with Indian printed fabric including the ceiling which gives the impression of being in a tent.  It is blazing hot upon our arrival and we are glad to have AC in our ‘tent’.  It is cozy and has all amenities for a comfortable night.  Our dinner is simple Indian food cooked family style and we enjoy it under a starry sky.

At the end of the afternoon, we are invited to a camel ride to see the sunset.  Two camels await us outside the reception area since Ashim decided to walk.  On command, the camels ‘fold their legs under their bodies’ by first going onto their knees, then bringing their hind down before lowering their front.  We are being helped up into a sort of saddle, a very well cushioned affair, and the camels stand up in the same stepwise way – rocking us frontward and backwards as we ascend to the heights of a full standing camel over-towering everyone around us.  And off we go!

We each have our camel driver, 2 young boys of 9 and 10 years of age.  My camel driver is Monsoor who speaks “little English, not big English”.  The boys handle the camels skillfully trying to prevent them from stopping and grabbing a mouthful of leaves from the trees.  We walk through desert farmland where crops have been harvested and now the stalks are drying to be gathered for fire woods.

The path we walk on – or better the camels walk on – is sandy.  The Thar Desert is a hot and dry place and supports only vegetation adapted to sandy grounds.  But it appears that the farmers here work the land to feed their families.  We pass by little hamlets where a few families have built their modest homes and where livestock from cows and goats to peacocks live in harmony with the people. 

After an hour’s walk we reach a hill side and our camels reluctantly climb up to a sand dune their broad hoofs sinking into the sand and sometimes sliding backwards.

As we de-mount, Lynda’s camel flops down on its side as if to tell us how exhausted it is!!

... and we all sit down to rest.

Our walk was perfectly timed as the sun is setting the sky turned yellow and red with the last rays  and our camels silhouette beautifully against the darkening sky.

Night has fallen fast and as we descend the hills, it becomes dark but our sure-footed beasts carry us back to camp in a steady walk and we marvel at the stars above.  With no lights around us in the desert, we see the Milky Way and many star constellations shining down on us.  It is peaceful and the world is at rest.  But as the warm lights of camp greet us, men and beast are happy to be home.



Til next time,
Meggi