What an Amazing Night!!

Last night was.one of the mort amazing night I have ever had. I hurried through food prep until I got to Abu and Chloe. Abu LOVES to cuddle and did not want me to leave. Nothing would distract him. After about 15 minutes I snuck out but Chloe slipped out. Abu sat next to the gate crying as we chased her. I finally was able to grab her and toss her back in. Then me and 4 other volunteers met at the volunteer room to sleep with the cheetahs. We took foam mattresses and as many sleepingbags as we could find and went to the enclosure. Everyone says we had to get there before dark and they probably wouldn't come to meet us. Everett told us they normally sleep under a tree. Their enclosure is BIG and has a lot of trees. Before dark we walked around to find them. We found one cheetah then a few minutes later we found a tree with 3 of them sleeping beneath ...we found our spot. We walked back and dragged all our sleepingbags and things. (Think Beverly hillbillies in the African bush) we all settled in as the sunset. They set dinner aside for us so we watched the sunset as we waited for dinner. It was so surreal laying next to 4 cheetahs. We gave them space because we wanted them to stay the night. Then the lions began their nightly serenade. It sounded even louder than from the village because they are so much closer. When we went out for dinner the lapa manager was teasing us for A) sleeping out in the freezing cold B) sleeping outside next to a wild powerful predator that most people have a healthy fear of. She sent us off saying good night and good luck. Then we walked to our spot and crawled into our sleepingbags. Laying under the African stars is so peaceful with the occasional shooting star. The lions roaring and the constant low purr of the cheetahs. I thought I would be a little scared in the pitch dark but with 4 cheetahs laying 5 feet away I felt safe. I fell asleep so early but it was so relaxing. I slept really well. Id wake up from time to time and glance over to make sure they were still there and fall back asleep. I wasn't even cold considering I had 4 layers and 2 sleepingbags. Around 3 am the tipsters started. Apparently they didn't get the memo about waiting for the sun but I was able to.fall back asleep. Then at 5 the sun began to rise and I woke up to a baboon screaming. Their enclosure is so close it sounded like they were right behind me. I looked up to see 2 of the cheetahs with their heads low looking in the direction of the noise. My heart nearly stopped but nothing was there. I lay there watching the sunrise and slowly the cheetahs began to purr. My camera battery decided to die but my friend took pictures for me. We all got cute pictures. They have distinct personalities. Two were morning cats when the other 2 nipped when the others moved to get comfy. They were so lazy in the morning. It was so surreal to wake up with them. We had to pack up to get breakfast. I gave my favorite a quick kiss and headed for the village. To complete the African morning a group of springbok bounced across path. Today will be a good day. Nothing can get to me after a morning like that.