By Alistair Graham. Just finished reading it one day after purchase. Great read. Great photos and illustrations by Beard. Insight into crocs, the Turkana, and even civilized man. Highly recommended

Great Book.

Leaving in six weeks to a lake that has one of the highest concentrations of crocodiles in Africa. Hope to bring one home. Scary bastards -- I hate even walking a riverbank.

Get a big one. I think a skull mount would be sweet. What are shooting with?

My two rifles are a M70 .30-06 and a Bill Wiseman .416 Rem. Mag. Both are topped with Swaro Z-6, 1-6x scopes. If I had to bet on which is more accurate, I'd bet on the .416, but I can't shoot it prone (not enough eye relief for that position).

I first saw "Eyelids of Morning" in the law library at the University of Texas back in the 80's. I love the book, but don't yet own a copy.

Lavaca I envy you your trip! Best of luck. I agree w/ the .416 but the 06 will work as you well know. As to walking the banks,I concur. I remember Jeff Cooper wanting to hunt hippo between the land + water + the guides would have nothing to do with it. You don't stand between the hippo + the river;but that's how he was. He did'nt do it of course.Hope you post some pics when you return. Best,Randy

A morning excursion at Halali

I was treated to a couple of days at Halali in Arusha National Park. I got up at the crack of dawn, while my hosts slept. I persuaded one of the old caretakers to show me around -- consistent with the law, my rifles were locked in my case.

My Swahili is rudimentary, to be charitable. I gathered he wanted to show me a hippo. He led me to the edge of the pond and the resident hippo wasn't there. So we are between the hippo and water. Now the absence of my rifle became a serious concern.

You are a slave to lion and leopard baits. I never even got down to the lake as it turned out.

Don't forget Peter Beard's photography in that book, excellent.

I've never forgotten that the largest measured croc skin purchased in 20 years of trading was 19' 6" in length. I'd have loved to have seen that one. From a safe distance.