Scorpion Adventures

Have a Creepy Crawlie Christmas

Hi Scorpion Fanatic!

Many of you know me well, some of you have never met me. I like to make an effort to support those of you that believe in what I do. You may be surprised to know that I resigned from my IT “Normal” job just over a year ago. I’d planned, schemed, saved and plotted my resignation from corporate life in exchange for following what I believe in and something I’m passionate about. I gave up a good job, great salary, a great future for a dream that many did not understand or even believe I could do. However my IT career was just was not me and not where my heart was...

It’s more than a year later and all my scheming has paid off. 2011 has been an amazing rollercoaster ride. I work at the top lodges in the country, I give lectures for the best field guide training schools and I write articles for the best magazines in the industry, I speak and people actually listen. Invitations to fund raising events come my way, radio shows ask for my comments, I attend meetings of wildlife organisations and groups and receive a humbling welcome.

It’s been long hours and hard work but every second was well worth the effort. My 172 page self published Scorpions of Sabi Sands has become a model for future regional guides to scorpions. My regional guides posted on my website have been downloaded to the four corners of the world. Work in progess include scorpions of the Kalahari, Northern Natal, Eastern Cape, Limpopo valley, Soutpansberg Mountains, Lowveld and Northern Natal. All with the support and assistance of various lodges, interested individuals and corporate support. My 280 page Training manual is nearly finished - Watch this space. Without you guys, the dream of a better understanding of scorpions would just not happen.

I’ve visited places I could only imagine visiting a year ago. I’ve met people that I idolize, had meetings with heroes of the modern conservation movement, asked for my comment on wildlife issues, been paid to follow my wildest dreams and received support from YOU my website member. I cannot thank you enough for making 2011 an amazing year and a precursor to bigger and better things in 2012!!!

Irrespective of if you are a website member, attended one of my courses been a part of my audience, allowed me to share my enthusiasm on a night walk, scratched under rocks with me, allowed me to drag you around some desert somewhere, got chased by elephants and lions because of me, allowed me to place a scorpion on your hand, got stung by a scorpion for a good cause, forwarded me photos for identification of bought a UV torch or book from me. I feel I have touched the lives of many people, made a difference and provided an experience that enriches the lives of other people. Just want to say thank you for your support over 2011, without it I couldn’t do all the amazing things I do!

I’m doing a disappearing trick and will be away from the 16th December to 5th January. I’ll be travelling through southern Africa and visiting Swaziland, Mozambique, Tanzania, Malawi, Zambia and Botswana. Myself and the rest of the group will be stopping of along the way to educate communities, schools and orphanages about the environment, nature or just to lend a helping hand planting vegetables and trees. It’s something that I’ve wanted to do for a long time and thanks to SA Adventure, it’s about to happen.

I’m living a life which in todays society is a rare thing indeed and I wish you everything that I have experienced in 2011. I’d like to wish you and your family the best for the festive season. Whatever you do and where ever you go this festive season, travel safe and explore the wonders of nature. Oh! and if you get stung by a scorpion or bitten by a spider I’d looove to hear about it!

Creepy Crawlie Christmas regards



Jonathan Leeming
Author Scorpions of southern Africa
Tel 082 338-4381
Jonathan@scorpions.co.za
www.scorpions.co.za