Amazing Lion Walk

Torrents of gushing rain drummed out of the downpipes on the walls of my balcony.  What had promised to be a most amazing sunnny day had become wet, sodden and most unsavoury.
I quickly dismissed the thought of my daily walk along the beach and slid under the sheets for an extra 30 minutes sleep.
It was still running torrents at 8:30am when we piled onto our 20 seater bus.  Everyone of us was either anxious or excited about walking with the Lions.  An hour or so later we had managed to weave in and out of the Port Louis traffic and finally arrived at Casela Nature Park.  We were abuzz with anticipation.  Ryan was our guide and explained the trainers would bring two lions out to meet us.  They were two male lions, one pure white , one brown,  They sauntered out with their trainers, not looking hungry or anxious.  We all carried a stick to mimic the trainers who always carry their sticks. Both lions are young and well trained.  The white lion jumped into a tree and played with the trainer.  We were told to walk behind Ryan our guide, who was walking behind the lions.  At one point the white lion sat on a rock and we were encouraged to come behind and firmly stroke the lion's back and tail.  It was an amazing feeling.  Not soft like a kitty-kat, rougher and coarse even for a young lion.  He was very good.  One of the trainer 'played' with him using a long stick with a slice of steak on it.  They are well trained.  We all patted and stroked the lion while the brown lion played close by.  Professional photographers took video and photos which we had the opportunity to purchase later.  I was thrilled to have the opportunity to purchase these. 
After the Lion Park we viewed a beautiful waterfall and the place of the coloured sands.

Off to the rummery for lunch and we had fish terrine, chicken and pannacotta for dessert.  We sampled the different flavoured rums but not for me.  It was a long day and we finally returned to our resort,  Le Victoria at 5:30pm.  It was truly an amazing day, which I will never forget.
Here I am patting the white lion.  Better photos to be added later.