Morning began early with 5:30 a.m. wakeup and 6 a.m. breakfast and then out on a game drive for 4 hours this monring. We saw a couple towers of giraffe, and tons of impalas, a few hippos, but the most impressive thing in my mind were two endangered birds, the red headed ground bill and the waddled stork -we saw that were both in pairs. They say the waddled stork is also known as “till death till us part” since they mate for life.
It was very hot today. So hot that after our game drive I took 2 cold showers. After lunch I took a dunk in the pool, which was very brave since the same big male baboon and a couple others were hanging at the pool. But I was so hot it was worth risking it to just be submerged in cool water.
In the afternoon we weren’t able to go fishing since there weren't enough boats but went on a game drive instead. We invited Nevin, a chap from Australia that is just hilarious and gregarious. He is traveling by himself and is a retired Qantas pilot. Sam has really enjoyed visiting with him and Sam hoped that he would join us, needing a friend really after a month with mom. He was game to join us and it was fun hearing about his life and his interests and was great chatting up with Sam and asking him questions and is just good humored and fun to be with.
On the game drive I really hoped to see elephants again, since we hadn’t seen them in a couple days. On our elephant hunt we came across two female lions who had just killed a wart hog and had eaten all but the skull and vultures had swarmed in on it. Just past them the two lions sat in the grass, one with a full full belly. One layer looking more relaxed and the other female lay like she could pounce watching us. Honestly it made me a bit nervous. We carried on in search of elephants, which I have decided are my favorite animal. I love that they are so large that they have these huge ears that help keep them cool, that they tread so softly for being such giants. Again we came across some huge male Kudu, giraffes, the local antelope, and troop of baboons.
We found a herd of elephants just before sunset and bushwhacked in to see them. As we got close one gave us a mock charge, which totally freaked out Sam and he was done with the elephants but I left it up to the guide to continue on. He got us close to the herd which included a baby that was so cute. I guess it was less than 3 years old, since they don’t get tusks until around 3 or 4. But it was little and I think the other elephant was protecting its young elephant. After watching them for a bit, they were definitely a bit defense and nervous, we moved out by the water and had a cold drink and some dried meat and enjoyed a spectacular sundown. The sun was just huge and orange, like an egg yolk. Again so spectacular.
Back in our tent getting our blogs done early so that maybe after dinner we can watch a movie on our laptops. Tomorrow we fly to Maun, Botswana and then into Joburg. Sunday we will find church near our hotel and then head to the airport to catch our flight to Praslin in the Seychelles. It has been a nice stay but probably a day too long, especially in this heat. They said it was nearly 45 C today which is almost 110 degrees!!!!! We are looking forward to a change of scenery and the air-conditioning of our little place we are staying in and swimming in the ocean, which have heard is so beautiful.
Our day with Nevin from Zambia, who now lives on the Gold Coast in Australia has been a highlight for us here. Nevin must be 75 years old and just full of stories and good humor. Sam and I really just had a great time laughing at his great sense of humor. After dinner Sam wanted to just hang out after dinner, he has become quite the socialite and really enjoys visiting with the folks we have met on our trip. I am here to testify that getting rid of cell phones during meals and in social gatherings is transforming and has made Sam a much more engaging and interesting young man. It is so nice and relaxing really to leave technology for our private time. Hoping that I can keep that courtesy going at home.
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