Olivia is pretty close to being back to normal. \240 She is still skidish but making progress. \240 When we go to Africa she is going to stay with the Story’s. \240 Olivia indicted she thought we should just stay home,

Here is my pile of accumulated stuff right now. \240Note the color trend dull and duller.

Olivia and Dottie are getting along really well. \240No hissing or growling. \240 Amazing. \240I’m glad because when we get back from Africa we are at the top of the list for a Siamese kitten. \240Due to travel we have waited nearly 2 years. \240 I’m excited for Olivia to meet Oliver.

Tonight, Russ and Jan Story are coming over to meet the cats again. \240 They have agreed to take both Olivia and Dottie during our Africa trip. \240 I hope the girls behave and are good cat guests allowing plentiful scratches and lots of entertainment, but no fighting and growling. \240When Dottie met the Story’s she really liked them. \240 Olivia was a little hesitant as usual. \240Once a very timid rescue cat always a timid rescue cat.

Olivia is very cross eyed, a common characteristic of Siamese cats. \240Interesting Oliver does not appear to be cross eyed.

We had cocktails and Jeff and I shared travel gifts before we ventured out to dinner

We arrived at Mr An’s for dinner it was fun. \240Everyone had their favorites and of course since it was a birthday Mr An came out for a photo. \240

Our chef Rickie did a great job and we had a lot of fun.

Mere, Bells and I are going to lunch and then I need an echo before going to Africa. \240 So we will all reconvene at the house later today and kick off Ed’s birthday celebration. \240We have a great dinner planned and Jeff dug into the wine room for something special. \2402001 Chimney Rock Cabernet. \240Yum!

There was hot tubing and card playing, napping and generally a restful day

We enjoyed cocktail hour and Ed opened his birthday present. \240 We got him an Apple Watch.

Dinner consisted of salad, strip steak, green beans and hassle back potatoes. \240 Dessert carrot cake❤️

We enjoyed the beautiful Oro Valley weather until desert. \240 The moon was full and the temperature perfect.

We played classic rock and laughed late into the night. \240 It was a great celebration. Olivia really was not that excited. \240

After cocktails we had a quick dinner at a sports bar. \240The food was good and the beer cold. \240 Our goal is a good nights sleep and to have hot putters tomorrow.

When we arrived home Oliver’s cat carrier had arrived along with some things for Africa. \240 Tomorrow is laundry day and packing day.

This afternoon the breeder sent a new picture of our kitten, Oliver. \240 He is changing colors and turning more violet.

We are invited to Ray and Mara’s for dinner tonight. \240They live in Marana, not far from us and we haven’t seen them since the world cruise. \240 I know it will be a fun evening.

The Rigel’s have a lovely home in Marana and we enjoyed the evening. \240They have a spiral staircase to a rooftop patio, great views of the Tucson lights.

We stopped at a stop sign on the way home for a selfie \240 \240It’s hard to take a picture in the dark.

Jeff is planning to get all this in one backpack. \240Being the seasoned world traveler I’m sure he will.

The Asp’s dropped Dottie at 1:00 and we are taking both girls to Russ and Jan’s at 5:00 in time for cocktails. Olivia is flying all over the house, she knows something is up.

Meredith and Bells watercolored at their house today. \240They are both very talented artists. \240

Jeff and I dropped the girls at Russ and Jan’s. \240 They were curious and interested in where they were. \240 \240Neither seemed upset they were someplace new. \240 I hope the Story’s get their cat fix and the girls behave.

We are being picked up at 9:00 tomorrow morning for our noon flight. \240It is a long 2 days. \240We fly Tucson to Chicago then Chicago to Heathrow. \240After a 7 hour layover Heathrow to Johannesburg where we are meeting the Asp’s. \240 The four of us will fly to Victoria Falls together. \240 We are arriving 2 days before everyone else and doing a safari in the Hwange National Park on our wedding anniversary. \240 We meet up with everyone else on the 11th.

We are at the airport enjoying a pre fight Bloody Mary and a snack

Alane and Steve flew out at 6:00 this morning and arrived in Atlanta. \240They got great Delta fights from Atlanta to Johannesburg.

We are on our way to Chicago. \240 We just had dinner, AA business class food is not as good as it used to be.

Jan emailed that the girls growled all night and this morning they couldn’t find Livvy. \240 They looked for quite awhile and they couldn’t find her. \240 Finally she came out from under the sofa. \240 I hope they are getting along better. \240

The breeder sent us a new picture of Oliver. \240 He is turning darker everyday. \240 When we get home we will pick him up the next day. \240 \240

This is how close the 4 of us in the middle aisle were. \240Rich and Ray were on the outside and we were in the middle. \240This was just weird seating

Ray and I had a great conversation, he does cancer research. \240

Finally after nearly 9 hours in the BA lounge we boarded our flight to Johannasburg. \240 Jeff had our seats moved so we wouldn’t be on the middle this flight. \240If things go well we will land tomorrow at 9:15 AM and at 10:30 meet the Asp’s and board our flight to Victoria Falls. \240 Fingers crossed it all works out.

We arrived at the park and met our guise Bowin. \240What a great msn, we had such a nice time. Most of our tone was spent at Kennedy 1 and 2

This is a termite mound. \240There were thousands of them along the route and inn the reserve

10 minutes on the drive we encountered 7 lions and a kill. \240They were still snacking and as we arrived they started moving about obviously full. \240Several lions walked by our hero no more than 5 feet away. \240It was breathtaking and scary at the same time

Wow so many animals. We saw all the major game in one day with the exception of the elusive leopard. We saw hippos, water buffalo, 5 types of antelope, zebra, giraffes, and thousands of elephants \240 The park does not have a lot of natural water so they use solar \240to pump the water into the park.

Elephants were everywhere. Driving along and there was a herd sometimes large sometimes small. The herd appears healthy as there were many new babies and young elephants. \240There are also so very healthy looking bull elephants

Elephant bon

We saw so many animals and many of them with babies. The preserve also has an area set aside for sick ir injured game. Here are additional pictures of the animals

We saw these male Steenboc’s fighting fir territory dominance of the herd. \240It is rutting season

Alane, Steve, Jeff and I with our guide Bowin

More animals including giraffes and zebra. \240Many of the mothers had babies.

My very handsome husband of 39 years. I wouldn’t want to share life with anyone else

We had a great time with the Asp’s today a wonderful anniversary. \240Tomorrow we meet up with the rest of the crew from Reid Park Zoo. \240We are looking forward to the rest of the safari

Sunset on the return trip was amazing. \240Unfortunately we didn’t return to the hotel until 8:30 and needed to change our dinner plans \240 We enjoyed complementary wine from the resort and stayed in. We were very very tired

This weekend was my 50th Hugh school reunion here are the pictures I have right now. \240I’m sure there are more

These large trees are very prevalent in the area.

We are going to the Wallow Lodge and checking in then going back to the falls for lunch. \240This will be our first sighting of the falls.

We arrived at the Walow Lodge. \240It is lovely. \240We were greeted by such friendly people and given a full orientation of the property. \240The preserve is 16,000 acres and 3 of the big five wildlife reside here being elephant water buffalo and the elusive leopard. \240

The view from the dining room. \240The lodge is located right on the river.

Our camp pictures, it is very comfortable and also has an outdoor shower. \240

We went to the Oulook Cafe for lunch we had a yummy lunch of a chicken wrap with cocktail. From the deck we could see the buggy jump and swing off the gorge. It really looked fun!

Back at the large we saw elephant around the river and a water buck. \240The lodge is very peaceful and we hope to see the elusive leopard

The zoo crew arrived and I was able to greet many friends. \240

We are off to a sunset cruise on the Zambezi River. \240We really didn’t know what to expect but the cruise was neat. \240We saw many birds but mostly hippos and one elephant. \240 So cool. Here are some pictures

Elephant eating brush on an island in the river

Monitor lizard.

Sunset tonight was amazing.

We returned to the lodge and later had dinner. \240We have a busy day tomorrow so we will need to rest. \240It was another great

Olivia and Dottie are doing well at the Story’s. \240They are friends sometimes and enemy’s other times

Wow Olivia allowed Jan to pick her up. \240That is huge for her

After the petting we were instructed how to feed the elephants. \240Another first fir most of us.

From the sanctuary we went to the falls located within the Victoria Falks Natiobal Park. The Falks are one of the 7 national wonders and approximately 5 million gallions of water flow over the falls per minute. \240They said even with a raincoat we would get wet, this is so true. \240 We were soaked, but well worth it. \240The falls are phenomenal. We walked the trail to the final point and then started backward going out on the lookouts.

We returned to the lodge fir lunch and then late afternoon we did a game drive and sundowner. \240We saw several wildlife including impala, Cape buffalo, giraffes, and many birds. Unfortunately no elephants or the elusive leopard tonight

Sunset tonight was beautiful. \240The sundowner was fun also. \240The view of the gorge was also nice

We received pictures of Oliver from the breeder today. \240He was checked by the vet and got his first set of kitten shots \240 \240Here are pictures of Oliver and his parents

Mom

Dad

As we were leaving the camp baboons we’re using the tent roof as a trampoline.

Late morning we depart for Chobe National Park. \240It is about a hour and one half. \240Moe adventures lie ahead and hopefully a leopard.

On the way to the border and the Chobe lodge we saw several animals including many giraffes, warthogs,and impala

Below is a mother elephant and her baby in the bush

Crossing the border we had to sanitize our shoes and any additional shoes in the luggage. \240The truck also had to drive through a sanitizing wash.

As we entered the national park we immediately saw wild animals. \240There were large groups of elephants, kudu, impala and the scenery was beautiful. \240There was a large delta and plentiful water

We arrived at the lodge and were greeted with a refreshing drink and lunch the escorted to our room. \240This lodge is more like a hotel, but the public areas are beautiful

At 4:00 we did a 2.5 hour game drive. \240We saw hippos, lions, elephants,honey badgers, lots of impala, kudo, giraffes and more. There were many birds \240Here are some pictures

This is the national bird of Botswana

Baboons

There were many elephants of all ages. \240When they cross the water the mother and auntie keep the babies between them to protect them from crocodiles

There is a make lion on the right side of the picture he is lying down and very hard to ser

The ladies taking a late afternoon nap. \240They were very lazy

Another make lion

Tonight another gorgeous sunset. \240We have never seen sky like the African sky.

After dinner we saw these two hippos with a baby \240 \240The guide said it was probably about two months old

There were many birds but here are a couple we really like. \240The first the sea Eagle and the second a bird whose name I need to look up. \240Sorry

We are driving along we see a hippo napping and for \240about 45 minutes we see or hear nothing.

Then suddenly there about 14 lions just strolling along. The make was already ahead of them resting and they had no urgency \240 There were sever 2-3 year old playing games and one kept grabbing the other ones tail \240they were very close to the truck it didn’t seem to matter

We came upon a very large herd of Cape buffalo over 150 and they were moving along slowly when suddenly bone of the alpha makes snorted and they began to run \240sure enough the lions were approaching

The lions began chasing the buffalo and at one point had one on the ground and were trying to take down another. \240This attempbfsijedvas the buffalo came storming back and the buffslovrsn away. Our guide said the neck of a Cape buffalo is so large the lion can not kill it by biting the jugular and a pride must get the buffalo down and smother it. \240The back and forth with the lions chasing and the buffalo returning the chase lasted over 40 minutes and the lions laid down in the grass. \240Apparently buffalo can hear and smell really well but eyesight is not that good. \240With the lions lying dien in the dead grass the buffalo have a challenge seeing them. \240 This is when the lions split the herd and eventually hit one buffalo along for the take down. \240We didn’t see the kill(I was glad) but we saw everything else including the meal, but that was from a distance. \240Again I’m glad. \240 Here are the pictures. \240It was an exciting morning and not s normal sighting. \240 It was amazing how the buffalo defended themselves chasing the lions and knocking them with their horns. \240

This attack was not successful and the buffalo regrouped as did the lions. \240 There was a lot of dust from the back and forth so the pictures are very cloudy snd many were screen shits from the video.

These are pictures of the meal. The actual kill was pretty far away, much to my relief

Following this excitement we moved to a picnic area for a light breakfast snack. \240After all it is only 9 AM. \240So much has happened that is hard to believe. \240

After breakfast we drove down by the river to see if the lions or others weee drinking. \240We saw no lions we learned they were still eating but we did see a couple of crocodiles

After about 45 minutes driving along the river we returned to the lion kill but they were still feasting so we moved on and saw some elephants, we watched on knock over part of a tree with his chest. \240We also saw several giraffes

From here we returned to the lodge. \240Here are done pictures of the entrance and some cozy seating areas. \240There is also a picture of the bar where Richard Burton married Liz Taylor fir the third time.

Here is a picture of our tour group consisting of the Asp’s, the Grieshaber’s and Steve Larson and his guest, Jeff snd I as well as our star guide Elle. \240

At 3:30 we boarded the boat for a river cruise. \240The Chobe river is between Botswanan and \240 \240 \240There were some birds, elephants , hippos, crocodiles and baboons along the way. \240 Mostly the trip was relaxing and we enjoyed another beautiful sunset

Crocodile

Fishing eagle

Young Baboons playing in the sand. \240It was hilarious and they were having such fun

Another beautiful sunset. \240They are absolutely breathtaking. \240We are thrilled to see them.

Tonight was our last night at the Chobe and there was a special celebration. \240 We were greeted with champagne and the African dancers arrived. \240It was a special evening.

Our Zoo hoss Hed snd Cassie. \240

Olivia, Dottie snd the Story’s are doing well. \240Both of the girls come out snd are present during the day. \240 Jan worked in the office yesterday and Olivia helped her as computer and nap cat. \240I’m so proud of our girl as she really wants to be friends but due to her kittenhoid experience she is so afraid. \240 Great job Livvy.!

Tomorrow we fly to another camp. \240We have enjoyed our time here but it is time to move to new adventures.

We arrived at the Kasane International Airport. \240These are charter planes and we were broken into groups of 4,9 and 10. \240We and Asp’s are going in the small plane. \240We charter several more times and all our tickets are on one piece of paper. \240I don’t want to lose it

This was a great experience our pilot took our picture boarding the plane and Jeff flew in the front with the pilot. Jeff’s backpack sat beside Alane and I sat by Steve. \240

From the air you could see some game game preserves. \240From the sky the waterholes with the roads resemble spider web \240 The flight was smooth and we were greeted by our guide Vee \240 The other groups landed right behind us

On the drive from the air strip (literally) we saw several animals including willderbeast, zebra,and \240giraffes including several 6 month old babies. \240 We also saw mongoose

Baby giraffes

We entered the Sauviti National Park

We were greeted per Africa tradition with scented towels and a drink

Steve and Sandra

Lynn and Jim.

Our group during orientation. \240We are having such a great time. \240Landmoor and KD are the bartenders but also open bar.

We enjoyed lunch was delicious and we enjoyed it from the outdoor dining area overlooking a waterhole. \240 The lodge is very rustic and yet very comfortable. \240The public areas are very inviting. \240View from the dining room. \240

Squirrels were playing squirrel tag in the outdoor dining room

Bathroom near public areas

We are in room 7. \240The camp is very rustic and we love it. \240The view from our room is of the watering hole. \240We are super excited. This is our home for the next 3 nights.

At 3 we were sitting in our room relaxing and there was an elephant in our front yard at the pond. \240 So very cool

This afternoon we are going on a game drive from 4-6:30. \240Our group is in search of the elusive leopard.

Wow what a game drive. On the way to area where the cheetahs had made a kill today and were napping we saw elephants and many birds. \240The landscape is very different here \240the soil is very sandy making driving difficult and the terrain while mostly flat dies have done contour.

Our guide Vee indicated the cheetahs had made a kill today and were napping under a tree. \240He thought by the time we arrived they should be getting ready to move. We went out to an area where we saw two make cheetah. \240They were napping when we arrived, \240but with persistent we out waited them snd they awakened, stretched, and finally took a short walk. \240This was so amazing. \240The cheetahs are brothers and \240there are currently no females in the park, but there are some nearby. \240Cheetahs blends so well into the tall grass they are almost impossible to see. \240Here are pictures of them napping as well as when they awakened and began to walk.

After watching the cheetahs for over 2 hours our guide indicated that he knew where the lion cubs were today. \240 There are 7 of them and 3 moms. \240They are being raised together and range from 1 -3 months. The cubs were so cute \240 When we arrived the cubs were playing and the 3 mothers were watching over them. \240Just after we arrived the mothers slipped off to catch dinner for themselves and the cubs continued playing.

Sunset tonight was beautiful. \240The elephants returned to the pool and we watched them from our balcony.

We encountered an elephant eating tree pods. Interestingly they eat the pods on the ground and when they have picked them all up they shake the tree \240for more. Here is the elephant doing just that and a picture of the pods

We also saw 2 owls in a nearby tree they were very hard to distinguish. This was a big bird day as we saw numerous kinds of our feathered friends. \240 Here are some examples

There were no leopard sightings other than Alane in her hat. \240So we were off to the wild dog den. \240The pack has 8 dogs and 6 pups about a month old. \240They were so cute. \240The dogs did not mind that we were there dnd even came over and laid in the shade created by the truck. \240Interesting when each dog came back from hunting they checked in on the pups. \240Mom is the only one innrhe pack who dies not hunt. \240 The pack lives in a large underground den. \240Here are pictures of the adults and the puppies

After spending time with the puppies we all reconvened for a quick tea and coffee break in the desert. \240 It was nice to stretch our legs

There are numerous termite mounds Al ll over the property. \240We stopped by this one snd got out to touch the mound \240 It felt like concrete

We did see a Jekyll and a honey badger tifsy. \240 Two new animals. \240 The honey badger pictures are challenging as they hop through the thick grass and are difficult to see

Here is the honey badger

From here we returned to the camp for lunch. \240As we arrived there was a herdr of wilder beasts at the waterhole, \240then when they left impala and then elephants arrived. \240One of the baby elephants was bathing in the water

The lodge is interesting there is wi-fi only in your room or the bar area. \240None of the rooms have keys and remain unlocked. \240Our items of importance are inn the safe. \240You must be walked to and from your room between 6:30 PM and 7AM. \240This is a good rule since there were leopard tracks outside this morning. \240 We know the leopard is near, now is we could see one.

At 3 this afternoon we have coffee and snacks then at 3:30 we have a evening game drive. \240We are still on the lookout for the elusive leopard and some zebra.

Well it was a beautiful evening but no zebra or the elusive leopard. \240We did see a few things including a large elephant herd with young calves and observed how the mother and auntie protect them. \240It was so interesting

We continued our drive looking for the leopard. \240No luck. \240We did see wild sage and wild basil. \240Sage is used to ward off mosquitoes in nature and many times the lions roll in it

A wonderful surprise sundowner in the desert. \240 We were supposed to do it last night but we spent too much time with the lion cubs. \240

We did something cool pano of us in front of a baobab tree. \240This is so cool and fun

Another beautiful Africa sunset. \240These are extraordinary

Our truck group including our guide Vee

On the return drive we passed this skeleton of an elephant. \240 We learned elephants die from old age,starvation as they can’t chew, fighting, thirst, sometimes disease.

This is a full grown steenbok. \240A cute little animal

Getting dressed for dinner I put on my long john bottoms to keep warm. \240I will be prepared for bed as I slept in them last night.

We had cocktails at the fire pit. \240It was warmer tonight and much more pleasant. \240I hope that means it will be warmer tomorrow \240 The guide told us for the morning gsmevdrive we are going to a different park of the park, the savanna. \240It will be interesting

Dinner was good and once again tonight the staff sang to us and invited some of our crew to dance with them. Susan and Cassie joined in the dancing. \240

Olivia and Dottie are doing very well at the Story’s. \240Jan says they both spend a lot of time around them which is good. \240Dottie is better at the cat fix they are looking for. \240 She likes to sleep on Russ’s shoes while Olivia hangs out on the cat tree. \240 We miss her and know she is in great care

We started our game drive with a leopard chant. \240L-E-O-P-A-R-D. \240Leopard leopard leopard! \240 Unfortunately we did not see the elusive leopard. \240 We did see more birds \240the whate crown and the blue starling. \240There are many species of African birds

It was cold again this morning. \240I tried to dress better to keep warm. After an hour of driving we did find a young male lion. \240He was resting under a tree and posed for photographs. \240He yawned and washed a little then decided to take a stroll. \240He walked within 2 feet of our truck looking straight at us. \240Frankly I think Webster all a little freighted.

We moved on after the male lion walked by the truck and laid down to nap in some bushes. \240As we were driving we did see a male stew box and later a female nursing

Next we saw 4 lionesses with 2 cubs. \240The cubs were having a good time playing and climbing the tree. \240 Mom napped and at one point two of them has a game of tug mom’s tail. \240It was so cute.

Leaving the lions it was noted we had a flat tire. \240Vee moved us to a safe area and another guide attired to sssist with the tire change. \240Everyone out of the truck and 10 minutes later we were on our way

We went to a different area of the park the marsh area where we discovered a den of lions and 5 cubs. \240 They were so cute. \240We watched them play for awhile. \240We could watch them for hours

On our way to the morning break area we passed a man made water hole \240 The water is pumped to the hole via dolor power. \240There were many animals coming and going for the area including elephants, wilder beasts , giraffes, impalas, and warthogs. \240It is interesting which animals will drink together and the order they will drink.

Wilder beasts are one of the 5 ugliest animals however we decided god just had some spare parts and created them \240they have a horses tail, zebra mane, cows chest, buffalo hornes and a very long flat face \240

On our way back to camp after our break we saw these 3 ostrich’s. \240The make is black and the female is gray. \240Here are 2 males and one female. We also saw 2 giraffes play fighting. \240It is amazing how their necks can twist.

We arrived back bay camp to smiles and cool towels to wioevthe trail off. We were greeted by Carol the manager and her staff. \240Nate and Daniel had a great time this morning

We rested and showered after lunch then went out fir the 3:30 game drive. \240I had on my leopard socks, we did a leopard chant and we had leopard juice aka beer. \240 And it worked we found the leopard

We arrived and he was sleeping. \240If you didn’t know he was there he blends right in. \240We waited over an hour as he yawned, twitched his ears and rolled before he finally stood up. \240 When he did he sat fir a little while and looked around at all the trucks there to see him. \240He then took care of his private business in a nit very private space and promptly climbed the tree \240the guide said leopards drag their kill up the tree and feast on it as needed over a few days. \240 Sure enough he had a kill up innrhe trees and we could observe his shadow eating. \240 We watched him fir another 30 minutes or so. \240All guest must be out of the park by 6:30 so at 6 we needed to start our way out of park.

We also saw these make Kudu \240check out the horns on these guys. \240These puppies can do some damage

On the way out of the park we passed a group of men playing soccer. The field is only a mike from where we saw the leopard.

The lodge team did a drive through hot chocolate with liquor in the way back on to the camp. \240 What a special treat

Sunset tonight was lovely as always. \240You just kind of expect it here.

Dinner tonight was special. \240 The staff sang snd danced goodbye. \240It was another lovely evening. \240 We are doing a game drive then we are flying to Moremi at 10 tomorrow morning for 3 days. \240I’m sad to leave here as everyone is so friendly and we loved the lodge

As we left the camp we saw the owls again. They reside in the same place everyday \240there are a pair of owls

Driving along we ground the male lion. \240He is about 5 and is the dominant male \240 When he was young his tail was bitten off. His paws are enormous almost 8-10 inches across

We drove by this camp. With the lion , leopard and cheetah so close I don’t think this would be safe.

We did see female leopard prints along the road but no leopard

This guy has the boom camera.

There were some old Cape buffalo along the path and many birds. There was also a large herd of wilder beasts. The boys have a black face and the girls have tan on their faces. This makes it easy to tell the boys from the girls without checking under the hood. \240Otherwise it was a quiet morning so we headed to the airstrip.

We arrived at the airport and here are all the amenities. Arrival gate

Control area

Airplane departure and arrival

Restrooms. Ladies and gents

Waiting area

Tissues note the brand “blow and throw” \240these are also used for the facilities in the bush or should I say behind the bush.

Coffee and cookie station. What a nice treat some snacks snd drinks before our flight

Ececutive waiting room the truck

Our plane. A 12 seater

Arrival of new guests

Vee our guide and me. \240Vee was an outstanding guide and he found so many great wildlife for us. \240He was knowledgeable and had a great personality.

Our group saying goodbye. \240The last 3 days were truly extraordinary. \240We enjoyed the lodge, the guides, staff, wildlife, trucks and the friendly atmosphere. \240While it was chilly at night and the camp has no heat they gave us bush babies every evening and lots of blankets. \240Jeff and I really didn’t care for all the nights of African cuisine as the only food option, but that is our only criticism

On the plane. \240It is 30 minute ride to Moremi, we will check out their airport facilities. \240We are looking forward to another great adventure. \240We are in this lodge 3 nights and might see a rhino which would complete the great 8. \240

Many of the Waterholes had dried up but as we move to the south and our cap water became much more plentiful. The terrain seems flatter with many more trees

Our new lodge from the air

The drive to the lodge was about 25 minutes. \240As we entered the camp our guide pointed out a male leopard print \240 \240We entered the camp and headed for the lodge

On the journey into the camp we met a 45 year old bull elephant. \240He was munching on tree leaves

We arrived at the camp and were greeted with a singing welcome by the staff. We enjoyed a welcome drink and moved to the lounge area for our security briefing and cabin assignments. \240The lodge is very rustic but beautiful. \240The dining area is located on the water \240 This will be really nice at sunset

This is the termite palace we saw on the drive in

Here are pictures of some of the public areas.

Lounge and bar

Dining deck lookout and view from the dining deck

Dining deck

View from our cottage and inside \240 There are no doors just screens but they do lock. \240The cabin is very rustic. Each hut is named fir an animal and that animal is outside. Tomorrow I’m going to take pictures of each one

Instead of a game drive at 3:30 we opted for a cruise on the marsh. \240We saw many unique birds, hippos and the sundowner was served on the water. \240It was a great time!

Our guide Harry made a lily necklace for Alane

Hippos we did not get too close

There were many different kinds of birds and we also saw an African Otter. \240No pictures as he was very far away we have the African spotted otter at Reid Park Zoo

We stopped in the marsh and a 4 boats gathered together for cocktails at sunset. \240It was a different way to do a sundowner

This picture is titled “Geek at Sunset “. \240We love it !

Jed Dobbs our host. He is doing an amazing job and makes the trip so much fun

Sunset. \240Another spectacular event. \240How could you ever get tired of this ?

We arrived at cocktail hour and Oscar the resident hippo was mowing the lawn \240 He is 5 years old and not full grown, but he is huge. \240The bar area has a tree in the middle which is so cool

Before dinner we sat by the fire pit and enjoyed a glass of wine.

D

Dinner tonight was good. \240The chef staff came out to sing and announce dinner. We enjoyed time with steve and Sandra as well as Alane and Steve

Tomorrow we have a game drive at 7 with 6 AM wake-up call. \240Another exciting day. \240

We started the morning with 6 wake-up and 6:30 breakfast then 7 AM game drive. \240It isn’t as cold here as prior camps which is nice. \240 As we left the camp we saw some baboons, monkeys and a couple hippos.

Within 10 minutes we spotted a den of lions on the move. It’s was an interesting 2.5 hours tracking them through the preserve. \240Sometimes they would disappear and then reappear. \240It is scary how quietly they move and are so stealth like they are. \240This pride of 9 consisting of 1 females about 6 years old and 7 youngsters about 6 months are new to the area. \240 TS, our guide we nicknamed Top Shelf said they had only been in the park 3-4 days

About half way through the following of the lions we passed this herd of impala. They were all facing the direction of the lions almost at attention. \240It was eerie.

At 10:00 we stopped for our morning snack with coffee and tea. \240There was a herd of zebras and water bucks nearby. \240These are the first zebra the group has seen since we arrived \240we saw three the morning we landed in Savuti

One of the guides also shared some information about termites and the mounds.

After tea we started back to the lodge \240we stopped at a Sausage Tree, rightfully named once the fruit of tree is examined. Here is a picture of the tree snd the fruit. There were also many bones in the area. \240It was fascinating how the horns of the Cape buffalo is part of the skull. Here is the partial skeleton of a young hippo

We also saw an African fishing eagle. \240This bird mates for life snd is very large

We continued our drive to camp and brunch and stopped at a pond full of hippos. \240It was fun to watch them as they would surface with grass and mud on their backs

We saw this baboon carrying her young as they were chasing done impala

When we returned to camp lunch was setup on the lawn. \240It was cool and refreshing on the lawn. \240 After lunch we walked the path and took pictures of each animal at the cabin walks.

There is do much wildlife here. \240We also saw a small squirrel and a woodpecker. \240

We also stopped by the swimming pool and the guest bathrooms. They don’t have a door snd I wondered how people knew it was occupied. \240Simple you snap a rope across the door optning. \240

We will shower and rest this afternoon so we are fresh for the game drive this afternoon. \240 We are looking for a hyena and Jed is in search of a boa constrictor. \240Not many of the rest of the group are excited about this search.

We grabbed a couple cans of leopard juice and Alane is wearing her leopard print shirt and off we went. \240We drive around the camp for about 2 hours no leopard. \240We did see baboons, hippos, a few elephants, impala, crocodiles

and monkeys. \240 More to come regarding the monkeys

Owl

The monkey is very special. \240He has blue testicles. \240When he is ready to mate they become even brighter blue. \240We nicknamed him blue ball monkey. \240It was a source of great laughter in our truck. \240

We stopped in the bush for a sundowner and once again the sunset was extraordinary. \240

Jed our fearless leader. \240

At dinner the team sang fir us to introduce the meal. \240They do not dance like the Savute crew. \240We gather around the fire pit after dinner for an African drink called amarula. It is a chocolate like liquor. \240

Tomorrow we have a game drive at 7 following wake-up at 6 snd vreskfast at 6:30. \240We are going to look for the lion and the leopard again.

On the drive our guide kept checking for prints. \240Here are the paw prints of a very healthy male lion. \240These prints are over 9 inches in diameter. \240This is a very big boy

Here are Cape buffalo we encountered a very large herd. \240We did learn that the females hired do not cover the entire skull as they rarely fight. \240Here is a female buffalo

Male buffalo is below. \240When you see the skeleton of the male the entire horn section and the area covering the skull is intact. \240

We drove looking for the leopard and encounter the Red Lechwe these are a hoof stick animal that lives water. \240When they \240are threatened they run to water. \240It was cool to see them jumping in the water. \240

We continued driving and saw a herd of hippo and then stopped for coffee near a pond filled with pelicans.

We passed a large group of zebra and enjoyed watching the babies

We also saw a spoonbill heron. \240They are unique as their beak is shaped like a spoon. \240They feed on small fish and bugs

When we returned after the drive an impala was on the front yard of our cabin. \240At lunch Jeff decided to play sommelier. \240Fun!

We received new pictures of the girls. \240Jan says the routine is to run around the house in the morning then settle down and play a game of swat before nap time. \240We sure do miss her

While relaxing this afternoon a Cape buffalo wandered by our cabin. \240There were 3 of them in the group

We headed out for our game drive. \240Jeff fixed us up with leopard juice for all. \240

Driving we saw baby baboons being carried on their dads chest. Many times dad cares for the young

We continued d driving we saw a few birds. \240Elephants do a tremendous amount of damage to trees in the process of sharpening their tusks. \240Also we learned elephants are either left or right handed. \240

We passed a camp ground where visitors can bring a camper tent and stay fir a few days. \240 There were 2 families in camp today \240 There was a really nice bathhouse.

Our driver located a large herd of Cape buffalo and when we arrived it was very dusty as they had been running. \240There was a lot of vocalizing \240when we arrived the ran

Quickly we determined why the buffalo were running- \2404 lions. \240A lioness and 3 youngsters. \240They didn’t appear to be hunting mostly just walking along and the laid down to wash and nap

The roads in this park have been far worse than any of the other parks. There are deep ruts and large sloping holes. \240Just riding around each day I have over 13,000 steps and 45 minutes of exercise. \240Not bad for riding around in a truck

On the way to sundowner we saw some elephants. \240This is the first young baby elephant we have seen here

We stopped for cocktails at the pelican pond we visited earlier. There were elephants and zebra \240Sunset tonight should be lovely.

Sunset tonight

Tonight we can see just a sliver of the crescent moon. \240It was beautiful

We were picked up for dinner and walked to the fire pit. \240It is not as chilly tonight as it has been. The fire is lovely

The staff danced and sang goodbye to us this evening. \240The choir is very talented. The singing started outside the dining pavilion where the team sang 4 songs. \240After they danced us into the dining pavilion. \240

Jed and Cassie our zoo hosts.

I’m back to curlyvas none of my electric devices will work so curls it is

Jeff and Jed after dinner

We fly tomorrow at 1 to our last lodge. \240We are doing a morning game drive then brunch snd off to the airfield. A new adventure. \240It’s sad to see the trip be over, but everything must come to an end. \240

Here are the pictures Jeff captured from the hike \240 He saw giraffe, Cape buffalo, crocodiles, impala, kudu, warthogs, baboons and monkeys. Jeff also saw fresh leopard droppings

Leopard droppings

Elephant tusk

When I got up and dressed I walked to the dining area for coffee. There were no baboons out this morning but I did see this guy. The view of the delta is very peaceful

The African birds are all so colorful especially when flying and their wings are spread. \240Here are some that were at the delta pond this morning.

Steve and I shared vodka and orange juice after us boat ride while waiting on Jeff and Alane to return from the hike

The hikers returned via boat. They had a great morning

The camp calls everyone to meals by drum beats. \240I also checked out the pool

The afternoon activity is a motor boat ride on some of the Delta channels and water. We are looking forward to that activity and seeing some of the wildlife and birds.

On our walk to join the afternoon activity we saw baboons

We boarded our boat for the 20 minute ride to the makoro dock

We saw an elephant crossing the channel \240 Elephants move on land so quietly but they are very loud in the water. \240 They will not sneak up on anyone

Sunset tonight was beautiful as always.

We returned to the lodge and I got a got photo from the channel. \240The staff had arranged a sundowner on the deck for our last evening.

The staff sang goodbye to us for our final night. \240

Temperatures in Tucson are record highs next week. \240Russ and Jan are preparing to say goodbye to Olivia. \240I’m so proud of her for making the transition to another house Olivia lives to put her little wet nose on your nose. \240It’s how she greets people she loves

Our balcony the view is above

View from the toilet room

We were waiting fir lunch and saw these birds. \240The African birds are so beautiful

Everyone had a morning screwdriver. Alane and Steve

Our truck group at the fire pit waiting for lunch. \240What a wonderful group of friends. \240

Call to lunch. \240

At the airstrip we found a sausage tree and Jed cut open a piece so we could see the inside. \240 Animals eat them but not people

We boarded the plane a 12 seater but only 10 of us \240 We have 3 planes on fir 3 and 2 for 10 people. \240The flight is rather short about 25 minutes.

One of the issues the airstrip has is the clearing of elephants and \240elephant dung from the runway. \240This is certainly not a typical problem except in Africa.

Today we start home it is a multi day process. \240After lunch we fly to Maun about an hour or so. \240We check into a hotel, yummy lots of hot water, then off to an elephant orphanage and dinner.

We checked in and then we’re taken to Elephant Haven. \240This is a rescue organization for orphan elephants. \240We were able to pet and feed the 7 elephants currently in the orphanage. The elephants range in age from 18 months to three years.

The staff called the elephants and they came running for snacks. \240

We have a farewell dinner tonight and then we fly tomorrow afternoon and begin the long flights home. The hotel had a cat named Ginger. \240She was very friendly and it was a joy to pet her. \240 We really miss Olivia

It was an honor to toast Jed and Cassie for an awesome trip \240 Putting this together is very challenging and they did a great job

Tomorrow we officially begin our journey back to good old home. \240We fly from Maun to Johannesburg and then after a hefty layover we fly to Doha then to Dallas abd finally to Tucson. \240 We leave South Africa on the 24th abd arrive in Tucson at 7 PM onbthe 25th. \240 It will be good to get home. \240Plus we collect Oliver on Monday the following day. \240He is in Casa Grande with the breeder and his mother

Alane and Steve are arriving home before we do and they are going to collect the girls. They will take Olivia to our house so she will be there when we return home. \240We hope we will not have a revisit of her behavior when we came home from the world cruise. \240She hissed and growled at us and hud fir 2 days.

We are anxious to come home. \240We have been gone for over 6 months with the exception of our brief 2 week stint at home between trips that was filled with doctors appointments, dentist visit, hair cuts, drug pickup etc

Olivia is ready to come home also. \240She and Dottie have had a very nice visit with the Story’s and appreciate their hospitality

Very interesting we saw crocodile tracks

We continued driving looking for \240the leopard. \240TS, our guide kept following tracks and Sandra spotted her near a tree. \240She was beautiful and about 2 years old. \240Her mother had rejected her and she has had to learn to hunt in her own without her mother teaching her. \240

We left the leopard to permit others to have our great viewing spot since we had arrived first. \240Quickly hiwevercTS discovered 2 make lions. \240The first one was resting on a grass mound. \240He is about 12 years old. \240He was very majestic. Nearby hidden in the tal grass our guide said the lioness was with the cubs

My selfie with the lion

We moved down to the second lion. \240Lying in the grass he resembled a lump of dirt. \240This make is about 10 years old

On our way to morning coffee / tea we saw some leechwe

We also saw a giant gray heron

The marsh in this area is salty while most of the water is fresh. \240There is so much available water in the area that the elephants are in small herds and do not stay together

We spotted some zebra and all was quiet until a dispute occurred between 2 males. \240They fight very violently kicking and biting

There were also several wilder beasts with the zebra and impala.

Returning to camp we decided it was game day. Not NFL game day, but wild game day!. We saw 3 lioness on their way back to the den. \240Two of the three had cubs and were nursing

Next we encountered a family of warthogs mom, dad and 7 young hogs. \240This is the first we have seen youth

Just outside camp we saw a zebra taking a San bath and Ralph ants taking mud baths

We enjoyed lunch and our luggage was loaded for the 25 minute bouncing ride to the airstrip the drive to the airstrip is our last game drive in our next location there are only boat rides

Once at the airstrip and on the plane it is a 10 minute flight. \240If we drive to the camp it would take 4 hours due to the roads.

We arrived at the airstrip and our flight is delayed. \240The facilities are less than the prior strip. \240There is a waiting room and a hut. \240No bathroom or other amenities needless to say there was no internet. \240

One plane arrived and we boarded it. The other plane is on 45 minute delay. \240We bailed the plane and were seated. \240I noticed I had left my LV bag between the ruck seats as we were ready to take off. \240The guide went back to retrieve it.

From the air you can see all the water. \240It is amazing. \240

We landed in another airfield, this one different as the runway was grass and when we landed it was being sprinkled

We walked to the camp which they said was 5 minutes, but it was 8-10 minutes of walking on the sand and then 7-10 minutes on a raised platform. \240We were greeted by the singing staff and a welcome drink. \240

Large lounge

Library

Small lounge

The bar

Our home fir 2 nights

We received a new picture of Ooivervtoday. \240He is growing and ready to move to his forever home on Monday

On our return walk to the bar we saw numerous baboons. The one below was on the deck of one of the cabins

We declined the afternoon activity and rested. \240Alane and Steve and Jeff and I went down to cocktails and the fire pit. \240 The crew returned from the boat ride

Jeremiah the resident hippo was munching in the pond outside of the dining area

For the fourth time we saw the Southern Cross tonight

Dinner table tonight

After dinner one of the guides walked us back to our hut and there was an elephant right by the raised decking enjoying a snack. \240

We especially enjoyed our truck mates Steve,Alane,Sandra and Steve \240 We named our Steve’s Bow and Aft from their position in the truck. The 6 of us were together for every game drive and most boat excursions and meals. \240 Much fun!

We arrived at the airport and as we were 2 hour early but we \240checked in . \240 The airport doesn’t offer any food or refreshments except a vending machine so we walked to The Duck just outside the airport

There were many shops selling African made crafts. \240Some were very interesting especially what the Africans do with Bittle caps. \240They cover them with fabric and make trivets placemats and I saw this wall hanging of Africa. The giraffe below was outside a craft shop I just thought it was cute. \240

We arrived in Johannesburg and Jeff headed to Lost and Found to see if they had his iPad he left at security over 2 weeks ago. \240Alane, steve and I claimed the luggage and headed for passport control and customs. \240From there we went to check into our flights. \240Meanwhile back in Lost and Foubd Jeff is waiting for the manager.

Total for check in, security and passport control was over 2 hours. \240We finally made it through. \240Jeff in the interim had to go to a dry cleaner and have his passport copied, then take it to the police station outside the terminal and have it stamped and then take it back to the basement of the airport to Lost and Found. \240Good news he got the iPad back

We had \240dinner at Jackson’s and it was time to board. \240We arrived at the gate and they boarded group 1 then group 2 but not Business. \240The cabin wasn’t ready so we sat. \240Finally they boarded business and we are in our little cubbies. \240So happy as I am pretty tired. \240Flight time is 8 hours and I plan to sleep. \240But first a glass of French champagne

Jeff is so happy to have his iPad back. \240

Good night!

We are on board for Dallas. \240Man I was wrong the flight is 15 hours not 12. \240Good news we are headed home and we have wonderful seats.

We have a 4 hour layover in Dallas and plan to find a nice restaurant and have dinner. \240Plane food is just not the best.