We hobbled out to our jeeps and headed north to Serengeti via Ngorongoro. It was an all day drive with many cool stops. Unfortunately, each time we got out of the jeeps, it was really painful- many of us are quite crippled (and not just the 50 year olds).
We stopped at Oldovai Gorge and saw where the Leakey's did their major digs and learned a lot about that whole business. Later we stopped at a Maasai market which was wild. Didn't buy any cows though.
We stopped at the rim of Ngorongoro and looked in, we'll get to that in a few days. Then we got to Serengeti and our tent camp, at about dusk.
Just as we were pulling in to our new home, we saw 4 lions walking away from it. We have new rules in this camp- once we go to our tents for the night, we don't come out. For one thing, lions are attracted to the sound of zippers opening. We can't go off for a walk or anything outside of a vehicle while we are here either. We had a fun evening beside a fire watching the sun set over the plains of Serengeti which go on forever to the horizon, a really amazing place.
So far the new animals we saw today include:
Thompson's and Grant's gazelles by the millions
Wildebeests by the million
Cape buffalo
Baboons
Secretary birds (gigantic)
Kori Bustards (also gigantic)
Lots of rollers, weavers, plovers and stilts
Tawny eagle, kestrals, a few kinds of vultures, augur buzzards.
And we don't actually start safari until tomorrow.
PART TWO
Photos:
1. Lion in camp.
2. More lions in camp.
2. Hanging by the campfire with the endless plains at our feet.
So good to hear from you guys! We were a little worried but figured it was just that you didn't get reception. Good to hear you got your showers (hope you stayed in it longer then a second Crash so you had time to enjoy it!) And a cold beer, must of tasted like the best beer ever!!
ReplyDeleteLucy and Riz are sure ready for you guys to get home. I told them just this morning that it was real soon now and they looked at me like "yeah right". Probably because I've been saying "soon" a little too often! They have gotten use to the routine though and now wait for me on my porch at night instead of yours. I think it has to do with all the special treats I've been spoiling them with and the fact that I put wet dog food on their evening chow.
But it isn't too long now we'll see you before the weeks out. Hope the soreness goes away soon so that you can enjoy your last few days of exploring.
be safe! Look out for those lions! Thank god for the shewees! :)
THERE you are! I was thinking it MUST be reception (or the solar charger rolled down the mountain). Ouch! Downhill! Hope you're feeling better and better! I agree with "tjsun:" I'll bet that beer was the best ever!!
ReplyDeleteIt cracks me up that lions are attracted to the sounds of zippers! A strong case for elastic-waisted pants, too!
Sounds like you're having a wonderful time and I'm so *thrilled* you MADE IT! Happy Dance!
Stretching...massage...Hot showers, saunas,hot tub etc. will all help I'm sure. But what a small price to pay really compared to your accomplishment. Your bodies really are amazing aren't they...You made it all the way up and down that mountain!! WOW!
ReplyDeleteEnjoy the rest of your amazing journey!!
--J&M