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- Jun 4, 2017
- ☀️ 19 °C
- Altitude: 3,133 ft
- BotswanaNorth-West19°14’20” S 23°21’18” E
Third Bridge, Moremi National Park
June 4, 2017 in Botswana ⋅ ☀️ 19 °C
Third bridge was just 15km from our previous camp. However, it was going to be the biggest driving challenge so far, with several water crossings to negotiate. We talked to other travelers and received a surprising range of responses about their experiences from “you’ll have no problems just take it slow and steady”, to “OMG I do not want to ever do that again!” We did a little scouting trip the other day to get an idea of what was coming, but turned around about 5km in, after completing a couple of small water crossings and coming upon a longer crossing where the options were what looked like a murky water of undetermined depth or a black mud path, which looked like it had recently devoured the previous vehicle trying to navigate across. We decided to turn back as we have to cross this in a couple of days anyway, so why do it twice?
Third bridge is just past the infamous Fourth Bridge, which lives large in the Christy and John travel legend. This is where, apparently, approximately 7 years ago, John plotted to have Christy devoured by lions. Third bridge itself also lives in infamy for John, where it was proved that he might be further down the evolutionary ladder than he thought he was after being out-witted by some very clever baboons. Many have heard this story, but John may tell it again later after we safely get through the water crossings.
Had an amazing stay here -- saw wild dogs! They ran through camp, which we missed, but then we raced (in the truck) to the front gate and spotted them. Unfortunately there weren't any great photos because: 1) the wrong lens was on on the camera, 2) John was driving and Christy doesn't know how to use said camera, 3) Christy panicked and couldn't get a good shot. The dogs ran up the road and we pursued. John tried taking a photo through the window, but the only photo we could get was of the dog pooping. Sorry folks. That's the only good shot we got!
Met some super nice folks from Cape Town who invited us on a boat cruise on the Delta. Stunningly beautiful. They were also going to Khwai next...more on that soon.Read more
Lucinda Ayers LOVE the new LED lights! What a difference. Also - I've heard the baboon story, but please tell the one about Christy and the lions. I'm pretty sure she escaped devouring...??
Mike Todd What an incredible photo!
Christy Dobbs John asked me to get out and take a picture of the truck crossing a wooden bridge---this an hour or so after we'd been told there was a pride of lions near 4th bridge. I was out of the truck taking the picture when it dawned on me that the location was the same as where the lions were. Whether or not John realized this will always be debatable. I ran back to the truck and let him know he couldn't get rid of me quite so easily.
Lucinda Ayers Nice try John! I'm glad the plot was foiled by your quick thinking, Christy! 😍