Kruger Day 1

HOLY SAFARI BATMAN!

When Bruce suggested we start the trip with a safari in Kruger National Park, I figured: "Seems fun. We might see some neat animals."

I grossly underestimated how much I'd enjoy this experience. The first hour included watching three young giraffes munch on some shrubbery, from about 2 carlengths away, then 4 separate elephant sightings - each progressively more exciting until two very large elephants walked within a meter of the side of the road on either side of the car. I am reminded that elephants may look cute and gentle but... I would really not want to upset one. They're enormous and strong and I don't think automotive sheet metal would do much vs meter-long ivory spears.

Our arrival time couldn't have been better: we were watching ancient megafauna with magic-hour lighting and the roar of cicadas as a soundtrack.... Magical. My words aren't nearly capturing the majesty nor my enthusiasm... And my phone did its best but I'm wishing I had an SLR with a telephoto.

Still..... Better to be here with the critters and no camera than with a camera and no critters, right? Right.

Oh!! I nearly forgot!!! Baby elephants are the cutest thing. Period. Adorable.

A day-old impala lamb is also a sweetheart... But not nearly as personable.... And personality goes a long ways.

I'm very fortunate to wrap up my 40s this way.Read more