Steenbox

Here's a male Steenbox that we suprised

Warthogs (Pumba)

For those like my daughters who love "The Lion King", here are a few Warthogs (Pumba in the movie).

Sarah Tracking

This morning after we left the Lions Sarah got to sit in the "Trackers Seat" and lead us to game. Here's the Wildebeast she found!

Lions!

After we saw the Giraffe, we went and followed some new Lion tracks. After an hour we came across 3 male lions who had recently eaten. This lion was nice enough to pose on the hill for us.

Giraffe

After days of looking we finally found a Giraffe this morning right outside our camp

Sunset

Sunset last night

Breda @ School

The children at the school loved it when Brenda would take their picture with the digital camera and then show them the picture of themselves!

Tuesday

Once again our 6am wake up call was well worth it. We weren't even off the driveway when we saw our first giraffe- up close and personal. We told Greg and Patrick it was a good omen for our day. Other than the fact that it was followed by a flat tire and a quick tire change, it was a good omen.

We got to experience Patrick and Greg's skills as trackers. They had heard lions roaring the night before and almost immediately saw tracks. They were amazing. They got out of the jeep and talked about the tracks a few times. You could see how intense they were and that they were on a mission. They speak a combination of English and several local languages with each other (and amongst the guides) so you can't understand what they are saying. But they were definitely tracking lions. After seeing nothing at all for quite awhile, and tracking through trails that seemed barely there- they came to three young, recently filled with a meal, lions who were lounging around and have us some great photo ops. Incredible once again.

Now I'm caught up- I did forget to tell you that one night we followed a pride of 8 lions on the move- apparently focused on a kill in the distance. I wanted to spend the night with them and witness the kill, but they wouldn't let me.

Hope you are all well at home.

We did hear about Michael Jackson and Farrah Faucet when we were in Cape Town. Not much else. Bye for now.

Monday- school visit

What an amzing day.

Our two safari runs were a little quiet. We were searching for giraffes (about the only animal we had't seen on safari yet) and of course teasing Greg a bit about it. We did see some wonderful things and had another great elephant and baby encounter- but the true highlight today was our visit to the village. Thanks to Sarah we all got to have a great experience.

Everyone was very excited about Sarah bringing school supplies. It ends up the Djuma lodge (where we are staying) has a project in the village to help with the schools. It is winter break for the students, but because we were coming they got the school superindenent (my name for the guy who oversees all the schools), some principals, teachers and school cooks, along with about 40 nursery school students to greet us. Greg drove us in the jeep, with Sarah's donation, into the village of Utah. We went to the nursery school that Djuma helped renovate. We were greeted by the head of the schools and introduced to all the staff who had gathered on their day off. Then they brought in all the kids. Oh my gosh! As precious as can be. They have us a greeting in unison. Then, Chris showed the staff the supplies we brought. They were most excited about the glue! Amy, Eric, Sarah and eventually Chris and some of the other adults there (there were two visiting teachers from America) blew bubbles for the kids. They LOVED it. they popped them and trying blowing themselves. They were so cute.

Greg had told me that they would like seeing their picture on my camera after I took their's. He was right about that. I spent the rest of the time taking pictures of the kids and then showing them their picture on the screen. They went crazy for that. It was so wonderful to watch their faces as they saw themselves in the pictures. Amy Eric and Sarah shared the magazines and showed them pictures. They all gathered in groups around each of the (Dittmore) kids and lloved everything they told them in English- repeating their words and sounds of the animals etc... I've never seen such genuine happiness on the faces of my own three kids. It's hard not to tear up just reliving the moment! It was fun watching Chris interact with them also.

The kids were all very affectionalte and interested in everything we did. We were all struck my the fact that with all the chaos and pushing and grapping that comes with that many young children we didn't witness a single sad moment from any of them. Not one tear!

When we had to leave (we could have spent days with them but they needed to go home and eat) they all waved and blew kisses. So so so cute!

It was really fun to see what a welcome the community gave to Sarah and how appreciative they were.

Afterwards Greag gave us a quick tour of all the schools as we drove through the villages of Utah and Dixie. We got to see out tracker, Patrick's home as well.

Sunday

We get the guard's voice at our door at 6am telling us that coffee and tea are ready at the lodge. You really need to set out everything you need the night before so you can pull on your clothes, grab your stuff and get to coffee in a few minutes. Once gathered there we head to our jeep.

The sun is barely rising and you watch it rise from your jeep.

My new favorite discovery: Hot water bottles. You can tell the winters are short and mild- there are no heaters in your rooms. But- when you come to bed after dinner there is a hot water bottle in your bed- better than an electric blanket by far- especially when you push it down to your feet to sleep. Also, there is a hot water bottle and a blanket at your spot on the jeep in the morning. It is cold, but definitely bearable.

This morning we went straight to the water buffulo carcass where a lion was eating. We watched a lioness and her two cubs walk up the road in front of us and come to eat as well. It was amazing and wonderful. The cubs were precious of course.

When we had our fill of that we went on down the road to find a leapord who had dragged her impala kill into a tree. She was at the base of the tree and her cub was in the tree eating, and dropping the occasional bone, that mom would then chew on. While we were watching the mom perked up, jumped into the tree with her bone and a hyena came and collected another fallen bone. I forgot- the night before we watched two hyenas do quite the interactive ritual. They were fascinating. One of them laughed as they walked away. Eric loved that.

I should mention it has been no problem getting the kids out of bed at 6am for a safari run. They are much more talkative and animated on the afternoon runs though. They have definitely warmed up to Greg and interact with him constantly. I think they are keping him entertained.

That evening we also came across about 500 water buffalo at a watering hole and in the road in front of us. We also sat in the middle of a herd of elephants and watched the babies threaten our jeep by flaring their ears at us then running between mom's legs for safety. They are so darn cute! The parents just ignore us.

We stopped for muffins and coffee halfway through our 3 hour run. We were so spoiled- we had already seen the "Big 5" in our first two rides.

Afterwards we gathered for a giant breakfast, hung out a bit, showered, had a lunch, went for a walk with Greg and his rifle, had tea and set out for our next safari ride. FABULOUS.

Thank you Kyle Witten with the African Adventure Comany for hooking us up with Djuma Bush Lodge!

First Safari Ride

Our guide is Greg. He is 24 and raised in South Africa. He has gone through extensive training as a guide. Everything from animals, flora and fauna, astronomy and more. He is awesome. Our tracker is Patrick. He is older and has been working at the lodge for many many years. He lives in the town of Dixie, just outside the park. He knows his stuff (and this reserve)!

We were barely on the road when we came to an 8 year old lion who was resting on the road, after filling his tummy with water buffalo. The carcass was near by. What we were most amzed by was how we rode up right next to him and he just watched us with no concern what so ever. He posed perfectly for our 1 million pictures. Next we went to a watering hole where a beautiful leopard was sitting in the sun drinking. Again we drove right up to her. She was being filmed by a tv show- live- "WildEarth" What's nice is when we come to a viewing, Greg stays awhile so we can really watch the animal in their envoronment and what they do next. Only three jeeps are allowed at a viewing at a time. The guides from all the lodges talk on the radio to each other and tell each other what they are finding, where.

We went to a big clearing where the sunset was incredible and stretched our legs and had "sun downers". We watched the magnificient stars come out. More than I'd ever seen. Greg (and Eric- who took astronomy this year) gave us lessons on what we were seeing. If I am ever lost in the Southern Hemisphere i will always know which way is South now :)

We started out again in the dark and found three white rhinos (one baby) drinking at a watering hole. They were gorgeous. Patrick shines a spot light- they could care less. You could see each of their reflections in the water perfectly. It was something.

What a first ride!

Back at the lodge we had cocktails and then a 4 course dinner around the open bonfire (boma). Greg eats with us and it's nice to get to visit with him and ask any questions we have about our ride.

A guard must walk you back to your room after dark.

I'm Back

Sorry I haven't been blogging- we've had so much to do and the computer is a little sketchy- and very popular. Chris has manage to post some pictures though.

This has been incredible! We were picked up from the airport by a tour guide who drove us 2 1/2 hours to the lodge. The last 45 minutes of so were on dirt roads. We really felt like we were entering the bush. First we passed thrugh many villages. Being a Saturday, people weren't working and the roads were very crowded everywhere with people walking. The tour guide told us all about the townships and local people and how they live, their history in the area etc.... It was very interesting.

Once we entered Sabi Sands Researve, and had about 30 minutes more to get to our lodge she told us we might see animals. Immediately Sarah spotted a girafe with her baby. We couldn't believe it! Now we definitely felt like we had arrived on safari.

When we got to the lodge the staff was out front to greet us. Very very friendly. It felt like arriving at the best summer camp ever! They showed us to our rooms- which are individual thatched roof chalets with patios, bathrooms and mosquito netting all around the beds, topped with flowers on the pillows of course. Our room, in addition to a big tub inside, has a tiled courtyard with an outdoor shower. Very cool!

It was immediately time for tea and our first safari ride.

Eric @ School 2

Here's another one of Eric. Amy, Eric & Sarah really enjoyed the experience at the school.

Eric @ School

Here's Eric playing with the children.

Amy @ School

Here's Amy [laying with the children at the school.

Sarah @ School

Here's Sarah reading to some of the children at the school.

School Visit

Today, after our Safari run in the morning we took the school supplies that Sarah had collected to the pre-school in the local town. It was quite an experience for all of us. Here's Sarah, Eric & Amy with the Children.

Baby Elephant

The baby Elephants have been the funniest so far. Every time they see us they try and show how tough they are and then they run for the protection of thier mother. This baby actually jumped up and down in front of us.

Elephant Herd

This morning we parked in the middle of an Elephant herd and watched as they ate and moved around us. Here's Amy & Sarah enjoying the Elephants.

Lion Yawn

While this looks like a mighty Lion roar, it was actually a Lion yawning!

Lion Pride

Here's the 9 member "Lion Pride" That we saw last night. Friom here we saw them start to go on a hunt and position themselves for a kill.

Hornbill (Zazu)

This Hornbill followed us around durning our morning coffee and snack. The girls loved it because the Hornbill has Zazu in The Lion King.

Elephants

For our afternoon safari ride we saw two amazing sights. First we came across a herd of Elephants including this mother and baby. The baby has turned and flared it's ears at us to try and scare us. Right after this it then turned and ran for the safety of mom...pretty funny. We also saw a 9 member "pride" of lions hunting for food tonight. While we didn't see the kill, one Lion came within 2-3 feet of Eric and Brenda!!!

Water Buffalo

This morning we came across a herd of 300-400 Water Buffalo. This one was right in front of our vehicle. Notice the bird on his horns.

Rhino

Last night we saw 3 Rhinos at a watering hole. Today we saw 6 Rhinos grazing, here's one of them.

Impala

Here's a male Impala that we startled. There was a heard of 10-15 female Impala's just off to the left of this photo.

Hyenas & Leopard

Here are 2 Hyenas we saw last night. This morning we saw a Hyena come and steal a dropped bone from the Leopard below. This is a female Leopard whose cub was also in the tree eating.

Sunset Cocktails

After seeing a lion & leopard we stopped for "Sunset Cocktails". Unbelievable view and sunset!

Lion Family eating

Here's the male, female and one of the cubs eating the water buffalo.

Zebra

Right after arriving at the lodge on Saturday we went out on Safari. We saw a male lion, leopard, zebras, hyenas and rhinoceros...all before dinner!!!

Lion & Cubs photo

Here's the picture of the Mother Lion & hre Cubs. Amazing how close we get to them!

Lion & Cubs

Right after leaving the lodge this morning we ran into 2 male lions and then a female with 2 cubs that then proceeded to come eat the Water Buffalo that had been killed a few days earlier.

WOW

It doesn't get much better than this! Yesterday we had a 2 1/2 hour drive from the airport to the lodge. We passed through many townships and learned about how the native Africans were displaced from Krueger national park and saw how they are living today. At the end of our drive we entered Sabi Sand Private Reserve and immediately saw a giraffe with her baby.

When we arrived at the Lodge they were all waiting out front to greet us.

Sarah at the airport

Nelspruit Airpot

Had a wonderful dinner on the waterfront last night. Local street performers were fun. Heating lamps and blankets everywhere.
Got up early and caught a flight to go on safari today. Most beautiful airport I ever saw. Very warm here. Now it difinitely feels like Africa. Waiting for our luggage- have wireless in the airport.
Thinking of Luke (our dog) who had surgery yesterday. Thanks mom and dad.

Amy eating crocodile kabobs

Mama Africa Restaurant

Penguin

Penguins

Boulder Penguin Colony

Penninsula Tour

Thank you Anita Smithwick and you friends at Delta for recommending Tim Freeman for our Tour Guide. He gave us a great Penninsula tour today. We saw great seaside towns, a penguin colony, Cape Point and Cape of Good Hope, learned a bunch of history and ended with some wine tasting. It was a great day. Relaxing a little now before we go out to dinner. We leave for safari tomorrow and are very excited about that.

Sarah and Eric at the Cape of Good Hope

Views from Table Mountain

Cape Town

We started the day with news that the sea was so rough last night that 2 barges broke off their tugs and capsized, that a group of students were stranded on an Island and that there were many power outages. We were lucky to have scattered clouds and temperate weather.
Our breakfast that is included at the hotel is an amazing buffet- gigantic- to Eric's delight.
We bought all day passes on a double decker bus that goes everywhere and gives you commentary while on it. We checked out the town all day. A castle, outdoor African crafts market, lunch at a cool authentic African restaurant, cableway that rotates 360 degrees and takes you to the top of Able Mountain (amazing views) drove along the coast and ended at the Waterfront where we let the kids convince us to go see the movie Transformers before dinner. Some observations: we don't really feel like we are in Africa yet. More a European/carribbean Monterey/san Francisco. Definitely a developed country with plenty of wealth here.
We sat out under the heating lamps with blankets by the ocean tonight. It is very rough. We saw rescue missions on the beach today for two containers that washed ashore (BIG) that officials didn't know what were in them or where they came from.
Oh- Amy wins the bravery award today for having crocodile kabobs for lung.

New stadium being built for the 2010 World Cup

We made it!

Wow-12 hours is a pretty long flight, but I watched a movie on the seat back in front of me (The Reader) while I ate the dinner they served, read a lttle. popped a couple Tylenol pm and slept a solid 6 hours before they woke us up for breakfast. Customs was a breeze and our very nice driver took us to our Waterfront Hotel and the boys. They were in great shape after a good night sleep. They were aparently zombies when they arrived yesterday. We walked over to the Victoria and Albert Waterfront and walked around the market and had more fish and chips, since our driver told us they are far superior to the Brit's. He even told us to be sure to order the fish Snoek- even though they are Binet. They were yummy. Prices are great here!
We girls started to fade after awhile so the kids are watching movies and will get room service. Chris and I have hit the Lobby Bar and are deciding on a restaurant for dinner.
Plan a trip to Cape Town. Beautiful! Lots to see and we can already sense how much the locals appreciate the Tourists. Our driver pointed out how much we help their economy by coming.
The boys had stormy weather yesterday. Today we have showers and blue sky on and off- warm with rainbows! The ocean and waves are dramatic!
E

London- Heathrow Airport

The girls had a long flight to London, with broken tv monitors and not much sleep. We met up with relatives in London (15 minute Express Train to get there). Checked out Buckingham Palace and Westminster Abby. Had a nice English lunch in Covington Garden then took a bus tour of the city. Unable to contact the boys today- Hope they had a good day in Cape Town. We are now waiting for our flight to join them.
Shout out to Katie Blackwell!

Note from Amy- Aleks and Megan, I'm about to have a Strongbow at the airport in honor of both of you!

Amy and Sarah at SFO

Amy and Sarah at SFO

Girls:SFO. Boys:London

The girls are waiting to board our first leg to Canada. The boys called from London and had been to Hyde Park. Buckingham Palace and Westminster Abby. They were having fish,chips and a pint with Chris' cousin Melissa and her boyfriend Jeremy and niece, Jessica. Thanks Melissa!

Boys are on their way

So...since we traded in milage for free tickets to Africa we couldn't get all 5 of us on the same flight. Chris and Eric left today and Brenda and the girls leave tomorrow. I think their Sunday morning drive to the airport was probably a little smoother than the girls will be tomorrow during commute traffic. They win there.
We will be in transit for something like 38 hours, with 24 of those hours actually being in the air! UGH. We have a 4 hour layover in Calgary and a 9 hour layover in London. We are actually hoping to take the train into London to see a few sights between flights. We'll see how that goes. I doubt I can update this again until Cape Town. Bon Voyage!

Learning to upload photos before we go......Sarah's School Supplies for donation.

Ready to Go

Below I listed the supplies that Sarah collected for a school in one of the villages we will be visiting. Thank you to all of you who contributed. These schools don't even have paper and pencils so we are sure they will love it! We packed 150 extra pounds of luggage full of supplies. Money Sarah raised through school bake sales and donations will cover the added cost of the luggage. We should be coming home a lot lighter. THANK YOU again to everyone who participated!

Packed!

□ Glue sticks – 78
□ Pencils – 425
□ Pens – 284
□ Highlighters – 34
□ Spiral Notebooks – 21
□ Index Cards – 6 packages
□ Colored Pencils – 53
□ Erasers – 15
□ Binders – 6
□ Workbooks – 11
□ Book Covers – 7
□ Rulers – 11
□ Protractor -1
□ Binder Paper Packs– 24
□ Copy paper – 1 pack
□ Scratch Pads of Paper – 37
□ Felt Pens – 171
□ Crayons – 5 packs
□ Toothbrushes – 144
□ Post-its – 26
□ Puzzles – 3
□ Play Dough – 4 pak
□ Scissors – 4
□ Paper Clips – 1 pack
□ Folders – 34
□ Pencil Sharpeners – 12
□ White out - 3
□ Rubber Bands – 1 large bag
□ Bubbles – 8 containers
□ Child Magazines and workbooks – many!
□ Child Dictionaries – 3
□ Ball – 1
□ Pack of Sidewalk Chalk – 1
□ Small Backpack – 1
□ Tape – 1
□ Water Colors – 1 package
□ A few stickers
□ Magazines –lots of : Sports Illustrated, ESPN, National Geographic

Pre-Departure

Just seeing if I can do a more modern version of "Dittmore's Do America". Watch for new posts after June 24th!