Saturday, Jan. 12, 2008
We rose before dawn this morning so we could get an early start. We were off to explore our first game park, a small one only an hour away. People warned us that the wet season is not the time to go to game parks; roads are washed away and the lush foliage hides the animals. But someone had told us this particular park was man-made, small and you could see animals no matter what. We thought this would be an exciting adventure for the girls on our first free weekend.
No signs to mark the Park. We found our way by asking. When we eventually arrived to the entrance of Nyala Park, the rickety gates were locked and a worker from the sugarcane plantation came over and called the game warden on his cell. It was clear we were the only ones interested in going into the park today. The game warden warned us about the roads and reviewed a map with us so that we wouldn’t take certain trails where we might get stuck in the mud. Did we want to hire him as a guide? No, we're fine. We have the map. We can do it by ourselves. We're off the see giraffes and zebras.
A minute into the ride the interior of the car swarms with huge flies. And they bite! We quickly roll up the windows and swat at the ones trapped inside. Poor Stephen! Insects always seem to prefer Stephen from the rest of us. He was trying to drive, navigate puddles, keep from skidding off muddy roads, read the crude hand drawn map while slapping the dozens of flies landing on his neck and other other exposed skin. He was getting eaten alive! We met the game warden again driving his motor bike down the paths, probably making sure we weren't stuck in the mud. We were overjoyed to see him and invited him to jump in. We did not want to get stuck and become stranded out there by ourselves.
The car became a sauna with the windows up. Quick, get the camera. Our first sighting, a herd of Impalas. The camera lens steams over and I miss the photo. At one point one of the girls says something about a mirage and I say, “A welcome mirage would be a sighting of the exit gates.” I don’t think our guide understood the humor but we got to giggling and the howling with laughter as Stephen slapped another fly. We couldn’t stop.
The trip was a disaster, but a hilarious one. At least we didn’t get stuck.
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6 comments:
Jordan, I'm sorry you didn't see that huge hippo over there in the swamp. Those danged flies ruined it for you. Better luck next time. G'ma
Hey!! You four have more love of adventure I expected. Keep up your spirits if not your spray cans of "OFF". If I were with you, I'd share these favorite Grandpa-isms:
1. Love you a lot.
2. Your worst nightmare might well be your guardian angel in disguise.
Signed: Grandpa (awaiting today's rain/snow)
Hey H-N Crew!
We miss you tons! LOVED the photos of the girls with the babies. I can just picture Stephen swatting those flies! Can't wait for more stories. Life at APC is bustling, but you all are greatly missed. Keep the wonderful stories coming! Love, Jenna
I felt like I was right there with you in the truck on safari. You all are great storytellers. You've taken us from laughter on the safari to tears in the orphanage. Who knew that Jordan was as good with babies as she is with puppies and kittens!
When the rain ends, we're sure the safari action will improve!
Keep your blogs coming - we love to read them.
Your trip sounds sort of like a concert in August. Mosquitoes are the flies, and I'm Uncle Steve! Too bad you didn't see those hippoes. I told my friends that your'e in Africa. They're AMAZED! Miss you SO much.
Julia (aka Tumbleweed)
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