Tony and Erika met us in the van they had
gotten for our trip into the Kruger Park. It's called a Kombi and because
you sit up high it's great for seeing game. Best of all, we all could fit
in together.
Being the noble people that we are, I sat
in the back by that teeny window and Bill sat on the other side where the teeny
window doesn't even open. Frank sat next to Tony, who drove, and the
majority of the animal pictures are probably from Frank's camera. (We had a slight disaster here at my computer--the
box of photos fell and now I really don't know who took what. Let's just
say the best ones are mine!). First we stop by the Cheetham's house to
load up.
Since we were in Phalaborwa
visiting Cheethams in 2000, they too have done great things to their
house. They have added a whole open air living area across the front of
the house with a lounge and dining room, including a fireplace where Tony can
cook some of his famous gourmet meals.
How wonderful to be able to live out in
the air like that. Fortunately their climate is suitable too. They
gave a lovely dinner with some friends from Tony's work that evening. Out
front of the living room they have added a lovely pool. We had a chance to
dip in after our days in Kruger.
The next morning we had to get all the
food and clothing and cooking gear for six people for four days in the
van. Where will it all fit?
It all did get in though. Sorry
Erika, no room for those suitcases with your clothes. Actually we put two
suitcases between Bill and me and off we went.
And in five minutes we were at the
Phalaborwa Gate into the Kruger National Park! Do they live in a
convenient place, or what!
Our first two nights were at Oliphants
Camp, an old favorite of ours, which took a few hours to get to, since we
stopped for breakfast and looked at animals all the way. I've decided not
to try to show the park chronologically, but by type of animal, since we saw so
many different ones every day. There will also occasionally be a letter
about the facilities in the park too. Hope that's okay with you. Too
bad if it's not!