SAFARI PICTURS - DAY 1

Let's start at the beginning shall we?! As we entered the gate to the game range the first thing we saw was zebras, a giraffe, and monkeys. The monkeys were way to fast to catch a picture of, the zebras were so close I didn't get a great picture, but the giraffe - ahhh...the lovely giraffe, he posed very nicely for us. (This picture is especially for our friend Kate!!!)Next we checked into the lodge. They greeted us curbside as we pulled up. They unloaded our luggage, offered us fresh juice, and took us to our tent. Here's a picture of Leah "going in". It's really a super cute tent. We feel like we're back at summer camp!We had time to get freshened up a bit, then it was time to head out to safari. Michael introduced himself and said he'd be our ranger during our entire stay. The rangers really do everything for you. They come by your tent to give you a wake up call in the morning; if you have to drive somewhere - they will take you. They have all their meals with you as well. Michael has been very nice.The first animal we came across on safari was an Impala. They're so beautiful and there's tons of them out here.

The animal we saw next was an ostrich. The ostrich came right up to the truck and was pecking at it. It almost got our friend Sindy's bottom. When we left it ran right beside the truck for a long time.We were on our way to try and find lions and we had to cross over this little pond. It was the most incredible pond, the water almost seemed to be magical in how well it reflected everything around it. The water itself was not pretty or even clean, but the reflection on top of it was astounding. **Coming back that night we were using a big searchlight to look for lions and shining the light on the water we were able, even then, to get a reflection of the trees around it.**It was getting pretty close to sundown and we came across this Wilde beast. He had his back to us and then it was almost as though he realized we were taking pictures and he posed to give us this great shot. I really like Wilde beast - I think they have incredible faces.

That's it for Day 1 of the safari. We ended the evening without seeing lions, but we did see:

Impala

Ostrich

Monkeys

Giraffes

Kudu

Hyena

Jackal

Wart hogs

Thanks for checking in on us. We're having an amazing time and appreciate all your prayers. Every one here has been incredibly kind and the food is terrific!

Blessings,

Aubrey & Leah