Steppes In Africa; One Letter at a Time- ONE WEEK FROM TODAY!! (4/26)

[Steppesister]

I practically lived on a horse from early childhood to my mid-20s. Although I don't do a lot of it anymore, my body's still mostly ok with it. With the exception of the mule ride down to the bottom of the Grand Canyon and back. I was sore after that one!

Well, no wonder you are so comfortable looking! You're a natural!

I'd bet mules are a tad more "bumpy" and less forgiving. But then again, that's a LONG trek down there.

Love a camera with a good zoom! I used to have the Sony Cybershot with 60x optical zoom, which I used for that trip. Having said that, we got pretty close to a lot of the animals. This photo's a good example of that.

That IS close. My go-to lens is my Canon 5.6?/400. Always do a decent job!

This one was a newborn too! The guide estimated a few hours at most. We went at the right time of year for babies.

Whoa! that would be out-of-this-world to get to see! I have no idea what that time of year is, but that'd be a cool thing to aim for.

 

[Steppesister]

Personally, I just make lists. I do have a toiletry kit stashed in the hall closet that gets updated as needed, and besides that, everything pretty much just gets packed at the last minute. I know that approach stresses some people, but I hardly ever am traveling to an opposite climate, so usually I'm wearing my clothes up until I'm packing!

Lists are good too. There are usually a few (dozen) laying around my house too for just about everything. My toiletry kits is perma-packed with new toothpaste put in as needed. I guess it depends on the type (and hype) of the trip! And as you say, the DESTINATION!! I was so hopped up for this particular trip, I practically bought a new wardrobe and packed the clothes when the alternations were done.

 

[AusAnnie]

Well hello there, and a HUGE I'm wonderfully thrilled you came on to say hello and want to read (and hopefully post and chat) along! I am very hopeful this one is going to live up to the hype.

Thank you! I'm looking forward to what's to come

 

[zanzibar138]

I'd bet mules are a tad more "bumpy" and less forgiving. But then again, that's a LONG trek down there.

The mule ride was actually pretty smooth - although we only stuck to a walk. Was more the length of the ride that was a problem there. My mule was a little stubborn too, so my legs got a bit fatigued from the constant 'encouragement' required on the way back up the canyon (not that I blamed him at all lol!).

Whoa! that would be out-of-this-world to get to see! I have no idea what that time of year is, but that'd be a cool thing to aim for.

I was there in early March, during rainy season. Many people avoid it then because it's easier for animals to hide among the vegetation, and some animals migrate further south too (for example, we missed the zebras). Plus, you know... there's a chance of rain. However, I was happy enough with the trade-off of getting to see all the gorgeous babies! And I was lucky enough to not get any actual rain during my visit.

 

[Steppesister]

Thank you! I'm looking forward to what's to come

Exactly one week until take off day!!! WOOHOO!

 

[Steppesister]

The mule ride was actually pretty smooth - although we only stuck to a walk. Was more the length of the ride that was a problem there. My mule was a little stubborn too, so my legs got a bit fatigued from the constant 'encouragement' required on the way back up the canyon (not that I blamed him at all lol!).


I was there in early March, during rainy season. Many people avoid it then because it's easier for animals to hide among the vegetation, and some animals migrate further south too (for example, we missed the zebras). Plus, you know... there's a chance of rain. However, I was happy enough with the trade-off of getting to see all the gorgeous babies! And I was lucky enough to not get any actual rain during my visit.

I've heard those mules are quite stubborn for sure. I think I'd be too if I had to do that walk everyday. Just ugh!

Huh! I'd have not thought of that. But given the pros to the cons, it looks like you had a really wonderful trip!

 

[Steppesister]

ONE WEEK FROM TODAY!​

In just one week from now, I'll be heading to the vast continent of Africa on a mystery, destination-to-be-revealed extravaganza!

​

Let me hear your guesses on which area/country (ies) I'm headed to! (Of course, I won't tell you if you're right, but you'll know soon enough!

Check back next Saturday for the BIG reveal that I'll post from the airport. Meantime, my bags are packed and ready to load in the car, all of my reservations and extras have been confirmed and re-confirmed, and my PTO has been requested. It was nice of work to pre-load 40 hours into my account. I'll use that plus the 16+ hours that I've accrued since starting in February. That means I'll only have to take one day off without pay since I work 4 days a week (well I'm supposed to work 4 days and only have patients scheduled 4 days a week, but always work my Mondays to prep for the week and catch up on lab results, etc...).

So, one more week of work and last minute prep like getting my nails done, getting all my laundry done, my bathroom cleaned and filling the car with gas. Can you feel the excitement?!

 

[pkondz]

In just one week from now, I'll be heading to the vast continent of Africa on a mystery, destination-to-be-revealed extravaganza!

Hah! Mystery no more! You just gave it away.
You're going to.... Africa!

And here I was going to guess Antarctica.

Let me hear your guesses on which area/country (ies) I'm headed to! (Of course, I won't tell you if you're right, but you'll know soon enough!

I'm going to guess it's either South Africa, Morocco or somewhere in between.

Check back next Saturday for the BIG reveal that I'll post from the airport.

Sheesh! Keeping us guessing until the very last second!

and my PTO has been requested.

I like how you pack first and ask for the time off to go last.

last minute prep like getting my nails done

Of course. One doesn't hack through the African jungle without looking one's best.

Can you feel the excitement?!

It's very subtle... verrrrrry subtle.

 

[luvpoohandcompany]

Exactly one week until take off day!!! WOOHOO!

So close!

Can you feel the excitement?!

Just a smidgen.
I’m excited for you. I’m also excited to hear where you’re actually going.
I’m guessing Morocco and Kenya but wherever it is I’ve no doubt it will be fascinating. Safe travels