We're having quite the adventure this trip. It started over at Federal Air. We learned there were 9 bound for Singita and 3 for Leopard Hills. By my calculation, this meant a completely full Caravan. I would have to jockey for my preferred back seat position. No worries. Fifteen years in New Jersey prepares one for such contingencies.
The Caravan fired up its engines, and amazingly our luggage did NOT head in that direction. Instead, we got the Ferrari equivalent of the Federal Air fleet. All from ROAR know that of which I speak. The Beechcraft 1900, so plenty of room to stretch out. We did the Singita runway inspection, dropped off our companions and met the third party headed to Leopard Hills. AHA! We were bringing Shane the Head Chef home. The pilot said it was 3 minutes to Leopard Hills. I got my watch out to verify. Well, it was 2 minutes to taxi and turn, then another minute to do a post take-off runway inspection, three minutes to the next runway, one to complete the runway inspection of the Leopard Hills/Ulusana strip, and another two minutes to land.
What should appear to our tired eyes but two gorgeous guys and a Range Rover. I thought "This must be Hannes". Sure enough, Hannes and Evert were our welcoming party. We sent regards to Hannis from Freddie, Pat, Milt, Jason, Pam and Jim. Upon arrival, we headed over to Room 7 and then back for a light lunch. The salads here are simply spectacular. The other ranking chef, Izanne, was manning the kitchen single-handedly. Quite literally - her left arm is in a cast, stretching beyond her elbow. She learns today if they can shorten the cast. I can't imagine chopping food with one hand in a cast.
Off on our range rover, we met Gary. Debbie, he was relieved to learn your daughter is specializing in international wildlife preservation law. He hadn't appreciated that from your descriptions :D ;) Anyway, he's still available. We joined a delightful couple from northern Germany and another from London. Geoff is an avid photographer. He's using a Nikon D3 whilst Gary has the new Canon D50. Battle of the big lens is on!
Sightings have been magnificent. Some of the lionesses are in heat, so there's been focus on the family rather than focus on food for the Simbas of Leopard Hills. I have spoken with Marius about locating the surviving male from Pride 2. Fingers crossed we will find him. Today featured a Hippo Pond Match. The ranking male chased off the interloper. They came fully out of the pond for some great photos. We also re-experienced the great Singita invisible wall for other game rovers. Two male leopards were dusting it up over a territorial dispute. Unfortunately, they held it on the Singita side of the divide. No chance to get any closer to the action. We met Duncan and Louise before they left on holiday last night. Last night was a leopard lioness and the burning beautiful African sunset. My camera decided to malfunction late in the drive. Despondent did not begin to describe my mood. Gary and Gary figured out a makeshift repair this morning; but I stayed in last night and caught up on much needed sleep. We used to call that 'attitude adjustment' I woke up my usual happy self today. Whew!
Today's wonderful surprise was seeing two lion cubs (about 2 months old - they still have the blue eyes) with their mother and her sister. I shot a short video of their play - and am hoping it comes out OK. This very nearly morphed into a full on early morning lion kill, as a Nyala doe and buck wandered into the danger zone. A vervet monkey sitting atop a tree let out the warning call, and the cubs kept running under the lionness' feet. Breakfast will have to wait for the lion ladies. The sweetest moment was watching the cubs suckle their mother.
It was waterfowl morning. A duck match started off, with two rival families dusting it up in the hippo pond. A big croc slid into the water, but no ducklings went missing on this go-round. A majestic African fish owl soared in, took its rightful place atop a gorgeous tree, and surveyed the options. It took a leisurely fly over to another promising location.
Food has been quite good and the staff is so congenial and accommodating. We feel right at home here, and are so very glad we found a way to stay for five nights. I'm taking one for the team, ladies, and will test the spa treatments and report back. Tough duty, but someone has to do it. ;)
The rest of the guests get here in about 2-1/2 hours time. Can't wait to see them.
Pleasure, No. 7 RM
