Lions in the sand .. of course! It must be Lion Sands.

Helen - best time of year? Anytime between April and September here in South Africa. Personal opinion? Either April or September.

Remember the old show "Time Tunnel"? Felt like we hit the way back machine to Singita Boulders. The ambiance here is so, so similar. Room design a bit different; lodge only for six rooms so it's a smaller group.

It wouldn't be a group trip without at least a few unexpected twists and turns. One of our company, thankfully, has shaken off tourista and is back in the hunt. As you ladies know from ROAR and ROAR 2, making the morning game drive and one's usual beauty routine are mutually exclusive. We wound up this morning with 4 ladies and 6 gents. The gents were hoping we'd agree to the PITS vs. the TITS vehicle line-ups. The TITS challenged the PITS (photographers in training section) to a photo duel. TITS would vote and yes, it's an election where our votes can be 'influenced' with bling and other sparkly things.

Brandon, our ranger rover who is leading the fashion wave over here, was quick to volunteer for the TITS group. He's getting shorts and gaiters going as the only way to distinguish oneself as both a ranger and a fashionista. He's got the youth and legs to pull the look off. He's become our BRA - Big Ranger in Action. Can't have that many TITS without a BRA, doncha know?

I could write for months about all our conversation. We were in stitches as well as seeing wonderful game. Wonderful bits were: hosting capability in a ranger is very important, and he is one of the hosting legends when it comes to range rovers. I completely concur with that assessment. When the PITS swung by us at the Southern Pride lions in the sand viewing, the guys wanted to know what photos we were taking. Brandon smiled, laughed and simply said "Me .. OF COURSE!!"

Trevor has been here a considerable time, and therefore has the newest range rover in the group. He was trash talking with Brandon as much as Brandon was dishing it back at him.

We enjoyed the Southern Pride's personal introduction yesterday. Seventeen strong, they weaved their way along the road and amongst our vehicles. This morning, they had all obviously enjoyed a substantial meal last night. The cubs' bellies were full to bursting.

More later - computer time exceeded.

Pleasure, Malachite RM