....with Ivory Lodge at Lions Sands. Alan and I have been grinning since yesterday when we arrived. What a property!

This IS the rainy season and it has already started. So, no off-road adventures. Yesterday we saw three of the big 5, water buffalo, elephants and two leopards mating (they were pretty far away but we could see them, especially with binoculars). This morning we say two rhino and finished off the big 5 with a lion sighting, although again, far away.

And, I bet most of you have never been on safari in the pouring rain. That was us this morning. We deserve a prize for sticking it out through the downpour. But, the close-up white rhino sighting was the prize.

It's not cold in the mornings like we expected. It's a good thing because we forgot the gloves and ear protection. All you amarula fans will be glad to know that we are drinking it with our morning coffee stops even though the weather is mild.

Last night, we were supposed to have a Boma dinner. The staff greeted us with their native songs as we arrived back at the lodge. Made me teary eyed. Then, it started raining so we had an inside boma.

Even with the rain, this is a fantastic experience.

Slow internet so no photos although with the clouds and rainy weather, photos have been few. I have a new appreciation for the lens lads. Safari photography is hard!

More later.

Oh, Donna, your adventure has started! I'm so glad you and Alan are enjoying Lion Sands. We can't wait to hear more! Happy safari!

Andrea

Donna, Sounds like your safari is just wonderful. Continue to have a great time and see you and Alan and the rest of the GAMErs in Madikwe Hills 3 days. WE ARE SOOOOO EXCITED TO GET THERE!!!!!

Sounds like the rain won't hamper your exciting adventure - sounds very special - keep enjoying!!!

Fantastic that you got an email out from Ivory L.! We had a very hard time with that. You & Alan do deserve a medal for doing a game drive in the pouring rain! (They were praying for rain in Sept...) I love how they met you with the singing! - I understand the tearful eyes, Donna! The people are so special and sweet. You're having a magical adventure - we can see you & Alan smilin'!!

Which house do you have? Glad you love Ivory lodge! Have you had a Pimms cup? They are yummy. If not, ask for one. Glad you are having a great experience. Have you bought any of my favorite necklaces? These are the glass beaded ones...They are fairly short, and have little glass beads strung around balls that are strung together. You can find them over at the other lodge in their store. They look nice with everything. They are about $30-40.Sorry about the rain. Have you seen Harry the Hippo yet. Make sure they take you to see him in the
evening to do his water ballet. What troopers you are to see this in the rain. At least you have the lovely houses and you can play pooch!

Oh, Donna, I'm so glad you are seeing the wonders even with the rain! I have freely admitted that going on Roar1 was something I did for Mark, just like he went to Scotland for me. Luckily, we both fell in love with each other's desired destinations and we can't wait to go back to both.

Once you've been to S. Africa, you never stop wanting to go back.

Donna, I've never seen a drop of rain in the camps, but I sure did in Cape Town last time we were there, it was awful! So glad it changed, as our weather in the camps was great.

Donna - the pouring rain is a different dimension for the safari drives. Good for you for sticking it out ... and some decent animal sightings along the way.

Can't wait to hear more. Hope you are able to sneak another e-mail out while you are there.

Cheers, Anne