Now the family reunion

Again no words can come close. We had our four (the outlaws), their four (the in-laws) and five of the following generation. Oh and us, making, what, 15?! I had no idea I was at that station in life. We were fortunate to have a huge beach house given to us to enjoy for the week. It faced the Jersey shore and was an easy walk (about 50ft!) to get to a wondrous place for exploring and Uncle Wiggly adventures.

On cold days we would laugh; at us, the screwball antics of our grandkids, and then would eat too much. I return well marbled from the following diet; hot dog with mustard and sauerkraut, then cheese steak, then Japanese food (I know, some how these don't belong in the same universe) then chew-belch-and-repeat.

We have a family of educators and docs. Weird how that happened. And they all were called upon for various situations that made us proud to see them exercise their professions. I am a proud Papa and Grandpa indeed.

All the little ones were cared for by the entire clan so they will have a time adjusting to the routine back home. Hah, the Papa and Mama's revenge. Such lovely debauchery!

First the Savuti

This area is classic African Savannah, except it isn't as a slight earth quake tilted the delta just enough such that the Okovango complex is now flowing partially through it. The Savuti used to be home to one of the largest lion prides in the world, numbering about 40. It split up when a lioness bred her family away from the pride and things went from there; a population explosion of elephants, wildebeests, eland, kudo, birds, the ever present impala (read Big Macs for predators), everything.

We went there with the intention of seeing this pride but alas it was gone, but the Savuti wasn't and it was magical. And what made it better was that friends from HR were there, Michael (alias "the DH") and MJ (alias "coach") were there. We were a party of 4 and had the guide to ourselves. Johnny was/is amazing.

He knows the area like the back of his hand and we often found ourselves away from any other tour (there aren't many) looking at a fantastic sunset with a hyena in the foreground! Yes the sunsets are as good in the eastern area of Wasco County, but when can you say you saw it from the freaking Savuti? Much less as a hyena was preparing to head out on a night patrol. Thought so.

Words simply can't do it justice. For those of you who know Michael and MJ, ask them. I'm still a bit amazed that it happened, and with them to boot. Bottom line? Have this one on your bucket list for sure. And use Johnny.