Goodbye, SA!

Sadly, this is our final blog post from SA.  Caitlin is hoping to continue blog updates once in a while after we return.  

During yesterday's afternoon tea, the owner of the lodge named Pippa showed up and said she was going to join us on the evening game drive.  We figured that this put a little extra pressure on the ranger and thus ensured a great evening of animal tracking.  Before leaving Caitlin and I agreed that we hoped to see lions and a giraffe again, as those are the only large animals we have come across only once.  Texan delivered.  We saw a Giraffe along with a few Zebra early on in the drive, then just before we stopped for sundowners came across the same lion pride we watched eat the buffalo 2 days earlier.  First we found the two males, looking much thinner than before as they have not since the buffalo.  Only shortly after find these lions Texon started driving away without saying anything.  Caitlin was momentarily disappointed as we didn't get to spend more than a few minutes watching the male lions.  Just down the trail we found one of the female lions with two cubs.  I think this was Cait's favorite sighting yet, they were some very cute killer cats. As we followed these cubs and their mother, we came upon three more lioness. Texon stopped the car and they walked out of the bush, one by one, right up to our car. We were getting nervous, but they slowly turned to keep walking down the road. There really is no feeling quite  like having such powerful, dangerous animals three feet away. 

After following the lions for 20 minutes or so we headed to Texon's favorite sundowners spot looking over a watering hole.  We had some drinks as well as buffalo wings while chatting with Pippa and the others about the lodge and our fond memories of staying there.  

When we drove off it was dark and Texon drove us right up to the lions new location.  It was pitch black out but we were able to view the whole pride settled in for a night, with a spot light.  What an incredible sight!  

Back at the lodge, We were greeted By the staff with a "chameleon" a special drink of the night. They had set up a beautifully decorated table for two in front of the large fireplace, champagne and all! The evening followed with a wonderful dinner just for the two of us. Did we mention we LOVE this place?!

Sadly we missed our game drive this morning because it was pouring rain, the start of a 4 day floodwatch for Sabi Sands game reserve. We slept in and enjoyed our final breakfast and a relaxing morning. The time came to pack up and say our goodbyes. Cait was very tearful as we hugged all the staff, and of course Texon and Lots, our ranger and tracker. But, we assured them we would be back someday  and we also promised them that our parents would be there in the next couple of years (that means YOU: Chris, sandy, Karen, and ford!) they are so excited to meet all of you! We quickly loaded in our car and started the first 2.5 hours (with cait crying) of our 30 hour trip home. 

Now we are in Johannesburg about to board our flight to Alanta... 17 hours! Woof!

Lots of love to everyone... Can't wait to see you when we get home!

C&S