There were so many but let me start with the funny ones.

If you haven’t read The Legend of Scaredy Squirrel you’re missing out.

Steve Lake continued to remind us every day that the South African cricket team had won the world title.

But another memory that had us all busting a gut at the time was when one of our Micato guides, Nick, told us stories from the bush. As a young guide he took a tour group on a walking safari, and just as we had been told he explained the rules to the group. Single file, talk quietly, and whatever you do don’t run. They came upon a lion, not terribly far away, so Nick put his hand up to stop, and whispered to them that they needed to back away slowly. He turned around and they were gone. So much for no running!

Another was of a fellow guide who didn’t realize he had an allergy to caffeine. He’d tolerate a cup of coffee with no issue, but while waiting for a group that was late he drank cup after cup. While driving the bush vehicle and pointing out wildlife he slowed the truck way down and proceeded to pass out in the driver’s seat hitting his head on the steering wheel. And there was a tarantula on his shoulder. The group eventually was able to stop the vehicle and radio the camp for help, but when the guide they sent for help arrived, got into the passenger’s seat and looked at the driver’s bleeding head HE passed out. Couldn’t do blood. When the passengers tried to wake them both up the 2nd guide saw the blood and passed out again. Can’t make this stuff up! Not sure what happened to the tarantula.

The baboon break ins were certainly memorable; I’m glad I use packing cubes so my underwear wasn’t strewn all over the room.

Our guide Steve Lake reminded us of a Trevor Noah comment. We Yanks tend to pronounce zebra with a long e, Zeebra. The South Africans pronounce zebra with a short e, as in zed.  Trever Noah said, “You cannot name them because you do not have them”.

The other memorable moments were the animals; cheetahs, elephants, zĕbras, wild dogs, lions, hippos, giraffes, impala and wart hogs to name but a few. Hearing lions roaring from our tents at night was thrilling. Hearing francolins squawking at each other in the morning was hilarious. And the rest of the birds! Lilac breasted rollers, malachite kingfishers, sunbirds, go away birds, eagle owls, fish eagles, ibis, bee eaters and more.  And don’t forget the penguins!

Bush Babies to keep us warm.

I have taken a moment here to rest, to steal a view of the glorious vista that surrounds me, to look back on the distance I have come. – Nelson Mandela

Getting hugs from the kids at Red Hill was very special. So was meeting Christo Brand.

So were the welcome songs at all of the bush camps. As was Steve Lake having my tea, Jan’s coffee, and Mark and Steve’s cappuccinos ready for us when we appeared at breakfast. Every day.

The smell of wild sage as the vehicles brushed against it on our bush drives.

The wines and wineries! Steve Lake is a wine guy, and while he couldn’t drink it he could tell us what was good. I’ve just ordered some South African Pinotage and Chenin Blanc from our local wine merchant. Along with some Amarula.

The Micato team bought two of my books for me to sign and then add to their library.

My two helicopter rides.

Sundowners in the bush.

Protea!

All the amazing food and especially Seven Colours Eatery.

But most especially the Micato team, Shamala, Shane, Thandie, Nyashe, Nick, Yaseen and especially Steve Lake for sharing his great photos and taking such great care of us during our time in Africa. We will never forget it.

Did I mention the South Arican cricket team are world champions?

Deborah