Chatterbox that I usually am, some of you may have wondered whether I was even on this adventure! We just arrived at Dulles this a.m. after our 15+ hr. flight in the back of the plane from Johannesburg. I'm stuck in Baltimore because I had car problems on the way to the airport before leaving that hopefully will be resolved by tomorrow. Thank heavens for grown kids who will come to bat in a pinch, as my son had the car towed for me the day we left.

Both our flights on SAA were nearly empty, so every passenger had an entire row to themselves for sleeping (as good as it can get back there in the rear). So I actually arrived back in the states rested!

What a trip! Thanks to Andi, Pam, and Arlene, and Betty for providing blow by blow descriptions of our many adventures. I was on the drives with Marc and Arlene, so she has passed along the exciting parts, and to me the best was the last night when we came upon 11-12 lions who were "resting". Amazing to watch the sense of community among these animals! There were young ones of about 2 yrs lying all about, and at one point, we changed our position in the jeep, and from a short distance away, I heard a low rumbling sound. It turned out to be one of the mothers just coming around the corner, and what a sight to behold when all the little kitties came from everywhere, nestling up to her, vying for her affections. She hugged and licked them all,and after awhile, stood and walked over to another mother, greeted her with a kiss, and they nestled each other before sitting down side by side. I HOPE my photos of this encounter turned out well. Not long after, the male lion came around and just strode through the group, making sure his harem was still in the neighborhood. It was an experience I shall never forget, being able to sit safely in a vehicle watching them move about without feeling threatened by us interlopers.

Other memories that stand out: Arriving at Cape Grace with Suzanne for check-in on the official first day, and the impromptu gathering that occurred in the lobby with all meeting and greeting or becoming reacquainted from previous cruises; the first night drive when the lions were roaring close by on all sides of the jeep; seeing that hippo open his mouth wide as a warning (got a GREAT shot of that one); one particularly colorful sunset on a sundowner one of the nights; having the time on the train to get to know our fellow ROARER's; a "close encounter" with a bull elephant in musth (I think that's how I saw it spelled); the incredible beauty of Singita, and the impeccable service there (they went all out for a beautiful Boma dinner at Ebony, and for our last night outdoors in Boulders when some of the Ebony guests were visiting); watching the monkeys and laughing at their antics (from a distanc when possible for me). It was one more B&K experience that brought a diverse group of people together who share a love of travel and know how to have a great time, and most of all love to laugh together. Can't wait to get home and share pictures with all!