I guess I will begin to pull together all my gear for my trip to Tanzania soon with JudgeG and Russell. I know where almost everything I need is located, and really don't have anything to buy. I have plenty leftover from last year in RSA. I'll probably do what I did last year again though. I'll pack and unpack and pack again two or three times. I really didn't overpack last year, and will pack a little lighter this year. If it ever stops raining here in the Southeast I'll go our and zero my back up scope, and check the zero on my primary scope again, but I already know it's dead on. Hasn't changed a single bit since I put it on the CZ. Several wild hogs can attest to that. I've got my Malarone, my shots, and my bug spray, batteries for cameras, and all the other goodies I need. Guess I did a pretty good job of outfitting myself in 2004.
I leave on July 28, flying through Detroit, to Amsterdam and on to Dar Es Salaam on the 29th. JudgeG will be there three days ahead of me, an I hope he has at least one big bull on the ground before I get there. He and I are planning on hunting together, and I don't plan on shooting until he has killed a buffalo. Last year in Zim, being the true sportsman and gentleman he is, he let me have the first shot, and I killed my first buffalo. Due to unfortuate events, JudgeG never got to fire a shot. I have a picture of him sitting in camp lookout out over a waterhole. To the average person, he seems content. But I know the dissapointment he was feeling at the time, and will not let that happen again if I can help it. I will take plenty of pictures this year just like I did last year, and will share them upon my return. There hasn't been a day since I went last year, that Africa hasn't crossed my mind. I guess that's what she does to you. Gets into your blood, your mind, your life, and your pocketbook. But what the hell, you can't take it with you. So, tonight I'll begin my final preparations. I can't believe a year has flown by already. Something tells me the next two weeks will seem to move a lot slower.

Savor the anticipation, and have a good trip.

I seem to be almost the only one that packs at the last minute.

You speak the truth, Dale, particularly the "mind, blood and pocketbook part!". As you know we just got back and are laready pining to return! Have a great time! jorge

1115:

Sounds like you have everything under control as the anticipation builds! I wish I had the discipline you have...I always find things to purchase when heading on a trip, unfortunately it has become part of my routine but it is still part of the fun!

I will be leaving next Tuesday...just a week away! I look forward to meeting you and the other guys at the "Selous International Airport"! See you in the Selous!!!

regard, jjs

You guys have a good trip, give my best to all when you get there...

Hope you have a great safe trip. I envy you guys. Getting to go this year.
I am anticipating my trip next year.

1115 and JudgeG!

Hope you have a great trip! Think of all of us that wish we were with you. Imagine how crowded that camp wou;d be if we all were there.

465H&H

Dale,

Have a super trip and remind Pierre to save me some big animals for 06 and my 21 day safari...See you and everybody else in Dallas Jan 06..


Mike

Dale, my brother:

If you get a shot at a good buff, don't worry about me. Kill the s.o.b. You might never again get the chance. As my dear Emmy said once, "I've already done dog-on done did it!"..

BTW, I had a great supper with the girls tonight. They allowed that they want to come see you and ride 4-wheelers. I think both are sweet on your nephew, Ward. Maybe we can rope him into being there when they come. He's a great young man and a McCarthy for sure.

Let's get together before wheels up and locked and we get to Selous Internation Airport. Damn if we arent going to have some fun! It is one hell of a compliment that you are putting your money where my mouth is... but I have no doubt that you'll be ruint all over again. I just hope I can spend a day with you and your wife one day in Africa. She'll be ruint, too.... just like Jorge's lady. It's an exotic, mysterious land. I just thank my Maker that I can go and experience it.

EBG

I look forward to hunting with you.

I feel your packing pain, believe me.

Mainly, though, I'm just worried like nobody's business that my rifle and/or my ammo will get lost... or they won't let me into the country.

I'm horrified. It's okay, though. I'm ALWAYS horrified prior to major events in my life. I've just learned to embrace the horror.



Russ

Russel,

Not to worry. If your rifle and ammo doesn't get there, you can borrow mine. As to getting into the country, as long as you don't tell anyone you are hunting with JudgeG, you should be fine.

See you in Tanzania

Guys,

Good luck with the hunt!

Is this a 4 x 4 affair, or 4 x 2?

It is a 1x1 for me to begin with (and JJS will be there hunting with Pierr'e brother-in-law... but I don't recognize anyone from Memphis except Al Green.) Then, after three days, 1115, Russell and another fellow will appear/JJS will disappear and it will be 4x2.

1115 and I know Richard, the second PH, and he's tops, also.

You guys have a GREAT time! Show Russell how it's done, and set him up for a huge case of PSD!

Best of luck fellows, can't wait to see the photos.