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Well, it begins! Just paid for my airline tickets for my first safari!
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Well, it is really going to happen! I fly out on May 28 from Orlando to Frankfurt, then May 29 from Frankfurt to Windhoek, arriving the morning of the 30th. 8 days/7 nights at Otjikoko (Martin Walter Farms) near Omararu, and then a few days of sightseeing. And now the quest for gear and LOTS of practicing at the range begins!

I still can't believe I am doing this - especiall given my income level and experience.

Thanksto all so far for all the help, and get ready for even more questions (some silly, some not!)


_____________________________________________________________________________________________________
Far better is it to dare mighty things, to win glorius triumphs, even though checkered by failure... than to rank with those poor spirits who neither enjoy nor suffer much, because they live in a gray twilight that knows not victory nor defeat. - Theodore Roosevelt
 
Posts: 555 | Location: Tampa, FL | Registered: 09 November 2007Reply With Quote
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I just did the same will be getting to Windhoek on 31 may
 
Posts: 279 | Location: Cypress, TX | Registered: 20 February 2007Reply With Quote
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quote:
Originally posted by JohnCrighton:

I still can't believe I am doing this - especiall given my income level and experience.
What's worse is when you get hooked, and you probably will, and you go again, and again, and again. Big Grin
 
Posts: 1357 | Location: Texas | Registered: 17 August 2002Reply With Quote
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John,

First off congrats... secondly you will never be the same... Only us Africanites understand... Been there three times and she calls me back for another... Which is in the planning...

Mike thumb


Michael Podwika... DRSS bigbores and hunting www.pvt.co.za " MAKE THE SHOT " 450#2 Famars
 
Posts: 6768 | Location: Wyoming, Pa. USA | Registered: 17 April 2003Reply With Quote
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Good Luck !!! thumb, and enjoy it, you will became an africadict Big Grin, dont forget the post and pictures!!! thumb


"Every ignored reallity prepares its revenge!"
 
Posts: 883 | Location: Provincia de Cordoba - Republica Argentina -Southamerica | Registered: 09 May 2007Reply With Quote
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Good to see you booking. Keep reading, exercising and practicing and you will get it done.


_______________________________

 
Posts: 4168 | Location: Texas | Registered: 18 June 2001Reply With Quote
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Thanks, guys. What is amazing is the support from my wife - she won't go (fear of flying) but is totally supportive. She even told me to buy myself some really nice boots (Russell Mocs) today and to spare no expense for my trip. I'm a lucky man.

Of course, I need to buy her something amazing over there. Any suggestions?


_____________________________________________________________________________________________________
Far better is it to dare mighty things, to win glorius triumphs, even though checkered by failure... than to rank with those poor spirits who neither enjoy nor suffer much, because they live in a gray twilight that knows not victory nor defeat. - Theodore Roosevelt
 
Posts: 555 | Location: Tampa, FL | Registered: 09 November 2007Reply With Quote
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quote:
Originally posted by JohnCrighton:
Thanks, guys. What is amazing is the support from my wife - she won't go (fear of flying) but is totally supportive. She even told me to buy myself some really nice boots (Russell Mocs) today and to spare no expense for my trip. I'm a lucky man.

Of course, I need to buy her something amazing over there. Any suggestions?


Welcome to the slippery slope of addiction.

As for the wife, you will be in the biggest diamond/gold market in the world.


MopaneMike
 
Posts: 1112 | Location: Southern California USA | Registered: 21 December 2006Reply With Quote
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Congratulations John and I agree with all the above comments as to the addiction factor. There may be prettier places on earth, but there's something about it that gets under your skin. As to the ladies that support us so admirably, I do have to admit that I've reached that level of obsession that I hear, albeit sweetly, "but you just got back!"
 
Posts: 1278 | Location: Texas Hill Country | Registered: 31 May 2007Reply With Quote
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quote:
Originally posted by MopaneMike:
quote:
Originally posted by JohnCrighton:
Thanks, guys. What is amazing is the support from my wife - she won't go (fear of flying) but is totally supportive. She even told me to buy myself some really nice boots (Russell Mocs) today and to spare no expense for my trip. I'm a lucky man.

Of course, I need to buy her something amazing over there. Any suggestions?


Welcome to the slippery slope of addiction.

As for the wife, you will be in the biggest diamond/gold market in the world.


The problem is she doesn't like gold or diamonds! (Yeah, I know - I'm a VERY lucky man!)


_____________________________________________________________________________________________________
Far better is it to dare mighty things, to win glorius triumphs, even though checkered by failure... than to rank with those poor spirits who neither enjoy nor suffer much, because they live in a gray twilight that knows not victory nor defeat. - Theodore Roosevelt
 
Posts: 555 | Location: Tampa, FL | Registered: 09 November 2007Reply With Quote
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She doesn't have blue eyes by any chance? You might try a beautiful Tanzanite pendant and matching ear rings to compliment. Something really nice from Africa.
 
Posts: 1517 | Location: Idaho Falls, Idaho | Registered: 03 June 2004Reply With Quote
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John, good to see that you will make it to Africa. I hope you have a wonderful trip. Good luck!


Karl Stumpfe
Ndumo Hunting Safaris www.huntingsafaris.net
karl@huntingsafaris.net
P.O. Box 1667, Katima Mulilo, Namibia
Cell: +264 81 1285 416
Fax: +264 61 254 328
Sat. phone: +88 163 166 9264
 
Posts: 1339 | Location: Namibia, Caprivi | Registered: 11 September 2005Reply With Quote
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EXCELLENT STUFF. Congratulations!

As for Mama, do make a turn at the Springer (chocolate) factory shop in Windhoek. She's sure to send you back for more! Wink

You might find something she'd really like at the better curio places - printed materials, lots of bracelets / trinkets / whatever.

But most of all - take her millions of photos, so she can share in your trip when you get back. Sounds like you have a gem of a woman there.
 
Posts: 408 | Location: Johannesburg, RSA | Registered: 28 February 2001Reply With Quote
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Mike has the best way of affording Safari - Right Mike? Big Grin thumb
 
Posts: 5338 | Location: Bedford, Pa. USA | Registered: 23 February 2002Reply With Quote
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Congratulations, John.

It's been fun watching you go through the process of convincing yourself (and your wife) about going to Africa. When you get back don't forget to check into a local chapter of AA (Africa Anonymous). You'll need all the support of those who understand.

What will you be hunting for in Namibia?

Namibiahunter



.
 
Posts: 665 | Location: Oregon or Namibia | Registered: 13 June 2007Reply With Quote
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John,

I know we all like to have the perfect safari gear for our trips, especially the first one. However, don't spend a bunch of money on boots, clothes, knife, GPS, pack, flashlights and such. I will wager you can outfit yourself with the gear you have on hand. Instead, save the money and use it for practice ammo, good optics, good camera, trophy fees, extra days or touring expenses. Those investments will pay many more dividends in the years to come than a pair of Russells, Filson shirts, Long Grass shooting sticks or Surefire light. Taxidermy is a better investment than new gear for the total enjoyment of your first trip.

Perry
 
Posts: 1144 | Location: Green Country Oklahoma | Registered: 16 December 2003Reply With Quote
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Taxidermy is a better investment than new gear for the total enjoyment of your first trip.



thumb Wink


SAFARI ARTS TAXIDERMY
http://www.safariarts.net/
 
Posts: 1378 | Location: Virginia, USA | Registered: 05 March 2005Reply With Quote
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She does like bracelets and earrings - and sapphires and emeralds have always made her smile. She told me, though, that aside from me coming back safe and sound, a Zebra skin was a MUST. So I really need to make sure I shoot a good one Smiler


quote:
Originally posted by Rikkie:
EXCELLENT STUFF. Congratulations!

As for Mama, do make a turn at the Springer (chocolate) factory shop in Windhoek. She's sure to send you back for more! Wink

You might find something she'd really like at the better curio places - printed materials, lots of bracelets / trinkets / whatever.

But most of all - take her millions of photos, so she can share in your trip when you get back. Sounds like you have a gem of a woman there.


_____________________________________________________________________________________________________
Far better is it to dare mighty things, to win glorius triumphs, even though checkered by failure... than to rank with those poor spirits who neither enjoy nor suffer much, because they live in a gray twilight that knows not victory nor defeat. - Theodore Roosevelt
 
Posts: 555 | Location: Tampa, FL | Registered: 09 November 2007Reply With Quote
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I've already signed up as a member Smiler

I'll be hunting Zebra, gemsbok, springbok, warthog, impala, kudu, and will be allowed to take (free) as many jackals and baboons as I want (the owner's wife HATES baboons with a passion.)


quote:
Originally posted by namibiahunter:
Congratulations, John.

It's been fun watching you go through the process of convincing yourself (and your wife) about going to Africa. When you get back don't forget to check into a local chapter of AA (Africa Anonymous). You'll need all the support of those who understand.

What will you be hunting for in Namibia?

Namibiahunter


_____________________________________________________________________________________________________
Far better is it to dare mighty things, to win glorius triumphs, even though checkered by failure... than to rank with those poor spirits who neither enjoy nor suffer much, because they live in a gray twilight that knows not victory nor defeat. - Theodore Roosevelt
 
Posts: 555 | Location: Tampa, FL | Registered: 09 November 2007Reply With Quote
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Luckily I already have two Zeiss scopes that I'm bringing as well as some nice bins. I was woefully lacking in the boot and clothing department, but found some good values out there (LOVE Cabelas!).

And if there is one thing I have a TON of that is flashlights! My wife says I have a fetish with flashlights.



quote:
Originally posted by PWN375:
John,

I know we all like to have the perfect safari gear for our trips, especially the first one. However, don't spend a bunch of money on boots, clothes, knife, GPS, pack, flashlights and such. I will wager you can outfit yourself with the gear you have on hand. Instead, save the money and use it for practice ammo, good optics, good camera, trophy fees, extra days or touring expenses. Those investments will pay many more dividends in the years to come than a pair of Russells, Filson shirts, Long Grass shooting sticks or Surefire light. Taxidermy is a better investment than new gear for the total enjoyment of your first trip.

Perry


_____________________________________________________________________________________________________
Far better is it to dare mighty things, to win glorius triumphs, even though checkered by failure... than to rank with those poor spirits who neither enjoy nor suffer much, because they live in a gray twilight that knows not victory nor defeat. - Theodore Roosevelt
 
Posts: 555 | Location: Tampa, FL | Registered: 09 November 2007Reply With Quote
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It's been 1 year, 5days, and 3 hours and 47 minutes since I got back from Tanzania. You will soon know what I mean. Have a great time, which I haven't a doubt that you will. I'm planning the next one! ! ! ! ! ! beer
 
Posts: 442 | Location: Montana territory | Registered: 02 July 2005Reply With Quote
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Congratulations!

I won't be far behind you. I will be in Namibia for my first safari starting on July 6, 2008 with Vaughan Fulton for Leopard/PG. I haven't even left yet and I'm thinking about '09 options.


BUTCH

C'est Tout Bon
(It is all good)
 
Posts: 1931 | Location: Lafayette, LA | Registered: 05 October 2007Reply With Quote
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John, your enthusiasm is contagious! It sure is exhilarating, isn't it... I just got off the computer with a confirmed flight to Vic Falls in September of 2008. Boy-oh-boy, it is almost too must to bear.... thumb

- mike


*********************
The rifle is a noble weapon... It entices its bearer into primeval forests, into mountains and deserts untenanted by man. - Horace Kephart
 
Posts: 6653 | Location: Switzerland | Registered: 11 March 2002Reply With Quote
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John,
Congratulations. It seems like only yesterday (or last month) when you first pondered the idea of going. I too am heading to Africa for the first time this summer, though I have to wait till July as I'm taking my son with me, and have to wait for his summer vacation. By the way, are airfares outrageous. Holy crap. I forgot the lube when I called the travel agent.
 
Posts: 78 | Registered: 26 June 2007Reply With Quote
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