My last safari was with my dad decades ago when I was a teenager.

Now, I am heading to Zim in about a week. Elephant bull, tuskless, cape buffalo, zebra and a leopard if we find one.

I am in Europe now. Heading back to the States in a few days to pick up and do final sight in of rifles, get my Hep-B booster shot and pack.

Then, the trip begins. I have made a pre-Safari checklist, and a Safari pack list in order not to overlook anything.

I think I am ready. Why do I feel anxious though?

The Macomber Factor?

Don't worry mate. It goes away after your first Gin & Tonic.

Maybe it is anticipation instead of anxiety? It'll be fine, go and enjoy yourself. Shoot straight and be safe.

Wow, what a shopping list. I'd be tingling all over, quite natural. Where are you going, and who will you be hunting with?

quote:

Why do I feel anxious though?

Hard to explain, but for some of us, living a dream is hard to accept, but I bet when the plane touches down in Africa all that will go away.

Excitement and anxiousness are pretty close to the same thing. If you weren't excited, there would be something wrong with you or you should find a new hobby.

Best of luck, safe travels, and good hunting.

Damn
Enjoy it and have a blast

TANKS, I don't want you to feel anxious or nervous, so I will make the sacrifice and go for you!

quote:

TANKS, I don't want you to feel anxious or nervous, so I will make the sacrifice and go for you!

Only the best of friends will make that kind of sacrifice.

Re-watch Episode 3452 of The Young and the Restless and all will be clear.

Or just finish preparations and go.

quote:

Originally posted by fairgame:
Don't worry mate. It goes away after your first Gin & Tonic.

+1

You'll do fine, Andy. Just enjoy it all.

I just finished packing and weighing my gear. Beau and I leave tomorrow. Africa is always a treat; #20 in 20 years for me and #3 in a row for Beau!

Best of luck and we'll compare notes after we're back.

quote:

Originally posted by tanks:
My last safari was with my dad decades ago when I was a teenager.

Now, I am heading to Zim in about a week. Elephant bull, tuskless, cape buffalo, zebra and a leopard if we find one.

I am in Europe now. Heading back to the States in a few days to pick up and do final sight in of rifles, get my Hep-B booster shot and pack.

Then, the trip begins. I have made a pre-Safari checklist, and a Safari pack list in order not to overlook anything.

I think I am ready. Why do I feel anxious

though?

You don't need to - I should be and I am.

Zim should be a blast.

I am going going to Alaska in one week

Have to do a boat load of work stuff, drive from Florida to Dallas. Do a dove hunt in TX or as Biebs has said a waitering gig. And then get on a plane to Alaska.

I still have do the final sight in for the gun.

Call the charter guy to somehow get to camp.

Talk to the guide - I am going to depend on Biebs for that.

Open my rain gear and thermal gear that is in a box from Mid-way.

Stop by at Cabelas in Gonzales LA to pick my shoes, thermal underwear, sleeping bag ect.

Do a boat load of work and admin stuff for work. Work meetings Houston over weekend.

I have to pack for Alaska, the dove hunting trip, works trips before and after the hunts.

I drive out Thursday morning and I have done nothing yet.

I need to find a packing list for alaska and check it off at Cabelas THursday night.

But Biebs has promised me clear blue skies and view of Mt Mckinley every day.

Mike

I guess the anxiety is more of impatience, anticipation, and excitement. Tomorrow I head back to the States (another 20+ hour trip).

I will have four days to tie up all remaining items before I leave. Can't wait.

I'm glad to hear that someone besides me has felt this way. Before I made my last trip (to Zim in 2011) I had butterflies for a week, but not the good kind. I had a hard time putting my finger on it too. There was anxiety about my rifle and I arriving in the same places at the same times, about leaving my wife and sons home for two weeks (actually, no small amount of guilt on that point), about whether I should be spending our money on an expensive hunting trip instead of oh, saving for retirement or the kids' college.... But the rational part of my brain had worked through all of that long before, so what was bothering me?

Once I got on the plane for the first leg of the trip, the die was cast. Bags were checked, I was buckled in, I was ready to go! A day and a half later, on the first morning of the hunt, I saw a pair of black rhino, my first wild elephant and a mid-fifties kudu that I didn't want to shoot. I felt great!

I know you will too. Make sure to show us pictures.

quote:

Originally posted by tanks:
I guess the anxiety is more of impatience, anticipation, and excitement. Tomorrow I head back to the States (another 20+ hour trip).

I will have four days to tie up all remaining items before I leave. Can't wait.

Some of the malaria drugs can cause anxiety and depression in the worst cases.

The drugs I will be taking are supposed to be started TWO days prior. I will start them on the 8th.

Reminds me of the feelings that rose up before a big football game. They aren't comfortable but they are a normal part of the sport of dangerous game hunting.

Besides, when you were a kid, what did you really know, anyway? As I age, my life becomes more "real" and I am mortal.

I imagine the anxiety will start to settle once you board your plane. Best wishes on a great adventure!

Tank:

Best of luck and let us know how it goes. Good hunting; keep the wind in your face.