It has just begun to sink in.



I've done some interesting and exciting things in my life. I've climbed some pretty difficult mountains, flown the bush in Alaska, made carrier landings in a single-seat jet... had two wonderful daughters, won a $1,000,000 verdict, tried death penalty cases, both as a lawyer and as a judge (at least portions thereof)... I've lived a pretty good life. I've even been to Africa and hunted buffalo successfully a couple or three times.



But in a 45 days, I'll have a real English double rifle in my sweaty hands, with a real safari vest on (heck, even with giant Nitro Express cartridges in it) and I'll be slipping along in the bush after a real elephant with real tusks. I'll get a chance (hopefully) to decide with my PH whether the shot needs to be a brainer or for the the spot 1/3 up and just at the fold of the shoulder. I'll be listening to my heart beat and at the same time, the grumble of the bull's gut. I'll see the tracker's nostrils widen and his eyes grow big, the closer we get... (I'm getting goose bumps writing this.)



I'll put the express sights where the bullet needs to go and, with no little fear, touch off 500 grains of solid. Son-of-a-buck, I'm getting excited... It's going to be the real thing that I've thought about ever since I was 12 and read Hunter's HUNTER and Roosevelt's musings.. And about 50 more.. I can't wait.. I'm just glad I have a good buddy (who posts as 1115) to share this with... I'm pumped my friend... And I can't wait until you get your first buffalo. I hope it's as exciting as my first.



Yahoooooooo!

JudgeG,

Now calm down...hypertension can be safari spoiler!
All cranked up like this already..how are you going to last 45 days?

Rch Elliott

Judge
Inspite of you being a member of the Bar and being a judge, I wish you well on your hunt.
I only ask that when you return and tell us of your adventure you remember you are a hunter and not a fisherman.
Jim

Tell you what. I'm planning on having 1115 video this adventure, as I will video his buff hunt. I'll send you a CD ROM and let you be the judge of the veracity? Can you beat that?



And what's the problem with a little poetic license, anyway.. dang cameras would have messed up every story except the Sermon on the Mount!

There is no hunting like elephant hunting. Nothing close. I'm going to leave May 6 on an elephant hunt and I'm pumped too.

You guys are getting me pumped. Hunting elephant has to be like no other. I've got to figure out a way. Until then, Judge how 'bout puttin me as number two on you CD list. I'd love to see you take your elephant and with a true English double!

Bloody good show old man.

i leave this up coming monday for my elephant hunt.

Judge,

I'm looking forward to a tune-up in a couple of weeks. It won't be Africa, but we can share a fire and swap lies.

David

Four words, Judge: "Forty milligrams of Prozac."

You'll be fine. )

Congratulations, Judge!

Russ

Judge
If you were a fisherman I'd like have the measure of your arm span. You being a hunter is different. Just come back without an elephant foot print on your butt or a buffalo boss imprint on the same location and I'll be most pleased.
Jim

JudgeG,

I wish you the best of luck on your hunt. Can't wait to hear of your adventures upon your return. Take three deep breaths and exhale slowly.

BigBullet

Damn Judge! You're getting me excited! Just hearing about your hunt. Hope you have a hell of a time! & I would like one of your hunting CD's. I'll galdly pay shipping. Kudos!
Regards Mike Birdwell

JudgeG,

It is wonderful to read real excitement in the words of an "old war horse" like yourself! Gives me faith that there is still hope for some of us less experienced folks.

At the risk of starting a small riot, my only question is ... What is this "English double" stuff? Would you be less exited if you were going to the field after El with one of Butch's rifles? (I doubt it! ;>

Congratulations and have a wonderful time.

A couple of us newbies will lift a sundowner glass in late May to you, Ray, and the others that inspired us make our first trek to RSA! It may only be a plains game hunt ... but it's as important to us as can be imagined. Thanks Ya'll.

Ern,
I hate to bust your bubble but Annalie has told Pierre that he can no longer run with the likes of us, so the hunt is off...

You know how wimmen are?? I guess he is going to take up farming, and has hired Walter Hogg as his foreman and Saeed is the new waterboy, I on the other hand will seeking new horizons in the far corners of the earth while you pine away in humid Georgia whistling "Who'd a thought it" ....

Ray:



Actually, my bubble gets busted every morning when I look in the mirror. I dream, then look at my reflection... That'll put reality if focus, all too quickly.



As to the comment about the "English" double.. I hunt with modern firearms as well... this is just a trip to re-live my childhood dreams, just this time, it will be as "traditional" as I can make it. Maybe the next hunt with a Searcy.. I've got one on order as soon as I decide on the caliber. I think they are mighty fine!



And I'd drink Saeed's water any darn time!

Judge best of luck from your neighbors in Thomaston. Can't wait for the stories and pictures. Godspeed Ben(Rug)

"won a $1,000,000 verdict" --Now that excites me!

1M??? No big deal, now-a-days, but 25 years ago, I thought I was really something... that is, until I got my butt kicked the next trial. Some times your get the bear, and sometimes the bear gets you.

I wish I'd had the sense to invest that fee wisely... I'd be lending Saeed money!

Judge,

The best of luck to you. Hope you find the big tusker of your dreams. Then you'll have to go back with your searcy (get the 450) and get an even bigger tusker! Have fun... wish I was going.

Sevens

Judge G,
Best of luck on your upcoming hunt, Could I please ask for a copy of the cd, if it is not much of a hassle I would be prepared to pay for it. We are very much starved of hunting videos here in zambia. Our only respite is the Saturday ESPN shows on satelite tv.
regards

I know someone you would really enjoy sitting around and enjoying the "campfire" type thing with. On this forum I think he is mufasa. I haven't had the pleasure of meeting you as of yet, but you two sure seem to be cut of the same cloth.

People who can take life's downs and enjoy life's ups, realize the difference and appreciate it are few and far between. I would love to see your video. After watching one where I had actually met the PH's and the clients and knew their personalities, it was a world of difference in watching the action.

Good luck and just try to console yourself with Pink Gins until your plane leaves.

Shannon
gotogirl3