About a week into our safari, after we had taken our buf, kudu and impala i asked my dad, who usually becomes homesick about this far into a hunt if he wanted me to try to arrange return home.

"Nope, no way! I really have no desire to leave. This just takes my breath away every day - I can't believe we are really here. I could never have imagined all of this, not in my wildest dreams. It is more than I could put into words."

In the Bulawayo airport, happy but tired he said "I am already thinking about when we are coming back." I told him I was thinking the same thing, but I didn't take his words too seriously - thinking it was just the sort of thing someone says at the end of a great vacation but with no real intention or conviction.

Well, last week I asked him why he was putting in so many hours on the docks (70 years old and still working full time on the docks as a longshoreman).

"I'm saving up for our trip back to Africa. What are we going for next?" and he was absolutely serious.

Did I say "Damn you people!"?

I meant "Bless you people!" Every one of you as well as my PH - Wayne Bartlett and the folks at Nengasha Safaris all said we would be back. Can't think of a better way to spend time and looking forward to the day I bring my children with me.

A couple more with the Africa addiction.

quote:

70 years old and still working full time on the docks as a longshoreman).

Thats awsome!!!

Well having such a good PH it sure didn't take away from your experience. Great to be able to hunt with your Dad.

quote:

Originally posted by Die Ou Jagter:
Well having such a good PH it sure didn't take away from your experience. Great to be able to hunt with your Dad.

Yes, Wayne was absolutely awesome - worried himself into ulcers about getting us our trophies, made sure we were more than satisfied with every aspect of the experience as it was unfolding, took extra care of my dad. Yes, he made it the experience it was.

Paul, Treasure you time with the "old man". Many of us don't have the opportunity any longer. What a great experience for both of you!...Jon

Good for you and your Dad! My 70 year old father and I leave for our first Africa trip in 10 days. I hope he has the same feelings as your Dad does. My whole goal for this trip is for my father to have a great time. If I don't even fire a shot at an animal, I have decided that if my dad has an experience like yours did, it'll be worth it.

Like Biebs said, treasure your time with your "old man". My father and I didnt spend a whole lot of time together when I was growing up, as he was busy working hard to provide our family with a nice life. Every time we go hunting together, I like to think we are making up for lost time.

Good luck when you go back!

Adam

The African bug has bitten two more!

A W A Africa Wins Again

A W A A A Africa Wins Again As Always!

Sorry to hear about your African Addiction.


Hopefully treatment and therapy (returning on multiple hunts and adventures) will cure you of this dreadful aliment.

I suspect there will be repeated and frequent relapses requiring similarly frequent re-infusions of African Experience!

Many years ago (in Panama) I saw an inscription over a bar mirror and never forgot it - " The spell of the tropics, it gets you worse than rum, you get away and you swear you'll stay -but she calls and back you come".

I think the African tropics do that very well!

Paul,

That's absolutely FABULOUS...congrats to you and your dad!!!

I was told before my first trip that Africa gets into your bloodstream and bank account and never leaves either! It is true. Even when your money runs out, your mind returns.

I love it. That Africa bug got you guys bad....


Mike

This forum is like a methadone clinic - it keeps the shakes at bay, but they're still there. Sometimes I can read what's posted and get the old goose bumps of walking the veld at dawn.
kh

I hope it can be this way between my children and I.

My 71 year old father has no interest, at all, in hunting,

and never did.