I just got back from my daily session of abusing my tired old body (I turn 56 in two weeks) in preparation for my safari in May/June. I have been doing weight training three days a week, running three miles on a treadmill three days a week, and walking whenever I want to. Today, I put on the boots I will take and did three miles in the South Georgia heat to get them nice and broken in. I have lost about 25 lbs since January and am getting into pretty good shape. At a recent physical, my blood pressure, cholestrol etc was all excellent and I feel better than I have for a long time. I had sugery to fuse four verterbrae in my neck in July of 2003, and got the green light from the doctor to start working out again in January. I leave on May 26, with JudgeG and am pumped now and feel like I will be as ready as I can. I have learned a lot reading this forum, and have gotten some good advice from some nice folks. I am now the proud owner of a CZ 550 375 H&H, a TuffPak, and a host of other items. I have practiced with my rifle, and have enough empty brass to melt down and build a brass bed. I have read Ruark, Capstick, and Nyati. I have learned some Swahili and have done everything I can think of to get ready. Anybody got any suggestions as to what else I can do???

Have a Great time

You have my sympathes considering your pick of hunting partners, but you are smart to get in shape because the slowest member of the group is the one that get et, when something charges..always remember that...and Ernie will be the slowest one, I can guarentee that...but I have to tell you lots of cigarets and whiskey is another way of getting in shape!

Maybe the three of us can do a Bison hunt when you get back..

As a quick physical conditioning process get a pack frame, put three concrete blocks on it. dress in wool longjohns then the outer clothing you'll be wearing, put on your boots with 5 ot 10 pounds on each ankle, get your rifle and other gear loaded on you and carry a four man raft with you every where you go with all you other gear. Do this for a week or two, all the while thinking how much you hate lions, water buffalos, etc.
Once you get to Africa you won't need to shoot the animal you can just run up to him and punch him out.
The upside of this regieme is your wife will be so pleased you are in Africa and think the money was well spent.
Jim

1115:

If after the practice with the rifle you can put your shots in a 6-8" circle at 50 yards, offhand - yeah, you're almost ready. Almost? The last step is to relax and enjoy the adventure of a lifetime! Your PH will turn out to be an interesting guy and he will be absolutely delighted that you got yourself into shape -and even more important - can shoot. (He'll give you a private test under the pretext that you are checking the zero on the rifle after arriving. He wants to see if you're comfortable with the rifle and don't flinch) Believe me, PHs will go all out for a client who has tried to get himself ready for the hunt of a life time! It's the types who never practiced and never tried to get into shape that worry them. (BTW, I was 63 when I went for Cape buffalo and you sound like you could be my brother. It really does pay off. I mean it. Just relax now and go. (Don't get too relaxed in front of nyati!)

Ok, now I'm confused. Do I shoot the circle before or after the cigaretts and whiskey, and should the raft have a motor on it??

T. Carr,

Those are wise words. Your post should be permanently placed right there with the "Questions to ask the Booking Agent/Outfitter" and the "Packing List".

Folks:

Ain't I lucky to have friends like 1115 and Ray. This is not my first safari, of course, but I'm even more pumped up than 1115, I believe, and anyone who has been, knows why.

If any reader is contmeplating finally going ahead and doing it... Dad-gummit... DO IT. Put down a deposit, pick a booking agent and go. The only thing for sure about a safari is that the first time won't be the last!

1115, my friend, we don't have to wait much longer. One month and a wake-up!!!!!

And if anyone wonders, 1115 can hit the eye of a gnat at 100 meters with his CZ.. of course, we have a zillions gnats per square inch, around here. Actually, he is a certified firearms instructor and quite the shot. He'll do well and I'm lucky to be hunting and traveling with him.

As to his getting in shape... I've lost 30 lbs. too. In any case, I'll just tie his shoe laces together right before he shoots.. I should be able to get a few yards head start.

1115: Sounds like you're ready. Just enjoy the trip. Don't overdo your workouts getting ready, I'll be 52 in 2 weeks myself and I have had a couple of accidents in the last few years while working out. It would really suck if you can't go on a hunt due to injury.