Its usually just a word. means waiting for something. But now it means something entirely different. You've just signed a contract and sent it back. Even though its months away, it said that you're going to africa. It means nothing if it is the first or the hundreth time. It means you're going. But this time its to be more than than. You ask your wife to come along. Watching as her eyes grow big and soft it takes only a heartbeat for the yes to come. You mean i'll get to see the things on TV for real she asks. Than and more you reply. Already the anticipation is there.
As the days grow into week, and the weeks into months, its never far from your mind. The saving has started, never mind the steak for supper, we can have burgers on the grill. Never mind leaving work for lunch at the diner, the ham and cheese on rye in your bag will do. Ammo is carefully load, shot, reloaded, shot, reloaded, shot. You have confidence in your rifles, your ammo, and even in yourself. The last comes and goes a bit, but you know you can hit your target. Airplane tickets, how soon should you buy them. will the price to up, down, what plane, how long is the flight, where does it stop? This has to be the worst part of the planning. The trips to the gunshop, they were fun, the trips to the local cabelas, or gander mountain, they were fun too. This airline stuff, this isn't fun at all.
All of a sudden the day that grew into months are becoming months into days. It's only 2 months away now. Your wife laughs at you for starting to lay thing out, but then you catch her doing the same. Think we have everything? Maybe the dog should come too. The day gets closer and the packing begins. Isn't there a 10 bag limit on this flight?? Something is going to have to be left at home. Repack, 9 bag limit, repack, 7 bag limit. How can we go with less that this? OK we can leave the winter coats at home, 4 bags, then 3. But the guncase is one, we have to get rid of more stuff. Geez, you just bought half of the things you're now leaving, but its finally down to where it has to be.
Its an early morning flight out. that doesn't make any difference, you both have been awake all night anyway. Anticipation. The ride to the airport is dark, and the highways are empty. They should be at this time in the morning. You arrive at the front doors of the airport, unload, and say goodbyes to the kids. Looking for a cart, you find one someone has left. Stack the stuff up. Go through the big doors and look for your gate. There is a long line of people over there, Hope that isn't for our flight. No, ours is on the far side of the airport. The mornings rent on the morning coffee is due. Didn't think you drank that much, good grief its the 5th time you've gone this morning. Maybe you won't need a plane, the butterflies in your stomach will take you there. The baggage clears, then its on to TSA The agent opens your gucase. Seems friendly enough. Sure hope he doesn't mess things up. Its OK. Now through security. What the hell do you have to take off your boots for. You suppress the desire to desire to ask the security people if its alright to leave your pants on. Now its down the long hallway. At least you don't have to carry all that baggage. Sure hope its on the plane, sure hope nothing is broken, Sure hope your guns make it, Sure hope sure hope. You have your boarding passes, and the waiting area isn't to full. You look around at the people. Wonder who is going hunting. There';s that old guy over there with his wife. He's got a safari shirt just like your on. Well sort of like yours, his is old and worn, yours is new and crisp. TIme to board. You work your way down the aisle. Glad you made that 6th trip to the mens room. Your seats are just ahead and the overhead will hold your carryons. Sure am glad they didn't weigh them. Probably would have thrown you off the flight. You look around and there 2 rows ahead is that old gray haired guy. He's reading a hunting magazine, Yup he must be a hunter too. Wonder what hes going after. The lights go out, the engines roar and you feel the G forces working, Sure am glad for that 6th trip. Then you are airborne. The butterflies have left. You are on the way, Anticipation has left, dreams remain. good hunting

butchloc,

You are a poet, you should knowit!

In good hunting.

Andrew McLaren

buthloc you have hit the nail on the head. I just finalized plans to goto RSA for a short plains game hunt in October and the anticipation has all ready begun.

Butch,

You nailed this one also. I'm 2 months out from that departure day and I'm starting to get the butterflies you mentioned already.

Mark

So real butchloc, that I just picture myself in every vignette that you post. Great work!

Once again.....thanks

L

ENOUGH , you are killing me
We have less than 90 days to go for our 2nd trip over.
Fantastic Reads sir ! but the emotions ,dreams , nightmares are killing me !!!
But what a way to go !!!
Thank you !