Well today I turned the big 4-0 at the Little Makololo Camp in Zimbabwe on a very warm and sunny day. I started out in full “Ranger Richey” safari gear. We had a nice continental breakfast and headed out for our safari.
Zimbabwe as I may have mentioned earlier is in a very bad drought so even though we were there during the wet season (worst season apparently to see game) since it was so dry we saw animals left and right! We also had a quick pit stop for some coffee on the planes.
Please see my obligatory “Bill Clinton/George W Bush” photo. Both presidents had famous photos of them looking as something with binoculars in the distance and pointing to it — despite the fact the caps were on. My mocking is bi-partisan!
For mid day we came back for naps and pool time after a burger lunch.
I got to smoke one of my special birthday Cubans from our wedding in 2018 and enjoyed a few glasses of Jack Daniels. The pool was refreshing given the mid 90 degree temps we were in. The boys had a blast jumping in and playing games.
We returned to our cabin and changed in to our Seahawks uniforms. After all they did play against the Eagles that Sunday. The game was overnight while we were there but we won and we sported our Seahawks colors on the evening drive!
After i got my 40 (closer to 50 when the kids were done) birthday spankings we headed out. The evening drives always seem to bring out the most game. That night we saw a ton of elephants from all different ages and sizes as they began to come out of the bush to drink.
We also stumbled upon a lion pride complete with some very cute little lion cubs and a few adult females. Our guide, Patrick, let us stay out a little past dark and even use the infrared light to spot lions hanging out near our camp waiting for their next meal (thankfully not us!).
As we watched another beautiful African sunset the staff prepared another wonderful dinner that night of fish, chicken and vegetables.
They also made me a special birthday cake. They all came out and sang. Now usually on a restaurant birthday you sit there in shame as uninsipired restaurant staff sing a song they sing probably 15-20 times a day. This time the whole camp staff came out and did a very fun and energetic dance and song for me.
I made a few wishes this year when I blew out the candles. We sent the kids to bed, enjoyed another great South African Red by the fire and then called it an early night.
The best part about the day was sharing it with my beloved family who support and love me more than I deserve. Their patience, kindness, forgiveness, and love for me is the greatest gift I can ever get and I get it daily. Cheers!
Richey's Travel Adventures 