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| A tower of five giraffes on the road in Marloth Park. |
“Sighting of the Day in the Bush”
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| Lots of bushbabies on the stand. |
In yesterday’s post, I stated we hadn’t had a power or water outage in the past week or two, commenting I shouldn’t say such a thing or it will happen. Alas, this morning, we have no water. Go figure.
It’s hard to imagine that I will be able to fly a week from today. The pain in my leg is still challenging, especially after getting up in the morning when I lie in the same position all night long, now on my left side.
As the day wears on, it seems to feel a little better, but now that the doctors insist I started walking again, it’s more painful than ever. Yesterday, I only managed to get in 20 minutes of walking.
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| Moments later, there were seven giraffes. |
It’s not that I’m not demanding and can’t take the pain. It’s more so that my left leg won’t cooperate and I risk falling if I walk more than 20 minutes, in two 10-minute increments. I can’t put my foot flat on the floor, and one can only walk so far, unaided while tiptoeing. Need I say, this is a bit frustrating.
Last night (time difference), I called the airline to request disability handling during the three flights, including a wheelchair at each of the airports. The hardest part will be getting up the stairs to the small plane in Nelspruit and then down the steep, narrow steps when the plane lands in Johannesburg. I’ll need help on either side of me since steps are challenging to navigate.
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| Giraffes in the bush in the neighborhood. |
We’ve yet to receive a visa extension, but we’re bringing all the documents necessary to substantiate the reason for our late exit. We’re hoping this doesn’t delay us in Johannesburg and cause us to miss our next flight when there is only has a 90-minute layover.
I’ll have to pack dinner for myself since the airline won’t have any foods I can eat at the dinner service. Because I’m flying business class, the meal might be upgraded, but I doubt there will be anything I can eat.
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| Mom and four piglets when they were newborns. Now, they are almost full-sized and spirited and come to visit nearly every day. |
Usually, the food situation doesn’t bother me, but this time it’s a little different…I need to eat high amounts of protein each day. Thus, I’ll have my protein smoothie before we leave for the airport and bring along a few hard-boiled eggs and some nuts to hold me over. After all, it’s only one 24-hour period.
The boys are here cleaning the house now, but once they leave, I will pack my main suitcase and get that out of the way. All I’ll leave out will be clothes to wear the next several days, including travel day.
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| Big Daddy by candlelight. |
We’ll pack the third of our three suitcases with the toiletries for our afternoon departure next Saturday and our few carry-on bags. We’re lightening our load this time and will only have the three bags and two carry-on bags each. We won’t have to pay for excess baggage based on my flying business class since I’m allowed two checked bags at no extra cost.
I’ve completed logging all the receipts and only have a small amount to scan, which I’ll do this weekend. I’m leaving all the spices and condiments in the cupboards, per Louise’s suggestion, only bringing a few items that will be hard to find. There are a few bags of clothing we’ll pass on to the boys for their large families and miscellaneous items they may be able to use.
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| This is a grouping of those dangerous caterpillars that can cause a severe reaction if they contact humans or animals. |
I’ve wondered how I will be able to pack when it’s hard to stand and maneuver. I still have the walker for a few more days, and it has an ample-sized basket I can load with clothing.
Tom will place the open suitcase on the bed, and I’ll be able to sit while I fold and pack the items. Tom would be more than willing to pack for me, but I want to go through the items to ensure I don’t bring anything I can’t use.
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| The same caterpillars as shown above making a contiguous “train” as they make their way from the veranda to the garden. The local workers refer to these as “the devil.” |
The only clothing items I’ve accumulated while here were warm pajamas and a few sweaters, which I’ll be able to use in Ireland, where it’s cool in the summer, and Minnesota in November, where it will be freezing. I’m confident I’ll be grateful to have those few items on hand.
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| Female giraffes have hair on the end of their ossicones. The hair on the back of the male’s ossicones becomes worn off from fighting for dominance. |
Have a pleasant weekend!
Photo from one year ago today, May 4, 2018:
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| This sweet mom bushbuck is warm and friendly, having won the hearts of many residents in the park, including us. For more photos, please click here. |