Lots of warm greetings at Quiz Nights…

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Hal and Wally stopped by for a visit.

Last night we arrived at Giraffe Pub and Grill with plenty of time to settle in before Quiz Night began at 6:30 pm. The atmosphere was relaxed and welcoming, with a mix of locals and familiar faces, many of whom came over to warmly greet us as we sat at the bar. We commiserated with the locals, and after perusing the menu for a few minutes, we placed our orders and headed to the outdoor area to find our new game table as we waited for our food.

This baby zebra may have been born in the past few weeks.

Tom chose the chicken schnitzel, which came with creamed spinach and a generous serving of chips (fries). It was a hearty meal and exactly what he was in the mood for. I decided on a green salad with a double portion of grilled chicken on top. Instead of traditional dressing, I used sour cream, which worked surprisingly well and kept everything aligned with how we prefer to eat. Both meals were fresh, flavorful, and satisfying without feeling overly heavy.

Throughout the evening, I sipped on two glasses of ultra-light white wine, while Tom enjoyed a few Lion beers. It felt like a simple treat after a full day, and we were both relaxed and ready for the quiz to begin.

Mom stops by for a drink from the pool.

We joined a team called The Bush Babies, a fun group with a good sense of humor and just the right amount of competitive spirit. Neither of us knew what to expect from our new team, but it didn’t take long for us to be fully engaged with our three new teammates. The questions ranged from easy to surprisingly challenging, covering everything from general knowledge to more obscure topics. There was plenty of laughter at our table, especially when we second-guessed answers or realized we should have trusted our first instinct.

By the end of the night, we didn’t win, but we came in fourth place, which felt like a small victory considering it was our first time playing with this group. More than anything, it was about the experience and the chance to connect with others in such an easygoing setting.

Wildebeest’s Dad and Son.

When the bill came, it was another reminder of how affordable many things still are here. Our dinner and drinks came to Zar 562.69, which is about US 34.72, including tax and tip. The quiz entry fee was Zar 30 per person, US 1.85 each. Altogether, the evening cost us US$38.42, or ZAR 622.69. Even with inflation affecting prices here as it has in so many parts of the world, it remains noticeably less expensive than what we’ve experienced elsewhere.

Today we’re heading into Komatipoort to run a few errands and make several stops at local shops. After that, Tom plans to take the rental car to a nearby body shop. On our drive here along the N4, a piece of sugar cane fell from an overloaded truck and struck the hood of the car. It startled us at the time, but thankfully, there was no serious damage. It will be far less expensive to have it repaired locally than to deal with the rental company later.

Lots of bushbucks.

Later this afternoon, we’re looking forward to a quiet evening back at the house. This morning, we prepared one of our favorite meals, a keto hamburger mushroom scramble. We made a large batch, enough for the next two nights, plus an extra portion that we froze for another time. Having meals ready like this makes a big difference. It allows us to spend more time enjoying the bush and less time in the kitchen, which is exactly how we like it.

We’ll be back tomorrow with more new photos and whatever the next day brings.

Be well.

Photo from ten years ago today, June 17, 2016:

On November 13, 2012, while we were staying in Scottsdale, Arizona, and preparing “paperwork” for our travels, we saw this stone sign in Old Town on a walk. It read: “I have found that there ain’t no surer way to find out whether you like people or hate them than to travel with them” by Mark Twain. Fortunately, we continue to like one another after many years on the move. For more photos, please click here.

An unexpected evening out with friends…

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We were thrilled to see a few zebras stop by.

Yesterday afternoon, Leon from Jabula called to say he had someone standing right beside him at the restaurant that we would definitely want to talk to. The moment he said their names, I smiled. It was our dear South African friends, Carol and Colin, whom we have come to know and love over our time here in Marloth Park.

They have a beautiful home overlooking the Crocodile River, one of those settings that never gets old, no matter how many times you visit. We have shared lovely evenings with them over the years, whether at their home, at various restaurants, or around our own table. They divide their time between here and their other home in Knyana, and every visit feels like picking up right where we left off.

We’ve yet to see the huge bands of mongooses. But surely, they will one day soon.

Carol explained that they were having dinner at Jabula at 5:00 pm with 10 members of their family and asked if we would like to join them. Of course, we said yes without hesitation. It did not matter that we had already dined at Jabula on both Friday and Saturday nights. There was no way we would pass up the opportunity to spend time with them and meet more of their family.

At 5:00 pm, we arrived at Jabula and joined them at a large table set for fourteen in the VIP area. It is a comfortable space for larger groups, and the table quickly filled with conversation and laughter. We had already met a few of their family members on previous occasions, which made it easy to settle in. The rest of the group welcomed us just as warmly, and before long, it felt as though we had known everyone for years.

Of course, we tossed some pellets their way.

Dinner was delightful in every way. Good food always tastes better when shared with kind and interesting people, and this was no exception. Stories were exchanged, introductions made, and there was that easy sense of connection that seems to happen so naturally here.

Since they were all leaving early this morning, the evening ended fairly early. After dinner, they said their goodbyes and headed off, while we made our way to the bar. We were thrilled to run into the lively group of four we had spent time with on Saturday night, and sure enough, they were there, along with several familiar local faces we have come to recognize over the years.

Two were drinking pool water.

Once again, the conversations were animated and engaging. There is something about these evenings that feels both energizing and comforting. We laughed, shared stories, and appreciated the simple joy of being surrounded by such a mix of people, all brought together in this unique place.

By the time we returned home, it was 9:30, and we both felt that contented kind of tired that comes from a full and happy evening.

Then there were five.

Tonight, we are heading to Giraffe Pub and Grill for dinner and Quiz Night. It is always fun to see our friends who gather for this weekly event. There is a playful energy to it, with plenty of laughs along the way, and we are looking forward to another enjoyable evening.

This morning has been quiet and productive. We are catching up on laundry and hoping the sun will stay out long enough to dry everything before we head out later this afternoon. It is one of those ordinary tasks that somehow feels different here, perhaps because everything is set against the backdrop of this remarkable place.

Mom warthog and two youngsters.

All is good. We are having a spectacular time, just as we always do when we are here. There is a deep sense of ease and gratitude that settles in, reminding us again why we continue to return.

Be well.

Photo from ten years ago today, June 16, 2016:

We’re in awe of the ornate detail in the Hindu statues in Bali. For more photos, please click here.

Rough driving on the dirt roads to the river…

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Three starings on a log railing at “Two Trees,” river viewing area.

Yesterday afternoon, we climbed into the little car, still coated in a fine layer of bush dust from our earlier outings, and made our way along the uneven, rutted roads that have always felt like part of the experience here. There is something familiar about the slow pace required to navigate these roads, as if the land itself is gently reminding us to take our time and pay attention. But this time, the roads told a slightly different story. During the nine months we were away, Marloth Park endured severe flooding, the kind that reshapes the landscape in undeniable ways. Many of the dirt roads we once drove without a second thought now bear the scars of rushing water, carved out and shifted, forcing detours and patience.

Southern white-crowned shrikes, mating pair as seen at Two Trees.

There is only one tarred road running through the residential area, Olifants Drive, a stretch that feels almost out of place in a setting that prides itself on remaining as natural as possible. The rest, nearly one hundred kilometers of gravel and sand, has always been intentionally left untouched. It is part of what makes this place what it is. Still, as we turned off toward the river, we found ourselves rerouted, adjusting our expectations as we followed a new path to reach Seekoei Road.

A hippo was resting on a sandbar in the Crocodile River.

The drive itself was worth every bump and turn. As we approached the Crocodile River, that sense of anticipation settled in, the feeling that something remarkable could appear at any moment. We made our way to Two Trees, one of those simple yet magical spots that seems to hold its own energy. The landscape opened up before us, the river stretching wide, the opposite bank close enough to study yet far enough to maintain a sense of mystery.

This hibernating tree frog is sleeping on the inside edge of the outdoor refrigerator. We checked to confirm it was alive, and it was. We left it alone.

We sat there for a while, saying very little, taking it all in. A few animals moved along the riverbank in the distance, and birds called out in a way that felt both familiar and welcoming. This place has not changed in its essence, even after the floods, even after our long absence. If anything, it felt as though it had simply continued, waiting patiently for us to return.

Any ideas on this type of bird?

Later that evening, back at the house, we prepared a simple dinner, nothing elaborate, just something comforting after the day’s outing. We carried our plates out to the big table on the veranda, a space that has always been our favorite place to be. As the light began to fade, the bush came alive. One by one, our regular visitors appeared, some cautiously approaching, others more confident, as if they remembered us just as clearly as we remembered them.

We paused often between bites, watching them, smiling at their persistence and their curiosity. It felt grounding, this simple act of sharing space with the animals, of being present without expectation. After so much time spent traveling and the recent challenge of recovering from pneumonia, this moment felt like a deep exhale.

Big Daddy stopped by at night, as picked up by the trail cam.

Now, with everything unpacked and put away, there is a sense of order that brings its own kind of peace. We no longer feel like we are in transition. Instead, we are settled, anchored in this place that continues to give us so much. As we move through these days, still regaining our strength, we are reminded that healing need not be rushed. Here, it unfolds naturally, just like everything else.

Be well.

Photo from ten years ago today, June 15, 2016:

Late yesterday afternoon, during an unusually heavy rainstorm, I went out to the garage freezer to get some ice. I saw this long, black thing, called an omangomang in Balinese, moving along the garage floor. I called out to Tom to see it. He grabbed the camera and came running. Creepy. Was that an eye looking out at us? For more photos, please click here.

Quiet in the bush on the weekends…”Oh, what a night” at Jabula!…We couldn’t have had more fun!…

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Miss Bushbuck and her youngster.

As we have mentioned many times over the years, fewer animals come to our holiday home on weekends. It has become a familiar pattern, one we have come to expect rather than question. There are two primary reasons for this, both of which make perfect sense when we pause to consider the bigger picture.

First, there is a noticeable increase in activity throughout Marloth Park. By the time Friday arrives, the quiet roads begin to fill with vehicles as tourists pour in for a few days of escape. With them comes an energy shift. What is typically a calm and predictable environment during the week becomes busier, louder, and far less predictable. It is easy to imagine how this might feel to the wildlife. The animals, so attuned to subtle changes in their surroundings, seem to retreat, choosing caution over curiosity.

The second reason is something we have witnessed time and time again. Many visitors feed the animals, often offering foods that are not suitable for them. While this is usually done with good intentions, it creates a different kind of draw. The animals begin to associate certain homes with easy and abundant food sources. Given the choice, they will often return to those places rather than seek out the familiar pellets we provide.

Miss Buckbuck is often photo-ready.

We cannot blame them. It truly is the nature of the beast, no pun intended.

This morning, as we sit on the veranda hoping to capture a few photos to share, the absence is unmistakable. The bush stretches out before us, quiet and still, with no sign of our usual visitors. No warthogs wander by, no kudu linger in the distance. Only the occasional gecko breaks the stillness, slipping across the floor in a quick and effortless motion.

Even so, there is comfort in knowing this is temporary. Tomorrow is another day. Once Monday arrives and the weekend visitors begin their journeys home, the environment shifts once again. Slowly, almost cautiously, the animals begin to filter back into our surroundings. It often feels as though they are checking to see if things have settled, if the familiar calm has returned. When they realize it has, they stay, moving through the bush with a sense of ease that feels reassuring to witness.

Over the months we will be in the bush. Chewy will spend a lot of time with us.

They always seem happy to see us, or at least willing to return to a place where they can count on a bit of sustenance. The pellets we offer are a small but consistent part of their diet, especially now. The bush may appear lush and green after months of generous rain, but appearances can be deceiving. Much of the vegetation they rely on has already been grazed down. What looks abundant is often depleted, leaving them with fewer options than one might expect at first glance.

On another note, last night at Jabula turned into one of those unexpectedly memorable evenings. Every seat at the bar was taken, and before long, we found ourselves chatting with a group of four: a father, his two beautiful adult daughters, and one daughter’s fiancé. The conversation began in the easy, familiar way these encounters often do. We shared where we were from, snippets of our travels, and the kind of lighthearted stories that fill the early part of an evening.

It’s always amazing to see how the wildlife keep themselves clean from constant grooming.

As time passed, the conversation deepened in a way that felt natural and unforced. Dawn and Leon joined in, and soon the seven of us were completely engaged, laughing, sharing, and enjoying one another’s company. When the music grew louder and the drinks flowed a little more freely, the atmosphere shifted into something that felt reminiscent of a place where everyone belongs. It had that welcoming, connected feeling that is hard to describe but easy to recognize.

We typically head home by 8:00 in the evening, but last night was different. We stayed until after 10:00, reluctant to leave such an enjoyable experience.

Back at the house, we settled into bed, thinking we might stream a few shows before falling asleep. Instead, we found ourselves drifting in and out, the long day catching up with us. Eventually, we gave in, closed the laptop, turned off the light, and let sleep take over.

Chewy is so content here that he allows himself to drift off.

I ended up sleeping longer than Tom. He was up and moving by 5:30 this morning, while I lingered in bed for a few extra hours, savoring the quiet start to the day.

Tonight, we will dine in, enjoying a meal on the veranda. As the weekend comes to a close and the tourists begin to leave, we hold onto the hope that a few of our wildlife friends might stop by. If not tonight, then tomorrow.

Either way, life is good, and we are content.

Be well.

Photo from ten years ago today, June 14, 2016:

In Bali, Tom took this extraordinary photo of a praying mantis on the edge of the infinity pool. For more photos, please click here.

Quiet contemplation of my version of paradise…

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Big Daddy stopped by for a visit.

I can’t explain how many times yesterday I said, I am so happy here. It seemed to spill out of me without effort, as natural as breathing, as if something deep inside had been waiting for this exact moment to finally speak. Even through the fog of exhaustion from the long journey, that feeling never wavered. If anything, it grew stronger as the hours passed, gently reminding me why we travel such great distances to return to this place.

Yesterday afternoon, I finally surrendered to the fatigue that had been lingering since our arrival. I stretched out for what I assumed would be a short rest, only to awaken two and a half hours later. I can’t remember the last time I napped that long. I have never been much of a napper, often feeling restless or guilty for taking time to sleep during the day. But this time was different. My body clearly needed it, and when I opened my eyes, I felt renewed in a way that only deep, uninterrupted sleep can provide.

This morning, that same sense of restoration remains. I truly believe sleep is the magic elixir that helps soften the edges of jet lag. Just two days after arriving, and after taking my last antibiotic last night, I feel fantastic. It is almost as if my body and mind have mutually agreed that it is time to be fully present here, to let go of the strain of travel and simply exist in this beautiful place.

This typical pose means, “I’d like some pellets.”

At only 7:00 this morning, I was already showered and dressed, and shortly later, I was seated at the table on the veranda. The air is cool and gentle, the kind of morning that feels like a gift. Tom was up early at 5:30, but he has since gone back to bed, hoping to catch a few more hours of sleep before we head to Komatipoort to grocery shop. He is a bit behind me in recovering from the illness and the long journey. I can see it in his eyes, that lingering tiredness that refuses to let go just yet. Even so, I know he will get there. This place has a way of healing, both quietly and steadily.

His fatigue didn’t stop us from going to Jabula last night. We decided to surprise Dawn and Leon, knowing they were not expecting us for a few more months. The look on their faces when they saw us walk in was something I will not soon forget. Their hugs were warm and genuine, filled with a sense of connection that time and distance never seem to diminish.

Many wild animals drink the pool water, which is safe for them because it has minimal chlorine.

As the evening unfolded, more familiar faces arrived. One by one, locals we have come to know over the years greeted us with the same heartfelt enthusiasm. There is something so comforting about being welcomed back in this way, as if no time has passed at all. The conversations were lively and animated, filled with laughter, stories, and that easy camaraderie that comes from shared experiences in this unique place.

The food, as always, was delicious, and the ambiance could not have felt more inviting. There is a certain energy there that feels deeply rooted in Africa, something authentic and unpretentious that draws people together. We arrived at 5:00 in the evening and, as is our habit, left around 8:00, our bellies full and our hearts even fuller.

Mongooses and other animals drink from the fountain, which we keep filled with fresh water.

And now, this morning, I sit alone in the quiet, taking it all in. The weather is perfect, cool, dry, and bright with sunshine. There is a stillness here that invites reflection, a gentle reminder to slow down and simply be. I find myself immersed in a quiet contemplation of what feels like my version of paradise.

After the challenges of illness and the long journey to get here, this moment feels especially meaningful. There is a sense of healing that goes beyond the physical, something deeper that touches the soul. I feel an overwhelming sense of gratitude, not only for being here, but for the ability to fully appreciate it.

Tom’s ribs, chips, and green bean mash were last night’s dinner at Jabula.

In this peaceful setting, with nothing more than the sounds of nature and animals rustling among the vegetation surrounding me, I am reminded once again why we come back. It is not just the place itself, but the feeling it evokes. A sense of peace, of belonging, and of joy that is difficult to put into words, yet impossible not to feel.

Thanks to all our readers worldwide for standing by us as we navigated some challenging times and for being here with us now. We feel your presence every step of the way.

Be well.

Photo from ten years ago today, June 13, 2016:

Ants carrying off a dead gecko in Bali. For more photos, please click here.

We have arrived…Loving life in the bush once again!!!…

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It’s delightful to see some of the same wildlife we’ve come to know over the years we’ve been coming to Marloth Park.   

It was a long two travel days, the kind that seem to stretch beyond the limits of time and patience, where hours blur together, and your body forgets what time zone it belongs to. We left Eden Prairie at 1:00 pm on Tuesday, carrying with us not only our bags but that familiar mix of anticipation and fatigue that always seems to come with these big transitions. By the time we arrived in Marloth Park on Thursday at 10:30 am, we had been in motion, waiting, sitting, standing, and navigating for a total of 32.5 hours. That number hardly seems real when I write it, but our bodies certainly felt every bit of it.

There is a seven-hour time difference, and when you add in the seven hours we spent at the hotel in Johannesburg, it becomes clear why everything felt just a little off balance. Still, despite the exhaustion, we are deeply grateful to have arrived safely. That sense of gratitude always settles in quickly, overriding the discomfort of travel and reminding us why we do this again and again.

Bossy and the girls.

Yesterday morning brought a small hiccup when our flight from Johannesburg to Nelspruit was delayed due to fog. We have come to expect these little pauses in Africa, where nature still has the final say. The delay, thankfully, was only about 30 minutes, just enough time to shift our expectations without derailing the day. As the fog began to lift, so did that tension that builds when you are so close to your final destination.

Tom did not sleep much at the hotel, which is not surprising given how his mind tends to stay alert in unfamiliar places. I managed to get a solid four hours, which felt like a gift under the circumstances. By the time we arrived in Marloth Park, we were both running on fumes. Tom took a short nap, surrendering to exhaustion, while I did what I often do in these moments: I began unpacking. Something is grounding about putting things in their place, about turning a temporary space into something that feels like home.

This young warthog stopped by shortly after we arrived.

As of 9:00 am today, we are completely unpacked. I still can’t quite believe we got it all done so quickly. Suitcases are empty, clothes are in drawers, and the familiar comfort of our surroundings has returned. Of course, now comes the mountain of laundry that follows every long journey, along with a trip to Komatipoort for the rest of our shopping. It is all part of settling in, part of reestablishing our life here.

Once Tom woke from his nap, we headed out to Daisy’s Den to pick up pellets and birdseed, small but meaningful rituals that mark our return. From there, we stopped at the meat market and the local Spar Market. Walking in and seeing familiar faces was one of the best parts of the day. There is something so heartwarming about being recognized, about receiving hugs and warm greetings that remind us we are not just visitors here. We are part of this community, even if only for part of our travels.

We had briefly considered going out for dinner last night, but that idea quickly faded as the day caught up with us. Instead, we found a cooked chicken at the market, along with rice for Tom and eggs for me, and made our way back to the house. It turned into a simple, comforting meal, the kind that feels just right after such a long journey. It was too cold to eat outside, so we sat at the dining room table, wrapped in that contentment that comes from being exactly where you want to be.

It was fun to see Ms. Bushbuck visit once again, among manymotherbushbucks who stop by.

After dinner and a much-needed shower, we tried to watch a few shows, hoping it would help us stay awake until a reasonable hour. But sleep kept finding us, pulling us under in short bursts as we drifted in and out. Our goal had been to make it to 10:00 pm, but even that felt ambitious. After dozing on and off, we finally turned off the light around midnight.

I slept straight through until 7:00 am, which feels like a small miracle. Tom, on the other hand, has been up since 3:30 am, his internal clock still trying to catch up. He will likely take a nap later, once Vusi is done here, and hopefully tonight will bring him the deep rest he needs to adjust fully.

As for me, I am feeling surprisingly good. The antibiotics seem to have cleared the lingering sinus infection, and although I still have a bit of a cough from the pneumonia, I feel strong and energized. Once again, I have managed to avoid the usual effects of jet lag, which feels like quite a victory.

We laughed when we were served Krispy Kreme donuts of the Airlink flight which was only 35 minutes long.Tom ate his and mine.

Tonight, we plan to go to Jabula for dinner. We have not told Dawn and Leon that we will be there. We always enjoy surprising them, walking in and seeing their faces light up. It is one of those simple joys that never gets old.

Life feels full in this moment. Louise and Danie are as wonderful and thoughtful as ever. We are back in the bush, surrounded by the beauty of this place and the comfort of both our animal and human friends. There is a deep sense of contentment here, one that settles into your bones and reminds you that, despite the long journey, every mile was worth it. We are grateful.

Be well.

Photo from ten years ago today, June 12, 2016:

In Bali, a fisherman on a tiny homemade raft is most likely fishing for squid, which is caught close to the shore. For more photos, please click here.

Travel day 1…Flights to Nelspruit/Kruger/Mpumalanga…

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We are sitting in a restaurant in Minneapolis/St. Paul Airport.

Currently, we are seated at a restaurant in Minneapolis/St. Paul Airport, tucked into a small corner with our carry-on bags at our feet and just enough space on the table for our laptops and phones. It feels like that pause before something big begins, a moment suspended between what has been familiar and what lies ahead. Around us, travelers come and go, some hurried, some relaxed, all with their own destinations and stories unfolding.

It is 2:30 pm now, and we will board in about an hour. There is something comforting about knowing the first leg of this journey will be relatively easy. A two-hour and thirty-seven-minute flight to Atlanta feels manageable, almost like a warm-up for what is to come. We find ourselves wondering if there will be screens on the plane, something to help pass the time with a movie or a show. If not, we will do what so many travelers do these days and retreat into our phones, scrolling, reading, watching, and quietly passing the minutes until we land.

With our T-Mobile accounts, we will have WiFi on the flight, which feels like a small luxury, especially on travel days like this. It keeps us connected, not just to the world, but to the little routines that bring us comfort. Lately, that has meant keeping up with every game of the Vegas Golden Knights in the NHL playoffs. It has been such an unexpected joy to follow along so closely, even while preparing for a trip halfway across the world.

During our two-hour and twenty-five-minute layover in Atlanta, we are hoping to catch at least part of tonight’s game. There is something almost amusing about the idea of sitting in an airport, yet still tied into the familiar excitement of a hockey game. Richard, with his season tickets, will be there in person, surrounded by the crowd’s energy. He will send updates, just in case we lose connection or cannot stream the game on the plane. It is comforting to know that, in some small way, we will still be part of it.

And then comes the long stretch. The flight from Atlanta to Johannesburg, sixteen hours in the air, crossing oceans and time zones, moving steadily toward a completely different landscape. It is the kind of journey that requires patience and a willingness to let go, to settle into the pace of the flight, to rest when we can, and to accept that time will move differently up there.

Once we arrive in Johannesburg, we will spend the night at the airport hotel. By then, we imagine we will be both exhausted and relieved, grateful to have completed the hardest part of the journey. There is something reassuring about that overnight pause, a chance to regroup before the final leg.

Our last flight departs at 7:00 am the following morning, South African time, and in less than an hour, we will be there. Just like that, after all the planning and travel, we will arrive in Marloth Park before 10:00 am. It almost feels surreal to think about it now, sitting here in an airport restaurant in Minnesota.

We are hoping we will feel rested enough to unpack, settle in, and make that first familiar trip to Daisy’s Den for pellets, then to the meat market, followed by a quick stop at the little grocery store for a few essentials. The next day, or so, we will drive to Komatipoort and wander through the aisles of the Spar Market, filling our cart with the things that will carry us through the coming week.

And then, finally, it will begin. The quiet, the stillness, the beauty of the bush. After all the movement and noise of travel, we will ease into a different pace, one that feels both grounding and deeply restorative. It is that thought, more than anything, that carries us forward right now as we sit here waiting to board.

Keep an eye out for our next post. It might be a day or two.

Be well.

Photo from ten years ago today, June 9, 2016:

Another decorative archway in Bali, wishing good fortune to those departing the village. For more photos, please click here.

Day 22…Minnesota family visit…One day and counting…Yesterday, another visit to Urgent Care…

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Once we arrive in Johannesburg, we will stay overnight at the airport hotel and then fly to Nelspruit/Mpumalanga/Kruger in the morning. From there, we’ll pick up the rental car and then drive to Marloth Park (about 90 minutes).

Here we are at 11:00 am on Monday, and somehow, almost everything is packed. All that remains are the clothes we are wearing and a few toiletries that will find their way into our bags tomorrow before we head out. There is a quiet sense of completion in the room, as if the suitcases themselves are resting, waiting patiently for the final zip.

Later this afternoon, we will head over to TJ and Sarah’s home for a barbecue, one last gathering with them before we leave. Tammy will be there, along with Tracy and Vincent, and I already know it will be one of those visits where you try to stay present while acknowledging that goodbye is approaching. These moments always feel a little heavier, even when filled with laughter and familiar conversation.

Tomorrow morning, Greg will stop by the hotel after returning from his weekend away with Heather. They were in Chicago to attend her daughter Hannah’s graduation, and it will be so good to see him, even if only briefly. There is something meaningful about those final visits, those last hugs, those fulfilling reassurances that distance does not diminish connection.

My dear friend Chere stopped by for a few hours yesterday morning, and we moaned over how little time we had together during this visit. Cherie and Gary travel a lot, too, but we always manage to stay in touch, as with my dear friend Karen in Florida and many other dear friends throughout the world.

Our flight to Atlanta is scheduled for 4:09 in the afternoon. We will likely arrive at the airport around 1:00 to return the rental car and check in, giving ourselves plenty of time to move through the process without feeling rushed. It is the beginning of a long few travel days that will eventually carry us across the ocean on that sixteen-hour flight to Johannesburg. In total, we’ll be traveling for roughly 34 hours, plus the 11-hour layover in Johannesburg and the 90-minute drive to Marloth Park, resulting in almost a full two-day journey.

Yesterday, though, brought a different kind of reality. By early afternoon, my head was pounding, and my face hurt, where my sinuses are located, every time I moved.  I finally accepted what had been lingering in the background for days. After more than a month of dealing with RSV and pneumonia, it became clear that a sinus infection had taken hold. It made no sense to ignore it, especially with such a long journey ahead.

The wait at Chanhassen Urgent Care stretched to almost three hours. I suggested to Tom that he head back to the hotel rather than sit there with me, and he agreed. He dropped me off at 1:30, and by the time we were both back in the room again, it was close to 5:00, after we picked up the prescription for antibiotics, which is another five-day course of the same medication I had taken for the pneumonia.

I have now taken two doses, one last night and one this morning, and already I feel the difference. It is remarkable how quickly relief can come once you begin addressing what is wrong. Packing this morning felt entirely different from what it would have been yesterday. Instead of struggling through each movement, I was able to focus, organize, and move forward with purpose.

We have come to realize that we can pack everything in about three hours. There was a time when I would fuss over it for days, carefully considering every item, every possibility. Now, it feels simpler, more intuitive. The only exception is Marloth Park, where I gather nonperishable food items, along with a few pans and kitchen supplies, which remain there for our use, and Louise stores them for us.

When we arrive, Vusi and Zef will have already delivered the bins and our camp chairs, the ones we use when we sit by the river. They will also bring the items we ordered online, including Tom’s favorite Lion beer and low-carb Prosecco for me. It always feels a bit surreal that these small comforts are waiting for us, even so far from where we began.

I find myself thinking about those first evenings back, when we settle onto the veranda with a drink in hand, watching the wildlife as it comes and goes. In South Africa, adult beverages at sundown are called “sundowners,” and they hold a kind of peace that is difficult to describe, often enjoyed with our many friends in the bush. There are so many reasons, along with the wildlife, that remind me why we return, again and again.

I will miss Norman. That absence will be felt in ways I cannot quite put into words. But I also know that, in time, new connections will form. The bush has a way of filling your heart again, often when you least expect it.

Life there is not always gentle. There are harsh realities that exist alongside the beauty, and they are impossible to ignore. Yet somehow, it is within that balance that we find meaning. It is not perfect, but it is real, and that has always been enough.

If we can, we’ll post again tomorrow during our layover in Atlanta, which you will see much later than our usual posting time.

Be well.

Photo from ten years ago today, June 8, 2016:

We spotted this friendly neighbor (no English) making bowls, as shown in her hands, which are used for offerings at Hindu temples. For more photos, please click here.

Day 21…Minnesota family visit…Attended another fantastic graduation party….Two days and counting…

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Heather and her daughter, Megan at the graduation party.

While I was still coughing quite a bit on Friday, I decided to stay home rather than join Tom for the weekly gathering at Billy’s Bar and Grill in Anoka. These get-togethers mean a lot, especially with Tom being the youngest of the remaining six siblings, and I never want to miss an opportunity to be part of those moments. But as I sat there thinking about it, I couldn’t shake the feeling that my lingering cough might make his older sisters and brother-in-law uncomfortable. Even though it has been over a month since we first got sick and I am fairly certain I am no longer contagious, it simply felt like the considerate choice to stay behind.

So instead, I settled in for a quiet evening on my own. There was something oddly comforting about it. I ordered dinner through Grubhub, taking advantage of the no-delivery-fee benefit with Amazon Prime, and treated myself to a Chipotle beef-and-chicken bowl. It felt indulgent in the best possible way. I streamed a few movies, the kind you can kind of watch while resting, and spent some time chatting with my sister Julie. Before I knew it, the evening had slipped by, and soon Tom was back, full of stories from the night.

Heather’s other children (left rear): Andi, Hannah, and Doug; Heather and Greg (rear center); and other family members at the grad party.

Yesterday brought a complete change of pace as we made the 45-minute drive to Shoreview for Megan’s graduation party. Megan is Heather’s daughter, and it was such a joy to be included in such a special celebration. The party was wonderful, full of warmth, laughter, and that unmistakable feeling of pride that surrounds a milestone like this. We had the chance to meet more of Heather’s family and friends, which made the day feel even richer.

It was also so special to spend time again with Greg and two of our grandchildren, Miles and Maisie, along with Maisie’s boyfriend, Dakota. Madighan had to work and couldn’t join us. I found myself looking at them and thinking how quickly everything has changed. Miles will soon be heading off to the University of Minnesota, moving into the dorms and beginning this exciting new chapter. Maisie is already out on her own, with an apartment near the farm where she works and close to Dakota. Madighan is living with her mom, Camille, finding her own way as well. She graduates in 2028, and of course, we will be here for that! It is one of those moments where you pause and realize that your children are now raising independent young adults, and the life you once knew has gently shifted into something new. Greg is on the brink of becoming an empty nester, and it all seems to have happened in the blink of an eye.

This morning, I am looking forward to a visit from my dear friend Chere, where we’ll meet in the hotel’s dining room. These one-on-one conversations have always meant so much to me. At the same time, Tom has headed off to the laundromat in Chanhassen. I offered to go along, after I met with Chere, but he assured me he would be just fine handling it on his own. It will give him a few hours to take care of things, and me a chance to sit, sip my coffee, and enjoy Chere’s company.

More friends at Megan’s graduation party.

Later today, we will begin packing, which we’ll likely finish tomorrow. In the late afternoon, we are heading over to TJ and Sarah’s home for a barbecue with Tammy, Tracy, and Vincent. It feels like these last few days are filled with meaningful goodbyes and one more chance to be together before we head off again.

Somewhere in the next couple of days, we will also see Greg again after he and Heather return from Chicago, where they are attending Hannah’s graduation. It has been a whirlwind for them, one celebration after another, yet they have still found the time to be with us during our visit. That means more than words can say, especially after we were under the weather and missed time with all of them.

Tonight, we will likely keep things simple once again, ordering dinner to go and spending a quiet evening together. After everything, it feels good to slow down, to reflect, and to appreciate these moments as they come.

Be well.

Photo from ten years ago today, June 7, 2016:

No photos were posted on this date due to WiFi issues in Bali.