OMG! To try to describe this day would be all but impossible! After arriving back at my tent last night, to a bed warmed with a hot water bottle, I couldn't decide whether to wear earplugs or not, but after several minutes of loud wildebeest grunting, I had no choice. I woke up once around 2:00 in the morning, worrying about how I was going to overcome my discomfort about riding, determining that I would wear the half chaps I borrowed and the seat cushion that I brought, then when I discovered what time it was, I decided I needed to get some more sleep, so I managed to nod off again, and slept through until I heard the staff pouring water into the wash basin outside. I actually think he poured it three or four times just to make sure that I was awake, so I finally just said good morning and he acknowledged and went away. Got up, washed my face, did my morning ablutions, and was soon off to breakfast, where once again we were spoiled by incredible food. Finished getting ready to go riding and we all walked down to where the horses were at 8:00, as planned. I had expressed some uncertainty about my mount Nadal, which Luke took to heart, so by the time we got to the horses, he had decided to remount me on a horse named Roy. How's that for kismet? I had mentioned that if things did not work out with Nadal today, that I would prefer a horse that was lower to the ground and that had a mane that I could grab onto, and that was exactly the bill that Roy fit. A lovely chestnut, a bit smaller than the rest, but with my new saddle cover, it provided a much better sense of security, and I felt much more comfortable about the whole thing. We headed across the plains to the north, winding our way through herds of zebra and wildebeest, and then locked on to an incredible sighting of a predominantly nocturnal creature called the honey badger. It looked like a giant skunk, black with a white stripe all the way down it's center. We watched it for quite some time as it foraged through the grass until it finally arrived downwind of us, at which point it galloped off. Our guide Luke expressed his delight at being able to see that particular creature, since they are apparently very rare at midmorning when we were viewing it. We continued on, heading toward a flock of vultures, who are making short work of a fairly recent carcass of a Thompson gazelle, all the while winding through herds of everything imaginable, including ostriches. We did a number of canters, which took a little getting used to again, but Roy was quite willing and his canter was reasonable. He was a little bit more stubborn about taking direction, but for the most part he followed along with the rest. Since he was smaller and his strides were shorter, we often got behind the rest of the pack, except for the drag rider, but I didn't care because I felt a lot more secure on him than I did on Nadal. Still hanging on to the saddle during the canters, but still feeling a bit more secure about it. We did a nice loop around the plains area, seeing multiple herds of a variety of animals, and ending up along the tree line looking for additional animals. We got back to camp, had a lovely lunch, the other girls had a shower but I'm holding off until later tonight, then managed to get a nap in the afternoon for more than an hour, surprisingly. Headed back out for our second ride of the day, this time into a valley that was full of trees and bushes and thorns and a bit more interesting than the plains, and we're quickly rewarded by a string of giraffes right by the tree line. We gazed at them for a while, then we cantered alongside them, before finally heading down into the valley. We were extremely lucky to quickly find an elephant who was playing in some water deep in the brush, and eventually after he finished playing, he laid down along the edge of this puddle and took a nap. We watched him for a good 20 minutes or so, maybe longer, as he flapped his ears and slept. Evidently it's very rare to see them in that relaxed a position, so it was quite an event. There was another elephant nearby who we also watched for a while. Quite a sight! We carried on a little bit longer and ran across some more zebras and wildebeests, and then came across some more giraffes, including four babies and an adolescent. We watch them for a while as well. What an amazing, amazing day! The first ride was nearly 14 miles, and the second ride was just over 4 miles, which I was kind of happy about because I was starting to feel a little bit tired despite the nap. But it was absolutely filled with incredulity at all of the creatures that live freely out here. We headed back to camp, got the horses put away, and had a well-earned gin and tonic or two as we watched more herds pass by and the sun go down. It was amazing! It was so easy to feel like one of the early explorers, out in the bush with a tribe of help meeting our every need. The two girls both took a shower after happy hour, but I waited until after dinner. Dinner once again was extraordinary! We had a beef curry that was second to none. Stories were shared, lessons were learned, and the entire evening was absolutely delightful as the stars began to appear. I finally asked for my shower water, which was quickly delivered, I've had my nice warm shower and shampoo, and will soon be off to sleep. We move camp tomorrow so I have to pack up everything in the morning, but I'm looking forward to the next place, though frankly this one has been so remarkable, I could probably stay here all week! Almost feel like there's not much more I can see that could be better than what I've already seen but I guess, we'll see! Absolutely remarkable! Far exceeding my wildest expectations. Spoiled for any further adventures in the wild, I'm sure. Time for sleep! Good night, my love!
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