Sunday, January 18, 2009

Addo National Park Excursion

Hello from Port Elizabeth!
I have finally had my first safari out in the Addo National Park. Good friends of my great aunt and uncle, Mike and Sandy Clarke, picked me up this morning for a drive out to the park. We spent quite a bit of time driving around looking for signs of wildlife! We never did see the lions but we got some excellent views of the elephants. I thought a bone or two from an old kill would be a good souvenir but Mike and Sandy thought it better if I didn't get out of the car. Never know who is going to show up out there. Thanks much guys for the day trip!
I am back on board and watching the weather closely for my leg to Mossel Bay. It looks good for tomorrow afternoon and possibly for a straight shot to Cape Town. Marta left for East London so I may see her when we both get to Cape Town.
Enjoy the photos!
Cheers,

Zac



Sandy Clarke and I at Addo National Park

16 Comments:

Blogger Bob said...

Hi There Zac,

Great photos!! That is really exciting to be that close to the big game! You continue to be an amazing young man. It's wonderful getting to see you finally have some relaxing times.

Best wishes for smooth sailing on your next leg.

Bob in OKC

January 18, 2009 at 3:11 PM  
Blogger John Gezelius said...

You're seeing more of South Africa than I saw. I spent my time in Capetown except for a quick trip to Jo'berg & Pretoria and that side trip was a business trip to talk to lawyers. Enjoy the elephants.

January 18, 2009 at 3:12 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Now that is a great set of photos, Zac. Quite the shock after months of water and tropics, to see an Elephant. I loved it. Your reunions and the people you have met along the way is what is making this extraordinary for me and i'm sure, so for you. This is what makes this movie material in my book - oh, and book material too!!!! I really love this trip around the horn - one reunion at a time. Way to go.

Sail on with fairwinds, Zac - Kathy - Bend, OR

January 18, 2009 at 3:39 PM  
Blogger Croaker of FrogPond said...

Zac:

Wow! That's really getting up-close and personal with the elephants. A most enviable outing for the Captain.

Sounds as though things continue to go well with the business of rounding the Cape. Keep on doing whatever you are doing. It's working beautifully for you.

Thanks for the ride,

The Croaker

January 18, 2009 at 3:41 PM  
Blogger Mouse on a Motorcycle said...

So, Zac, since you decided not to get a cat, are you considering an elephant for the boat?

Still praying daily Numbers 6:24-26
Mouse in Whittier
www.myspace.com/mouseonamotorcycle
You can still get the CD with Zac-inspired song here!

January 18, 2009 at 3:43 PM  
Blogger Unknown said...

WOW Zac! That elephants ears are almost as long as your hair! If that guy stepped on your toe I am sure you would notice it.

Looking forward to having you meet up with your Dad so he can give you your very belated Birthday and Christmas gift. It is best to listen to the CDs in the dark.

Looking forward to your thoughts on rounding the Cape Zac

Zac Pac, The auction to help Zac closes at 6:00 PM Pacific Time on Monday the 19th. We have some nice bids and I want to thank everyone who has placed a bid. If you have not yet visited the auction site, please do so. www.barstools4u.com/zac.htm

Bill Mann
bill@barstools4u.com

January 18, 2009 at 4:02 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Oh! How fantastic that you got to do this! It's on our must do before we die list. LOL!
Praying for that weather window.

xoxo
The Zieglers

January 18, 2009 at 9:16 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Lol @ Mouse and Bill Mann!

Zac! Thanks so much for taking me on safari with you. The elephants are indeed spectacular. It's a joy to see them in their natural environment rather than the LA Zoo!
I'm so happy you had an opportunity to take this excursion. You will never forget it!

Hope the weather window holds for Mossel and perhaps Cape Town. Stay safe and sail on!

January 18, 2009 at 9:21 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Right on Zac, Thanks for the cool pics, I hope you realize how fortunate you really are to be able to make this trip, very happy for you, just enjoy the moment you'll be home before you know it!

Ray & Deanna
Clovis, CA

January 18, 2009 at 9:49 PM  
Blogger Fulgum said...

Hi, Zac. Wow! The National Park looks wonderful and you were able to get so close to the elephants! I'm glad you were able to experience that. The habitat in so many parts of Africa are in critical danger and populations of many animal species are dwindling. There may be a time when seeing herds of elephants like that are a distant memory. I hope not, but it's possible.

Steady as she goes around the Cape!

:)

Scott

January 18, 2009 at 10:37 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Great Photos !!!! Just another part of a great trip.Think how lucky you are. Have a great and safe trip ! ! !

January 19, 2009 at 3:19 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Zac, I think U should "Pimp Your Ride" and deck the Captain's Lounge out in zebra hide. STYLIN!!!

January 19, 2009 at 3:53 AM  
Blogger Douglas Pistone said...

Hello Zac,

It's about time you finally did that Safari. What great pictures. I really enjoy every time you post pictures. Hopefully you're enjoying this time with friends. You should have made a mad dash and picked up that bone for keeps sake. I guess better safe than sorry.

I hope you're able to meet up with Marta in East London. Hopefully you'll have a chance to talk again. If all else fails get creative with sign language and try and communicate.

Find That Weather Window,
Douglas Pistone
MDR, California

January 19, 2009 at 6:17 AM  
Blogger Daryl said...

You look better than I've seen you look in a long time! I'm very happy to see that!!


from Iowa

January 19, 2009 at 9:48 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

What fun it must have been to see those elephants! (I am so jealous). I hope you enjoy your stay in Port Elizabeth and have a safe leg to Port Mossel.

Best wishes,

-Halle S. in Oregon

skipper of The Dread Pirate Roberts

January 19, 2009 at 10:16 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Hi Zac,

I'm a pupil from Long Meadow School and am impressed with ur braveness. Not only are you brave, you're only really adventuress.
You're pictures are amazing and im shocked that you got so close to a elephant and was brave enough 2 take a picture. Can't wait to here about more of your adventures. xxx

April 6, 2011 at 6:03 AM  

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