The Return to ....

[BRICKBURN]

Got the news today.
The wine is on the way.

Love it when a plan comes together.
:thumb:

Confirmed, the Eagle has landed.

Ain't the internet great.

 

[spike.t]

Confirmed, the Eagle has landed.

Ain't the internet great.

And how many bottles did the eagle bring?

 

[BRICKBURN]

And how many bottles did the eagle bring?

2 Cases of 6 Bottles. Should be enough for a week, maybe two.

 

[spike.t]

2 Cases of 6 Bottles. Should be enough for a week, maybe two.

if its for 2 weeks it will be sipping gently then

 

[BRICKBURN]

I found some extra bullets to be able to reload, so I was out on the weekend and practice with the big guns. One more serious session with some sticks, just for review.

PHOENIX PHIL just got me going on the Frankfurt issue with his post about ending up in the airport during transit.

I went to the Frankfurt Airport website and found a few useful tools:

This is the discount card and transit pass. A whole 9.2 Euro. It's a deal.
Actually a link to the tourism folks.
Frankfurd Card


The Transfer Guide for the Airport:
http://www.frankfurt-airport.com/content/frankfurt_airport/en/misc/container/russisch/deutsch/jcr:content.file/transferguide_de.pdf

Being a tech lover, when it works:

An APP for the Frankfurt Airport
Frankfurt Airport | Airport Maps

Scan it and download it for Android:
http://www.frankfurt-airport.com/content/frankfurt_airport/en/misc/container/qr-code-google-play/jcr:content.file/google-play.png

Scan it and download it for iPhone:
http://www.frankfurt-airport.com/content/frankfurt_airport/en/misc/container/qr-code-app-store/jcr:content.file/qrcodeappstore.png

 

[BRICKBURN]

Not long to go before I jump on the big bird.

Woke up to the very bad news that there is some historical flooding in Germany. Many places are experiencing 1/500 year floods. Some places with levels never seen before. Scary damage and 12 deaths attributed to this flooding.

In the manner of self preservation I started wondering if I needed water wings on arrival in Frankfurt. I decided to check it out a little more..

Seems that South Eastern Germany is being hit incredibly hard.

The impact on Frankfurt thus far, as reported in a blog.:

"The Main River has sloshed out of it's banks, but only up onto the park and sidewalks lining the river. The city itself is up about 12 feet higher. Boat traffic has been stopped as they cannot get under the bridges."

I can skip the water wings.

 

[PHOENIX PHIL]

Not long to go before I jump on the big bird.

Woke up to the very bad news that there is some historical flooding in Germany. Many places are experiencing 1/500 year floods. Some places with levels never seen before. Scary damage and 12 deaths attributed to this flooding.

In the manner of self preservation I started wondering if I needed water wings on arrival in Frankfurt. I decided to check it out a little more..

Seems that South Eastern Germany is being hit incredibly hard.

The impact on Frankfurt thus far, as reported in a blog.:

"The Main River has sloshed out of it's banks, but only up onto the park and sidewalks lining the river. The city itself is up about 12 feet higher. Boat traffic has been stopped as they cannot get under the bridges."

I can skip the water wings.

Going to be in Munich in about 14 hours, hope this area wasn't affected.

 

[BRICKBURN]

Going to be in Munich in about 14 hours, hope this area wasn't affected.

Munich City has escaped the worst of the rain and flooding and is fully open for business but some of the tourist areas where you may think of making a day trip to are currently badly affected.

Sounds like they have some flooding but not shutting down.

Stay safe.

 

[BRICKBURN]

It's official: I AM EXCITED!!

Waking up WAY early and apparently dreaming.

In the midst of meetings things start popping into your head during conversation: Write them down and deal with them later.

How am I going to move all this equipment? - Straps to attach the duffel to the gun case. Great it has wheels.

First aid for the computer hard drive, just in case. - CD of the iOS, just in case of corruption. cwhack:

Arriving to damn early to get a SIM card in Windhoek! - I guess MTC in Otjiwarongo will be the solution.

Read about a hunters fight with SAA about Ammunition on the return flight- Get a copy of the SAA Ammunition policy and be ready to debate. (just for the fun of it)

Get those name labels onto my cloths - Its like boarding school. I don't want the cloths getting lost in all the bodies that have the exact same.

Spare sun glasses - last time I destroyed one pair.

Locks for ammo case- Forgot about those for the new case for some reason.

Are the maps on the Namibia maps on the GPS? - Power it up and make sure.
Cables, do you have the cables?

Chatted with J today and he requested to use some pictures If I can get some good ones; No problem. - That means add: Light weight tripod, Gorilla pod
Where is that damn remote timer release?

Trajectory map for the .300WM? - I need it to be second nature over the whole path of the bullet. Just in case I have to shoot something Dangerous at close range.


I am sure this is going to continue for the entire week leading up to the lane:

 

[BRICKBURN]

Nelson Mandela 94 Years old and in hospital apparently fighting off an infection in serious but stable condition apparently.

Just saw the media "camp out" beside the hospital.

The Floods in Europe do not concern me nearly as much as the Rainbow nation losing its iconic lynch pin.

"People see him as the antidote to the current social ills we are faced with. That is why people are still holding on to him."




A great article about the "release" that the family needs to do. Not as easy process.

BBC News - Nelson Mandela: Is it time for South Africa to let him go?

I can personally understand why many do not want to part.


Many people have been sceptical of our capacity to realise the ideal of a rainbow nation. It is true that South Africa was often brought to the brink of destruction because of differences. But let us re-affirm this one thing here today: it is not our diversity which divides us, it is not our ethnicity, or religion or culture that divides us. Since we have achieved our freedom, there can only be one division amongst us: between those who cherish democracy and those who do not!
Durban RSA April 16, 1999


There is still too much discord, hatred, division, conflict and violence in our world here at the beginning of the 21st century. A fundamental concern for others in our individual and community lives would go a long way in making the world the better place we so passionately dreamt of. It is so easy to break down and destroy. The heroes are those who make peace and build. ...
Soweto, South Africa, 12 July 2008

The UN declared July 18 as Nelson Mandela day.
On July 18 Celebrate Nelson Mandela Day
Nelson Mandela International Day, July 18, For Freedom, Justice and Democracy

 

[AfricaHunting.com]

It's official: I AM EXCITED!!

You have been excited for months, no wonder with what you have planned! You put together an amazing journey!

How am I going to move all this equipment? - Straps to attach the duffel to the gun case. Great it has wheels.

You have way too much stuff!

First aid for the computer hard drive, just in case. - CD of the iOS, just in case of corruption.

Now that's being prepared!

Spare sun glasses - last time I destroyed one pair.

That's a great tip... and I would suggest bringing inexpensive glasses to wear while hunting, I always keep a $10 pair in the car... by the way sunglasses are used to protect your eyes from the sun but especially from the wind, dust, sand, grass, bugs and thorns while riding outside of the vehicle on safari and also while hunting...

Arriving to damn early to get a SIM card in Windhoek! - I guess MTC in Otjiwarongo will be the solution.

SIM cards are readily available in cities... You could also stop in Okahandja to get one on the way.

Don't forget to grab some accessories!

Here is another solution while you are there...

Get those name labels onto my cloths - Its like boarding school. I don't want the cloths getting lost in all the bodies that have the exact same.

Why worry, your clothes must fit 1 percent of the population... Are you good with sewing?

Chatted with J today and he requested to use some pictures If I can get some good ones; No problem. - That means add: Light weight tripod, Gorilla pod
Where is that damn remote timer release?

That would be nice, you have posted some great pictures on AH before, but leave the fancy stuff like tripod and remote timer release behind, it's a hunting safari that you are taking throughout Southern Africa after all... Take some to share with all of us on AH, also try to get a few incredible shots for the free hunt contests. :bulb:

 

[BRICKBURN]

This will be a journey. I am glad it is starting in Namibia again. Home to my first african sunset... Even through all the fog of jet lag, I'll never forget it. Looking forward to seeing them again.

J, You are right about the size of the cloths fitting one percent of the population. No one will actually be stealing mine.
Just want to be helpful with the poor laundry staff who will have to deal with 7 people who all decided to get the exact same style, colour and type of RIGGS pants from Wrangler.

Thankfully the labels are iron on and not sewn in.

I'll skip those extra suggested mobile resources. I am not that bad.

Timer release is for those African moon, long exposures at night.
The Moon as seen in Southern Africa is all crooked. You have to get pictures of it.
Maybe I can get that Southern Cross spinning around in a loooong exposure.


I think I have done pretty well on the contest end for sure. Making the final list twice...
It is always gratifying to have anyone appreciate the photos you are able to take.
I have to get a Wildebeest photo like DOCMANs. Early morning sunrise with some dust. You can not beat that.

 

[BRICKBURN]

CITES
Just talked to Environment Canada and got the scoop on CITES permit applications and the proper information to complete them.

Yeah!, it is all on line and you can email the completed form in and get the permits sent by return courier.
This might actually work out perfectly.


The editable form.

http://www.ec.gc.ca/cites/05BFDC16-0E81-4E0E-A13C-FCAB08D1413B/ht-tc_2011-07-04_eng.pdf

 

[spike.t]

have you got 7 for the whole trip?

 

[BRICKBURN]

have you got 7 for the whole trip?

It's online I can keep applying as I go along. Isn't the internet great!

 

[BRICKBURN]

Do you know how much I love to hunt with my own guns?

It has to be LOTS!

So much so, that I will put up with the recurrent pain in my a** that some governments want to throw at you.

Just got the news this morning that the folks in Botswana want to have an authorization/appointment form for the Outfitter to acquire my firearms import permit. Never before required.

It makes sense and you certainly have to continue to go with the flow. Eric's advice of long ago: "TIA"

Oh well, one more form to complete and send.

Off it goes. I do love to hunt with my own guns.

 

[spike.t]

It's online I can keep applying as I go along. Isn't the internet great!

:think::headscratch:hbrother::nope: i meant 7 people on the whole trip.....:heh: me thinks your brain is tooooo excited to take it all in so maybe you need a :beer:

 

[BRICKBURN]

:think::headscratch:hbrother::nope: i meant 7 people on the whole trip.....:heh: me thinks your brain is tooooo excited to take it all in so maybe you need a :beer:

Grabbing seven CITES species sounds more interesting.

I'll blame lack of sleep. I wish it was from drinking to much. Matter of fact, I think I will tonight.

Now that I have the topic clear, (I think)

I'll break down the population of the whole adventure timeline.
1 - All Alone for the first ten days in Namibia. Ozondjahe

12 - The hoard descends on Windhoek and Maun and hunting commences in Botswana for two weeks.

7 - The attrition starts. I fly on to RSA and drive to (Leeukop) while others stay in Botswana to view the swamp.

4 - Just the guys hanging in the bush for a week.

3 - Another attrition. Some people have bosses that want them back early. Who'd have thought.
Onward into the mountains to see what the Drakensburg looks like close up.

 

[spike.t]

i think you deserve a few :beer: tonight after the effort and time you have put into the planning/logistics of this trip :clapping: i think starting this great trip with 10 days at jeromes , and then 14 days (all i presume) at kanana is one hell of a way to kick off this jaunt. i wish you and your crew a fantastic time , just a shame you couldnt squeeze a week up in zambia along the way:biggrin2: cheers mike

 

[BRICKBURN]

i think you deserve a few :beer: tonight after the effort and time you have put into the planning/logistics of this trip :clapping: i think starting this great trip with 10 days at jeromes , and then 14 days (all i presume) at kanana is one hell of a way to kick off this jaunt. i wish you and your crew a fantastic time , just a shame you couldnt squeeze a week up in zambia along the way:biggrin2: cheers mike

Ozondjahe Namibia
Kanana Botswana
Leeukop RSA

are the three big places I am going.


I will be having a drink tonight and a few on the weekend.
I will be shooting Pheasants all weekend. Have to practice up for fast moving Kudu.

Thanks for the well wishes. I know Ozondjahe has internet hooked up and I hope to share the tale as I go. At least as much as time allows.

You have no idea how much I would have loved to head up to Zambia with you, but my boss would have something to say about extending my trip that far.

There is always next time.:uptosome: