The National Game Reserve

From Monday through Wednesday (Feb 14-16) we traveled about three and half hours away to the national game reserve.  How different it was from when we had gone before.  Everything, except for the warm springs, had been changed.  Still, it was good time and once again the memories ran rampant.



Top: Aaron getting the van ready to leave
Center: The smell of fumes turned into a flat tire
Bottom: Keeping the babies happy on the long drive





The "area boys" (aka baboons) are mischevious and smart.  If you are not careful, they will break into you cars, chalet, or grab bags/food out of your hand.



Camp happenings



Tea time every night while visiting and marveling at the stars (and swatting mosquitoes).



Breakfast just wouldn't be breakfast if it weren't pancakes outside.



While packing up:
Brandon: Mommy, Grandma's getting something special for me!
Me: What is she getting?
Brandon: She's getting pankaks!
Brandon LOVES pankaks at any given time, but they were extra special that grandma was packing up the ingredients--just for him!! ;)



Wikki Warm Springs--the main reason for going.  The water stays a constant 90 degrees all year round.



Playing hard = tired babies!



Rachel has a special underwater case for her camera.  Ten years ago when we were all together we have a picture in the exact same location, in this format.  Unfortunately I have no idea where my copy of that picture is so I can't show you the comparison.





Micah was having a hard time so Mom and I took turns holding him outside the water
for a while so he could rest.



Going on Safari



Brandon was fascinated--but kind of got bored when we didn't see animals right away.
We went on a 6am safari as well and managed to see elephants, which he will gladly tell you about!



Left: Marshall Caves--speculation is that these caves were dug by a tribe hiding from slave traders.
Right: Male Water Buck



Top Left: ELEPHANTS!  Top Right: Wart Hogs infested the camp
Bottom Left: Baboons were partners with the wart hogs  Bottome right: Dyker



Top: Female Water Buck
Bottom Left: Lion footprint in the circle  Bottom Right: Baobob Tree eaten by elephants



On the afternoon safari we saw lions.  Of course, Dad wasn't along.  In the 34 years they've been in Nigeria my dad has never seen lions in Yankari.  It's become a family joke!



Termite mound.  If you look on the sides you can see it has been rubbed smooth
by elephants scratching their skin.



Cal continued his tradition of taking pictures in his Bomgar (work) t-shirt by signs around the world.

The bush is burned during the dry season to help with re-growth.  These yellow flowers are what grow from the charred ground--it is the only place and time they grow.  What an amazing reminder of God's grace!

Blessings on your Tuesday.