Ok, we're going to try this again.
Only in Africa.............
Africa is exciting, scary to the uneducated and intoxicating to the hunter's heart. Every one who loves to hunt should hunt Africa at least once. Nothing you have done or will do will ever compare to the feeling of anticipation, nor offer the varity of opportunity as does Africa, my life has been made richer for the experience.
Following is a synopsis of my 10 day hunt at Melorani Safaris, in South Africa with Stewert Dorrington and his PH Huibert (Bert) Myer. I was traveling with my good friends Ted and Janet Judson who was on the quest of a large Sable Bull. I won’t try to segment it a day at a time as most of the “action” happened in the first two or three days. So I will make a collage to include most of the great scenarios I experienced to make up the whole journey. Let me pre-empt my story by telling you our hunt was a little unusual by comparison to all of the people I spent great length in communicating with. Some of the information and aids given by them just didn’t apply because unlike them we were not hunting in dry dusty, thirsty conditions. It had rained the immediate 4 days prior to our arrival. Under normal conditions it wouldn’t have rained for two or three months prior to our hunt. Stewert said it was an unusually wet season, so far. Although it didn’t rain (it misted) while we were there, there was standing water in many places and on the red dirt road leading to Melorani, we were actually driving through mud and water stretching clear across the road. Those who have visited Melorani before will get a good mental picture if I simply say, we saw NO dust the entire 10 days. Understand, if it sounds like I am complaining, I am not. I couldn’t have been happier. I would let nothing dampen an adventure straight from my bucket list, and it didn't. I was able to harvest three great animals, trophies you ask, your darned right they are trophies, mine. First I arrowed a fine Kudu, then a warthog and finally a nice Wildebeest. As my friend Ted says “A respectable example of the species”. My wish list included up to six animals but, did the weather have anything to do with my not getting shots of the all, perhaps but I saw many, many animals and made my decisions each time. The hunt was certainly all I hoped for and more.
The trip from Atlanta to Joberg was approx. 16 hours on Delta Flight 200. It was mostly uneventful and comfortable except for a small medical incident that occurred to me upon landing. I won’t bore you with my problems except to say be sure to get up and move around “often” during the flight to maintain proper circulation. If any are interested in detail let me know. The good news about Delta Flight 200 for those who can’t sleep on planes, like me, is they have non-stop movies and games to help pass the time.
We were picked up and zipped through customs rapidly, thanks in part to traditional hunting equipment that doesn’t look so weapon like. After our luggage was loaded we were taken, in a light mist I might add, to The Afton House in Joberg to spend the night, eat a good breakfast the next morning and then were introduced to Stewert Dorrington who took us the 3 ½ hour trip across the Platinum Highway to Melorani. We got to know each other on the trip and those who know him will agree that Stewert is one of the wittiest, funny people you could have the pleasure to know.
The adventure begins:
Above is the comfortable Rondavel I stayed in. Notice that the colors on the building were painted with colored clay from the grounds of Melorani.
The Rondavels were roomy and comfortable, complete with showers and inside plumbing for your security. Beds are made, rooms cleaned and laundry done daily, remember that in your packing.
Below is the beautiful courtyard that is the walkway to the central area where we congregate for dining and casual conversation and drinks by the fire afterwards;
The Lapa is where we meet each morning for breakfast and to prepare our lunches that go into the field with us, and then to return to each evening for gourmet meals by Chef Janet. On all evenings we were joined by Stewert, his lovely wife Bronwyn, the PH Huibert (Bert) and some times by Roscoe and Richard their two sons. (Pictured above is Stewert, Bert and Ted discussing blind placement for the day)
After supper we gathered here at the fire pit to relive the days hunt or hear stories of past years and laugh at Stewert’s adventures at Melorani with other clients.
To close this evening I'll end with my first Trophy. A nice Kudu shot on the first afternoon at the Red Land Hide:
The Kudu was shot with my Robertson, Prarie Falcon, Stykbow @58#, with wooden arrows footed with rosewood, made by me and tipped with Wensel Woodsman Elite broadheads. Fortunately due to a heart shot, he traveled only 90 yards before piling up. It was a proud moment.
More to come..........
Topic: Trad Lad is back (Read 2331 times)
