SOUTH AFRICA: Wheels Up From Denver To KZN

[Ironhorse375]

On our way to KZN . Long way around.
Denver to Seattle to Dubai to Johannesburg. overnight. Then Durban to camp and Cape buffalo.
With my fantastic wife Laura.
Special thanks to @Ridgewalker for the pre safari tune up.

 

[Hogpatrol]

Good luck on your hunt! Assume you are taking Emirates or Qatar?

 

[Ironhorse375]

Emirates it is. Looking forward to getting to Africa.
@Ridgewalker has been instrumental in getting me into shooting form.
Nothing like having a drill instructor run you thru senerios of hunting Cape buffalo.
Imagine doing that in Colorado! I’m calling Ridgewalker my Colorado PH.
After 2 surgeries one for a detached retina and second big spine surgery involving my cervical spine and weakness I was unsure if this trip would even be possible.
But great surgeons and being tenacious on my end, along with a physical therapist that worked me hard, is making this dream come true.
Along with a very supportive wife.
My grandson says papa has a robot neck, as he has seen all X-ray and MRI.
Believe me I’m setting off metal detectors 50 feet away.
Can’t wait till he’s old enough to come along with.
This trip involves 2 parts. First our hunt with Zeekoepan Safari just on border of Swaziland, Main animals Cape buffalo, zebra warthog and ???
Second part of trip is touring with a PH and his fiancée that we met last time in Africa and hunted PG in 2016.
Chris from Zungah Safaris is going to tour us around and it’s all up to him on the route.
I just told him you know things we enjoy just plan a surprise trip.
Next stop Dubai.
Then to Johannesburg.
Oh beware, South Africa express has grounded flights. So we are making last minute adjustments
In travel plans. Check back in tomorrow I guess......

 

[cpr0312]

Best of luck, look forward to the report!

 

[WAB]

Straight shots!

 

[Nyati]

Wish you the best of luck !

 

[BRICKBURN]

Good luck.

 

[CAustin]

Have a great trip.

 

[BobT]

Good luck!!!

 

[cls]

Good luck and shoot straight

 

[Ridgewalker]

Thanks for the compliment Steve, but all I did was tack up the full size Cape buff target, make you walk fast enough to get out of breath, play PH and set up the sticks and count to make sure you could pull the trigger, reload and hit it again. You pulled the trigger great! “The Perfect Shot”!
I think doing it first a few times with the 223 kind of sets one’s mind for what has to happen. Then when you use your Big gun, it just all comes together. Trigger time is just so important to hunt preparation. And you did perfect.
No doubt in my mind that if your PH gets you 50 yards or less you’ll do your part on Mr Buff!

I think you’re pretty courageous (or maybe that’s crazy) after getting all those screws in your neck to even pull the trigger on a heavy rifle!

Best of luck and enjoy your trip!

 

[Ridgewalker]

Here’s some pics I took of our range day:

 

[flatwater bill]

Best of luck Ironhrse....................hope all goes well............................I still have night sweats about traveling Emirates via Seattle with a rifle.................May the odds be ever in your favor......................FW Bill

 

[Ridgewalker]

Pics of you two ready to go.

 

[Ridgewalker]

Here’s your Seattle layover bar. Obviously in preparation for Africa!

 

[Ironhorse375]

We made it to Dubai. 14 hrs in the air with some ones 4 yo boy 2 seats away.
I didn't realize that any human being could whine and cry for 13.5 hours.
Unless your a politician!
@flatwater bill I delved deeply into taking rifle via Emirates, but in the end decision made to use PH rifle as we are touring S.A. on back end. And really don't need to deal with a stolen rifle.
Thanks to @@ridgewalker for tag teaming me with posts on my adventure.

 

[Ridgewalker]

Any layover time to sightsee Dubai?
How long is your next flight?

Best

 

[Hogpatrol]

We made it to Dubai. 14 hrs in the air with some ones 4 yo boy 2 seats away.
I didn't realize that any human being could whine and cry for 13.5 hours.
Unless your a politician!
@flatwater bill I delved deeply into taking rifle via Emirates, but in the end decision made to use PH rifle as we are touring S.A. on back end. And really don't need to deal with a stolen rifle.
Thanks to @@ridgewalker for tag teaming me with posts on my adventure.

Say what?

https://www.bose.com/en_us/products/headphones/noise_cancelling_headphones.html

Got them from my mega-million mile flyer brother-in-law. Wouldn't get on a plane without them and extra batteries.

 

[Neale]

Can't wait for this report. Nice part of SA you are going to.

 

[CAustin]

I sure like the looks of the Lion over the Bar!