VACATIONS & GETAWAYS
It was indeed special, with a few drinks and reminiscing about old times back in Gainesville, while listening to the sounds of the savanna. The next morning, after breakfast, we headed out on a highly anticipated trip to see the wild animals of Kruger. The first animals we saw were a giraffe and a family of hyenas. Giraffes have exceptionally high blood pressure compared to humans, mainly due to their long necks and elevated heads. To maintain adequate blood flow to the brain, their heart must pump blood against gravity, resulting in a mean blood pressure of around 200 mmHg at the heart, which is significantly higher than that of a normal human. This high pressure is necessary to ensure a cerebral perfusion pressure of about 100 mmHg at the head, according to a review article I read. I aim to replicate our previous study on kangaroos, in which we measured phasic pressure and blood flow velocity in the ascending aorta. A group of leopards is called a leap, while a group of lions is called a pride. Leopards are renowned for their exceptional hunting skills, adaptability to diverse habitats, and distinctive physical characteristics. Lions are powerful predators with a strong presence, often referred to as “king of the jungle”. These animals are known to be dangerous and can attack humans, so exercise caution. Two of the biggest flying birds we saw in the park were the kori bustard and the blue crane. The kori bustard is one of the world’s heaviest flying birds; however, it spends most of its time on the ground
SOUTH AFRICAN TALES FROM TRAVEL ENTHUSIAST & STORYTELLER, WILMER NICHOLS
On Thursday morning, July 25, we bid farewell to awesome Amsterdam and hopped on the train to Schiphol Airport, where we boarded our KLM flight to Johannesburg, South Africa. I had booked us a room at the Protea Hotel, which was in Terminal A of the airport, making it accessible to international transit passengers without requiring them to clear immigration. Therefore, we didn’t have to clear customs until the next morning. Our walk to the hotel was quite far, and it really tired me out. We made it to bed about midnight, and I was exhausted. Our flight to Hoedspruit the next day didn’t leave Johannesburg until 1:00 PM, so we had time to rest before having breakfast. We had a delicious breakfast with decent coffee before going through passport control. Our Airlink flight from Johannesburg to Hoedspruit arrived at 1:55 PM, and Chris and Jenny were there to pick us up. The Lombards purchased a large lot within a fenced compound near Hoedspruit, South Africa, and had a house built. I had no idea there was such a house in all of South Africa. I was expecting, maybe, a two-bedroom shack. When we drove up to the house, I couldn’t believe my eyes. It was one of the most beautiful houses I had ever seen; it even had a carport, and Eric and I had our own incredible bedroom. After having the excellent dinner that Jenny prepared, we retired to the veranda and had a few drinks. It was so relaxing after the long trip from Amsterdam. Jenny had grown up in Zimbabwe, and some of her family still lived there, so they moved to South Africa, as Zimbabwe was an adjoining country. After a bit, Eric and I started asking questions about the compound and the animals that lived inside.
Chris said he would take us for a walk around the compound the next day. Then he told us a family of bushbabies lived in the top of the veranda above our heads, and since they are nocturnal animals, they would be coming out soon. He also told us that a prickle (group) of porcupines lived underneath the deck, and they would be out too. After Eric saw the nocturnal animals, he excused himself and went to bed. We arose early the next morning to the smell of coffee and bacon cooking. I don’t know where it came from, but it was delicious. I thought it may be from a warthog like those outside. On our walk about that morning inside the compound where Chris and Jenny lived, we saw several different species of animals. It was amazing. Kruger National Park, located approximately a two-hour drive from Chris and Jenny’s place, is home to a diverse range of animals, including the iconic “Big Five” (lion, leopard, rhino, elephant, and Cape buffalo). Other commonly seen animals include giraffes, zebras, wildebeests, hippos, and various antelope species. Smaller mammals, such as warthogs, jackals, and hyenas, as well as many bird species, are also present. Kruger National Park is one of the largest national parks in the world, spanning an area of 7,523 square miles. To the north and south of the park, two rivers, the Limpopo River and the Crocodile River, respectively, act as its natural boundaries. Jenny had booked us two bungalows inside the park for our visit; they were situated next door to each other. It sure was nice coming back from a long day in the park to unusually comfortable accommodations. Each bungalow had its own oven and outdoor grill. Chris cooked an excellent dinner for all of us on the grill, and Jenny prepared a wonderful breakfast.
36 December 2025
STROLL Town of Tioga 37
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