EDELWEISS
AH enthusiast
My hunt has been planned since last year. Boy, back then I could have writtten a guide on what to do, take, wear; and when to do it---now that its here Im freaking out. We leave in September (a buddy and I). Both of us are experienced hunters but the only time either of us ever flew somewher to go hunting, we were in BDUs, with face paint, carrying M16s and we were wearing parachutes..... Besides that we've always driven to our destination, even when it was Canada.
So now Ive booked my trip, sent a down payment by wire transfer to the PH. Our airline tickets are paid for but the agent says the exact seats arent confirmed yet. We're driving from Maryland to New York and spending the night in a airport hotel (where we're leaving the car for the duration). We're flying into Jo'Burg, then have a 5 hour layover before catching a flight to Port Elizabeth.
We have our passports and lots of blank pages.
We still have to go to US Customs (my buddy's rifle is being built and its not done yet--supposed to be done soon enuf for him to get some shooting time??? Hes got a fall back if its not ready
Im still having the Pelican VS Tuff Pak confusion (taking two rifles)
My PH says I can do a money transfer via computer to pay for the balance; but the folks in my bank dont think it can be done with me in SA.... Im taking cash to be on the safe side; but carrying "that much" cash is freaking me out too.
If all that wasnt bad enough my house burned in February and most of my gear is in storage. Ive been wearing my boots to be sure theyre comfortable, and Im taking a pair of soft hiking shoes that I can double for use around the camp. I "know" I shouldnt pack too many clothes and accessories; but deciding what to take and what to leave is driving me crazy too.
Personal items:
I dont need glasses for general use; but I usually keep a pair of "cheaters" handy for small print.
Im also taking a couple pairs of sun glasses in hard cases.
Ive got 1 power converter, do I need more?
I just picked up a small digital point and shoot (pocket size) camera and a small video camera with a couple memory cards. My PH says he can arrange to have a professional videographer film the hunt (for $1000); but doesnt reccommend it because of extra boots on the ground. Im tempted because it would be better than anything I could produce--still thats a lot of money that I could spend on hunting)
Now just to show you the craziness didnt just start, Ive decided to dress like Teddy Roosevelt, Im wearing jodphers and high boots. Im gonna pass on the pith helmet and wear a 1889 campaign hat. If its a good hunt, then we all have fun, if I blow easy shots, then the staff get to laugh at the crazy American who dressed funny, and I still have a good time--in any event the pics will be "classic".......
So now Ive booked my trip, sent a down payment by wire transfer to the PH. Our airline tickets are paid for but the agent says the exact seats arent confirmed yet. We're driving from Maryland to New York and spending the night in a airport hotel (where we're leaving the car for the duration). We're flying into Jo'Burg, then have a 5 hour layover before catching a flight to Port Elizabeth.
We have our passports and lots of blank pages.
We still have to go to US Customs (my buddy's rifle is being built and its not done yet--supposed to be done soon enuf for him to get some shooting time??? Hes got a fall back if its not ready
Im still having the Pelican VS Tuff Pak confusion (taking two rifles)
My PH says I can do a money transfer via computer to pay for the balance; but the folks in my bank dont think it can be done with me in SA.... Im taking cash to be on the safe side; but carrying "that much" cash is freaking me out too.
If all that wasnt bad enough my house burned in February and most of my gear is in storage. Ive been wearing my boots to be sure theyre comfortable, and Im taking a pair of soft hiking shoes that I can double for use around the camp. I "know" I shouldnt pack too many clothes and accessories; but deciding what to take and what to leave is driving me crazy too.
Personal items:
I dont need glasses for general use; but I usually keep a pair of "cheaters" handy for small print.
Im also taking a couple pairs of sun glasses in hard cases.
Ive got 1 power converter, do I need more?
I just picked up a small digital point and shoot (pocket size) camera and a small video camera with a couple memory cards. My PH says he can arrange to have a professional videographer film the hunt (for $1000); but doesnt reccommend it because of extra boots on the ground. Im tempted because it would be better than anything I could produce--still thats a lot of money that I could spend on hunting)
Now just to show you the craziness didnt just start, Ive decided to dress like Teddy Roosevelt, Im wearing jodphers and high boots. Im gonna pass on the pith helmet and wear a 1889 campaign hat. If its a good hunt, then we all have fun, if I blow easy shots, then the staff get to laugh at the crazy American who dressed funny, and I still have a good time--in any event the pics will be "classic".......