Dear Clint..sorry to take so long to return your emails.  I do not know where to start to tell of our exceptionally wonderful trip to South Africa with Buks.  We opted not to take the children on this trip as we felt they were still a bit young for such a hunting trip, however, we know, God willing we will be back!  So it was just the two of us on a well needed adventure.   

Our trip over was smooth and uneventful, though as you know a bit wearisome.  Buks met us in JBurg and we were instantly taken by his friendly ways and we were off to a great start! 

Our accommodations at Bateleur were more than adequate and very comfortable with a stocked refrigerator and fresh sandwiches awaiting our arrival.  After a much needed shower and a bit of a rest, Buks delighted us with a tour of his beautiful game preserve and then on to dinner, where we met his lovely wife Elna, who is a superb chef as well, and our very gregarious and pleasant PH assistant, Julian.  Our first meal with our new found friends left us feeling as if we had known them for years, and the food, well, my cooking was put to shame, as Elna was creating culinary masterpieces on a daily basis.  Good people, good food, great place, and the excitement of good hunting, what else could we ask for!

I cannot begin to describe what a great hunting experience we were about to have.  One simply has to travel to South Africa with a PH as good as Buks and experience it!  I can say that thanks to Buks knowing where the animals were, and to Brad's skill with the rifle, as well as Kenny Jarrett's rifle itself, Brad was able to shoot and kill all on his list and some extras and I, who dare not boast any such hunting skills, got a zebra and a warthog.  Our new additions to the trophy room include, Kudu, Red Hartebeest, Wildebeest, Impala, Gemsbok, and Waterbuck. 

Needless to say with each  trophy there is a story, some short, some long, but all good.  We have wonderful photographs along with all the wonderful tales.  We were also thrilled to take some time for exciting bird hunting as an added bonus. We were very fortunate to include in our trip a trip to Kruger National Park..what a magnificent statement of the wild world.  We were pleased to see an abundance of wildlife, including lions, elephants, cape buffalo, baboons, giraffe, waterbuck, nyala, hippos, crocs, and so much more!  We stayed one night at one of the comfortable lodges available in Kruger..Kruger will most definitely be on the must go back to list! 

We had a delightful drive back to Homebase which included a stop  at a jewelry maker acquaintance of Buks where I was particularly thrilled to be given a beautiful South African diamond and tanzanite ring as a remembrance of our wonderful trip to South Africa. 
 

So, Clint, I guess you can see that we had a great trip!  Many thanks to you and the Safari Club for such an opportunity.  Brad and I would be more than happy to help you with the booth at the SEWE.  We are hoping that Buks and Elna will make the trip this year.  Stay in touch, we will look forward to meeting you soon.
 

Sincerely, Sally and Brad