Victoria Falls, Lunch on the Zambizi, Elephant Rides, Helicopters, & Dinner Cruise Oh My!

 I think as I look back on this trip that this day was my favorite day of the entire trip. There were so many that were amazing but the amount of things we did on this particular day and the scope on which they were done was simply amazing. Our day began with a trip to Victoria Falls. We were treated to a group of African singers who were immediately drawn to Tristan. Our guide Moses, then took us into the Falls which were simply amazing. Moses told us that the water of the Zambezi is purifying and once we made the hike to the end and back we would all be given a cleansing name. The hike was truly amazing. I was so proud of Lisa she made it more than half way, once it started to get wet she turned back but the rest of us were in it for the long haul. Tristan and I loved getting cleansed by the mist of the falls, at some time it was flat out rain! I was on such a natural high after this hike it was amazing.

After boarding the bus Moses gave us out African names:
Lynnette - Tatenda "we thank you Lord"
Tex - Tendai "thank you Lord"
Tristan - Tafad2wa "we've been blessed"
Dad - Ngoni "grace from God"
Sue Rudo "loud"
Lisa - Chipo "gift from God"

On our way out of the Falls, Moses pulled over to the side of the road, we all got out of the van and walked down towards the river. It was there were saw and beautiful lunch prepared for us by a wonderful group of people. This was over the top for me, a full 3 course meal, a full bar, a masseuse all prepared for us. This literally brought tears to my eyes, I was flat out crying. We cherished the moment and enjoyed the massage, the food, and most of all the people. The crazy thing about this stop was they prepared the meal at a known water hole for the elephants. During our lunch a small group of elephants were trying to come get a drink from the river. The staff was burning elephant dung, making noises all to protect us and allow us to enjoy our lunch. Such a blessing from God.

What could top an already miraculous morning? An elephant ride through the bush. Really... does this really happen. Tex, Tristan and I were first up. After a short briefing the guides walked us over to the ramp where we boarded the elephants. Tex and Tristan were on the larger elephant the was 35 and his name was Dumbo... yes Dumbo, I was on the younger one that was 15 and his name was Timba. I could not believe Tristan was not scared. I just kept saying to myself... "it's just like riding a horse, it's just like riding a hose". Our ride was about 45 minutes. We were lead by a guide with a gun, and a photographer. Other than that it was just us. Dad, Sue and Lisa waited at the lodge for their turn. This is truly an experience that I will never forget. 

When the first group finished their ride, the second group was up. Do you know how cool it is to see you 80 year old Dad climb on top of an elephant? It's awesome! And Lisa... I was so proud of hear, she is fearless!

After the ride we were able to feed the elephants to say "thank you". Elephant chocolate which are little pellet's that the suck up through their trunk. Such incredible creatures!

As if they day was not perfect, why not through in a helicopter ride over Victoria Falls. The ride was short but truly amazing to have an aerial view of this spectacular river. To see just how massive this water fall is was spectacular. This was Tristan's first helicopter ride. He absolutely loved it! 

As if we had not done enough today we finished the night off with a sunset cruise. It was a nice way to stop a really think about everything we took part in today. It was truly a gift to experience all of these things and I can only Pray that Tristan really understands what a privilege it was to experience all of this with his Grammy, PaPa, Auntie, as well us us. 

Amazing, simply amazing

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

MON 18 JUN                           YOU CAN CERTAINLY DO AN EARLY MORNING GAME DRIVE,  BUT,  I WOULD RECOMMEND THAT YOU RELAX, SLEEP IN,  HAVE A LEISURELY BREAKFAST BEFORE HEADING BACK TO THE JETTY WHERE MOSES WILL BE WAITING TO WELCOME YOU.      HIS PLAN TODAY IS TO TAKE YOU OFF ON A GUIDED WALKING TOUR OF THE VICTORIA FALLS FOLLOWED BY A LUNCH ON THE BANKS OF THE ZAMBEZI RIVER AND ENDING THE DAY WITH A SHORT ELEPHANT BACK SAFARI.      TIMING I WILL LEAVE TO HIM TO EXPLAIN TO YOU. RETURN TO THE ZAMBEZI CRESCENT RIVER LODGE LATE AFTERNOON.   IT WILL HAVE BEEN A TRULY EXCITING DAY SO I HAVE NO DOUBT YOU WILL JUST ENJOY A LITTLE BIT OF RELAXATION ON THE DECK BEFORE DINNER.

-->