Monday, October 12, 2009

Under The African Sky

Our first few days in Zimbabwe. We are now at Grahams house. That's me sitting on veranda writing in my journal.

Pictures are a little blurry because I'm sitting in the back seat on our way out to the lake. Here are a few villages we passed. Fences, roofs and homes are made from the native grass called thatch. Some were logs most were thatched.
This tree was blooming solid purple, just beautiful.
I tried to get some of the road which was all dirt on our way to the lake.
Now in Zimbabwe all money is US dollars, Zim money no longer exists. You can now buy food in the grocery stores and gasoline on the streets.
Poinsettia bush. Africa seasons are opposite of our seasons. Right now spring is on its way out and summer begins. Nov, Dec and Jan are the rainy seasons.
This is a type of bird nest. The male bird spends hours making the nest and when the female arrives to move in, and if it does not suit her approval, she will snip the nest down, It falls to the ground and he will start over until it meets her approval. I saw in one day six different nests on the ground. "Dude get it right the first time"
Look closely at the Preying Mantis.
This is the fish camp we stayed in. Pretty cool huh?..:)
Natives gathering their fish nets.
Kingfisher bird perched on the fence that surrounded the camp
To see an African sunset is to see God's beauty up close.
Together we share another journey under the African skies. My family, I'm thinking of you....:)
The people who have survived and still live in Zimbabwe are like family. Every chance they get, they come together and enjoy the beauty that Zim has to offer.
Inside the fish camp.
Employees at this camp make forty dollars a month. And happy to have it.
Gathering his nets
Team meeting at the HHK Tournament involved lots of Zimbabwe beer and fish stories.
The sunset from the lodge was awesome, as they usually are in Africa.
This spider and I shared the bathroom. It was fine as long as I knew where he was at all times.
This was our "cabin" for the weekend.
Most plants have spines. This one is called "thornbush" for good reason.
Life in Zimbabwe involves the land and animals.
Lawn at the Lodge was pretty neat.
Darin was one of the weigh masters. He also caught a good bag of bass.
Spiers caught the "duma" bass which means "BIG". Weight: 10.78 pounds.

This is Ken and Brian coming in to Weigh-in. In a hurry as usual.
Brian was a big boy. A gentle giant. Makes the boat look small, aye?
Inside our tent.
Our room was pretty neat.

Now, that's a box o' bass.
We caught a few nice ones, but no "duma". There were 4 over 10 pounds weighed in.
Fishing for bass shrinks the world.
Roger Cousins won the event with an amazing catch.
Nice topwater bass from Darwendale.
The "weigh bay" was a new canal dug by the Lodge operator to acomodate the boats.
Our cabin/tent/very nice...:)
Every participant got a trophy from HHK Safaris.
Graham and KJ are officers of the Zimbabwe Federation.


The amateur winner. With high fives in order.
Ken gave the Federation his tourney shirt to auction for a fund raiser.
The amateur winner and his winnings with Graham.
Roger Cousins and his amateur won the team competition with 10 bass for 72+ lbs. Yikees.
A good time was had by all!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
KJ and his new daughter, Jordan.

Sunday, October 4, 2009

Spirit of Survival Marathon

Hunter giving some last minute adjustments.
Adam ran 13.1 miles in the Spirit of Survival Marathon
Yes it hurts right there....:)
A lot of popping and crunching going on. Thanks to Hunter.
Marti made Monica a GO sign. Here she comes!!! Serena, Marti and Hunter cheer her on..

With a high five to finish...:)She is looking good at mile 20. We are so PROUD of Monica and Adam for running for Cancer awareness.
Serena/Mom helping Monica out by handing her a banana and water.

She finishes her marathon in 4:32. WOW!!!

She did take the time for a short pose.