A lot happened but nothing dramatic, everything kinda went to plan, with some plans working out better than the original plan.

We got to Orlando Airport on time, flight to London via Charlotte, NC and spent eight hours layover in Heathrow to get on the flight to South Africa, both flights with extra legroom, which was good.

Thursday we landed in Johannesburg and got a celebrity reception from two high school mates, thanks to Pieter and Sors, after a breakfast at Wimpys, Pieter gave us a ride to Oupa, where Ingrid spent the night with me at Thea’s.

Friday, (the day that worked out better than planned) Pieter and I travelled to Potchstroom to collect a wheel-chair bound school mate, Bennie, for the High School party planned for Saturday. I picked up our Mitsubishi Pajero, our vehicle for the next six months, from Leonard, who did a fantastic job in preparing it for us. Dankie Leonard. Sorry for taking some back roads, Pieter.

Saturday was Party Day with about 25 high school mates (1971 Pietersburg Hoërskool Matrics) with some bringing their spouses. A great get together with a lot of work done by the organizers. Thank you Pieter, Annelie and Klaradyn.

On the birding front, I picked up five lifers across the USA, and another in Thea’s backyard (#672 – Willow Warbler), hoping to get another one today, thanks to Ursula for spotting the Black Heron at the Blue Crane Restaurant, will go back.