"Checking the Tires" in Africa

No, this photo circulating on the Internet isn't one from our trip.

It did bring to mind the early morning balloon ride we did over Serengeti when in Tanzania, Africa.

One of the thousands of highlights of our three weeks there was the Ballooning over Serengeti.

...we were up before dawn as that is ideal time for balloons lift off ~

dawn brings the air flows of early morning...

We had coffee...naturally...rode about 40 minutes to the floor of the wild and wonderful Serengeti Valley...still in darkness...got out of the vehicle to find only open terrine...grassy fields.... (of course)
and if we need to "check the tires" (which is what the call it should you have to tinkle while on a Safari).

Well...
Guess who couldn't face a couple of hours in a balloon WITHOUT checking the tires... just thinking I couldn't go made the urge to go even stronger. The only lights out there came from the headlights of the vehicles~ The lights were focuses on the balloons being filled with hot air. Behing us was pitch black. We were the cheese in the rat trap, I thought.

Diane went with me to the edge of darkness at the back tire of our vehicle~

We looked around, peering into the darkness.. .was there something big out there just ready to jump out of the grass?

BUT little did Diane's presence halt the fear~

I tell you, it didn't take long to check that tire, pull up safari pants and run, zipping as we rejoin safty of the group. WHEW!

Afterwards I felt that I had really walked on the edge...but it was worth it to be comfortable.
Africa is something everyone should experience.

I must share more with my own photos later.

June