Saturday, July 09, 2011

Woodstock Ontario to African Lion Safari and Back

We were up early this morning and on the road again to Cambridge.

Arriving at Kim and Mike's we found Michael looking into new vehicles. His company was going to provide him with a car allowance but specified it could be no more than four model years old and the Caravan wasn't up to the task. Kim liked their new Mazda too much to give it up to him so he was test driving a few options. His choices were limited to Chrysler products because of their aggressive financing options. His first test was a sensible Journey, which he brought home for everyone to look at. Then he went to the place he really wanted to be. A Dodge Ram 1500 with the Hemi gas engine. Once a truck man, always a truck man:-))

The test Journey was color matched to Jolene's outfit

While Mike continued his vehicle search, the rest of us loaded the kids into the Mazda for an expedition to the African Lion Safari which was only a few miles down the road. I drove the enjoyable little car over there where we found it was a very busy day. After getting through the gate, we found ourselves directed to the grass parking lot behind the overflow lot. Rather than drive Kim's car through the property and chance some serious baboon damage, we opted to pay a little more and take the bus. With all the crowds, we wondered how long we would have to wait but, surprise, we were put on the next one long and had most of the back seats to ourselves.

The long walk from the parking lot

Waiting for the bus

We had the back of the bus to ourselves

I haven't been to the Lion Safari in many years. This attraction allows vehicles to drive through compounds populated with wild animals. The big cat section had a pride of lions and some cheetahs. The baboon area is always fun as the large primates climb on the cars and try to figure out which parts, like mirrors and wipers, are removable. The section with the herbivores had rhinos, giraffes, zebras and all manner of antelope type creatures along with North American elk and bison. It was all quite educational but only held Jolene's attention for about half the way. Still, both she and Robyn were very well behaved.  My apologies for not taking any animal photos but I was having too much fun with the kids.

After the bus tour, we had lunch at the Mombasa Market. It seems Jolene has quite the appreciation for onion rings. Good to know.

Resting footsies before heading back to the car

Instead of going straight home, Kim asked me to drive around a little bit so I looked for some back roads. Jolene went right to sleep but Robyn cried until Kim gave her a bottle. Then she settled down. Back at the house, Kim and Robyn went in while Sandy and I took Jolene for another drive. As we were motoring along, I told her that she would be able to drive herself in another fourteen years. "When I'm sixteen", she said. Wow, where did that come from? It seems Kim and Mike had told her that a while ago and it stuck in her mind.

Back at the house, I took Jolene to the park where we played on the swings for a while. No shrinking violet, all I kept hearing was "Higher, higher".

Higher, higher

We had stir fry for supper before heading back to Woodstock once again, hot and tired from a very exhausting day.

Looking at Grandma

Drinking is serious business

P.S. We heard a few days later that Jolene told Mike, as she was getting ready for bed "Me and Grandma and Grandpa and Mommy went to Where The Wild Things Are. But Max wasn't there." Amazing how those little minds work.

Today's Route (97 van/Mazda miles):



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