2025 South Africa, Zimbabwe & Zambia - Day #8 - Winelands

from our Rothschild Safaris Itinerary

Cape Winelands

Although wine is produced over a much broader area, this region of absolutely beautiful agricultural valleys to the northeast of Cape Town is the real heart of the Winelands. The village of Franschhoek is the prettiest in the area and is the gourmet capital of the country. Set at the end of a beautiful valley with scenic vineyards surrounded by impressive granite mountains, and settled by French Huguenots in 1672, the town has always had a natural proclivity towards fine wines and cuisine. The elegant and historic town of Stellenbosch is the region's capital. The presence of the university gives the town a real vibrancy, whilst various museums and historic sites provide plenty of interest. There are over 100 wineries within easy reach around the town, plus dozens of top class restaurants.

Departure time 9:00AM
Please meet in the lobby of your hotel
Recommended attire casual clothing, comfortable shoes
Activity inclusions - private vehicle and guide, entrance fees
Special notes-lunch is payable direct, order and specific activities may vary

The Cape Winelands are now established as offering the finest combination anywhere in the world of spectacular scenery, excellent cuisine and, above all, award winning wines with an established international reputation.

Today you will enjoy a unique corner of Africa, a taste of its seductive wines and a step into a distinctive past. The wine industry dates back as far as 1688 when French Hugenots, escaping religious persecution at home, settled in the area now centered around the charming, historic town of Franschhoek home to wonderful examples of Victorian and Cape Dutch architecture.

Your day in the winelands offers a range of experiences. You will visit several premier vineyards for wine-tasting. Between tastings at award winning wineries, lunch will be enjoyed in Franschhoek, another charming, historic town the oldest in the country after Cape Town. It is an educational center that is not only famed for its wines but for its distinctive Cape Dutch architecture and walkable streets filled with boutiques, coffee shops, bakeries, galleries and young people. After your tour you will be transferred to Brookdale Estate for an evening at leisure.

Lunch Reservation at La Petite Ferme Restaurant A table for 5 has been reserved for 1:30PM

BROOKDALE ESTATE

Set against the dramatic backdrop of the Klein Drakenstein mountains in Paarl, Brookdale Estate is as unexpected as she is enchanting. Hugged by the tranquil valley and surrounded by natural beauty, the estate is also a working wine farm and offers some of the region's most innovative wine creations.

Brookdale Estate is home to an elegant Manor House with sprawling gardens, a restaurant and tasting lounge, and a natural paradise of indigenous vegetation. The estate is also has a new state-of-the-art Wine Cellar, which overlooks a portion of the vineyards. Set on gentle slopes amongst our vineyards, The Bistro gazes across new vines and the mountainous landscape of the valley in the Paarl Winelands. Within the Tasting Room, you can discover more about the Brookdale and Mason Road Wines, ask questions, learn about the vines and wine philosophy and sample terroir-driven vintages.

Crashing early the night before, I had a pretty good night's sleep. Sharon and I both slept until just before the alarm went off at 6:30 am. I did a 10 minute bodyweight Peleton workout in the room.

Sharon and I finished packing and then went down for breakfast (omelet). Dragging the luggage down and checking out, we met Barry in front of the hotel just before 9 am.

The plan for the day was to explore the Winelands. Working with Sharon, Barry switched around the plans from the original itinerary to make more sense geographically. Over the course of the morning, we wine tasted at Meerlust, Waterford Estate and Oldenburg, I would love to find some bottles of the Meerlustl Rubicon for the fall dinner party. Barry said that it was South Africa's Opus One. The tasting at Waterford was wine and chocolate. The setting at Oldenburg was fanastic.


We stopped and briefly explored the town of Stellenbosch. Sharon bought an Ostrich bracelett and purse.


We had a light lunch at Babylonstoren (Vegetable and Grain Bowl). Afterwards, we walked briefly through their extensive gardens.


Heading to where we were staying for the night, we made a stop at the Afrikaans Language Monument. Barry said that it was the first time in six years of guiding that a group had ever asked him to stop there. It is definitely brutalist architecture.

We are spending two night at the Brookdale Estate. The five of us finished the day with a wonderful private dinner at the Estate. We started dinner about 7:30 pm. By the time, we got to bed it was almost 11 pm.

2025 South Africa, Zimbabwe & Zambia - Day #7 - Cape of Good Hope

from our Rothschild Safaris Itinerary

Cape Peninsula Tour

• Departure time 8:30AM
• Please meet in the lobby of your hotel
• Recommended attire casual clothing, comfortable shoes
• Activity inclusions - private vehicle, entrance fees
• Special notes - lunch is payable direct, order and specific activities may vary

Today you will travel to the Southwestern tip of Africa, known as Cape Point, where it is fabled that two oceans meet. En-route you will stop at Boulder's Beach, residence of the adorable frolicking African penguin colony. Take a stroll on the generous boardwalk, where viewing of the penguins allows for natural behavior with minimal disturbance to their nesting and interactions.

Continue your drive to the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve where you are provided with an opportunity to view animals like the Cape Mountain zebra, mischievous baboon and blissful ostrich; all of which reside in the reserve among the indigenous Fynbos. Along your route, learn how the treacherous rocks running along the Atlantic Seaboard came to be known as the 'Ship Graveyard', why Bartholomew Diaz called this 'The Cape of Storms', and why Jan Van Riebeeck proclaimed Table Bay as The Cape of Good Hope.

Lunch is typically enjoyed at a local restaurant situated right on the coast and will likely include fresh seafood. After your meal, continue your scenic drive toward the dramatic and beautiful Chapman's Peak. Hugging the face of Chapman's Peak Mountain, this pass offers breathtaking vantage points that rise-up to 1,945 ft. (593 meters) above sea level. Each one of the 114 curves along the roadway offers incredible views - so keep your camera ready! You will return to your hotel in the late afternoon.

In spite of the late night, I had trouble sleeping. I was up and moving before 6 am. Leaving Sharon sleeping in the room, I headed down to the fitness center. I did a 30 minute Peloton Upper Body strength workout and then walked for 1 1/4 miles on the treadmill.

Getting cleaned up, Sharon and I headed down to the breakfast. I have been alternating every morning between pancakes and an omelet.

We meet the guide at the front of the hotel at 830 am. Everyone is very happy with our guide Barry!

Heading South along the east coast of the Cape of Good Hope, we made a quick stop at the Just Nuisance dog statue. From there, we continued to Boulder's Beach. The beach is home to a large colony of African Penguins. There is a nice boardwalk for viewing the penguins on the beach and nesting in the trees.

Continuing South, we headed in the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve. We took a couple of side roads searching for animals. We came across a number of Ostriches and a troop of baboons.

We stopped at the tip of the Cape of Good Hope for picture. Backtracking, we headed up the road to the old lighthouse. Given the length of the line to take the funicular up to the lighthouse, the group decided to pass and look for more animals.

Taking a different side road, we were find to find elands and bonteboks. leaving the nature reserve, we passed more Ostriches and a smaller troop of baboons.

Heading back towards Cape Town, we drove up the west coast. We stopped for a late lunch at The FoodBarn. The food was excellent. I had bouillabaisse [rich fish soup with line fish, mussels & prawns, saffron mash & rouille] and risotto [with celeriac, truffle, roasted onion & pecorino, with seared prawns]. Sharon had venison loin [springbok, poached quince, mash fritter, mesclun leaves, honey and lime jus].

Continuing up a rugged stretch of the coast, we got back to the hotel just after 5 pm. After a quick stop at the room, Donna, Kevin, Sharon and I went to The Watershed to do some shopping.

The four of us continued to Silo Hotel to watch the sunset from the rooftop bar.

After a big late lunch, Sharon and I decided to skip dinner and ended up heading back to the room. We started packing. We are moving on to the Winelands tomorrow. I crashed hard about 9:15 pm.

2025 South Africa, Zimbabwe & Zambia - Day #6 - Cape Town

from our Rothschild Safaris Itinerary

Cape Town City Tour

• Departure time 8:30AM
• Please meet in the lobby of your hotel
• Recommended attire - casual clothing, comfortable shoes
• Activity inclusions - private vehicle, entrance fees
• Special notes - lunch is payable direct, order and specific activities may vary.

Your day starts with a spectacular cable car ride up Table Mountain. Table Mountain is a flat-topped mountain forming the bulk of Table Mountain National Park. The main feature of Table Mountain is the level plateau approximately 2 miles (3 kilometers) from side to side, edged by impressive cliffs. The plateau, flanked by Devil's Peak to the east and by Lion's Head to the west, forms a dramatic backdrop to Cape Town. This broad sweep of mountainous heights, together with Signal Hill, forms the natural amphitheater of the City Bowl and Table Bay harbor.

Head back down the mountain by cable car and dive into an eclectic mix of Cape Town's highlights on your city tour. You will get a sense for Cape Town's pop-culture via a walking/driving tour through some of the city's most beloved neighborhoods. From the Company Gardens to the Spin St Slave Tree and the Trafalgar Flower market there is much in which to see and participate.

Visit District Six, which exists today as a stark reminder of the trauma that occurred across the nation when whole communities and people groups were displaced in the name of 'national good. Visit the museum and the actual site en-route to one of Cape Town's most artistic neighborhoods - Woodstock. This suburb features some of the best examples of urban renewal and is home to designers, boutique stores and the most highly regarded street art (graffiti) in the country. Filled with the tastes and sounds of a new Cape Town, you will feel the creative pulse of the city and meet with local artisans of food; coffee; visual art and crafts.

Lunch will be enjoyed at a local restaurant offering freshly prepared, uncomplicated, wholesome food. At the end of your exciting day of discovery, return to your hotel for the remainder of the day at leisure.

Please note that the Table Mountain Aerial Cableway is weather dependent. Your tour can be canceled at the last minute at the discretion of the cableway company. Rothschild Safaris is not responsible for canceled tours; nor can we issue refunds for canceled tours which are at the discretion of the cableway company. Note that your guide will discuss alternative options with you.

I started the day with a 30 minute Peloton sltrength workout and a short walk on the treadmill in the fitness center. After breakfast in the hotel, we started our formal Rothschild Safari itinerary. We met our guilde at the front of the hotel at 8:30 am for a Cape Town City Tour.

The day included:

• Table Mountain - Table Mountain is an iconic, flat-topped mountain that forms a spectacular backdrop to the city of Cape Town. While I stayed at the car park and read my book, Tom, Sharon, Kevin, Donna and the guide took aerial cableway to the top and walked the Klipspringer Walk.
• Truth Coffee - We explored the shop and got a cup of coffee. Truth Coffee was voted as the best coffee shop in the world by London's Daily Telegraph.
• Company Gardens - We walked through the Company Gardens. The garden is the oldest in South Africa, with its origins dating back to 1652. It was established by the Dutch East India Company as a "vegetable garden" to provide fresh produce for the settlement and for the passing ships on the trade route between Europe and Asia. Over time, it evolved from a purely utilitarian farm into a botanical and public space.
  
  
• District 6 - We stopped in District 6 and talked about its history. In 1966, under the apartheid government's Group Areas Act, District Six was declared a "whites-only" area. Over the next two decades, more than 60,000 residents were forcibly removed from their homes and relocated to the distant, barren area known as the Cape Flats. Their houses and businesses were bulldozed, turning a thriving neighborhood into a wasteland. The former inner-city residential area of Cape Town that has become a powerful symbol of the injustices of apartheid.
• Bo-Kaap - We explored Bo-Kaap. It means "above the Cape" in Afrikaans. It is a vibrant and historically significant neighborhood in Cape Town. Situated on the slopes of Signal Hill, it's famous for its brightly colored houses, steep cobblestone streets, and unique cultural heritage. The area, formerly known as the Malay Quarter, has its origins in the 1760s. It was established when Dutch settlers built rental houses for slaves and political exiles brought to the Cape from various Dutch colonies in Southeast Asia, including Malaysia and Indonesia, as well as from other parts of Africa.
• De WaterKant - We drove though De Waterknat, "The Waterside." De Waterkant's history is closely tied to that of its neighbor, Bo-Kaap. Its roots date back to the 1700s when the area was a working-class residential district where many of the servants lived. Its original residents were people of mixed-race heritage, including freed slaves and artisans. It is now a trendy gay village.
• Upper Union - We had a late lunch at the Upper Union Restaurant. The five of us shared ten small plates.
• Zeitz Museum of Contemporary African Art - We stopped at the museum to talk about its architecture. The museum and the Silo Hotel were built from a set of old grain silos.

The actual agenda for the day was different than the itinerary that we got from Rothschild Safaris.

Donna, Kevin and I walked back from the museum. We stopped for a quick glass of wine at Time Out Market.

Sharon made dinner reservations for the group at COY for 7 pm. We had a four and a half hour dinner! I had the tuna first course, the octopus second course and the Mielie Samp for my entree.

By the time, we walked home and crashed it was 11:15 pm...

2025 South Africa, Zimbabwe & Zambia - Day #5 - Cape Town

from our Rothschild Safaris Itinerary

CAPE TOWN

Spend the day at your own pace, taking time to explore the city. Please note a room change is scheduled for today.

Sharon and I are still not sleeping well. After a restless night, we were up and moving just before 7 am. There is a yoga mat in the room. I did a 10 minute Peloton core workout.

After breakfast in the hotel, Tom called for an Uber XL. We spent a big chunk of the day exploring the Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden. It is internationally acclaimed as one of the world's great botanical gardens and is a major part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The garden is nestled against the eastern slopes of Table Mountain, creating a breathtaking backdrop. It's dedicated to cultivating and displaying only indigenous South African plants.

We had a light lunch at Moyo Restaurant in the garden. I had a rainbow salad.

Taking an Uber Xl back to the hotel, we ended up crashing in the room . Sharon is starting to get Kevin's cold. While we had planned to go to the Zeitz Museum of Contemporary African Art, we never got going in that direcion.

Getting clean up, the five of us walked into the V&A Waterfront for dinner. Sharon had made a 6:30 reservation at Marble. Sharon and I both had a Jersey steak cut that wasn't on the menu.

After dinner, I had a nightcap with Donna and Kevin in the hotel bar. Wandering back to the room, I crashed just before 10 pm.

2025 South Africa, Zimbabwe & Zambia - Day #4 - Cape Town

from our Rothschild Safaris Itinerary

CAPE TOWN

Enjoy your day at leisure exploring the city.

I started the day walking with Donna and Kevin. Exploring the harbor and surrounding area, we covered 2.8 miles in 55 minutes. There is an enormous amount of construction taking place. After he walk, I did a 30 minute upper body Peloton workout.

Getting cleaned up, I caught up with Donna and Kevin for breakfast at the hotel.

The objective for the day was the Groot Constantia Winery. As a kid, Tom had collected an early 1960s South Africa postage stamp that commemorated the winery. Tom said that "even then a budding traveler wanted to someday go there." When Sharon started planning our two open days, Tom quickly pushed the idea of visiting the winery.

Groot Constantia is a historical and picturesque winery located in the Constantia Valley of Cape Town. It holds the distinction of being the oldest wine-producing farm in the country, with a history stretching back to its establishment in 1685 by Simon van der Stel, the first governor of the Cape.

The winery's original Cape Dutch manor house and Cloete Cellar are national monuments. The winery's famous "Constantia Wyn" (wine) was a favorite of European royalty and aristocracy, including Napoleon Bonaparte.

I called an Uber XL just before 10 am. It was about a 25 minute ride from the One & Only to Groot Constantia.

The winery grounds are up on a rise with a beautiful view of the valley towards the ocean. The five of us did a self guided tour of the Manor House and the Cloete Cellar. Afterwards, we did a guided tour of the Production Cellar followed by a wine tasting.

Sharon had made a lunch reservation for 1 pm at the Jonkershuis Restaurant on the property. Tom and I both had the estate tasting plate of Cape Malay Specialities [chicken curry, lamb curry, bobotie, samosa, rice, poppadum]. Sharon had Chicken thigh curry [aromatic rice, tobacco onion, poppadum, panned roti, fresh coriander].

Cape Malay food is a unique and flavorful cuisine that originated in Cape Town. It is a wonderful example of a fusion cuisine, blending the culinary traditions of the Southeast Asian slaves and exiles who were brought to the Cape by the Dutch in the 17th and 18th centuries, with influences from Dutch, French, and Indian cooking.

After our late lunch, we caught an Uber XL back to the hotel. The Ubers are working very well. The only issue is that the XLs are smaller SUVs with a third row.

With the late lunch and two more extravagant dinners planned for the next two nights, Donna, Kevin, Sharon and I finished the day with a light dinner in the hotel bar. Sharon had mushroom toast, while I had a broccoli caesar.

Still trying to catch up on our sleep, Sharon and I crashed about 9:30 pm.

2025 South Africa, Zimbabwe & Zambia - Day #3 - Cape Town

from our Rothschild Safaris Itinerary

Capetown

Consistently named the most beautiful city in Africa, Cape Town combines a mild Mediterranean climate, gorgeous ocean front setting, spectacular mountain backdrop, dramatic white sand beaches, world class dining and outstanding shopping and nightlife. The city is famous for its harbor as well as such well-known landmarks as Table Mountain and Cape Point. Cape Town quickly outgrew its original purpose as the first European outpost at the Castle of Good Hope, becoming the economic and cultural hub of the Cape Colony.

TRANSFER
Today as you arrive in Cape Town Airport we have arranged for a special meet & greet to assist you through customs, immigration and to collect your bags. Please note that direct assistance when disembarking the plane can be cancelled at this airport without warning, so if you do not see a representative as soon as you disembark, please make your way to the baggage claim and arrivals hall. Please look out for an airport representative with your name on a signboard. You will be assisted to meet with your driver for your private road transfer to your accommodation.

ONE & ONLY CAPE TOWN
Set along Cape Town's iconic V&A Waterfront, One&Only Cape Town blends city vibrance with island-style tranquility. With views of Table Mountain and the marina, you're perfectly placed to explore top attractions, cultural sites, and the city's bustling culinary scene, all just steps from your door.

Choose from 131 of the city's most spacious rooms and suites, each featuring a private balcony or terrace with mountain or water views. Spread across the Marina Rise and two private islands, the interiors combine African-inspired elegance with modern comfort, including marble bathrooms, rain showers, and luxurious linens.

Unwind at the award-winning spa on its own private island, where treatments are available at an additional cost. Enjoy the heated infinity pool, dine at Nobu or Isola, or relax at the Vista Bar & Lounge. With a fitness center, yoga studio, children's club, and curated experiences, your stay balances relaxation, flavor, and discovery in the heart of Cape Town.

Both Sharon and I got very restless on the 11 1/2 hour flight from London to Capetown. Although my watch shows that I may have gotten 3 hours sleep, my oura didn't give me credit for any sleep.

We were on the ground in Capetown just before 11 am. Rothschild had a greeter meet us at the end of the gangway with a "Heringer" sign. She led us to the passport control. While we waited in the passport control line, she collected our luggage.


The greeter led to the transportation arranged by Rothschild. It was a very nice Mercedes SUV. It took us about 25 minutes to drive from the airport to the hotel. Sharon was very happy with the car, the driver and the ride! Donna and Kevin's flight from Istanbul was about 45 minutes behind us; they had a separate car to the hotel.

We are spending five nights at the One & Only in Cape Town. After we booked the tour, we made a decision to add two nights on the front end. Our formal tour with Rothchilds Safari doesn't start until Saturday morning.

It took us 40 hours from the front door of our house in Carmichael to the lobby of the One & Only. A couple of long days.

After getting a much needed shower and a change of clothes, the five of us met in the bar of the hotel. Eventually, we wandered into the V&A Waterfront. This is the oldest working harbor in the Southern Hemisphere.

We had an early dinner at Den Anker. I had Pepper Encrusted Tuna au Poivre [Loin of Tuna encrusted in white peppercorns served on a bed of spinach with smooth potato mash and a rich pepper sauce], while Sharon and Tom both had Moules Mariniéres [mussels (not from Brussels but from Langebaan), prepared the Belgian way].

After dinner, Kevin and Donna headed back to the hotel, while Sharon, Tom and I wandered through the African Trading Port store. With only a couple of hours sleep the last two nights, Sharon and I crashed hard about 8 pm.

2025 South Africa, Zimbabwe & Zambia - Day #2 - London

Even with Premium Economy seating, I have trouble seating on planes. I usually sleep very little on long flights. I figured out on this flight that if I can turn slightly on my side that I can actually sleep. Oura logged 3 1/2 hours of restless sleep.

Although the flight left over an hour late, it landed in London just twenty minutes late a little after 2:00 pm. We had a lot of time to kill. Our flight to Capetown doesn't leave until 10:25 pm.

Winding our way from the C Gates in Terminal 5 to the A Gates, we camped in the Premium Plaza Lounge near Gate A7. Researching the options for spending the extended layover, Sharon and I bought passes to the lounge a couple of weeks ago. Tom decided to join us.

Eventually, we had dinner at Gordon Ramsey's Plane Food Restaurant. I had Rigatoni [Walnut pesto, sprouting broccoli, olives], Sharon had Fish & Chips [Mushy peas, tartare & curry sauce] and Tom had Steamed Sea Bream [Tenderstem broccoli, romesco, herb salad].

After dinner, we wandered to the gate. The flight boarded on time. There are a lot more economy seats behind us on this leg. We are in Premuim Economy seats 23A and 23B. Tom is in 23D.

Donna and Kevin flew business class on Turkish Airlines to Istanbul. As we were pulling away from the gate, they were getting to board their flight to Capetown. They are scheduled to land about 50 minutes behind us.

I am writing this on the wifi on the flight to Capetown somewhere over Southern France.

2025 South Africa, Zimbabwe & Zambia - Day #1 - San Francisco

Sharon and I are off wandering the world again. Following in Van and Holly's footsteps, we are off on a trip organized by Rothschild Safaris. We are traveling with Donna, Kevin and Sharon's brother Tom. Over the next twenty days, we will be exploring South Africa, Zimbabwe and Zambia, including Cape Town, the Cape of Good Hope, the Winelands, Kruger National Park and Victoria Falls.

We had an El Dorado Express Shuttle pick us up at 11:30 am. From there, we collected Tom and then Donna and Kevin in Elk Grove. With heavy holiday traffic, the driver took 5 to 205 to 580 to 880 to the San Mateo Bridge to 101 to get to the airport. It was just before 3:00 pm by the time we got to the San Francisco Airport.

Sharon, Ton and I breezed through the checkin at British Airlines. We were quickly through secuity. The five of us had a bon voyage drink and a snack at the end of the A Concourse.

Donna and Kevin had a 6:40 pm flight on Turkish Airlines to Istanbul. While they explored the lounge and then boarded their on-time flight, Sharon, Tom and I had a light dinner at Perry's in Harvey Milk Terminal 1. Tom and I had a cobb salad, whilee Sharon had a southwestern salad.

Our British Airlines to London was delayed. While we were supposed to leave at 7:20 pm, it didn't pull away from the gate until almost 8:30 pm.

I am looking forward to the next three weeks.

I am writing this on the wireless on the plane somewhere over Idaho... I am shocked at how much of the plane is business class seats. Sharon and I had seats 32A and 32B, a nice pair of premium economy seats along the windows.

2025 South Africa, Zimbabwe & Zambia - Day #0

Mave's First Birthday

Sharon and I spent Saturday afternoon celebrating her grand-niece Mave's first birthday at Tim's house.

Back from San Francisco

After spending the night at the Luma Hotel, Sharon and I were up early. We were on the road before 7:30 am. We beat the traffic. It took us less than an hour and forty-five mintues to get home.

I was great to spend some time with Jack!

Celebrating Jack's 27th Birthday! [2025 Giants versus Orioles]

After Sharon's early morning appointment in midtown, we headed to San Francisco to celebrate Jack's 27th birthday. With a quick stop to change drivers and light traffic, we were into the city by 12:15 pm. We are spending one night at the Luma Hotel, a small boutique hotel near Oracle Park. Our room was actually ready.

After getting settled in the room, we walked past Oracle Park and along The Embarcadero to the Waterbar Restaurant. We met Jack for lunch. After splitting some oysters, I had Shellfish Bisque [brioche croutons, lemon crème fraîche] and Confit Tuna Salad [lemon ricotta, summer squash, pickled nectarines, hook & line caught out of San Diego, California]. Jack had some mussels and Maine Lobster Roll [aïoli, brioche roll, old bay french fries, trap caught out of Casco Bay, Maine]. Sharon had Seared Dorade [italian butter beans, roast peppers, spring onion vinaigrette open ocean raised of the coast of Greece].

The three of us walked back to the hotel after lunch. Eventually, we wandered to Oracle Park to see the San Francisco Giants versus the Baltimore Orioles Major League Baseball Game. I had gotten club level seats for the game (section 219, row H, seats 8, 9 and 10.).

Willy Adames and Luis Matos each had four of San Francisco's 18 hits. Dominic Smith homered and drove in four runs. Smith’s home run landed in McCovey Cove, beyond the right-field wall. It was the 107th “Splash Hit” in the ballpark’s 26-season history. The Giants extended their winning streak to six with a 15-8 romp over the Baltimore Orioles on Friday night.

It was a very nice evening. The weather was beautiful. Sharon said that it was the most that she had ever enjoyed a baseball game!

After the game, the three of us wandered back to the hotel. It was after 11 pm by the time we crashed in the room.

Lens and Tripod for the trip to Africa

Over the last couple of months, we have had a debate about whether or not to take our old DSLR camera with us on the trip to Africa. I haven't used it in years! We have a longer telephoto lens for the camera.

Instead, after some deliberation, I decided to get a telephoto lens for the iPhone. I got a Sandmarc 10x telephoto lens. It comes with an iPhone case that the lens screws into. Although there are a lot of cheaper lens on Amazon, I decided to go with something more upscale. I also got a Manfrotto Mini Tripod. In addition to acting as a tripod, when collapsed, it is a very comfortable ergonomic grip.

Laura

Sharon and Laura went to dinner at Bodega Biondi in Old Fair Oaks.

Bon Voyage Call

Tuesday afternoon, Donna, Kevin, Sharon and I had a Teams meeting with Ruthie from Rothschild Safari to review the itinerary for our trip to South Africa, Zimbabwe and Zambia and answer any questions.

Outlander - Season Two

Sharon and I finished watching season two of Outlander. It has taken us almost a year to finish season one. We finished season one in August of 2024.

Outlander is based on the book series of the same name by Diana Gabaldon. It was developed by Ronald D. Moore, It stars Caitríona Balfe as Claire Randall and Sam Heughan as Jamie Fraser. The second season of 13 episodes, based on the book Dragonfly in Amber, aired from April to July 2016.

In season two, Claire and Jamie arrive in France with the goal of infiltrating the Jacobite rebellion and preventing the disastrous Battle of Culloden. Their efforts to change history prove to be more complicated than they expected, leading to political intrigue, personal tragedy, and heartbreak. Back in Scotland, Claire is forced by Jamie to return to her own time for safety. The season concludes with Claire, now in 1968 with her grown daughter, discovering that Jamie may have survived the battle, prompting her to consider a return to the past.

Part of the reason that it took so long to finish season two is that I got bored with the episodes in France. When we finished up The Glided Age and And Just Like That..., we were casting around for something to watch and went back to Outlander.

With the last half of the season back in Scotland, I was more interested and engaged. We spent two weeks in Scotland in 2023. We visited a number of Jacobite sites, including the Culloden battlefield. I am not a fan of time travel, but I enjoyed the last few episodes of season two. We have already started season three.