Trip Report Merry Christmas You Filthy Animals! A Live Christmas Trip With The Inlaws.

You all knew this was coming, just a down and dirty live TR with the inlaws this Christmas week. So, strap in and get ready because here we go...

Naturally I told the folks we would be leaving at 05:00 this morning so be ready. You can see one guy didn't want us leaving. We were up at 04:25 and all packed and ready....except the MIL. She seemed to want to play the "let's see how many things we can touch in the house before leaving" game. My crew was ready to roll by 04:50 but we had to wait until about ten after five before her game was over... a quick stop at dunkin donuts and we were well on our way. We hit the half way spot, Tifton, about 09:00 to gas up and hit the restrooms. Over the hump and determined we pulled into the Panara Bread on 192 about 12:30 for lunch. While we ate I got the text our room was ready!!

 

[lostpro9het]

Our savanna breakfast view.

 

[coachwnh]

Hope it's (was) a safe trip home

 

[fractal]

Great report!

I could go for Sanaa breakfast and watching some giraffe right about now.

 

[lostpro9het]

So we're back home and finally getting settled in after the drive home yesterday. Henry County Georgia has probably the worst traffic in the state! We actually waited longer to pass through that county than we did downtown ATL! Anyhow, we closed out yesterday morning with an hour in AK, it would have been longer if BOTH EE and Dinosaur had not gone down. As we entered the park we made use of the new AP line which was nice considering the crowds in the regular line. We bounced into our botanical friend again. We gathered in front of the ToL waiting for the rope to drop when the birds of paradise opened the park for us.

 

[lostpro9het]

We decided while waiting at the ToL to head straight for the Gorilla trail. Laura really wanted some unobstructed time with them. Along the way we noticed the recycled christmas wreaths lining the bridge to the safari. We made our way to the trail and learned we were the first to enter. Let me tell you, the CMs working the trail yesterday morning were OUTSTANDING! They were all so excited to see us and share their knowledge. It truly felt like we were on a private guided tour as we received so much special attention at each area.

 

[lostpro9het]

Soon we were upon the gorilla pen. We were the only ones there and they put on quite the show for us. They are such amazing creatures.

 

[imahistorygeek]

In the first picture of the male gorilla, that's his 7 year old daughter standing behind him. We also saw the oldest female gorilla. She's the fourth picture down. She's in her mid forties (I think) and she's nicknamed the grandmother. I asked about life expectancy. In captivity, gorillas can live to be around 50. In the wild, in their 20s.

The daughter was cute and acted just like a kid. She saw me coming toward her and as soon as I pulled out my phone to take a picture, she turned her back to me and basically ignored me. It was cute.

These animals are amazing. The keepers spoke of recycling electronics because a mineral that is used in electronics is mined and destroys the gorillas' habitats. It was great to basically have the trail to ourselves.

 

[Tiggerish]

Soon we were upon the gorilla pen. We were the only ones there and they put on quite the show for us. They are such amazing creatures.
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In the first picture of the male gorilla, that's his 7 year old daughter standing behind him. We also saw the oldest female gorilla. She's the fourth picture down. She's in her mid forties (I think) and she's nicknamed the grandmother. I asked about life expectancy. In captivity, gorillas can live to be around 50. In the wild, in their 20s.

The daughter was cute and acted just like a kid. She saw me coming toward her and as soon as I pulled out my phone to take a picture, she turned her back to me and basically ignored me. It was cute.

These animals are amazing. The keepers spoke of recycling electronics because a mineral that is used in electronics is mined and destroys the gorillas' habitats. It was great to basically have the trail to ourselves.

That's so great. I could spend hours on the gorilla trail just watching. And the Pangani Trail too, especially if the tigers are out and about.

 

[MinnieM123]

Really enjoyed this recent batch of animal photos. That close-up of the birds was beautiful. Meerkats are so funny--I love watching their antics. And the gorilla photos were amazing. I love AK!!!

Too bad your TR is winding down. I looked forward to reading more each day. Thanks for sharing all the fun, and sorry that your trip had to come to an end, but I have a feeling you'll all be back again!

Merry Christmas and happy holidays to you.

 

[KathyJetson]

I really enjoyed your trip report!

 

[lostpro9het]

Too bad your TR is winding down. I looked forward to reading more each day.

It's bummer, I know. I enjoyed making it happen and in about 37 days I can start on a new one!

Merry Christmas and happy holidays to you.

Same to you! Have a wonderful New Year

I really enjoyed your trip report!

Thanks so much!

 

[DonnaOnTheRocks]

Finally caught up! Sounds like you had an amazing trip!
I found this last week and had to try it since you speak so highly of Victory.. it was very good! I'd give it a 2.5 and definitely something I'd buy again.

 

[lostpro9het]

Finally caught up! Sounds like you had an amazing trip!
I found this last week and had to try it since you speak so highly of Victory.. it was very good! I'd give it a 2.5 and definitely something I'd buy again.

Thanks, we had a great time.

I've had several Victory brews but never the Pils. My absolute favorite Victory is the Hoppy Quad. I like it even more than GM !!!

 

[Ciara]

They have weddings during park hours?? I guess i shouldn't be surprised. That's just crazy, i never knew.

Lol are you sure you only had one La Fin before your pictures with "friends"?

 

[lostpro9het]

They have weddings during park hours?? I guess i shouldn't be surprised. That's just crazy, i never knew.

I'm pretty sure if you're willing to pay the Mouse will be glad to hand you a receipt.

Lol are you sure you only had one La Fin before your pictures with "friends"?

Despite my level of inebriation, I'm pretty consistent in logging my beers on untappd...so yeah, I was only one La Fin in but I could have enjoyed more if I wasn't already in Morocco when I finished the first.