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An Adventure To Remember

AN ADVENTURE TO REMEMBER I had never been camping in my entire life, This was a first for me as husband, and wife , For our two boys this was bonding time, CJ a seasoned camper, Ricky a rookie, , So far, all was fine. We started unpacking our small cabin cruiser, I bumped my knee, it became dark blue, For I am a first class bruiser! Firstly I felt I had to sweep the ground, For there were cigarette butts and bottle Tops around, I stirred up so much dust – no one said a Word, Everyone wanted me to enjoy this trip, thinking Back, I know now, that my doing was absurd! By the time we had set up camp, it looked Like a five star hotel, For the next eight days this was our abode, And where, we would dwell. It was very romantic every night, enjoying our braai, Under a star-lit sky! The first night exhausted, we retired to our tents, After I’d sprayed a can Of repellent, in case unknown insects had Wandered into our tent! We nearly chocked for I zipped up the zip With all my might, Nothing could get in or out for, it was really Zipped up tight! During the night I woke up, as I felt that I was Lying on a stony surface, I didn’t sleep , next morning I told Elias of my woe, He smiled, silly girl, the mattress has a puncture, Wake me up in future so that I know, I’ve brought all my gadgets needed in tow! By now it was 5 o’clock In the morning, we hitched up the boat and drove to The nearby dock, My husband was really excited to start A further adventure, I, a little apprehensive of this venture! I saw Hippos not far from the dock, that Had come up for air, Elias I screamed, we can’t go on that water I see so many hippos about, Don’t worry love, we will dodge them, He said, without a shadow of doubt! I really must say, it was a wonderful day, Relaxing and fishing, our two boys, my Husband and I, each of us in their own way, Enjoying our precious time together, Elias and I had the rest of our lives to go wherever! We went out on the boat many a time, And walked round the camp, my husband Showed me the biggest crocodile I’d ever seen This pre-historic reptile looked at me with criminal intent, I bet with those teeth he would make quite A considerable dent, In whatever or whoever he chose, At this thought, I just froze! I wanted the security of our tent, insects and all, But at least this crocodile was behind a fence, Quite rickety, but very tall! And so, a very different holiday for me, By a lake, leading to an estuary, Came to an end, we packed up the boat, No more hippos to dodge that were afloat! We all paid a visit to the ablutions Before we left, they had no roof, and a bamboo Screen, which stood 6 inches above the ground, When visiting the loo, I always had this profound Feeling in my tummy, which was merely Jiggling nerves! My intruder must have read my thoughts, Whilst sitting on the throne, I felt something slip Over my sandal – a snake, a spdider or a lizard Which one could it be , I looked down and the Tail end of the snake was slithering off my foot, My mouth went dry I could not scream, But it finally slithered out at the same time, As I, my husband saw I was pale and quite shaken, The whole incident could not have taken, More than a minute, or two. Elias a frequent visitor and avid hunter And familiar to the bush, had never seen A venomous snake on any of his trips, This snake had reserved his visit for me, It just had to be, So that this holiday remained unforgettable And one where the most extraordinary And incredible Experiences occurred, in the bush, At which a snake saw my tush!

Copyright © | Year Posted 2019




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Date: 3/18/2019 8:03:00 PM
G'day Jennifer … you do tell very interesting stories Jennifer that educate me on experiences in Africa compared to our experiences. We don't have the dangerous animals where we go camping, but there are many of the deadliest snake species in the world. I dare say we do share the same pleasures from camping - thank you Jennifer - Lindsay
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Jennifer Proxenos
Date: 3/19/2019 11:08:00 AM
Hi Lindsay, Thank you for an awesome comment, absolutely love to receive them as much as I do reading your poems. Yes I do know that Australia has very poisonous snakes, I presume scorpions also. It's your Koala bears that I adore, they are so cute! We used to camp frequently, but with our empty nest syndrome, we now opt for self catering! Keep well Lindsay, Poetry hugs, Jennifer.
Date: 3/17/2019 4:06:00 PM
Such an amazing trip you had Jennifer, it really was exciting time indeed. You mentioning break brings back many happy memories of many a braai when in SA those years ago. Blessings always,Gordon
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Jennifer Proxenos
Date: 3/19/2019 11:12:00 AM
I think once you have lived in South Africa, or for that matter in Africa anywhere, it remains in your blood! I'm sure, weather permitting, you have a braai or two even now? Thanks for your great comment Gordon, poetry hugs, Jennifer.
Date: 3/14/2019 5:05:00 PM
What an adventure this was! A splendid family trip..and eventful memories. You took us all on that trip, Jennifer.
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Jennifer Proxenos
Date: 3/15/2019 5:33:00 AM
It certainly was Vijay, facing hundred of hippos on the lake (in a small cabin cruiser) was no joke, and we often just skimmed over them in the shallower waters where all we could see was a little of their back, or head and ears Thank you for a lovely comment. Poetry hugs, Jennifer
Date: 3/14/2019 12:30:00 PM
I enjoyed going on this trip with you Jennifer. I would love to see hippos although they have been known to up end boats. They aren't very friendly. Crocs either though I have seen many gators being born in Florida. Nice job here. It made me smile. God Bless, JB
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Jennifer Proxenos
Date: 3/14/2019 1:33:00 PM
Thanks Judy glad you enjoyed the trip! Hippos are unpredictable and a tad aggressive! The camping site was picturesque, but the holiday was a little scary - I let go at the end, for i thought to myself what will be will be. Please God keep us safe. The water in Lake St. Lucia was rather shallow and is gradually drying up as there wasn't (and isn't) the desired rainfall for several years, and the hippos were just submerged, so we literally had to dodge them. The hippos and the snake were the scariest as the croc. was behind a fence, so we were not in any impending danger. It was all a first for me, and a holiday that will never be forgotten! Poetry hugs, Jennifer.
Date: 3/13/2019 3:27:00 PM
Must admit it sounds like my kind of holiday, my wife on the other hand it's posh restaurants and a comfortable bed lol. Enjoyed your verse Jennifer. Tom.
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Jennifer Proxenos
Date: 3/14/2019 1:22:00 AM
Hi Tom, we have since sold our cabin cruiser due to the empty nest syndrome and no longer camp. We now rent a holiday flat by the sea for two weeks - adjusting comes at different stages in ones life. Thank you for the comment Tom, Blessings, Jenny.
Date: 3/13/2019 1:27:00 PM
- I really have to say you are brave, my soul sister - I never had joined this camping trip :) ... regardless of gorgeous starry skies and romance ... crocodiles, hippos AND poisonous snakes (!!!!) (in the toilet) ... No thanks ... - I'm sure you will never forget this "adventure" ... o.m.g. - I have pulse in 299 just by reading this, dear friend :) - hugs // Anne-Lise :)
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Jennifer Proxenos
Date: 3/13/2019 1:45:00 PM
My dear Anne Lise - this all happened but we survive to tell the tale - i was worried about the boys mostly, but it was a cool adventure, as they describe it! The snake was the cherry on top. Thank-you for a very apt comment . Blessings and hugs, Jenny.
Date: 3/13/2019 1:18:00 PM
Even in Biblical days, snakes were invariably drawn to a nice warm place to snuggle into! Aloha! Rico
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Jennifer Proxenos
Date: 3/13/2019 1:47:00 PM
Hi Rico, you have an amazing sense of humor and a very sharp wit - always love your comments. Yasou and poetry hugs, Jenny
Date: 3/13/2019 1:03:00 PM
I enjoyed your story about your adventure! Well done ! Thanks for sharing :)
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Jennifer Proxenos
Date: 3/13/2019 1:51:00 PM
Thanks Heidi, I would never like to repeat it however! Poetry hugs, Jenny.

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