January 28, Day 3 - Chobe Park to Maun.

It is a very long day to drive to Maun, leaving at 6am. Along the way we see lots of Elephant families - migrating. Botswana does not have the population or topography of the other countries, no villages along the way with children waving and so on. The land is dry and flat and not as lush as elsewhere. Once at Maun, I find it is a very modern city with lots of small airlines as it is the gateway to the Okavango Delta. All except the Montreal guys (one is a flight attendant for Air Canada), pay to go on a 45 minute scenic tour - our group is going second so I elect to go have a coke light and try and get internet at one of the nice coffee/bars. It almost works - except, they are out of internet vouchers - thwarted again, damn! At least I can call Reg and am able to talk to Amedee - which has been been far too long now. Nice to be away from the crowd for a bit, my 'extrovert' half is getting very tired!

It's our turn for the plane - it's a small 7 seated plane piloted by a 26 year old Keith. Seems to know what he's doing so all is well. The Delta is huge and while we do not see a ton of animals, the geography is very impressive. The highlight is when we are flying next to another plane with tourists like us - neat. The other great part is that we are flying at 3-500 feet because of the clouds so you can really see everything on the ground. Very cool.

After the tour we have to stop again for food for dinner - and arrive at the fairly remote campsite late. It's again, a very remarkable little place but we are not able to enjoy it much as we keep arriving so late. The bathroom attached to the room is very cool - like a sheet metal encased circular room with a cement floor and great shower head. The water is very hot and it is delightful after a long hot, sweaty day! Rooms are small so Tyhea get her own for a reasonable price. We meet at the bar after cleaning up but dinner is not ready til 8:30pm. It's again, so good from Chef Nykai and we go to the bar after. It is being attacked by giant flying beetles who are attracted by the bar fridge lights - God these are creepy! It was time for fun again; I started my music so everyone could dance a bit, again shaking off a very long day. Bed is late but we don't have to leave until 7:30 - it's like sleeping in!