reports

Arriving midday at Lanseria we were greeted by Brian Norden and Guido Warnecke and their friends Gunter and Birgit Schmitz who took over and he became our lifesaver.

Gunter arranged for work schedules with Century Avionics for HF repair and Lanseria Aircraft Service for oil change and plug cleaning. He then took us to the recommended Heia Safari Ranch, a positive delight. The ranch is in a 2500 acre game preserve with animals free to roam around the hotel and bungalows. Impalas were on our paths we walked to our bungalow #4.

Somehow word got out that it was Dick's birthday so Birgit and Gunter invited us to dinner at a nearby hotel recommended by Guido. A bouquet of roses, champagne and dinner was enjoyed by all.

The next day to the airport hoping to depart after lunchtime, but no luck. Mark Robinson of Century Avionics suggested that the HF problem be resolved by starting at the source with a new power supply. This being installed confirmed the radio being INOP and the strong possibility of the antenna tuner being bad. Since this was the last chance for repairs we opted for new replacements. After these items were obtained Mark worked until dark getting the units installed. Meanwhile Peter at Aircraft service had completed the oil change and plug cleanup. We will be departing on the next morning.

That evening it was our turn to provide dinner. Gunter took us to the Montecasino Plaza, a replica of an Italian village with shops and restaurants. We met at the Coco Bongo to be later joined by Guido. We all enjoyed South African wine and seafood.

I forgot to mention, Dick encountered a giraffe walking towards him. He was determined not to move, but as the critter got about six feet away he chickened out. Unbelievable!