That's what I call a nasty way to go

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These photos are so incredible, I really wish I could take credit ... but of course I can't. They were taken by a friendly South African named Ivan Emslie whom we met on one of our safaris and who kindly agreed to show me his many photographic treasures.

Cool for cats

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We're told that to spot a leopard on your first trip to Kruger National Park is a bit like winning a cool million in the lottery ... so we must really be on a winning streak because this guy walked out in front of our car somewhere in our first few hours there. The lions, too, showed themselves, as did the rest of the so-called "Big 5": rhino, elephant and buffalo. Do I feel lucky? You bet.

Bombs away

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This croc-free swimming hole in Lion's Den, Queensland, was our best camp spot yet - no other bugger around (heavenly), plus all the sunshine you could want and not a drop of rain.

Just out of this picture frame we also had a buck-naked Doog doing bombs into the river ... but I can't show you that 'cause Grandma fell off her chair the last time I put a naked picture of my husband on this blog. Go figure!