Well it's Wednesday and this week has been pretty routine.
Monday was the usual - dropping off and picking up from the airport. Rita and her daughter left and Tracy, Simon and Gail all arrived. Then shopping at Spar and home for tea.
Yesterday we worked on branches again and I've managed to do this without completely slicing my arms and the talk yesterday was on Elephant culling in South Africa. Apparently the Kruger currently has 17000 elephants in a space that is only suitable for 7000 but culling any of them has to be sanctioned by the government and reports across the world could incur sanctions against the country if they go ahead. Again I never thought I'd see the day when I understood the need for culling - the outside world appears to have no idea about the state of things within South Africa. Letitia has a real passion and gift on presenting the lectures and I've learned so much
Today was a lecture on Reptiles so whilst I now understand the deadliness of some of the snakes I now know how to 'handle' them.
I've off to Kruger for 2 days tomorrow so will have more news over the weekend.
Rube's went to see 'Singing in the Rain' last night and Jeanette said she enjoyed it and managed her night out really well.
Ceri took Mark to Paris to the Moulin Rouge and I understand his mouth has not closed since.
All for now !! Love you mum (and everyone else too!! ) Take Care Sue
Wednesday, 21 May 2008
Sunday, 18 May 2008
Catch up on News
Thursday – Power cut between 8 and 4 so like being in Zambia with ‘notice’
Today we worked on the erosion at the dam but were moving branches into the trucks and carrying them to the places needed. Yesterday I felt like a pin-cushion from the thorns, today I feel like I’ve tried to slash my wrists. Most of the bush trees are covered in heavy duty thorns and I’ve no idea how any animal survives being hacked to death. But at least it’s in the good course of conservation and very soon I’ll have strong muscles and a builder’s bum. Back then for bacon and eggs – yes we have gas so the electric cut had minimal impact followed by a lecture on Ecology from Adele.
In the evening we went to a talk on Astrology which turned out to be in a school where there were loads of kids. We went into a dome – but the kids kept kicking the dome and driving us nuts. We made an early exit and went to the pub
Friday – We were supposed to go to Swandini to play paintball but they apparently had no gas for the canisters so we went there still but just for a scenic drive and then a picnic and an afternoon in the swimming pools and sunbathing.
Back then to get ready for Friday evening out in town – Meal and drinks at ‘Sleepers’ and then on to ‘The Fort’ which is where the locals go on a Friday night – local bar/disco with pool tables and a dance floor. The dancing is a cross between /salsa/jive and ballroom. Bee took me for a dance and it was great fun. By the way I forgot to mention that a large proportion of the females here are ‘gay’. It was a great evening and we stayed over at ‘Backpackers’ for the night as there is no bus of taxi service back to the bush.
Saturday – Had breakfast at the deli as backpackers didn’t have any food let alone milk and then I had to hang around till 1pm (Africa time!!) for everyone to get up – go and have breakfast and get ready to go to Jeyjani. Brass had arranged for us all to go to a nearby lodge as she had to baby-sit the 5 dogs for the weekend – A black German Shepard, 2 Labradors and a puppy and a Great Dane. When we arrived there was no water and no toilet paper but we resolved these details eventually. She also arranged for us to go on a night drive with one of the local guides. Well what a night that was – Francois was good entertainment and like a drop of brandy, so it was drive – spot – stop – drink- chat- debate a point with a couple of other south Africans, then drive again. 4 and half hours later we arrived back! But in his defence we did get to see animals close up – 4 cheetahs, 3 lionesses, a BIG herd of buffalo, zebras, impalas, giraffes, wart hogs, duiker, bush babies, kudu and jackals.
Sunday - I slept well but am told that I snore!!! Who Me??
This morning 2 of the dogs decided to fight and took a couple of chunks out of each other so we had to leave them in 2 separate rooms until their owners returned.
Back this afternoon for Camouflage. Adele and Bee went to a spot in the bush and we had to see how close we got to them without being spotted. We all covered our arms and face with mud and stuck grass and twigs to our backs and head. We crawled along the ground and got caught on tree thorns etc, but good fun. I was the 5th to be caught – pathetic effort.
Anyway that’s all for now from Campfire. Catch you all soon. Love Sue.xx
Today we worked on the erosion at the dam but were moving branches into the trucks and carrying them to the places needed. Yesterday I felt like a pin-cushion from the thorns, today I feel like I’ve tried to slash my wrists. Most of the bush trees are covered in heavy duty thorns and I’ve no idea how any animal survives being hacked to death. But at least it’s in the good course of conservation and very soon I’ll have strong muscles and a builder’s bum. Back then for bacon and eggs – yes we have gas so the electric cut had minimal impact followed by a lecture on Ecology from Adele.
In the evening we went to a talk on Astrology which turned out to be in a school where there were loads of kids. We went into a dome – but the kids kept kicking the dome and driving us nuts. We made an early exit and went to the pub
Friday – We were supposed to go to Swandini to play paintball but they apparently had no gas for the canisters so we went there still but just for a scenic drive and then a picnic and an afternoon in the swimming pools and sunbathing.
Back then to get ready for Friday evening out in town – Meal and drinks at ‘Sleepers’ and then on to ‘The Fort’ which is where the locals go on a Friday night – local bar/disco with pool tables and a dance floor. The dancing is a cross between /salsa/jive and ballroom. Bee took me for a dance and it was great fun. By the way I forgot to mention that a large proportion of the females here are ‘gay’. It was a great evening and we stayed over at ‘Backpackers’ for the night as there is no bus of taxi service back to the bush.
Saturday – Had breakfast at the deli as backpackers didn’t have any food let alone milk and then I had to hang around till 1pm (Africa time!!) for everyone to get up – go and have breakfast and get ready to go to Jeyjani. Brass had arranged for us all to go to a nearby lodge as she had to baby-sit the 5 dogs for the weekend – A black German Shepard, 2 Labradors and a puppy and a Great Dane. When we arrived there was no water and no toilet paper but we resolved these details eventually. She also arranged for us to go on a night drive with one of the local guides. Well what a night that was – Francois was good entertainment and like a drop of brandy, so it was drive – spot – stop – drink- chat- debate a point with a couple of other south Africans, then drive again. 4 and half hours later we arrived back! But in his defence we did get to see animals close up – 4 cheetahs, 3 lionesses, a BIG herd of buffalo, zebras, impalas, giraffes, wart hogs, duiker, bush babies, kudu and jackals.
Sunday - I slept well but am told that I snore!!! Who Me??
This morning 2 of the dogs decided to fight and took a couple of chunks out of each other so we had to leave them in 2 separate rooms until their owners returned.
Back this afternoon for Camouflage. Adele and Bee went to a spot in the bush and we had to see how close we got to them without being spotted. We all covered our arms and face with mud and stuck grass and twigs to our backs and head. We crawled along the ground and got caught on tree thorns etc, but good fun. I was the 5th to be caught – pathetic effort.
Anyway that’s all for now from Campfire. Catch you all soon. Love Sue.xx
Wednesday, 14 May 2008
Wildlife Rehabilitation and Alien Plants
Tuesday – 3.15 am. I woke and sat bolt upright in bed as I heard a loud sound – I thought it was an elephant outside my door. Bravely I got out of bed and peered outside but nothing there. The next day I discovered that Brass had heard it too but it was lions near the camp in the bush.
Tuesday we worked on the erosion in the bush – we took lots of palm branches and dead leaves and laid them in the troughs so that when the rain come it won’t cause more erosion. We then went and collected sand from the Dam and transported it to the ‘roads’ – build like sleeping policeman.
We then had a lecture on the integration of blacks and whites after apartheid in 1994/5. It was really interesting to see how the laws have changed to try and protect the interests of the black population but what’s not been realised is the impact on the conservation areas. There is something called land reclaim which means that property can be reclaimed by the original owners even if it was purchased legally. At the moment there are 73 outstanding claims in the Kruger National Park which if they are upheld means the Kruger may not exist by 2011!!
In the afternoon we went to the Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre where they look after injured animals and birds or where they are no longer wanted by their owners. We saw loads of birds of prey and the big cats. It was good to be able to see the lions up close. On the way back home we saw a heard of zebras just inside the gates of the camp but it was dusk so I couldn’t take a photo.
Wednesday – today we went out into the bush to get rid of the ‘Alien plants’ which are mainly cacti that don’t belong here and take all the moisture from the soil which is killing the indigenous plants. Very satisfying work but the number of thorns in my hands legs and bum was staggering.
Today we had a lecture on Hunting and anti poaching. Again it is so interesting to see the story from inside the country and the necessity for such an activity. Hunting here is extremely controlled, necessary and legal (I never thought I'd see the day when I would agree) When I get back I'll tell you about it. What the outside world is not aware of is how much poaching is done is South Africa and how cruel it is - again I'll share it when I get back
Spoke to our Rubes last night and she’s still making progress and Ceri has printed off some of my photos to show her – so she’s pleased about that.
Off to have a shower now – will have more to say later
Tuesday we worked on the erosion in the bush – we took lots of palm branches and dead leaves and laid them in the troughs so that when the rain come it won’t cause more erosion. We then went and collected sand from the Dam and transported it to the ‘roads’ – build like sleeping policeman.
We then had a lecture on the integration of blacks and whites after apartheid in 1994/5. It was really interesting to see how the laws have changed to try and protect the interests of the black population but what’s not been realised is the impact on the conservation areas. There is something called land reclaim which means that property can be reclaimed by the original owners even if it was purchased legally. At the moment there are 73 outstanding claims in the Kruger National Park which if they are upheld means the Kruger may not exist by 2011!!
In the afternoon we went to the Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre where they look after injured animals and birds or where they are no longer wanted by their owners. We saw loads of birds of prey and the big cats. It was good to be able to see the lions up close. On the way back home we saw a heard of zebras just inside the gates of the camp but it was dusk so I couldn’t take a photo.
Wednesday – today we went out into the bush to get rid of the ‘Alien plants’ which are mainly cacti that don’t belong here and take all the moisture from the soil which is killing the indigenous plants. Very satisfying work but the number of thorns in my hands legs and bum was staggering.
Today we had a lecture on Hunting and anti poaching. Again it is so interesting to see the story from inside the country and the necessity for such an activity. Hunting here is extremely controlled, necessary and legal (I never thought I'd see the day when I would agree) When I get back I'll tell you about it. What the outside world is not aware of is how much poaching is done is South Africa and how cruel it is - again I'll share it when I get back
Spoke to our Rubes last night and she’s still making progress and Ceri has printed off some of my photos to show her – so she’s pleased about that.
Off to have a shower now – will have more to say later
Monday, 12 May 2008
Weekend at camp
I decided not to go out in town on Friday and stay over as I was up early with the elephant walks, but it meant that only a few of us were at the camp on Saturday which is so quiet as there is 'NO WAY OUT' without a guide or one of the sisters with the 'buggie' By the way I forgot to mention getting off the elephant - my legs had been so 'spread' they hurt. LOL
I sat by the 'fence' eating my breakfast and heard a noise directly the other side of the fence (crunching bones) I looked over to see Lola the fluffy white dog on the wild side of the fence! AAAAAAHHHHHH!! Decision - do I risk life and limb to go outside and rescue her or leave her to the lions. We compromised and and I lifted the safe bit of the fence to bring her back. And then Bushfield (the pitbull) decided to leap through the fence - there were chicken bones which were too big a temptation. I thought you're on your own mate - but he came back through too.
Later in the day I went to the hide with Mark - he was digging in the sand which we use for erosion work, but I sat in the hide and just listened to the noise of the bush. On the way back to camp we came by a giraffe right outside the gate and he let us come so close to him- they are such graceful creatures.
In the evening I was up in the look out tower when the monkeys started going beserk, Leon told us that meant there was big game in the area and on queue we heard the lions roar in nearby.
We had a BRAII for tea ( BBQ) and thoughout the night you could hear the lions in the bush.
Sunday was much more eventful as we had a lecture on gun handling and safefy and then we spent an hour shooting. I managed to achieve a few 'brain' shots but the it was interesting because in South Africa the law says that you cannot shoot an animal until is 20 metres from you. At that point (and depending on the animal) if you miss the animal will be on you, so Campfire safaris teach you respect for the animal and how to get away rather than kill it.
Last night we saw an elephant at the water hole and this morning when we walked in the bush we could hear an elephant walking and breaking trees but we couldn't find him. Lots of dung around though and we also came across lots of lion tracks near the house.
Glad to hear you're enjoying my blog. I know when I go to Sri Lanka - it will probably be more difficult to keep in touch.
That's all for now. It's Monday
I sat by the 'fence' eating my breakfast and heard a noise directly the other side of the fence (crunching bones) I looked over to see Lola the fluffy white dog on the wild side of the fence! AAAAAAHHHHHH!! Decision - do I risk life and limb to go outside and rescue her or leave her to the lions. We compromised and and I lifted the safe bit of the fence to bring her back. And then Bushfield (the pitbull) decided to leap through the fence - there were chicken bones which were too big a temptation. I thought you're on your own mate - but he came back through too.
Later in the day I went to the hide with Mark - he was digging in the sand which we use for erosion work, but I sat in the hide and just listened to the noise of the bush. On the way back to camp we came by a giraffe right outside the gate and he let us come so close to him- they are such graceful creatures.
In the evening I was up in the look out tower when the monkeys started going beserk, Leon told us that meant there was big game in the area and on queue we heard the lions roar in nearby.
We had a BRAII for tea ( BBQ) and thoughout the night you could hear the lions in the bush.
Sunday was much more eventful as we had a lecture on gun handling and safefy and then we spent an hour shooting. I managed to achieve a few 'brain' shots but the it was interesting because in South Africa the law says that you cannot shoot an animal until is 20 metres from you. At that point (and depending on the animal) if you miss the animal will be on you, so Campfire safaris teach you respect for the animal and how to get away rather than kill it.
Last night we saw an elephant at the water hole and this morning when we walked in the bush we could hear an elephant walking and breaking trees but we couldn't find him. Lots of dung around though and we also came across lots of lion tracks near the house.
Glad to hear you're enjoying my blog. I know when I go to Sri Lanka - it will probably be more difficult to keep in touch.
That's all for now. It's Monday
Friday, 9 May 2008
Elephant Ride
Today - I was up at 4.30 to go on my elephant ride, but it was well worth it!!.
I had the honour to ride on Jumbalani who is the orphan elephant that started the riding centre. When he was around a month old he got stuck in the mud and his mother left him there. He was rescued and as he grew older they didn't know what to do with him, so they brought some other orphans from Zimbabwe and started the riding centre.
My guide was named Richard and when I asked 'How long have you been doing this?' He replied 'This is my first day!!!' He was joking.
I also have a DVD of the event so will be showing that when I get home
On the way back we picked up Maria who works for Sunette. SHe's 70 years on and sat on top of the jeep all the way back singing hymns. She's barking!!
Was back at the camp by 11 for my lecture on animal behaviour - very much like humans, the men always wanting sex with all the females. HOwever the matriach of the elephant clan is boss and checks out all males who want to join the group!!
That's all for now. Oh and by the way HAPPY BIRTHDAY MARK!!
Love Sue
I had the honour to ride on Jumbalani who is the orphan elephant that started the riding centre. When he was around a month old he got stuck in the mud and his mother left him there. He was rescued and as he grew older they didn't know what to do with him, so they brought some other orphans from Zimbabwe and started the riding centre.
My guide was named Richard and when I asked 'How long have you been doing this?' He replied 'This is my first day!!!' He was joking.
I also have a DVD of the event so will be showing that when I get home
On the way back we picked up Maria who works for Sunette. SHe's 70 years on and sat on top of the jeep all the way back singing hymns. She's barking!!
Was back at the camp by 11 for my lecture on animal behaviour - very much like humans, the men always wanting sex with all the females. HOwever the matriach of the elephant clan is boss and checks out all males who want to join the group!!
That's all for now. Oh and by the way HAPPY BIRTHDAY MARK!!
Love Sue
Wednesday, 7 May 2008
Excitement at the water hole
Well last night we were having tea. Sunette had been away the previous day and didn't get back till late afternoon so she said she couldn't prepare anything fancy for tea and we'd have Kentucky fried chicken. Well that was the best Kentucky fried I'd ever tasted and she served it with potatoes cooked a cheese sauce and mixed vegetables just like Des used to make. There was avocados and tomotoes too and then she'd thrown this amazing custard pudding together which was divine.
By the way Yas - the African food didn't happen as one of the organisers had died and when we arrived at the church for lunch - the vicar was there waiting for the body to arrive as it was the day of the funeral!!!!
Anyway - getting to the point of this story, as we were chatting after tea one of the girls said 'Listen - there's a noise!' so we all rushed up to the watch tower and switched on the spotlight so see a herd of buffalo drinking at the water hole. There must have been between 15 and 20 there - I know I keep using the word 'amazing' but it was ' an amazing sight' Then later we heard the jackals in the distance and a lion.
Today was supposed to be working on the erosion here but Letitia had to drive to Phalalborwa to renew her driving licence so we all went with her and spent the day shopping. The South African departments are much worse than the UK and she stood in line till 3 o'clock and still didn't complete all the things she needed to do. ANyway it was a nice trip and when we got back Brass called from the house to 'come see' - there was a baby puff adder on the porch so now we're all wondering where the mum and dad are!!.
Brass and I did the evening walk on our own (she's training to be a guide) but I was only comfortable for half an hour as we came across fresh buffalo tracks and there was no way I was saving her.
Anyway - tea is ready so signing off. Love to all. and thanks for the comments - love to read them.
xx
By the way Yas - the African food didn't happen as one of the organisers had died and when we arrived at the church for lunch - the vicar was there waiting for the body to arrive as it was the day of the funeral!!!!
Anyway - getting to the point of this story, as we were chatting after tea one of the girls said 'Listen - there's a noise!' so we all rushed up to the watch tower and switched on the spotlight so see a herd of buffalo drinking at the water hole. There must have been between 15 and 20 there - I know I keep using the word 'amazing' but it was ' an amazing sight' Then later we heard the jackals in the distance and a lion.
Today was supposed to be working on the erosion here but Letitia had to drive to Phalalborwa to renew her driving licence so we all went with her and spent the day shopping. The South African departments are much worse than the UK and she stood in line till 3 o'clock and still didn't complete all the things she needed to do. ANyway it was a nice trip and when we got back Brass called from the house to 'come see' - there was a baby puff adder on the porch so now we're all wondering where the mum and dad are!!.
Brass and I did the evening walk on our own (she's training to be a guide) but I was only comfortable for half an hour as we came across fresh buffalo tracks and there was no way I was saving her.
Anyway - tea is ready so signing off. Love to all. and thanks for the comments - love to read them.
xx
Tuesday, 6 May 2008
Campfire Safaris - Day 1
Well this is the real bush. Up at 7.30 and out for a bush walk in the 125000 hectares that make up this small part of Kruger.
I'm sleeping in a roundel which is like a cabin outdoors, but if we want to we can sleep up in the tall tower which overlooks the whole area for mile. The stars here at night are awesome - the sky is so clear that the stars stand out for miles. I'll learn about the astrology while I'm here/.
Tinus and Sunette set up the farm about 20 years ago but Tinus died of leukemia last year. Although he loved the wildlife - he was a hunter too and their house is full of stuffed animals and animal heads
There are 3 dogs here - Sacha - she is so big (overweight) and she reminds me of a St Bernard build, then there's Bushfield who lokks like a pit bull and then there's Lola a scuffy little white dog that they found. But they all have such lovely natures.
There are a load of small monkeys at the house which I fed before leaving for the walk area - they are so cheeky - they'll take anything if it's not nailed down.
We walked for one and half hours and saw a mother giraffe and her baby, loads of impala, a Kudu, and a group of wild buck. It's amazing to see these things relatively up close.
I learned about plants that help keep insects away, ones that you can make a toothbrush out of and ones that you can burn to make toothpaste. You can even burn elephant dung as it is useful to clear you sinuses.
The camp is now run by Letitia and Adele (Tinus's daughter). Adele talked me through the 9 dangerous animals of Africa - how to recognise the warning signs and what to do should a situation arise. In the case of buffalo (apparently) it's run up the nearest tree. Not to worry though - they were around last week and seem to have moved on.
There are also lots of trips you can do - so I'm about to browse through those and book a few
The pace here is much slower than Zambia but I know I'm going to have such a good time.
Mam - Yas and Karen have sent their best wishes to you and don't worry - I'm not about to take on any large beasts - I'll alway hide behind Adele or Letitia. Be in touch again soon. Love you!!!
I'm sleeping in a roundel which is like a cabin outdoors, but if we want to we can sleep up in the tall tower which overlooks the whole area for mile. The stars here at night are awesome - the sky is so clear that the stars stand out for miles. I'll learn about the astrology while I'm here/.
Tinus and Sunette set up the farm about 20 years ago but Tinus died of leukemia last year. Although he loved the wildlife - he was a hunter too and their house is full of stuffed animals and animal heads
There are 3 dogs here - Sacha - she is so big (overweight) and she reminds me of a St Bernard build, then there's Bushfield who lokks like a pit bull and then there's Lola a scuffy little white dog that they found. But they all have such lovely natures.
There are a load of small monkeys at the house which I fed before leaving for the walk area - they are so cheeky - they'll take anything if it's not nailed down.
We walked for one and half hours and saw a mother giraffe and her baby, loads of impala, a Kudu, and a group of wild buck. It's amazing to see these things relatively up close.
I learned about plants that help keep insects away, ones that you can make a toothbrush out of and ones that you can burn to make toothpaste. You can even burn elephant dung as it is useful to clear you sinuses.
The camp is now run by Letitia and Adele (Tinus's daughter). Adele talked me through the 9 dangerous animals of Africa - how to recognise the warning signs and what to do should a situation arise. In the case of buffalo (apparently) it's run up the nearest tree. Not to worry though - they were around last week and seem to have moved on.
There are also lots of trips you can do - so I'm about to browse through those and book a few
The pace here is much slower than Zambia but I know I'm going to have such a good time.
Mam - Yas and Karen have sent their best wishes to you and don't worry - I'm not about to take on any large beasts - I'll alway hide behind Adele or Letitia. Be in touch again soon. Love you!!!
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