Another dry day. Well sort of. It only rained slightly on several occasions, just enough to wet my camera boxes but not enough to be of any hassle.
But the effects of the weeks of rain live on. The ground is totally soaked and has no more capacity to act as a sponge. Any rain falling now ends up as run off.
It caught me totally by surprise when I got stuck on Banyini open area. Never had I imagined this to be a problem area and when I got stuck I was in a slight predicament. There were no logs, dead trees or rocks around to put under the tyres. And so it was back to my old habit of hauling out the conveyor belt on the back of the vehicle to use as my only traction. No big deal and I was out.
The day ended in yet another of those great African sunsets. If only I had known it would last so long I’d have filmed it. With all the cloud around I thought the sunset would be brief. But amazingly it went on for about half an hour. Absolutely stunning!
No rain today! What a change although there’s not much change out there.
Roads are still flooded and off-road driving is almost a no no.
The lions had finished their zebra carcasses and moved into the impenetrable bush to the south of the airstrip. Thanks guys!
The girls and I wandered up the hill to get this birds eye view of Malilangwe Dam. It sure has filled in the last few weeks but still has a couple more meters to go before it spills. The last time it overflowed was in the cyclone of 2000. Will it get there this season?
With our limited access off-road we weren’t having much luck filming any big action but I found these butterflies so gentle and pleasing to watch.
While filming them the girls discovered this most amazing Pray-Mantis. This fellow looked more like a leaf or plant part than the plant itself. This was the absolute in camouflage.
It was a great day without rain, even though the action wasn’t big. It really is more about being out there and experiencing all the other fascinating little facets of life in the bush.
Wow where did the day go?
Another day of leisure? Wasn’t supposed to be. Although I did do a little vehicle maintenance and take to the road for a good workout.
It was only in the afternoon that I not only needed to get out, but so wanted to be out and wanted to get my camera rolling again.
I had hardly left camp when these dark heavy clouds came thundering in from the southeast. Knowing I would find plenty of plains game on Banyini I was all excited about filming all these animals in the lashing rain. Not fun for them but it does tell a story.
I was fully prepared with my cover up and animals all around me when the rain started. A few drops here and there and then a few more and that was about the only pace it managed to muster. Not the torrential downpour I was hoping for.
So gentle was the rain the animals carried on grazing hardly affected by it.
I wonder if they know, the more rain we have the better the grazing? Or do they just see the grass growing again and are happy about it?
And so the rains continue now late into the night as I sit here typing. It sure is going to be one helluva wet season! Another 4 months to go.
It was another day of leisure.
The girls had this mud wallow several days ago. And like all sisters the fun got too much and nearly ended in tears.
Today started off with a heavy downpour for nearly an hour which nearly cancelled our plans.
A bunch of us had decided we’d paddle the Chiredzi River. It’s about a 20km stretch and the river was fairly full which made going easier.
9 of us headed out in 4 canoes. 2 canoes with 3 people, 1 with 2 and myself in my own kayak. I prefer to be in my kayak, which is a lot more sleek than the canoes and gives me the freedom to fool around.
The going was easy with the river flowing strongly. Unfortunately one canoe turned side on to the current and was swept up against a tree tipping its 3 inhabitants. They had a good 100m swim before being able to get to shore. Luckily there weren’t any crocodiles around to take advantage of them.
All back on the water and we passed a hippo on the bank. He quickly took cover in the reeds but didn’t hassle us.
The river was wonderfully quiet and with time on our hands we took it very leisurely.
I was paddling ahead of the group when I saw this crocodile slip off the bank ahead of me and the next thing was barging ahead towards me his head held high and using his tail to plane himself at pace. I picked up pace in a hurry too, needing to get passed and then stay ahead of him. He kept coming as I drew up alongside him and had no plans of slowing up. Luckily I now realised I could out paddle him, so long as I didn’t have any hiccups. Eventually after chasing me about 50m he gave up and when the others eventually came cruising down he was nowhere to be seen.
About an hour later I was again moving ahead of the pack in my own little world when I heard this screaming behind me. Turning back I saw this monster crocodile charging down on me. He was a little way off, so I slowed and he disappeared. Apparently he’d been chasing me for about 30m creating this huge bow wave. I wonder what he’d have done if he’d caught up to me?
I prefer to leave the question unanswered.
The rest of our 3 ½ trip went off smoothly. As we approached the confluence of the Chiredzi and the Runde Rivers a herd of hippos were there to great us. They were a friendly bunch, which was a relief.
When we got back to my car where we’d left it at the start of our trip, the river had risen at least a couple of feet. It was now a very different beast but would have shortened our trip somewhat if we had paddled then. Another day we’ll do it when the river is higher.
Happy Boxing Day! So it is known in some parts of the world.
So I thought it appropriate to show this clip that I filmed yesterday, of these Nyala bulls sparring. In slow motion they displayed their prowess around each other. Coming together almost to confront one another and moving past in slow motion with every muscle in their body tense. But this day they were evenly challenged and neither took the fight any further with no punches being thrown. They parted company amicably, both respecting each other.
We had a great Christmas day just relaxing with the girls and then later with friends. And ended with a late afternoon walk in the hills.
A MERRY CHRISTMAS TO YOU!
With my daughters here for their holidays and of course with Christmas upon us I’ve been taking it rather easy the last week or so.
Well many think my life is just one big holiday, so now I’m proving it really is.
I went horse riding with the girls first thing in the morning and on the way back home found this Yellow-billed Hornbill thoroughly thrashing this new born monitor lizard. It was firstly making doubly sure the little thing was dead, but also not being equipped to tear it apart, it had to make the prey as swallowable as possible. This meant thrashing it around making it supple. The hornbill then flew off with his prize to give to his mate holed up in a tree where she’s sitting on eggs.
After a leisurely day in camp we met up with a number of friends at Hwata pan for sundowners. Drinks in hand, kids swimming in the pan – Pretty rough stuff!
Truly a most wonderful start to Christmas.
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