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.
I was reading your comments about being chased by a crocodile. YOu said that you slowed down and he disappeared. I don’t understand why you would slow down. Could you please explain for me? thanks…..
I second Nancy’s question, Kim. If’n it were me, I’d be out of there like quicksilver.
I enjoyed the video of your girls playing. (A mother’s nightmare cleaning the mud off!)
It brings back memories of childhood–making mudpies.
Many thanks for the variety of your videos which provide a window depicting life in Africa, animal and human!
A happy and healthy New Year to all.
Be careful Kim !
Best wishes to all !
I loved the video. Your daughters are very lucky! I could use a mud bath!
You had quite an adventure on the river! I felt like I was reading the pages of an adventure/action book. You must have great confidence to be able to remain calm and assertive in those circumstances.
Keep wild.
Ivanova
Nancy: Why slow down? Got to play the game and give the guy a chance you know.It’s like playing with a kid, you have to let them win sometimes otherwise they get despondent.
LOL!! I guess you know them better than we do!
Enjoy what time you have left with your girls. They clearly enjoy their time out in the bush. I was fascinated by the reaction of one of the girls when she thought she’d been bitten by something under the water. Most children would come shrieking straight out of the water. Not your little girl!!!
If crocs are anything like our American Alligators, I would be absolutely terrified. They move very fast when they want to. Maybe slowing down IS the key? Don’t think I would last long in the wild! LOL!!
It’s nice to see your daughters playing in the mud! I wish that was me!!