Woke up to a spectacular sunrise. The wind, thankfully had died down.
This mornings drive was fairly uneventful for the most part.
On our return home we saw a flock of vultures circling, this usually means they have spotted a kill. We followed them as they descended through the thermals and found around 200 of them sitting on an island in the middle of the Olifants River. Most had their wings spread wide, enjoying the morning sun. We identified 3 types; white backed, cape and hooded vultures. It was a pretty cool sight.
The afternoon drive also started off slow. G & T’s must have done the trick, improved our eye sight or given us some luck. We came across two ellies having a glorious mud bath, we watched them for a good half an hour as they rolled, splashed and had fun in the mud like a couple of kids.
Then we came across a herd of around 200 buffalo. Please excuse the pics, iPhones are clearly not meant to take bush photos. I have not brought my laptop to download pics from my Nikon- hopefully I will have better shots to show.
Technology just gives more accessibility daily. For the first time we have cell access from the house, allowing me to post blogs from here. Gray has brought down a wireless router, enabling us to use WhatsApp, FB, blog and so on. Posting is slow at times but at least doable.
I remember arriving at the newly built bush house with Gray and his folks about 30 years ago. It was among the first houses built on the reserve and had no electricity, everything; that is lights, fridges, geysers and stove was run on gas. We helped unpack the new home, make beds and hang curtains. Those sun-filter curtains and candlewick bead spreads are still in use today, much to my irritation. For years I have been desperate to upgrade the décor but have been vetoed.
The house itself has however had the odd facelift from time to time. The first was to cover the polished concrete floors with cream tiles. The old flooring is now the latest rage and we are stuck with cleaning cream floors ... in the bush. The bathrooms have been upgraded, the driveway stoned and the thatch and paintwork have been attended to. The best upgrade was extending the deck out towards the river and including a fireplace / braai area. Most houses host bomas but we elected for what we thought a more sociable option, for the braaier anyway.
Years back solar power was introduced, which ran in tandem with the gas. Then about 5 years ago, electricity was introduced into the area. Funny, the kids were really anti us putting electricity in. They conceded eventually, with the proviso that we didn't get TV, a request we fully agreed with. We now run a system with the best of all three – gas geysers, solar lights and back up for power cuts and electricity for fridges and appliances.
The house itself has a large open plan kitchen, lounge area with 4 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms. My 2 favorite features are the deck, where we practically live when we are down here and the outdoor shower. The shower is some 20 paces from the kitchen door and is accessed from the outside. Despite 2 indoor showers, I have only known our family, in all weather and at any time of the day or night, to use this little cubicle shower. As we come across elephant, lions and other Game in the drive way from time to time, one needs to do a check of the area before heading back to the house in your bath towel.
This truly is a special place.
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