2006/01/23
Refreshing Plunge
This is a nice reward especially when coming unexpected on a warm sultry day.
All the ponds and streams are tannin stained, but don't you worry, this is the result of a big eco-filter created by moss, mineral gravel and other wet plant covers. It even creates white to yellowish colored foam covering huge areas of the pond when left allone for a while.
This is totally safe and with the greatest confidence in consuming pure nature, you can drink the water.
Just be careful on the big streams "mouthing" directly into the see. Theyre all more or less salty in the vicinity of the mouth, depending how strong the river flows and the tide - as the counter power - pushes the fresh water back upstream.
23-JAN-2006
Seeking Refreshment
We did not realize how cold and almost cracking refreshing the water was when applied to a relatively steaming body.
Once again, sister had to play model and did extremly well. Clearly noticeable the thermometer is her face and is sitting definitely on the lower range of scale....brrrrrrr.
From a technical point of view, I know the whole spray should be in the pic, but what can I say, with all the excitement I missed the decisive moment.
23-JAN-2006
Happ !!
Another bad habbit.
I am convinced, mother nature is looking well after them and they do not need add-ons like salt pretzels, crackers or even worse, cookies as part of their diet.
Although I know its cute to watch them, but please dear valued hiker, do not feed whatsoever any animal.
This is also exactly the reason, why the dust bins at the huts are covered with heavy lids.
2006/01/23
Nesting In Green
Snuggeld against the hill, this is how we found our first day's destination, Ngubu hut, named after a former ranger who helped developing the trail and died in a fire accident.
There is even some luxury to enjoy... a shower. But don't be fooled, its right from the tap and the geyser is definitely switched off. Some of you, dear female companions, might look in vain for a shower curtain, providing at least a kind of privacy. But no, this is the bush, be prepared but not too scared.
The most curious visitor you might get is a large spotted genet, if your shower time cuts into dusk.
23-JAN-2006
Resting
This little yellowtailed dragonfly was resting on a leave next to the drinking water tap nearby the hut.
So my initially "necessity task" doing the dishes after dinner, finally turned into pleasure by observing and shooting this wonderfull creature.
23-JAN-2006
Awaiting Prey
Another representative of the creepy-crawlies, looking for diner.
He did not manage to participate in treats like we had, or at least shown by Fiona and Shean, pulling a whole crayfish out of their backpack.
One important thing I've learned from them, if you work hard (hiking is to be considered as such), one must eat good. In other words, rather leave the one or other piece of clutter out of your backpack (for example a four A-size cell torch) and replace it with some good food.