Walking update… 25 October 2009
PALMIET NATURE RESERVE…
Imagine if you will, 17 adults on the back of a flat bed truck careering around Westville. Inside the truck another 2 people and an injured Duiker?... Read on.
Our early morning walk started a few minutes late – as the guide did not arrive and we set off on our own - following the “blue route” towards the falls. According to the trail marker it would be a 2.5 km walk. Just before reaching the cascades we were met by the most plaintiff sound of an animal in distress. A Duiker was trying to scramble away from the mass of people descending onto its territory. Lydia managed to catch the stricken buck and carried it for the next kilometer. Then it was transferred to Nico, who set off at a fast pace towards the cars.
Unfortunately, somewhere along the way we managed to get onto the wrong trail and after 5.4 km finally arrived at a tarred road outside the Westville University Residence. Now, back to the start of this letter!
We flagged down a very unwilling motorist and pleaded with him to give David a lift back to the cars. This he did. Dave brought his flat bed truck and loaded his “live stock” onto the back of it. We had a cramped but very festive trip back to the cars.
Thanks to all for the help received. Who would have thought that we could have had so much fun on a Sunday morning?
Sadly I have to end this happy tale by telling you that the buck was euthanised early this morning, as the Vet, after examining it, found that its back was broken. At least it was shown a lot of love during its last day on earth. Toti Ramblers donated R50 of the membership fees towards CROW Rehabilitation Centre whilst R100 was received from others on the walk.
Welcome to New Members – No new members on this walk
No Membership fees received:
Next walk…
UMBOGAVONGO NATURE RESERVE
Unfortunately I will be involved in the Amashovashova on the 18th October when our next walk should be taking place. So please note that the date has changed to the 25TH October 2009.
We will be re-visiting the wonderful Umbogavongo Nature Reserve for our normal walk. Hopefully Dick Dyson will be able to do his magic and take us around the new section once again.
After the walk I would love it if you all stayed for a happy get-together to celebrate my 60th birthday with my friends and family. I have the Umbogavongo Reserve until 16:00. Please bring drinks and a picnic with you.
Farewell…
We will also be saying goodbye to Molly Smit at this walk. Each year she and her husband spend the winter months in Amanzimtoti and then go home to the cooler Bloemfontein for the summer. We wish her well on her next walk in Rwanda in June and look forward to her return next year when she can tell us all of her adventure.
Directions to Umbogavango Nature Reserve:
From the N3 Freeway take the Moss Kolnick turnoff. Continue to the exit after the new shopping centre, turn right into the Industrial Area. Keep to your right. Entrance to Umbogavongo after boom.
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