4th March 2010

Fourth day of the trip and second day at the reserve - we have an early start to go and count game. The reserve need to keep a regular check on the numbers of animals in the reserve so that they become aware of any dramatic changes that could indicate the spread of disease, poaching etc. The animals must have known we were coming because it took us ages, and quite a few watering holes later, to find them. When we did though we spotted a number of impala (the McDonalds of the bush due to the 'M' on their behind), springbok, blesbok, wildebeest, gemsbok, roan antelope, waterbuck, reedbuck, kudu, eland, nyala, zebra, red mongoose and of course the beautiful giraffe. The lions, elephants and rhino were nowhere to be seen but this was quite a crowd as it was. Counting them, or trying to, was hilarious - their continual movement away from the bukkie and tendency to congregate together did make it difficult to know how many times you had counted the same animal. They were just stunningly beautiful though set at the top of the plains against the rising sun.

I had a bit of time out after breakfast because my head was splitting. Thought I just needed a bit of a rest but as soon as I sat down I was out for the count for 2.5 hours. I tend to get by on little sleep but even I am somewhat behind on my quota and I think it just caught up with me. Didn't realise how tired I was. Felt better for the rest though and was back on full cylinders for Volympics in the afternoon. Our team got pipped to the post on the physical tests but came top on the animal/Kwantu knowledge quiz - a result I'm more than happy to live with (it was the most exercise I've had for far too long!).

Next up was getting to know the animals in the predator enclosures. Two beautiful tigers and their three cubs, the wild dog, the cheetahs and the lions and their cubs. There are a number of lion cubs including three (two white lions and a tawny) that came from the Lion Park outside Jo'burg. Was desperate to see if they were any of the ones I had looked after whilst I was there - they are about the right age. One of the white ones is the spit of Trouble but didn't recognise the other two . The tawny def isn't Tigger because he doesn't have the same hair circle on his back. Will have to check with Earl when I get back.

Once we had cleaned up we had an info talk from Simon (the other ranger) on snakes, their features, behaviours and physicality. Very interesting stuff and he helped one of the other volunteers combat their fear of snakes by de-mystifying them for her (and plonking one her shoulders!).

Dinner, followed by cards finished off the day. I haven't been bitten by a mozzie once yet (although have obviously now tempted fate) so these new patches could in fact be doing the trick!

Take care all.

Love
Jox