It’s a lovely day in the bush. The temperature is in the high 70s, and there’s a cooling, overcast sky, a gentle breeze, and less humidity than usual. With the cooler weather, considering there are many weekend holidaymakers, that reduces the number of animals we’ll see, we’ve had a steady stream of wildlife this morning.
We had a dazzle of zebras who seem to have become regulars along with several bushbucks, our now usual band of mongoose, a forkl of kudus, and our favorite impala, Mac, who’s often surrounded by his herd of impala. Impalas are generally shy, but Mac has taken a liking to us and visits us on his own several times daily.
We’ve yet to see my favorite animal, Norman the nyala, but have heard he’s been grazing across Oliphant, the main road in Marloth Park. Hopefully, he’ll eventually work his way back to our bush area soon.
A warthog came to visit that looked like Little, my favorite from 2018 when we stayed at the Orange house, probably a half mile from here. Again, we had him with us when we stayed in the Lovebird’s Nest house. When he showed up a few days ago, I could swear it was him, especially when he became animated when I talked to him while we made endearing eye contact.
My favorite female kudu, Bossy, arrived the day we arrived. I am sure she remembers me, my high-pitched voice, and my demeanor. Although wild, most of these animals are intelligent and can relate to humans, each in their own way. No words can describe how precious the relationships we develop with these wild animals are, not much different than humans would relate with their dog, cat, or other pets.
However, these animals are not pets and this is not a petting zoo. We do not touch, hand feed, or invite them into the house, although mongooses stick their heads inside the door to look for me when I cut little bits of paloney, a large roll of chicken, comparable to the texture of braunschweiger.
Each morning, I slice big rounds off the paloney and then cut it both ways into bite-sized pieces, placing them on a paper plate to toss as they wait in the garden. They squeal with delight when the paloney comes their way and this morning we took the above video to share with all of you.
We realize that over the almost six months we’ll be here, there will be considerable redundancy with an endless stream of photos and videos you may have seen in similar media years ago. After all, we’ve spent over four years living in the bush during our 12 years of world travel. We can’t get enough!
Soon, Tom will drop me off at my favorite local spa, Imbewe, where I will have a much-needed pedicure. I haven’t had one since the first week we arrived in Lake Las Vegas in December. I’ve done my best in the interim, but there’s nothing like a professional service. Also, it will be wonderful to see Patience and her husband, Doctor (not a doctor, just his African given name), after over two years since we’ve been gone.
Tonight, we’ll head to Jabula, our favorite place to spend Friday and Saturday nights. Of course, if other social plans arise, we’re certainly open to doing something else. But, here in Marloth Park, most people are retired, and particular days of the week don’t dictate when they should socialize. We’re invited to Roz and Les’ house on Wednesday for a braai. It will be fun to see them again.
That’s it for today, folks. Of course, we’ll be back with lots more. Tomorrow is a special day. Please check by to see what we’re celebrating!
Be well.
Photo from ten years ago today, March 14, 2015:
No photos were posted on this date in 2015.