Lots of visitors!…Nyala Nora is separated from the family and hanging around with us and a few Big Daddies!…

It’s Monday, and the school holidays are still underway. Marloth Park is brimming with holidaymakers. As is often the case this time of year, there is a noticeable mix of those who fully appreciate the quiet, natural beauty of this special place and others who seem to miss the point entirely. Most visitors are respectful, embracing the stillness, the wildlife, and the unspoken understanding that this is a shared environment where humans are merely guests. But then there are a few who drive too fast, play loud music, and create a level of commotion that feels out of place here.

It’s always a bit disheartening to witness that contrast. This is not a typical holiday destination with bustling nightlife and constant noise. It is, instead, a sanctuary, a place where the pace of life is guided by nature. When that pace is disrupted, it affects not only the animals but also those of us who treasure the peace we’ve come to rely on. Still, we’ve learned over time to distance ourselves from that energy. We choose not to engage in the frustration, even though it’s hard to ignore at times.

There’s no shortage of commentary on local Facebook groups, where residents and visitors alike share their concerns, frustrations, and sometimes outright anger over inconsiderate behavior. It’s easy to get pulled into those conversations, and yes, we do read them, but do not comment. But we’ve found that allowing that negativity to take hold serves no purpose. It doesn’t change the situation, and more importantly, it doesn’t change how we feel about being here.

Instead, we continue with our days as we always do, grounded in a routine that brings us comfort and joy. Each morning begins with a sense of anticipation, wondering what wildlife might wander into the garden, what small moments will unfold, and what simple pleasures will present themselves. There is a steady, quiet happiness in this way of living that we’ve come to cherish deeply.

Right now, our thoughts are with Nora, one of Nina’s offspring, who appears to have become separated from her family group. It’s hard not to feel concerned when we see her moving about on her own, looking uncertain and, at times, a bit lost. She has been spending time near our garden, often in the company of one of the three Big Daddies who frequent the area. While they provide some level of companionship, it’s clear she is not fully settled.

Last night, she must have spent the night alone, which is unusual and likely unsettling for her. This morning, we put out some vegetables, hoping to encourage her to eat, but she showed little interest. That, more than anything, tugged at our hearts. There’s a vulnerability in her behavior right now that’s difficult to ignore. Still, we remain hopeful that, with her family visiting the area regularly, it won’t be long before she finds her way back to them. We’ll be watching closely and will certainly share how it all unfolds.

In the midst of all this, we continue to enjoy the simple pleasures that define our days. Last night’s dinner was a perfect example. We made meatballs with a rich, homemade pasta sauce, skipping the pasta and instead pairing it with portobello mushrooms, all topped with melted mozzarella and parmesan cheese. Alongside it, a big, fresh salad completed the meal. It was one of those dinners that felt both comforting and satisfying.

Tonight, we’ll enjoy the leftovers, something we’ve grown to appreciate more and more. It simplifies the evening and allows us to spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying the surroundings. I even made enough to freeze an extra batch, which we’ll likely enjoy again later in the week, probably Wednesday and Thursday. It fits nicely between Quiz Night on Tuesday and our usual visits to Jabula on Friday and Saturday nights.

This balance of routine and spontaneity, of concern and contentment, is what makes life here so meaningful to us. Despite the occasional disruptions, the essence of this place remains unchanged, and our appreciation for it continues to grow with each passing day.

Be well.

Photo from ten years ago today, July 13, 2016: