running wild

What makes a run a P.B? Even with my unrivalled contempt for acronyms I've worked out it means personal best. Going faster? Going further? Or maybe the best view? Most memorable? This was mine.

After a dubious look at the bottom of my well-worn trainers (cushioned soles vs acacia thorns could bring forth some unwanted acupuncture) I gave a quick nod to the concept of a warm-up and trundled off on the 2km path around the lodge  with the hope of surviving two loops. Running under a steel grey African sky. 

As my heart rate increased every interesting creature fluttered, slithered and leapt forth to tempt me to slow to a walk and begrudge not having my camera. Why is it that animals run away less when I'm running? A grey duiker stared in disbelief, Impala looked up nonchalantly from their grazing and a bushbuck gazed from a far closer distance than I'd ever managed to sneak armed with stealth and camera. I have a theory; I'm pretty sure the bushbuck was thinking 'if that's you idea of running then I really have nothing to fear.' 

I made it round my two loops - I confess I did stop to look at a bird that looked like a storm trouper and to pick up a little porcupine quill. I had a few looking-over-my-shoulder moments just to check I wasn't being followed (not that there is much I could outrun even if I was) I returned, promising myself I'd make more effort to keep fit. I'm not sure how far I went or how fast, but definitely a P.B. in my mind.

Grey Duiker - deciding if I'm a predator or fellow prey?

Synchronised impala - another runner unimpressed by my speed

rain beautiful rain

I could quote research about global warming and the effect on regional weather patterns or I could describe the dying hippos and hungry lions seen in Kruger national park today. Victims of the worst drought in 20 years. Instead I want you to imagine a wet windy night (not difficult if you are from the U.K.) then imagine screams of joy as the first rain in months falls on the dry thirsty soil. Rain = life. 

officially on sabbatical

well, it's officially the second day of my sabbatical; wide-eyed year 7s will be starting school, clean and tidy without me to scare them with Bunsen Burners. I am almost organised - just wondering what vital thing I will leave behind this time.

closer to home

a duck takes off from the lake. I want to capture the feeling of flying; not quite being able to see the world quick enough to focus. My feet are infirmly stuck to the muddy ground and the naked trees try to grasp a hint of spring from the grey sky.

I wonder if ducks can shiver?

12th December: Chris de Burgh and the fowl

I am woken at 5 am by Chris De Burgh squelching Lady in Red from a badly tuned radio. Yep, I'm back in Fort Dauphin. The town smells of poo. Human poo. I did, however, get to eat veggie burger and chips, but have now woken to stomach cramps, probably due to the exotic food. I also seem to have given away my flea powder prematurely as I am covered in bites this morning. 

As I'm having a good scratch to the less than good music I suddenly realise what happened to all the duff albums which had been lurking at the bottom of every Woolworths’ bargain bin for the last 20 years. When they went bust, each and every one of them was sent to a Malagasy radio station.

......And suddenly it's quiet. The Malagasy do have taste and have turned it off.

.......And suddenly it's not quiet; the demented cockerel is doing his best Chris De Burgh impression. I think I prefer it to the original.

13th December : Meet the pink parker

The grumpy taxi driver delivered us to the 67 Hectare Nahampoana reserve. Fortunately, due to language barriers, he was forced to take out his bad mood on the chocolate coloured puddles rather than us. We are greeted by a lanky gentleman who turns out to be our guide. He is wearing a girl's pink parker coat, complete with furry hood. I tried to hide my incredulous look as the sweat poured down my face. I enjoyed the reserve, it was more like a big botanical garden with lemurs and crocs and some interesting non-native plants than a conventional nature reserve. Defeated in my attempts to photograph the shy bamboo lemurs, I was happy to watch a group of ring tailed lemurs munching on the lychees. I must also confess to have been very impressed with the rather colourful crab spider.

rainforest blues

8^th December

It hasn't stopped raining for 4 days.

9^th December

5 days. When should I make a start on the ark?

10^th december

6 days and I'm officially right out of dry clean clothes.