There is something to be said about going to bed when it gets dark & waking up when it gets light. It feels more natural. If you don't have a TV, you don't watch it. I was up at 07:00 & my plan had been to start the day with a run. I also noticed that u had savagely been been bitten through the night.
My arms hands & back of my legs were
Like piñata cushions. So much for my mosquito net. The run only lasted as far as a mile as I spotted a group of guys in uniforms with helmets and riot shields. Rather than jogging past I thought it prudent to turn back. I found out later they were the anti poaching unit employed by the reserve but hey, best to play safe right?
So I had a rethink, jumped in a cold shower & went to reception for a coffee. During which three of the Zebras came to say hello. Then it was off on my big walk day. The fact that I had had cramp in my feet last night should have been some warning. As it was early I cracked on with two of the main waking roads & was back at the cottage by 10:45 for a sarnie. Animals seen zero. So to a nearby watering hole, plod plod. No watering hole. I ended up back on the main road after walking through another closed path. Ok regroup, hot & bothered. Sit down couple of beers few more sarnies & we will be laughing. Saw the Zebras s*** on the lawn and release some well saved up gas. Sensibly I avoided the midday sun & went on another big loop. Watering hole at first done Zebras, random antelope #winning. This is going to be the good one. Plod plod plod plod plod plod. Got to the end of that road by the north gate he furthest northerly point of the reserve. Right turn hoy some water over my head, then along the top road and down Dambo,last road to do. Nearly at the end turn the corner & swamp. I wasn't happy my legs were done the bar was so close. About face back to fence to fence road, down another siding track. It's 16:30 I was supposed to have had my first beer & be in a hot shower by now. Plod plod. Reach the main Dambo road that I had already walked on earlier. Very nearly asked the passing tractor if I could hop on. Still so close to shower and change of clothes I kept going. Got to the cottage, & no fire had been lit.
Meaning I was an hour away from hot water. Sod it. To the restaurant plug my phone in grab a beer splash some water on my face (5times). During dinner & while my phone was charging the troop of baboons strolled by on the way to bed for the night. The Zebras galloped past, one attempting to shag the other. True nature. At the point I was falling asleep. I gathered my wine that Patrick had kindly chilled for me & a cheeky fanta to act as mixture for my night cap gin. As I was collecting my phone a friendly South African family arrived. Had I not been as tired I would have probably joined them for a drink. But I still was dreaming of a hot shower. Plus I wasn't sure how I would get back without any daylight. This didn't stop them for being so friendly providing me with some Doom spray for my room & some insect spray for me.
Back at the cottage I finally got my dream hot shower that went on far too long. Then when I got out I sprayed the room with a heavy dose of Doom, and lathered myself in anti insect spray. I shall also sleep inside the quilt tonight. I can sweat it out better if it means not getting bitten that much. Plus if you had seen the size of the creature that has just tried getting into my bed. I had to open the front door to sweep it out. Where is that gin!
I know my own fault for staying in a nature reserve, but I paid for a cottage not a tent!