We woke up to rainy weather and low clouds – the perfect weather for a road trip to Klaserie Caravan Park that we have been meaning to visit since our arrival. The scenic route via Orpen Gate called and we set off with a picnic lunch to explore the bushveld at its best. The many Maroela trees along the roads are heavily laden with fruit; I hope they are a good indicator of an abundant rain year ahead. Water is lying next to the road and dry river beds have small trickles starting to move down their courses. A huge police roadblock and many security vehicles a grim reminder of the rhino war also being fought this close to Kruger. Having Hatchico in the car meant that we could not go into the park but we explored a side road that looked interesting and ended up at ‘The Wild Olive Tree Camp’. Their website intriguing ‘Whilst you listen to the elders telling their stories at the campfire, in the distance you can hear the cow bells of the cattle returning home signaling the end of the day and at the same time hear the hyena calling and the lion roaring telling you that the wilderness has woken up.’ http://wildolivetreecamp.co.za/camp.html They welcomed us with many smiles and assurances that our dog could walk the short trail to the river and back with us as there were no wild animals. We set off under a glowering sky to walk the short 2km trail that had been established by one of the staff. Many birds accompanied us calling from the undergrowth while cattle bells rang in the distance. About 1km into the walk I got the distinct feeling that I was growing taller! Within 50m the clay collecting on our sandals was making it slow going – Even Hatchi was collecting mud shoes on all four feet. As soon as the soil changed we were able to scrape the mud off our shoes while Hatchi miraculously ended up back at the car park with clean feet (still not sure how she does that). We put our shoes into rubbish bags and drove back to the main road to find a puddle. We got many strange looks from passers by as we cleaned both feet and shoes in the drizzle. Further down the road a young elephant bull grazed just inside the Timbavati fence. The cow bells in the background emphasizing the veld utilization of game to the right of us and cattle to the left. We found a spot overhung with beautiful trees to enjoy our picnic lunch while wondering around a grave site (I am not sure why they recorded three dates on the grave stones – birth, death and internment?) After lunch we drove off towards a group of men, boys and dogs jumping in and out of a deep puddle alongside the road. I was horrified to see they were collecting bullfrogs on a metal spike. With huge grins they assured us that the frogs were a delicacy that were much anticipated in the rainy season.
Driving out towards Acornhoek we were entertained by the many signs displayed – a school ‘Acorns to Oakes’. A shop ‘Smokers Welcome’. ‘Hazy Funeral Undertaker’. ‘Rolla Coster Public Works’. We admired the outhouses; plastered and painted with tiled roofs finished off with gutters to ensure visitors could use the facilities in relative comfort!
After surviving an hour long traffic jam on potholed roads you would not like to travel at night we passed through Acornhoek and arrived at the Caravan Park. Their attitude was not welcoming although the stands around the dam itself were inviting.
We drove back to base with Hatchico’s sopping wet face still smelling the breeze outside the car window.
Itchy Feet! 