Thursday, September 15, 2011

Drotsky's Cabins 15/9/11 (Day 11)

Forgot to mention the incredible Dutch x 2 couples we met at Island Safari Lodge. They retired in 2008 after spending some time building a Merc 508D and a DAF into fully equipped mobile homes. Since 2008 they have been living in these homes and traveling Africa from North to South favoring West side. They have a blog site: www.travelisfun.org which we will look at when we get home and broadband signal is stronger and more reliable.

The washed away bridge turned out to be no problem. Minor detour. Masses of waterbirds taking advantage of the increase in flowing water, probably carrying plentiful fish for them to feed on. Must have been at least 100 birds at one small heavy flowing point - mingling with locals fishing with all manner of equipment. Wanted to take a photo but traffic was a bit heavy.

Have noticed that anywhere where fishing is permitted, there will be a local at the side of the road holding up a string of smallish fish, baking in the sun, even when the nearest water source is over 2km away. Ugh!

We have been obeying the road signs meticulously thus far. Went through a small village, Tokeng, and were in the process of decelerating to 60kms - ouch- we weren't quick (slow?) enough. Got clocked doing 71kph. P460 spot fine. We only had P300 on us and had been wondering how to use it up prior to departing Botswana. (Ironical - we were looking forward to blowing it at the lodge bar!). The officer said he would give us a pensioner's discount and only charge us P300. The difference between here and SA is that he issued us a fine and a receipt for the P300!!!!!!

The countryside remains dry, flat, featureless bush. Many cows, goats, donkeys and horses.

Drotsky's campsite is set in thick woodlands (cleared private sites) next to the river. We cannot see the river even though it is only a few meters away due to thick undergrowth and a large bank of reeds. The birdlife is prolific so I'll be doing quite a bit of happy snapping! (Heaven, I'm in heaven!)




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