Summary

The author, Anne Bonfert, recounts a serene and rejuvenating day spent by the Olifants River in South Africa, where they enjoyed hammock lounging, paddling, wildlife observation, and personal relaxation amidst a break from a hectic travel schedule.

Abstract

Anne Bonfert describes a tranquil day in Southern Africa, where they finally had the chance to unwind in their hammock by the Olifants River after previously having to rush their travels due to weather conditions. The day was spent in peaceful solitude, punctuated by laundry duties, editing work, and multiple paddling excursions along the river. The author observed various birds and a particularly memorable duck with flying difficulties, musing on the resilience of wildlife. The campsite was shared harmoniously with a group of geese, and the day's simple pleasures, like eating mangoes and ice cream in the hammock, were savored. As evening approached, the author prepared for the cold night and attempted night photography, reflecting on the beauty of their surroundings and the contentment found in such a setting.

Opinions

The author expresses a deep appreciation for the tranquility of nature, particularly the calming effect of water.
There is a sense of gratitude for the opportunity to slow down and enjoy simple pleasures after a period of constant movement.
The author shows empathy towards wildlife, especially the disabled duck, and admiration for the adaptability of animals in their natural habitat.
The geese at the campsite are portrayed as amusing and unobtrusive neighbors, contributing to the overall sense of peaceful coexistence.
The author reflects on the personal joy derived from being near water, suggesting a strong emotional connection to aquatic environments.
Despite the challenges of night photography, the author seems content with their efforts and the experience of camping in a beautiful location.
The author endorses an AI service, ZAI.chat, as a cost-effective alternative to ChatGPT Plus (GPT-4), indicating a positive opinion of the service's value.

SOUTHERN AFRICA 2023: DAY 48 — SOUTH AFRICA

Down by the River Between Geese and my Hammock

This is where I spend the day enjoying my life

Paddling on the Olifants River. | Photo credit: Anne Bonfert

Finally, I’m back in my happy place. There is just nothing as relaxing as swinging in my hammock. Today, I’ve got a river down below and lots of birds in the trees above. Such a peaceful place in the valley.

I got up this morning after sleeping in once again. Previously we had to get up early to be at the mechanic in time or to leave the camp before the rains starts again. None of that was the case today and we decided to stay a second night right here.

We’ve been more or less racing West for the past 4 days trying to escape the heavy rains of the cyclone. We drove a lot. In difficult conditions and always had to search for a place late in the afternoon.

We’re done with that now, we’re back in the sun and have time not only to dry things but to finally do laundry as well. I washed everything this morning. From our laundry bag to towels, drying cloths, and pillowcases. It’s windy, warm and sunny. The laundry will be dry in no time.

Doing laundry at camp. | Photo credit: Anne Bonfert

In the meantime, I’ll be catching up with editing, writing and sorting out pictures.

Three times today I paddled along the river. Back and forth. From one section of rapids to the other one. Every time passing the same duck. How do I know it was the same one? Well, this duck was special.

Drone footage of the valley while I'm paddling on the river. | Photo credit: Anne Bonfert

When I first saw the duck trying to take off as I approached I thought it must be a young one as she couldn’t get air. The wings were just flapping on the water’s surface. I felt so bad for her.

Every time, I came around the corner, the duck was somewhere on shore and getting scared of me. She took off and raced across the water as fast as she could.

I was no threat to her but she didn’t know that.

After seeing the duck next to other ones as well I was certain it wasn’t a fledgling. This was a grown-up duck with either an injury or some other disability that prevented her from flying.

Thinking about it, this duck might even survive out here without the ability to fly. Swimming is enough to get away from predators, so I guess she’ll be fine.

Apart from this duck, I paddled past many other feathered friends. Birds were flying off every few meters. And while I am far from being a bird watcher, I did recognize a few species along the way.

African Pied Wagtail - Blacksmith Lapwing - Cape Wagtail | Photo credit: Anne Bonfert

And geese. There is a group of white and brown geese living at the campsite. I think they usually stay and live at the exact site we were staying at.

After complaining a bit, they accepted the fact we were camping there and just moved right next to us. So now, all of us got some shade from the tree and access to the water.

We’d switch positions. At one point I’d get up and paddle along the river and they settled down in the grass, and then I would come back and relax in my hammock just when they went for a swim.

I call it living in peaceful harmony.

Our neighbors. | Photo credit: Anne Bonfert

Sometime during the afternoon, after my second and before the third paddle, I cut up a mango and ate fresh fruit with ice cream. In my hammock overlooking the river.

Yes, I agree with you. I’m living a tough life. But life is what you make of it.

Treating myself. | Photo credit: Anne Bonfert

And whenever I do find a place where I feel happy like I do right now, I find myself near a body of water. Water seems to attract me and makes me happy. It offers me a playground, fresh air and something pretty to look at.

Hammock with hammock view and my neighbor dozing off. | Photo credit: Anne Bonfert

This is how the day slowly faded by. By nightfall, I had layered up in a sweater and long pants. Yes, it was that cold. Being high in altitude even though located in the valley, the air was fresh.

But tonight I was prepared for the cold and jumped straight into warm clothes after my shower.

I took out my tripod and tried my best at night photography but I just couldn’t get it right. The campsite had too many lights shining across the valley and our neighbors (not the geese but human ones) had the spotlights up.

Eventually, I settled with the picture below, packed away my camera and crawled into the tent. Cozy and warm, that’s how I’d describe our home tonight.

Our camp in the dark. | Photo credit: Anne Bonfert

This is part five of our roadtrip. Watch the full video of our tour through South Africa down below:

We’re currently touring southern Africa and if you’d like to follow, go through this list of stories from our road trip:

Southern Africa Road Trip 2023

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