Back to Camp with Ellie the Car

After a very successful fundraising trip to the states, Sim and I drove our personal vehicle back to camp, an 8 hour journey from Maun, through the endless Mopane forest which inhabits the sand tongue that leads us to our camp at the end of the delta waters. I had not driven the route for a long time and so we followed the truck driver, Simon to near the gate through the buffalo fence and the single road which was made to be able to get supplies to camp. Simon drives an age old Mercedes truck that just keeps going, but through the thick hot sand of the Okavango Delta, he can only go incredibly slowly. So after following him for two hours we were glad to receive directions from him and be on our way, I was disappointed not to be able to take Mhosi with us (who was getting a lift back to camp after a trip to the doctors) to relieve him of the 12 hour journey and the heat and un-comfort of having three people in the cab, but we were chocker with all our things and had no space. Six hours after leaving Simon, we rolled into a quiet camp, as everyone was enjoying siesta in the terrific heat that characterises this time of year, which draws and saps your energy. After eight hours driving, and a terrible night’s sleep thanks to the dogs and donkeys of Maun town, I was exhausted upon arrival so took a cold shower and fell asleep.
The delta has changed dramatically since we have been away, the flora has changed from the tired, browns and leafless trees and plants into the startling bright greens of summer time. The undergrowth is thick, so once were we could see through we are now crowded in. Alongside the changes of the flora, come the changes of the fauna and the first bird I heard was the Woodland kingfisher, a beautiful bird, with a distinctive call. I have always loved kingfishers since my dad and I spent magical hours watching them perch and fish from our houseboat in the now war ravaged district of Kashmir. These were blissful times, of priceless father-daughter time, and so whenever I see or hear a kingfisher I think of my wonderful dad. They make a very characteristic call and signify the arrival of the rains, a time of plenty and rejoicing.
I am desperate to get out and see which elephant are around (although Robin Hood and Vashna have already visited us here in camp) but the research vehicle is down with a broken gearbox and so we await a replacement from town. In the mean time I am busy pulling together a proposal for our next five years of research and so have more than enough to keep me busy.
axck to