Virtues Of Silence Entering Dukuduku Gate
During times of turmoil man slowly releases land back to an intricate system seeking balance for all to dwell, before all is doomed. Where once farm land was stolen to swell wallets, people are removing all that does not belong in this land, turning it back to indigenous nature.
"Where can I find a man who has forgotten words. He is the one I would like to talk to." Chuang Tzu
Contemplate what this must have looked like, in stillness a glimpse of inner self awareness, feel the heartbeat of life in unspoiled bush.
Voices in the dark remind one of a vision, where apologies are required enabling to build as one again, not political but with nature together as one within the land.
Will we only realize our poverty once we have 'developed' everything, degrading the land where the cry of a fish eagle is no longer heard or pelican seen in the mud planes due to too much interference. Tread lightly do not disturb a leaf, nor ant hill, fallen wood they are meant to be there.
Our day in the West Bank iSimangaliso Wetlands Park, on-going clearing is being done, is there still time to heal this sick land? Name iSimangaliso means 'miracle and wonder', blessing be if one day this land becomes a region untouched.
Let us meander on....
Ponds filled to the brim with lily in bloom waving in a rather strong breeze on the morning.
Bright tall flowers dancing in the morning sunlight, waving for bees to visit here in the wilderness.
Stone Chat clinging to a reed swaying to and fro in song for joy in another day.
Waterbuck barely visible in long grasses finding a place to hide, they are standing not laying down!
Hammerkop almost landed on our car window, walked to the side flashing a look of disdain, as if to say get out of my way when I'm landing!
Pond he was aiming for with cream coloured lily floating gently above shaded water.
Family of Giraffe making there way along a path only they know where they are going, flush up against the bush keeping out for brunch on the move.
Wildebeest stand guard facing danger, warning us not to come closer, yes humans are the dangerous animals here.
Spoonbill wading stamping the ground in search of delicacies below, yummy frog time!
While Hippo get in the never enough suntan time, with a snort and grunt possibly one eye open!
Sound carries in the bush, one feels part of the family, familiar strangers at best.
Being allowed to alight vehicle at this point, watch the water while listening in to the conversations.
Lunch time we carry a picnic up into the uMthoma Aerial Boardwalk, built around a decades old Cape Ash Tree a place of wonder!
Old forest makes one truly contemplate life yesterday, today and tomorrow. Listening to the wind rustling through the tree tops we are at one.
View down onto the flat flood plains where the wildlife rest under the midday heat. Zooming in....
As you see it from high above, sea dunes in far distance on East Bank, Estuary runs through the middle'ish, bush and flood plains beneath your feet surrounded by a tapestry of greens!
Slowly strolling back after satisfying two hours soaking in the sights and sounds, some fungi on a fallen log.
Late afternoon we reluctantly leave the way we arrived through the Dukuduku Gate on the West Bank after a spectacular day visit.
Cheerio my little friend we will meet again....
Thank you for taking the time to come along, perhaps one day I will have the pleasure of personally taking you into see the real wilderness we have here in South Africa.
All photography is my own using a Canon PowerShot SC730 HS, resized for easier loading, writing is my own.
Thought for Today: "Don't undermine my silence, its got reason; don't rate it, it as got no scale." - African Proverbs