Ulovane Mail September 2009

Ulovane Mail 

~ SEPTEMBER 2009 ~

~ The successful man will profit from his mistakes and try again in a different way ~

Spring has sprung, new students have arrived, the camp is full, wild flowers are blossoming all over the reserve – LIFE @ ULOVANE IS GOOD! It is also a year ago this month that the building of the new camp had began and it is amazing to have watched the transformation, from the 23^rd of September 2008 – 23^rd of September 2009. Our little patch of heaven is really becoming a home and we enjoy watching our baby grow – yes there is a still lot of work to do, but that’s all the fun!

JUNE FAREWELLS ~

The time came to say goodbye to the June group – Werner, William and Botha. We took the three chaps, some of their parents and friends, on a game drive and boat cruise. The boat cruise was stunning to say the least with the sunset reflecting off the Bushman’s river, while a Fish Eagle sat watching us from a nearby tree ~ no I am not making this up – we truly are this blessed. After a few words, a couple of cocktails and yes of course some tears – we headed on a night drive back to camp. It was a most successful night dive with us seeing some of the most elusive nocturnal animals: a large spotted genet, a porcupine and TWO caracals – yes two – in one drive!!! Thanks to Schalk for very special drive.

Wishing Botha, Werner and William the very best – go get them boys!

Its not the will to win, but the will to prepare to win that makes the difference ~ Paul Bryant

 ARBOUR DAY 1^st September ~

What did you do for Arbor Day? Hopefully everyone who reads this newsletter planted a tree or bush – in hopes that we can somehow try and help our environment! Us as parents and Ulovane invited our boy’s school, Nanaga pre primary to come and plant some trees. It was a fun day and enjoyed by parents and kiddies. We were in total about 30 people, each child got to do a short walk and learn about some trees and what their medicinal uses are. While one group did the walk, the other group got to design and color in their own ‘Nanaga’ tree – the pictures were all bright and beautiful. After a bit of chocolate cake, it was time for each child to plant their own tree at the Ulovane camp and leave their mark forever – a very special touch to end a fun filled day! Thank you to Nanaga pre primary for sharing the day with us!

Our new students arrived on the 20^th – a huge warm ULOVANE welcome to Mark, Melanie, Robert, Jason, Richard, Stuart, Alex, Julian, William, Johann and Arda (lovely lady from Holland who is joining us for a month). We have an interesting, fun bunch from all over the world – USA, Holland, South Africa, Australia and New Zealand. The last couple of weeks with them have been awesome and very interesting. I am sure they are going to dazzle you with their tales in the student space – so look out for the articlesJ

STUDENT space

We left bright and early and had a lot of laughs doing team building/sense exploration exercises. Leading a blindfolded person up a rocky trail without talking is tougher, and funnier, than it sounds! After our big game thirst was quenched with sightings of white rhino, giraffe, waterbuck and elephant we took a closer look at the bush with Matt and Schalk where the fascinating world of trees, flowers, grass and birds was revealed. That night we camped under the stars with a roaring campfire and great conversation. Let me tell you, there is nothing quite like sitting next to a fire at 3 a.m. on night watch, steaming cup of coffee in hand, staring up at the unadulterated night sky. Not a sound of cars or people at all, except William’s snoring! The inner contentment is addictive.

The next day was very special for me. Whilst closely examining some fresh aardvark spoor we were paid a visit by Norman, one of the Amakhala elephant bulls. Schalk quickly herded us to safety and in the hasty retreat my precious notebook was left lying on the ground. When we returned I found that Norman must have found the scent interesting because all over the page was elephant snot! Norman had personally signed my notebook and I proudly showed everyone else my autograph. Even though they didn’t show it I knew they were all very jealous that Norman and I were now good buddies. That’s one of the best things about bush – you never know what could happen next and it keeps you on your toes.

Things are always exciting and different at Ulovane. We’ve been camping under the stars, walking in the reserve, visiting historical sites and museums, and even spent a whole day at the beach – all in the first week! It’s amazing that in this short time we can already identify a lot of trees, grasses and bird calls. I can only imagine the wealth of knowledge and adventures in store for us as we continue our journey at our new home with Schalk, Candice and the wonderful Ulovane team.

- MARK PALMER

 Any experience can be transformed into something of value – Vash Young

OUT & about

KENTON ON SEA FIELD TRIP ~

Our first weekend with the new students, was spent on the each - WOW it was an awesome 12km walk! We went through to Kenton on sea and walked from there to a little town called Boknes. Along the way we had breath taking views of the sea, found interesting shells and other bit and bobs on the beach. My favorite part was standing high on a cliff looking down at a school of dolphins – amazing to watch and a couple of us managed to have a sneak peek of a whale! After a tiring but exhilarating walk we went for pizza’s on the beach, followed by a fun game of action cricket and then for the more energetic a game of touch rugby. A fun day by all accounts, especially that we had our kiddies with us and they even managed the entire walk – very proud of themJ

FAST FACT:

THE PERFECT AMBUSH……

Although it is very spectacular to witness the hunt of a cheetah, lion or leopard you rarely see it. The more visible hunts are often overlooked, namely those of these of the spiders. In the picture a flower spider which sits and waits for an insect to pollinate the flower, and than strikes with lightning speed.

Flower spiders are foliage and flower dwellers that depend on their camouflage and ability to keep still both for protection and to catch their prey. Although they frequently change their hunting sites they use a sit-and-wait strategy for catching food. Prey animals, notably honey bees, butterflies, flies and beetles, are grabbed by the spiders’ spiny front legs and immediately bitten on the head area. The venom acts quickly to subdue the prey, which is eaten at once. Venom and digestive juices liquefy the insect’s internal tissues, which the spider sucks up, leaving an empty but life-like husk. Thanks Ben!

~ This the way of the most wise and useful people – the more they know, the more they long to know ~ UNKNOWN

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LAST BUT NOT least