OK another early start but this time I had a new problem, I have been bitten by what seems like an army of mosquitoes and my ankles are just so damn itchy. I am hoping that they will have some decent anti bite cream at the game reserve as it is driving me mad.
Our group was joined this morning by 2 other volunteers who were both as excited and apprehensive as I was on my first day, but like me they will have to watch in the morning and then be introduced to Rundi and Rusha and have their induction of how to behave and handle the lions. These 2 seem quite small after walking with the bigger lions but you still really need to know how to behave as they have very sharp claws and can give a good bite.
We also had a walk without clients (who like active property professional seem to be hard to come by at the moment) and it meant that we could focus on getting the lions to become more adventurous in the surroundings of the bush. We must though keep away from the river as the crocs and Hippo's have set up camp where we walk and they would be lethal for the younger ones.
I also had to feed the young cubs and get involved with treating the wound one of the cubs has. This entailed holding Tswana down whilst organic honey is placed in the hole under her front leg, which all sounds very simple but in reality is hard to do as they fight like mad and lash out with their claws. I can't say it was enjoyable but very necessary and part of the job here. Hopefully it will heal soon and we won't have to do too much of this. The new volunteers have also settled in well and one of them is really loving this work and has decided that he is not going back to do the work he originally came out to do. I understand his position very well.
The afternoon involved clearing a 5 meter path of long grass etc around a new enclosure which will be constructed later in the week/early next week. The clearing is in case elephants come across the cage and if there is enough clearing they will avoid the cages and just walk around. It has been made very clear to all of us the importance of this as without the clearing an elephant is more than likely to go straight through the enclosure and then we would have to replace the fencing, if it is repairable which is unlikely, and the lions would get out unaccompanied into the bush. It was very hard work and I can only report that the rangers were far better and fitter than I am at this task.
When we had finished the work I became aware that my ankles were worse than ever but I was strongly advised not to scratch the bites as if I break the skin it will just make the whole situation much worse. Unfortunately they do not have any decent bite cream so I will have to try and get some from the town, which is really hard considering apart from the supermarket all the shops are shut when we finish our working day. I will have to work something out as I can't stand it for much longer.
One of my favourite parts of the day is the journey home when we all get to ride in the back of the pick-up, something we cannot do at home and there is a lot of banter and good humour. It is just another one of those experiences that will live with you a long time after you have gone.
The evening was as frustrating as ever with no internet availability and therefore I no Skype with home. I really want to talk to Sally and girls but it is just so difficult here. I have also given up on trying to sort out other accommodation as I just do not get the time or have the energy.
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