I am grateful for all of those moments although some shine through to me where it wasn't me and nature...it was just nature. I was part and parcel of it, the energy that flowed through the moving water was the same energy that flowed through me. It is perhaps a difficult thing to comprehend if you haven't experienced it before.
This particular day didn't start any differently than countless others, however I do remember feeling rather light and breezy that morning, perhaps that was what convinced me to take a walk through the reserve when I did. I used to take walks alone regularly as it is a different experience to walking with others. My senses would become heightened, my awareness keen. This particular day I was fortunate to encounter a mommy water mongoose quickly ushering her two cubs down the pathway ahead of me. These creatures are very secretive and are very seldom seen. They are predominantly nocturnal so seeing them during the day with cubs was such a treat. They didn't make a sound as they left and I stopped walking to let them get a safe distance ahead as I don't believe in chasing animals for photos. This was the photo that I was given that day.
A similar encounter happened a few weeks after I had just started working at the reserve, this one there is no photo but deserves a mention as it was also a water mongoose encounter. These animals don't like people, they keep a very low profile and even though they are bigger than their cousins the small grey mongoose, they are far more timid and far less likely to be encountered as they tend to steer clear of humans. Small grey mongoose are cheeky little buggers and are far more inclined to be seen around; bin scavenging for a tasty morsel whereas water mongoose wouldn't be seen dead doing the same
This particular happening was so bizarre for me and only ever happened once. I was walking silently and had just entered the reserve path. I could hear rustling noises in the reeds on the right hand side. Most of the time when you hear this it's something far smaller than the noise would have you believe - like a warbler bird looking for grubs or a little vlei rat. I didn't pay much attention to it as I assumed what would be the case. Assumption always tends to want to prove me wrong.
To my great surprise a sizeable male water mongoose came waltzing straight out of the reedbed half a meter ahead of me. I was startled and froze in place. He didn't seem surprised at all and was clearly aware of me because he proceeded to lecture me in water mongoose lingo while locking eyes with me (it is the WEIRDEST sound when these creatures "talk"). They always sound really nasal. He just casually looked at me while condescendingly giving me a piece of his mind and then he sauntered off across the pathway and disappeared into the reeds on the other side. The scolding continued for some time. I kinda just stood there and then let out a little chuckle before proceeding with the rest of my walk. The remainder of the day was non-eventful but I will forever remember this "grandad mongoose" telling me off for walking on HIS path. Cute fella.
“Nature is not a place to visit. It is home.”
~ Gary Snyder
