Mini Trek

Saturday, 26 April 2014

Our second day/night at Ganggadhara

Last night we made arrangements with our hosts to make a 'mini-trek" in the morning after being served a delightful Sri Lankan breakfast. We walked along a heavily vegetated path (photographed some tree-climbing lizards) which led to a river which flows just metres from our hut. Descending the small valley to where the river flows introduces us to a new world of massive trees and even denser vegetation. The air is filled with the canopy of dozens of bird calls garnished with flitting colour provided by numerous butterflies.


Having been warned by a travel nurse to not drink unbottled water and to avoid salads and ice cubes, I was quite consternated to discover that the mini-trek included a river crossing sana bridge. Consternation dissipated as we marvelled at the lush forest and humungous trees complemented by symphony of gurgling water and competing bird songs.


More excitement on return when, as we "shortcut" our way across a farmer's pasture, some bulls (part of herd of domesticated water buffalo (noted for unpredictable natures)) took exception to our presence and began to act aggressively as they nearly literally ran us out (we retreated at a dignified pace but felt obligated o shout, wave sticks and tried to "look big".


We stopped to chat with a local land owner. To this point in the season he is very short of water and has been forced to change his planned crops. He cannot grow rice and has therefore planted long beans peanuts and chillis. He is also having serious problems with wild elephants which leave th park (also dry) and cause devastation to his crops. Elephants (and ALL wildlife) are protected. Farmers may try frighten them but may not attempt to trap, contain or kill them upon pain of serious government action. A program to compensate farmers for wildlife damage does not exist. Your imagination will not be challenged if you try to determine how some landowners feel with regard to topics of wildlife and politicians.


A second river crossing was required. The sojourn concluded as we took a number of lizard shots.

We next head to a park to check up on these freely roaming elephants.