Sunday night we had one of our torrential downpours which have been the norm all summer. In a dry country such as ours we don't normally complain if it rains, but this summer it has almost been too much of a good thing, even the amphibians are taking shelter from the rain.
This Cape claw less toad, which is almost 100% water dwelling, actually came into the lounge to get out of the rain it seemed. I put it out and two minutes later it was back. Not the prettiest of creatures, it's harmless enough and serves a useful purpose in nature.
Years ago these hapless creature were kept by the hundreds at hospitals around the world as a reliable pregnancy test, the so called "frog test". Pop one of these in the urine of a woman and if the toad started spawning, accurate proof that the woman was pregnant.
A great favourite as bait among bait fishermen, as they don't drown and their struggles to get off the hook attracts game fish, such as bass, sharp toothed catfish, (barbel) and large mouth yellow fish. (They are usually hooked through the skin on the back).
Well this time, as far as fishing goes, I think I've fallen with my bum in the butter!
The dogs and I took our usual evening walk and walked right to the Little Bushman's river that runs through the farm. All in all I recon we covered between 6 and 7 km, down hill most of the way there, and up hill most of the way back. The river lies in a "kloof", (gorge) with typical African bush along it's banks, also very typical snake country, especially puff adders, Cape cobra's and rock pythons. So on hot days I will have to step very carefully.
We left home at 4:30 pm and only got back after seven.
Click to enlarge.
A section of the river looking up stream, with a nice long, deep pool on the right. This river is a tributary of the Bushman's river, which flows through Estcourt, it joins the Bushman's river just below the town.
Downstream view of the pool, lovely water for small mouth bass, sharp tooth cat fish, (barbel) and maybe carp.
A short stretch of rapids below the pool.
Looking downstream from the rapids. Chances are good that the fast water with have Natal yellow fish, also known as scaleys. Yellow fish are indomitable fighters and give you a good run for your money.
So Lord willing, I know where the dogs and I will be Saturday. And with a bit of luck I might even post some photos of the fish I've caught.
