All The Gear and No Idea: St Lucia

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To get into the tourist vibe we took the Hippo and crocodile sunset boat cruise on the St Lucia Estuary. The “Townies”, a pod of hippo with a penchant for an evening stroll along St Lucia’s main street, must be the most photographed beasts of all time. Poor things can’t twitch an ear without cameras clicking away. At the front of the barge a young couple took turns taking photos of themselves for the entire trip seemingly oblivious to the rest of the passengers having a good giggle. Cue Miss Umvukwes striking a pose.

Mozambicans monopolise the craft market at the estuary mouth. The photo doesn’t do justice to the craftsmanship of the balancing birds carved from some magnificent tree. Precision carving allows the bird to balance by it’s tail on any surface.

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I spent a morning with Patrick the local bird guide. Standing under a huge fig , full of fruit was an easy place to tick off a few specials. When we met him the day before he was dressed in traditional kit, busy guiding for some lens toting foreigners. I wasn’t afforded the honour, Patrick said it was reserved for foreigners.

Sunset jetty is the obvious rendezvous spot for locals and tourists to salute the sunset. Cheers St Lucia, you’ve been a treat

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Cape Vidal was an unexpected place of contrast. There’s obviously been a recent boost of cash and enthusiasm for the Isimangaliso Parks. The hides and look out towers are aesthetically pleasing and well built (according to 2 builders wives). We were well warned about the pesky monkeys at the picnic spot but nothing can prepared you for the onslaught from land and air!

Carol was anxious before we even opened the car doors. Despite shrieking and waving the washing up rack at the monkeys we lost half our lunch before we’d even managed to get the rolls out the bag. Next to us a chap had his borewors snatched out his hand mid bite by a kite. Unfortunately eating anywhere near the beach is totally unplayable. On our walk back to the car an old chap came up and asked if we were driving the Land Cruiser. He then canned himself when we said yes. He couldn’t belive the girls shrieking at the monkeys were driving Florence.

To coin Sarah’s daughters phrase: “All the gear, no idea”. Think that one may stick!

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