Web Report by Tom Knox
After a 3.5-hour uneventful drive, other than a turned-over truck at the Pelindaba R512 Junction that added 30 minutes, I arrived at Potokwane Campsite.
A quick setup and then an afternoon drive before lectures start. Friday evening started a bit late as some guys hit heavy traffic.
We reviewed the Student Manual and set up our Portfolio files. We were back in camp by 20:45 for the first campfire.
Saturday, 8 am saw the real start (except for the 7:30 start for late comers to catch up), with Ulrich Oberprieler showing us how small, insignificant, and infantile Homo Sapiens and the
Earth are in the Bigger Picture of time and the universe. But thereafter, he gave us great insight and encouragement to protect our biosphere.
After the History of Earth and the Theory of Evolution, we broke for lunch and the first team effort to determine the effects of abiotic factors on the environment.
A very interesting leg stretcher in the afternoon. Discovering some of the organisms around the Education Centre, we went back to our chairs for the last section of the day.
A quick shower at Manyani, as Potokwane’s hot water was on the blink, and then an amazing sunset drive watching Panthera leo almost take down an impala on the Potokwane T-junction.
Back at camp, a great braai was had by all, followed by stories around the fire until the tiredness took over.
Sunday was another early game drive to the Education Centre.
Followed by Communities, Taxonomy, and Conservation, Ulrich persevered through, despite his cold. The lecture was witnessed and approved by numerous birds, impala, squirrels, and
even a passing baboon gave a nod.
A brief outline back at camp, then clean up, pack up, and drive back home.
Thanks all for a great weekend, looking forward to Bora next month.
ED’s Note: Thanks Tom for volunteering to do the first website report of the class of 25/26. I am sure you are all going to have a great year.