However, there was a good reason why we needed to be quiet and it was one which was worth being quiet for. We were descending through bamboo forest which is red panda territory, and there was the possibility that, if we were quiet enough, we might see one.
Now, we really, really wanted to see a red panda as they are one of our favourite animals (after bears and hamsters). We got ourselves organised so we could scan every bit of flora and hopefully miss nothing. Yorkie, being the smallest, looked at ground level ....
.... while I, George, looked into the tree tops, and they were very tall ....
.... while Gio and Brian took a side each and looked at eye level. We couldn't have been more vigilant, but sadly, red panda sightings were not to be that day.
It was lovely jungle-like terrain though and the greenery was amazing; when Gio stood in front of these huge ferns he looked just like an Red Indian brave with a big head-dress ....
By the time we'd caught up with Ratoo in a grassy clearing, we'd left the bamboo forest well and truly behind, and with it our dreams of getting up close and personal with a red panda. Never mind though, our camp site was now in sight just across the valley in the cleared green area behind Gio's head and it wasn't going to take too long to get there, as one of the cook crew had walked across to meet us with a kettle full of hot orange - very refreshing.
The camp site was on the edge of a village. The downside was we were pestered by the local children wanting to peer in our tents and follow us everywhere; on the plus side, we had 2 permanent toilets and a local lady invited us to look round her house and to see her animals and sweetcorn store.
This was her house; it was very clean and nice and she was clearly very house proud.
It was lovely to return to civilisation and to meet the locals.
Lots of love
George, Yorkie and Gio xxx
2 comments:
Some of us can remember post war 'prefabs' in this country that looked very much like the lady's house.
Bad luck in missing the red panda - bit like the elusive Jaguars in Peru which Suffolk Branch failed to see too. I guess it's good they are still timid and hide away from humans as it probably protects them from hunters. Misread your text about the local children wanting to peer in your tent - thought it said pee in your tent!!!! That would have been even worse! Oops! Enjoying your adventures Norfolk Branch & Ratoo
Post a Comment