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Stupidity Is Incurable (70)
loot
![Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 5682 W: 603 N: 3356]](http://i1.treknature.com/misc/g-g-g.gif) (8935) | Kittlitz’s plover - Charadrius pecuarius
Stupidity can get one into deep-deep trouble and could have rather expensive results. Fortunately there are people who specialise in the rescue of the feeble-minded, dim-witted, mindless clots such as me.
I took this photo in the Richards Bay harbour area at a place called "Casuarina Point". I was not able to photograph anything since my flu started 2 weeks ago and was eager to get out to the bird pan to catch up on some lost opportunities. My son, his girlfriend, and I, set out early Sunday morning and spend an enjoyable couple of hours at the sanctuary where we saw some lovely birds, a 3m+ crocodile, and a number of co-operating insects, which I will still post in the near future. Eventually it was time to leave, but I thought it 'wise' to take a drive through the harbour area. Why didn't I just gone home?
In the search of just one more photo, just one more shot worthy of a TN posting, we drove to Casuarina Point, an undeveloped area inside the harbour where fishermen can partake in their recreational activities, but it also forms part or the RBR (Richards Bay Bird Route). This area includes a tidal pool where one can see numerous water birds. I decided to drive around the edges of this pool, and was very cautious (I thought) while feeling my way around the sandy fringes to ensure the surface is of such a nature that we wouldn’t get stuck, but content quickly grew into disrespect. But hey, the going was good and then we ran into this beautiful little beach runner the "Kittlitz’s Plover" and things couldn’t be any better as all seemed to be worth the while.
As we came around the final bend (just before we would join up with the regular road) I noticed that the surface looked slightly muddy, but since there were other vehicle tracks leading through the area I thought it would be save to pass through as well. Why do we sometimes make these stupid decisions? As the front wheels hit the spot my car just sank like a stone, right up to the belly of the vehicle, and I knew I was in deep-deep trouble again. Fortunately we had about 3 hours before the tide would come in, but I knew I had to make a quick plan otherwise I could greet my car as it was in for a swim. Please view the workshop photo which my son took with his cell phone. I didn’t have time to stop and think about that as I had to get someone to tow me out and that had to happen quickly.
To cut a long story short, some kind hearted people with a 4x4 came around and tried to free the car, but we broke his brand new, 20mm, special emergency, nylon rope, into three pieces, eventually we even broke a steel chain, but the car would not move. Finally the NSRI (National Sea Rescue Institute) came to help and with their strong winch managed to clear the vehicle from the mud. A great big THANKS to Norman and his wife. Please see the workshop for more information.
Post Processing was done with Adobe Photoshop Elements 2.0. |
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loot
(8935)
NSRI To The Resque
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Fortunately two ladies who were nearby, phoned ones husband who then contacted the NSRI and alerted them concerning our predicament. My son’s girl friend Naomi was waiting up ahead on the main road to direct them (the NSRI) to our position. While we were still struggling with the other 4x4 who tried to free us, we suddenly herd a cry of relieve when my son saw the NSRI Land Rover approaching across the tidal pool. It was like the cavalry came to the rescue and I could have sworn I heard some trumpets blowing.
Once they were on the scene it did not take long before my car was standing on firm ground and I could start breathing normally. It sure was a close shave and thankfully everything turned out to be just fine again, but hopefully I've learned a valuable lesson.
To save lives on South African waters the National Sea Rescue Institute of South Africa (served by voluntary personnel) is dedicated to assisting people in distress both at sea and on inland waters. To read more about these wonderful people and their institute you can click here.
PS. Obviously I took this photo after the fiasco, but I had to post it to say THANKS and give the NSRI the acknowledgement they deserve. |
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loot
(8935)
Stuck In The Mud
Edited by:loot
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Obviously it is clear, this car was stuck in the mud and was going nowhere quick unless a miracle in the form of a strong 4x4 with a big winch arrived on the scene. With the assistance of 4 other helping hands we tried to lift and move the car, but it would not budge. To worsen matters even more, within minutes after we got stuck, the weather turned and a strong wind started to blow and if that was not enough, the rain started to pelt down. Please note that the water you see around the vehicle was not there before we got stuck. There was no indication that I was approaching drift sand. At least I am not that stupid to drive into such an obvious trap.
Hysteria was lying on the leer and waiting patiently to storm us like a herd of buffalo on a stampede.
PS. Unfortunately the quality of this photo is not very good as it was taken with my son’s cell phone camera which is rather limited in pixel size. |
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