A IS FOR AARDVARK - A-Z Challenge

Welcome to Day 1 of the A-Z Blogging Challenge. My theme is:

'Wildlife Encounters'

‘Welcome!’ Volker smiled, flashing a commotion of teeth. ‘I will bring coffee and chocolate cake. Yes? Then we will go on a game drive.’

In fading light we bounced along in Volker’s elderly four wheel drive, while stomachs replete with homemade chocolate cake were whipped to an uncomfortable frenzy.

Our informative guide chatted about the antelope he raised on this Namibian farm. His enthusiasm for the wildlife that shared his land -  including leopards - shone. He was prepared to lose a percentage of his stock if it meant his farm served as a refuge for the magnificent cats. 

Dusk was upon us as we crossed a dry river bed. Volker exclaimed and braked, pointing excitedly. In the gathering darkness an aardvark was ambling along. Our host leapt from the vehicle, beckoning urgently to us. We followed at a run, half crouched (for some reason) after the aardvark. 

All I could think was: 

I’m following an aardvark on foot at prime leopard-hunting time.

We caught up with the beastie, approaching close enough to observe its long, powerful claws as it rootled in the undergrowth. Utterly delighted, I forgot about prowling leopards.

The nocturnal aardvark is notoriously difficult to see in the wild and this sighting exceeded our expectations. My only regret was my failure to capture a clear photo because I didn’t want to startle it with my flash!

See you tomorrow - can you guess where and what the next animal will be? 

If you want to blog-hop to the next A-Z Challenge blog, please click HERE