Some time
ago I was faced with a decision, to remain in the hustle and bustle of the city
or leave it forever for a life in Nature. I decided to leave the world behind
and venture into the unknown, to take the leap and turn my world upside down.
This meant leaving behind old habits and worn out friends and seeking fresh,
new knowledge and experiences. So I went with my heart and chose to enquire at
Bhejane Nature Training.
Eager but
apprehensive of what I would find there I climbed on a plane to Richards Bay on
the 10th of February 2012. Never having visited this part of South
Africa, I really was going to an unknown place. I said my farewells knowing
that things would never be the same, what an understatement!
 |
| Dylan Panos |
Monday,
13 February 2012. This marks the start of the first term and the commencement
of our orientation. We missioned off into the bush on the clues of our
wonderful new TA’s to go and get to know the land. This we did, thoroughly, up
and down bush, into mud and thorns but we emerged victorious. What I learned on
that day is that teamwork would play a large role in the future and that the
personality types were very diverse amongst the group.
During
this time we got to start knowing each other and forming opinions and first
impressions. Friends were made, groups were formed, routines began and time
passed. Lectures proved to be highly informative and more than enjoyable, all
this new knowledge to apply to life. I learned here that knowledge really is
power and 10 000 hours of practice will pay off, thank you for that
motivation Nic. A definite highlight of this time would have to be when we went
to Zulu Croc and handled live crocodiles, from catching them and subduing them
to sexing them as well. I am badly afraid of crocodiles and to touch them and
see that they are actually not that bad was a true conquest of fear in my life.
Time
flies when you are in the bush and you begin to lose track of the days of the week
so this brings me to Tuesday, 10 April 2012. We made our way to Mkuze Game
Reserve to go and spend 2 weeks at the Eco Camp with Ryan, Jana, TJ and Ashley.
I relate this story because I believe it was a transformative week for
everyone. The camp was rustic and took me back to Nature. Every night we would
sit around the table playing numerous games of Shithead and building very
strong bonds with each other. False
personas began to fall away at this time because nobody had anywhere to run to
and we began to see each other in a more genuine way. 2 weeks of drives and the
most amazing animal sightings left me feeling tired but content with life.
Monday,
25 June 2012. This sees the day that I was having most stress about, trails. I
had a very bad impression of trails because of the rifle component of the
course, this soon changed when James Bristow came along. He changed my mind
about the use of rifles and I began to feel safer and less afraid to handle
them. I was also stressed because the thought of walking amongst potentially
dangerous game was daunting. Weeks went by and I practiced a lot with rifles
and learnt more and more about trails.
Thursday,
5 July 2012. On this day I shot a .375 calibre rifle. Holy Cow! I didn’t hit
any target but the rush of firing that weapon was enough. The most difficult
part of this course for me was the Advanced Rifle Handling. Timing and accuracy
were tricky for me but I will have that qualification before I leave!
From this
point we entered into the real trails experience. My highlight stands out as
Ibandla Camp at Amakhosi Private Game Reserve. The location of our camp was
unequalled and the fact that we were right next to a river didn’t bother me,
even though it was the middle of winter. The walking was amazing and we got fit
as hell while enjoying the most pristine areas inaccessible by vehicle. Here we
got to know Dylan much better and formed a new respect for what he does,
SKILLS!!! The lifestyle we as a group were leading I feel was very beneficial
to our growth. We had to cook on fire and go without commodities that we have
become accustomed to. Through a certain amount of deprivation I learned a brand
new respect for the Bush.
Sitting
watch was also an experience I would repeat again. At 3 in the morning the
waking world is asleep and the night time creatures come out to play, only that
their playtime leaves the hairs on the back of your neck standing upright.
Sleeping out in the open air was also the most incredible activity. To go to
sleep looking at the stars and waking up to clear, cloudless skies is not
something that words can do justice. To hear leopard coughing next to you and
lion roaring in the distance is the most intensely emotional experience ever.
A day I
will never forget as we were charged by a white rhino. Never will you
understand nor conceptualise that feeling unless you were there. It seems that
a semi chaos takes over the split second that animal runs, as humans we seek to
run away but must not as the first rule of trails is, well you know. Thanks
Ronnie for always reminding us that “as jy dom is, moet jy #*&”, very valuable
advice!
Being out
in the rough, wild bush forces one to revaluate and face their fears and
“demons” if you will. When you walk so many hours a day you cannot help but go
inside your head and think deeply about the state of your life. All that
introspection leads to insights and inspirations I never thought possible. I
think that walking trails is good for not only your body but your mind and your
soul too. I also made a very valuable and dear friend in Monica and we are now
very adept in the art of debate.
These are
but a few of the many highlights and experiences that I can relate as I bring this
tale to a close. I would like to relate a few sayings that have become a part
of my new vocabulary:
Bring
solutions, not problems!
Awehness!
Don’t
run!
Take
responsibility for the world around you and your own actions!
Be the
change you want to see!
Coming to
Bhejane has taught me FAR more than just how to be a guide. I realise now that
we have had experiences this year that the average individual will never get to
see or feel. We have been taught invaluable facts that would have remained
secret if not for coming here. I have been infused with a passion and great
respect for this industry. My love of Nature has only been magnified by
attending this course. As I said before, this place affects Mind, Body and Soul
on many different levels. The changes I have noticed within myself are very
real and I believe are permanent. I have learnt to respect my fellow man and to
have more patience with the world. I have learnt that there is no rulebook for
life and Nature herself, only the rules we as humans set up. I have learnt that
we as mankind are not the most important species on this planet and that
actually our presence here is hurting more than helping our ecosystem. I have
learnt more about the animals of this planet (humans included) than I ever
thought I would know. I have seen the healing power of the bush and watched not
only me but all my friends change and grow over this year. The scenarios and
situations I have found myself in this year have all shaped who I am becoming
and I do believe although tough at times this year at Bhejane was integral to
my growth as a guide and as a man. Through Bhejane I found confidence in myself
and my abilities, saw myself in a very real light overcame numerous obstacles
and made some lifelong friends. I never thought for one second coming to
Bhejane would do more than equip me with knowledge but yet I encountered a
profoundly evolved group of people and some of the deepest psychological
healing a human will ever see.
This
brings me to a list of names. This list is to mention all the important human
factors that shaped my year. To these people I shower blessings for being big
influences on my life and helping me to learn very valuable lessons. In no
particular order:
Nic
Anubis Nicolosi, Rob Neat, Ryan Biza Smart, Megan Modjadji Balouza, Axel
Primmer, Dylan Bob Dempsey, Paul Josop, Gerry Jacobs, Graeme Stewart, Craig
Bateman, Jean Michau, Derek Jooste, Zee Lemena, Mat Walker, Josie Easton, Emma
Ascher, Jay Bell, Rupert Duvenage, Craig Robert Clowes. If I’ve forgotten
anyone, THANK YOU to them aswell. I think everyone at Bhejane deserves a
thanks.
Secondly,
to the people who made this all happen:
Christa
Panos, Dylan Panos, Ryan Tippet, Jana Beets, Amon Ndlovu, Nic van der Wiel,
Freya van der Wiel, Ronnie Brink, Casper Bester, Mare Louise Bester, Paul Jensen,
Hanroe Taljaard, Monica Maroun, Dr Deborah, Tannie Lettie, Oom Pine, Makhosi,
Nonto, Dumi, Nellie, Peter.
Your hard work may go unthanked sometimes but we all
really appreciate you and the input you have had on our lives.
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