Terry-Nesu

Zimbo goes bundu

Now firstly, according to NOFT (Nesu’s Opinion on Fancy Terms) at school level, these(cadets) are really kids who go camping in the bush in army regalia happy to be bunking school. However, because I did enjoy being a part of it, I’ll give it the benefit of the doubt and describe it accordingly as,

In preparation for my first cadets outing, I had to visit the “Q-store” for my gear. At first I thought it was a cool (James Bond like) name with absolutely no meaning, until further research revealed it’s actually Aussie slang for Quartermasters store which is a building full of all the army stuff you may need, and just in case it ever pops up in a ‘Q’uiz, the Q-store is run by Q!

Finally we were off, and just as I got comfortable enough to do what I do best(sleep), we were already in the woods/bush/bundu. Whilst you may think this is a minute detail, it meant having to trek several kilometres half asleep being asked if there were cars in Zimbabwe! For fear of being asked if our cars also used fuel, I just said no.(just kidding! but what kind of question is that!?)

D-brief at camp

It was undoubtedly a night out of learning as my fellow gappie, Kenny, who also accompanied the age group I went with, taught me how to prepare a hootchie! A hootchie is a form of shelter traditionally used in the army. You’re better off taking my word for it because the definition that pops up in Google search may not be quite what you’re looking for …unless you type hutchie. (I know you’re curious, just search after you finish reading!)

space at the bottom for air ventilation(#you know boys)

well… I should actually be under the hutchie

The two highlights of the outing, apart from the ridiculously hilarious questions, had to be :-

1)HUNTSMAN SPIDER

Whilst I’ve never found myself particularly afraid of spiders as they regularly make guest appearances on my bedroom wall, the Huntsman spider was on a quest to change that… but first, a bit of background.

“Huntsman spiders are known by this name because of their speed and mode of hunting. They are arguably the LARGEST & MOST FEARFUL in Australia. Larger species are sometimes referred to as wood spiders because of their preference for woody places(eg. forests &woodpiles)” adapted from wikipedia.org/wiki/huntsman_spider

The fire I had lit, being the new kid on the block, needed some refuelling. The TIC, Kenny, & I, then went to collect some wood that had been recently cut and found a little more than we bargained for. My biggest concern was not knowing where this hunter was hunting when it was out of sight!! It was nighttime, so I genuinely think my concern was undoubtedly justified! Though it was lovely to come across one on my first excursion without becoming the hunted!

I got a snap, but do not be deceived by the illusions of the camera lense. ITS PRETTY BIG!

2) SKIPPY THE BUSH KANGAROO!

There’s no need to be jealous now! WHY?…Because not only did I see him from 2km away, but I had the misfortune of not reacting fast enough to capture him! I saw him on day2 of the excursion and whilst my Zimbo-self thought it was a pretty big deal, the cadets were sure to tell me that kangaroos are now apparently “pests” in parts of the country that now make for a good hunting outing!

Nevertheless, once Skippy got home, he sent his third cousin to come my way and believe it or not, I caught her in slow-motion!! I’m really sorry if you’re trying to load the video in Zim, but i kept it short so it loads within 30mins lol.I shot the video with my cellular mobile phone so please excuse picture quality.

Well there you have it folks, this Zimbo’s first expedition down under! Be sure to visit my other blogs if you haven’t already, and a big THANKS for reading!

Even cadets like a selfie once in a while!

All good wishes,
Nesu4Jesu