Word has it that we can expect
very heavy rains in July here in Cape Town and warnings have been issued for
all gutters and drains to be cleared well ahead of that time to minimise
flooding. The bush telegraph has apparently spread news of this inclement weather
to the local ant population, and in anticipation (sorry) of massive disruption
to their daily lives, they appear to be digging bunkers under the brick paving.
Vast amounts of sand are being excavated, veritable mountains in ant terms, and
I once again marvel at their industry and perseverance when shifting material
many times their own size or weight.
It is rather disconcerting to
observe these heaps, all with a central ‘plughole’ to show the entrance to the
bunkers, appearing all over the garden, the bricks, the gravel driveway,
flowerbeds, the lawn. There must be billions of them at work underground and,
having a wooden house with lovely warm gaps between the inner and outer walls,
I fear the worst when thinking how nice it would be for them to live there for
the winter. Perhaps plans are well under way for their arrival – I must listen
in the still of the night for sounds of marching!
I can’t wait to see what they
will carry into the bunkers once they have made sufficient space for living and
storing food for the winter. I really hope it’s not going to involve a long
line to my pantry!
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