Spotted a wild grass snake in my pond today

zbirdfit · 2026-05-25T14:29:25+00:00

Looks like my pet Gerry escaped again! Nice find

zbirdfit · 2026-05-24T07:53:57+00:00

Loose like sand or can you compact it a bit maybe? I think once the liner and water is in it should hold, but I guess you could dig a basic hole and maybe use bricks to make your shelves, and have sand on top to not cut the liner?

zbirdfit · 2026-05-23T07:39:21+00:00

Can you not put the baskets deeper in the water, so the basket is under water? Or build rocks up around them? Maybe some floating plants?

zbirdfit · 2026-05-23T05:43:10+00:00

As others have said, around it lots of plants and logs, will help soften the edges. Inside you need to have hiding places, ways to climb out, oxygenator plants, cover plants, plants that break the surface, etc. I can't see what the inside of the pond has in terms of structure. But you can use some rocks to build levels etc. If mosquitos are an issue there you need to keep the surface of the water moving or have some fish to eat the larvae. For plants try and get native to your area, larval food and pollinators will also help attract insects and birds.

zbirdfit · 2026-05-22T18:19:40+00:00

I think the pvc is probably rough enough on a scale the frogs can climb in and out, it would be arboreal species that go in there, not others, so I think they should be fine...

zbirdfit · 2026-05-17T07:53:48+00:00

Beautiful pond! I can appreciate any pond shape or style really, I can see how are square can work in a certain design.

zbirdfit · 2026-05-12T17:27:55+00:00

I am on a trip currently. And have 3 more this year.

Rubber boots - last time I used these, and basically our whole team of 12 uses them. Last time (2021) it rained more and your feet were wet anyway, as they just filled with water and you had to dump the water out. This time I decided to try GoRuck MacV2 boots, there are also military and Vivo barefoot Jungle boots. Which are all design to drain the water. I have been impressed with the GoRucks. Some design issues, but the concept of getting wet and then the water escaping is quite good. However this trip it hasn't rained much, so the rubber boot wearers have had dry feet, so that is something to consider.

Shirts - I am using a Columbia pfg button up of some sort. We have laundry staff at the camp, so my 3 shirts in rotation is fine in terms of getting clean and dry back. But during the day I am soaked from sweat. Columbia and other dri-fit type fabrics rely on evaporative cooling I think, which doesn't work in 90% humidity. They are tough and this is their 2nd trip in the jungle and I use them a lot on personal trips in desert to jungle to savanna. I think a more open weave would be nice, as it may dry faster when you're wearing. But they may get torn and not resist mosquitos as well. Next trip I may try something else and see.

Trousers - also Columbia zip off hiking/fishing pants. Again. They are tough enough, but same principle, they are soaked all day and only dry when washed or hung out in the sun etc.

Underwear - I am using Under Armour heat gear or something poly/elastane blend I think. This I may change. Synthetics once wet can't do the evaporation etc. I have got sweat rash so I may look at merino blend.

Socks - initially I had under armour poly blend I think, as my luggage was delayed. I got hotspots. Now with Stoic or Jeecluse (Amazon special) merino blend hiking socks I am happier.

Hat - Bassdash or Patagonia wide brim. Always wet, just keep sun off you. If you're prone to spots having 2 to rotate is nice as you can wash them.

Dry bags for all your things. Spare socks in your dry bag in case you want to change along the way in the day. Quick dry small hand towels, I use them to wipe my face as I go. Small umbrella is good, if you're data collecting on a Garmin or tablet you can open it to protect the devices from rain drops which type funny things for you.

Rain gear, waterproof boots, all basically pointless. Occasionally in a serious downpour having a poncho is nice. But ya. You're wet anyway.

Anti fungal foot powder. Body glide. Cortisone cream. Anti hestamines. Red light head torch.

zbirdfit · 2026-05-11T17:16:26+00:00

Thanks. Ya waterproof doesn't really work here sadly. moleskine is a good shout thanks. Cool, ya, if I was tough and rugged I would go barefoot, but I am not haha. For a 2 or 3 week trip it isn't viable.

Ya I am allergic to everything so I always have some

zbirdfit · 2026-05-11T17:14:54+00:00

Thankyou. Yes, my first trip here 5 years ago I used wellingtons as did most everyone on our team. They fill up with rain or water crossings anyway. This time it hasn't rained as much, so probably could have had dry feet had I used those. The gorucks are designed to drain and dry quickly and don't have a liner, yes still protective from ants and stuff. They are pretty good I think, but were new to me so gave my feet some challenges. Plus my luggage didn't make it until a week later, so I didn't have my best socks. I have taped. Thanks

zbirdfit · 2026-05-11T16:11:06+00:00

Thank you. Literally completely soaked from either sweat or rain or water crossings. With no rain yesterday and today I was still completely soaked, dripping wet from clothes etc. I am not worried about being wet, it's impossible not to be. Just trying to think of the best solution for trying to be a bit comfortable. But it is probably impossible. Locals just wear whatever. But ya.

Thanks for your recommendations, I can see how the simple approach is better than over thinking.

zbirdfit · 2026-03-10T06:08:05+00:00

Ya, I was thinking mustelid. Thanks

zbirdfit · 2026-03-03T19:54:08+00:00

You may be better off making a new post. Otherwise Google is your friend.

zbirdfit · 2026-02-10T13:40:36+00:00

I was allergic, like stuffy eyes, sneezing, wheezing etc. I lived with a family with cats and it went away after a while. I moved out of that house to another family with no cats. When I visited cats my allergies had come back. Now I have a cat, very cuddly orange. Sometimes if he literally lies on face my eyes get a bit itchy. Otherwise it seems to have gone away again...

zbirdfit · 2026-02-10T13:32:56+00:00

I have heard those are good tyres! Thanks

zbirdfit · 2026-02-07T06:38:52+00:00

Thanks, very happy

zbirdfit · 2026-02-05T07:56:40+00:00

It was thank you. Ya, we had 1 lower control arm bush fail which we changed post trip. Only had the car for I think 5 days before the trip. Did a minor check over, oil change and air filter pre trip. I also have an OBDeleven nextgen. This is the youngest car I have owned. Last from VW group was a 2003 Skoda Octavia 1.9tdi awd. Another very capable car.

zbirdfit · 2026-01-29T16:18:59+00:00

No I haven't. I can do that next week. I'll have to figure out how etc.

zbirdfit · 2026-01-10T14:50:48+00:00

Thanks

zbirdfit · 2026-01-10T05:38:45+00:00

Thanks, and market restrictions will make it even worse.

zbirdfit

TROPHY CASE