One of the results of late spring rains is the heavy layer of dust that rests on anything that stays still for a minute. The fine particles of solid soil matter rests like talc powder on the roads around the farm, and no matter how fast you drive, you can run but you can’t hide or out run it.
But tracks on a farm road shown our interconnection with all things, it is a visual language laid out for all to see. If we have the time …
You can see the tracks of the tractor and trailer dominating the roadway. After all this was the reason for making the road. It shows a return trip, with twelve tracks in all, adding to the importance of the hard-working machines. The thinner front wheels of the tractor, closer together and smooth forging the way. Following those are the bigger treads of the back tyres, deep diagonals. The tread of these tyres minimizes the ground disturbance on the soft dusty surface and because of the minimal traction these tyres are longer lasting. The silage wagon that is dragged over the hill to the dairy to feed silage to the milking cows, run in two track marks. One on top of the other. If the tracks are studied carefully you can see that the one set of tracks is much more indented into the dust, then the other. This is showing the full silage wagon loaded to capacity on the way to feeding the dairy cows and the emptier lighter wagon returning home. These tracks, made late the previous day, show wind “wear and tear”. A little “smudgy”.
These tracks, full of purpose and direction, contrast sharply with the criss-crossing buck spoor.
You get the light small (about 2cm long) dainty spoor of the duiker that have crossed over the road, always on guard against one of their common predators which abound on the farm, the jackal. Getting most of the water they need from their food means the duiker can go for long periods of time without needing a drink. The spoor of the duiker brings thoughts of shyness. They have a very shy nature, very territorial and rarely seen with their mate so the various tracks may only belong to only one or two animals.
The bigger split-hooved spoor are that of the reed buck. Narrow and lengthened (30*50cm) and narrowing sharply at the top, show the reed buck moving in various directions. More weight is carried by these hooves and as a result they appear to be calmer and in control. The reed buck is a grazer and therefore needs an adequate readily available supply of fresh water, these tracks would be heading to the stream for a drink. Reedbuck are not territorial moving in small family herds and so can wonder great distances during the night and treading many spoors over the dusty road.
The other animal spoor that is seen very clearly in the dust is the messy, 8 cm long footprint of the porcupine. Messy, because each spoor is made up of 15 marks. There are 5 soft pads on each foot, five toes and five claws. While the hind leg has a claw on each toe the front legs only have four claws per paw with the fifth toe being more stump-like. Porcupines are lone travellers, or they might be found in small family groups, sleeping during the day and eating at night. Their spoor is fresh as they would move around in the very early morning to shelter for the day.
Another set of tracks that inspire confidence and a sense of purpose is the smooth, pointy prints of a smart pair of shoes. Heading away from the farm and out towards town, people and shopping. The clothes that would be accompanying these shoes would be clean and pressed. Everything in its place and a place for everything, maybe carrying an umbrella to keep out the harsh sun, and a handkerchief in the pocket to wipe the dust off and make the shoes shine again. They carry a light happy step, one full of excitement and expectation. Any hesitation is lost in the dust that have settled over the print during the night.
Dust gives a glimpse into the life of a farm. A snapshot showing the movements, the comings and goings. Day and night. There is always something on the go …..
Got to run…..
Pink Farm Chick 