How many have taken refuge here over the years against a storm or spent the night partly sheltered from cold wind? Man and beast have to seek places for rest in the open veld periodically, the rhythm of energy eb and flow for most forcing the issue around dusk.

Always an advantage if the whereabouts of such a bakkrans or hollowed rock are known when hiking nearby around sunset. But who else might have the same idea on the night? Competition for a place to sleep in the bush brings awkward moments or real danger. Determining dominance or forming short term partnerships gets complicated.

A scratching sound just before dozing off would keep anyone wondering and watching hard when near darkness defies visitor recognition. If nothing more happens, the next moment of awareness may be waking up in the morning. Easy then to feel brave, relieved when nothing untoward has happened.

Until shaking out the covers reveals the puff adder that sought overnight body warmth.