Off the Zambesi, August 2

Today would be characterized by travel. We had only about five km to go to the take out point at Kanyemba, and half of that was through a back channel. Our breakfast was fast and was local sausages (yum), along with toast and coffee, and beans. Then we were off, among the native Morning Glory and Scrambled Egg plant, until we got to open water.

I forgot to mention that last night after supper, Scu had told us a story of the River Goddess, complete with a carving of the story made from local mahogany. I was mightily impressed and we talked at length about myth and its uses. Through the night, the wind had come up, so I mentioned to Scu that the goddess had some tricks still for us. As we talked about it, he said that he would like to give me the carving. After some protest, I agreed to take it, and was very pleased.

Champion and I had a long talk about politics, and the state of Zimbabwe and Africa, while we were traveling to our designation. So I did not paddle a lot (can't paddle and talk at the same time). Champion did most of the paddling, and we reached the take-out point in lots of time. Got the truck which was waiting, packed and we set off about 9.

The trip over to Mana Pools was very long and somewhat interesting. We at first, near Kanyemba, passed several small villages with their round houses and kitchens, their raised granaries and chicken coops, and then a lot of not very much. There were some wonderful baobab trees, some of which must be several thousand years old.

And then we stopped for lunch. A small town site, with a school, three stores (a pub, and two grocery stores), along with some stalls which were selling clothes bought in Harare. We bought a cold drink, they fixed the truck, and we were off again.

Once we got to the Park, we were to switch vehicles and had to say goodbye to Scu. We had a different staff for the shore camp, apparently.

Overall, it took ten hours to get to where we are tonight. This is a mobile camp, and "camp" is really a misnomer. We are in walled tents with beds, and rigs on the floor. There is a shower, and toilet stall, and a full kitchen. We had supper by candlelight, sitting at a table, with wine glasses and all. It's quite surreal!

On the way in here, we stopped for several minutes to watch a mother and baby (about three month old) elephant grazing in the grass beside the road. Also saw some warthogs, wild dogs, impalas, and zebras. And that's all In the first hour. This will be fun.

Tomorrow we walk about twenty km overall. Hope my foot holds out.


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Location:Camp Zambesi