21 June

Hi all

Access has been a challenge for a while!  Found a wifi spot now at Cape Maclear.  Harare was great with Neil and Leigh and the kids.  Were very kind to have us for 2 nights.  Luxury before the camping started.
From there we set off for the 2 border posts. Nyamapanda border was a little tense with a cocky Zim official asking why we were running away from the world cup and found something wrong eventually so he could get his free "coffee".  Moz side was fine.  Moz landscape very different. Baobabs seem different. more in leaf and taller somehow.  Tete is a sespit Thank goodness not staying.  Were lucky to catch the train across the bridge so didn't have to wait. Quite an awesome bridge.

Moz to Malawi was fine.  Looked for somewhere in Blantyre but it took a while to find anywhere to stay after dark.  Eventually got to the Game Haven lodge which was a complete rip off.  $90 per person.  We were the only ones there but had to fight for coffee in the rooms.  Only game was a duiker we think they released when we got to the game and a few bunnies!  The rest was coming that week!  Breakfast had no fruit, 1 cearal and not much with the eggs!  Then the visa card machine didn't work and the owner told us that his prices were half the usual because he was still busy building and that we would pay more like $800 up the lake.  Anyway were glad to leave there.

Tea estates in Malawi are beautiful.

Had a disaster on route to Mulangi.  Drunk cyclist rode into Dad despite him trying desperately to avoid them.  So spent the better part of that day at the police station.  Was very stressful, especially for Dad.  Guy was ok. Thank goodness we had a witness who corroborated Dad's story. They allowed us to carry on to Mulangi and come back in 2 guys to decide the fate once they knew how the guy was doing.

Got to Mulangi in the cold but were also the only ones there.  Set up camp and had a nice warm pasta supper to warm us up.  Unfortunately the next day was drizzling and cold.  Everytime we though it was clearing and we could go for a walk up the mountain it rained again.  Resigned ourselves to playing card games and eventually charades which was great fun. Poured that night.

Friday 18th

Woke up to overcast but dry day so packed up all the wet stuff.  Wasn't much fun.  Headed back to the police station for the final verdict.  En route got pulled off the road to wait about 45 minutes for the presidential cavalcade.  Amazing how everyone rushes to the side of the rd to see.  Bikes and pedestrians aloud to stay on the rd and they travel at high speed.  Must be loads of casualties.  After an hr or so at police station we were allowed to go.  Set off for Blantyre to find a windscreen.  VW place had a couple of windscreen wipers but not much else!  On order it would take 3 weeks, so we abandoned that idea!  Went to Shiopright to stock up.  Prices not too bad except for cheese at R140 /kg.  Headed for the lake.  Very cold so bypassed Zomba.  Checked out a few very dodgy places at the start of the Shire River (at the end of Lake Malawi) then found the Hippo View Lodge.  As it was so cold we decided to lodge rather than camp.  Cost about R1000 for the family versus about R2600 at the rip off lodge!.  Was a divine setting.  Had a snacksupper in the folks delux room.  Breakfast was also great!


Sat 19th
Had our first puncture after 2580 kms.  Mark patched it. Looked at a few places and ended up at Nkopolo Lodge campsite. Actually on the lake at last!  Unfortunately there is a cold wind so no swimming or snorkling yet.  Beers are R7.50 and Cokes R5 so quite happy for a while.

Sun 20th Happy Father's Day to all the Dads
Had a leisurely day.  Caught up with washing. Margs and Keith visited  and we went and had drinks and a swim at their spot at Monkey Bay.  What a spot.  For R450 per chalet in a sheltered bay with pool and bar, it is beautiful.  Alcon Cottages is worth looking out for.

Mon 21st  Took at drive to Cape Maclear and guess what they have a hi-fi spot!  Also lovely here.  Hopefully can do some snorkling after lunch.  Not sure when we'll be able to get connected again after this, so lots of love to all until then.