RIDING the RIFT ~ East Africa 2011

[wildside]

MAKUZI LODGE to FAT MONKEY

DAY 30 :  Sunday 8 January 2012 
DISTANCE: 408 km
TIME: 8.00 am – 3.00 pm


Instead of feeling excited about our last days ride I felt so downhearted and didn’t look forward to 408 km on the road. We eventually left this wonderful spot that I wish I could have enjoyed under happier circumstances. Never-the-less, once I was back on my bike and lost in my own thoughts I started to feel a bit better. It was a chilled ride and we forgot to turn right at Salima and instead headed off to Senga Bay. We were so fed up because we were now running so low on fuel and couldn’t afford to waste it.

It was a relief to arrive at FAT MONKEYS later that afternoon. I think we rode in there on the smell of an oil rag as we had no fuel left. I can’t believe that it was a month ago that we rode out of here all excited for our adventure and now we were safely back with feelings of elation mixed with sadness.

After travelling about 7000 km, visiting 7 countries and 7 lakes we had finally completed our GREAT AFRICAN RIFT VALLEY RIDE.

We were greeted by the owners and were relieved to see that that our vehicle was still there. We promptly made a bee-line for the pub to celebrate our return. After having a hot shower and donning ourselves with fresh clean clothes we settled down on the beach and contacted the kids to let them know that we had arrived safe and sound. We decided to spend another day here to gather our wits.

 

[wildside]

LAST DAY AT FAT MONKEY

DAY 31: Monday  9 January 2012




We enjoyed a lazy morning on the beach watching the locals catch and clean their kampango (catfish).

Before loading the bike we took a ride down memory lane and went to visit Otters Point...a short distance north of us and part of Lake Malawi National Park. I was last her 26 years ago and Kingsley was here 10 years ago. This used to be a very shabby but popular spot to stay in years back and has now become a World Heritage Site.........what a disappointment! It was overrun with baboons, the buildings now completely dilapidated and overgrown with vegetation. This area is government owned and was ear marked for a 5 star hotel which never materialised and what was once a beautiful spot on the beach is now a wasted piece of land.

This is the same spot we camped in 26 years ago.


After lunch we loaded the bikes with the help and support of the enthusiastic locals and made a start with the packing.

We enjoyed our last evening on the beach and as a farewell treat we had our last stunning Malawian sunset.

 

[wildside]

HEADING HOME

DAY 32: Tuesday 10 January 2012
TIME: 9.00 am – 3.00 am Thursday 12 January 2012


“When you wake up it’s a new morning,
            The sun is shining, it’s a new morning.
                      You’re going home, you’re going home.”

                                          Gerry Rafferty


The next few days were long, tiring and boring as we took turns driving throughout the 2 days and through both nights. We headed south via Mozambique and Swaziland ( giving Zimbabwe a wide birth) but it gave us time to think about and recapture where we had been, what we had seen, experienced and achieved.

It took awhile to settle back into our mundane life again with routine, responsibilities and the loss of a Mom. Life goes on.

                         
                            CHEERS !!!


“WE’VE BEEN THROUGH SOME THINGS TOGETHER,
          WITH TRUNKS OF MEMORIES STILL TO COME.
                  WE FOUND THINGS TO DO IN STORMY WEATHER.
                                LONG MAY YOU RUN.”    
                                         
                                NEIL YOUNG



Both Kingsley and I would like to thank all the Wilddogs who have taken the time to read this RR and to those who have supported us with your positive and encouraging comments all the way through the GREAT RIFT VALLEY.

We hope you enjoyed reading about it as much as we enjoyed riding it.

Take care

 

[Hornet]

I am really sorry to hear about the loss of your Mom.

I have been following your ride from the beginning and have loved every minute of it. Thanks for sharing and well done!

Peter

 

[XTJoe]

Thanks for sharing,  what a nice ride, sharing this with a friend like you two are, wow. It must have been difficult with the loss of your Mom while being away, sorry to hear about that

You must be about ready to write a book with a couple of nice pics or what !

"Appreciation is a wonderfull thing. It makes what is exellent in others belong to us."

 

[roxenz]

Eventually I finished reading this epic RR! To wildside and Kingsley: May the memories stay forever!  Thanks.

And sorry about the loss of your Mom. 

 

[Ian in Great Brak River]

What an inspiration you two are, I really appreciate the time and effort you've taken to post this...it has also made it onto my Favourites list for quick reference.

Perfect time to conclude as tomorrow morning I board a plane to SA to start a little Namibian adventure with a school friend who has never been out of SA.

Thank you for sharing.

Ian    8)

 

[onmybike]

a belated condolences on mom. like you said she is happier and in a better place i am sure. and thanx for the time and effort put into this rr i have thoroughly enjoyed it and have often waited with bated breath for the next installment

 

[netrom]

Thank you for so much for that RR. its been lovely tripping along with you.. Look forward to following in your tracks some day.

RESPECT! :thumleft:

 

[Would I?]

Thank You for sharing this fantastic experience with us.  :thumleft: :thumleft: :thumleft:

It makes me want to travel........ except Zim 

Sorry to hear of your Mom's passing, may she rest in peace.

 

[777]

Weel done guys awsome stuff

 

[GundaGunda]

Thanks so much for all the effort taken in putting this RR together - it is really appreciated.

So sorry about your mother - the circle of life can be sad. 

 

[dassie]

really one of the nicest rr's ive read.

Well done guys, that really took some guts to do what you guys did. Was amazing to see what the rest of africa looks like... scary...., hope we don't get there soon.

Any way, condolences for the family member. Its always difficult to say good bye to a loved one.

 

[Lourens]

I have just spend the best Sunday evening in a long time reading your ride report and what an epic ride report!  Respect to the both of you!

Condolences for the death of your mother.

 

[wildside]

What an inspiration you two are, I really appreciate the time and effort you've taken to post this...it has also made it onto my Favourites list for quick reference.

Perfect time to conclude as tomorrow morning I board a plane to SA to start a little Namibian adventure with a school friend who has never been out of SA.

Thank you for sharing.

Ian    8)

Hi Ian,
Thanks for taking the trouble to read our story and for the positive feedback. I really envy you heading into Namibia and I can't wait to read about your adventure.....a place I would love to go back to. No doubt you will have a magic time.
Wishing you both a safe ride.

To all the other Wilddogs who have commented, thank you for your encouragement and condolences .....much appreciated. We have really enjoyed recording this trip and we hope it opens up some new places for people to ride and visit.

Regards
Karen

 

[Mzee]

What a great read! Thank you for sharing.  Life must continue.

 

[schalk vd merwe]

Hi Karen and Kingsley, Thanks for the RR, it is sad about the Boab trees, they are my favourite trees in Africa. Sorry to hear about your mom, it always comes as a shock even if you expect it. Did you manage to get to the funeral in time ?Your well written RR brought memories back and I wish I could just get on the road again. I think for a lady to undertake such a trip must be a tough call. I just came back from the Amageza and their was a lady who completed the two day event ( I will still do an RR on that). Thanks again for a very nice RR and maybe one day we will meet on a Wilddog ride, kind regards Schalk.

 

[wildside]

Hi Karen and Kingsley, Thanks for the RR, it is sad about the Boab trees, they are my favourite trees in Africa. Sorry to hear about your mom, it always comes as a shock even if you expect it. Did you manage to get to the funeral in time ?Your well written RR brought memories back and I wish I could just get on the road again. I think for a lady to undertake such a trip must be a tough call. I just came back from the Amageza and their was a lady who completed the two day event ( I will still do an RR on that). Thanks again for a very nice RR and maybe one day we will meet on a Wilddog ride, kind regards Schalk.

Hi Schalk, Good to hear from you. Yes....we did manage to get to the funeral as it had been postponed for a few days to allow us time to return. I'm not sure what the Amageza is but I look forward to finding out about it when I read your RR. It would really be great if we could all meet sometime at a Wilddog gathering and thanks for all your encouraging input.
Take care.
Regards Karen 

 

[Chrisl]

Karen this was a fantastic read and thank you for takeing the time to wrote.
Sorry for the loss of your Mom. Mine said to me at age 76 it is no fun anymore. She passed away not long after.
They are at a bettter place :deal:
Could Otters Point also be known as Golden Sands? It looks like the place we camped at in Dec 1989.
There are two islands closeby.

 

[g1_]

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