DAY 53: Stranded!

Every road trip has at least one day that turns out completely different from what you expected when you woke up in the morning. A day that tests your character, throws you well outside your comfort zone and makes your mind work a little bit overtime. Today was such a day. Fortunately these kinds of days also have a way of surprising you – in a good way! 

We slept until 07:00 and took our time to pack up camp at Chitimba. It was a great place to camp, since it allowed Ji to recuperate a little bit. It’s really a very comfortable camp. We were on the road around 08:30 and were treated to some classic Malawi scenes as we drove towards the town of Mzuzu. This time of the year the vegetation is bright green and the lake appears to be unusually blue, especially if you consider the hot chocolate-coloured water that flows into the lake every so many kilometres. The best view of the morning was looking down at the lakeshore from the edge of the escarpment – simply breathtaking! 

Taken whilst we were driving south of Chitimba

The breathtaking view form the escarpment

Our plan was to drive all the way to Lilongwe, the capital of Malawi, approximately seven hours from Chitimba. But, as fate would have it, we didn’t get that far. Not even close, in fact. Just south of Mzuzu the Hyena started feeling unusually heavy, almost as if there was additional friction below it. We stopped to investigate, but found nothing obviously wrong. Then, a kilometre further, we stopped again. Something was definitely wrong! And then I noticed oil on the inside of our left rear wheel. Fortunately for us we stopped next to a small timber company, which just happened to have the kindest mechanic in Malawi. Charles didn’t hesitate to help us remove all those parts we were too scared to remove ourselves, or didn’t know how to remove for that matter. Long story short – the bearings are kaput, we’ll have to wait until tomorrow before we can get them replaced in Mzuzu and Charles has agreed to help us fit the repaired parts tomorrow. 

Ji 'supervises' as Charles takes apart the Hyena's left hind leg

The interesting, and rather obvious, part of the story is the fact that we’re stranded! So we decided to make the most of the situation by getting to know our neighbours for the night a little bit better. And what better way to do that then by playing a football game!? This time it was with about 20 small boys, some of which have incredible skills. Before we knew it a crowd had gathered and fortunately the older boys and adults didn’t join, giving the little ones a chance to enjoy themselves. We played until sunset and then set up camp right next to the M1 main tar road that links the north of Malawi with the south. 

Setting the scene

Creating goal-scoring opportunities, as always!

Concentration personified!

Always time for a group photo on the Serengeti Trip 2011

Before the kids went to bed, Ji spoke a little bit to them in their native tongue, Chichewa (with the help of the Malawi Bradt guide, of course). Ji would say the animal’s name and the kids would make the noise. Very entertaining stuff, I promise you! I walked down to the local well with one of the locals to get some water and after dark we started pretending that it’s just another campsite. It’s not easy, but we’re trying. One thing that I can honestly say is that I haven’t felt unsafe for one second! 

Camping next to 'Lake Malawi'

Think of us tomorrow when we try to get the Hyena back on the road. And lets hope this unforeseen incident doesn’t throw our plans for the rest of the trip too much off course. 

Cheers

Villiers

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Highlight of the day:

Villiers: Socialising with the locals - Africa-style!

Ji: Our campsite with its wonderful facilities!

Lowlight of the day:

Villiers: Seeing the Hyena 'hurt' like this... :(

Ji: That no one stopped to help us!