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| Day 21, 2011/05/22 |
We decide to go see what Ibu island is all about. However, in order to get there we need to get to the island dhow at high tide, and since high tide is at 730 and we have 200 km to cove to get there, we are up at 430 am. Yes, it is till dark at that time.
We take locals advice, and avoid the costal road. Apparently, it is still too wet to travel. So a long back tracks required. At Sunate, we turn north and head for Macomoia. A really lovely single lane road. Only used by locals and their bicycles. Really rural here. So rural that, when the kids see you on your bike, they run away because they have never scene bikes like ours before.
Finally, after about 80 km, we turn off on the road to Ibu island. The dirt road quickly deteriorates and we are having to avoid big potholes and patches of thick sand. 10 km into the 70 km stretch, David and reassess the situation. It is already 715am, and the chances af making the dhow are slim. Also this road is tiring and will take loads out of the bikes. A quick and easy decision is to change our plan and to head to Palma, and the border post instead.
So back to the 243, and north to Macomia. The road is stunning but shortly after Macomia, we hit a patch if road under construction. The alternative route involves some thick sand patches so, is nerve raking. Just as the construction ends, we hit a patch of really badly maintained road. The potholes and dongas are a nightmare, and this continues for about 80 km. What a nightmare, I am surprised the bike did not sure any damage in all of that because, some of those huge potholes were not seen in time and, hit at speed. In addition, I see for the first time what we have been hearing all along, how Chinese have imported their own trucks, with their own truck drivers to transport the tree logs. Initially I was dubious about this but, when We came across a convoy of left hand drive, Chinese made trucks, with orientals behind the wheel transporting tree logs. So it is true, the Chinese are exploiting this country for its natural resources at a rapid rate, resulting in mass deforestation of the country!
Anyway, eventually hit the 246 to Mocimboa du Praia. Lovely stretch of road and we can average 80/90km/hr. In Mocimboa, we meet a lovely German couple Thomas and Lily. They had just been up to the Rovuma river for the day and gave us really valuable information of what to expect.
A quick assessment of the situation, and we decide to see how far. Can make it to the border. The road to Palma is stunning dirt road, and I have to really hold myself back from going above 100km/hr. In Palma, we decide to head for the border. It is a really back road with loads of thick beach sand. I initially do well however, it is not long before i start to take a cow
Le of tumbles. It is on the second one that I break my right rear view mirror. Oh boy, not nice, but at least still have the other one.
Eventually at 5 pm, we reach a small town about halfway to border posts and decide to bush camp for the night. It is not long when we are approached by some South African missionaries, Andre and Annamarie, who invite us to camp near them. What luck!
We finally get to use our gas stoves we have been dragging along all this way, and two minute noodles are finally enjoyed for dinner.
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