Friday - we took a couple of single-seat kayaks out early - this time we managed not to capsize, the lake was calm and we got great views of the shoreline looking north and back towards the campsite. We went out beyond a rock on which white breasted cormorants perch flapping their throats and making "gok-gok" noises, then continued right out to a small island where fish eagles can often be seen.
A lot of other campers arrived, so the place started to feel quite crowded, but all was well. During the afternoon the breeze dropped completely, the waves disappeared, so when we waded out into the lake to go swimming, it was into mirror-smooth water, quite remarkable! Even when standing up to our necks, it was possible to see the bottom clearly.
Saturday - Sue got bitten by a borer-beetle when she accidentally covered its hole with a finger - it stung, but not too badly. We ate at the bar again, Donald from the South African group chatted with us about driving conditions in Tanzania (we're still trying to decide what route to take). In the late afternoon we took the kayaks out again - this tome to Bandawe Point itself - Sue got a bit nervous about the rocks so turned round and went back towards the middle of the bay. As she did so she started to feel nervous but found that she was making good progress (when I turned round she had become a small shape on the water) - apparently she suddenly "felt a great sense of peace and acceptance of her life so far". (Maybe I should buy her a kayak for Christmas? Maybe kayaking on Windermere in January wouldn't have the same effect?!) It's amazing what 8 days camping in such a beautiful spot can do. Richard & Sophie who we met at Mama Rulas in Chipata turned up today, so we had a chat with them in the evening, along with a young south African couple who have just driven down from UK in 6 months. sue found this to be quite an encouragement for going further north.
A lot of other campers arrived, so the place started to feel quite crowded, but all was well. During the afternoon the breeze dropped completely, the waves disappeared, so when we waded out into the lake to go swimming, it was into mirror-smooth water, quite remarkable! Even when standing up to our necks, it was possible to see the bottom clearly.
Saturday - Sue got bitten by a borer-beetle when she accidentally covered its hole with a finger - it stung, but not too badly. We ate at the bar again, Donald from the South African group chatted with us about driving conditions in Tanzania (we're still trying to decide what route to take). In the late afternoon we took the kayaks out again - this tome to Bandawe Point itself - Sue got a bit nervous about the rocks so turned round and went back towards the middle of the bay. As she did so she started to feel nervous but found that she was making good progress (when I turned round she had become a small shape on the water) - apparently she suddenly "felt a great sense of peace and acceptance of her life so far". (Maybe I should buy her a kayak for Christmas? Maybe kayaking on Windermere in January wouldn't have the same effect?!) It's amazing what 8 days camping in such a beautiful spot can do. Richard & Sophie who we met at Mama Rulas in Chipata turned up today, so we had a chat with them in the evening, along with a young south African couple who have just driven down from UK in 6 months. sue found this to be quite an encouragement for going further north.