Today started with a walking safari with Goderick but we returned for brunch and a short siesta before having our 2pm canoe trails briefing with Dan ( a trainee Zimbawean guide) and Ted (an intern from Suffolk doing a degree in hospitality and business management at Leeds University.) While showering and repacking I put my newly cleaned walking boots on the terrace of our room to dry.....as often happened elephants were meandering around - a mum and youngster passed very close by then a young bull approached and sniffed them, clearly they were not to his taste as he kicked and threw them into the dirt and glared at us through the window - making himself look big ears out and standing tall - he then wandered off up the river bank - luckily my boots were uninjured if a bit dirty with a damp insole from where his trunk had pressed!
At 2.30 having said our goodbyes and then hellos to Henry and Matthew our canoe guides we headed off to the canoe trail starting point. In our Canadian style 2 man canoes we paddled off to our first nights stop - me in the front with Matthew - John in the second canoe with Henry the lead guide. Apparently 80% of the power and direction comes from the person at the back so that left John and I with 20% to find. Once we were into a rythmn it was quite easy - the river running at 5kms per hour also helps with your passage.
We arrived at our first campsite about 90 minutes later @1630 to be welcomed by a nice drink and a camp fire to sit and watch the sunset by. After dinner ( soup, fish and chips - afican style with talapia and finally crepe suzettes - delicious and very commendable especially given the meal was cooked on a camp fire) we stayed awake for a while but had to give in at about 2045 and were in bed by 9pm - its amazing what lots of fresh air does!
Our tent had very comfy beds - mattresses on stretcher bases - which meant all luggage could be stored beneath....and it was ensuite with an outdoor enclosed shower attached and a 'potty' so you did not need to venture outside the tent if caught short in the night! I have not seen one of those since I was youngster - it was like renewing an aquaintance with a long lost friend! Before going to sleep I lay in bed by a large mesh window and looked out up at a very clear star filled sky with a half moon beaming down - so peaceful - I soon drifted off.
We were very impressed with the set up and really looked forward to the next two full days canoeing and walking down the Zambezi.