roundafrica-2003

We had hoped to make Durban today, some 240 miles away. Initally we had a tail wind but with incresing cloud cover had to descend below the cloud base where unfortunately we met a head wind. So after 3 hours 20 minutes we had to land at Richards Bay and explain our route deviation. Its still blowing and rainy here so hopefully tomorrow will be a better day!Jim and John (via Ingrid)

Having spent the ritual hour preparing for take off the engine start wasn’t approved and the flight plan rejected. Our planned flight to Richard’s Bay wasn’t permitted for a point of entry back into South Africa so a new flight plan filed to go via Durban tomorrow.(Better luck tomorrow guys) (via Ingrid) Comment by mark_&rae (2003-12-09 21:28:09) hi guys, just a quick note to say that we have finally discovered your superb websit.

Arrived today in Bilane (60 miles NE maputo). For once an easy 3.5 hour flight. No tailwind, but it felt like it after the last few days! Another lovely coastal resort. J+J. (via Jeremy) #111

3.05 hour flight today covering 125 miles to arrive at Inhambane. Unfortunatley persisitent headwinds. Today we saw a huge shark from the air but prefer to see the turtles and dolphins we have already seen along the Mozambique coast!Jim and John (via Ingrid) #110

Fantastic flight of 3hrs 50 mins along coast to Vilankulu - tropical beaches, wildlife, but still a headwind, though slight. Got a lovely beach front appartment for the night. John and Jim (via Jules) #109

“Truly horrible flight from Quelimane. Got very wet taking 4.5 hours to cover 185 miles. Next stop Vilankulo.” (via Jeremy) #108

Have been stuck in Quelimane for 2 days now. Much anticipated northerlies are southerlies, plus rain and low cloud. Not good, but at least its hot and the coffee is great! John & Jim (via Jules) #107

Hi All, Afraid it’s been a long while since we managed to get internet access. Thank goodness for mobile phones and SMS- thanks to Ingrid, Julie, Keith for helping relay our progress. We’re now in Blantyre, Malawi before hopefully crossing in to Mozambique tomorrow. Not quite the route we’d chosen but our chosen port of departure was rejected late yesterday. Blantyre came as a shock as we were hit for en-route navigation fees and the total bill today came to $96, this is more than ten times we’ve paid anywhere else.

We are still taking it easy near Lake Malawi doing some pleasure flights and staying in a great lodge with fantastic food (the excuse is we are getting our strength up for Mozambique!). Took the lodge manager for a very pleasant evening flight yesterday and today we are going to a game reserve. Back “on the road” again tomorrow and hopefully (permits permititng) into Mozambique where we are expecting communication will be even more difficult.

Very pleasant flight today - 30 miles to Mvuu camp, a great place. Seen hippo’s, elephants and crocodiles! Staying here overnight, then back to Matakola in the morning. Hopefully on to Mozambiqe on Friday. John and Jim (via Jules) #104