roundafrica-2003

23 Nov 2003 MatakolaVery pleasant day relaxing by lake Malawi and great evening flight to Monkey Bay and back. No need for flying suits, teeshirts and shorts! Thanks for emails and messages, sorry for the lack of replies but internet access hard to get. Cheers John and Jim.Via Jules ( can’t be flying at 10,000 ft anymore, hey guys?) Comment by Steve (2003-11-25 12:40:59) They promised pictures and good to their word some arrived some days ago.

Yesterday we left Zambia officially but didn’t make Malawi as we were beaten back by the winds. Today we tried again and managed two legs. The first 85 mile leg taking 2.10hrs took us to Lilongwe the capital and then another 2.15 hrs on to Matakola, 20 miles south of Monkey Bay. Staying in a wonderful spot over looking the lake and there is another trike here! First one we’ve seen since we left the Bakota boys strip at Victoria falls.

We have reached the Zambia/Malawai border after two days flying. First day a 205 mile leg, taking 4.15hrs. Flying over bush, mountains and with head winds at lower levels some of the flying was at altitudes of 11-12,000 ft. Got a bit wet as we have caught up with the rainy season! Today only a 100 mile leg. We now have an enforced rest day (Thursday) as our Malawai permission does not start until Friday.

The girls departed for home today. Last heard they had checked in for fligth from Victoria Falls. We hoped for flight over falls this evening but the weather was too bad. We hope to resume our travels tomorrow. (via Keith) Comment by Jim_and_Ingrid (2003-11-18 12:33:09) Thanks Tone and Cherie - your thoughts mean a lot to us - look forward to catching up with that take away! Ingrid and Jim

Flown 2 legs today both very rough (apparently rougher than the S Africa Namibia border but I don’t believe they could be!). 1st leg 115 miles in 2.75 hours followed by a second leg of 65 miles in 1.75 hours. At the first landing spot there were 200 children around the plane before the prop had even stopped! Now at a large airport in Lusaka and hoping to fly on to Petorka tomorrow.

Ingrid and Julie flew home on Saturday after a days rest at Vic falls and a very exciting few weeks. Jim and John spent the day giving their aircraft some TLC and preparing to set off again. The girls have now been replaced by brand new jerry cans! After a stunning flight over the falls the boys flew a short leg of some 90 miles on to Kalomo in Zambia. They employed a local as a security guard to look after the planes.

A delayed start this morning due to bad weather, but left Botswana late am for short flight to Zambia. For once no headwind so more relaxed flight to Livingston, then Maramba. Victoria Falls tomorrow. (via Keith) #97

Two good days in Okavanga and another very slow flight at 10 thousand feet to reach Kasane. An evening river cruise through Chobe National Park and saw plenty of wildlife. Hope to fly to Victoria Falls tomorrow. (via Keith) #96

Permissions now fixed so airborne again for long, slow flight to Maun. 12 mph groundspeed at first. We had to fly at 9500 ft for three hours to make progress. We are now only two days flying away from Okavango delta. (via Keith) Comment by jim (2003-11-10 15:34:29) it would be a nightmare to drive anyway mate…..hard enough to fly..we do miss you though!! and not just for the charcoal grey suzuki….

When we came to take off this morning we were prohibited from doing so due to a permission problem. A frustrating morning spent talking to authorities and Overflight has hopefully resolved the issue, and we hope to be airborne again tomorrow. Everyone helpful and friendly about it all though. (via Keith) #94