Dodoma Road

What a road!!! The road from Arusha south thru the capital - Dodoma - and on to Iringa is an absolute nightmare ... especially in the rainy season. The road is a dirt road, in poor condition and becomes an absolute mud bath when the rain comes down. We were lucky as it only rained the first day and firat three nights ... enough though to make it an intersting experience ... photos at a later stage will show more.

The first two days were real tough going, the trucks got stuck ... real deep in the mud for several hours ... and therefore only arrived at camp real late ... with food, tents, clothes, etc. On the seond day of delays and logistical problems we lost three riders, who went too far along the road and were not traceable on the same day ... they luckily had cash for a hotel (of sorts) and made their way on to Dodoma the next day.

The rough roads have also led to several falls, tumbles, scrapes and bruises. Walter seems to be the worst off with a nasty infection to a wound on his elbow and he is out of riding for a good week ... so decided to take the week off in Zanzibar ... you lucky devil you.

Infections seem to be a big problem at the moment ... lots of infected wounds and tiny scrapes. Basically due to the mud and dirt, us being real tired, the heat and the humidity.

The great thing though is the absolute beauty of the countryside ... Tanzania is lush, green, open, less inhabited than most places on our route, friendly and simply amazing. the roads have been fun ... sometimes less so if you arrive in camp sweaty, muddy and real dirty and have to wash down with wet wipes due to water rashining in a bush camp ... ;-)

Some other little comments:

• The world is small ... Phil came to me the other day and asked "what can you tell me about Naomi Folb?" ... Naomi was at school with me and we still keep in touch. Phils mom was hiking in Scotland recently and started talking to Naomi ... they soon put two and two together and found a common link.
• Trina and Marc both have "HERO" staus on this trip. Trina for supplying M&Ms in the middle of Tanzania, on a hot night in the middle of the bush and Marc for supplying a chilled bottle of 2001 Stellenzicht Cab Sauv on the same night ... awesome!
• I'm STILL real happy! all is well, and looking forward to the weeks to come!!

cheers all and lots of love ... ex-fatty patty