Special Last Day in Victoria Falls

Photo shows badly burnt arm from first day. Looks bad, no pain, cleared up now                            Friday, 20^th March 2026

What a memorable day, picked up by taxi, taken to Helicopter. Booked for 25 mins flight over the falls. Flight took us over one side then the other. Absolutely mindblowing, spectacular. Huge river expanse of powerful water, surging into falls and onto Zambezi River. What a special memory. After that, a little shopping, rest, lunch then dinner in Victoria Falls Hotel, an old world Colonial Hotel. I also found some of the support team and said my sad goodbyes especially to Edwin, I am his Mama, and to Often. Such hard working men but always smiling and helpful. I'll miss them and wonder where their life will take them. Dinner was special in Victoria Falls Hotel, old Colonial, wonder who has passed through its doors. Dined with Gail, Hong Kong and Suzanne, USA both feisty , strong ladies cycling onto Cape Town. Every one saying "Stay with us Janice, don't go". I say " I would but Alex has my front wheel". Joking aside I've loved being part of this community, my head wants to continue but my body has suffered quite a bit. I researched this section well, the elevation/gradients were nothing compared to home. The distances were long but I have done them before and know how to pace myself. What I didn't factor in was the extreme heat which affected my body badly, upset tummy all week, burnt arms, hives, groin pain, heat spots all over, I felt my blood was boiling. I have cycled in 41"C before and coped well but I am older now and have to accept that. I also didn't allow for the strains of camping after an exhausting day, tent up, tent down, everything packed at 4.00am. Breakfast, on the road by 6. Lunch was about 10am after 50 miles. It took its toil and much against the grain I had to be sensible. There were other factors to consider as to how far I cycled, I didn't want to inconvenience team, but that was just me, they couldn't have been more considerate. The Support Team led by Joe are an amazing group of enthusiastic young people, always smiling, always helpful, no matter the stresses of behind the scenes. They are TourLeader, Assistant Tour leaders, Mechanic, Doctor , Content Creator, Cook. I’ll  still tour but now maybe on my own terms and with a bed for the night. Having said all that it's been a marvellous experience, one I wouldn't have missed. Met some incredible people from all over the world with fascinating backgrounds. I'll miss them. As Edwin said " Mama, you have nothing to prove, just do your best".

Thank you for lovely comments, they kept me going. Sorry I didn’t reply but at times it was difficult. I treasured every one. Xx

Till the next time ??