Now in Lusaka. Friday, 13th March 2026

Tent was soaking with condensation this morning. Unpleasant packing it away at 4.00am but has to be done. Immediately hard hill out of camp, guy from America said I was a Mountain Goat, I wish. Lovely sunny morning at 6.00am, only 20"C. I felt good and thought I could do the whole mileage of 55miles. Only one problem, a bus was picking us up at 10.30 to convey us through a busy Lusaka to camp. I didn't want to hold the bus up !!! Quandary : do the cycle as it became hotter and steeper or flag the last van going through. Joe had said if I didn't stop the last van then wearied they would come back for me later, but not immediately as they were busy organising things in Lusaka. I decided to stop last van but felt frustrated, I thought they'll pick me up ten miles in when I could do more. But would I enjoy the last miles knowing they were waiting on me ? However I was 24 miles in with 1500ft of elevation when van caught me up, now 25", C so didn't feel too cheated. When I got in the van 5 others were there already ! Lovely green, lush route, children and adults constantly shouting 'How are you '.  I felt freer today, more up for it. The bus conveyed us through a very busy Lusaka, where there was traffic signs traffic obeyed them. At a junction with none it was Everyman for himself. When we arrived at camp it was chucking it down. Some had already booked rooms but I had decided to camp, the place was swimming. However there was an extra bed in Gail's room and she gave it to me. Bliss, rest day tomorrow, hot shower and a bed. These trips introduce you to a fascinating group of people, different backgrounds, all with their own adventure stories to tell, some phenomenal. Some know Scotland well, one has backpacked coming through Arran heading for Outer Hebrides. Another worked in Fort William at Mountain Bike Shop. These guys are superb athletes but take time to talk to me about my travels. Some have had 18 punctures already, I think they bought tubes locally , not of the best quality. Just enjoyed a big plate of Chips and awaiting a Beefburger, not my usual kind of food but at last I am starving. 

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