Climbing Mount Mulanje

link to photos: http://picasaweb.google.com/105226841757151966002/AfricaDay5July10?authkey=Gv1sRgCLL9kN7VoqCTHg&feat=directlink

We were up bright and early even though it was our day off, as the kitchen was going to be busy preparing for the big race.
Then, we strolled down to the Curio Shops to purchase some souvenirs, pretty sure everyone would agree that it was quite an experience.
There were a pile of people milling around as the racers would soon be down the mountain - unbelievable to see them running to the finish line in bare feet - their race was 25 km in total but through unbelievable terrain and a very large incline.

After we were done spending all our Kwacha (and for Sue trading off clothing for goods!) we were ready for lunch and our trip up to the waterfall.
Taylor was still in the process of having her hair braided so not all of the group made the hike. Turns out it was not your typical hike and our respect for the porters that raced in earlier in the day rose exponentially. The terrain was pretty steep, we crossed small streams, required several rest stops and the view along the way was breathtaking! The waterfalls were stunning and every huff and puff to reach them was well worth it. Kevin jumped into the water and pretty soon the words 'hey Barb if you go in I will' slipped out of my mouth and Barb stripped down to her swimsuit and dove in, I was close behind her and the water was sooooo cold but I forced her to wait in with me until we could get a photo. Crazy to be treading water halfway up a mountain in Africa, Meag and Karyn were hot on our heels with full clothes on and in no time Sue K joined us too. We took an alternate route back to the lodge that was equally beautiful but much less treacherous - I made Barb pose so that it looked as though she were swinging off a vine and as she passed Lisa she said 'excuse me while I go swing off that vine', Lisa's response was no way can I let you do that!
good times!
Total trip - 1 hour up - 45 minutes down
tomorrow up at 6 so we can be to Church by 8 am in Juma - after Church we will have a soccer match versus some of our new friends - thankfully Tadeo and Limbani will play on our team so we may not get slaughtered so badly!! ;)
xo
Congratulations Tim and Laura - hope your Wedding Day is awesome!!