Mandatory Time Off in Marloth

We just spent two very long days in the truck in an effort to get as far north as possible. We left Hluleka rested but disappointed that we couldn't stay longer, family is coming to the cottage at Marloth and we have to meet them there and get things cleaned and ready.


It was here that we were reminded that trying to rush in Africa is a futile battle. The two hour road into to Hluleka meant at least two hours getting out. We modified our route somewhat to reach the highway (R67) in a different spot. It's slow going so you just have to sit back and relax. Because we were driving in the morning meant that we had to carefully share the road with lots of children walking to school. Life is still oriented around walking distance (to get water, go to school, go to church) and the kids playfully made their way up foot paths and onto the road in their school uniforms. As we drove, we could see our passing into a new school district as the uniforms on the kids streaming along road changed from black to brown to orange. I negotiated the potholed road carefully, the kids waving to everyone as we passed. The rest of the day was spent roaring along the N2 through Durban in bumper-to-bumper traffic at a numbing 120 km/h. Mistakes are dealt with harshly, so we just got through it as gently as possible and crashed in Richards Bay for the night.  Richards Bay has many highlights, including an aluminum smelter! Lovely. We left as early as possible.

GROUNDED
Marloth, our refuge, is a place to rest surround by animals and the African bush. We haven't been very good at sitting - until now. I was on a ladder spraying a wasp nest in the thatched roof over the boma last night. I disturbed the nest and got a sting, paniced, and jumped of the roof rendering my right angle un-useable. Luckily, I bring a nurse with me wherever I go and have been prescribed a large dose of humility and rest. I have my feet up, literally. This sucks.