This one has been on the mini-bucket list for a while now. (Diversion / background: Two years ago I found my own way up to the main top by driving ‘round the back’ as far as possible, leaving the car with the korakoza, semi-bushwhacking up until the reaching the main height then ‘turning left’ to … Continue reading
White Mountain, between Troutbeck and Dazi
Been trying to get up this for some years as it is so prominent and close. Now there is an afforestation scheme clearing the land of wattle and bush and replanting gum trees, and they made a very nice dirt track most of the way. But wait, the gum trees are being grown to be … Continue reading
Above the Troutbeck Inn
Some strenuous, off-piste-bushwhacking required to reach rocks protruding far enough from the dense pine forest to give unobstructed views. The forest had been previously burnt / logged and all the detritus left behind through which the latest trees have grown. So, movement requires balancing on old logs suspended and covered in pine needles, with occasional … Continue reading
On the edge in Matema
Parked at Mai Joy Matema’s cabbage emporium on the tar below Matema and headed north on the rough dirt road through the terraced fields (makondiwa – but this is a very local word I think). It looks green here because of its location, on the side of a hill, with some irrigation, but the crops … Continue reading
Views from Demera / Bepe Peak Nyanga
9 – 10 March 2024. An overnighter close to the top of Demera (Bepe Peak) mountain in Nyanga. I eked out a pitch here as there was some wind shelter behind this ancient Shona wall, and the rain was approaching from Nyangani. There are a great many Shona remains on top and a round Kuwira … Continue reading
A quick trip out to the favourite waterfall
On Thursday in Sakubva market in Mutare I picked up a Gregory Stout 65 litre rucksack for $30. In very good condition apart from the front stretchy pocket which has a repair patch sewn through to the main compartment underneath rendering it unusable. Still, hundreds or thousands of km and dollars away from an outdoor … Continue reading