Okay boys and girls. All sitting round on your botties? Good. Then we will go to chapter 2.
As most of you remember the genesis of the whole firetruck adventure happened about two years ago when a group of intrepid young men ( not a soul over 65) led by Peter Lobel, their fearless leader, decided to deliver two firetrucks to Harare after picking them up in Walvis Bay, Namibia. It was an amazing journey in many respects, and for those of you who haven't read it, there is a blog about it at http://zimfiretrucks.blogspot.com/. Everyone was very proud of their good work, and seems that the fire department put the equipment to good use. The following year another truck was dispatched and safely delivered to Harare's bravest. Then in the spirit of no good deed going unpunished, some folks in Zim thought that they should encourage this group of stalwarts to make another run. Only problem is that this time it was to be 9 fire engines of various sizes and shapes. Not being lily livered chickens, of course the group ( or at least some of it) responded by saying "Hell yes". Given that it is really tough to drive this many trucks with only four people, another seven reckless fools were press ganged into joining the group. Not only that but in a ground breaking sign of the 21st century, one of them is female ( and Peter's daughter to boot). So with all of this now accomplished, the trip was planned.
Because things do change in Africa, and not always with the most logical of reasoning, we discovered that Botswana was not a viable route. I hate these people who begrudge our using their roads with big trucks, without paying taxes. Also, apparently they are very upset that last time we drove through, we scared some goats and chickens with the lights and sirens, so we are persona non-grata. Anyway we worked out a new route that will take us north to the Caprivi strip, then east to Zambia, past Victoria Falls, and then on to the border crossing into Zimbabwe over the Kariba dam wall. There will be a geography test on Tuesday to make sure you know where all of these places are.
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| The trail we will follow. |
