Planned Pungwe Gorge Trip 7-13 April

In 1989 David Chidzero wrecked his fiberglass boat and was forced to walk out of the Pungwe Gorge, using his paddle as a platform to walk on top of the impenetrable vegetation. The military chopper sent to find him failed to spot him and he walked to safety the next day.

During the 90's, four brave souls from Vic Falls ran the gorge and, once on the commercial section, they relaxed their guard long enough to name a rapid: "Four Clowns Folly".

In about 10 days time another batch of intrepid paddlerswill walk into the Gorge, looking forward to two days on one of the most unspoiled sections of wilderness river in the world (certainly in the warmer climates). The adrenaline will be coursing through their veins as they anticipate the steep and pristine waters before them. The roar of the Pungwe Falls will add to the backdrop, and induce just a little more adrenaline into the blood.

The confirmed intrepid paddlers are:
Robin Kock (RSA);
Hugh Du Preez (RSA);
Wayne Moss;
David Chidzero (round 2);
Troy Drummond; and
Jan Hart.

David assures me that his previous attempt sounds a whole lot more dramatic than it actually was, and he's looking forward to this trip. We will of course be much better prepared than previous outings, with more robust boats,spare paddles, swiftwater rescue experts (Wayne and Hugh) and prior river knowledge (David - top section & commercial, me - bottom section and comercial). We will also have two-way radio comms, GPS (yes I know Clyde - we don't need a GPS to find our way down the river - it is only used for evacuations), a small first aid kit, and best of all, porters will carry in an overnight camp to be set up near the slide.

I encourage the fence-sitters, those with doctors notes, work pressure, grumpy wives, or other perfectly valid excuses to emulate the Aussie surfers, "chuck a sickie" and join us. You will have the time of your life and stories to tell yourgrandchildren. For those in far-off places copied in this email - there's still time to book flights!

Novice paddlers, hikers, birders and campers who wish to join our porters on the walk in and share much exaggeratedstories of day 1 around the campfire are welcome. You will enjoy a steep walk through wild and scenic country, and a camp in the magical riparian forest of a spectacular river (birders - there may well be a rare bird or two calling).

As Andy can attest, every circus must have a fewsideshows, and this one is no exception. Here are the details:

Sideshow1: Wed 6 April - Robin, Hugh and any other "Sickie Chuckers" depart Pretoria at lunch time, with a load of creek boats for the Zim crowd. Overnight Lion & Elephant.

Sideshow2: Thu 7 April - Andy, Jan, last minute fly-ins and novices meet Robin in the Honde Valley around lunch time for a meander down a novice section, or the commercial section (if no novices), to try out the new boats and stretch tired legs. We'll spend the night at Echo Valley Cottage (near Pine Tree Inn). Andy returns to Harare Friday afternoon for a birthday party and I'm sure he would be happy to give people who need to be in Harare for the weekend a lift.

Sideshow3: Fri 8 April - we'll take a look at the Gairezi and probably run a short and moderate section, or run Pungwe Commercial section if the Gairezi is too low. We'll also make final preparations for porters etc.

The main act part1: Sat 9 April 05:30 - paddlers walk in from Pungwe View, while the porters, hikers, birders and hangers-on walk in from the Honde Valley to set up camp at The Slide.

Sideshow4: Sat 9 April - braai boerie, cold beverages, tall tales and scenic stars around the crackling campfire.

The main act part2: Sun 10 April - paddlers set off on the serious section below the slide, while the rest take their time breaking camp and hiking out, to meet the paddlers at the commercial take-out. There should be time to take novices down a flatter section. Overnight Echo Valley.

Sideshow5: Monday 11 April - some depart early to get back to work, while the remaining paddlers choose between Gairezi, Nyagui, and Mazowe.

Sideshow6: Tue 12 April - Nyagui or Mazowe. Overnight Harare.

Sideshow7: Wed 13 April - Robin and Hugh depart for Pretoria.

Ian, Andy, Squash, Foxy, Bryan, Celliers and other experienced paddlers, feel free to join us on all or just part of this adventure (airport transfers can be arranged!)

Hikers, birders, campers and novices, please let me know who's coming so we can confirm details.

Costs: Minimal - food, drink, contributions towards fuel and porters.

See you on the river!