Pungwe Low Level

30 Dec 12 - Minimum Flow

Of Nigerian Scams, Head Rolls and Long-Gone Lane-Mitchell.

After a disappointing run on the Nyagui, it was decided that the Pungwe would have more water.  So, undaunted, Andy, Squash and I set off in search of the elusive elixir.  What we found, after some of our party were parted with their cash by a local operator, using the old-fashioned "give me your $20 and I'll make your life a pleasure" line, was a very low river full of trees.

Aside from spending the morning cussing said local operator about money well-invested, the lads set about perfecting the head-roll (best performed in very small puddles) and renaming Andy for his habit of disappearing down the rapids without waiting for the camera to be set up.

Squash and I ran Four-clowns-folly, which is less gnarly at low level, but still has the potential for a good workout.

From there we ground out a steady pace through the widening river, finishing with a braai on the river bank, before the long drive back home.

Nyagui Low Level

29 Dec 12 - Low Level 5cm over Mukore Weir

A season opener, with very little water.

Andy, Squash and I, with Ken and Harry in support, visited the Mukore section and found the water to be extremely low.  Harry watched with Ken from the rocks;

and joined me for a surf.

 Squash had a good look at Z-Bend, which we'd all run earlier.

We look forward to more water - but the skies remain empty!

Buzi Access Check

Buzi Access Check

16 Dec 12 - Minimum Flow

Checked out access and egress options.

Chipinge commercial farmer Brendon S kindly drove with me down to the Buzi to check out access and egress options.  According to Brendon and other locals, the best time for flowing water will be March.

The challenge was to find access to the best part of the river, from approximately  20°19'26.78"S, 32°49'40.39"E to approximately 20°26'50.72"S, 32°51'30.61"E.  The complication is the international border, which means we can't start at the South Downs Bridge (20°17'29.31"S, 32°48'18.76"E).

I'm happy to report that we've managed to work out a simple way to make it all work.  So it's all set for a new river to be explored!