June 9 - Zambia: Karibu Campsite and overland trek to Lusaka

This morning, we got up bright and early to hit the road.  Our laundry wasn't dry yet, so Jon and I stuffed the load into garbage bags and hope it doesn't smell when we get to our next site.  We had to take the same pontoon boat back across the river - the one that crosses the river by hand-turn - and passed through the overpass as well.  (see June 6).  Somehow, someone actually pulled the truck out and towed it away so we cruised by.  At 11:00 we drove into Lusaka, Zambia's capital, to get some supplies.  I popped into an Internet cafe to send the folks a "hello-we're-alive" email.  Apparently the hamster powering the modem was taking a break.  So it took me a good 15 minutes just to log in, read 3 emails and send 2.   15 minutes and 8,000 Kwatra (about $3).

Lunch

At lunch, we drove up a bumpy, windy road to the top of a hill with a beautiful view.  There was a satellite tower on top of it, and the man guarding it was uncomfortable letting us park there for lunch.  So we gave him a shot of whiskey, some lunch, and a beer, and he was perfectly happy to let us stay. 

Uno

The group has a fierce game of "Uno" established on the truck.  It's evolved into "Elimination Uno", where if you lose then you're out of the game.  Cheating is allowed, and possibly even encouraged.  Pretty cut-throat, but you gotta do what you gotta do around these Aussies!  (Especially now that they're red-heads).

Camp

We settled into camp after dark, so we didn't really get to see much of it.  But I can tell you that the showers were even less than what we had in the bush camp.  In fact, my attempt at taking a shower was thwarted by the fact that there wasn't anything more than a trickle of water coming out of the spigot.  So I had to settle with just washing up a bit and no shower.   Our campsite destination tomorrow night is supposed to be paradise, so I'll just wait.

There is a bar with a television, which has provided endless entertainment for the group.  They are going to stay up late drinking beer, but I must get to bed early or I'm going to pass out.  And we have to be up at 5:00AM tomorrow because the next site with the game drives is a long drive away.  I've left Jon with the Aussies drinking beer, and there's discussion about head-shaving.  Should make for an interesting evening!