14 May 2019: Fools Jump In…

Fools jump in where angels fear to tread

Kumbira Forest, high on western flank of Njelo Mountain, south-west from the town of Conda, is only accessible by 4x4 during the dry season, from April to late October. The track, in the middle of May, remained a formidable off-road challenge through the remaining mud and dongas.

My guardian angel was working overtime as I took the narrow path up the mountain. He frowned as Daai Dêng cleared a path through the encroaching bush. He tugged my arm to try and warn me; and in desperation flapped his wings in my face, but still I would not listen. In utter disbelief he shaked his head and nearly gave me up as a bad job. He actually was heading to the bottle of rum, hidden in the microwave, when his sense of pity overcame his thirst. (It is a bit dicey having a dipsomaniac as a guardian angel).

So, on the wings of a slightly pissed-off angel, Daai Dêng and I floated over dongas, waded through a quagmire of thick mud, slipped and slided down steep declines, and engaged low-range 4x4 when the going got really tough up the steep ascents. An added bonus to the local community was that Daai Dêng widened the narrow path considerably. In the end it was a great team effort that overcame all obstacles, and I camped high in the forest, next to a soccer field hacked out of the bush.

Kumbira Campsite

I only wish that my guardian angel would stop sulking and join me in a celebratory spirit.