Hiking Mumbo Island

Trip Start Jul 12, 2008

Trip End Aug 04, 2008

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Flag of Malawi Mumbo Island, Malawi
Sunday, July 20, 2008

Woke early with the sun but stayed tucked up in bed until coffee was brought at 6:30am. Got up, had a cup, and generally relaxed until breakfast. After, the four of us tramped around the island. It was hot inland but interesting. Lots of cacti, pod trees, fig trees growing sinewy roots over rocks. As it's winter, and many trees are deciduous, there wasn't much of a canopy at all. We hiked out to various points and overlooks, to enjoy a view of the lake (and to catch a breeze). Hiked down to Impipi Beach, to sit on the rocks and cool our feet in the water. Best view was from Fig Rock, with a giant fig tree grasping an enormous boulder and a monitor lizard rustling through the brown leaves down below. Also saw two brown snakes with white strips, but had been very comforted, while clambering over rocks, or tramping through dead leaves and fallen branches, by the knowledge that no poisonous snakes are found on Mumbo Island. If only one could always be so confident.

Cacti of Mumbo

Swam upon our return, to cool off and remove the dust. The water was the perfect temperature for jumping in and staying in. We lingered in the water, then sunned ourselves, then returned to our tent for a brief rest before lunch.

In the afternoon, we kayaked around the island. It is such a gorgeous setting, and so dramatic, viewing the giant granite boulders from the level of the lake. We saw many birds: cormorants, darters (including one drying its feathers by spreading its wings), fish eagles, kingfishers, and green-back heron. We also went part way into the cave where the crocodile had lived. It was covered with weaver nests on vines - very dark on the inside, as it went back 10-20 metres. Very cool ... and a bit eerie. Continued around the island back to the beach; then filmed the kids in the kayak going around Jumbo Island.

The wind came up again as the sun was going down, so we sat in our tent and played Hoopla. Very entertaining, particularly the mime for "confessional". Kyla walked up to Pod Rock to watch the sunset (or some of it). We all showered then entertained each other telling terrible stories while watching the moon rise.

There's a full house tonight - but we were still the last at dinner. It's so nice to linger after a meal.

Returned to our tent - this time, told old jokes as long stories. Keegan told another terrible shaggy dog story - so annoying. Soon, it was bedtime, so to sleep we went.