Zimbabwe granite
The
day had been long we had crossed from Mozambique in the dark. We were now
in Zimbabwe an knowing the area was full of rock we thought it best to stop
in case we drove past hidden gems of unclimbed crags. The morning brought
with it an incredible view. There was unclimbed granite domes and walls as
far as the eye could see, all we had to do was take our pick!
Mt Dema is a 120m high dome with immaculate granite walls and cracks, we decided to stay there for the next week putting up 15 routes varying from VS to E4 with a fantastic 115m sport line taking a featured wall that went at F7a. While we were climbing one of us had their bag stolen. It amazingly turned up as a local was seen and caught cutting wood wearing a fleece a rip curl watch and fancy new pair of sun glasses, he looked a bit out of place. I went in to complete a statement at the local police station. Hitching a ride in with two police and the two crooks, and having to pay for their bus fares all seemed a bit strange. We left the station and had to return back to the tiny village we were based in. The evening was capped off perfectly with the following...
The
awkward silence was broken. "You can get a girl in there for the whole
night" Exclaimed the head of the police pointing to the bar across the
road. Not really knowing the response he was after and not wanting to come
across rude I extended the conversation. "Oh, how much would it cost?"
He replied with a broad smile across his face, obviously very proud. "700
Zim Dollars" If you are unaware of the economic state that Zimbabwe is
in, then perhaps this will help. For the same price of pint in a London Bar
you would be able to get two of head of police's girls, two pieces of chicken
and a couple of beers to wash it down with.
As we drove off in the bus the head of police shouted to me. " Alice (his favorite) is also very good to change money with on the black market" Not really seeing his advise to be that wise, girl or money, we decided it best to stay clear of Zimbabwe's police force as much as we can so we drove to the nearby crags at Shamu.
A small crag 70km East of Harare again saw more new route being completed this time ranging all the way up to E5. The total as it stands now is over 70 new routes that we have completed on the trip, Not bad really. Have to go as we are now in Harare and the cinema is showing a 12:30 showing of "Kiss of the Dragon", Fantastic.
Yet more tales from Dave's e-mails home.
