-- Log 3A --

Malawi

Nkhata Bay

Backpackers Hostel

View of the Bay from Backpackers	View from the veranda of Backpackers

Spent the night camping in the car park. Not the most comfortable, but we did receive a warm welcome. Decided just to stay the night and head for Chinteche Strip – 40 kms south in the morning. Woke to a very wet morning, we needed to walk to the village and exchange dollars for kwacha – it poured as we left, but dried out at about 10.00. Unfortunately the exchange rate was very poor and we were advised rather to go back to Mzuzu for a better rate. Having gone back to Mzuzu we decided not to go to Chinteche strip, but to rather press on and get to Livingstonia – a small town 80 kms from Mzuzu. The views from the highlands are absolutely stunning. This country is very beautiful with such diverse scenery.

From Chiweta there are detours and road works till Karonga - +- 100 kms. The road conditions deteriorated very quickly, it is hard to believe that this is the main highway north. Finally we reached the turnoff for Livingstonia. Having checked that it was the correct road, and helping a guy out by taking 50 kg of sugar up for him, we set off.
Dustin - this route made Sani Pass look like a walk in the park! 16 kms with a gradient of 1 metre every 20 metres! It is literally a zigzag path up a rock face! MR W most certainly was challenged, and performed marvellously. Top of the hill 4 355 feet 

Livingstonia – S10.36.704 E34.06.797
Camping Costs MK150 per person per night
The campsite is the lawn in front of Stone House, which was built in 1903 by Dr Law a missionary from Scotland. The work that is being done there is amazing!

Campsite at Stone House

We decided to spend about a week here to sit out the wait for our carnet. As it turned out it was a most memorable week.

We had lots of day visitors coming up to the house to see the spectacular view and to have a rest. It was great chatting to all the different nationalities.
We had not anticipated the steep drive up to Livingstonia, nor the fact that there were no fuel stations nearby, and were concerned that our fuel reserves were low. Fortunately, the principal from Livingstonia Technical College, Joseph Longwe, was able to assist us. He went more than the extra mile for us, we thank you! 

Stone House is absolutely amazing and we really have experienced great peace and tranquillity there. Wadsun was in attendance during the day and Genesis through the night. The Museum of the history of Livingstonia is informative and interesting. Livingstonia is managed by CCAP of Mzuzu, and includes the Hospital, Church and Technical College. The buildings are in desperate need of repair, and it is our hearts desire that these treasures be maintained and well kept. Currently supplies are being brought up for maintenance. The manse house has been repainted, but still requires major maintenance.

Stone House – Livingstonia	Stone House

We had the privilege to meet two delightful Americans, Paul and Darlene Heller.
They are going to spend one month in Livingstonia, Paul ministering and Darlene helping out in the Hospital. They were able to bring a large quantity of much needed medical supplies. We had great meals together, good chats, and lots of fun! We have cried together, laughed, and learnt a whole lot from each other. This truly was a Divine meeting! Thanks folks, we love you, and are really going to miss you! 

We discovered the most amazing bakery – loaves baked in a hole dug in the ground.
The bakery was a lifesaver! The guy says he is the best baker in Africa – cannot argue with that! We even managed to arrange a delivery service!!

We took a walk down to the Mwanana Falls. It was quite a steep walk down, and a VERY steep walk UP! Especially in the midday sun! 

It is a long way down!