Old Rock Paintings

This archeological hike was awesome.  The old lady took us up into the hills and blessed the rock spirits with some up beat songs before we got a good gander at the ancient stick figures.  We still need to find out how old they are.  And post some pictures. 

On the way back, the old lady was super talkative in a language none of us understood!  The only things she could say in Portuguese were cinquenta (two dollars) and acabou (done - as in "lets keep moving").

No hike this week as most members are out of town.  Next time we're thinking Vumba, or a chill day at the reservoir that may or may not have introduced giraffe and zebra.

Hike 2: Cabeça do Velho (Old Man's Head)

It could have been a little less slippery, but it was still a great hike. We parked by the school and walked straight up the face, trying to keep to the dry spots. Early on we crossed a small river and almost got charged 50 mets to borrow a bench to help get our shoes back on without getting dirt in them. 

Higher up we found people praying, some joggers showing off running circles around our hike, and some primates in the distance.  The views of the city from one side, and the plains from the other were beautiful.  And looking over the highest edge into the mouth area we spotted a possible future picnic location. 

Ultimately, we were able to summit the old man's forehead and nose.  On a future trip, we will probably find a path to the mouth and another to the chin. 

Hike 1: Zembe Mountain

This inaugural hike took us higher than even Flora, Bento and their dogs had ever gone. We bushwhacked through a field and a forest to pass from the lower peak to the higher peak. On our way down, the clouds covered the top where we had just been.  It was a great first run.  A real inspiration for the Manica Hiking Club which promised from then on to make more summits, wear more sunscreen and find bluer post hike swimming pools.