The Old Candle Factory

Earlier today, I borrowed $500 from a total stranger in the queue for the plane I wanted to catch from Kilimanjaro back to Dar es Salaam. I promised I'd pay it back as soon as I got to a 'working' cash machine at Dar airport. He was very suspicious but it worked once I gave him Sam's passport. Later I'll show you a picture of Sam, and the plane that took us so far away from Dar. And also pictures of the area we plan to fly the balloon. And I'll also tell you how we missed the 7.30 pm flight back to Dar, and also the 7.30 am flight this morning. Watch this space...... I'm going to get some tea..... ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- We got to Dar airfield about 12 and Sam went off to file a flight plan and get the weather etc. I found a cafe and bought a couple of ham and tomato toasties to last us the 3 hour flight. Sam re-appeared wanting some dollars because they didn't accept credit cards. So I ga

This is the moment of lift off from Nairobi en route for Dar es Salaam. The bright sun creates a nice shadow of the hi-tech prop on the tarmac. I could hardly keep my eyes open after an all night flight from UK and some work in Nairobi airport. So I nodded off in such a way that my right arm muscle jerked my elbow into my neighbour's ribs. I apologised. Then I slowly nodded off again... and jabbed him again. Very embarrassing. The Captain pointed out Kilimanjaro poking out through the top of some clouds. Brother Adam has climbed half way up that mountain in his relentless search for the ideal strain of BEE to breed in UK at Buckfastleigh Abbey. Today I scooted about town looking for propane and found a good man who can supply all we want. That's a relief. Sam and his guys are still working on getting the vehicles out of customs. I shan't relax until I've got my hands on the basket and started to go through the procedures with my new crew. They are good guys and we&

Sunday morning.....plane leaves 6pm and still lots to do. An eery pre-sunrise pink sky reminds me that the sky alone is worth a trip to Africa. My trusty camera will record some and the results will appear here, providing I get access to cyberspace! But first, I must finish this cuppa tea, pack my final bits and pieces, clear the decks, and try and cross off all the things on this long list of things to do. 10.45. Still packing..... kettle on :-) 19.20. Boarded plane at Heathrow thanks to an easy comfortable lift in my sister Lindy's classic Volvo. Thanks.x 06.30 monday morning. Online on a very slow line in Nairobi airport. We slid gently down through thousands of African feet with a perfect view of Mt Kenya, although the Captain described it as Kilimanjaro! If he was half asleep his flying didn't show it. A perfect landing to herald an exciting adventure on this continent! Hey.... I smell coffee .........