Now back to the current. Our weekend, that is for Chris, Kevin and myself, started off on the Friday afternoon when we sped out from town to the Park in "Inguluvane", dropped off some of our kit and then headed out for a remote area of the Matobo hills to undertake our monthly hike. This hike was to have been held the previous weekend, but then at the last moment we had to postpone it when the 'snorting, growling monster' was expected at Gordon Park. Anyhow, this weekend the three of us completed a fantastic twenty-two kilometre ramble in the hills, returning to the Park late Saturday evening. Now, thoughtful Chris had decided beforehand that we should have roast lamb and veg for dinner and so set about cooking a sumptuous meal in spite of me mentioning to him during the week that we would be late in arriving back at the Park. Obviously his gastric juices needed to be satisfied even if it meant that dinner would be enjoyed at around ten thirty that night. Whilst Kevin and I were waiting for dinner, we had been deliberating on how we could 'roast Chris' for keeping us waiting for so long, for we were not only about to fall asleep from the exertions of our hike, but were pulling in our trouser belts a notch or two to prevent our stomachs from growling too loudly. His only salvation was the very tasty and I must admit a much appreciated meal that he placed before us.

As it was the church service weekend, Sunday morning saw us undertaking the usual preparations in sweeping the leaves out of the Chapel and other related tasks with the service were seen too, as well as starting the water pumps. The monthly service was conducted by Mr. Dodds, one of our regular lay religious. Once again we were joined by a number of new comers whom we welcome in order to see for themselves that Scouting here in Bulawayo is still active and relative to our youth.

Noticeably absent this Sunday was Mr. Adam Moyo, our caretaker. Adam had requested me the previous Sunday to take him into town in order that he could see a doctor. He could hardly walk and was bent double with pain in his knees, hips and back. He has not returned back to his communal home and is staying with a relative in town pending further medical examinations and hopefully treatment. We all missed his usual cheerful manner, always smiling and wish him a speedy recovery.

In the afternoon Chris and Kevin continued with the task they had begun the previous weekend, the task related to the anticipated arrival of the 'snorting, growling monster'. And so ended a glorious, but chilly weekend in our bush and boulder land.

Cheers
Norman

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Bulawayo, 14th June 2012 - 168