Turbo Charge 2012

Where to start!!!

What a fantastic trip we all had this year. Turbo Glass would like to say thank you to those who attended our annual boat run across Lake Kariba, I would name you all but that may take some time!

123km peg

With eleven super gobbies (brand new faces) on the trip it was bound to be an experience never to forget.

The Chargers left the Victoria Falls garage bright and early on the 25th May and headed for the Milibizi turn off where our Namibian contingent were preparing some boerwors rolls and a shot of Jägermeister for our arrival!!

Milibizi turn off

It was around 4pm on the Friday when the company finally arrived at the Masumu camp site and we all got ready for the first of many fun filled evenings. With the initiation of the super gobbies and a few game rules mentioned, the beer was flowing and the banter truly kicked off. Everyone had a chance to meet and greet those they didn't know and we even let the men from the East (Harare to be precise) join in!! Clive and Steve, you beauties!!!

Masumu camp site

Launch day!! We all arose at the crack of 10am and got the boats on the water and did the final preparations for the big trip, many thanks again to John Lucas for taking all the extra items on Oscar, very much appreciated from everyone. We left Masumu and headed for Chete, our first port of call.

Dinner on Chete beach

From Chete we crossed the feared Sengwa basin and reached Nyamanbiri island unscathed, in fact the boys on the houseboat had bacon and eggs and arrived in a joyous mood! More fires and laughter were had on this evening with Clive Jones comment of 'Welcome to Mashonaland' being criticised quite heavily and quite right too!! But a lesson was learnt for this silly remark...

Clive stung by a bee

We crossed the lake on Monday and arrived at Spurwing for a couple of well deserved refreshments, (thanks again to Clive for the organisation of this) and snacks before heading across the bay to Gache Gache. Here we spent two nights and the boys did some fishing and generally what they wanted to do. A great time was had by all.

Lunch time relaxation

Wednesday morning saw us leave the North East of lake Kariba, cross over to Andorra to re-fuel and start the homeward journey. Staying at Nyamanbiri, Chete and Masumu for our final three nights.

Hippo

Now, the reason this trip was such a success was a culmination of a couple of factors. Firstly, not one motor had a problem, besides Mike 'can't drive straight' Walsh who lost a propeller. Having spoken to the men who have done many Turbo Charges, this was unheard of. Secondly was the weather. We generally don't leave it so late in the year to do the charge as it tends to get colder as it is coming into winter and the wind creates some unpleasant waves and a bumpy ride. This year again, was very pleasant weather wise with only one day where the water got cheeky. The guys on the houseboat even broke a fried egg!! And thirdly, the company... What a great bunch of Africas finest did we have! From Pete Myres at 72 years old to Liam De Silva who had just turned 18 we had it all and boy did we enjoy it!

Turbo Glass ''houseraft'' Oscar

Thanks again to those who travelled from distant shores, Chris from England, Dougie and Harold from Namibia, the men from the east, Steve and Clive and Ron from South Africa. Your effort was greatly appreciated.

Beauty

There is so much more I would love to add but some things are better off left to memories! I thought I would leave you with a few quotes of the Turbo Charge 2012...

Booze cruise

"There is a proper misconception here"

"uhhhhh, I was going to say something but it just fell out my head"

"What a conundrum"

"Dat dam bladda hit me on da head sa!!"
"We must leave at the crack of 12!!"