Why great? Well just look at the pictures of the road and scenery. New tarmac one minute, jungle tracks the next, then dirt roads. All through some of the most stunning unspolit mountain jungle.
Why worrying? Because…
Worry 1: Another river crossing and this time….. i fell in AGAIN! You would think I learnt after last time but alas no.
Worry 2: Money. I went to the bank this morning and the machine would not give any money. I also looked for a money changer without success. So I spent my last Guinea Francs on fuel and crossed my fingers.
Worry 3: The link chain broke yesterday and I fixed it on the roadside. It broke again this morning. Good job I brought the chain tool to rejoin it. It broke several more times with more regular frequency. The last time the repair lasted a few hundred meters so i left it certain the chain would soon snap completely. 70km to the next town. …. i made it! No bike repairer with the correct chain link in this town and the bank ATM does not like me either so I could not pay if he did!
Just after the town I found a hotel. I am 30km from the Senegal border. I negotiated with the owner to pay in Euros.
Worry 1- I survived the soaking and this time my bike and luggage did not get as wet.
Worry 2-Sorted by paying in euros. I have some Central African Francs for tomorrow. I also bought some fuel in wine bottles today and paid in CEFA.
Worry 3-The bile chain had not snapped yet. . Although I know it will soon. I will watch out for a bike repair place tomorrow and pay CEFA when i find one with the right link.
4 replies on “Day 68: A great day but a worrying one”
Well you will have plenty to remember and write about John ! We hope you get the bike serviced soon and the next section of your journey home is less dramatic.
What is CEFA? Why not just jump on the first plane home from Senegal? I worry about the chain and fuel for you going all through that desert again to come home
CFA stands for Central Franc Africa. It is the money used in several ex french colonies.
Loved the photos! Vultures at the side of the road? Hmm not so sure about that!