An early start this morning  - A 5.30 am call from Bibi, and as such, a slight change in routine. A quick wake-up wash, provided by Bibi - (inasmuch that he supplied the water, and nothing more!!) Then we had to stow our sleeping bags into their canvas holdalls, and take our personal baggage in readiness for packing into the trailer. Then as we had our early-morning brew and breakfast around the camp fire Gee and David were already busy dismantling the tents, toilets and bush showers.  By 6.40 am we were on the road, leaving Gee and David to pack everything into the trailer.

A long journey followed, punctuated by a brew-stop on route. This was at the foot of a giant aardvark (I think) sited at the roadside and promoting a nearby lodge. At 3.45 pm we were boarding our ferry for a short crossing across the Zambezi, and following a short ride by minibus picked up our little boats to transport us to our houseboat.  As opposed to being moored amidst others, it was sited in a little channel off the main river and was very much an idyllic location. We were welcomed by the crew - Donald, Robson and Doctor, and very resplendent in his whites, our chef, Peter.

Very soon, I was snapping away taking photographs from the decks. The boat consisted of two decks, the lower being the cabin-deck with the kitchen area, showers and toilets, whilst  the upper deck was set aside for leisure, the dining area - which was enshrouded in mosquito nets for dining, the bar, and to complete this relaxing scenario - a Jacuzzi for that open-air soak in the sun - or beneath the stars!! Having taken my initial burst of photographs, we settled down for a cold drink from the bar and relaxed, taking in this beautiful river location. Dinner was served at 7.30 pm, around a large circular table.

Set in the centre was a raised turntable, on which was set the various dishes of our evening meal. Peter took centre stage as he took us through what he had prepared - pork chops, potatoes, green beans, carrots, fried cabbage, butternut squash and salad. For dessert - gingerbread cake prepared on board - absolutely delicious. Peter's 3 year training in catering college was only too evident. Jacqui found an additional useful feature of the central turntable as she shouted to her mum, Judy, "Pills coming around" and round they came to Judy opposite !! Time then for a beer or two on the upper

deck beneath the stars, before retiring to our cabin, and, at 9.30 pm another early night and, importantly, an opportunity to recharge camera batteries. Needless to say - another early start!!