APR-C-3
THE SCRAMBLE FOR DEPARTURE
“INTO AFRICA”
April 24--25, 2003
I am about to launch
"Into Africa", despite several failing systems around me, but, such
inconveniences did not stop predecessors as worthy as David Livingstone!
Livingstone had gone to the
same site where I am headed now, and his romantic countryman, GK Chesterton
dismissed minor annoyances as "An inconvenience is and adventure, rightly
considered."
But neither Livingstone nor
Chesterton had to hold up because of canceled flights, failed computers or
smashed cameras. They may have had to
struggle with excess baggage, much of it going astray as they entered the Dark
Continent.
The laptop through which I
have communicated with you on the past excursions, is going to be awaiting parts
over the next weeks. The smashed
cameras have been replaced, even getting the new special batteries to equip
them--but all such film and cameras must now be carried on board in a clear
plastic bag for a hand search, since one pass through the new security
inspection systems would fog all films.
I also have an excess of supplies to be carried with calls for more from
the field, along with the additional items Airborned to the office to be
carried by the last student to leave.
He missed it so it is added to my already over-stuffed baggage. And
further we have to wait in Lilongwe on the way in to retrieve him since he is
off in Zambia on a holiday safari for an introduction to Africa.
It always comes together,
despite the "ground rush" at departure, simply because it must.
As carefully as such an
expedition is planned, the inevitability is that things may certainly go, but
rarely according to such plan, so the test of success is whether things are
still moving in the direction intended by whatever route they get there. While I am out, the plans for the next
excursion to Haiti next month in substitute for the SARS-canceled China Trip
will be put in place.
But, I can now report back
to you about the week of the Big Runs just past, and as the muscle soreness is
diminishing, I even packed an extra set of running shoes for the African bush
when I can uncoil out of the British Air 747 via London and Lilongwe.
It will certainly look
different than the images of Derwood in the Winter of '03 (attached) before the
reluctant Spring Thaw and the return to the running of the Cherry Blossom Ten
Miler which led into the Bull Run Run 50 Ultra (also pictured) and the visits
to the University of Florida and Long Island en route to the 107th Boston
running.
So, for now, it is
"Into Africa," a favorite destination and a land of perpetuity--and
this part is called the "Warm Heart of Africa!"
Cheers!
GWG