Mpande to Mboyti

Left a little after 5am after a night of rain and wind, getting through the surf with a few hits on the way out. Found a favourable counter current for the whole day with a tail wind pushing too. Just before halfway, at Port St Johns, my favourite brown water was pushing up the coast with me, though crossing the muddy river mouth I paddled as quietly as I could – an extract from the Sailing Directions about sharks numerous in and outside the river was fresh in my mind.

Cramps set into my right foot and hamstring in the last hour. The approach to the beach at the river mouth was easy, and Warren had already made it there ahead of me for once, along with several members of the lodge who’d cut short their AGM to come meet me. We’re staying at the Mboyti River Lodge, an awesome and friendly spot. Tomorrow: Mtentu River Lodge, early.