Quick…Sand!

Praia do Tofo, Mozambique
December 7th, 2008

Checking into a campsite in the backyard of Fatima’s backpackers, we were guided by a member of staff as to where was best to camp. They unlocked the gate for us and in we went, directed towards the shade of a tree. Part way there we got stuck. And not just stuck, completely stuck. The sand was impossibly thick and we were without any warning. Hot as it was, we took the tire compressor out and deflated the tires once, twice and three times. Each time the sand burnt us as we cleared it from the tires. Eventually 0.8 bar later we were free, free to continue for about 4m to our destination. We weren’t the only ones to get stuck. University holidays had just begun and a couple groups of male students were arriving for a bit of a celebration. I tried warning them about the sand, explaining that we got stuck and had to deflate our tires, but seeing as I am just a girl, I was politely thanked then ignored. I did however enjoy watching them struggle as they attempted (and failed) at pushing themselves out.

Once set up we hit the water, the Indian ocean with a temperature of about 27 degrees. Heavenly. The sands were white and the beach stretches miles. The whole area has a bit of a backpacker/hippie vibe with brightly patterned cloth bags and pants for sale, beers and coke sold from coolers on the street, prawns sold by the kg, and children of about 12 selling bread, buns and friendship bracelets. The weather was beautiful, sunny and hot and we completely relaxed, swimming, reading, and sleeping for a few days. Bliss.