That’s right, we are up in the paradise that is Mozambique and absolutely loving this tranquil piece of Africa.
Going back a few days I need to start off by saying a quick ode to Lauren who unfortunately could not come up to Mozambique with us. She had improved so much with her surfing since the beginning of the trip. From catching foamies and just going straight to catching reforms and turning both directions. It was very sad to say bye to her amazing attitude and bubbly personality, which won't be forgotten. Thanks so much for the amazing memories and moments shared.
So we were up and on the road to Casa Lisa, which is our halfway stop on our journey to Tofo on Friday. On the drive we go up through Swaziland and then into Mozambique. The toll road through Maputo (capital of Mozambique) was crazy, but we weaved our way and were on our way to Casa Lisa hostel for the night. It's just outside Maputo and is a very chilled out place. We had a three-course meal that night and called it a day.
So it's Saturday morning around 3:00 am in the morning and we on our way to Tofo. It was a smooth drive and was awesome to see our first sunrise in Mozambique. We arrived at Turtle Cove around 8:30 am. Turtle cove is our home in Tofo for the next two weeks. The group got checked in and had some food. The food made at Turtle cove is great and very healthy. We were joined on this part of the trip by Dave Ford who works in the head office in London and George LJ who did the Costa rica trip a few years ago with Ticket to ride. It is always great to see people come back who have loved their previous trips with us so much and get to experience a different part of the world. That afternoon we went for a surf at dragons which is a beach just down for Tofino point. It was Lydia's birthday so we played a few games at the bar and got her a surprise birthday cake. We had dinner and headed to a bar down the road for a few drinks.
It's sunny, the winds off shore and its our first full day in Tofo on Sunday morning. The waves were really fun and the water was warm. George W, Seb, Ryan and George LJ were the first in the water at Tofino point. George W got some really good waves and said it was one of his best surfs on the trip. Everyone else joined us later on and were all very stoked to be in the warm water. You don't need a wetsuit in Tofo, but you do need loads of sun cream. It was a great first day!
We are very lucky to have Ryan Ribbink with us on this trip. Ticket to Ride use his 4×4 to get us to Tofo and Ponta as well as him as a guide. He has many years of knowledge in Mozambique and knows where the waves are best. Monday he took us to a beach around the back of Tofo called back door. The waves were 2 ft and clean. George L was catching loads of waves. We surfed for a few hours and headed to turtle cove for lunch. The waves dropped off that afternoon so we went down to the beach and swam and played with a rugby ball. A couple of the girls tanned and relaxed in the Mozambique sun.
Tuesday we had small 1 ft surf, which the guys still made the most of and didn't let a wave go by with out someone catching it. It's really good for your surfing to surf small waves when possible. You learn to generate speed well and it improves your fitness as well. It was a super hot day and great weather so a couple members of the group went down to the beach to watch the sunset, which is a beautiful sight. It's been a great few days in Tofo and we're waiting a swell that is coming. Everyone is loving the beauty of Mozambique and the hospitality of the local people. We are all looking forward to the next 10 days and exploring while we are here.
Bon Dia
Klee Strachan