Off day on the lake, Lake Malawi that is!
It is either the 3rd largest lake and 2nd deepest lake in Africa or vice-verse. Also it is referred to the “year” lake because it is 365 miles long and 52 miles wide. Yes it is a huge lake and where we are staying overlooks the lake but today we went out on the lake. One reason because it isn’t safe water to swim in at the shore closest to us, so you have to take a boat out to this cool rocky island.
$3 later you can get a boat ride in a fishing boat out to the island. This isn’t a fancy boat with twin engines, fish finder, and equipped with cushy seats. Rather it was a deep haul wooden row boat type of boat with a small engine. Pile in 16 people per boat and off we went out to the rocky little island. There we were free to explore, climb to the top, and jump of rocks into the lake. A very refreshing and relaxing time.
Lake Malawi is also home to the only place in the world where flies mate over the lake and form a tornado like object. It is crazy to see from shore. Just a typical cloudy morning and you overlook the lake and you see these tornadoes forming, then the local whispers in your ear “it’s alright, just flies mating.” Whew, glad we don’t need to seek shelter. In all seriousness they say National Geographic has been here to capture it so I am sure there is sweet youtube videos of this mating ritual. Yes, I would recommend checking it out.
Also while overlooking the lake, we were blessed to see a couple water twisters spout down during an intense storm on the lake. It actually happened on Valentine’s Day. I know it’s not a crazy natural mating ritual but was awesome to watch one morning.
The final unique thing we have seen on Lake Malawi is something we now refer to as “sun rings.” Today swimming around in the lake we looked up in the sun and saw a complete rainbow around the sun. Probably one of the coolest rainbows I have ever seen. I am not sure how it happened or why, but it did and it was sweet. I only wish I had my camera on hand, but I am sure someone from the squad got a picture of it. Has anyone else seen a rainbow fully circle the sun? Is it a southern hemisphere thing?
The remainder of this off day is being spent at the Sunbird Hotel which is right on the lake. The hotel is open to random visitors like ourselves to enjoy their beach, pool, restaurant, internet, shower, and lounge chairs. It is a perfect little get away to unwind, catch up, read, write, relax, and prepare for the final week of ministry in Malawi! A week from today we will be north bound to Europe!
