So that picture yesterday of the crazy people hanging out over the edge of the waterfall, taken from across the chasm? Today, we were those crazy people. And yes, it really is crazy!

The day was just a bit more physical than expected as Karen tripped on her way out and put a small gash into her forehead and split her nose slightly. She is not a good patient, despite her later protestations otherwise; all she could tell them is to stop fussing over her, nothing is keeping her from going to check out the Devil’s Pool. They did do an excellent job of trying (to patch her up) though, and at no time made us feel rushed despite that this probably put them 20 minutes behind.

I’d say this is definitely something people visiting the area should consider doing. The hard part isn’t really the hike out from the island to the falls (although it is pretty tough on bare feet; please consider bringing sandals!!!) but having to go through immigration/passport control multiple times. I would definitely use the services of a tour company to get to the Royal Livingstone Hotel, rather than trying to get there on your own. It’s not cheap; the $100/person doesn’t include multiple tips for the various people involved (separate guides on the Zimbabwe and Zambia side to get you there, plus the guides taking you to the island). Also another $20 each for short-term visas to enter Zambia. On the plus side, they serve a nice breakfast and, using your own camera, take a ton of pictures for you.

Back “home” at the hotel, I got to do the laundry (which dries pretty fast in the 102 degree heat) while Karen got taken care of by a pair of doctors who came to the hotel to treat her. Stitches on the forehead and one or two for the nose and she’s looking a lot better than when she was wearing that giant bandage across her forehead.