There for a training workshop. Only got one Sunday off. Had thought to use it to find someone with a pirogue and get lessons, but by the time Sunday rolled around, had been sick and was not really up for that much adventure.
Checked google maps for a new place to walk and thought I would see just how far Tchopo dam was. For those who don't know me, looking at scale on map is of no use to me. Turns out I can make it and it was worth the walk. Just before joining the Congo River, the Tchopo passes through the dam and produces unusually reliable electricity. As you approach the bridge, you see a channel which is already moving so fast, you can get vertigo. A little farther and the water is churning though the dam and crashing into a 10 drop. While flat under the bridge, it's still moving at an impressive clip. On the other side after a small pool, there's more crashing down a 12 foot drop, then it broadens out into a idyllic setting with the 'burbs of Kisangani on one side. On the other a beach, traditional village and old forest rising behind. One side or the other would definitely be the place to look for pirogue lessons next time I have a weekend in Kisangani.
I would have loved to take pictures, but the bridge was guarded by soldiers who tend to be skittish about that kind of thing.
Oh and in the pool beneath the bridge were about a dozen dugout canoes washed up, testimony, I suppose to the strength of the current. Hope they jumped out before.
Checked google maps for a new place to walk and thought I would see just how far Tchopo dam was. For those who don't know me, looking at scale on map is of no use to me. Turns out I can make it and it was worth the walk. Just before joining the Congo River, the Tchopo passes through the dam and produces unusually reliable electricity. As you approach the bridge, you see a channel which is already moving so fast, you can get vertigo. A little farther and the water is churning though the dam and crashing into a 10 drop. While flat under the bridge, it's still moving at an impressive clip. On the other side after a small pool, there's more crashing down a 12 foot drop, then it broadens out into a idyllic setting with the 'burbs of Kisangani on one side. On the other a beach, traditional village and old forest rising behind. One side or the other would definitely be the place to look for pirogue lessons next time I have a weekend in Kisangani.
I would have loved to take pictures, but the bridge was guarded by soldiers who tend to be skittish about that kind of thing.
Oh and in the pool beneath the bridge were about a dozen dugout canoes washed up, testimony, I suppose to the strength of the current. Hope they jumped out before.
