Woke up on 23rd and it was Martin's birthday. He was already up so went out and sang to him - poor Martin!! We rang my folks so that they could wish him a happy birthday and catch up with them. All good back in NZ which is fantastic!

Packed up and then headed to Susuwe Station to pay park fees, it is quite a long way into the office, saw loads of ellie tracks along the way. Got there and paid for our stay in the park, all really nice people, but no one ever has any change!! Whats knew!

We headed off towards Katima Mulilo and then onto Sesheke to cross into Zambia. Nice road all the way and crossing the border out of Namibia was a breeze. Got to the Zambia side and thats when the fun begins. Firstly fill out the immigration card and pay for visas (double entry $80US each), then fill in the entry book, followed by buying insurance for the vehicle and trailer about 1500 Rand, then go onto the next office to pay carbon tax about 320 Rand, then outside to the far office to pay $20US for road tax I think and then lastly go to the beat up caravan at the front to pay $10US for don't really know what - phew seems to be all clear now and we can make our way across the bridge.

It is about 200kms to Livingstone and the road is mostly okay, not quite as nice as the Namibian side, but still only a few potholes. Stop for lunch along the way and get into Jollyboys at about 4pm - Sue just rushing out to the council and Kim on a conference call to Ireland. Go to the bar for a well earned drink.

Girls finally free and get to have big hugs and kisses. Both are looking great as usual. We discuss plans for this evening (Martins birthday) and also where we will stay for the next few days. Also tell them a little about what we want to do in Zambia.

Lucky Martin he gets to stay in the backpackers for his 52nd birthday, bet not many people do that! Sue picks us up a little late so its a bit of a rush ride to see the sunset over the Zambezi - I take our last bottle of french champagne with us to toast Martins birthday. We have a few drinks at Zambezi Waterfront after polishing off the champagne and then Martin is asked what kind of food he would like? His choice is Ocean Basket (yes in a landlocked country, but happens to be the 3rd best Ocean Basket around).

We have a fabulous meal and drinks - all in all not a bad birthday I think, well I hope as I couldn't do much else at short notice.

Speak soon xxx