Lae to Ukarumpa, PNG

Saturday, March 29, 08
Up at 6:30, we leave at 7:00 to begin the loading process. We will keep collecting till our tires tell us to stop or we hit bottom - 1000 kg. Besides the cargo, we are carrying suitcases left by yesterdays four women and some for the Howard family. One of the stops, Morobe Produce, we collect onions and talk to Barry Feldon, an Aussie in his 70s, who was kidnapped last week and held for 6 days. During the ransom transfer, the local swat team descended on the rascals (name given to lawless element) killing two, capturing one and one escaped. Barry is still very shaken. Bill has been held up once on his Lae-Ukarumpa route. It took place near the compound by a fellow with a knife and a gun. Otherwise, NO WORRIES!
What takes time is that nothing is ready, even though the order was in days ago. Only when we arrive is the order assembled. At no place are ordered complete. Only a portion is available.
Pidgin is the language. Although, English is spoken by many (British colony) Pidgin is English PNGized. PNG men often walk with their shirt on their head. This way, arriving at their destination, it isn't sweated through.
We drive through coastal landscape, then the Markham Valley and climb into the highlands. The road is ready to slide away as we climb to our 5000 ft. Past Yonki Lake, which supplies electrical power, and coffee plantations. PNG coffee locally sells for $1.00/lb. We arrive in Kainantu, at around 1:30, and gas up. We are 10 minutes from Ukarumpa.
In the double gate and fence, we pull up at the Simpson house. there to greet us are Martha, Paige (7) and Emma (2). The rest of the day is spent with unloading the van, checking at the SIL Guesthouse, and dinner at The Simpson's. Sanctuary, a sing along is attended from 6:30-8:00. Bill and I are tired and take turns snoozing in the back. The elevation brings with it a coolness which will make sleeping easy. Rain is making it even easier.
New pictures: http://picasaweb.google.co.uk/musungi/Lae