While the journey may be something to enjoy, it can also be the cause of stress and future back surgeries. On our recent venture, we traveled a few rough roads. On one occasion, I seriously asked Charlotte “With more potholes than road, how does the 2 inches of asphalt stay between the holes?” And when I say 2 inches of asphalt, I don´t mean the depth of the pavement. No, that is just under one inch. That is the amazing part. Just one inch deep, and somehow two inches of asphalt separates each hole. Incredible.
Driving on the shoulder. It was smoother.
Sadly, we were unable to truly capture the true condition of the roads with our camera. Charlotte was able to snap this shot as we were going down a major highway. Yes, we were driving. Yes, we were on the shoulder. Yes, it was better than the road.
These photos were taken before the rain started for the day. Just imagine rain and water disguising everything in the road. Driving at 20 mph and slower, because you know that you will go into an invisible pothole. That was where the real fun began.
Oh joy, a bridge. Did I mention 'wooden?'
Just when things seem to be staying the same, they suddenly get worse. Sure, I thought that wooden bridges were rustic, glamorous, cool, and sometimes, even cute. But things change. I really wasn´t thinking of wooden bridges for everyday, overloaded use. Now my eyes have been opened
Looks good from here
We crossed a couple of bridges like the one pictured here. If pictures are worth a thousand words, this one is silent about why we were driving on the left hand side of the road. Apparently, someone else needed a few of the planks for a higher purpose, I am not sure, but there was a section missing from ‘our’ side of the bridge.
We are happy to say that all went well. No accidents, no flat tires, no bandits. Please pray for me as I return to this area on Friday and returning on Saturday. I will be visiting a remote community with some Brazilian friends to see what doors God may be opening. Also, a couple of my friends and co-workers will be traveling to the island of Marajó to do the same. Thank you for your faithfulness.
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March 31, 2011 at 9:01 am
Michael Miller
I will certainly be praying for you and your friends Joel. I saw some similar driving conditions in central Mexico last year and its difficult to imagine if you haven’t been there. Give my love to the family.
Michael
April 5, 2011 at 12:43 pm
Byron
Looks and sounds like most of the roads I’ve experienced in Kenya. Don’t know which is worse, the potholes or the washboard. One can put you on the roof and the other will rattle all your fillings loose!