On the road

The natural scenery driving from Mole to Nkwanta via Yendi gets a tad monotonous after the 100th mile on a dirt road through the flat scrub but luckily the people along the way keep things interesting. We were amazed, amused, and periodically alarmed at the views out the window.

As you get farther north in Ghana, bikes seem to be the equivalent of the family car. We often saw Mom, Dad and a child or two on a single bike.

The young boy above was picking up odd jobs at Mole with his sister in the basket... The elegantly clad ladies on the backs of the bikes seem to magically stay clean. We think they were headed to church.

Above - a dapper looking fellow with his big load and a woman who can't manage to stay on the bike but at least she gets to roll the load instead of the usual head-carry method.

Tro-tros and cargo trucks are loaded seemingly beyond the point of no return. Here are a few

we managed to catch through the front window...

Oddly, it's the one that looks most roadworthy that was upended on the side of the road. As we approached, we had a sick feeling that we were going to see a bloody scene but there seemed to be no evidence of injury or panic. Our guess is that the bus may have had a minor mishap (e.g., drove into the ditch) and the "helpful" crowd that always materializes in Ghana most likely caused the somersault as they tried to rock it out... Maybe the bus was swerving around some cows who frequently cross all manner of roads -- dirt tracks and highways alike.

Of course, the old stand-by head-carry is always an option.

It's a little sad to see such little ones carrying heavy loads, even if they do manage a welcoming smile as we pass. At least the bath looks like fun -- until the thought of waterborne disease comes to mind.

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