Home » CHAPTER 3: FULL THROTTLE

CHAPTER 3: FULL THROTTLE

August 31, 2021
Written by Mornette Scott-Riddell

Reading time: 5 minutes

The patriarch of our family clan, our beloved father, grandfather, husband and friend Mike McGeorge passed away on the 7^th of April 2017, less than two weeks after our magical family reunion in Victoria Falls. Our lives were shattered, our hearts totally and utterly broken. We never dreamt that our next family gathering would be for the funeral of the person who held us all together. It was a deeply sad time for all of us.

*There are some who bring a light so great to the world that even after they have gone the light remains.*

A wise man once said, “learn to pivot”. In aviation language, “divert” if there’s a storm cloud ahead. Life is full of choices isn’t it. How you choose to deal with the blows that come your way is up to you. The “what if’s” were no longer valid. Now was the time to engage full throttle and take off into the future, whatever it had in store for us. Blinking back the tears, we were more determined than ever to forge ahead with our plans for the lodge.

Plan A was mapped out on a scrappy piece of paper, with a very rough drawing of an open plan gazebo. We were motivated to get this building up quickly to make the most of the weather in Vic Falls, which is glorious throughout the year and lends itself to outdoor living and entertaining. Apart from the scorching heat of October/November, and a summer rainy season from November through to March, residents and visitors alike are promised blue skies and endless warm, sunny days.

Click here to find out more about the best time of year to visit the Falls

One of our family mantras is “when in doubt, call in the experts.” Enter Phil Darby and his design team from PDI Design who are based in Johannesburg, South Africa. Phil D came and stayed with us for a few days, took loads of measurements, and drew up a proper Plan B for the gazebo. His advice at the time was invaluable, and we still have him on speed dial to this day!

*The dapper and talented designer Phil Darby and his Plan B sketch for the gazebo.*

With some modifications and useful suggestions, building began on the gazebo on 17 May 2017. It was an exciting time for us as piles of bricks and cement gradually morphed into a proper structure.

*Dreams begin with 50 bags of cement and 20 thousand bricks … one brick at a time.*

One vivid memory of this time remains etched in my mind. Sylvester the tree cutter was called in to trim the overhanging branch of a teak tree which was going to impede the thatched roof of the gazebo. Fearless of heights and unimpaired by a safety harness (“what’s that?” he chuckled when he saw the look of horror on my face) he nimbly climbed up the tree, ax in hand, and began chopping away whilst balancing precariously on the same branch he was cutting. Oh, did I mention Sylvester only has one eye… my shattered nerves.

We were working hard behind the scenes, formulating a business strategy for the lodge. This involved budget forecasts and endless lists of things we would potentially have to bring in from elsewhere in Zimbabwe, and even import from South Africa. We were learning quickly that Victoria Falls is a remote location – no Amazon online shopping available in our neck of the woods!

Once your home turns into a construction site, you will find any excuse to escape the dust and noise. As luck would have it, we have many escape routes right on our doorstep.

Just 7km away from us is the beautiful Zambezi National Park filled with a variety of wildlife.

We often go into the park for a picnic by the river to clear our minds and find perspective.

Let nature direct your course. Let us help you book your day *safari* into the park.

Click here for activities in the park.

Coffee at the Look Out Café, with spectacular views looking out towards Victoria Falls bridge and gorge is always a treat, especially when we have visitors.

*Nothing beats a good view with friends.*

Click here for adrenalin activities in the gorge.

Wonderful, wet, cool visits into the Victoria Falls Rainforest never cease to take our breath away. The Falls is organic, always changing with the seasons.