An earthquake of magnitude 5.9 hit north-west Tanzania on Saturday 10th September, killing 16 people and injuring over 250. It was the worst earthquake Tanzania has experienced for over a decade. While a magnitude 5.9 earthquake is classified as ‘moderate’, it will cause damage to buildings. On this occasion, over 800 houses were destroyed, or seriously damaged, making a large number of people homeless.
The impact has put severe strain on local health and welfare services. The epicentre was near to Lake Victoria and shock waves were felt in Mwanza, about 120 miles away, and in Simiyu Region, where the Mayega Children’s Centre is situated. We have had no reports of casualties in Mwanza or Mayega and Rev Deuli has reported that everyone we know is absolutely fine. Most of the casualties were in the city of Bukoba.
Lake Victoria is in the Great Rift Valley, which sits on a geological fault line and that increases the chances of earthquakes occurring. Despite this, major earthquakes in the area are rare.
Today was long, about 15 miles across varied terrain. From Dava moorland into the green and fertile plain approaching Forres. But out of this peace comes a touch of controversy. How come Mo Farrah won the Great North Run with so much coverage? Why are we not the Great North Walk? Our route today was longer, we are nearer the Arctic Circle and the Dava Way has a ghost train (not today, unfortunately, but in 1920). Clearly we are superior. Today’s highlights. The Halfway Hut (with a solar panel and a visitor’s book which now advertises Busega 
Scotland), Cenzo sitting on a sheep dog (strangely he/she didn’t move) and the Divie Viaduct (completed in 1861, 159 yards wide and 106 feet high).
There were some fatigued walkers in Cromdale this morning, facing the next 12 miles to Dava Station. Compared to yesterday it is not a difficult walk, as the route leaves the Spey Valley and turns north along the Dava Way towards our final destination of Forres. Most of ‘the Dava’ is on the track bed of the former Forres to Grantown railway.
What we needed today was encouragement and we are privileged to have Mary the Motivator on our side. She was armed and dangerous, with her walking pole, bit did allow us a rest at the Cairngorm stone. Mary is our youngest walker but our biggest personality. Thank you Mary.
Busega Scotland has been rocked by the news that ace walker Sheena Main has had to pull out of ‘Walk Moray for Busega’. In an exclusive interview, Sheena said, ‘ Words cannot convey how disappointed I am not to be joining my heroic team mates, as they close in on their amazing achievement’. When pressed on how much pain she endured injuring her toe on the walks last weekend, the characteristically modest Sheena answered, ‘Och, it was nothing’. Photographic evidence, obtained by Busega Scotland, suggests otherwise but to spare squeamish readers we have only published a picture of the bandaged toe.
The twelve mile stage from Fochabers to Craigellachie completed the first forty six miles. Today was tough – a lot of climbing in 24 Celsius heat but with a cooling breeze. The route took us up a 10% climb leaving Fochabers and past our own ‘bridge over the River Kwai’ at Boat O’Brig.
Today’s route was from Forres to Burghead, a mere 12.75 miles. Flat but beautiful, we passed through the village of Findhorn and along the turquoise, yes turquoise, waters of Burghead Bay. Positively tropical. Today’s crisis – John couldn’t find his hat, after Plan B dementia was diagnosed, as it was in his bum bag. Highlight of the day – Christine’s home bakes as ever (Busega Scotland marches on its stomach). Revelation of the day – Margaret and Mary don’t like apricots, general rejoicing, more apricot cake for everyone else. Maybe tomorrow’s blog will be a bit more about the walk itself?