Date of Publication: June 2007

Magazine: Boy’s Quest

On the Banks of Black Volta

By

Patti Richards

Most little boys love to take fishing trips with their families, and when Gene was a boy he was no different. What was different was where he got to go- the Black Volta River on the northeast border of Cote d'Ivoire, West Africa. You see, Gene and his brother Randal grew up far away from the fishing streams and ponds of America on a mission station with their parents. While other boys and girls were playing on playgrounds and walking to school, Gene and Randal chased lizards, played in the jungle and went to sleep with the sound of the bush baby calling in the night. Each day brought new adventures to these two American boys living far away from American life.

Packing for the annual fishing trip to the Black Volta took days. Miles and miles from running water and electricity of any kind, the family worked hard to prepare for any needs they might have. From fresh water to first aid, everything was included- not to mention some very strong fishing line for the large Nile Perch living in this amazing river. The Nile perch is a fish found in the rivers and lakes of Northern and Central Richards/Story

Africa that can grow to more than 200 pounds. The largest the boys' dad had ever caught weighed more than 70 pounds and was over 6 feet long!! The family, as well as many villagers, feasted for days after that fishing trip.

Loaded up, the excited family drove mile after mile on dusty roads up country. The best time to fish the river was in December in the middle of dry season- a six-month period of time in tropical climates when there is no rain. The river, low, calm and clear would be just perfect for gliding along in the boat. Through village after village they traveled, herds of goats and chickens scattering at the sound of the unfamiliar automobile, until all signs of civilization were left behind. Sometimes the journey itself brought adventures, with enormous snakes stretched across the road- no head or tail in sight- or potholes so large half of a car might be swallowed up in an instant!!!

When the campsite on the riverbank was finally reached, there were tents to be set up, a fire made for cooking, the boat launched and fishing lines prepared. Waiting was hard for the two boys, anxious to be out on the river. Gene loved looking up at the trees while he helped, watching monkeys play games in the branches. Soon, the camp was ready, and the fishing could begin.

The long metal boat floated smoothly along the water as Dad searched for the perfect spot to find "Charlie,” his name for the fish. Gliding along, Gene could see the flicker of Hippos’ ears low in the water and hear swishing, swirling sounds as they submerged. Occasionally, the boat would meet an African dugout- a boat carved out of a long log- with fishermen out for the days' catch. Caiman, a type of crocodile, basked lazily in the hot sun near the shore, or floated secretly just below the water- looking more like logs than something waiting for a quick meal.

When the perfect spot was finally found, the real fun began. Gene liked to climb out of the boat onto a rock in the middle of the gently flowing water waiting for a bite. Hour after hour lines were cast, and the laughter of happy boys could be heard up and down the river. Sometimes the boys would be rewarded with a strong fight from an unwilling fish. Other times the line stayed empty, except for the occasional mishap, like the time they had brought along an inflatable raft instead of the boat. Dad was fishing in the raft, when suddenly his hook caught on a tree limb on the other side of the bank. Pulling and tugging, the hook came loose, sailed through the air and lodged itself in the raft. The air quickly leaked out and the boat disappeared beneath him. Afraid of snakes in the tall grasses along the bank, Gene and Dad waded all the way back to the camp- several hours later and covered in mud.

At the end of each day the fisherman returned to camp where Mother waited anxiously for stories about the fun. A supper of fresh fish over an open fire was just the thing for a hungry boy. Climbing into his tent, Gene listened to the sounds of the jungle until he was fast asleep. There he dreamed of another day, and more adventures to come on the banks of the Black Volta.