As it turns out our group (Walt, Marisa, Mark, and I) remained as four when we were picked up by Yusuf (guide), Mohammad (asst guide), and I can't forget to mention Jimmy the driver. We had a 3hr drive, a stop in a village where we were able to find a 'interesting' toilet.
Registering at Londorossi Gate:
Then our Land Rover broke down right after registering us for the climb at the Londorossi Gate. With 17 guides, porters, cooks, etc...there were many mechanic wannabes...and a couple that really knew what they were doing. Amazing!
We got on our way a little behind schedule, but it was the next part of the trip that was the biggest adventure - think off-road racing through mud, deep potholes filled with water on a single track with other 4x4s coming the other way. This was better than any amusement park ride imaginable.
We finally made it to the trailhead and after a quick bite to eat, the porters loaded up their loads and we were on our way.
White necked raven after stealing Yusuf's samosa:
Some steep climbs through the jungle with a few very muddy sections. We saw lots of elephant dung and were fortunate enough not to see one up close. But we did see black and white colobus monkeys chasing each other around. Then we saw a blue monkey and a colobus monkey fighting for territory. Very cool stuff and absolutely beautiful to travel through this biome.
We made the final climb up to our first camp - Mti Mkubwa (also known as Big Tree) Camp - where warm popcorn, biscuits, tea/coffee/hot chocolate were waiting for us. The porters are very fast and had passed us early into the climb. Even though we were camping, we were still spoiled rotten with an amazing meal prepared for us shortly after.
A great end to a fun day with friends.
1 comment:
Hi Kids it was great to hear from you. Sounds like you are having a ball. I can just imagine the ride in the mud and pretty rough ride. Dad would love that but you know me if anything stronger than a merry-go-round, to; sick feeling for me. How is Walt and Merrisa doing I know they are very fit so I presumne all right. Hope you are getting lots of pictures, love your stories. Janet says you should be an author, write your own books. Think about you all the time, many are asking how you are doing. We are going for lunch with Grama and Greetta on Friday( dad says to tell you that it be will be almost as exciting as your trip.Ha ha) Keep in touch love you both Mom and Dad
Post a Comment