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| Glenn's Journal for 10-26-02 - Mt. Kenya/Nanyuki We actually got to sleep in today until 6:30 am as we would take our game drive as we were leaving the park. We had breakfast and met Richard (our driver) out front around 7:30 am. We still spent about 2 hours driving through the park enjoying the wildlife and scenery before departing for Mt. Kenya. After leaving the park and part way into our journey we stopped at a store that we had visited on the way in. We spoke with the same people trying to sell us the same things that we could not afford the other day. I will give the shop credit as it was one of the more complete shops that we had seen, meaning they had a bigger selection of items to choose from. After the hour or so stop there we continued on to Nanyuki where we would spend the night. We stayed at the Simba Lodge, which was decent enough for us backpackers and included hot water and decent meals. Our first agenda was to take in lunch before our afternoon adventure. After lunch we were heading off to see the Mau Mau caves at the base of Mt. Kenya. These caves are named for the African independent fighters who shared these caves during the rebellions (1952 - 1956) against the Europeans (British) for independence. Many different tribes in the area came together to support the fight and to drive white settlers out of the area. We stopped in town to pick up our guide for the trip. Richard dropped us off at the side of the road where we would walk nine kilometers round trip to see these caves. Our tour guide was very informative both about the vegetation and the rebellion itself. Once we had reached the caves we enjoyed the view of a nearby waterfall that was strategic to the Mau Mau's position as it allowed them to talk without being heard by the opposition if they came nearby. The stop at the caves only lasted ten minutes before we were heading back out of the woods. Once we had completed our walk we returned to a lodge where Richard would pick us up to return to our motel. We arrive on time around 5:00 pm (3 hour walk) but Richard had not yet returned. He was having more work done on the van so it would make it for the rest of the trip. While we waited Erin checked out the horses and sat on the swing set while I had a chance to play volleyball with some of the employees of the lodge. We played for 45 minutes until Richard showed up. I enjoyed myself but I know that Erin was more than ready to get back for a hot shower before dinner. We returned to our room, showered, had dinner, and returned to our room to read and crash out. The walk and a little volleyball would help us sleep well tonight. Tomorrow will be a long drive day as we are off to Amboseli, which takes us from a few hundred kilometers north of Nairobi through Nairobi to a few hundred kilometers to the south. |
| The bachelor impala herds keep themselves busy in practice fights, preparing for a future chance to challenge for a herd of females. |
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| The baboon troops were so much fun to watch - this cleaning behavior is a common way to socialize. Take a load off, buddy! |