Tuesday June 23
In the evening, Joesph told us we could meet at 6am to breech the wire fence and explore the savanna. So as soon as it was safe, we crawled out of our sleeping bags and onto the cliffs edge. We were only allowed to leave with a local. Andrew, a stoic man with minimal English, led us into the darkness. He walked silently scanning the shrubs boarding the open path. When animals make noise we look at each other but Andrew doesn’t flinch so we continue on. When we reach the edge, we peaked over the river into the conversancy. We watched zebra and gazelles roam across the landscape. We scurry over to edge to watch the sun creep over the horizon inch by inch. After returning to the camp, we’re told we were hearing a lion but it was several km away. I’m not sure that made me feel much better.
Breakfast was served and we were herded onto the bus for a long journey. Gracie asked to be my seat buddy and was delighted to have her company. The drive was bumpy but the conversation was good and the scenery was impressive. The savanna was speckled with giraffes, elephants, zebras, and dick dicks. At our first stop, we tried cactus fruit. It reminded me of a sweet guava. I also enjoyed a conversation with Holly about politics in Kenya and at home. When we made it to our final destination tucked deep into the African savanna we were served cabbage and potatoes. Scattered across barren rocks and surrounded by grazing camels, munching on acacia trees. The same prickly trees that will grab your sleeve and poke holes in your clothes.
On the drive back, I joined Mumbi for some black and white movies. It was my first taste of artificial since I’d arrived in Kenya. The movie was good but I can’t say it filled my cup the same way it would at home. In the last leg, I slumped onto Mumbi’s shoulder and nodded off to sleep.
The rest of the night we were left to our own devices. As the sun was setting we had one more opportunity to move our legs. A big group gathered to walk to the cliff. We all settled into our places munching on large pieces of sugar cane. Across the river, a herder gathered his cows at the river edge and ten to fifteen elephants waited their turn to cross the river. Sometimes I have to pinch myself.
I had forgotten Joseph offered us morning walkers a night drive. An opportunity to see the savannas predators. After dinner, we packed into a Land Rover and headed into the darkness. I was smooshed on the end exposed to our surroundings. Driving along the road we shine our headlights into the bushes illuminating every hidden pair of eyes.
Before bed Liam shared some new constellations.
Wired to Wonder 