Playtime under the Podos

Mount Elgon & the boys in blue shirts

It was my friend Chris' dumb idea to drive to the Uganda border 12 hours from our warm comfortable homes --  hike up to 4200 meters -- over 40 kms of trail and spend 4 days experiencing freezing temperatures and sore backs. I called up Andy who quickly agreed that this kind of extreme discomfort is indeed a capital idea for an aging trio of VijanaWa Jana - an apt Swahili expression for "these young men of yesterday". We immediately got busy buying gear including the 3 identical blue fleeces being sported in true mountaineer fashion above. You gotta look the part right?

 

 

The idea then, once arrived at the gate where a number of Giraffes, Water Bucks and Baboons welcomed us -- was to head up to that chunk of rock circled in blue above. Shouldn't be a problem though it does look like a long ways to walk from where we stood. Good idea Chris!

 

Boniface, seen above lounging luxuriously in the grass would take responsibility for finding the path which I might add is at times fairly hard to follow. We were grateful for his sense of direction and superhuman energy. This dude just did not get tired. I suppose after 10 years of traipsing up and down the hill, one becomes used to it, Fair enough. One thing I didn't quite get though was the armed ranger being cancelled at the last minute. Hmmm I thought, with wild buffalo, leopards and elephants throughout the park (I think Boniface said there were 700 of those big grey guys roaming about) that seemed like a poor idea. 

 

 

And while we saw a number of steaming telltale markers of both elephants and buffalo, we saw mostly bush bucks and water bucks as we made our way along. In one terrifying moment someone noticed a new-born buffalo about a meter off the trail. Forgive me for not taking a picture as I though it best to get the fuck out of there smartly! Mama would be unhappy to see us for sure.

Responsible for our tummies was a man who referred to himself as "Mountain Mama" and while there was some gender confusion surrounding this self - identity, there was no misunderstanding the excellent grub. He made a garlic, ginger and butternut soup that danced on the tongue like a vaudeville act both scintillating and delicious at the same time. It was fascinating to see him put together a delicious 3 course meal from what seemed like nothing. A tiny paraffin stove, a couple pots and a big smile is apparently all that is necessary. Let's see Gordon Ramsey pull that shit off. Ha!!  He even got up at 3:30 to prepare tea at base camp as we set off for the summit. Marry me mountain mamma 😊 Marry me!!

So off we go!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

As we got started, Chris made sure than any wildlife that we might see would be forewarned of our arrival some 2 kms in advance. So bright was his shirt that the Elephants' Union lodged a formal complaint with the Park Rangers for inappropriate mountain wear. That said - what I love about these 2 men, among other things is there zest for life and commitment to a healthy lifestyle. Andy was in fantastic shape, his strength and conditioning were humbling for both Chris and I. At times I thought about slipping a ruffie or something in his Tea to slow that fucker down. Even fair doses of scotch in the evening had no significant impact on his stamina. Very inspiring Andy!!! Lock up your daughters 😀

 

 

As we hiked steadily higher, at some point we came across a Podo forest which I would say is a fairly unique and beautiful Eco-environment. As you can see above, Andy and Boniface are completely dwarfed by these giants that create a high thick canopy providing dappled light to the forest floor sprawling out deliciously down the mountainside. The underbrush is then a beautiful combination of grass, bamboo and other mystery green growy bits. At the end of our trip Andy, Chris and I pose in front of a big Podo that takes 15 people holding hands to surround. Boniface identified some indigenous berries that he assured us were edible and delicious. True to his word, we had a bit of a trail-side feast and inquired to the name of these delicious morsels. Boniface wasn't sure so consulted for some time with the porters who had caught up with us while we munched. There were gestures and clear disagreement as there were many opinions from the local residents. After a fair amount of group discussion in Swahili he turned to us and said. They are called Wild Berries. Ahhhh - there you have it.

The flora is as varied as it is impressive. Andy, emerging from this weird "forest"  above, identifies these weird looking things as Giant Lobelia. Good luck getting that in a flower pot with a couple Geraniums. The whole place reminded me very much of a Star -Trek set. Oh oh - showing my age. A definite give away and categorical no-no for a young man of yesterday.

Let's hit the summit boys!!

At 4am we exited our tents to a biting cold now unfamiliar to this lad from Canada. I have to admit to silently cursing Chris and his "great idea". So now -- the red line is the route we plan to take. It's gently upward sloping with a 600 meter kick at the end engineered by Mama Nature to give you a good kick in the ribs or elsewhere that will really smart. We made the ascent in the dark (not sure who's bright idea that was) so as to catch the sunrise on that cold dark morning. And that we did. Thanks Andy for this great shot below!! WTF hey? A beautiful heart filling soul quenching moment.

So close you can almost taste it.

 

 

The shot above really shows the magnificence of these rock chunks in some cases tentatively and  precariously perched on the hillside. That's Chris looking for elephants... or at least dung.

Despite the challenges we did indeed summit and bravely fought the wind and cold to triumphantly hoist the Canadian Flag in celebration. Well done lads!! Another mountain conquered leaving each of us with an unquenchable thirst for the next challenge and adventure.

 

I had to add this shot showing the changeability of the weather. From too hot to too cold in an instant. Puffy white clouds to the right and dark rain clouds above as Andy considers adding a layer.

 

Meanwhile at Malezi

A big thank to the donors and Grace as we delivered another month worth of food for the kids in the slum. I also received donations from Edwin, Laurel and Family and Muriel for which I could not be more thankful. At present, the 2 projects; Jake and Yvonne  - and Malezi school kids are funded for another 3 months. 105% of donations go to the projects. Can another charity say that :)

Together we are making a difference.

Thanks all!!

 If you want to donate please;

E-interact to laynemahon@live.com

Paypay to laynegmahon@gmail.com

Max wanted to help with the blog but figured a nap might be better use of his time.

 

 

Thanks for reading....Layno !!!

 ... eating "Wild Berries" or the scientific name: Wildous berious delicius.

Valentines - a day of Love - though not for the PoPo

 New digs!!! Welcome to the Tree-house

 

 

 

The house that sat nestled amongst the Angel trumpets and Avocado trees always smelling so sweetly is no longer where I hang my hat. Sadly - nearly tragically in my mind, I had to say goodbye to that wonderful home and instead of drifting from one oversized room to the next enjoying the mile high ceilings and wide open patio doors, relegate those memories to memory.  It was a treat, a pleasure, a gift and a time for which I will ever be thankful. What a pleasant chapter that was ....

However!!! My new digs are on the same property and set high above that old house, seemingly suspended amongst the trees and acquainting me with a new green leafy world that in many ways eclipses the vibe of the old place. The view from the kitchen table is  fabulous in the morning as the coffee soothes my soul and the mist swirls among the banana trees below. 

Max, now just over 2 months old, surveys from his lofty perch and seems to approve of the new digs by marking his territory in each and every room. Thanks Max!!

 

 

 

 

On the second day in the treehouse, a troupe of about 25 Sykes' monkeys invaded and romped around the space. I'm a dumb-ass at times and had left all the windows and doors open almost as an invitation to the little buggers. Nothing was taken other than a my reading glasses, leading me to believe they were coming back to try and hack the safe.  Damned monkeys!

Fun with the Popo

In the video above, you see the Land Cruiser ahead of me heading for disaster. While the road looks ok in the video, you'll have to take my work for it when I say "it sucks". The intrepid adventurer in front of me gave up after 3 attempts leaving me to try my luck. And for me ... this is the way home so a successful run up the hill was completely necessary.

I made it up that muddy hill slipping and sliding - but that isn't even close to the most challenging part of the trip home. The most challenging part is running the Popo gauntlet that whimsically targets this one and that one for a good ole roadside shake down.

I have been lucky until this day, managing to avoid bribes  and not spend too much time parked on the roadside "negotiating". On this day though - not so lucky. I was arrested, charged and jailed for "overspeeding" and no amount of pleading would help my case. Jail was essentially a tool shed on the side of the road - but without payment - I would be forced to stay there until my trial in 2 days time. A fairly strong incentive to pay up particularly when coupled with the fact that the heat in the metal tool shed under the hot African sun was enough to cook a nice chicken dinner.

Eventually - I paid - and promised to appear in court a couple days hence though assuming correctly that the "receipt" was a bogus document and my "bribe" had been successfully taken (in cash of course).  I could now go about my business until next time I get "selected" so that the impartial dispensation of justice may be served. 😂😂😂 A textbook case of general and specific deterrent administered with such precision.

Update on Just Food Africa

Jake is loving his school and doing very well making friends and embarking on his journey of discovery. Meanwhile, at Malezi school, Grace and students celebrated their 7th year of teaching young folk in that cute little school. What a difference Grace and company have made. The readers of this blog who contribute funds, have been feeding all these kids and will be sending another load in next Saturday. Well done team JFA. 

Teacher Grace congratulates the students and supporters then cuts that awesome cake.

The boys get busy eating that awesome cake!!

 

 

 

 

Thanks for reading ...Layno on Longonot Summit.