Only the sky was dark and brooding

Sometimes in life the journey is the destination. I'm of two minds on that philosophy. 

First - let's say this. The idea of riding a motorcycle through the back roads and game trails in South Eastern Kenya is not for everyone - but for me - it is as close to heaven as one can get. Rumor had it that you could leave Nairobi and stay off the paved roads for most of the way to the beautiful Indian Ocean. Improbable in my view, was the risk of bandits, breakdown just as a Lion decided it was lunch time, or just getting lost. Let's give it a try!

While one might think safety or mechanical reliability would be the first consideration. Nope - it's making sure your bummy is comfy for hours upon hours of riding in the hot sun. That said - my first visit was to Njorge in Limuru for a fresh sheep skin. 

He quickly chose the right one and with the skill of a long time sheep skin fabricator -- cut it to fit perfectly with the little sheep leggy parts tucking under my seat. Essie, ever supportive of my adventurous spirit complained bitterly about the smell and made me keep it on the porch. Imagine! Maybe it was a bit too fresh.

Next was to find a way through Amboseli National Park. This required a few phone calls to fellow adventurously enthusiastic travelers and a name and number was provided (Thank you Kamau & Steve).  There would be no signs along the way  - just rough directions and instructions to just "ask the locals". Right - that should do it!

The locals were ever so helpful and the kids happy to assist in the business of guiding this Mzungu (white guy) through their land. Though I felt that my big yellow motorcycle was pretty intrusive juxtaposed alongside mud huts and sand, there was no animosity  - just the warm Kenyan welcome that I have come to enjoy so much.

The next hours were like watching a movie with a sore ass. At one point, half dozen Giraffes ran along beside me with that majestic gallop while at the same time, I carefully negotiated my way through herds of Zebra and Antelope that seemed unconcerned by my travel. 

One sand pit after another threatened to toss me on my face but miraculously I managed to kept the big BMW upright all day. I would say luck rather than skill  - or perhaps divine intervention. Either way - all but my bum enjoyed the ride.

A half eaten buffalo carcass under an endless blue sky caused me to pause for a moment realizing that this is the way it has been here for centuries. Unchanged - undamaged - unadulterated except of course for my motorcycle. There were some twinges of guilt along the way but other than some temporary tracks in the sand  - I left little behind and took only memories.

I passed and waved at a number of Elephants along the way though stopped to say hello to these 3 big amigos. While they seemed glad to see me, at one point I wondered if the flapping ears and head shaking was more than just an enthusiastic welcome to Tsavo National Park. One started to come over to say hello and my thinking is that I was running a bit late anyway so should probably get back on the Cycle and continue my adventure. I think a flat Layno was in the offing and that was best avoided.

Rather than risk getting caught by father darkness in the jungles of Shimba hills, I stopped at a Hotel in place called Voi and called it a night. Dinner was a a very refreshing cold beer and by far the worst Pork Ribs I have ever tasted.  I chuckled to myself as I struggled through this abomination thinking of my Mother who has never eaten ribs with out telling the story of the amazing ribs she and someone named Mary once had in 1961. If only she and Mary were here they could bookend the rib eating experience. The sunrise was amazing -- the food was not. 😝

 After a wonderful early morning ride to South Coast, this little $20 per night beachfront banda was a welcomed sight. Pretty basic and I didn't see Ivanka Trump's name in the guest book, but what more do you really need when a hot shower is the last thing you need when it's 30 degrees all the time.

I've come to know some of the staff at this place (Soul Breeze) and as usual they made me feel very welcome. Njeri in particular has greeted Essie and I numerous times and her unfailingly warm smile is most welcoming. 

I mentioned the Soul Breeze in a previous blog and my good friend Fergus commented "you had me at soul breeze". That comment always comes to mind when I visit. The air smells sweetly, the sounds of the ocean calm my soul and the fresh fish and fruit make for a healthy time of it. And oh yeah - the beer is cold and served by Njeri with a familiar smile.

 

Soul Breeze in the evening. No tuxedo  required!!

No one to the right....

No one to the left!!!

Perfect for a Yoga session and skinny dip. Best no one catch sight of this scantily clad 60 year old.

And Work...

My company continues to do amazing work in Kenya improving health and safety in kitchens throughout the country and globally. Our company M-Gas continues to grow and fast!!

Nairobi remains Heaven and Hell. Torrential rain and protests are the country's constant companions lately making it challenging for us to save the world. Protests usually mean shutting down much of our operations as we are mostly in the informal settlements where Tear Gas and a Molotov cocktails are more common than political chants like  "Aye Yo Aye yo -- please make change or Go"

 

 

 

 

 

 .... a note on Cleo the insufferably happy loving Labish dog. She continues to amaze me with a generosity of love and kindness that are a lesson to me daily. How is it that dogs can rise to such maturity while some amongst  us humans cannot. Myself included - ahem!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Majengo Kids

Yesterday,
due to the generosity of those who have supported this project, we brought in the following;

• Rice 100kg
• Cow Peas 100kg
• Cooking Oil 20L
• Corn Flour 40kg
• Wheat flour 40kg
• 240 Cookie packages (Cookies are critical to good health) 😊

 

A big thanks to Joy and her team for putting the order together for us. Her assistant doesn't look that impressed. Not a morning guy maybe.

 

 

 A colleague from work who is interning with our company was good enough to come along and lend a helping hand. I made sure he lifted all the heavy stuff. Thanks Adam. My back appreciates the help!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I've got an idea and would really appreciate any financial support for this project. On a recent hike to the Ngong Hills I was struck by the amount of garbage (mostly glucose wrappers) along the trail. Why do we litter in beautiful places? And how can we impact the environment in a more positive way?

Let's start with kids!! My project is to ask the Malezi school senior class to write an essay explaining the importance of environmental stewardship. The essays will be evaluated and the top 12 kids will go on a hike in the hills boasting a picnic lunch AND 1 cent/bob for every piece of garbage they collect.

 

The budget is around $300 and if you would like to make a contribution to this of the "Just Food Africa" program, I would be most appreciative.

 

 

If you would like to donate - you can email me to chat about it or do so through:

MPESA -- +254745237248 (Local)

Pay Pal -- laynegmahon@gmail.com (International)

Or interact -- Laynemahon@live.com (Canada)

 

 I loved the ride and my couple of short days on the coast  - so while the journey may be the destination - my bummy would argue that the destination is a much more comfortable holiday. 😊

 

 

 

 

 

Thanks for reading....Layno on my way to a faaaaancy do!!!