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;

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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.