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We are ready for our last day of animal watching. After a great breakfast we were off to the gathering area to sign up for our morning walk with the golden monkeys.

Before I go further I need to report on last nights dinner. When it came to dessert, the ladies were full. I had my normal two scoops of vanilla ice cream in a pastry. Nate, because we are in the potato growing region of the country, ordered French fries. They were spectacular!

Ok after breakfast we drove to the gathering place where you meet your guide for your trek.

Here is the Princess taking notes from our guide.

Here is our guide Francis. He pointed out he is not related to Pope Francis.

Then we were ready. We took a crew shot. One thing I would tell you. If you ever go on a trek take a walking stick. They are necessary.

Right before we left, the junior black back gorilla in our group, Nate, suggested based on my trouble at altitudes there was another way for me to join them today. I declined.

Here is a shot of one of the four dormant volcanoes. As Sandy pointed out, dormant means nothing. They can blow at any time.

Here is a shot of the potato fields all around the area. Remember Nate’s French fry dessert.

Then we had our first sighting.

They say a picture is worth a thousand words so allow me to share a few of the many pictures we took of the golden monkeys. Slide shows are available for your viewing pleasure if interested.

When we were moving to another spot, I captured my Princess moving forward on the trail.

So during the briefing, Francis, who again is not related to the Pope, told us we would have a leisurely walk and gentle climb. Francis and I have different meanings to the word gentle!

This is the view I had for most of the hike. Watching where I walked. I felt we were back at seal and ranger training school.

Porters are part of the team. They cost $10 to $15 dollars a day each. They can carry your pack, or even you if you need help. They are lifesavers.

Here is Lynn with her porter Valentine.

Now I have carefully crafted this tough guy image. That image is shattered by Nate and his camera. He heard “the silverbacks down” and snapped this picture as I was getting up. Yes, I held Gentles hand. His name was Gentle and without him, I would still be in the jungle.

When we finally made it down we had to take a picture of our crew. Great guys and very proud of their country.

When we got back to the camp I thought I would take a few pics of the “roughing it” we encountered.

Then it was on to our final lunch.

Nate continued to eat healthy as did the Princess and Sandy. I, being a representative of the picky eaters society of America, sampled all of the not so healthy foods. They were delicious.

Then we walked down for the last time those 186 steps to our waiting car. My trip would not be complete without a snap of our butler. His name was Felecian. He loved his tip, thanking us numerous times but loved his hat more. The Boulders hat will forever be worn in Kenya and now Rwanda.

Ok, when you talk to clicker 1 or clicker 2 or black back Nate, you will hear different versions of our trip to the airport. The reason we call Nate black back is young silverbacks are called that. I was the alpha silverback. The old guy. By the way rich white folk are called Mzungu. We did not see many of these except at the location to prepare for a hike. Here is the truth about our trip to the airport.

We left at 200 for a three hour car ride back to the airport. We did kill 90 minutes at the camp because our driver said no worries, three hours is enough. Once we hit the city, we encountered rush hour traffic. It looked like Times Square in New York on New Year’s Eve. After finally getting through that we hit a roadblock. We waited twenty minutes and turned around to take another route. He seemed lost and asked a taxi motorcycle rider for directions. Then we hit another traffic backup. Apparently the President and other dignitaries decided to have dinner and all roads were closed. There was a heightened level of anxiety in the car. We were traveling internationally and needed to go through passport control and security. Add to that the lack of bathroom facilities for some in the car. As we just sat we repacked our bags in case the luggage did not make it. We wanted to make sure we had our pills and toothbrushes. Finally the traffic opened up and we sped to the airport. Once at the airport all cars had to stop and be searched by dogs who could smell bombs or drugs. Humans needed to go through a scanner. Another delay. The airport was a three wood away. Upon arrival we were greeted by two local guides who whisked us through the line, got us seats and then somehow thru passport control and baggage search. Just as we thought we are home, the walking stick Princess bought for our son was declared by their TSA a weapon and could not go on the flight as hand luggage. For a while it looked like we would have to leave it. Our guides said no worries, we will check it for you. Problem solved. They took us to the VIP lounge where some local beers washed the bad taste out of Nate’s and my mouth. The ladies were fine with water. On the flight now and I sit here typing the truth. The entire trip went like a Rolex watch until the end. However we survived and made it.

No pictures. No time. So I will give you one more blog post with the highlights of the trip from each persons view. Then thank you for reading this.

Until we meet again tomorrow.

By the way, we are not done. Today is the walk to the golden monkeys. Two more posts. Stay tuned!

The Princess and I made a decision that we would not be going on our second day of gorilla tracking. Nate and Sandy would. For those of you that do not know I struggle with altitude. I have been taking pills these last five days to prevent altitude sickness.

Yesterdays trek to me must be what a few hours of navy seal and army ranger physical training rolled into one feels like!Mud, rocks, bamboo, jungle and elevation rolled into one. To me it was the toughest physical test I have ever done. Over 18,500 steps and 1,500 feet all in of vertical climb. I woke up today with the legs burning and slept over 11 hours. I need a day to recover. Thank you Princess for taking care of me. That trek was not the walk around Boulder parkway I used to train for this trek!

The Princess and I had a nice breakfast and packed because we are leaving tomorrow. We hung around camp to hear of the Hyde’s adventure which I will share.

Nate and Sandy, also known as as clicker 1, wife 2 or Sundy, had a fabulous time. It was almost a six mile hike and they made it to almost 9,100 feet. I would have been road kill if I tried that. Nate had a picture of the verticle. Here it is.

There was no mud today but more than enough bamboo. Here they are hacking through the jungle.

They stopped for a break and clicker 1 took a moment to embrace visually the view.

I asked them to share some of the shots they took. Here are their favorites. Again I will let the pictures speak for themselves. Thank you Nate and Sandy for sharing.

They say that mountain gorillas have 98 percent of the DNA of humans. Here is proof from wife 2, Sandy.

You decide.

After lunch we went to the Dina Fossey museum. My pics.

The it was off to shopping.

During shopping I saw this.

When we got back we had to climb those stairs to our cabins. I was told that there are 186 steps. I would never get use to this.

After a nice cocktail hour and dinner, we all retreated to our rooms. We have a 515 am wake up. We are going to see the golden monkeys tomorrow before we start the long journey home.

One travel tip I have come up with and the Princess agrees. I know you want to see as much as you can when you travel but one down day to recharge your batteries is time well spent. I would encourage you to consider this if you are gone longer than two weeks.

On that note what the Africans say instead of good by. Until we meet again.

We woke early, 500 am, to a gentle knock on the door and hot coffee.

After a gorilla breakfast of eggs, bacon, tomato and beans we were outfitted with gators and rain wear.

Here is a gator.

Then we were off. Sandy and Nate led the way down the path. No one told me it was 200 plus feet down the path, and of course up it!

Then the Princess came into view as the sun started to rise over the African skyline. Beautiful.

We took a short drive and came to the gorilla meeting area. They were preparing for next weeks gorilla naming ceremony. Here is the big momma watching over us.

Then on to the parking lot. Jeeps everywhere. This is where you sign in and learn who your tracker and guide will be.

I am both excited and nervous. So is the rest of the gang. Nate is the only one who will drink coffee. We are all concerned about facilities in the jungle. Stay tuned for an update on this.

We had our briefing and learned a few words in gorilla speak. Our guide has been doing this for 24 years. We are pumped. Here is Jerome, our lead guide.

Then we had a group shot of the day with him. We wanted photographic evidence that we were here in case we don’t come back.

We took off and walked about a mile through farm land. Potatoes were abundant. Interesting to note kids guard the fields during the day from monkeys and buffalo who love potatoes. Parents do it at night.

We continued our walk and stopped to rest and sample a tomato.

On the distance we see the volcano this land and our camp is named after. They do two day guided tours to the top. I encouraged our group to pass on that hike!

We left the farmland and entered the forest. Ahead we heard the machete cutting a path thru bamboo and vines for us.

After an hour of treking we made a stop. Here is the Princess admiring the view. I can’t thank here enough for this trip. I love you Princess.

Then we were told to put on our masks. I thought we were in a Covid free zone but they want to protect the gorillas. Why the mask now? We had our first sighting.

The ladies, Nate and I took over 400 pictures of the gorillas. Rather then share them all I tried to get some of the best to share with you. I will refrain from words. Words cannot describe the experience we all had this day.

And then we saw the silverback of this family. Over 400 pounds of gorilla.

We were now about three and a half hours in. We stopped for a snack.

Here our group is leaving the forest and going back down to the staging area. The brick wall you see goes around the volcano national park and keeps the animals in the park.

These are our hiking sticks. Mandatory and note what is carved on top.

Here is a picture of my porter, Alice. She was a lifesaver. She helped me through the mud, carried my pack and held my hand.

Then it was back to camp and get ready for sundowners. Tonight the staff promised a night of dancing and music. Here are a few pics.

After another great dinner and some south African cab for Nate and I, the Princess and I got back to our cabin around 830. Since there is a chill in the air, we were greeted with a hot water bottle on the bed to warm us. Some men might consider this too girly for them. I have had it every night and plan to bring this custom back to scottsdale.

With that, the fire is lit and the hot water bottle is calling my name. Cross gorillas off the bucket list. Today was the day.

We had great nights sleep. If you are ever in town we recommend this hotel.

Then it was off for a tour of the capital city. A few pics.

One thing that stood out to me was the traffic. Here we are in non rush hour traffic. Imagine what rush hour is!

One mode of transportation is the motor bike. A trip in town, and it is a big town, is fifty cents to a dollar.

The highlight of the morning was a walk through the genocide memorial. Since over 250,000 Rwandans are buried here no pictures are allowed. During the genocide in 1994, which lasted 100 days, two million were murdered. I did not say killed. They were murdered.

We took a whisper tour of the memorial. We made a donation and were given a pin as a thank you.

Them it was off to the volcanos and gorillas. Along the way Nate snapped these two pics.

Well needed a pit stop. So we stopped at the local halfway house and fueled up. Not a bad place actually. Nate discovered ice Rwanda coffee.

We then went through small village after small village.

As we got closer we came across the Ellen DeGenerous center dedicated to Dian Fossee. Dian lived and studied the gorillas. We are going to visit later this week.

I have not shown you our home away from home. Here it is. Toyota has a monopoly on jeeps here.

We arrive at the camp. As is the custom in this part of the world the camp crew met us with song and dance. Maybe we should do this at the Boulders for new members?

Let me introduce you to our guide and driver. Bernard. He is a survivor of the genocide. His family was hunted. His four sisters and three brothers and mom and dad were slaughtered. He is so knowledgeable and kind. He escaped being killed at the age of ten by running north with four other boys. They slept during the day and walked at night. Ate whatever they could find. One boy was killed by a land mine. Another by a bullet. It took three weeks but he escaped. One sister and one brother who were in other countries also made it. His story touched our souls. Here he is.

We arrived at our camp.

We had to walk up way too many steps because the golf cart was broken. However we saw our first gorilla.

Once we finally got to camp the ladies got ready for our briefing.

After the briefing we walked to our room.

Look what I found on a giant poster bed.

Then off for cocktails and dinner. We were impressed with the menu and wanted to share it with you.

Then since the next day was the highlight of the trip for Nate and I, the gorillas, went to bed. I hope you see why I named this days blog a day of reflection and great promise. Reflection on what the people of this country have been through. Great promise on what is coming the next few days to fulfill a life long dream.

So that is a wrap for today folks. Hope we can sleep!

It was a great morning. Part of the stay at the camp is being met in the morning and night by a warrior with a light. They want to make sure you are safe on your walk to the main lodge. Here is the Princess on her way.

Then it was time for breakfast. The gang minus Tracker Matt enjoying the view and a fab breakfast.

While eating our bags came.

I wish we could have spent more time in the sitting area.

This is a sad sight. It means we are leaving.

As we pulled away our “African family” said goodbye. Sad.

On the way to our plane we did a mini safari.

Then another cool pic.

We arrived at the air strip and it time for another good by. Dixon was the best guide I have ever had on any trip I have taken. Because of that, I awarded him a special gift. Guess what it was!

Our plane. Corbin still has not arrived to pilot us.

Upon arrival at Wilson airport here is a sign we saw.

The ladies walking to our car.

Arrivals seems so much easier.

Well. All good things must come to an end. We get to the airport and find out we have a three hour delay. Up to this point it was like a well tuned machine. Everything worked and was on time. No business class on this leg. No airline lounge. OMG! Ok. I am spoiled. Nate ends up walking for an hour to get steps. Sandy and Lynn are looking for future flights for future trips. I practice patience! I will keep you posted.

Here they are.

We are boarding in 10 minutes. Three hours late. I suspect it is a small price to pay for how great everything has gone up to now. Lots of good time spent with people who have shared their country and culture with us. We are so appreciative. Looking forward to a few hellos when we land. One last thought. What did we do when we had delays like this before cell phones? Everyone on the waiting room has one going.

Well we made it to our next stop.

A welcome sight and our first hello in Rwanda.

Then check in.

What a day. Not that we saw lot of animals. It was a day of saying good by and saying hello to Bernard. He will be our guide and driver for the next four days. I am too tired to take his picture. Plenty of time for that.

That’s a wrap for today folks.

Another great day ahead. Today we were asked to be ready to leave at 615. No worries. Dixon said he had a surprise for us.

First up for my bird friends, we saw a vulture on the left and two storks on the right. It is an African white back vulture and two Malibu storks.

Then we saw another incredible moment.

Nate has renamed the two ladies we picked up at the mosque who have been with us as clicker 1 and clicker 2. They both have cameras courtesy of the camp and all we hear is click click click of them taking pictures. We had to promise massages at the camp to get the ladies to finally agree to leave the lions and cubs.

Then we saw a herd of water buffalo.

My new number one animal is the zebra. Princess likes the baby lions. A came across this fellow in a herd we saw. I think you may see this picture in our home soon.

It was now 930 and Dixon said we were going to stop for coffee and a breakfast. The crew showed up and treated us to breakfast in the bush!

I thought I would share a picture of the Kenya freeway system in the bush country.

When we arrived back at camp here was a crok waiting for us.

Then we went back out for an evening game drive.

First for my bird friends this is a white bellied bustard.

Then we saw a topi. It is also called blue jeans because of the markings on its legs.

We came across a herd of elephants. They were within ten feet of the jeep. Here are a few pics.

After saying good by to the elephants we found more lions. As we have learned the alpha female is in charge. Here is a small collection of what we saw up close and personal.

By the way the answer to the question how many stripes does a zebra have is two. A black one and a white one.

After the lions it was back to our camp. There was a fire and pizza and Pinot.

Then we went to one of their intimate dinner locations for an incredible dinner. Here is our group shot for dinner.

Here is the lamb the Princess had.

I had a burger and fries. I would recommend it if you stay.

The one thing I remember was how cold it was. I thought Africa was to be hot. Thank god princess bought me a puffy jacket. Here is how I ride.

By the way, one of my anniversary gifts from the Princess was a bracelet for my collection.

What a day. Tonight’s dream is the lion is not king. It is the lioness. Just like at the Boulders. Here is what the Queen of the jungle looks like.

Here is the king male.

That’s it for tonight folks.

When you travel to Africa, everyone wants to see the big five. Not the Olympic men’s basketball team. They are the buffalo, lion, leopard, elephant and rhino. The goal of all safaris is to see them all.

After a great breakfast we jumped in our jeep to the local airport. Along the way we reached a fork in the road. Go left to the airport or right back to our African house. Since the gorillas were still waiting we went left.

Here was our plane. Just the four of us. Nate said this is how Corbin travels.

Then we met our new best friend. Dixon. Another Massi warrior. 14 years tracking and being a guide. One wife but starting to look for another. Sunday and Princess said NO! By the way his father has 8 wives and 64 kids.

Then it was off roaring. Believe it or not we came across the leopard. A rare find again. Hard to see but sleeping off a big kill.

The we found her kill. In the tree to protect it from other animals and to feast on later. That is your bushman tip of the day. Store your kill high!

Then we were off again. Came across the buffalo. Another of the big five.

Then a herd of elephants. We saw individual elephants before but never a herd with babies like this one.

Princess kept telling me one elephant was watching me intently.

Then a short stop where Dixon shared how a kill becomes food for all animals.

Then it was off to our camp. The places we are staying have a custom of whenever your arrive they welcome you with song and say Jumba. That means hello.

A long walk over a bridge that beneath was a herd of hippos.

Then after orientation and signing all documents in case we were mauled by animals it was off to our room. Check this out.

Then on to our room.

Then it was time for the evening safari. We were not out more than 14 minutes and came across lions.

Dixon said let’s go back to the leopard. Here is what we saw.

Well we came back to a pouring rain. I had planned a dinner in the bush because it was the Princess and my 52 wedding anniversary. The rain put a damper on that. So instead Rolex our server put is in the wine room. A few pics from that special occasion with special friends.

And with that happy anniversary Princess and see you all tomorrow.

Another 630 leave for the morning game drive. I neglected to introduce you to Seai. He is an elder in the Massi tribe. He is our driver, guide and lifesaver if needed.

I made a blog decision that you have seen most of the animals we have seen. So today I would blog about something special. And it happened. Seai found a mother cheetah and three cubs. Let me introduce you to the family.

What made this a rare sighting was a rabbit appeared and the cubs chased him down. Think breakfast. Rabbit tartare!

Then it was off to Seai’s village. We saw some sheep and goats along the way. Besides being food we learned how they are part of the dowery for a wife. Maasai warriors can have up to three wives. Nate and I said hmmm….

Then it was on to the village. It is a place that those who want out of Arizona for the summer should consider. First stop was a welcoming dance and song.

The Princess really embracing the moment.

Then we had a tour of the homes. Only women are allowed to build homes. They are covered in elephant dung. Cool in summer. Warm on rainy winters.

After a tour of a home, we were invited to the local market for shopping. What women could resist. We also wanted to help support the local village who were so welcoming to us. Here is a pic of our ladies doing a great job of searching for just the right pieces.

Then we continued on our evening/night trek. The goal was finding a lion pride. Tracker Matt and Spotter Sunday were hot on the trail. Here is tracker Matt at work.

Here is what I saw. It was a female paw print. We were close.

After two hours we found what we were looking for. A mother, aunt and cub feasting on dinner. Again a rare sight.

We came back to camp and were welcomed to an incredible dinner in the wine cellar. We got to celebrate the Hyde’s anniversary. Nice job Nate!

We could not pass up getting a quick pic with a local Massi warrior.

Then we watched him stand on the lookout and survey the water hole. All we could think of what is he thinking about. It is a picture that is constantly changing as the animals change.

Then to cap off our evening we read a quote from Earnest Hemingway that summed up how we all felt on our last night in this camp. A cheetah kill. A visit to a local village. Lion kill. Wine dinner. A day we will not soon forget. That’s all folks. Isn’t it enough?

You are going to see a lot of behinds today. I seem to catch the animals when they are moving away! Maybe I am a behind specialist.

We were suppose to be ready to roll at 630 am. At 635 those two ladies from the mosque, who we asked to join us for the remainder of the trip, were ready. I was not. A little behind.

We finally got off and had our first early morning game drive. The goal today were lions. After a few hours of driving look what we found.

And here is its cub saying what all kids say. “Mom, I am hungry!”

I am not really a birder but have a few friends who are avid birders. Here is my bird picture for them.

Saw a few more animals.

Special alert. Our guide comes from a tribe of bushman. They live off the land. If you are ever caught in the plains without water here is how to save yourself.

I am running behind again. This is from my assistant photographer Sandy. They named Sandy Sunday. Let’s see if it sticks.

Speaking of behind yesterday we saw a special elephant I forgot to share. His name is one ton. He is 50 years old. His tusks weigh over 120 pounds. He was massive and we were told special.

It was now time for breakfast. Breakfast on the plains is a unique experience. Our table.

After breakfast a few more giraffe sightings.

Again I am running behind. I forgot to share a picture I really liked from last nights sundowner. My Princess and me. I think I might have this one framed. Thanks Sunday.

After another great lunch it was time for our afternoon trek. Nate and Sunday made a decision to go horseback riding. They picked out a special horse for Nate.

So they got the biggest horse I have ever seen for him.

Sandy got a real nice horse for her ride.

The Princess and I went on another game drive. She got the big camera clicking for many good shots.

We met up and proceeded to sundowners. Our guide and butler surprised us with a great setting and spread.

For Mark and Dana, you need to start with bubbles. Our butler was a pro at opening the bubbles for us.

Then it was on to our home for another surprise dinner.

I was behind a bit all day but finally caught up at dinner. Let me close the night with a traditional African after dinner drink.

And with that folks good night, or good morning wherever you are. Tomorrow’s blog will be a bit delayed. We are leaving and losing Wi Fi for a while. Rest assured, I promised my coach Allison I would blog every day.