Another “little” walk

So, one of my goals while I’m here is to see as much of Kenya as possible and to get into better shape doing it. Last Sunday, I went with Mama Brian (so named because her first-born is named Brian), Drew, and the Petersons on what was deemed by Mama Brian to be an easy walk. I have now learned not to believe this when I hear it! Although, I have to say, the views were definitely worth it.

The walk down to the river (a different part than we had gone to before) was nice and leisurely. It was along a gravel road and wasn’t bad at all. Once we got down to the river, we met a large group of children (see picture below) and had fun joking with them. I even took off my shoes and socks, hiked up my pants, and went walking in the water (it was very shallow).

Then came the walk back. Mama Brian said that since we had to be back to station by 4 (for another commitment), we should take the shortcut. Great, I thought, a shortcut. Little did I know that the shortcut meant that instead of walking up a slight gradient, we would instead just hike right up the side of the hill (really a mountain if you ask me). So, with the help of my walking stick (courtesy of Mama Brian), we hiked up what we figured to be about 1000 feet at a 50-55 degree slope. I had to stop every few minutes. I used the excuse that I’m still acclimating to the altitude (about 7500 feet above sea level), but really it’s just that I’m out of shape. Everyone was great about it, though, and it did feel like an accomplishment when we were done. So, anyone who plans on coming – be prepared for some hikes as I think Mama Brian has become my new personal trainer J

Dave communing with the sheep

Me with the walking stick Mama Brian gave me. The Cherangani Hills can be seen in the background.

Other travelers on the road to the river.

Another sheep pic with the river in the background - it's so beautiful

Kids doing laundry at the river (they were also grazing their cows).