Day 5: Walk up to Lugards Bridge

Straight back into crossing the river, which would shave a couple of km off today's walk. Tom's approach to crossing in his walking shoes was replaced by Birkenstocks, with hastily added "heal straps." These were fashioned from the rope we brought to teach Daniel how to tie a bowline, for the sailing leg.

The land was undulating, as we walked beneath the Yatta Escarpment, normally see from the distance of the Mombasa Road.
We walk in line, at all times. Armed guard, Alex Fixsman our expedition leader, the four of us, then more guards behind. The four of us rotate every 20 mins. And we have to walk in silence! As the men need to listen, smell, even feel for any danger - which can, quite literally, pop out from behind the nearest bush at any moment - which gives Catherine constant palpatations. 

The grass seed was prolific again, but seemed to be less aggressive. 

We had managed to rustle up 2 pairs of gaiters. So simple yet so effective!
We saw batteleur eagle, Diederik cuckoo and cut throat finch amongst other birds. 

We came across an excellent example of an exfoliation dome, the sort of feature that is known to get Tom excited, with lots of layers peeling off, just as you would imagine. Daniel re-created climbing Nelion. 
We were saved another river crossing by finishing at the Galana Bridge. Back in camp, Emma has been helping Catherine with her blisters, which may be on the mend. Emma's reaction to the grass from yesterday was not repeated today. Tomorrow, we leave the river for a two day walk to the Tsavo Bridge.

We still have a full week of walking to go! This realisation is met with different emotions by various members of the party. 

Comments

  1. UnknownJanuary 31, 2022 at 12:19 AM

    I sympathise with Catherine's palpitations....that will be a lot of extra heartbeats over the next week!

    ReplyDelete

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