Gorillas in the Pouring Rain

Well, we've joined the tour. We had a day in Kampala, although that really wasn't all that exciting for me and mom as we had already spent a couple days there. Next day was a driving day to Lake Buyoni in Uganda. Next day a lovely boat ride across the lake where our driver and guide met us for the drive into Rwanda. Funny - our driver has spent three seasons skiing in Fernie, know a few of the same people. Anyways, possibly the bumpiest road I have ever been on until we got to the border and then - heaven - real roads. Rwanda is an absolutely beautiful country and it is so sad to think what took place here 13 years ago. We are staying in Ruhengeri in Northern Rwanda. Yesterday we went to visit a pygmie village. Although, they were barely shorter then your average person. They have a distinguishable facial structure and are extremely discriminated against. They are also the ones primarily responsible for gorilla poaching. It was a very eye opening experience. Interesting though - their chief is a woman. Elected by all adult members of the community running against a man from the community. Probably the first time I have seen a woman openly in charge of a community. We then went to visit the corrination site of the northern Rwandan kings and then to see how banana beer is made (doesn't taste great). I had a lazy afternoon while mom went and visited an orphanage.
Today was the big day. Off to Parc de volcanes Rwanda, one of the last refuges in the world for the mountain gorilla. Mom and I split off from the rest of the group, just to make numbers easier. We ended up with a Brit and an American who are on a tour. An American couple and their grand daughter (her graduation gift) and a Dutch woman. 8 people can visit each group each day, for one hour. We began our trek in. Definately interesting, and definately muddy. Lots of ducking down under branches and bamboo shoots and such. Fun though. We had to wait for a bit because the silver back of our group was having to deal with a lone male who was trying to take one of his females. So after an hour or so, we left our packs with the trackers and around the corner was 220kg of pure mountain gorilla. Our silver back is the oldest and largest of the entire park (8 family groups) and I have to say he did not disappoint. He was an impressive sight. He ever stood up and pounded his chest, although we all missed the photo op as it was quite startling. The group had 10 members (one of the smaller families) up until last night. The most recent baby passed away last night. It was interesting because they were quite docile I think partly because of the death as well as because of the rain. We ended up seeing only 4 of the family. The youngest female and 3 males. It was a pretty neat experience though, something I can't really even explain. The hour went by way too fast and then we had to trek through the mud some more. Pretty sure our guide was slightly lost on the way out, but we finally reached the rock wall at the edge of the park. It was a fantastic time and I can't wait to show you all the photos. Tomorrow we are heading into Kigali which should be quite an experience at the genocide memorial. Walking down the streets here though, you would never know of the terror that this place was in 1994. Anyways, Jim congrats on the amazing showing in Calgary, wish I could come cheer you on at the Pan Ams. I'm starting to get excited about coming home and showing everybody my pictures. Can't wait to see you all!