Gorillas in the Mist
I’ll answer the most asked question so far: yes we saw gorillas. Once in uganda and then a few days later in rwanda. The family in bwindi, uganda was pretty large with 20-30 members. we saw an infant, a couple toddlers and a couple fiesty teenagers along with the adults. the problem with bwindi is that it is a very lush tall rainforest, so even though we were very close at times (less then a couple meters), we rarely got a good unobstructed view of an entire gorilla. we watched them for an hour (as allowed) then left. the trek up was tough, even with the porters. it was hot, in the sun for most and up. It took us about 2.5 hrs to reach the gorillas, with only the last 30min or less in the rainforest, the rest was through banana fields, and other crops.
In rwanda the landscape was different, still very lush, but lower. We were assigned a smaller family to trek, with only maybe 6-8 members. The hike was just as long but easier and much more fun: we got to bushwhack through the forest, climbing vines and sliding down hills 
there was only one toddler in this group but he was very playful and silly! a few times we had to back away because he was trying to come to us, we were very close! maybe 1.5 meters away…even from the silverback. and since the landscape is different the views were amazing and we both got some great photos (and I got some video). Once again after an hour we had to leave them in peace.
So there is the gorilla story…pictures to follow.
Linda and I were very happy to see internet available in our hotel ROOM here in kampala for the next two days
We are rafting early tmr morning, our first class V -yikes-
-t
Tags: africa, Africa Journal, TravelRelated posts
Wow! It looked like you were able to get *super close* to those lions and monkeys. Or do you just have a really good zoom lens? Good thing you are a cat lover… that was a big cat in the tree…
Banana fields! Do you have any pictures of those? I honestly have never seen a banana tree (OK Tim I know you are laughing at me again! :)) Is that how gorillas got their reputation for liking bananas so much? Did you see any gorillas holding a banana? Are you anywhere near the “Banana Republic”? (the region, not the Gap store)
Coincidentally we saw some monkeys over here too. Yes, it’s true! Well during the Superbowl commercials. I guess that is the only thing you missed out here (I know you are not a football fan). Paul McCartney was the half-time performer. A few people were disappointed he didn’t bare any breasts.
Anyhow thanks for giving me a diversion at work… now under 2.7 more weeks to go over here!
-felix
And HOLY SMOKES, BATMAN! That bat picture is pretty freaky. Did any of them fly down at you? And how do they stay upside down like that? How come they seem to be able to violate some laws of physics, like gravity, but I can’t? Do you think I ask too many questions?
- felix