24 Sep 2014 - An exciting day in the Rift Valley

We went off down the trail, led by a security guard, to the location where we were going to have our camp breakfast. I'm not sure what any of us were expecting but we sure liked what we saw when we got there. Once again we were greeted with a hot towel and a glass of sparkling wine.

Beside the lake a table had been set up with china, starched tablecloths and napkins, silverware and all the nice things you'd expect to have at a very nice restaurant breakfast. Another table had been set up with multiple kinds of juice, various fruits, tiny cinnamon rolls, an omelet station and about four of those silver thing-ama-bobs filled with wonderful things like herbed potatoes, scrambled eggs, bacon, sausages, waffles, French toast and more.  It was grand and delightful and the 5 of us agreed we could sit there watching the Flamingos in the lake (it's a alkaline lake), drink the best Kenyan coffee ever and let the day go by. There were 8 staff looking after us, including one guard with an automatic weapon keeping a close eye on the bush around us.

After we finished we headed back to the lobby to freshen up ('cause that's what the rich folks do) and then got in the jeep and drove to Lake Nakuru National Park, complete with boxed lunches, as we would be spending the day. It's a huge park and within a very short time we spotted both a Black and a White Rhino. A short time later we drove through huge herds of Cape Buffalo (I love these big, ugly guys), Zebra and just about every type of Antelope seen at the zoo. As we were driving along, and hoping to find a lion, I spotted something in the field. I did the Ikea scream, "STOP THE CAR" and found out that tires actually can make a squealing sound on dirt. The 'thing' raised itself up a bit higher and it was a big, beautiful Leopard. We watched it for about 20 minutes as it crossed the road in front of us and started stalking a small antelope. I had my video set for the big chase when it suddenly decided there were too many people around and besides, the antelope knew it was there and was set to run. What a thrill! Guide Sam said a leopard might be spotted once in 10 game drives.

A short time later Sam saw a lion standing on a tree branch in the distance. We stopped and watched it for some time but it only flopped down on the branch and other than a long distance shot, didn't see anything else.

There were baboons galore and the highlight was seeing, and photographing the elusive Blue Balled Monkey. Yes, it might have black & grey fur but it certainly has a set of brilliant blue testicles that are quite impressive! It's also Spring in Africa so procreation is definitely on the minds of the monkeys. I laughed so hard when I went to the gift shop and saw postcards of lions, monkeys, and others.....well, mating. I was trying to imagine sending a card home..."Dear Mom and Dad, having a great time watching the animals." lol  I might have to buy one just to slide into my journal.

Both Corky and I got a bit of sun today....we forgot that although the wind is blowing through our hair (what there is of it), the sun is still hot. I did put lots of lotion on my face but forgot my arms and neck so........lesson learned. Tummy is okay so the missed meal last night was just what was needed I think.

Tomorrow we are up early and leaving the Rift Valley for a long drive to the Maasai Mara National Reserve, right in the heart of the legendary migration of the wildebeest. This is where Corky and I will do our hot air balloon ride...can't wait for that.

Until next time, love and hugs to all. xx