JANUARY 1^th (CLIMBING MOUNT LONGONOT)

We made a decision to ring in the New Year with a memorable event. We decided it would be great day to climb Mount Longonot! At 6:30am, Steve and his ten-year-old son, Matthew, appeared at our door. They would be accompanying us on our climb of the mountain.

We started up Mount Longonot at 7:40am with our New Year's bells on. The best way I can describe the challenge of hiking up the mountain is to compare it to childbirth. We were faced with some rugged sections of pure hard labour, with lots of heavy heart pounding and sweating in the heat. This was followed by areas of flatter ground requiring much less exertion. It was important for me to see the reachable little plateaus along the trail. One step at a time would get us there eventually.

We did take our time to glance behind us at the spectacular view of the Rift Valley. At one point, we could see all of Lake Naivasha. I never had a birds-eye view of this lake until today. Looking down to the valley floor, we could see a total of five giraffe. The majority of them were taking advantage of the shade under an acacia tree. Several buffalo tracks were marked along our trail, but no buffalo in sight! The possibility of running into a buffalo added a little thrill. HA!

Within an hour and a half, we arrived at the top of the crater rim. It surprised me to see trees inside of the crater. I expected to see lots of rock. I suppose lots can happen in the few million years after a volcanic eruption! We stopped at a picnic spot on the rim of the crater. A shaded picnic table was all we needed to have a quick munch and some gulps of ice water.

Heading down the mountain was a breeze in comparison to climbing! Feeling pressure on our knees was our only valid complaint. We skidded down the mountain ash in our sneakers. I quickly discovered Nike sneakers lose their treads after eight odd years of wearing! The powdery, beige volcanic dust was splashing everywhere. I could feel it grinding against my teeth. Large amounts of this dust covered our hair. Smears of dust were on our bodies. It was a perfect African Kodak moment!

We met several Kenyans coming up the mountain for the challenging hike. Some of them looked like I felt about an hour prior, huffing and puffing like there was no tomorrow. Some seemed encouraged by our accomplishment of getting to the top. Yes, it was achievable! Yes, we were very much alive! There were many, “Happy New Year!” greetings exchanged. The 1500-foot climb up Mount Longonot was indeed a great way to ring in the New Year.

JANUARY 2^nd (BATHING SUITS IN THE WINTER)

Time is getting short for packing and getting ready to go back to Canada. The children have decided to get their bathing suits on to play with the hose. What a shock it'll be to our systems to be going back to Canada in mid-winter. It isn't that I dislike the winter in Canada. I generally think that each season has its positive points. It is our summer mind-set that I am worried about. Instead of having four months to get adjusted from summer to winter weather, we have thirty hours of flying and airport time to get turned around. Mike and I have already talked about going skiing when we get back. I am certain the children will have no problems thinking about making snowmen. Mike might think twice about shoveling snow! No season is perfect in Canada!

JANUARY 3^rd (LAST FULL DAY IN KENYA)

The children are at it again! They are busily running around the yard taking turns playing with the hose and bucket. They’ll be playing in snow in another three days. What a concept!

It'll be difficult to leave Kenya tomorrow. I have grown accustomed to too many things. I think I'll miss the beautiful scenery, the wildlife experience, the people, and the interesting cultural experience. Most of all, I will miss the simplicity of life here. I realize many people will never have the opportunity to experience what we have in Kenya. It has been a real privilege!