LAKE BARINGO – a tall story

Here I am again, all ready, refreshed and rearing to go, hoping you are the same.  We had a wonderful breakfast and there is time to download photos and just chill out.

We have the option of going back to the mainland and taking a walking tour through the village with Sam, the village elder who is not so elder but I cannot call him the village younger can I?

Sounds like a good way to see how other people exist so off we go but  there are only a few of us going and Chris & Jess are among the ones staying home – having a well deserved rest.  So it’s back in the boat, I am not taking my big lens just my normal workhorse and away we go.

Don’t panic, the photo above is not our tour bus.  This poor forlorn sight is parked in the village and it looks as if it just stopped there and was left – a sad sight indeed.  I wonder what happened to the Tour Company?

The village is a real eye opener and it is hard to accept that this is how these people live compared to our cushy homes back in OZ.  Their main way of life is fishing and once caught the catch is taken back, put out to dry and then smoked.  I am telling you all now that the smell takes your breath away and the best thing you can do is keep moving as the stench will make your stomach turn.  I for one do not want to lose my well enjoyed breakfast.

We amble down the ‘main street’ taking photos of the local establishments.  This is the local Bar & Inn – a real hot spot.  We are told there are no TV’s in the houses but there is one in the village – maybe it is here?

There does not seem to be many people doing any shopping – they seem to be just sitting around, maybe waiting for the shops to open?  I wonder what time the bar opens?  I also wonder what they are thinking seeing these photo snapping tourists who are wandering around with a look of disbelief on their faces.

Two more shops – you just cannot compare it to anything back home but as we walk around, the smiles on the kids faces and the pride our guide has in his village is astounding.  The money we pay for this tour gets put into a collective pool and then divided up amongst everyone so that is a good thing.

Sam then takes us to see his home and the trek there is incredible.

Down along a really uneven path, lots of big rocks and bushes that grab you as you walk past, through narrow openings in clumpy prickly pear cactus and we are there.  It is not a journey that I would like to make after having a few at the local establishment.

The house is only tiny but very clean and well furnished and we meet his wife and children. After a chat and a few photos it is time for us to go to school.

The local Primary School is primitive compared to what our kids have – books, pencils, pens etc are hardly in existence and I love the look on their faces as we walk around the small space. The school motto is ‘Strive to Succeed’ – it is the same as my grandson’s school at Revesby South how spooky is that?

This village jaunt has been a real experience – but it is now time to go back to the island but we do not have to walk back through everything again – Sam has led us down to the waterfront where the boat awaits.  Another nice little trip over the water and we are back on solid ground – time to relax a bit more and then lunch.

This afternoon we are visiting Ruko Conservancy which is located on a small island opposite where we are staying.  We will have the opportunity to walk with the endangered Rothschild giraffes – or so the itinerary says.  After my meeting with the giraffes at the start of the safari I am rally looking forward to this.

On our way we stop for – wait for it – more fish eagle shots.  By now I have improved my skills so much that I hold my finger on the release and take 48 shots until the blessed thing is out of range.  There has to be some good ones amongst that little barrage and taking into consideration that the bloody bird was flying away from us when he picked up the fish I am quite pleased. What do you think?

The lesson learned – I have even managed to zoom in a little closer – just love doing this and I hope we get some more chances.

Let’s continue on our way to Ruko – the weather is still overcast but it is not too hot or humid and that can only be a good thing.  We arrive on the island and start our trek up the hill – nobody said anything about ‘up the hill’ – but I take it slow and it is not so bad.  When we arrive to where we are supposed to be, the giraffes are glad to see us and start to mingle around the feeding area.  There are guards on the island 24/7 to look after their precious charges – and you can tell they love their job for sure.

Keeping in mind these are wild animals, it is surprising that we are able to get to within a reasonable distance but we do not venture too close – we brought some Giraffe food over with us so that is placed in the bins and the giraffes are all happy chomping away and we are happy snapping away.  Chris being ever the adventurer takes his Gopro over to the feeding bin so that he can get some really close up shots.  I hope one of them does not swallow it or he will definitely get some close up shots of a giraffe’s innards.

Aren’t they just the most adorable creatures?  They seem so relaxed and gentle but I would imagine a good swift kick would not be far away if they got upset! Every now and again they lift their heads to have a good look at us and deciding we are no threat it’s back to the munchies.

After they have munched enough and start to wander away we are told that we can walk up a short trail and from there we can get some great views of the lake, maybe even see some more wildlife!  So off we go over rocks and boulders (my knees are protesting but I take it easy) and through clingy trees with dirty big thorns – but once at the top and after I catch my breath I must admit the view was definitely worth it.

As I said – some great views.  It is late in the afternoon and it is time to leave – being even more careful on the way down than on the way up – into our boats – past an inquisitive hippo getting ready for the night and then home.  It really is a great place – very relaxing – very soothing for the soul and after the last few days I feel very refreshed.  I love being anywhere near the water – it does one’s soul good.

How’s this for a great bum shot to finish today eh?

Highlight of the afternoon: Definitely those ‘oh so pretty’ giraffes – the ranger wasn’t bad either!