We endured the typical "hurry up and wait" sequence that seemed to go with every lead up to departure. Refueling, taking care of a few maintenance problems, and having our briefings about the upcoming route. The flight to Lokichogio in northern Kenya was beautiful. We had to fly carefully to avoid going too far into South Sudan air space. The terrain around our destination was an interesting blend of sweeping plateau country framed by rocky mountain crests. Somewhere along this leg, our wayward, character in residence, Maurice, ended up flying deep into South Sudan. As he was no longer officially part of our rally, he was indeed making his own decisions.
Our reception at the airport in Lokichogio was such an energetic and welcoming celebration for us. High school children in dancing attire danced and sang Masai songs for us. They jumped in unison nearly two feet off the ground in perfect cadence with the music and showed such enthusiasm for our arrival. After Ethiopia, we were in the celebratory spirit as well! Just outside the fence line near the taxiways, about a hundred locals were gathered to wave at us and eye curiously our aircraft. This would prove to be one of the greatest highlights of our trip. No matter where we go in the world, it's the people that make the most impression not only because of what makes them different from us, but because their curiosity reminds us how bonded we all are -- everybody who is alive with spirit wants to know and understand things and people they rarely or never see. They weren't afraid of us and we weren't afraid of them which goes to show that fear of what we are not willing to understand is the biggest barrier between peace and war.
Our passage through immigration was as breezy and easy as could be. The officials were very accommodating and friendly. They must have gotten some details about our experience in Gambela and wanted to show us that we were out of those "woods" and in beautiful, friendly Kenya.
Our lodgings this night were divine. We stayed at a rural lodge of thatched roof, round cabins. The beds had netting, the rooms were comfortable, clean, and no TV or Wifi in the rooms which was okay. We had wifi in the dining area. The food and drinks were fabulous. I was really surprised that in a rural setting as this that the food was so varied and delicious. I know for me, this setting was SO wonderful after Gambela that I couldn't find a thing wrong with it! Praise, praise, praise! And I slept like a baby.
Mountains of northern Kenya
After two nights at the Gambela terminal and one night in the "Grand Hotel", these lodgings were SO nice. Looks primitive, but we had bathrooms, showers and comfy, four poster beds with netting.
Locals eager and curious hanging on the chain link fence near the taxiway.
Tiger Moth pilots, Brett and Mark SO happy to be in Kenya!
Prepare2Go staffer, Jeremy, Pipistrael pilot, Wolf, and Waco pilot Johann all very happy too! After days without electronic devices, Wolf was quick to get on line and let friends back in Germany know he was okay.
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