August 2nd - Meeting with Elders

Up before dawn to let R sleep, I enjoyed watching the sun rise over the plains, as seen from the peaceful dew-drenched camp. Soon the sun had crept across the plains and was warming me up. As if in pursuit of the sun, the cook appeared prompting my awakening of Rachel and collecting ingredients for breakfast.

In a few moments we were eating chapates still hot, with locally made honey from the village.

Very soon R was up and we were worrying about our imminent meeting with the chief and village elders, as no-one had come to tell us the final arrangements. Finally at about 2, Sammy appeared to inform us that if it rained (it looked possible) the elders may not come to the meeting and he would check later to see if they were there. That was fine, now out of our hands, and soon after he re-appeared with a trail of about fifteen elders.

We sat round in a semi-circle and waited while they performed a ritualistic prayer, traditional to begin a meeting.

This complete, we were asked again to explain what we were doing, and once again we had to fight to keep the pay the same, this time having to enforce that we were also not providing food for all! We then had to ensure the second BINDER member's position in the team, as the chief tried to install one of his own. He finally asked for a list of staff, presumably to go and fleece them later.

Having been dismissed, we saw Solomon driving up the road, late for the meeting , and had to explain to him what happened. He also spoke to the chief and elders before they left.

A familiar face then appeared from the bushes, as Miranda had been unable to ascend Mt. Kenay due to weather and had cut the trip short.

She proceeded to rest in the tent as me, R&R went on a walk similar to that of yesterday. This time, however, peter and Roselie had begun setting up a camp for the start of a walking safari for Wilderness Scotland clients, and we agreed to meed them later for a drink.

On our way back Chambers (Jambas) took us into the forest slightly to try to see Baboons. Although this failed, we saw tracks from a leopard which satisfied us.

Upon returning we set about packing bags for tomorrow and measuring out 80m of tape for the quadrants, before being picked up by Roselie to visit the guests at their camp.

We got back from the visit to the Spanish clients, in their luxury camp, to crawl around for a while in the dark and settle down for the night.