The drive was surprisingly short at around 25 minutes and we were all full of energy, ready to take on the day, as we each got out and picked out bikes. The bike ride through the valley started out well. We got used to the bumpy ride and hard seats quickly, often pausing to take pictures of both the scenery and the animals surrounding us. About 1.7 kilometers in we paused at a fork in the road and decided to go slightly uphill to see more animals before heading in a different direction. As we biked we heard Monica exclaim, “$&@#, my tires popped!” Ben felt the completely flat tire and decided that we were all close enough for her to go back and get a replacement bike. So they headed off, and about 20 minutes later they both rejoined the group with a new, working bike for Monica.
We all continued biking, stopping every half kilometer or so to take pictures of the hundreds of zebras, warthogs, gazelles, and impalas in the grass around the road. The backdrop of colorful rock cliffs was amazing, unlike anything that we’d seen before. After a little over 7 kilometers we reached the end of the road and stopped to eat lunch at the top of the gorge. Our guide, Paul, led us down into the gorge where we began our 1 ½ hour hike through the canyons. We could see each level where the rocks have been eroded away and it was fun walking 50 feet below the level of the ground between the walls. The hike was strenuous for some as we climbed up the wall to where the path continued. With Paul’s assistance, Izzy’s encouragement, and Lily’s removal of Monica’s hands from the wall, Monica was able to successfully reach the top (and then the bottom again on the way down, which may have actually been more entertaining for the rest of us). We went to the “Devil’s Bedroom” and took a group picture (see picture below).
With lots of group support, all 10 of us made it to the top of the gorge. Though tired, we pressed on and biked back up through Hell’s Gate for another 7+ kilometers (now going slightly uphill). The ride back was just as beautiful and we saw giraffes and rock climbers, along with all the other animals we saw coming down. Haley, Jake, and Kristen managed to finish the bike ride in just under 40 minutes with Izzy following closely behind.
Now, back at Dea’s Garden, Kieran is sleeping, and the rest of the group is relaxing with the dogs and our afternoon tea. We are all too sore to move after some strenuous exercise for the first time in a while. Hope everyone is doing great back home! Tomorrow we head off to our second safari location in Aberdare National Park.
(Written by Amelia)