Looking Ahead..

Andy Left Jungle Junction today. He spoke of  today being one of the most emotional days of the trip so far. He has met so Many kind & special people. He hopes to see them again in the future.

Andy Stopped outside the Karen Blixen museum today (If you want to find out more about Karen Blixen, please feel free to look in our history page). This was another thing that Andy mentioned he wanted to do. Although he didn't look around the museum as it was a luxury he couldn't afford considering the strict budget he is on- but to stand outside and imagine what things were like when she was living there..was enough to satisfy Andy. He said it was just like he imagined it..awesome!

Along Andrew's journey today he recalled meeting a very generous Japanese Journalist & a french Gentleman by the name of Juan. Tonight he will rest his head in affordable accommodation, while his tent Dries from the heavy rains.

Last night was his last chance to light the Fire at Jungle J , Unfortunately it rained heavily..and this made things very difficult. He managed it though but apologises for the use of Derv(Petrol/diesel) Don't try this at home!  Sometimes these things need to be done.

I bet Jungle Junction will be very Different without Andy tonight.





Karen Blixen Grave



Karen Blixen Museum



Jungle Junction

                                                                                 

Andy has spent the last 3 days at Jungle Junction in Niarobi. He has described it as his idea of Heaven.  The day Andy Arrived - he reported that there were over 30 overlanders (Travellers/guests/Backpackers) with Trucks,bikes & other vehicles. He really was in his element. He was also pleased to meet up with Humph & Jim on their BMW 650 XI that he met back in Aswan.

It has been reported that Andy has taken charge of the camp fire over the last 3 nights & stood around it sharing steak, wine and exchanging stories with other till the early hours.

He has mentioned that he was lucky to have met Chris & Elayne Clash who have been on the road 4 years with 'Victor' which is their home made 'Buggy' currently listed as the most travelled home made buggy in the Guinness book of records.you can read more about them at  http://www.sanctuaryretreats.com/lodges/news/sanctuary-swala-hosts-a-homemade-buggy-called-victor.cfm  

                                                                     


Rob & Sarah, teachers from Tanzania which are currently at Jungle Junction were kind enough to contact me with some of Andy's photo's. Unfortunately it has taken more than one attempt as they have experienced some power cuts. (Power cuts can be a blessing in Africa as you can only truly appreciate a full moon & African skies from a blackend environment.) This morning I received  Pictures of Andy at Robert Baden Powell's Grave in Nyeri.

                                 

The burial place of Lord Robert Baden-Powell, a fighter in the Boer War and the founder of the Scouting movement, who once wrote "the nearer to Nyeri the nearer to bliss". He and his wife are buried in the town cemetery, along with legendary hunter/conservationist Jim Corbett,the author of Maneaters of Kumaon (1944) who also spent his final years in Kenya. Baden-Powell's Paxtu cottage, now a small museum, stands on the grounds of the Outspan Hotel.

Seeing lord Baden Powell's Grave meant a great deal to Andy because The man stood for everything Andy believes in. Andy then handed a  Neck Tie(which was donated by a local scout group back in Manchester) You can see a picture of the happy receivers in Nyeri hanging our neck tie up, which I am sure was another touching highlight for all.

Now that Andy has had time to fix his bike and relax his aching muscles, He has washed his clothes and is once again starting to pack for the road ahead.

Just a quick Thanks to Chris at Jungle Junction for his assistance and correspondence. If you would like to stay at JJ. contact Chris on C_handschuh_68@yahoo.com  I am sure he would be happy to hear from you!

'The Birmingham of Kenya'

Andy is in Thika this evening which is considered 'The Birmingham of Kenya'. Andy visited the Grave of his childhood Role model  Lord Baden Powell yesterday which can be found at the foot of Mount Kenya.

True to the wise words of warning in the lonely Planets Book to Africa and I quote 'You may encounter the odd antelope or zebra while cycling, but motorists are more of a threat to cyclists than rampaging wildlife! Cyclists lie just below donkeys on the transport food chain, so if you hear a vehicle coming up behind you be prepared to bail out onto the verges!'

This is exactly what Andy did today when a  Land Rover didn't bother stopping! Fortunately apart from his hands taking a battering he is OK. Although his luggage has taken a  battering as they saved his legs from injury and the bike is in need of some desperate repair!

Anyone fancy buying Andy a drink?-Press the Donate button now!

Cpl Jay Allsopp & the guys from 39 Engineer Regt & Workshops

Andy is on the road again , after having not one but two hearty breakfast's with Cpl Jay Allsopp and the guys. They have helped him out & replenished his kit where they could! Once again Thanks for sending the photo's & news of Andy! All the Best to you all!

Pictures..Louder than words!

Andy has sent these this evening. He is spending time with the British army lads in Nanyuki! He has had a hot meal & the first hot shower in ages!  A special Thanks to Jamie Allsopp and the Army lads that are taking such good care of Andy. It was heart warming  to receive these pictures this evening and to see how well Andy is looking!

Epic Trail to Kenya

Andy crossed the boarder into Kenya on Wednesday after a gruelling 18 hour journey on the top of a cattle Truck. Andy has said that he felt like he had cheated taking the ride. Considering the +300km 'road' was non existent but rocky terrain and that it would have taken him 9 days to do it carrying his bicycle as even a mountain bike would not stand up to the challenge. Ethiopia and Kenya are experiencing sever droughts and to make that sort of journey on his own would have been deadly. He reported seeing people on the side of the road that were so desperate for water they were drinking Mud.

Everything he has told me about the Ethiopians makes me realise- If you have nothing, you have got nothing to loose. Examples of this can be seen in all good and bad tales Andy as shared with me.

After he Shoes and kit were stolen Andy hit the road. The only shoes he had were a pair of 'flip flops' and in the mountain rain, these were no use as his feet were slipping more than peddling! He Purchased a pair of timberland's that were very highly priced. He said after that he felt like a Woman with big breasts , as people were failing to meet his eyes in conversation for looking at his new boots!

He spoke of the Kindness of many people, a church ministry who took a collection for him to buy food & water. Andy was so touched by the gesture he gave it back to them and told them to go and buy enough food & water for them all and that they would eat together.

He spoke highly of Merry and her kindness. When his spirits were low and his tummy was empty she looked after him. He also spoke of  people who helped acquire cheap accommodation and helped him wash his shirts. Also of another couple that bought him a meal. (keep in mind, Andy has been unable to obtain cash in Sudan & Ethiopia as cash machines in these countries will not accept his cards)

On the other hand he spoke of seeing children as young as 4 stood in fields playing with whips. That they didn't think twice to throw stones at him, whip him or push branches in his wheels to get him to stop and speak to them. Every time he did his ears rang out with the same chorus..Give me, Give me...

Andy is spending the next couple of days resting his battered and bruised body, fixing his bike from the bone rattling journey and enjoy the raw nature and wildlife of Africa at it's best. He is in good spirits and no doubt will be nursing a beer or 2.

He wishes you all well and thanks you all for your continued support & everlasting Friendships x

 
 

'Mega'

Andy is currently at Mega! Which is a town between Moyale & the Boarder of Kenya. He has found it hard going this week. He is still missing his Kit and Shoes..Although he has Travelled comfortably well in his new boots.

Lets Hope The weather is being kind to Andy! We were told that there has been Snow fall in Southern Africa over the last week. Thankfully Andy should reach S.A. as spring sets in.

Keep us posted if you see Andy on his travels! Don't forget to sponsor him if you can.
(Thanks to all of you who  continuously collect money for this cause!)

This is a picture of Mega Dam & The Road through Mega.