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.

Message from Ethiopia

Hi everyone I am alive and well, and in Awassa (Ethiopia).I saw the Irish lady go by at 70 mph Sunday in a rain storm. The going got hard going the last week or so ,but the kindness of the people of Ethiopia ,Mary & mefekir have kept me smiling ,I've new boots today and plan to head for Kenya in the next few days where my mobile phone will work.Good wishes to all Andy....... 

'Bear' with me...

For those of you out there that want to support Andy on his Epic Journey but can't afford to give a lot..now is  your chance to make a big difference.

This Cheeky little Royal Green Jackets Regimental Bear is up for Raffle.

If you would like to introduce this Raffle to your work colleagues, Social club, Local shop or Just to your Family & Friends.

Please contact me,

I will send you a Raffle sheet, either by email or post!

Each sheet will have Numbers 1-30

 People can choose Any Number on the sheet for £1

There are 26 sheets available labeled from A to Z 

Once your sheet is full deposit the Raffle Money into one of the many charities on Andy's Website.

Then forward the sheet back to us.

When Andy Returns He will draw the winning Sheet & Number!

EVERY LITTLE BIT HELPS!

Thanks for all your support & we look forward to hearing from you! 

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

The Elves & the Shoe Takers!

All jokes aside, Andy Had his shoes, socks & Kit stolen last night while he was asleep. He has reported that there was no malice in the theft. Someone just saw a golden opportunity and took it!

So with the rainy season well and truly set in I am sure it's not just Andy's spirits that have been left a little dampened right now. While he Travels Barefoot to his next Destination , please try and remember why Andy is doing this Trip!

He wants to raise as much money for Help the Hero's the Royal Green Jackets and his other nominated charities. You can help him! Tell a friend about what Andy is doing! Donate a pound! Contact us for a sponsor form!

you can also read about Andy at  http://www.itbeganinafrica.com/inspiring-blog/altruism-v-africa Thanks to Steve for posting this Fantastic Article! (Thanks for the great photo! It captures Andy's true spirit!)

Khartoum

Andy has said good bye to Chrisanthi & Steve, having made his way to Khartoum , where he is currently having to sign in at the local police station daily. All overlanders are required to do this while visiting Sudan. So with a bit of luck he may meet up with Chrisy & Ste again.

He was also stopped by the police for wearing shorts and a vest top on a Friday. Luckily the police understood Andy's situation.when he explained that he was travelling by bicycle and that he had managed to wash his other clothes but they were not dry as yet. The Police let him off with a caution.

On the way to Khartoum Andy managed to grab a tow  by holding on  to a truck , then catching the bus..which broke down in the desert a short time after. He got the chance to admire a heard of over a hundred camels which he could only describe as FANTASTIC!

Andy was unfortunate enough to experience his 4th tyre puncture. Not to mention the Youth Hostel being fully booked up when reaching Khartoum. However Andy has managed to sort something out and with a wing and a prayer..things are going to plan.

Sudan

Andy is in  Dongola. On route from Wadi Halfa to Khartoum.  Enjoying the Nubian life in all its glory!  Dongola is famous for it's palm groves and is full of character!

News Travel's Fast

Andy is spending his last few days in Aswan as he prepares to continue his trip South.

He has spent most of his time seeing the sites with a visit to Abu Simbal (Pictured) He even embarked on a trip on a felucca at sunset. He would have braved a swim if it wasn't for the strong current but he settled for a toe dip!

Now fully stocked with Sardine & Pasta, Andrew is Packing & repacking his equipment taking great care that the bike is weighted correctly for the Journey ahead. He is that Meticulous that he has even taken to cutting the backs off his maps and hoods of Jackets! Anything not required will be staying put in Aswan.

Andy also Mentioned that he had met a group of Irish Lads travelling to cape town by Land rover. you can check their site out on http://www.endaafrica.com/ as they are also doing the journey for a very good cause.

He said this evening that he was very proud to have met them as they are the true spirit of travel and adventure! He also wishes them well on their journey! So to 'Rambutan', 'Red', 'Jack' & 'FNG' go well & make sure you get your share of Biltong when you reach Sunny South Africa!

A SPECIAL HELLO FROM ASWAN

These pictures were sent this evening from Aswan. Thank you so much Johnny for sending them! Andy is looking good! 

ASWAN

Andy has made it to Aswan!

Valley of the Kings

After a gruesome few days on the road Andy has reached the 'Valley of the Kings'. Although he can't feel anything in his fingers and he is chaffed in place's he would rather not mention , he is in extremely good Spirits! He is spending today resting and replenishing his body with much needed fluids and food. He also mentioned he would be attempting to trade some flea's for a couple of white T-shirts! We Wish him the best of luck!

Cairo to Luxor

Andy is 2 days in on his travels from Cairo to Luxor. Due to  high Winds he is having early starts and is pushing himself. These are some of the sights he may be seeing over the next few days.

Egypt

Andy has reached Egypt!

He is Happy & Well although missing Graham. In the next few days he will be obtaining his Visa's before hitting the road again. If you see Andy let us know! 

France- Cannes

Andy & Graham have travelled over the Alps enjoying the breath taking  views along the Mediterranean coast into Cannes.

The weather today is warm and dry which will allow Andy & Graham's equipment to dry.

Both Andy & Gray should make their flights in good time.