Early hours in the morning Carey arrived in Addis. She came out to spend a little under 2 weeks with me and travel with a group of us back down the Turkana route. So I was super excited about having company again and someone to talk to while driving .

So the morning Carey arrived we went shopping and sorted all supplies before heading to Nazret to visit a potential project.  Stephanie who is a British lady runs this school with her husband and seems to have done a great job so far. It was great to meet all the students and to have a look at what they have to offer.

However, the next morning we had to make tracks as we promised to meet other travelers we would meet them in Turmi, which is the last village in Omo valley before doing to adventurous route of Lake Turkana.

This trip second time around was completely different. I couldn’t believe that the people were friendlier and I had no rocks thrown at me for quite a distance. Maybe it was because Carey was in the passenger seat waving frantically at all the people.

Anyway it was a large group of us, and I was the leader as I have already done the route. I had a German couple in a big truck, a Dutch couple in a LC, a Polish couple in a LR, a Belgium & Uganda couple in a LC and a Brit-Lorry on a bike. I of course carried his fuel for him and he shared food etc with Carey and I.

Thank goodness for Lorry as every time someone’s car broke down they called on Lorry. He was definitely the most knowledgeable mechanic on board and everyone took full advantage of the poor guy. We had the exhaust and turbo snap off the truck, a diff smashed and leaking, a jammed back door, brake failure’s and the most exciting a LC went on fire from the car battery.

When the trucks exhaust snapped off we had local Omo/ Turkana people creep out the bushes with their AK47’s. In the absolute middle of nowhere, where you see no other cars etc these men are carrying A47’s. Carey was a bit nervous, but me of course not at all and start high fiving them and laughing etc. They let us take some pictures, but then demanded our t-shirts as another traveler casually handed one over before. So the other 5 men thought it was their right to get as well. Carey handed her’s over very quickly as did not like the guns swinging around. I thought the whole thing was quite amusing.

So quite an entertaining trip with mechanical issues. However the route was also completely different as the road had dried up and there was no mud and no river crossings. I was a bit disappointed as the previous trip with the two Americans was way more exciting. I can also say travelling with such a large group is not easy. Constantly waiting for people and listening to problems and conflicts. It got a bit much on our last night and we all parted ways for a bit of a breather.

However I am now back in Nairobi, barely as Maggie was jerking like no tomorrow. Another traveler here reckons it was dirty or bad fuel from Ethiopia. So we have drained her out and cleaned the system. Along with all ther issues that needed to be fixed, welding stabilizer bar, exhaust and back tyre leavers. Fixing bolts that had snapped from all the vibrations and tightening everything up. Not only that but wheel bearings, timing belt etc all needed replacing. Let’s see what happens and more importantly how much it is all going to cost.

I have been given an option to travel with another S. African couple across to the west coast. However financially I am battling and not sure ill be able to afford it. SO looking for ways to get some cash in. A pity Maggie has cost me so much so far as I had not budgeted for so many problems.

So off to the coast tomorrow to try figure out my options and what to do next? All ears are open for any advice.

Rough starts to Ethiopia but things are looking up now. I am currently in Bahar Dar, after visiting Gondar and the Simian Mountains. I found a little piece of paradise at a camp named Tim & Kim on the banks of Lake Tana. A Dutch couple who started this camp some years ago after backpacking through Africa. It is away from all the hassles you get from the locals and has great food. Even though they are 50km off the beaten track it is definitely a place to recuperate. Which is exactly what I needed after being hit with Malaria in Addis.

I have visited the churches on the islands here in Bahar Dar as well as the Blue Nile falls. Nothing too spectacular and could of given them a miss, however I was going crazy from doing nothing. As many of you know me I am quite ADHD and need to be on the go at all times. This malaria thing made me into a completely different person. No energy and wanting to sleep the whole time, depresses you somewhat.

I decided to head even further north to Simian mountains, which you need to drive up to 3800m above sea level. Now Maggie gets altitude sickness and begins jerking above 2000m. Who knew that diesel engines can get altitude sickness J The only reason I went up to the mountains was to see the hairy baboons, which I saw hundreds of. A few of them reminded me of some friends and familyJ My dad especially- lol!

So after battling to get visa’s in Addis for CAR and Chad I have decided to head back south, obviously taking a different route. If money lasts I may then go up the west coast from South Africa. But as the Arabs say- Inshallah. I do seem to change my mind from day to day.

One exciting thing about all this is I get to do Lake Turkana again, with a different crowd of overlanders I have met. It should be a whole new experience, seen as my sister Carey will also be joining me for this leg of the trip. Super excited to have company again, can get pretty lonely. Let’s hope we don’t fight too much as we are both as stubborn as each other J

So back in Maggie tomorrow for the long drive towards Addis. I should be there in the next two days, and then quickly sort out the water issue at Raey Academy. I have promised to put in a new water tank and pump so they can have a bigger storage of water. The government shuts off water when they want and all the residents suffer hugely.

Will keep you all posted on outcome…….