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In spite of rain during the night and overcast skies this morning, we headed out as early as possible toward the mountain, hoping to catch it before rain set in, for they might not let us gain access. From the park gate (8000 ft), the road has always been muddy and dangerous if rainy. Unpaved, bumpy road until the park gate, then within the past year they completed a gravel and cement road up to the weather station (10,000 ft.) with UNESCO funds. We traveled by car up to the weather station, then continued on foot another 300 ft in elevation, taking it slowly. The road from the gate is what serious trekkers take, staying overnight at the "met" station, then climbing up to reach the lowest of the three summits, Lenana, at 16,000 ft. The other two peaks require advanced mountaineering skills. Unfortunately because of the clouds, we've never had a good view of the mountain.
Vegetation went from tree plantations planted by the Forestry Service, then into the Podocarpus forest, maintained by the Wildlife Service. Although native, it's a one-species forest, so not good for birds. Rising in altitude, next are the native bamboo, then Hygenia, a large branching tree covered with lichens. We walk this far. At higher elevations the giant heather take over, then the moorlands (or chaparral).
There aren't lots of birds in the mountain forest, but the weather cooperates enough for us to get the specialties we came for: Jackson's Francolin with its red bill and feet and subtle streaking on the breast; the White-headed Wood-hoopoe, the Red-collared Widowbird with its trailing black tail, the sunbirds in the lodge gardens with their iridescent blues/greens/yellows/purples.
Upon return to the lodge, the sun is out (yeah!) and George and Joan's luggage arrived! Time for celebration tonight.
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Dave I don't know George and Joan but I'm very happy for them that the luggage finally arrived. I think we can all empathize with what that must have felt like. Sorry you had rain of course we've now gone into the first stage of drought here from Southern Maine down to Boston as of this morning . I like the smart baboon.
Tracey Yeah, the luggage arrived. That is awesome that someone brought it to them. Yeah for the Jackson's Francolin, the Wood hoopoe, and the red-collared Widowbird.