One more thing about the hike...

I was so tired last night when I was writing the blog, I forgot to tell you that on the way down from the volcanoes, we stopped where we had heard the gorrillas on the way up. They had crossed the trail and were eating on the other side now. We could see the stalks moving as they were being torn apart and eaten by the group. Then, suddenly th guide said "There!" We almost climbed oevr each other to see. But all I could see was a bit of black fur from the elbow. It was a silverback he said. This group had several. As we weren't on the gorrilla tour he said we had to keep going. Disappointed I walked on. Then, he spotted another silverback. I slid down the hill to see as best as best as possible. Again, I could only see the side of the gorrilla. Then he got up to move to a more heavily vegetated area right through a clearing. I saw his profile first and my mouth fell open. I had no idea they were as big as they were. This was another silverback and he was the most majestic beautiful thing I had ever seen. My heart leapt into my throat as I saw his infamously grey colored back and huge hind legs. It was the most amazing thing to see. To hear them growl and talk to each other was so powerful it made me realize how fragile I was and how easily he could kill me. This was a wild animal and we were in his territory. The guide made growling sounds that emulated what I was hearing from the gorrillas themselves. He said that it was sounds of friendship so they understood we were not harmful. We were there only a few minutes but the images in my mind will be with me forever. No wonder Dian Fossey fell in love with these animals and spent her life, literally, to protect them.

It was an amazing day.

I think I will write from my journal from now on as I keep leaving things out just writing off the cuff. I only have to catch you up on a few little things next time. Just know that we've survived our second day in the DRC. My family was able to successfully Western Union some money to me. Rwanda and the DRC do not accept foreign ATM cards, nor do they exchange travelers checks and it is hard to find somewhere that will exchange other African currencies. I have not had one penny in cash for the last 2 days and it's felt very strange. Excuse me if I repeat myself. Between my journal, personal e-mails and blogging I can't remember what I've written previously.

Will send a link to my photos when they are uploaded. Fingers crossed the hotel computers will be able to do it tonight.

Kwa heri!