Day 33: Bahir Dar - Simien Mountains
Well rested the team was up at 5:30 bright eyed and bushy tailed and after a short breakfast and witnessing a spectacular sunrise over Lake Tana the team departed the Karufi Lodge, and headed along the east bank of Lake Tana to the town of Gonder. Being in the heart of the Ethiopian highlands, most of the drive was through amazing mountain passes which were home to some spectacular rock formations. Just outside Gonder we passed an old castle perched on top of a hill and once in the town we were pleased to find a working petrol station. From the petrol station we had only a hundred kilometres left to the Simien Mountain Lodge, unfortunately for us these last few kilometres were on a gravel road that wound its way up the Simien Mountain Range, to the national park. The gravel proved to be quite enjoyable and the team had definitely learnt a lot from the trip to Moyale, however the boyz were plagued by yet another shock failure, this time it was Craig who managed to upset his suspension system. Before we could drive the final 22 km’s to the Highest Lodge in Africa, we had to first sign in with the National Park authorities, seizing the chance Grant managed to squeeze in a well needed cat-nap. Finally once all the paperwork was signed and the manager had been convinced that we could not fit a game scout and park guide on the back of Paul’s bike we headed into the Simien National park, with a storming brewing just in front of us. The team to date has driven on tar with water, water with tar, good gravel roads, poor gravel roads and absolutely shocking gravel roads, today the team was introduced to mud. The last push to the lodge saw the team driving through the rain on a muddy road which had more than one waterlogged crossing. Finally with some of the team white knuckled and very relieved to be out of the mud, the boyz on bikes arrived at the lodge and after braving a shower that is fueled by the Arctic Ocean, the team settled into their weekend getaway, with Les and Rob fighting over the last unread book.
Sunrise over Lake Tana.
One of the spectacular rock formations.
Grant and Rob seeming to attract some attention.
The team stopping to get the park permits.
Grant taking a nap.
On the way up to the Simien Mountains.
The Simien Mountain Lodge.
Craig, wet and very muddy from the drive up the mountain.
Mark and Grant making friends with the Chef.
Craig furry friends are in need of a serious wash.
The Lodge.
The View.
COMMENTS
Reading the postings of the last few days is a nice way to start the week, keep it coming. Have not seen a pic of Les so relaxed as the one of him washing his bike. Greetings to the Maur Island Fan Club as well.
by Eppie on June 29 2009, 08:41
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Great to see you on the blog, havent seen you guys for ages. hope you are all well. Greetings to your family too. What an awesome opportunity and adventure for the guys.....some good stories around the campfire will surely come from this . .more
by Maur island Fan Club on June 29 2009, 20:47
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I am very proud of all of you brave men!!!!!!!!!!!! You must consider writing a book about these adventures. Writing skills are excellent. We are with you in heart and soul. Cant wait for the one on one talks after this trip. Keep well and . .more
by Annette on July 02 2009, 09:42
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I have been waiting very patiently for these photo's. They are amazing. I see Grant and Mark know how to pick their friends - the chef!!! I am fascinated by the countryside - its not anything like I imagined. The huts making up your lodge look . .more
by Marilyn on July 02 2009, 15:39
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