Last walking day

With some socks still to dry out it was probably useful that another late breakfast was in store. Today presented some additional company as well. I'd met Thomas from Germany at the convent. Similar age, we would spend today walking together, as would the guides. With his guide he was also solo walking this route. There were also 3 young German women, who I'd originally thought were Thomas's daughters. They were also 3 months into an African adventure. Obviously each guide has preferred lodges - where that's possible, but the last 2 days seem pretty aligned. Thomas was meeting his wife at a more up market lodge today, the rest of us were staying at Mugumba View Lodge. At 1900m it should provide stunning views across the lower plateau right through to a distant Kilimanjaro. As we left the convent ducking onto little pathways we grazed the vegetable plantings before ascending into the nearby forest. Large eucalyptus, Douglas firs and a spattering of other species dominate the forestscape. Barring some sort side tracks we followed the local road. In good condition, it had all the hallmarks of a forestry service road. We passed through Shagayu Forest Reserve, before encountering the commercial plantings. In the midst was a derelict sawmill. Continuing on Thomas branched off and Costa and I headed to lunch. In the afternoon it was a short walk to the pottery spot, where local women make and sell items, before a trip into town and then a climb a few hundred metres to the lodge. It was spectacularly situated with views right across the plateau 1000m below. There were also peeps of Kilimanjaro in the distance as the visibility improved. An evening electrical storm was impressive, even this one that was small and passed in a few minutes.Läs mer