Ukwama

I decide to take a "seasonal" side road for further surveying of these absolutely gorgeous mountains. Even after yesterday's heavy rains the seasonal aspect would not have been a problem because after a while the road deteriorates to a well-overgrown and thus stable single trail. Strange. You still see its attempt of wanting to be a "real road" but that must have been years ago! It is completely abandoned and I start to ask myself, why? I have to leave the car many times to assess the drivable surface ahead. According to the map, a bigger river crossing might cause troubles. But when I reach the bridge, it is still in top condition! Perfect spot for a lunch break.

But then, behind the next hill I learn the "why". In a rather inconspicuous location the path has been underwashed. People have partly repaired the damage on one side with wooden trunks but the wood is very loose and slippery. Additionally, to the other side the "crossing" consists of soft soil which gives in when walking over it. Deeply underneath there is now a stream flowing. The whole crossing offers a width of 2 m and my car's track width is about 1.80 m. With the loose wood I have no room to maneuver. If one wheel slides off, the game is over and I get stuck in a place where nobody can help me out 🫤.

Half an hour later a farmer appears and tells me that it will be impossible to cross with my car. Usually, locals say that everything is always possible and especially then it is not. Now I feel supported in my decision.

I turn back and enjoy the challenging track, the pretty landscape of hilly farmland, the low clouds and even a distant glimpse on the lake which I did not notice when coming from the other direction! Yet again I found a wonderful and remote place where probably not many travellers have been before.Read more