Rough road

Hello,

Who needs roller coasters when for thrills you can ride the roads under construction in Kenya? Getting out of the city was not a problem, but later on it was good that we were in a Land Rover. And Americans think they need off road vehicles, most have no concept of the possibilities. We sat, bounced, and trusted our driver for six or seven hours. The vehicle rattled and shook, but kept going. There was no air conditioning, or at least none was used, so depending on the amount of red dust in the air the windows were open or closed. In the morning it was cool so then it was not a problem. In the afternoon I was happy that I had on some removable layers and sandals consequently my feet were comfortable.

At the construction area we left the pavement and went on a hard packed well-driven path that had holes so deep we slowed to a crawl and wobbled dangerously from side to side. Sometimes we played chicken with the on coming semis. Sometimes we won and sometimes we did not, but that means someone always “gave way”. In all this time we did not see an accident, so somehow they figure it out. From time to time the dust was so thick it was difficult to see most of the other vehicles. Sometimes we were driving on one side of the road and then it might switch to the other if the way looked smoother. Smoother is a relative term here. My bottom was quite sore by the time we were done. Sometimes approaching drivers would flick their lights on and off signaling that we should yield which we always did. Sometimes drivers would honk their horns with a mighty blast.

I was so amazed that semis could navigate through this, but we met a long string of them that went on for several miles. Our driver commented that they must have let them past some check point since there were so many. At times we were three or four abreast. Sometimes we could have opened our window, put our hands out about one foot and touched the semi next to us on either side. I am not sure how, but we came through without a scratch. I should tell you that in places there were cement or rock barriers along side the road. I guess they find that more effective than signs. Really there are very few directional signs.

Later we were back on good pavement. Sarah said from there on south to the border or sea, the road is very good. We were privileged to ride on the very worst part. Again I was just amazed, now that I could see around us, that there were many people out walking far from any obvious abode.

Paula