and deadlines, here it was, the solid rock that had silently stood tall for millions of years – watching millions of stars, animals and humans pass by, sit up top and scan the massive wide open plains, generation after generation. I had never realised that the movie was based on real-life landscapes. Knowing that my 10 minutes starring up in wonder and posing for a photo, and even my 57-yearlong life, was an infinitesimal moment in time for a valley that has seen so much and will be here long after my children’ s children are gone. Thoughts of everything flashed through my mind – especially the values and life lessons I was passing on to my kids – and I sensed that I was momentarily in touch with planet earth. This is what Africa does. She reminds us that we humans are not in control and to appreciate our surroundings while we can.
Not long after that we passed sunbleached wildebeest skulls lying scattered across the grasslands and rode on through the notorious‘ gates of hell’ where Mufasa was trampled. More deep feelings stirred. We complicate life unnecessarily. I am alive. Soak this up and carry it home.
Hours riding animal tracks through the wild bush slip by effortlessly. What a place to ride your bike. By the time we reached camp, small red tents dotted along the shores of the enormous Lake Naivasha, the sun was dropping and the fish eagle cries and hippo grunts welcomed us at open showers watched by monkeys, and to tents serving hot food and cold beer. Pinch me! Does life get any better?
bucket-list busting | MTB | 29