12/15/15 – 6:30AM pick up to head to Volcanoes National Park – not even a blink of a bother considering the absolute fortune ahead of having the opportunity to be in the presence of gorillas.
Today we were led by the eldest, wisest and most entertaining guides Rwanda has ever seen – Francois. Though he’s been working in the park and guiding for 38 years, make no mistake, Francois is one of the most powerful and energetic humans i’ve met! He’s not only well-versed in the gorillas and has a special relationship with Guhonda (the oldest silverback in the park), he’s a wealth of knowledge on all things forest, fauna and animals. I am now very comfortable peeling a bamboo shoot and eating it as part of a Rwanda greens salad – straight from the forest. Francois also taught us how to speak gorilla – and when you close your eyes and listen, you can’t tell the difference between him and a sliverback. Through it all though, i trusted and felt completely safe with Francois. He seems like part of the group and the human-gorilla connection cannot be denied.
Our cousins are extremely smart, they sense, possibly more than most of us, and they approach life with a trusting and open heart – i’m humbled to learn from them.
So…meet some of the group:
first up is Guhonda – the 44 year old dominant silverback of the group – you cannot believe how wide his shoulders are – he’s a tank! gorillas can weigh up to 180kg and usually span up to 35 – 40 years – Guronda is looking fit as ever at 44!
Like father like son. Meet Gihishamwotsi pictured below. He’s being groomed to be the lead silverback by his dad…and you can see why. he’s calm, powerful, handsome and in charge!
And then we have big ben – the only known bald gorilla in the world…still sweet and adorable as ever!
and then mom and baby at feeding time…did you know gorillas gestate for 259 days….sound familiar?! And they usually don’t have another baby for another 4 years.
the tenderness and love I experience is overwhelming. My heart is full.
and the babies are always so curious and playful!
It was another extraordinary day – i’m so fortunate to be able to experience these moments. I walk away today with a clear commitment to share with others how important it is to conserve and protect these beautiful creatures…we must be their voice.
Overall, it was a fantastic day with the gorillas – our 1 hour with the group was well worth the long and arduous trek to get there and back – 4 hours!
Here’s a celebratory shot on the edge of the forest of the troopers who made it up the mountain that day.
I have to say, the group i was fortunate enough to be trekking with was an absolute joy! John, Big Wes, Little Wes, and Lynn (all new yawkers) – Long Island in fact, are some of the kindest, most generous and spirited people i’ve had the fortune of spending time with. It seems as if John’s calling in the world is to open people’s horizons and minds to new ways of thinking. To witness and be part of his generosity of spirit and kind-hearted curiosity is such a gift. His stories will never get old. Lynn and Wes – own the store on fire island, so next time you’re there, stop in and say hi – i guarantee you’ll be greeted with a warm smile – Lynn is a trooper, doing that trek and not complaining once – and big Wes may be the most generous and kind man i’ve met – i am overflowing with gratitude. New friends for sure! then you add in Jyot and Sarah from SF – who are smart, funny, kind and kicking ass in the world – well – i’m one lucky lady to have been part of this experience!
Off to enjoy an afternoon learning about what Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund International (DFGFI) does in the communities!