fbpx

This boat ride puts a huge unexpected dent in my wallet. I have to cut my trip short. I had hoped to cross the lake and venture my way north towards Sibiloi, but now I have to start making my way south, towards home. Besides, the KWS officer informed me that Sibiloi is not safe for a lone rider right now. The Borana and the Daasanach people have been having fights in the park since December.

The plans for the next day solidified, I go to Kalokol town to get some tea, and see what the night life here has to offer.

Football.

Back at the hotel, I can not imagine spending another night getting eaten by things. I ask the managers if I can set up my tent on the verandah between the rows of rooms, and they oblige. And that’s where I spend the night. It’s cooler than inside the room. I get a good night’s sleep.

DAY THREE: 62 kms.


Day 4 | Boat to Moite

Today I cross Lake Turkana on a boat! Today will be my first time to cross any lake on any boat. And I’m pretty sure the last time my bike crossed a pond, it was on its way into the country. I’m excited. I’m anxious…

I’m totally terrified!

Lake Turkana is known world over for its crocodiles. I have seen them with my own eyes before, giant reptiles lazily basking on a shore. I can’t swim. As if that would help…

But I have already paid a deposit for the boat, and so we have to do this.

Ready to ride out. A chat with these guys and they confirm that Sibiloi is not safe.

I call yesterday’s bodaboda guy to come and show me the way to Fimbo’s place.

Farewell photo before going to the boat.

Leaving the hotel.

I call the bodaboda guy again. He keeps promising that he is on the way, but never arrives!

I replenish my water supply, and get a small bottle of juice concentrate. After last year’s trip to Illeret, I have learnt to make sure I have some sugar with me always..

Inspection.

I get tired of waiting and start riding in the general direction of the lake. On the way, I stop this guy and ask him if he knows Fimbo’s place. Everyone knows Fimbo. He knows where Fimbo is.

“I know Fimbo,” he says. “But I don’t think he is around. Today he is taking some white people to Central Island.”

“Yes, I know,” I respond “I am the white people he is taking to the island.”

I follow him.

This guy turns around and starts following us. Says he has been sent by Fimbo to fetch me.

After a little riding, we arrive at Fimbo’s place. It’s a little shed right by the lake, and there are several boats around in the water, and boat parts laying about. This is it, guys! This is happening. You should feel my heart palpitating! I can hear Anam Ka’alakol murmuring my name, calling me. I request her not to completely swallow me up, I have people to go back to.

I asked for anything that floats, and I’m eager to see it.

I finally meet Fimbo.

Here is anything that floats, my boat. Not too shabby!

He tells me to ride the bike down to the lake.

My last chance to call it quits.

The bell rings. This traveller’s mind is made up. No quitting now. Time to load the bike onto the boat. Will this boat be able to hold this heavy pile of metal? Will it float? How will they tie it up?

The moment of truth

Continue reading...

Enjoying this story? If you already registered an account, please Log in to continue reading.

If you have never registered an account, please Register one to continue reading.

NOTE: You will ALSO need a PREMIUM Membership upgrade to fully access PREMIUM stories.

Pages ( 1 of 5 ): 1 2345»

2 thoughts on “Farcing the Jade Sea | Part 3”

Leave a Comment

error: