We were signed up to take 3 treks in Rwanda. two for gorillas and one for visiting the site where Dian Fossey lived, did her ground breaking research on the mountain gorillas and where she ultimately was killed. The permits were such that the Fossey trek was first and on my 70th birthday. This was the day I wanted to be looking into the eyes of a mountain gorilla but that was now an unlikely encounter. Why I decided we needed to do this particular trek is still to be determined because it was the most strenuous activity I have engaged in during my adult, and perhaps all of my, life. It was a 4 1/2 hour hike uphill into the mountains although it takes someone younger just a few hours to complete this climb. Several times I turned to Peggy and said I thought I could go no further. But remembering it was my birthday I pushed on. Thanks to the porter hired to help me and carry my backpack I trudged on. However, if it hadn't been for Francois, our guide, who pushed me from behind up rocky terrain, I'd never have reached the site. More about Francois...he actually worked with Dian Fossey during her time at Karisoke so we got to hear some first hand stories about those times and the gorillas. Now for a photo of Francois..........my personal savior.
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