I couldn’t have lucked out more with my assignment to trek with this group. As a special coincidence the two women were sisters who had grown up in Glen Ellen of all places and one had moved to Marin County living very near San Rafael ( yeah – spooky) The other had moved to Kampala about 30 years ago to research cures for aids and had done 3 or 4 gorilla treks since then – her daughter, standing on her right, was completing an internship with the foundation managing the gorilla trekking. They were a kind, patient, and loving group which came in handy due to the three or four times I held everyone up with a necessary “rest” break going back up the mountain. And to top it all off – after we made it back to the lodge to get our certificates, one of the sisters and her husband gave me a “spirit” award (made from broken branches courtesy of the gorillas) for not giving up and making it to the top…complete with a cheer from the entire group. It’s a little embarrassing to be applauded for being the geezer who still has a little gas in the tank to complete these nonsensical and tortuous activities but none the less I was happy for the support and acknowledgement.
