Rutundu

Stopping for a break on the shore of

Lake Alice, Mt. Kenya National Park.

Over the Easter long weekend, we traveled to Mount Kenya with our friends, the Wollers, to stay at their favorite family getaway -- Rutundu. A wildlife trust in the area has two beautiful primitive log cabins (chinked with moss and heated by stone fireplaces) perched on the slopes of the steep table top Mt. Rutundu over looking Lake Rutundu.

Tim and Kathy Woller literally showing us the ropes!

We arrived on Good Friday, after a beautiful drive out of the diesel smoke and noise of Nairobi and into the clear air of Kenya's central highlands. We were treated to a clear view of Mt. Kenya with its snow topped summit, as we drove north crossing the equator. The final 37 kms of the journey took over two hours as we snaked along the off road path to Rutundu. We were greeted by a herd of zebra grazing on the alpine fields near the gorge where we left our vehicles. The cabin has a rope trolley to swing luggage over the ravine, but we had to hike down and up to the other side. Although Erica's mom, Mary, wanted to know if she could use the rope trolley, she made the climb on her own steam.

Tim sporting an authentic Kenyan Umbrella!

On Saturday, Tim Woller and his eldest sons, Spencer and Stuart, led Erica, Tristan, Emma and I on a seven hour hike up to Lake Alice. It was a gorgeous hike into the mountains with a sweeping view of the surrounding peaks including a partially cloud covered view of Mt. Kenya.

Erica and Emma descending into the bowl of Lake Alice.

Little did we know that within minutes after this picture was taken, a heavy thunder storm would come barreling over the high cliffs above us pelting us with hail, rain and freezing winds. We rushed under the shelter of a tall bush that Stuart Woller had scouted out for us, and interlocked out umbrellas to form a shell from the rain. Despite our efforts, within minutes we were drenched to the skin. We would probably still be there now if it wasn't for Cosmo, our Kenyan guide, who skillfully built a roaring fire for us in the midst of the down pour. Over the next two hours as the rain withdrew, we dried our clothing and chilled fingers by the fire, sang songs with the kids and munched on fruit and leftover sausages from our morning's breakfast. It was an incredible experience of trusting God's merciful hand in the midst of the storm.

Erica and Emma on the hike back to Mt. Rutundu.

Once we were dry, and the clouds had lifted, we started back the cabins.


Erica, Emma, Stuart, Tristan and Spencer

playing one of our favorite card games -- PIT.

Together we celebrated Easter with a service around the fire. The kids took turns leading us in worship songs as we celebrated the resurrection and presence of Jesus. We also had a lot of fun hiding candy filled eggs and hunting for them along the paths around the cabins. The children then organized an Easter egg hunt for the Kenyan men who care for the cabins. It was such a thrill to experience their joy as they raced to find the eggs and played with our kids.

TK and Spence!
We are so glad that we were able to enjoy this weekend with the Wollers. Tristan and their son Spencer have been "best of buds" since we first came to Kenya, and sadly, Spencer and his family will be leaving Kenya to return to the USA this June. We are so thankful for the gift of such wonderful friends that god has brought into our lives in coming to Africa.

Daddy and Tristan going after some trout!

Rutundu is also a great spot to go fishing. Kathy pulled in a brown trout and Tim, Spencer & Tristan came back with a rainbow. Erica and I weren't so lucky! BUT what better reason is there to return! Maybe next year, we'll get to take another trek up to Rutundu and pull in a trout of our own.