Bwindi Impenetrable, Uganda

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Tracking the highland gorillas — Bwindi Impenetrable Park, Uganda — July 4, 1998

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Our guides, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

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Our Peace Corps friend Parisa, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Uganda — July 4, 1998

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Gorilla trek, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

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Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Uganda

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Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Uganda

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For dinner that night we refer to the trusted Potjie (pronounced “poy-key”) — July 4, 1998

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The legendary My Old Friend, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Uganda — July 1, 1998

(My old friend is in the far left; you can barely see him.)

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Todd and Nicole, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Uganda — July 1, 1998

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Our hike into the DR Congo — June 29, 1998

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Locals, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Uganda — July 4, 1998

Countries visited - Africa 1998 - 1999

Africa route map

I am not sure how it all got started. It wasn’t a magical spark of lightning that began the cataclysm, nor was it the supreme words of a higher being sending us on our way. Somehow, though, the powers of the universe contrived enabling our journey through the Heart of Africa.

It began quite innocently as an alleged trip to Bulgaria and Romania. This idea was eventually vetoed and placed “on hold” for future girlfriends. Zap—a long awaited spark was kindled—The Middle East: Yemen, in particular. And the visas were applied for, the air tickets purchased; and on a fine March 4th day we were on our way aboard a gleaming Air France 747 en route to Cairo, Egypt, via a five day layover in France.

We never did make it to Yemen, nor the Middle East for that matter; we headed South, instead, into the Heart of Africa, and what follows is the story of events as they unfold.