R&R

The rain had been heavy overnight, waking me from sleep in the early hours.  The skies were now clearing as the sun’s rays poked through broken cloud, still grey and gloomy in parts.  The path through the catholic mission was beginning to dry as the water evaporated from the surrounding mango trees.  I passed young children playing football on the near-by pitch, the air filled with shouts and laughter and a lady greets me warmly as she walks effortlessly up the hill balancing an improbably large basket on her head.  The road into town is still muddy, motorbikes cautiously ploughing through deep brown puddles on the un-made road, passengers eager to avoid getting their shoes wet.  The mist lifts from the nearby Kambui Hills as the mosque begins to empty after morning prayers.

 

I am in Kenema (300 kms from Freetown) for a weekend of rest and relaxation, staying at the National Pastoral Centre, a seminary for trainee priests and haven of tranquillity to counteract the frenetic streets of the capital.  It is almost time to say goodbye to Sierra Leone so I am keen to visit the Eastern province and explore new territory before I head home.  A hike into the hills is cut short as I am unable to find a guide and the trails are still a little treacherous at the height of rainy season.  I opt instead for a cool beer and some time to reflect on some of my trips away from the city over the last twelve months.  Here are some highlights:

Watching a father and son return from a day’s fishing in the remote Turtle Island archipelago, five hours by boat from Freetown

 

Searching for hippos in Outamba-Kilimi National Park, near the Guinea border

Finding one!

Then the journey back to Freetown, an adventure in itself

Amputee football match in Makeni

After the Sierra Leone marathon, Makeni (I managed the 10k and that was enough)

A 3 day epic to the summit of Mount Bintumani

Cockle Point from Tokeh Beach

Sunset fishing, Banana Island

Engagement at Tacugama, Peninsula National Park