Mt. Kenya Shadow Shots

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Heading north from Nairobi, the first stopover on our African safari was Mt. Kenya’s rustic Mountain Lodge, nestled in the lush highlands of Kenya. 

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Upon arrival, we were offered an afternoon walk through the shadowy woods, with firm instructions to wear long-sleeved shirts and pants tucked into boots. It seemed a curious request on this balmy, sun-filled day, but we eagerly changed and got underway.

Following our guide into  the forest, the wisdom of his advice soon became clear… mosquitoes fluttered around us, and tiny ants swarmed in great numbers over our feet. Though small, these siafu have huge pincers that inflict great pain upon reaching bare skin!

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Insects were not our only threat, evidenced by the pair of armed guards who accompanied us, rifles slung over their shoulders and fingers at the ready.

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We grew accustomed to their presence on walkabout throughout East Africa, one always at the lead, one taking the rear. The guards protect tourists from possible animal attacks, and are considered vital in the control of poachers whose ruthless greed is swiftly and inexorably reducing the herds of African wildlife to alarmingly low numbers.

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No danger found us in the woods that day. Instead, we passed into a clearing to find afternoon tea awaiting us!

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Fine china cups filled with steaming hot tea, thin crisp biscuits and a welcome lack of insect life capped off this first taste of Africa with unique and unforgettable style.

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I suspect I will never again take afternoon tea that could top this one!

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I'm linking this post to Shadow Shot Sunday, hosted by the gracious Tracy at 'Hey Harriet'. For more shadowy photos, do check out the link below...

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.http://heyharriet.blogspot.com/

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