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Retirement Sentiments."The Mountain Kings of Africa."It was 6am and already the Rwandan countryside was teaming with people setting out to work on their little plots of land. Here in one of the poorest and most densely populated countries in Africa, six million people live in an area not quite the size of Munster. Although over farmed and overcrowded the countryside is dramatically beautiful. The most spectacular feature is the mist shrouded Virunga volcano country, towering up almost 15,000 feet and nearly covered with rich green rain forests. The Virungas are the only remaining forests and they shelter the survivors of the once abundant wildlife. That was our destination and the prize was a hoped for meeting with some of the rarest and most intriguing animals on earth- the last of the Mountain Gorillas. We were met by our guide, Joshua, who as well as knowing where the gorillas were likely to be would help to accustom them to the presence of strangers. Though we were just a few miles south of the Equator, we were so high up on the continent’s central plateau, 10,000 feet and climbing that you shiver more than you sweat. We climbed for almost three hours. The terrain was difficult, very cool and wet. Sometimes we hung on to vines to get along, trying to avoid the huge stinging nettles that were everywhere. Sometimes we had to go on hands and knees. For a long time we found no sign of gorillas, though we saw or heard many other animals – buffalo, elephant, antelope, zebra and lots of exotic birds. Suddenly, Joshua signaled us to stop… and with his bush knife, almost silently began cutting a window through the lush green foliage. He motioned me forward and I crept to his side, both of us stooping low. He pointed through the opening. There they were – man’s closest relative, the basis of the King Kong myth – the last of the Mountain Kings of Africa! A group of six stared back at us. Gorillas live in family groups of between five and fifteen lead by an adult male Silverback. To my surprise and delight the guide beckoned us forward into the clearing. We moved slowly to within fifteen feet– the Silverback stared at us with a mixture of curiosity and caution. The gorillas moved up the slope of the crater, back into the forest and we followed, approaching to within ten feet. They settled down into a nest-like area, feeding contentedly on leaves and bamboo shoots, the Silverback gazing at us all the time with his piercing eyes. The only sounds were those from the gorillas feeding and their peculiar grunting and purring noises, which were somehow reassuring. The peace and wonder of the scene made it one of the most unforgettable places I have ever been. And then it was time to go – but not before the old Silverback put on a show of screeching and chest beating to show us who was the King of the Mountains. Stay in touch and subscribe to my monthly email newsletter, "Retirement Stories". It is full of new stories and tips on planning for and enjoying an active retirement. Subscribe Now.. Back from Retirement Stories: The Mountain Kings of Africa to Retirement Sentiments Back from The Mountain Kings of Africa to Retirement Planning |
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