2026 Diary - Page 68

13 March

Friday the 13th and things didn't go to plan.

We were supposed to leave Karen Blixen Camp and head over to Encounter Mara. However, the torrential storm last night (lasted about 3 hours solid) meant that the Mara River had visibly risen overnight and wasn't passable on the way to our new camp.

The decision was finally made that we would stay at KBC for at least one more night. They upgraded our tent and sorted out game drives for us for Friday afternoon and Saturday morning then let's see.

This is what we woke up to and it showed no signs of subsiding during the day so, although it's very frustrating, I think the right decision was made.

Rather than just sit around, I explored the camp - very pretty but not very big but at least my walk meant I knew where tent 4 was (other side of the camp to tent 11 where we were before).

We had lunch at camp - the first time I'd had lunch in the mess tent since we got here - very tasty Red Snapper for me.

Tent 4 is slightly up river from tent 11 and much closer to the river, which was just as "busy".

We went on an afternoon safari drive. We spent quite a bit of time with the Lion cubs and I thought that would be the highlight of the drive but we saw a Leopard when it was almost time to come home.

It was lovely to see some Hartebeest today - there was a small group of them as we drove into the conservancy.

The Leopard was really special. They are naturally shy and very well camouflaged so we were lucky to see him. Apparently his mum was somewhere in the vicinity but she takes shyness to a new level so we definitely didn't spot her.

We spent so long with the Leopard that the sun was setting when we started our drive back to camp.

There was thunder and lightning on the way back so we went straight in for dinner to try and avoid any possible rain. The rain was just starting as we walked back to our new tent and turned torrential from about 9 p.m. No idea what time it stopped because I was fast asleep.

Let's see what tomorrow brings.

14 March

The river was about 2 ft higher this morning than yesterday but it was starting to recede by the time we got back from our early game drive.

There was yet another beautiful sunrise as we headed into the conservancy and plenty to see.

We were really pleased to be able to photograph this Dik dik.

These were two new Lions - even Francis hadn't seen them before. Clearly the lure of a dead hippo (natural causes) had enticed them to the pond.

There seemed to be a lot more giraffe around today.

The "special' animal we encountered on this drive was Fred. He is about 53 years old - a real tusker.

As we were leaving Fred, the truck got stuck in the mud (it wouldn't be a real safari if we didn't get stuck at least once). Thankfully, another safari truck was able to push us out backwards so we could go on our way.

Once again, we were so caught up with big cats that it was getting dark by the time we left the conservancy. The sunset was quite stunning as we drove home.

15 March

I used my torch to check the river levels this morning (not light when we get up for safari) and, to my delight, I saw a Genet. Obviously too dark (and too slow on my part) to photograph it but it was a lovely surprise!

It was quite misty when we set off but the sun came up before long.

Our next animal encounter was a male Cheetah. He was on the prowl, looking for something to eat but all the antelope and other animals around were fully aware of him so he wasn't having any luck.

Back at camp with plenty of time to go through our photos, relax, enjoy the sunshine and marvel at how much the river had gone down.

The view from our tent was pretty in the sunshine.

The Hippos across the river seemed to have a lot to say for themselves - perhaps a bit happier now the river is calmer.

The sunshine lasted all day - it looks so much better when that happens!

That said, it was quite quiet around the conservancy when we first got there for the afternoon drive - I think the animals were all looking for shade. The reappeared as the heat of the day subsided.

I wasn't sure what the Jackal was intending to do with the feather but it was very proud of its find.

We watched the male Cheetah for a while - he was stalking a gazelle. Unfortunately, for him (but not for the gazelle) he didn't catch it. He'll be hungry for a while longer.

We finally saw a Giraffe eating high leaves from a tree. I was wondering if we would spot one so was pleased when we did.

These three Elephants are a lot drier than when we saw them before!

We saw a Hyena den and plenty of Hyenas hanging around. They are so chilled (unless there's food in the offing).

16 March

Another dry day but, unfortunately, our last full day in Kenya.

We went on an early morning safari drive. It was pretty quiet as far as animals go but the morning light was beautiful.

The sunrise is as fast as the sunset - blink and you'll miss it!

The Hyena family were home as we drove by today. The pups were really cute! Francis told us the dark one is about 2 months old - just starting to get rid of its black baby colouring.

Another surprise was to find a Mongoose in a tree. I just don't know how the guides see some of these animals - they are so hard to spot.

Photos are on the Kenya page.

Mr. Warthog was getting the cold shoulder from Mrs Warthog - she really wasn't interested.

The Giraffe were stalking their territory, one was very heavily pregnant but it didn't stop her having a good look at us from the middle of the road.

We arrived at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, Nairobi Airport in time to get a snack for tea (apple pie and ice cream, that was more like apple strudel pie - very tasty) then an early night ready for a very early start tomorrow.

The hotel has lots and lots of beautiful roses around as well as quite a lot of African linked art work. It also has a gym and pool but we didn't have time to use those.

17 March

Up and out early to catch the flight back to London. The airport process was thorough but relatively smooth and the lounge comfortable.

We flew over different kinds of terrain - Sahara Desert, Pyrenees in Andorra, the Med and the Channel, the green of England, the busyness of London and various coastlines.

The only thing I watched on the flight TV was a programme about elephants!

Sahara Desert

English Coastline

London

London

I came home to these lovely birthday cakes and a mixed planter from the Flamingos, presents from Carole and Pauline, lots of birthday cards and heaps of post relating to Mum and Dad that will wait until tomorrow.

Everything was unpacked, the first two loads of washing were done, a quick TV watch then it was time for bed.

18 March

True to form, my body decided it was time to get up at 5.15 a.m. Africa time. Unfortunately that was 2.15 a.m. in the UK so it definitely was not time to get up. I managed to get back to sleep for a few hours after a short read so not too bad.

I went to the gym (it was really busy) then came home and ploughed my way through the paper work that arrived while we were away. I'm all up straight again, for now at least.

Pauline phoned while I was walking to the gym. She's having tests at the moment to find out if she has ovarian cancer - I hope not but they seem to have caught whatever the problem is early.

I popped down to the flower shop to pay for today's delivery and order some flowers for Jenny and Peter as a thank you for looking after Oli.

I did some gardening after dinner - it's really come on while we've been away. I'm looking forward to rhubarb crumble! The cross is now cut back into the grass but the edges still need to be done.

19 March

Gym first then dog walking. The dogs seemed quite eager to get out but Wen had walked them while we've been away so they hadn't missed out completely.

I spent the afternoon in the garden, suitably guarded by Oli as I edged the grass by the gravel path. It's a slow, painful job but needs to be done and I'm glad it's behind me.

The sunset was lovely this evening.

20 March

I whizzed to the shops for my paper then did a few jobs around the house before joining the Friday walkers for a lovely stroll in the sunshine.

There was loads of blossom around, making everything look pretty.

This cow shared a front garden with all kinds of stone animals - it made me smile!

The sunset ws lovely again tonight.

I went to Thera Dance class in the evening while Jonathon went to the cinema.

21 March

Pratik borrower our scarifier yesterday and Ryan had booked it for today so no time to go to the gym. I went and got my paper then handed the scarifier over before joining the walkers for a wander round Goddington Park and Lilly's Wood.

22 March

Gym for most of my steps today then church.

Did some gardening after dinner - cutting back the cornus (or at least starting to). I can now see the tulips at the left hand side of the garden. The right hand side still needs to be done but I ran out of energy and time.

We now appear to have three foxes visiting us. Nickety Nick (usually mornings but also the occasional afternoon), Bushy Tail (usual afternoon but I didn't see her today) and then this handsome male who looks to be in really good condition.

Caught up with Mum on FaceTime and Christine on the phone. Christine thinks she might have overdone things recently because her hip is hurting her and she's back on two sticks.

23 March

Gym first then Gilda came for our Monday walk. We went to Darrick and Newstead Woods today. No lunch out because she had a hospital appointment early afternoon. Doctor says she can drive again so she's a bit happier but needs to wait 3 weeks to find out what her next batch of treatment is.

Pauline let us know she is going for a biopsy tomorrow.

I finished cutting back the cornus in the front garden, supervised by Oli.

Caught up with admin bits in the evening.

24 March

Gym for a little while then Jonathon and I went up to Euston to meet Alex for our annual financial review. All good and they'll tweak Jonathon's funds a little bit to reduce the fees.

We were going to go to Granary Square Brasserie for lunch but I had a voucher for Carluccio's so we went there instead. Mum had given us some "thank you" money for the work we've been doing for Dad so that's what we spent it on.

We met one of our new next door neighbours - Ujjwal Lahiri. We haven't met his wife or the rest of his family yet.

25 March

I walked to the Nugent Centre to get food for lunch from M&S. It was lovely to see a Little Egret on the Cray.

Janer was supposed to come and ferret through my spare garden stuff but that was postponed so I delivered the latest batch of hearts to Francis Chappell then planted my first batch of potatoes (Maris Bard this year).

I delivered a few books to Ginny (and got caught in a hailstorm!) Carole was at mum's most of the day because her phone was being "digitalised" so she rang to let me know how that had gone.

I joined Tina and others for Knit and Natter at St. John's then finalised Steve's nomination for the BBC's Great Neighbour Award with Malcolm and Fiona.

26 March

Gym then dog walking for this morning. Carole phoned to let me know that all seems OK with Mum's phone and computer / WiFi. Jonathon cancelled our landline so now we only have our mobiles (which is what we generally use anyway).

Our front garden tulips looked lovely in the morning sunshine and our first bluebells are starting to flower (it seems early).

I gave the Euonymus standard bushes their annual haircut along with the smaller bushes at the side of them. The patio beds look a lot bigger now.

Gilda and I went to see "Body and Soul" at Sadlers Wells in the evening. The first dance was choreogtaphed by Crystal Pite and was excellent. The second half was mixed - good to start with, awful in the middle and OK at the end.

27 March

I decided to walk a longer way round to the gym (via a couple of woods) to try and get some steps done without having to do loads on the treadmill because my right knee was playing up.

I couldn't join June's Friday walk because I had to go to the dentist. All OK except a small filling which the dentist did there and then so I don't need to go back until September.

We went to City Irrigation for some hose attachments and Dobbies for 8 bags of compost on the way there then had lunch at Masala Dabbas when we got back.

28 March

Ran a few errands this morning then took the Knoll walkers to Lewisham, Blackheath and Greenwich for this weekend's walk. We had no dogs with us so could go through the lovely flower garden.

The views were lovely and the rain held off, although we did have about six snowflakes at one point. Sadly, we didn't see any deer in the park despite looking hard for them.

Jo, Irene and Margaret went to visit the market and find their own way home. The rest of us went to walk alongside the Thames for a little while then, rather than come home via Greenwich Station, we walked to Maze Hill and found the Queen's Orchard on the way.

I had a FaceTime call with Mum - she seemed to be in good spirits and less tired than normal.

Did some weights to reach my daily calories target then settled down to watch TV.

29 March

Usual Sunday morning - gym then church.

I went to the High Street straight after dinner to join the "End Catapult Cruelty" protest walk. I stayed with them for the High Street part and walked as far as the park. The walk was organised, and the placards provided, by Greenwich Wildlife Network

I waited until Kim (local councillor) had made her speech then came home for a quick drink before heading off to join the KRA Community Speed Watch session in Knoll Rise.

Surprisingly, only 18% of the cars were speeding and there wasn't much traffic. I think we should do another speed watch on a different day of the week when it might be busier.

Caught up with Christine - she's been to the osteopath so is feeling less stiff.

30 March

No gym today but I delivered the Knoll Newsletter and ran a few errands before meeting Mark at Victoria station to go round the Elephant Trail at Battersea Power Station.

There were supposed to be 21 elephants but one hadn't arrived there yet - hopefully it will be there on Saturday when I take the walkers round the trail.

We had lunch at "Where The Pancakes Are" - it was nothing special.

Knoll Tennis started again this afternoon. Only Angela and I were there and it was really windy so we broke ourselves in gently. It was lovely to have a racket in my hand again.

31 March

I got a space in Matt's 9 a.m. class today so that was my first stop. He had Alex, a trainee, with him so two for the price of one. Jo was there as well so I gave her a copy of the newsletter.

I delivered another copy of the newsletter to Peitra and did a couple of laps of Priory Gardens. It was very quiet and the birds seemed quite relaxed so all good.

Jonathon and I had planned to go to Xi'an for lunch but they've closed for Easter so we went to A Mano instead and had pasta.

I collected some jars for Christine from a lady called Donna. Gregg came, originally to collect a load of CDs from Jonathon but he'd learnt that Orpington Market is closing so he has no way to sell them and, hence, can't buy them. Jonathon will have to decide what to do with them instead, perhaps a charity shop.

I finalised Dad's Estate Accounts and let Carole and Pauline know. I'll have to arange for the accounts to be closed and transferred to Mum when I'm next in Yorkshire, along with moving money into her ISA.

1 April

I dropped the final newsletter to Alicia's on the way to the gym. The blossom along the way was lovely to see.

We had dinner a bit earlier than normal because Jonathon was going to the cinema and I was going to a matinee.

2 April

Ran a few errands then took the dogs out for their walk. We took a slightly different route for the first walk today to give Tisha something different to smell.

I checked Jo's flat and did a walk round Priory Gardens. The flowers are lovely at the moment, plenty of colour, especially the tulips.

Our bluebells seem to have come out over the last few days and are now looking beautiful.

I potted on some plugs and planted some peas, beans etc., all under the close supervision of Oli who was sitting on my shed roof.

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