Nairobi to Migori to Oyani

Sorry for the silence.

Finally find a place, e- power and time to post. Much to tell and I won't waste time. Trip to Migori and further to Oyani was very eventful and successful. Here's a short summary of the events since Nairobi arrival:

1. Nairobi adventures:
Sunday was a free day and we attempted to see as much as possible. Jim wanted to see the K. Bixen mus and Giraffe center. Pics below. We pickup vehicle and have a great meal w/ an old friend of PC years (circa 1991-93). God I'm old! Good we had down time as all hell broke loose on Monday morning. Note to self: driving a huge LHD 1970's Land Cursier at night in Nairobi is not recommended.



2. Nairobi equipment purchase:
Managed to find the block maker and hand pump with some small modifications to plan. We get lost in Nairobi's large Industrial Area and spend a nice hour in a "go slow" with the local donkey trailer making better time than our vehicle. Both items fill the vehicle beyond capacity but who's counting. We squeeze all our gear and the other appurtenances into the vehicle and head off to the west dropping into the Rift Valley with much excitement and hope.
3. Go west Mulia ya Uzee
Hectic 12-hr trip to Migori/Oyani w/ a relic of a 70's Land Cursor (See pics Mo posted yesterday). We named the vehicle "Mulia ya uzee" which translates roughly "the old whore". Which for some strange reason seems rather appropriate seeing as the vehicle has been both a blessing and a amazing burden. Top end is all of 70KPH -- not that the roads allow such spends -- and at least four breakdowns so far (holding my breath) we continue to exploit the vehicle's strengths. Roads are completely trashed. Base nonexistent, leave alone tarmac. Ground clearance being a major benefit. We pass thru some amazing tea country.
Small vehicle problem along the way. Carb is quite old and jets clog easily. I install new fuel filter w/ hopes of a brighter tomorrow. Also we're burning a pint a day of oil. Not sure where it's going as there's no leak evident nor smoke from the exhaust pipe. Jim attempts driving on the left for the first time. Doesn't like it but seems to adjust. He'll limit the driving to the bush where an error is less critical. Still he's adjusting well and doesn't appear to be too shocked by the Kenya spin. The food and the use of the toilet being the only exceptions thus far. He likes the attention all the Kenyan children bring.

4. Lodging Oyani.
We're staying on the shamba (farm) with our friend Tito Ogutu and his family. Jim and I put up a small tent on the lower edge of the family home site. It's quiet and cool in the evening. Makes for good sleep. Neither e- power nor running water forces change to general life protocol.
5. Block-making Joy

We meet with the block making team (women's group org.) and quickly setup a plan for the next few days. Jim is quick to assign duties and organise the group towards something I'll call efficiency. The end result being friendships made and block making business started. The group seems very excited with the end product -- less so with the suggested quality control measured.

The block-making machine is a simple, hand-operated press w/ a long fulcrum being your friend. The block is a cement stabilized soil block with a unique shape that allows for interlocking and also the elimination of the mortar course. No baking req'd. Minimize the cement. Stronger block than traditional mud block/brick. We are after about 250-400 psi at 28-days. The finished block are true and sharp and rather neat to look at. The interlocking feature attractive. The mold has chamfered edges so the block looks significantly diff. from anything avail. in the local market place.

Here's Jim with the group at the site where the first blocks will be made. All the equipment necessary to produce the blocks is shown. A sieve table is shown to the right of the photo.

Out of time for this morning. More later should there be power.


Thanks for reading.

Chris

PS. Becca here's picture of a lizard I caught for you. I asked him if he'd like to come to the US but he wanted to stay with his family.