Rwanda Gorilla Photos
 

http://www.kodakgallery.com/I.jsp?c=...x&x=1&y=bz8nc6

Sooner or later I will finish putting these up on my own web site, but
until then check them out.

If you are even THINKING of going to see the gorillas, DO IT!

Rwanda Gorilla Photos
 

Some random notes from the trip.

I had a Nikon N70 and a Canon Rebel 200. My wife had a Kodak Digital.
BOTH of my film cameras AND my video camera got busted up while I fell
and slide around in Nyungwe. (See the last picture with my wife)
THANK GOD my wife threw into our suitcase an old Pnetax point & zoom
camera, otherwise I wouldn't even have these. Magically my video camera
started working again during the first visit and so I did get soem
footage.

I felt pretty horrible the first day, so I am thrilled the Amaharos
were only about 25 minutes away. But they were lounging in damp, wet
grass. I just went ahead and sat in it anyway. I figured I can always
take medicine later.

I knew ahead of time that the low light would be a problem for
shooting. No flash is allowed. They also didn't want anyone bringing
tripods around where the gorillas were. The (rightfully) get nervous
when they see people and big sticks.

At some point I stopped shooting pictures and video and just watched.
VERY important to do that. The hour goes quickly, don't waste it taking
pictures and video the whole time.

The guards kept making these 2 distinct groaining noises to let thm
know we were peaceful.

The Sabinyo silverback was quite active. When he sat on top of that
hit, he was watching everyone in his group. You could see him make eye
contact with each individual.

At one point when we got closer to them, the silverback went around us
quickly and broke several THICK bamboo trees with one hand and gave us
a quick look. The guides said that was to let us know he was in charge
in this area. Believe it or not we didn't question him

Many people have reported that it almost seems like the gorillas know
the drill, know you will only be there for an hour and sometime start
moving on when they know time is up.

Remember DON'T RUN if one comes toward you. There is no way you can
outrun them. And if you're running they figure you must be guilty of
something ;)

The Amahao brownback came within 5 feet of me. He waited for us to get
out of his way so he could pass.

The smell was strong and musky, but nothing like human stink.

I will drop any other notes that come to me...