Drive, drive, drive... WILD GIRAFFES... Drive, drive

Today was the long return journey to Niamey from Madaoua. Our hosts were up to the task of driving us, as we left the friendly confines of our compound at 6:15 without stopping for lunch (or for answering nature's call). (I am sorry - too much information). After sampling sandwiches, chips in a can, popcorn, nuts, cookies and pumpkin loaf (again, too much info), we rejoiced at making such great time on the cratered East-West Highway.

We kept our host driver awake by getting him to regale us with wonderful stories of the storied Nebraska Cornhuskers college football program from the past 35 years (this actually worked!) We managed to avoid bursting through the makeshift rope barricades at various toll booths by actually reducing our speed occasionally. After 6 hours of moderate discomfort, we happened upon an exciting site - a large building by the road! It was not just any building. Inside we found a local guide who could take us to see West Africa's last wild herd of giraffes.

It was exciting to ride in a rented van over a few kilometres of dusty rough road, past the termite mounds (you should see our group pictures taken with the mounds). Our guide suddenly hung out the truck window, his eyes scouring the countryside. A few minutes later, he ascended to the roof rack where he eventually spotted some giraffe tracks. After a few more turns among the scattered trees, we finally found our giraffe herd.

They were beautiful, all seven of them, including three young ones. They moved from tree to tree, grazing on the top branches. Our crazy group of shutterbugs snapped pictures incessantly, with our fearless leader, Mrs. S, wandering so close to the animals that our guide began to panic. As our team watched, we were mesmerized by the graceful beauty of these amazing creatures.

After about twenty minutes of beholding the lovely giraffes, we crammed back into our vehicles and resumed our trip to Niamey. "Hey driver; tell me all about the Huskers' 1983 season."