I HAD A BICYCLE IN AFRICA

Dear Friends,

My cycling in Kenya has now passed the modest 100km barrier. Next target is one hundred miles and so on. I began serious cycling yesterday. I set off from Nanyuki in direction of Nyahururu in company with my friend Bishop John of Nanyuki. John had a single speed heavy duty African bike but he led the pace. John kindly cycled with me for 35kms. We had lunch of sweet pineapple, the real thing. Crossed 20 kms of farm land of a weather road before reaching the tarmac. I gave John water and a little money to get him home to Nanyuki. When I reached the tarmac there were some farm workers, one took great gulps from my water bottle and then offered me a woman. I had to decline the offer.

After the initial prospect of staying at a lodge for 2,000 Shillings I found a motel room for 200. I had a clean room and hot water.

We now have links in Kisumu and the glimmer of a chance to meet Grandmother Obama. Will see. That is days away. I now have a generous line of contacts within the Kenyan Police Service.

I still have 50 kms to cycle today to reach Nyahruru. It is fine here.

Best Wishes

Andy

I HAD A BICYCLE IN AFRICA

Dear Friends,

My cycling in Kenya has now the modest 100km barrier. I began serious cycling yeasterday

ON EXPEDITION FROM NANYUKI

Dear Friends,

Today I set forth from Nanyuki to Nyahururu. It is 90 kms away. Its a hot day so I may not reach there by night fall. Will see. After Nyahururu I will take a matatu to Naivasha and try to find Lord Delamere. Then I will be on route to Nakuru, then Kericho where there are tea farms and then on the Kisumu on Lake Victoria. Kisumu is the ancestral home of President Barak Obama. His Grandmother lives in an area of Kisumu, know as Kogero. God may allow me to meet her.

Best Wishes

Andy

AT THE EQUATOR WITH BISHOP JOHN

Dear Friends,

I am in Nanyuki as the guest of Bishop John of the Methodist Church. We have just been to the Equator. I stood with one foot in each hemisphere of the Globe. A triumph. See photos above taken not one hour ago.

Best wishes

Andrew

WITH THE BRITISH ARMY in NANYUKI - A triumph

Dear Friends,

Today barely one hour ago I was with the British Army in the town of Nanyuki. I met the Sgt. Major Carl and the Major. Both splendid men. I was with Bishop John. We were given lunch in the canteen. I had pasta. Then the Sgt Major gave us a tour of the camp. I loved it. If I were ever young again I would join the army and come to Kenya. The camp was BATUK UNIT (British Army Training Unit Kenya). 'Cap badge' or Unit: Infantry (across the board); Royal Engineers; Royal Logistic Corp; R.E.M.E.

We were at the base from 12:15 pm till 2:30 pm.

Best Wishes

Andy

IN SEARCH OF LORD DELAMERE

Dear Friends,

I am now in search of the descendants of Lord Delamere.....Any clues or advice welcome. Tomorrow I will be in Nanuki near Mt Kenya.

Best Wishes

Andrew

WITH BROTHER LAWRENCE IN MERU

Dear Friends,

I have reached Meru town. I will be staying with my good friend Lawrence, brother of Rev. Duncan. I came here from Isiolo by matutu. Tomorrow I will be in Nanuki with the British Army, God willing.

Best Wishes

Andy

A LIFE OF MY OWN CHOICE

Dear Friends,

I am living the life of my own choice. It has been a tough road, but I took the road not travelled and for me it made all the difference. Paraphrasing Wilfred Thesiger and I believe Robert Frost.

Tomorrow I will reach Nanuki and visit the British Army.

Best Wishes

Andy

GETTING TO KNOW THE BISHOP

Dear Friends,

I am getting to know Bishop Joseph of Isiolo very well. He is a very fine man. If I get back to Nairobi early by any luck I will return to Isiolo to do some work with the little children. Maybe bring then a football.

Shortly I will take a matutu to Meru town to visit Lawrence.

Best Wishes

Andrew

BE DEFIANT

Dear Friends,

They will say it is impossible, they will criticise you, they will do you down, they will laugh at you, they will ignore you. But never be defeated by them. Let them go to hell or where ever. Believe in yourself and never forsake hope. Victory is at hand. Follow your dreams.

Best Wishes

Andy

I AM BECOMING A GREAT AFRICA MAN

Dear Friends,

Give me a few more days and I will have this vast wild land in the palm of my hand. Tomorrow I will take a Matutu to Meru town where I hope to stay with my friend Lawrence, brother of Rev. Duncan of Northwich. Next day I will bus to Nanuki to visit the British Army. God willing.

Progress on Ross - A Dramatic Portrait is going well. Volunteers are coming forward. Thankyou all for this.

Best Wishes

Andrew

ON SAFARI WITH THE BISHOP

Dear Friends,

Today I went out on Safari in the Samburu National Park with my friends Bishop Joseph & Rev. Alfred of the Isiolo Methodist Church. What excellent company they were. I saw:

Girafe

Baboons

Monkeys

Elephant dozens of them.

Zebra

Secretary birds

Antelope

Gazelle

Orynx

Warthog

Dikdik, I think they are called. Very small antelope.

Ostrich

Sadly, we could not find the Lions or Samba. Another day, I hope.

Best Wishes

Andy

MY KENYA DAYS by Wilfred Thesiger

Dear Friends,

My guide in Kenya and Tanzania is the book: My Kenya Days by the great 20th Century explorer, Wilfred Thesiger. He died only a few years ago at over 90 years of age. He loved to be amongst the tribes. They are still here in all their glory.

Best Wishes

Andy

MY CUP FLOWETH OVER

Dear Friends,

I can hardly believe what is happening. I am living a dream. My cup floweth over.

Today we are off on safari to Samburu Nation Park to see the wild animals. If I am lucky I will face the lions and become know as Andrew - The Lion Heart - Wright. Will see.

Best Wishes

Andy

A TIME WILL COME

'A time will come when you will listen to me.' Quote of AW 1997.

Best Wishes

Andrew

PHOTOS of the journey

BABA ZHENIA

Dear Friends,

I have been dubbed 'Baba Zhenia' by the people in Marsabit.

Best Wishes

Andy

LAWRENCE OF ARABIA MEDAL ??!!

Dear Friends,

I was wondering if I might be fit to be nominated for the 'Lawrence of Arabia medal' ?? It would be for my expeditions: 'In the Footsteps of Lawrence' in Syria, Jordan & Israel and 'Across the Equator to Zanzibar' (IF I live to tell the tale). Also noteworthy my researches in to 'Aircraftsman Shaw in Northwich - March 1934' and my production of 'Ross - A Dramatic Portrait' at Northwich Memorial Hall in June 2012.

One to think about.

Best Wishes

Andy (On Expedition in Kenya).

BACK FROM MISSION TO MARSABIT

Dear Friends,

The bus just got into Isiolo from Marsabit. An 8 hour wonderful journey through the arid lands of the north. I once again met the Samburu tribes people. They are so beautiful and handsome.

I saw camels :-). Many camels :-). I will come here again to go camel trekking. I will be 'Lawrence of Arabia' or 'Andrew of Kenya', as of my dreams. I can get a camel or two for perhaps 150 pounds sterling each.

The journey from Marsabit was 280 kms. Mostly on gravel & sand. I think I can cross the Serengeti or maybe the Masai Steppe by bicycle. God willing.

Now I will go to my friends at the Methodist Church in Isiolo.

Best Wishes

Andy

PHOTO me at the Crater