Cascade de la Soumba...

Candace and I went out past Dubreka for the third time last weekend. (6th October 2012) We went with some friends to find another large waterfall, Cascade de la Soumba, a little way past Youmaya Valley, where we were the previous weekend. We found the waterfall pretty easily, and as there had been some substantial rain over the past few days, the waterfall was quite impressive.

Unfortunately, the visit for me was slightly tainted by an attack of angry fire ants. I had unknowingly stood on their territory as we arrived at the Cascade de la Soumba, and they crawled up inside my long cargo pants! It was quite a funny sight for my wife and our friends, as I danced around in my boxers, slapping my thighs!

The restaurant overlooking the waterfalls didn't have any food, and so we decided to head back to Dubreka and grab some lunch off the side of the road. We had street meat on fresh bread, with some amazing sweet potato treats, and spicy African sauce. It was so good!

We still had a lot of time before we needed to get home, and so we headed back to Youmaya Valley. We went hiking amongst the fields of wild corn in the shadow of magnificent waterfalls crashing down from above. I half expected to see some elves of Rivendell appear out of the jungle, as the low clouds and the cascading waterfalls gave the area an enchanted, mythical atmosphere.

But soon enough it was time to leave our Middle-Earth and drive back to the ship. It was just another fantastic day in Guinea!

 The Cascade de la Soumba is quite impressive!

 The restaurant that overlooks the waterfall.

 Hiking in Youmaya Valley.

 Hiking back from the waterfall.

Candace next to some wild corn.

Hospital Open House Guinea 2012...

The Hospital Open House was held on the Africa Mercy last week. This is when the Hospital opens its doors so that all crew members, expecially non-medical crew, are able to see what it takes to be a nurse or a doctor. This event is usually held in the weeks prior to the Field Service officially starting, and so this year was especially interesting since the Hospital is already functioning - although access was limited to those wards which are not currently occupied. I was covering a shift in Reception at the time, and so was unable to visit the ward, but my wife Candace headed down with my camera and captured a few photos for me.

The sign says it all. :-)

 Try out your surgery skills!

 And now time for some relay races!

 Dress up like a doctor or nurse.

 Learn how to insert an I.V.

 Become a nurse for a shift and see what it's like! (The patients were crew members pretending - not real patients. :-) )

Youmaya Valley...

We joined a crew activity that headed upcountry this past weekend. We were going to explore some more beautiful valleys and amazing waterfalls out past Dubreka - where we went a few weeks ago. We went to Youmaya Valley, which is lush and green with a peaceful river and many waterfalls cascading down from high mountains above, and hiked up to one of the waterfalls. Here we enjoyed a refreshing swim in the clear, cool mountain river. While we swam and relaxed on the rocky river, we were also captivated by hundreds of butterflies in the air above. They were everywhere! During our trip we also visited a local village and met some of the warm, friendly people. It was a lovely day!

 The mountains with the beautiful waterfalls.

 Candace in front of the amazing view.

 So much green!

 A local village.

 The villagers agreed to a photo!

 We started our hike from here.

 We had to wade across the peaceful river.

 This plant reminds me of a Protea from South Africa.

 Pretty little daisy.

 Another interesting flower.

 I like the contrast in this photo of this tiny flower.

 Apparently these carrot-like growths are edible.

 Fungi growing on a tree stump.

 Beautiful flowers.

 Getting closer to the waterfall.

 Having a break halfway up.

 Swimming in the cool river.

 A little frog hopping up a rock.

 Candace captured an amazing green butterfly in this photo - at right of shot.

 Two little butterflies hanging out on Candace's toes.

 This little fellow took a walk with me along the path.

 Looking back at the heart-shaped waterfall valley.

 Hiking through a field of wild corn.

 Local children wave farewell as we clamber into our Land Rover. What a fantastic day!

A Day at the Deputy Chief of Mission House...

Candace and I joined a group going to the US Embassy's Deputy Chief of Mission's house last week, where we were spoiled with muffins and coffee. The muffins were delicious - my favourite was the Parmesan and Pine Nut flavour. We also spent the day relaxing in the lovely gardens and swimming in the pool. It was a great day that highlighted how important our partnership with shore-based organisations and government ministries is - including embassies and other NGOs.

 View through the garden towards the pool.

 The lovely pool.

The beautiful garden.

View towards the house.

 Flowers after rain.

 I love how the rain drops cling to the flowers.

More pretty flowers.

 This flower reminds me of a fire-breathing dragon.

The leaves of this tree are pretty cool.

Stormy Afternoon...

We get some pretty impressive storms here in West Africa. Often the whole day will turn from bright sunshine to a heavy, dark atmosphere in a matter of minutes. This is what happened last week.

 Heavy clouds roll in and the day turns dark.

 It is rather apocalyptic.

A small fishing boat comes into the safety of the harbour.

Corn Harvest...

I had the opportunity to plant a row of corn when we were in Indiana in July. Candace's family harvested my row of corn a couple of days ago and they promptly sent me this photo. It's not the most impressive ear of corn, but it's not too bad considering the terrible drought that parts of the USA have had over the last few months. (And let's not forget that a complete amateur sowed it!) Thanks to Lavone Miller for the photo.