DISTRICT REPUBLIC OF CONGO
July 28 - 2005

Our Party never quite knew where we would be observing Mountain Gorillas. I figured perhaps Uganda would be the most logical choice. I was a bit nervous about suggesions of Rwanda due to past history of political strife and genocide. At the last moment though, it was determined that gorilla permits were easily obtained in the Congo. I have to admit that knowing that several tourists were murdered in 1992 in nearby Bwindi National Park, Uganda didnt make me feel exactly totally relaxed.

My fears were unfounded nontheless and we were escorted safely to the Congo border. The customs "office" looked more like a small cattle shed than an international border and customs station. On a rustic, rickety worn wooden table my passport was stamped with District Republic of Congo.

Overlooking the magnificent Virunga mountains I couldnt help but think of the late Diane Fossey. It was in these dormant volcanoes that the drama of her amazing life with mountain gorillas unfolded. It all seemed surreal... the little kid from New Brunswick Canada who grew up and ended up on his own journey to see the "Gorillas in the Mist".