The week of Caleb's birthday we hired a car and took ourselves off to Lake Naivasha. Only 1.5hrs drive away, it is another world. We didn't take any computers - just books and games - a chance for some good family time!
"Hoot for service at Top Camp"
The cabin that we'd booked wasn't in a good state when we arrived so we were given another one. It was a much nicer new one (on the R) so we felt very happy!
The view from 'Kusini'
The bunk beds were an added bonus for Bethanie and Caleb
Lots of room to play and explore and a wonderful view over the lake
Teddy brought his hammer and nails in case he felt like making anything. Caleb borrowed them to make a gun and a sword - we're in wild country here!
Some evenings we went down to 'Bottom Camp' to the restaurant.
Simple but yummy food in front of the fire - perfect!
Found this little chap on the car one morning - Justin did a neat job with the reflections in this photo!
Toasting marshmallows on the camp fire had to be done whenever rain permitted
One of the bonuses of the rain
We really enjoyed the clouds we could see from our porch
Caleb walking/running down to the road - he beat Dad in the car every time!
Camp Carnellys (next door) has another nice restaurant and garden
And gorgeous big cushions everywhere!
This is where we were when the 4th President of Kenya, Uhuru Kenyatta, was sworn in. Deborah watched on the tiny TV in the bar.
Beth enjoyed the swing. The necktie is inspired by her good friend from All Nations, Sophia.
We could see the storms approaching across the lake
We had one night in the cottage we had booked as Kusini had another booking. We enjoyed a different view and Bethanie enjoyed Susi the cat (but Justin didn't and we were clearly on her territory!)
Here's how to make a proper cup of tea!
Good to keep our bush skills well practised!
I think these zebra might be trespassing...
A nice farm shop we found last time (on the Oserian estate for any friends who might visit!)
An ice cream treat
Someone else is interested in sharing...
No lions here, but these two are scary enough!
A warthog family kneeling down for a midday munch
It's so lovely to be amongst the animals here
Giraffe, zebra, both right next to Deborah!
An early morning snuggle
Happy Birthday Caleb - 9 today!
Caleb's choice of birthday treat was to go for a walk on Crescent Island. Beth wasn't sure about the boat ride but she 'pressed her brave switch' and actually really enjoyed it :)
We were lucky to see these two hippos out of the water as it's unusual in the day time. One had an injury he was allowing to heal.
Lots of pelicans and cormorants
Meeting Emmanuel, our guide
This 3 week old baby giraffe wasn't so used to humans and gracefully cantered to a safe distance away.
Then home for some archery practice (and pizza down at Bottom Camp)
Dad's cooking tonight
What a feast!
A sunny afternoon down at Bottom Camp. C & B made friends with this little girl and it turned out she went to Caleb's school! Such a welcome week's rest. We hit earth with a bump on Monday!
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