Three times in three years... clearly can't help just being drawn back!
Returning felt like arriving home, and as always the sun was shining, river raging and everyone smiling. However, having left last time in a rush, fair to say a mix up with transfers reinforced how things don't always quite go to plan in paradise, but a few phone calls and a short wait, things were back on track.
Once in Bujagali, it truly awesome being back, and I was soon on the water on what has become a second home in some ways!! The first few days was a mix off flat water sessions, still adjusting outfitting and trying to build strength, and super hole sessions - just a short boda ride away, but spending the whole journey debating whether to hold onto to the bike as you are perched on the back, or the shiny new carbon balanced across your knees and squeezed between you and the driver! However this very quickly became second nature and just the standard commute.
As my time in Uganda was already flying by, I had also managed to set up work with one of the local rafting companies, Nalubale. With them I managed to squeeze in lots of river running, pushing new lines and attempting new channels, as well as covering the office (which still inevitably included a lunch time kayak session!). Even on my third trip, there is still so much to discover and meeting all the guys, both local and international, at Nalubale was epic!
It would also not be a trip to Uganda without at least one trip to the Hairy Lemon! Having left in quite a rush last time, it was amazing to see Anita and the team and hang out on such an incredible, chilled out place, which has definitely become some kind of paddler's paradise!
Not only does the river draw you back but the people too, reuniting with old friends and meeting new ones! Along with a strong British and Spanish contingencies, there were also paddlers from across the world from Australia, to Canada, to the Czech Republic, all ripping up the wave and throwing down awesome tricks.
The new carbon did not let me down! It was awesome!
The rigidity of the carbon meant moves went bigger easier, it was faster to hold moves and get onto the wave and overall so much fun!! Although in one way we are always training, this trip was more about having fun and enjoying the Nile while it is still there so focused on throwing big blunts and clean blunts, pan ams, back tricks, flash backs and a few other tricks. I also got the chance to paddle super hole more which was really cool and finally getting the hang of the feature, learning to throw KY's, McNasty's, wave monkeys and air screws. In addition, we also got the chance to session up Itanda hole which was epic!! Truly awesome feature, which did allow for some amazing hole boating practice!
Sadly though, the prospect of the dam, and now very real deadline means parts of the trip were bittersweet. The thought of the loss of the river, the very heart of the area and soul the people who live, work and play there, leaves me to question how we could destroy somewhere so incredible! With this said though, I am determined to make the most of every time I can get there and encourage everyone to get there, or you'll be kicking yourself in years to come. Life on the Nile will soon be very different, but I do believe it will still thrive and keep drawing people back. This won't be the end, but more of a change, as new plans and projects are springing up everyday.
All that is left to say is, see you on the Nile again soon!
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