February 21st - Lake La, Ethiopia - 105 km

Hundreds (over 300...I'm not exaggerating...someone counted) people came out to watch us put up our tents, clean our bikes, laze around, have dinner and head off to bed.  As the sun goes down they dissipate but we could hear the rhythm of drums and singing from a nearby village.  The party sounds continued until long after I was tucked into my tent and asleep.

 Good highway but lots of children, cows and donkeys.

 The bulls decide when they want to cross the road and transport trucks, buses, bikes and everyone stops and lets them go.

 We stopped at a juice bar where they make layered juices...I choose pineapple, avocado and mango.  I tried to get a picture here of a guy putting his goat in a blue donkey (the blue three wheeled taxi cabs) but I missed it.

 Dust devils (like a small tornado) form due to opposing winds and temperatures.  They sweep across the land picking up particles of sand and rubbish.  If there is one, there are likely quite a few.  We saw about 4 at once; some very thin and high and others rather fat like this one.

 We camped at a Wilderness Reserve this evening.  Initially, were met by a half dozen or so ostriches who joined us at our campsite from time to time.  Later people saw warthogs (mother and babies) and a group of antelope (or gazelles, can't remember which).  I was on the wrong side of the campsite to see these and unaware that our campsite was being invaded.

 Met hundreds of people walking - obviously to a religious ceremony.  All wearing white scarves.

 We considered ourselves to find this very nice cafe that sold layered juices, coffee and cakes. It was a great way to pass some time before heading to lunch.

 Sweet Ethiopian coffee with milk.

Lunch truck always parked at the half way mark.  On lookers in the background, kept at a distance with a rope fence...every year at least one bike and many items get stolen.

After the lunch stop, 6 teenagers on bikes followed me and another rider asking for things off our bikes, which the answer was always 'no, I need that".  Then they tried to take the other riders phone out of his jersey pocket.  They surrounded us and followed us for several kilometres.  It was obvious that the intent was to rob us; we came to a police hut where the other rider went in to report what was going on.  We don't know if the boys will be chastised but at least it was over for us.  

 Bright orange beard...I suspect that he dyed it.

 Beautiful young woman who came out to the side of the road to see us.

 Common house in the country-side.