Morning Hikes

On our second day in Lalibella Kaylin and I took the opportunity to go on a four hour hike to see Asheton Maryam Monastery. The monastery sat on a mountain overlooking Lalibella and the region that surrounds. It was on Wednesday morning we met our Trekking guide in our hotel Lobby. His name is Kanu, he has a local trekking company in Lalibella,

https://accessecotrekking.wordpress.com/  Growing up in the region he is familiar and shared an abundance of information about the region with us as we hiked up into the mist! You learn very quickly that Kanu is a man who loves the mountains and the quiet one finds when up above the chaotic streets of Lalibella. Talking with Kanu we learned more history about the people and about current issues in Ethiopia. Gaining a better understanding of the country I am living in while climbing sheep trails. 

The hike was an enjoyable climb, passing through a mountain village filled with farmland, children and of course those selling souvenirs. Walking along carved out creak beds, and through farmer fields brought a true african village feel to the day. I have missed the quiet village paths and spread out huts. Addis is far different then Village life. Kaylin enjoyed the time trekking, stretching and moving! For myself living in Addis, at an altitude of 2 355 m (7 725feet) my body has become acclimatized. This means more red blood cells! So essentially without working out I have reached the best shape (well best oxygenated state) in my entire life! Kaylin was living for the previous 10 weeks at 1 200 meters in Massaka Uganda, climbing to the hight of 3150 meters (10 334 feet) to reach the 

Asheton Maryam Monastery did leave her a bit more breathless and clutching at her burning chest. For us "sea level" Canadians it is a bit of a change to say the least! 

Being rainy season, a mist wrapped around the mountain, obscuring a view of the valley, but reminding me of Home, coastal hikes and winter days spent hiking! A smile was plastered on my face for the entire morning. In October Melanie and I are already planning more hiking adventures, with Kanu of course! 

Highlight of Lalibella, all the mountains, green hills and misty peaks!