The Rambukana tea garden plantation is where we’ve arrived at today. Unbelievably the owner’s brother lives in Kingston-upon-Thames! That feels surreal! We are now encased in a stunningly manicured garden carved out of the rain forest which has a pool and is absolutely tranquil. Incredibly, and sadly for Sri Lankan tourism, we are the only people staying here. Many tourists have cancelled their accommodation bookings all over it seems, being put off by the extensive daily power cuts and fuel shortages. Fortunately, we’ve not been very inconvenienced at all and have worked around the timings of the power outages which are announced the day before so activities can be planned to some extent. Tourists should not be put off coming to Sri Lanka even during these difficult times, and in fact it is even more important for the economy that they do. It is the lack of tourists, following stringent Covid lockdowns, that has contributed to the failing economy here.
Dogs!
As a professional dog walker, Gill was soooo excited to see these puppies at our accommodation, The Bungalow, Cinnamon Estate. I struggled to get her to start trekking this morning but eventually, Charmara, our guide from Aitken Spence, and I prised the puppies away from her and gave them back to their owner. Check out this link for the Cinnamon estate if you’re visiting Sri Lanka – it’s amazing.
Hottest and most humid day so far
We had an interesting time trekking today – speaking to several people in their gardens on our route, adjusting boots and foot paraphernalia along the way and stopping frequently to rehydrate. Gill’s favourite was a roadside stall selling coconuts. Dripping with the humidity, the young lad got two chairs for the old dears and gave us each a cut off coconut!
If you missed the Last blog check it out.
And Blog 5 can be found here
Coming up…
Tomorrow, after our morning trek and still in southern Sri Lanka, we go on an elephant safari to Udawalawe National Park!!
Further sponsorship – If you’d like to sponsor us on this trek whilst being assured that every penny will go to those who need it, then please donate by clicking on this link. https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/marcia-summerstrekssrilanka Don’t forget that if you’re a tax payer to declare ‘gift aid’ when doing so which will increase your donation by 25% at no cost to you . Alternatively, if you know anyone or an organisation which may have any interest in these causes please forward onto them.
Over and Out!
For the moment, yes 😂!!!
Happy sauntering Gill and Marcia !!💕
🇱🇰
For the moment, yes 😂!!!
I am loving following you both on this extraordinary trip! Fantastic photos that really transport me to another world! So impressed with you both!
Love seeing the elephants and the tea plantation sounds wonderful would definitely be keen to visit there. Happy walking ladies enjoying the blog👍❤️
[…] If you missed yesterday’s blog here it is http://www.marciatrekssrilanka.com/2022/03/31/blog-4-trekking-from-dampella-to-morawaka/ […]
Just read all four blogs Marcia. Sounds amazing! I do admire you both. 14k in 32 degrees is no mean achievement. I look forward to reading about the elephant Safari!
Loving your blog! 😍
A bit more information please: on mileage covered, any pesky bugs or any wildlife seen on the way ? Have you access to drinking water on the way ?
You know me Marcia!!! a glutton for information!! Can’t wait to read all about your elephant safari !!
Ps : Just a tad curious as can’t see your backpacks 🤔
Thanks Rani! Covering about 15km a day and that’s enough! No horrible bugs so far but maybe when we get further inland. You will be the first to know! 🤣🤣 We carry our day sack and enough water and first aid kit and then stop for coconut breaks along the way! Driver takes big ruck sack and takes to next destination – is that enough info for now? 😩Xx
I am not at all jealous.
Louis is very jealous Gill. He’s hoping you still love him after meeting those puppies!
Wow, what a trek! Well done ladies x
Such an incredible journey you are both on, it looks well planned and judging by your smiles it’s all going well so far! The locals must be very happy too, what an inspiration you both are. Look forward to tomorrow’s adventures. Remember elephants never forget! Have fun xxx