Capturing the Moment

  A mamma and baby gorilla stay close in a little cradle of bamboo, as we watch in wonder from just a few feet away. We traveled to the small, landlocked country of Rwanda for one main reason, to go deep into the Virunga Mountains and trek to the mountain gorillas. This is the same place, and the same gorilla families that Dian Fossey brought to the attention of the world with her field work and book, "Gorillas in the Mist." Now, it was our time to enter the misty mountains of Rwanda, and have that same shared experience, or becoming part of the gorilla family for a short time. Whenever I am here, I like to stay at a small, hidden, boutique lodge, called the Bishop's House. You would never know what incredible rooms, service, and food, await you inside from the almost hidden entrance to the historic place. The morning of our gorilla trek, the staff here outfitted us with gaiters to keep the mud off our pants, rain jackets for the rainforest showers, and a waterproof backp...

  Imagine entering a world where time seems to stand still, and the boundaries between human and wild disappear. That's precisely the enchanting experience our group had while trekking with the Kwisanga family of gorillas in Rwanda. "Kwisanga," meaning 'welcome,' turned out to be the perfect introduction to a journey that would leave an indelible mark on our hearts. Our adventure began with the warm welcome of Mr. D and Patrick, our knowledgeable ranger guides. As we walked through picturesque potato fields, we couldn't help but feel a sense of anticipation building up. The air was charged with excitement, and the distant sounds of the protected national park forest teased our senses. Crossing the threshold into the forest, our anticipation turned into awe as we stumbled upon the majestic silverback of the Kwisanga family. He ambled towards us, a living testament to the wild beauty that awaited. The magic truly began when, midway through our group, he graceful...