Week #27 Stacy gets some new wheels..... well sort of....

In an effort to cut back on expensive taxi fares to and from her office, we decided to purchase a new vehicle for Stacy.

This hearty camel was a good bargain. It was a little rough navigating the rush hour traffic on the main bridge the first few days but she seems to have the hang of it now. Gus isn't so sure!

As long as we provide her an ample supply of green mangos, during the cold seaons we only need to give her water every three weeks! The Toyota Prius is a gas hog compared to this one.. and she can make it all the way from Bamako to Segou in one day!
Stacy held Gus' teddy bear to try to coax him to join her but he was not game at all.

Week #26 Six months in Mali

We continue to explore the cliffs of Siby as much as possible. We recently found another dozen bolted routes, some of which the kids can climb.

Gus makes his way up a nice route.

Jenna nearing the top.


Zooming in... here she is about to touch the belay chain.

There is so much new route potential in Siby! After eyeing the promenant crack on this bluff for several months we recently put up the first ascent two weeks ago, A nice single pitch climb... rack up with some #3 cams for this one!

Gus and Alexander grind some soft sandstone chunks into dust... who wants to climb when you can make "salt"?

Gus and Alexander near the "lion's den" cave.

Jenna with our neighbors Fatimata and Nanou

Jenna with her friend Georgina.

When AISB's pre-k has pirate dress up day Gus is ready.....Some feared the Tuareg rebellion had advanced as far as Bamako!