We leave Gondor to head to Bahir Dar. 193 km to go on perfect roads. Our first big problem is we have lttle fuel and no body is selling any petrol as today is the day when fuel prices change. Its Addis Zemen before we get fuel.
There is hardly any traffic but crossing animals and people wandering the roads take the drivers‘ full attention. We pass numerous rusting Russian made Panzer hulls which still litter the landscape from the civil war that saw the end of Mengistu’s socialists Darg regime.
With its wide palm tree lined boulevards Bahir Dar has a mediterranean feeling to it. We stop at the Ghion Hotel which is situated right on the shoreline of lake Tana.
After a quick refeshment we head out to the Blue Nile Falls 35 km out of town. Upon arrival the usual haggeling over the price for a guide begins.
The initial demand is for 300 Birr which we whittle negotiate down to 30 Birr. Before we set off the heaven opens and Erwin’s canvass roof has to be put up. Once the rain and rainbow have cleared we go crossing a 17th century Portugese build stone bridge and being passed by bare footed locals who navigate the slippery rocks expertly. Sadly since the opening of a hydro electric dam 75% of the Blue Nile is being diverted – still the scenery is impressive. 
Back at the Ghion Hotel we decide to use the camp ground rather than their bungalows light a camp fire and call it a day.
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