Trekking with gorillas

Yesterday, we trekked with the silverbacks. It was literally one of the most awesome, surreal experiences of my life. To be in close proximity with such magnificent and powerful creatures was spell binding. The baby gorillas were very entertaining as well. Whether pounding their chests, climbing vines, or spinning in circles they were surprisingly playful. Unfortunately I don't think the internet is fast enough to let me post pics or videos here. We were within 6 to 10 feet of the gorillas. we were with Dianne Fossey nomenclatured group 13, which consisted of one silverback, 10 females, 8 children, and 6 juveniles. The only heart pounding moment is when the silverback started walking right up to us . We backed up very quickly as this 500 to 600 pound male ambled toward us. We didn't know if he was going to get very aggressive with us or what..We could even see the fear in our guide's eyes. Fortunately he stopped about 6 feet in front of us and pulled this long bamboo shoot down and started eating. Whew....
We escapted the fate of my friend Hunter (Medical Director of Orbis) who had his back slapped by a silverback on a prior trip.
I am still awestruck thinking about our experience.