Tuesday 26th July. 6.00am

Sadly today we went off script. As our campsite was technically outside the Namib Desert park we could not get in until sunrise.  So we had a lay in until 6.00am.  Bloody freezing at 6.00am!  Saw the sun rise though.  The off through the park gates for the 50km drive through more amazing landscapes.  The further west we travelled the more the scenery turned red as we entered the land of the dunes.  Majestic mountains made entirely of wind blown sand.  After an hour we arrive at Dune 45 and its time for exercise.  Three steps forward and two back as we pump those quads in a gruelling climb to the summit.  But the views and the experience are stupendous.  We are not alone as there are at least a hundred other intrepid tourists doing the same thing.  Looking down on the plains stretching to infinity in either direction it’s hard to comprehend the vastness of this country.  Coming down is much easier and even nicer barefoot.  Breakfast back at the bus – oops – truck, then it’s off to Sossusvlei itself.  The furthest part of the Namibian Desert that you can get to.  From the car park it’s a 5km hike or a N$50 4x4 ride.  Half of us do each.  The walk is really hot as we drag through the soft loos sand pausing occasionally to watch the passing 4x4 traffic bounce & slide past.

Monday 25th July

Up at 7.00am to find our explorer truck has arrived.  Chico our driver guide chef and general good bloke reminds us it is not a bus.  Load up and 5 mins later we get as far as the supermarket.  Looks we bought out their entire stock of wine and beer.  Hardly any room in the bus, oops, truck for the water.  Head southwest and within 5 mins we are rocking & rolling on a gravel track watching the amazing scenery of the veld unfold before us.   The wildlife was soon in view.  First baboons, then a pair of Oryx galloping, then Springbok – first one or two, then loads. Soon  we didn’t even bother shouting “LEFT” or “RIGHT”.  After 2 hours we are in the mountains for a quick viewing stop at the Gambas Pass.  After an hour we are back on the veld.  Ostriches and more Springbok, then it was the Gaub Pass – a deep river canyon into which we descend out of the sun for the first time.  Out of the pass and we stop seemingly in the middle of nowhere.  But it’s the Tropic of Capricorn.   Nick tell us it’s the line of the southernmost  descent of the sun.  Whatever.  Quick stop at gas station village called Solitaire – think about it – for a diy lunch and stretch of the legs (check  camels, ground squirrels, Moose McGregor’s bakery and famous apple pie, collection of rusting old cars, everything shop) then final leg to Sossus Oasis Campsite.  Really smart place (water harvesting, soler panels, pool, internet bar, etc).  Fun and games getting all the tents up, then off to Sesriem canyon for sunset.  It only looked like a ditch from the road but up close it was a 50ft deep 10ft wide canyon.  Sunset amazing as all the mountains turned pink.  Then the lights went out and the temperature dropped 20deg!  Jolly Chillenden –style evening round the campfire.  Gasped at the amazing starscape and milky way( assisted by Raynee’s iPad starfield map).  Then and early night…

Any other business:
·         3 bottles of Frangelico
·         Sesriem canyon
·         Sunset over the mountains
·         Howling jackals at night

Sunday 24th July. Midday

We all crashed out on the flight to Windhoek.  Just desert and scrub looking down.  Arrived at Windhoek around 11.00 and it was all a bit surreal.  Met our tour guide rep Desree (Richard took a shine to her immediately) and we loaded up the minibus.  Then off down the road for a 45km drive to the city.  Dead straight roads and nothing but scrub.  Might have to get used to this.  Saw a huge buzzard and a troupe of baboons scampered infront of us.  Tingey said those big red bottoms look familiar.  Checked in at the Pension Cori just outside the city, and then went for an orientation tour.  Everything shut!  Very quiet everywhere.  Strange we are so used to everything being open on a Sunday.  Visited the Christukirche and the Parialment building.  Wandererd through Zoo Park and Dave  chatted to some locals as though he knew them.  Himba women were selling local crafts on the street corner.  Then off to familiar territory – the bar.  Found the Hilton Hotel had a skybar so plonked ourselves by the infinity pool and got stuck into the local brew – Windhoek Larger.  Spectacular views over the city which lived up to its name as it was very windy!  Back to the Pension Cori and we all crashed out again.  Next stop Joe’s (legendary) Beerhouse for dinner….

Sunday 24th July 08.15

Landed at Oliver Tambo Airport, Johannesburg just over an hour ago.  Puts Heathrow to shame.  I know that’s not saying much but this really is a nice airport.  Very tempted to get a vuvuzela.  Maybe in the markets somewhere. Next flight SA74 to Windhoek at 09.45.  The other flight should have landed now so very soon we will be a group of 13.  Hope Nick & Raynee have managed to get a flight from Munich…

Connection restored

Wednesday 7.00pm Western African Time - same as UK actually!

Hi folks and avid readers.  We are back on air.  Blog posts will be updated shortly back dated to Sunday.  Yes there is a bit of catchin up to do.  And yes, I will also upload some photos.  I know you are desparate.  Not sure about gosip though...(sorry Chris - is that you Knowlton Warren...?)

Interuption to servcie...

Sorry folks for the gap in transmission.  have not been able to get on line since we arrived.  This is Tuesday evening 26th July at 5.00pm.  We are in Sossus oasis campsite of the edge of the Namib Desert (Google it).  Been dund walking all day.  Tomorrow off to Walvis bay & Swakopmund.  More installments to follow.  Sorry can't uplaod any photos but today was completely awesome.  300m high dunes.  Pure orange sand.  Crystal blue sky, white baked riverbeds, blackened petrified tree trunks.

Ready to go

At the gate and ready to go.  Had a few glasses of bubbles with the rest of the gang.  Just heard that Amy Winehouse has been found dead. :( Bad luck lass.  Next bulletin will be from Johannesburg - if I can find a free wifi point