Springbok to Luderitz: Finding our feet

We set off from Cape Town on Wednesday and stayed over in Springbok at Springbok Caravan park before heading over the border to Namibia. We were glad to finally be off and get the trip underway. After stocking up on petroleum for our thirsty beast we drove the final 120 km out of South Africa. The first border crossing was not as eventful as we thought it may be, the only excitement coming when we searched for someone to sign our Carnet that we had paid so much for in South Africa. Finally we got it signed and stamped and we crossed over the mighty Orange River into the first country of our journey. Yes please!

The first stop was at the Ai-Ais National Park (Ai-Ais Hot Springs Resort), the place with the big canyon. Being novices at the overlanding thing we were quite nervous about just rocking up at the campsite without booking. To our unbelief they were totally cool with it. Perhaps one only needs to book fancy restuarants in Sandton, other places you can just rock up. So we pitched our tent (or unfolded it) and erected the very cool awning (Dad it looks freakin awesome) and made for the pool. At this point I should inform you that Ai-Ais means Hot water and that is what the pool was....hot. So after our swim/bath we relaxed at the pool enjoying a beverage. Here we also got a taste of the overland trucks, but not as bad as everyone makes out though (what i think Grant means is that we both secretly enjoyed being able to people-watch from behind our sunglasses and from the safety of our deck chairs :-)).

The next day we headed north to Hobas campsite and got a chance to get a glimpse of the Fish River Canyon. At Hobas we found a cold pool and swimmimg and reading took up most of the afternoon. Just before sunset we grabbed sundowners and made for the view point. As the sight of the Canyon comes into sight you think your eyes are decieving you. In front of us was a huge rift in the flat surroundings. It really is something to marvel at. After building our rock cairn, a toast to an awesome bit of creation, we settled down to our sundowners. Another awesome day in Africa.

Next to visit was Luderitz. We didn't know much about it and did not know what to expect. The road to the small west coast town gradually turned from scrub land to pure desert where nothing seems to live. Once in Luderitz we were surprised that this small town attracts so many tourists, as it has very little to offer, or were we wrong? We decided to check out the only budget accommodation in the town, Luderitz Backpackers and settled for a small room, which is perfect, but we are not getting used to it as we know our real room is on top of Michael. We will stay here tonight and head off tomorrow morning. We hope to be in Sesriem, home to the Sossusvlei, in a couple of days and then.....well we have not planned that far ahead yet.

SUMMARY:

Topics of conversation:

How Canyons are formed; How does one get the Joburger out of a Joburger?How should one drive on a gravel road? Are we crazy?

Roadtrip music: Phil Collins Greatest Hits "Su su Sudio!"

Meals: Springbok slaai (don't ask), boerewors and cous-cous, chicken, rice and chakalaka.

Lessons learnt: Don't forget can opener next time.