Namibia - 23 March to 12 April 2007

Once again, a big 'hello' and 'hi' there, from all of us.

We passed through both borders effortlessly and entered Namibia , our neighbour which none of us have visited before. What a wonderful assault on our senses Namibia has been. We spent our first evening out of SA on the banks of the Orange river at a lush campsite called Abiqua. The following day we made our way to the world renowned Ai-Ais resort with its natural therapeutic hot springs . At this point we were in the Kalahari desert braving temperatures in the upper thirties, so when we saw the huge pool at Ai-Ais, we all could not wait to jump in, only to realize the pool was fed by the thermal springs and was hotter than any of us would ideally have liked but we spent a pleasant afternoon nevertheless flitting between the cool kiddies pool and the huge 'hot tub'.

The Fish River Canyon look out was our next stopover and it is also one of the starting and ending points for the hike through the Fish River canyon, one of nature's beautiful gifts, which provided us with stunning vistas as we watched the sun set from a lookout point at the top of the canyon. Excellent!!!! Our journey then took us further north through a town known as Aus and then west to Luderitz via the desert old mining town of Kolmanskop. Somehow, this town reminded us all of Greece. We continued north to Sossusvlei and Deadvlei via Duwisib Castle, for a real feel of 'desert' Namibia . Absolutely beautiful colours, sunrise, blue skies and dried vleis, with massive sand dunes for the brave and fit.

Travelling from Sesriem, our overnight camping spot in Sossusvlei, we enjoyed more unique rock formations in the Kuiseb Canyon, then onward to Walvis Bay and Swakopmund, where we spent 3 days. A day trip to Henties Bay and Cape Cross to visit the massive Cape Fur Seal Colony and taste the skeleton coast was a smelly delight. Then via Karibib to Windhoek where we experienced great hospitality. The Arebbusch Resort proved to be a pleasant camping spot.

One of Vanita's lifelong friends, Prenavin, has lived in Windhoek for the past 10 years and he arranged for us to have supper at a place called 'Funky lab' which is owned by one of his friends, Paolo. Our prawn starter was met with a resounding and sincere 'best we've ever had' from all of us, followed by a lovely Portuguese steak main course. Paolo and Janice were fantastic hosts and we recommend anyone who visits Windhoek to pop in and say hi. Our sincere appreciation to Prenavin, Paulo and Janice for their hospitality.

Windhoek was also a stopover for some repair work to the vehicles after some harsh terrain through the Cedarberg and the Namib Desert . Gary's and Dean's vehicles required replacement of the Body mounting pins that had broken off, and the water filler pipe on Gary 's. After Windhoek our next overnight stay was in Khorixas which was the base from where we set out to visit some unique sites.

Our first visit was to the Petrified Forest . Not quite a forest, but there are remains of trees over 200 million years old which have become as hard as rock due to compression from the last ice age. After that we went to a place called Twyfelfontein, which is now a world heritage site, to view some of the best examples of Bushmen paintings and engravings. We then proceeded to the Burnt Mountains not too far from Twyfelfontein. Deidre and Eddie decided they had enough of the heat and left the group to proceed back to Khorixas where we were all going to meet later. They consequently took a wrong route but soon realized this and raced back to the agreed rendezvous point, not knowing that both Gary and Dean had opted for the incorrect route as well. This was the start of a nightmare of searches for 'lost' parties. In Gary 's mind he also realized that he was on the wrong track, and knew he had to reach the rendezvous point before Dee and Eddie back-tracked on the 'Right-route' to find the rest of the crew. He thus raced away in the hope of catching them. Waldo at this time was driving Dean's truck and did not at anytime realise that he was on the wrong track since on entry to the area he was having a nap and driving out, Dean was having a nap. Dean and Waldo proceeded on to Outjo (130 km away). Eddie and Gary eventually met up and started to worry about Dean's whereabouts. Thinking the worst could have happened in the wilderness, they went in search for Dean by re-doing the 220km route through Twyfelfontein in the dark. The whole group eventually rejoined at the Etosha Safari Lodge, and some pleasantries were exchanged before a modus-operandi was agreed upon.

The next day found us in the Etosha National park . Due to us having a problem with our cell phone roaming, we cannot make onward reservations, so we were extremely lucky to find available camping sites at both Okaukuejo and Halali, especially as it was over the Easter weekend. We spent 3 days driving around the park looking at the wildlife and in addition to thousands of springbok, zebra, wildebeest, giraffe and other antelope, we were also fortunate to spot lions and elephants.

After Etosha we stayed over at a campsite called Maori, in Grootfontein where we found out about the possibility of spending some time with real Bushmen, or San as they should be referred to. So the following day found us on our way to the Ju/Hoansi San village at Grashoek. As we approached the village we were met by children and adults wearing nothing more than leather skins. Our guide, Thomas met us, and gave us some insight into their way of life; dancing, hunting, gathering edibles, surviving in the wild. This was the most memorable, awesome, satisfying experience we've had in Namibia . Although we we're very sad to see their tough and impoverished existence. Gary and Dean lent some medical assistance to a boy who had burnt his lower leg and a girl who had contracted conjunctivitis.

Onward to Rundu and the Ngandu Safari Lodge for a slight reprieve and to get some laundry done and some more repairs. Gary 's water tank outlet valve had been damaged and Dean's Inverter has been playing up. To mention though, Deidre has repacked her vehicle at every stop. Rundu also provided us with our first view of the Okavango and Angola across the river. Eddie got into contact with one of his soccer buddies from Technikon, Nelson Luis, who, unbeknown to us, owns the lodge right next to where we were staying. Without hesitation, Nelson extended an invitation to us to come for a meal and also to spend an extra day at his lodge. We are appreciative of Nelson, Natalie and Jenima's generosity and warm hospitality, and hope that someday in the future we can return the favour. We will soon be crossing over to Botswana and will cover these experiences when we next update the website.

We would like to take this opportunity to express our sincere gratitude and extend a HUGE thank you to everyone who contributed and provided assistance to us to set us on our way. We would like to especially thank: Umley's Printers: Signage (Nelson Mandela stickers, this has already worked at the borders!); Personalized sandblasted glasses and keyrings ( Gary still seems confused as to which glass is his when we're having drinks) Manoj Optometrists: Rayban sunglasses (Not only to look cool, but now a vital part of our daily gear in the harsh Namibian conditions). Mrs Raga's Hot Chutney mix still remains the most popular condiment on the trip. Please send some more !!!! Continental Tyres: The Conti Tracs are performing superbly and has conquered some of the harsh environments we've explored. Charmelle and Abie Daniels for providing the school stationery the children are using everyday, no public holidays for them, but they are well ahead of the curriculum as set up by Eleanor. Samantha, Brendon and family for the lovely gifts provided at our departure. Saints Soccer:- For a great 'Get2Gether'. St Martin De Porres, St Augstine's, St Mark and St John's for all the blessings. Bridgitte Brukman for the SA Flags and for her and Hilton's hospitality in Cape Town (not that they would have it any other way). David Brook's for providing the 'Positives', good on yer' mate. Chris and Nadia - As always, we'll catch up soon again. Iqbal and Nadia Survé for your hospitality and providing 'gratis' accommodation at the Sunset Lodge in Bloubergstrand. The views across the bay to Table Mountain were dynamic and provided for spectacular Sunset viewing. Jeremy McBryne: The DVD's are a savior. Thanks a stack. Gelvan Park Primary for accommodating Jade and Dane for 2 weeks prior to departure. FAIN Sports for the T-shirts and the all-weather jackets. 2 of the T-shirts we donated to our San guides in Northern Namibia , so now the Fain's popularity extends into the desert. Hugh and Ursula - Our branded jeans are a real hit - lets go global Nelson Mandela Metropole - As children of the Nelson Mandela Bay, we carry our city's name with pride and are proud to promote our city - thanks for believing in our goals. Welfit Oddy - Thanks a million for the kind donation provided to us - your support is appreciated. The Gelvandale Community - Thank you all for the resounding send-off , we received at our departure. Grant and Elsworth at the Windvogel Roadworthy Centre for conducting a 'Fit for Purpose' check on our vehicles. Chantal, Adela, Berenice, Leeann, Bronwyn - our family in NZ

Well folks, this wraps up our latest up-date.

Regards GRC2C