Dusty Christmas trip in Africa

[Aubrey]

Best wishes to all that managed to survive the glutony of yet another festive season.

My two sons and I were as usual .....off into Africa to recover from the soul killing city life. We left out home on Friday at 02:00 and passed Olifantshoek at about 10:15, 450 miles further. 4 miles later we hit the dirt road ...we were in the Kalahari desert.

Stunning sunny day and we were at the Witsand Camspite by 12:45.

Over the next few days I mountain biked (kids believe I suffer from a condition that may respond to meditcation) but we had some up close encountres with springbok a few times

We hiked and saw the small animals up close ..... this is a desert tortoise

We climbed some dunes and did some sand boarding .....

It is desert. Beautiful and hot as hell. Reaches 112 F by 10:00 each day

 

[Aubrey]

After 3 days we left for the Namakwa Coastal Park. The Namakwa desert and Atlantic Oceans meet at the shore ....thick fog rolls in when the wind is blowing onto shore and temp drops to 37F with water soaking everything. When the wind turns, temperatures soar to 115F in 30 minutes and is blinding hot.

Here Ryan is looking out towards Namibia

With all the wind ...no trees ...bring your own shade.

We drove to the Cape Fur Seal colony ....let's just say they stink but are so cute

 

[Aubrey]

If you look, there is beauty in the desert and barren shore lines ....

We went to the Spoeg Rivier Grotte (Spit River caves) The site of the earliest indication that sheep weer domesticated in Africa based on digs

A little further is the Spoeg River mouth.

More beauty ....

On our way back we stopped over at the Augrabies Waterfalls.

 

[Aubrey]

Water levels were low but still amazing to watch ....

Still harsh and dry ...... not easy to survive if you are a plant ....

Took the long way home and passed Cape Point where the Atlantic and Indian Oceans meet.

Saw some locals .... Cape penguins

and a rock hyrax ...... closest living relative of the elephant and about the size of a rabbit

Thank for looking and hope it was worth the bandwidth!

 

[Mykel]

Aubrey, thanx for sharing your amazing trip. The boys will remember it there lifetime. good job.

 

[fujita yuji]

Great shots from great journey. Really amazing views and creatures.
Thanks for sharing, Aubrey.

 

[comoha]

That is a phenominal camping set-up you have there! I'm very envious!

 

[fatcat55]

WOW! Those are some cool pictures from a great trip. Thanks so much for sharing your adventures with the rest of us.

 

[sasha]

Awesome trip an the pics.. If you have anymore pics do share them...

 

[kimsalls]

Thanks for sharing. That is quite a camping set up you have.

 

[WILLIAM.M]

Thanks for taking us along

How are those 2 Siegles doing????

You sure take them to some beaufitul places!!!!

 

[lambertiana]

Great pictures! I'd love to go there myself, but your pictures might be the closest I come.

 

[Aubrey]

Thanks for taking us along

How are those 2 Siegles doing????

You sure take them to some beaufitul places!!!!

Siegles are doing fine. Getting well used.

Thank you for all the kind words ....... we are blessed to have nature to escape too and the health to enjoy it.

Planning a desert trip in April with the new lady in my life. I expect a lot of laughts and raised eye browse

Cheers

Aubrey

 

[elof_alv]

Nice pics! Thanks for sharing :thumbup:

 

[Mistwalker]

Awesome photos Aubrey! I always look forward to your camping trips, I can't believe I missed this one. Those caves look like a great spot for a camp!

 

[Texas Outlaw]

Beautiful Places:thumbup:

 

[fishshooter]

Very, very cool post.

 

[Woodrow F Call]

Awesome stuff, thanks for sharing.

 

[Beard&Owl]

Wow, that truly is amazing. Hope to make it there myself one day. Thanks for sharing.