2nd October 2009

Swakopmund was founded by the Germans in 1892, their colonial influence is still evident today. A sizable part of its population is still German-speaking today. Here we had adrenalin rushes with a myriad of optional activities. I started off quad biking over the dunes where the they met the sea. It was a spectacular sight and lots of fun.

3rd October 2009

Jenny, Betty and I went on a Dophin Cruise. We saw pelicans, seals, bottle nosed dolphins and a sun fish. The highlight of this cruise was the sightings of the dusky dolphins and a hump back whale.

There were hundreds of the dusky dolphins leaping out of the water. They are said to be one of the most acrobatic and social of all dolphins, attracted to boats to bow-ride at speeds of up to 20 knots, and will spend afternoons playing, leaping, and mating. They communicate regularly with whistles, squeaks and clicks. The crew on our boat said we were lucky to see to so many and it only happens about once a year.

Then we couldn't believe our luck, a hump back whale came up next to our boat. Blowing water out of his blowhole (wet Jenny)....amazing.....

Late in the afternoon Betty and I went tandem skydiving with Ground Rush Adventures. We were driven to a drop zone in the Namib Desert and fitted out in our gear. We went up in a light aircraft and climbed to 10,000ft. I can't believe I leapt out of a perfectly good aeroplane. It was exhilarating. As I leapt out of the plane Mias (my instructor) said "welcome to my office". I said "where do I apply for a job". We went back to the adventure centre and had a few drinks with the crew at Ground Rush adventures while waiting for our photos and videos.

4th October 2009

Up Up Up and Away.........Jenny & I went hot air ballooning in the Namib Desert near Spitkoppe. It was an awesome experience. Floating above the clouds and with spectacular scenery. We landed and had a lovely champagne breakfast. We called it our "magic carpet ride".

Back to the hotel to pick Betty up and headed out on a 4WD adventure with Pelican Tours to Sandwich Cove. We started along Walvis Bay Lagoon and saw hundreds of flamingos. We passed by the salt refinery and continued our drive through the Kuiseb Delta south towards to the border of Namib Naukluft Park. We had an exciting dune drive, up and over, round and round. The feeling of freedom and silence in the wide open spaces was amazing. To seen the dunes where they meet the ocean is spectacular. At Sandwich Harbor we hiked along the fresh water lagoon and had some snacks and wine. After lunch we saw "Brom Duin" one of the world's most highest active/moving dunes in the world.

We saw impalas' grazing in the middle of the dunes. It was a spectacular day.