Sunday 10 April

Fish River Canyon
Early evening from the lodge, We went for the sundowner drive to the rim of the canyon. It is the 2nd largest in the world. The drive took more than an hour each way. When we got to the top of the canyon (just before the sunset), we had champagne and nibbles.

The view was spectacular, I have posted more photos on the blog.

Monday 11 April
We left Fish River early (7.30 am after brekky), had another full days drive through desert country to get to the sand dunes. It's not as hot today, which is weird cos now we are in the middle of the desert. We arrived at our lodge, Sossusvlei desert camp about 4 o'clock. It is amazing, like an oasis in the middle of the desert!

We are staying tents. Yep, I said tents; I know what you're thinking - I don't like tents, no problem here, they are not like tents, they are fully equipped individual chalets, with ensuite bathroom and kitchen; fantastic! The electricity is on all the time (some of the other remote lodges had generators and were only powered at certain times) - bonus!

As we arrived at the desert camp it poured with rain, again weird, in the Namib desert and raining, thunder and lightening - the first time I have had to wear a jacket in more than a week. It makes hot flushes more bearable. LOL.

We went for dinner at the main area; it was a huge array of food, buffet style. Amazing - there were more people there than we have seen all trip, yes in the desert, they came out of nowhere - literally!

Tuesday 12 April
Up and at 'em. Early start, got up at 4.30 am, we had to be ready by 5.15. We went to the main 'arena' for breakfast then drove to the dunes. We were on the dunes by sunrise. You have to get up early and on the dunes before it gets too hot! Yep, even after the storm last night it is still bloody hot again!

We walked 5 km to the main dunes that we were going to climb (not an easy walk through loose, sinking sand); the scenery and changing colours of the dunes are fantastic. Check out the photos, they are good but don't really do all the surrounds justice. It felt so good to be in the middle of the Namibian dunes. I am in awe, these are the biggest sand dunes in the world.

After the walk, the climbs and taking it all in, we were all b*****ed; so we got some salad and sandwiches from the servo (near camp) and took it back to our tents for lunch. We then had the afternoon free, some of us had a little sleep and relaxed while others had a swim in the pool.

The food quality and quantity is plentiful here. We ate again at the main area under the stars - beautiful.

I am so relaxed this holiday, so is Norman - not a care in the world, I have to do a reality check every now and then - it's a shame we have to work for a living!

All the people we have met (locals and guides) are so friendly, humble - wonderful people. Everyone in our group is great, we are having a ball, and lots of laughs. They are Noelene, Sue, Lyn, Wendy, Joanne, Fay, another Lyn, Suzanne, Kim, Denise, Yvonne, David, Lawrence, Graham, Chris and of course our 'leader' Adam.

Wednesday 13 April
Left camp at 7 am had brekky and hit the road again. Today we arrived in Swakopmund.
We drove through the Namibian desert, lots of sand. Keep an eye on my blog for my next update and more photos.

I am really loving this trip - my holiday of my lifetime - the journey is the reward!