Day 13, 11 February: Outjo to Namutoni (Etosha)
We got the wayward flat tire repaired and back where it belongs yesterday. 3 kind guys at Outjo Engen did battle with the spare tire mechanism this time, and got it back quickly (their large hydraulic jack also helped). Since we fully expect that we won't have to use the spare again, the mechanism doesn't matter. By the way, the puncture was caused by a stone, and for everyone's info, those little aerosol cans and puncture kits are completely useless for these situations. Just as well, because we don't know how to use them either (we have them!). Ja-nee. So, who knows 4x4 tires? I just replaced the old Yokohamas (they are the spares - yes we have 2. We will use the one on the roof in the unlikely event of another puncture in Africa. One only needs throwing, catching and lifting skills to use the rooftop spare. I undertake to get the wheel off the roof, Michelle will get it back on - Marco, I rely on your training). Anyway, the Yokohamas do not suck up stones. The Bridgestones (which seem very popular on expensive 4x4's too) appear to be designed to clench sharp stones in their ample grooves, driving the sharp ends gradually through the tire. Do these guys have shares in tire repair franchises or something? Please let me know so that I can pick it up on my Area 15 ning.com site (www.contrarychronicles.ning.com, I think).We left Outjo after a good breakfast and headed for Etosha. Ever beautiful and now very green, the only shocker was the cost of accommodation in this national park. A chalet comparable to any in Kruger will cost no less than SAR 2000, and more likely in the region of R4000 per night. Mmmm. Outjo accommodation now gets the benefit. Once Etosha has ripped the Europeans, all the cheapskate South Africans etc (like us), become fodder for the Outjo Ologopoly, where all acommodation options seem to cost SAR 280 per person per night. Competition is cosily managed there, with the establishments seeming to coordinate leave and all. Another entry for the Area 51 site, one day.Etosha has invested in pools though, so we went for a swim in every camp in the park. The animals are on a northerly retreat for the rainy season (only the south-eastern quarter can be traversed by the R4000 per day tourists. The rest of the park is for private concessions that are more pricey and have less amenities).We camped at Namutoni, the old German fort once bravely defended by 7 German cavalrymen who were up against 500 angry Ovambos. Andreas, this is my own translation from the German plaque! I could not see who had what kind of weapons at the time (early 1900's). Dinner in the fort was delicious, Sable steak and Windhoek Draught, Wiener Schnitzels etc.