So yesterday, we decided to do one of their intermediate to advanced level hiking trails. A 12.7 km (7.9 mile) route that promised a couple of fantastic views!
At this time of year, it gets very hot in the desert. And with the sun almost directly on top of you at mid day, it makes sense to get an early start on the hiking while things are still relatively cool.
Ruth, checking out the map at the trailhead.
This trail is called The Geister Trail. We had to drive about 6 kms (3.6 miles) from the campground to the trailhead. The day started off a bit cloudy which also made things a little cooler. We were prepared for that to change though, and brought lots of drinking water. Good thing, because it got hot!
You can see our 4x4 truck lower right.
Wasn't long before we had some nice views.
An old well.
Part of the route for this trail runs on an old winding track that German foot soldiers, mules, and horses used during World War I. The trail passes an old well of the Schutztruppe. Back in colonial times, this well provided much needed water for the soldiers. The well now only fills during rainy season.
This little one didn't make it. This skull would have fit easily into the palm of my hand.
Hmm, what kind of poop is this?? Leopard??
The trails are well marked and well maintained!
Kevin, hoping that no rocks come sliding down on him!
Super Ruth!
Enjoying the view.
Hmm. Some steep sections coming down though. Guess this was what they meant by "advanced"!
Walking back to our truck, we came across an old car. There was an informational sign beside it. Sort of a "Bonnie and Clyde" type of story, with bullet holes visible all over the car!
1934 Hudson in the Namibian desert.
The car is a 1934 Hudson. The story goes that the car belonged to two thieves who had stolen diamonds from the restricted Sperrgebiet Mining Area of Namibia, and fled in this car, followed by the police! It was at this spot that the detectives caught up with them, and both thieves were killed in the gunfight. It is said that the diamonds were never retrieved. Kinda makes you wonder if the detectives ended up taking early retirement!
Made it back to our campsite. It was about a four hour hike and it was getting too hot the last hour!
Time to relax!
So we're sitting there relaxing, when we hear some rustling in the grass on the other side of our wind break. Who wanders by, but an oryx!
What are you lookin' at??
Another great day on the African continent. I hope you had a cold beer after that hike in the heat!
ReplyDeleteWe it wasn't right after but Kevin certainly had one and I had a nice ice cold cooler soon after.
DeleteWow, yes, another great day. If I get up at about 6 I'm here very soon after you post. I'm in CST. That looks like it was and interesting and challenging hike. And, what was s/he looking at?
ReplyDeleteWe found the only really challenging part was the last 1/2 - 3/4 hour or so in the hot sun hiking on the flat, sandy ground. The oryx was looking right at us!
DeleteI just love the horns on the oryx, so different. You guys are amazing! I'd be afraid to hike in unknown territory.
ReplyDeleteWe love the look of the oryx, such beautiful colours. We had nothing to worry about with our hiking. The trails are well marked and there is nothing real dangerous out there other than the hot heat or stumbling on some of the rocks. We find it the best way to explore an area properly.
DeleteThat header picture makes you look like you are lost on the continent. Hiking in Africa, what a dream and Oryx wandering by your campsite. Do you ever just pinch yourselves??
ReplyDeleteThanks Sherry, and yes many times we ask each other if we are really here!
DeleteAre there other campers nearby? The oryx are so neat looking!
ReplyDeleteThere are 10 campsites at this particular location. The first night 7 or 8 of the sites were being used and about 4 or 5 the other two nights.
DeleteGlad Ruth had a chance to rest after holding that boulder up. She's a woman not to mess with! :c)
ReplyDeleteI was just doing my morning exercise. I am going to have to look for a bigger one next time, this one was too easy! :-P
DeleteSounds like another excellent day. Out of interest could you have free camped at the trail head car park ?
ReplyDeleteIt was, thanks!
DeleteNo you couldn't have free camped, the trail head and all the trails are within the Gondwana property itself.
Great pictures, as always!!
ReplyDeleteRuth, what "model/make/style" number is your hat? Think I will go look in the Tilley hat store in Vancouver.
Great hike, but I am thinking if there is leopard poop, there must be a leopard right?
ReplyDeleteWe weren't sure what the poop was but we are pretty sure that it wasn't leopard poop. They don't list that as being an animal that is in this park and if it was I don't think they would put in hiking trails. We were just curious as to who made the poop.
Deletedo you take tripod w/you for pics of 2 of you together? Ok I know the two of you are very knowledgeable about a lotof different things ...but poop?
ReplyDeleteYes we do take have a small tripod with us and usually it is in my backpack but sometimes Kevin is able just us a rock or post that is nearby. Nope, we know nothing about animal poop!
DeleteLove the header photo. Awesome scenery.
ReplyDeleteStay cool.
Thanks Dianne!
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