We drove through Walvis Bay on to Swakopmund; both impressed us as beautiful, prosperous towns with numerous B&B's, hotels and guest houses, marking them as prime vacation spots. We drove from the paved roads, to dirt roads, to eventually no roads at all... just sand; bumpy, uneven, and dusty. Did I mention bumpy? There was a convoy of eight vehicles snaking their way into the forbidding wilderness. The drive took us through the Swakop River Valley into an area called the Moon Landscape. I kept hearing the theme song to Indiana Jones in my head! Our guide showed us where a movie was filmed, but I'd never heard of the movie, it should have been Indiana Jones! The winds and sand have eroded the landscape into spectacular rock formations and valleys that resemble the moon's surface. It's spectacular! The original volcanic eruptions formed strangely striped mountains with layer after layer of different striations exposing a kaleidoscope of vivid colors. The swirls and stripes, formations of rocks in endless patterns that only nature could produce.
Another discovery was the stop to see the unique Welwitschia plant. Last year they carbon dated one of the plants and found it was over 2,000 years old! This unusual plant grows only two leaves in its lifetime and the trunk grows into the ground instead of up... the leaves split, so as time goes by, the two look as if there are many more leaves, somewhat like a palm frond, while the seeds are produced by the trunk in flower type growths. Take a look at the attached photo for a first hand view...
Our next stop was the Goanikontes Oasis, a bit of civilization in the middle of nowhere! Waiting for us was a lovely glass of champagne, snacks, cheese and crackers. After a nice respite, we re-boarded our 4x4's and the drive along the dune belt to Dune 7. As we started on our way the wind picked up, and as we continued, it increased until we were in a "white out". We could see the van in front, but only because of their flashers guiding the way; the road was covered with blowing sand reminding me of driving in the blinding snow storms in the mid-West. We proceeded at a snail's pace, creeping along to Dune 7. When we arrived, the winds were so strong we couldn't get out of the van. There were some brave souls that sallied forth, even some that were cavorting on Dune 7, but they were cut to bits by the blowing sand. I was content to stay protected and take my photos through the window. We stayed just long enough for our photo op and continued to backtrack to Walvis Bay.
Much to my delight we headed for the beach and a drive along the bay until we reached an area with sand bars just off shore... filled with PINK Flamingos! They were wonderful, and they were PINK! Having never seen them in the wild, it was such a treat! Back to the ship with one more challenge for the day. Climbing the gangway in 35 knot winds!
The winds continued into the night reaching a steady 40 knots, with gusts considerably higher; it made for interesting sleeping!
It was a quiet, early evening looking forward to our last day at sea tomorrow. It's hard to believe that there are only two more days before we reach Cape Town. We arrive in Cape Town on the 23rd, late afternoon, and disembark on the 24th, and after a few days in Cape Town we'll be home next Monday dealing with everyday living having left behind our enchanted world where people make your bed, do your laundry, cook breakfast, lunch, dinner, tea everyday, snacks and place a lovely chocolate on your bed each evening... they chill your champagne, remember what drink you'd like as you enter the bar before dinner, and remember how you like your eggs in the morning. They have done spectacular themed luncheons at the pool, culminating in a Seafood Extravaganza with ice sculptures, fresh fish as decorations, and just about every type of hot and cold seafood dishes you can imagine. The service has been and is spectacular, the staff and crew doing everything for your comfort, safety and entertainment.
Today is actually the 22nd, our last day at sea and I'm getting a bit sad and maudlin considering the end of this wonderful trip. From here the Mariner cruises 15-night Cape Town round-trip, then 14-night Cape Town to Rio before cruising South America. Hummmmm, there's a lovely departure Rio to Miami that explores the Amazon up to Manaus! It just might be on my Christmas list!
Life is good!
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