Namibia, Africa June 13

June 13

We are woken up at 5am to drive the rough roads to the red sand dunes for sunrise (picture 1). The river beds dried up when the sand dunes were formed 2-4 million years ago, forming a circle around the river, and cutting it off from the Atlantic Ocean.I hiked up a steep sand dune, walked across the point on top, and stepped (slid) into deep sand down to a dried river bed

(pictures 4, 5). I was very proud of myself since I don’t like heights. The hard cracked white ground of the river bed, with many dead trees still standing, and the back drop of the red sand dunes was extra-ordinary. The deep root systems of the Acacia trees keep them standing for 100’s of years after they are dead! (picture 6)
Brunch was set up under the shade of a tree with tables, chairs and a colorful and healthy spread of food. As we looked up into the tree we saw a spotted eagle owl. Thus far I have seen ostrich, sparrows, Onyk antelopes, bat eared fox, blackback jackel, springbok, black beetles, large crickets (picture ), and red headed finch.

Returning to the Lodge around 2pm, we rested before setting out again at 3:30pm to walk through a canyon and watch the sunset (picture 7). After dinner, the entire staff performed local songs for the guests, and then we all got up and danced in a circle. Johann helped me choose pictures for my blog. We spent hours in interesting conversation until I realized it was midnight.