Desert Mist
September 13 in Namibia ⋅ ☁️ 17 °C
Well, what can I say? There are quite a few photos and videos too, so this afternoon's adventure must have been good. Right? It was definitely good and a surprise too, to experience mist and rain in a desert of dunes.
The 4x4 vehicles collected us from where we were photographing flamingos, then we headed south from Walvis Bay to Sandwich Harbour. At least I think it was Sandwich Harbour because the mist obscured the coastal views.
We started with a pause to photograph more flamingos then, as we left Walvis Bay, we stopped at the salt lagoons to photograph the shapes and colours of the salt works. Then, we headed along the huge sand beach to arrive at some serious dunes. It was a roller coaster ride as our vehicle negotiated the dunes, driving upwards and diving downwards over dune ridges and valleys. It was amazing we didn't get dragged into the sand.
At one point, we stopped and the driver of the lead car got out in search of something. He called us over to reveal two small Namib Sand Geckos, and we took turns holding and photographing them. Then it was back to the cars to ride the dunes again.
It was getting very misty now and the views became more eerie over time. We stopped regularly to photograph the dunes and Remi posed for us a couple times. On the one hand it was a shame the views were lost to the mist, but on the other I thought the atmosphere it created was inspiring. I t forced me to appreciate the curves and subtle colours within the landscape and hopefully I've got some artistic photos on my camera.
At one point, we stopped for champagne and nibbles, which was most civilised (enjoyable), though by then the mist was augmented with rain - in a desert. Even that was an experience.
As the light faded, the views were equally amazing, and although we never got a sunset, we did get a hint of one. Then, all of a sudden, Gideon was waiting for us and it was over. It was a great experience.
The evening meal today ended up being a take-out and an eat-in. It had been a long day with that 5:30 departure, so bedtime was welcomed.
One point of note: I was amazed how my phone could take intimate details of the sand - it was really impressive. Our guide explained how the sand was formed from sediment washed out to sea, which was then ground down and deposited back to shore. All sorts of minerals were its constituents, including diamonds. I'm sure I can see some in the photo. Can you?Read more