19 December 2022: Gorrasis and Stellarine Family Hideout Farm
After a relaxing morning at Ronnie’s farm, we headed off to
see Duwisib Castle. It was built by a
German Baron and his American wife, it is was meant to be the perfect place for
him and his asthma. They built it in the
style of a European castle, but adapted it to Namibian building materials and
environment. It was styled in a very European style, and they even shipped
wooden furniture and panelling all the way from Europe. At the castle we also
found our first Geocache of the trip (we completely forgot until now).
From the castle we hit the road again and got to Namibrand
family hideout after stopping at Betta for some ice cream to cool off. The Hideout Farm, whilst it has no internet it
has an unlimited 360 degree spectacular view from the house! Its in the middle of a grassy plain,
surrounded by mountains in the distance on all sides.
We had a lekker afternoon nap, read our books and the kids
entertained themselves with sand and toys.
Before sun set, we had a lovely evening walk along the dirt track, with
girls practising handstands and cartwheels all the way! Sunset did not
disappoint and provided a range of oranges, purples, pinks and blues against
the backdrop of distant mountain ranges.
Walking made us hungry, and to combat that we had a delicious sosatie
(skewer) braai for dinner.
After dinner we climbed over the shallow garden wall and lay
4 across on the sand dunes to gaze at the stars. Stars under the African sky
really are the magic of Africa, made even more outstanding when you can’t see a
single light around and there is not a cloud in the sky.
Kids in bed and adults sitting round fire embers we were
treated to seeing 2 spotted genets walk right through camp looking for titbits.
20 December 2022: Gamis Farm
Woke up shortly after sunrise and in an effort to keep up
the fitness Mish and Robyn went for a run – that’s pretty difficult though sand
dunes at 6:30am and when its already about 30 degrees. Had a little bit of a
standoff with a gemsbok!
Quite breakfast coffee while looking out to the waterhole,
just beyond the porch, at about 50 gemsbok and springbok all drinking their
fill for the day. Mountains hazy in the background and hundreds of sandgrouse
flying overhead.
Packed up camp and were on the road by 9:30am. First stop
was Hauchab – Natural pools and waterfall. This is where the Zebra and the
Touchab rivers meet and have gouged the natural pools into rock. Kids dipped
their feet – cool but very refreshing!
Second stop was Touchab river camp where the owner is a welding tinkerer and a master at bringing everyday items together to make imaginative animals and people. Stopped to admire the artwork, and purchase an ice-cold beverage and some homemade garlic bread.
Last stop before camp for the night was Neuras vineyard and
oasis. The oasis was exceptional and totally not what you would expect in the
middle of the desert, a shady, cool oasis with fishes and boat surrounded by
reeds. Clearly good for the grapes as vineyard appears to be doing well.
THEN… we hit the rollercoaster road! 60km of going up and
down on the way to Gamis Farm. The
afternoon was spent on home-schooling and swimming in the farm’s
reservoir. Maxine was a bit hesitant at
first but soon settled and was soon swimming like a dolphin!
As per normal now, we had a Braai for dinner! This time with pap & sous and salad. The girls were treated to toasted marshmallows
too. It was decided that Mish was the
BEST at toasting them! The sunset
colours were amazing once again. Once
the kids were down, the adults enjoyed an Amarula aperitif as our treat – Its
been a really long time, but very delicious!.
21 December 2022: Gamis farm to Flintstone Camp
The night was a restless as the generator was turned off,
and our Mozi protection got turned off (Mish managed to kill at least 5 during
the night as we found out when we made the bed in the morning). The beds were also very uncomfortable! So we
woke early and made tea/coffee/hot chocolate for all. After
a breakfast of fruit and yogurt, we packed up and had an hour drive to
Solitaire where we set up “camp” and got some home-schooling and Mish’s work
done. Delicious pastries for lunch and
girls had a blast feeding ground squirrels peanuts out of their hands!
We then headed to our nights accommodation called the “Flintstone
Camp” at Rooiklip. Along the way we saw
2 warthogs – love the way their tails stand completely erect when running
away! Also saw a Steenbok. The last 8 km is nicknamed the “Highway to
Heaven” according to the owner this is a treacherous road, as is the ascension
to heaven, its a difficult road, taking nearly 30 minutes to cover the short
distance. The Camp was pretty awesome
and quirky – built into the rocky outcrop and with a pretty view. It was well
equipped and we stayed in Fred and Barney huts.
We had a yummy dinner of pork chops, wors, smash with gravy and sauerkraut. Its evident that tonight was the last night
camping before Christmas (all the leftovers and shelf life items from the
camping box).
22 December 2022: Swakopmund
Not a great night as it was really warm and not much ventilation
against the rocks. We woke up early with
the girls and sorted everybody with hot drinks.
Robyn and Mish had a quick shower and hit the road by 7:30 to get to
Swakop. The long drive started with the
tricky Highway “from” Heaven! But we
made it in the end, in time for Mish to start work and Robyn to start on the
laundry pile.
Harriette: Long long Drive, arrived and had lunch
with Christa. After that we decorated
the house for Christmas. “Spa-ge-ti-blow-your-nose”
for dinner. A very fun day!
Maxine: Had a two and a half hour nap in the car! For lunch we had chicken, bread and veggies.
The afternoon was spent on home-schooling, followed by
taking the kids to the beach. They went
swimming in all their clothes, and did 100s of cartwheels in the water
too! Grandma was not well with earache and
neuropathic pain. Therefore Grandpa and Robyn
sorted dinner and food shopping. Kids
requested Spaghetti Bolognaise.
23 December 2022: Swakopmund
Started the day with a visit to the Green’s new residence
(still being built) in the Swakopmund Retirement Village (SRV). It’s a lovely spot and a well thought out
house that we think will do Mom and Dad well for “retirement”.
Harriette: We baked cookies with Christa. We made everyone a cookie present and they
were delicious!
The rest of the day was spent either on shopping, home schooling and playing! The girls had a blast once again on the beach. But at least this time the girls were better prepared with their swimming costumes. We wrapped up the day with some home made pizzas and great company.
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