Magnificent Namibia
Posted by David Saevitzon | Filed under Diamond Coast, Tour Stages
Noordoever – Namibia, May 9, 2010
May 1 – May 9: Windhoek to South African border
What a (beautiful) surprise Namibia has been. Wheras there was precious little to photograph in Botswana – hence no pics last update – Namibia is a photographers paradise. To compensate for last week’s pictureless update – this one will be short on the narrative and loaded with photos!
We left Windhoek and immediately hit dirt roads as we headed south towards the S. African border. We had 8 days to cover more than 1,000 km and we were somewhat apprehensive after experiencing the unpaved roads of Kenya and Tanzania. The roads turned out to be OK – a little sandy and corrugated in places. I have learned to love riding the dirt roads – corrugation, rocks, sand and all.
We had mostly favorable winds, decent lodges to stay and little rain – all contributing towards an upbeat mood in the group as we approach the end of the trek.
I’ll let the pictures speak for themselves. Most of us thought the landscape beautiful – especially after the drudgery of Zambia and Botswana.
Dramatic landscapes of Namibia as we race to beat the approaching thunderstorms.
Peter gets his first flat after 10,000 km
Sometimes flat, hot and bleak but never dull - the incredibly long straight roads through the Namibian desert.
Typical of the Namibian riding terraine
My two riding buds - Peter and Eric - pause for a pic ...
Crossing a pass on a cold and rainy day to the Namibian coastal plain
From oour rest day in Sesriem we took a scenic flight over the surrounding dunes - spectacular!
Our first glimpse of the ocean since day 2 of the ride - that one the Red Sea in Egypt, this the Atlantic coast off Namibia
My flying friends - Jos, Gerald, Gabriel and Eric
My next posting will be after we arrive in Cape Town. We enter South Africa tomorrow and have 6 riding days before we reach the waterfront in Cape Town on Saturday May 15. I’m looking forward to seeing Randi and my South African family at the finish line. It’s been a challenging and rewarding experience that will take and reflection to fully appreciate.
David Saevitzon lives in Toronto where he is a Management Consultant with T4G Limited. He will be participating in the 2010 Tour D'Afrique cycling from Cairo to Cape Town from January to May 2010. The ride will raise funds for Nelson Mandela Children's Fund (Canada) via T4G's Future Focus Foundation.
David is married and has 2 university-age kids.
May 9, 2010 at 3:16 pm
Hi David,
I can’t believe it’s almost over. I’ve been faithfully reading your weekly blogs and will miss them.
Mike was so inspired by your blog that he created a blog for the vacation we just got back from. We chartered a boat in the Abacos, Bahamas and cruised around for 9 days. The toughest part was making sure we didn’t run out of sunscreen, which spot was more beautiful to anchor in, and where to get the next Kalik (Bahamian beer).
Savor the last mile…
Janice (and Mike)
May 10, 2010 at 12:44 pm
David
I can only imagine how you’re feeling heading into your home country and the home stretch! Life will never be quite the same when you finish. I look forward to seeing you in Vancouver in the near future. Your joruney has been very inspiring.
Best Regards
Richard
May 11, 2010 at 9:48 am
You must be so excited. Can’t imagine all the emotions you’ll feel seeing your family at the finish line…. One question: How many tires have you gone through?
May 11, 2010 at 10:32 am
It continues to astound me that you have the time and energy to keep up this blog David – well done and best of luck on the final stretch my friend!
May 13, 2010 at 10:32 am
As I type, you likely have only 2 days to go. Here’s to wishing you Good Luck and a strong finish!
May 13, 2010 at 9:34 pm
David
By the time you read this, you’ll be there. Congratulations. We’ve enjoyed the blog and the photos. Wish we’d seen the dunes on our trip.
Rae and Ursula
May 17, 2010 at 3:35 pm
You go, David. How exicting to be so close. Time to savour the moments – hope you arrived safe and sound and are recovering with lots of luxuries.
Can’t wait to see and hear more of your adventure. When’s the book being released? :)
S