Helen’s blog is called Adventures into Retirement and we have set off on a huge adventure to visit many places in Namibia for the next seven weeks. Firstly, I must thank Helen for letting me share her blog as we let you know, when there’s WIFI, how things are going. Saturday 15th was leaving day, and we set off from home, in Napier, for Vanrhyansdorp Caravan Park, which is where we were to meet our travelling companions, Ray and Alvan Mandy from East London.

After a quick breakfast break at Christina’s Restaurant at the Van Louveren Wine Estate, near Robertson, we made our way through Worcester, Wolseley, Gouda, Porterville, Picketberg and up over Piekenikeerspass (please excuse if this is spelled wrong!). Once over the pass, we travelled through citrus orchard after citrus orchard, many under shade cloth, till just after Clan William when the grape vineyards took over. This is such a productive area. Arriving at Vanrhyansdorp Caravan Park, we parked and a few minutes later Ray and Alvan arrived and we caught up on the latest news.

On Sunday, we set off for the border and after a few hours, Alvan’s voice came over the radio, asking if we would like to stop at Springbok for coffee and cake. This is a custom of theirs to enjoy coffee and cake on the morning of their trips. Well, who can say no to such an offer? We duly stopped at the Springbok Café for our treat. Alvan tucked into a gorgeous, gooey chocolate cake and Ray settled for a more sedate carrot cake. With my doctor’s orders about sugar ringing in my ears, we opted for a toasted sandwich!

We sailed through the border with no problems, and yes, we were searched for meat, dairy and poultry – every fridge had to be opened!

After filling up with diesel, at around R2 per liter cheaper than the SA side, we headed for Norotshama Lodge. What a gorgeous place. This working vineyard, on the banks of the Orange River, has a beautifully laid out campsite with loads of stunning big trees.

The ablutions were clean and tidy, but the shower stalls were a little small. This old lady battled to get her clothes on and after a few goes at Twister, I conceded defeat and took everything to the loo next door and got dressed there. Thank heavens I didn’t scar anyone for life as I stumbled half-dressed into the passage!

We opted for dinner in the restaurant and what an excellent meal we had. A tasty lasagna and pizza, enjoyed in a very convivial pub, filled the gaps.

The next morning, we set off for Aussenkar as we had been told there was an excellent Spar there. Well, excellent is a fat word and I guess means different things to different people. Meat is delivered twice a month, so if you hit them just before a delivery is due, the pickings are very slim. Fresh veggies come in on Wednesdays so Monday was a bad day to try and buy fresh produce. Needless to say, we left with very little and as we had brought no fresh food through the border, we have spent time dreaming up things to do with eggs, mushrooms and cheese!

Canon Roadhouse is every bit as eclectic and fascinating as it has ever been. Despite being here several times, we always marvel at the fabulous décor! In the mornings we are visited by the resident cat who diligently searches each campsite for titbits and some cuddles.

Ray and Alvan enjoy their cereal and a visitor!

A much wilder breakfast visitor!

The Fish River Canyon has lived up to every good thing written about it. What a stunning sight. We spent the morning ogling the magnificence of this canyon, while Ray and Alvan, keen birders, took the opportunity to add new birds to their list.

The only downside has been the heat. We didn’t expect it to be this hot now but when we came through the border it was 38∘C and here at the Canyon, it has been around 35∘C. I bless the day we had an aircon fitted to the van – it’s been a lifesaver!

Well, we’ll have to stop here as I need WIFI to send this and Canon has free WIFI. Tomorrow we’re off to Aus, and when I get a chance, I’ll send off the next installment of our 7-week trek around this beautiful, desert land of Namibia.