Click here to see the complete photograph – ‘Looks Like Fun’ by Ian Wilson
At the August Club Night, ‘Team Namibia’ gave a presentation entitled ‘The Tropic of Capricorn and Beyond,’ based on the experiences of six members who visited Namibia in 2015 at the invitation of Scott Hurd – an original member, now resident in the country. The team comprised Richard and Janet Broadbent, Gail Girvan, Colin Lamb, Wendy Meagher, and Jim Muller.
Led by Chairman Richard Broadbent, a lively account was given by each team member illustrating their 12-day photographic journey, with images contributed by all six members. At the beginning of each day was shown a simple map to indicate the route from Windhoek to Etosha National Park and back. Richard made the introduction and then took us through Day 1: from Windhoek Airport to the Jordani B&B in Windhoek; Day 2: Jim, to the Namib Desert Lodge via Solitaire (cracked fuel-line); Day 3: Colin, to Sossusvlei, Deadvlei and Namib Dune Star Camp; Day 4: Wendy, to Swakopmund; Day 5: Gail, Mola Mola boat trip and Sandwich Harbour tour; Day 6: Richard, the Living Desert tour – here Wendy read out her poem inspired by the native huntsman spider living in the desert, entitled The Dancing White Lady Spider; Day 7: Janet, the Skeleton Coast to Damara Mopane Lodge and puncture number one; Day 8: Wendy, Colin’s birthday, Damaraland and puncture number two; Day 9: Richard, to Etosha Safari Camp; Day 10: Gail, first safari in Etosha; Day 11: Colin, second safari in Etosha; Day 12: Jim, third safari in Etosha; Day 13: Janet, to Otjiwarongo to spend time with Scott and his wife, Judy; Day 14: Richard, our last day – return to UK from Windhoek.
The scenery was stunning as captured in the many images taken en route, with the destination being the Etosha Safari Camp, in the Etosha National Park. The team experienced the excitement of seeing lions, zebras, several species of deer and antelope, giraffes, warthogs, jackals, hyenas, rhinos, pangolins, many colourful birds including vultures and eagles, and the wonder of the elephants which kept on coming to the waterholes. Two punctures resulted in more photographic opportunities, taking in the surroundings while the men got on with the dexterous job of tyre changing; several hours were spent in Solitaire while getting a cracked fuel-line fixed. The team found bonding elements of interest in bird-watching, plant and animal spotting, and determining the geology of the surrounding areas. There was no doubt that it was a hugely enjoyable trip with comfortable accommodations and wonderful meals, all facilitated by Scott and his tremendous knowledge of the country and people.
Wendy Meagher
addphoto.co.uk