Footsteps in the Namib Desert

My footsteps (among others) in the Namib Desert  two weeks ago

These were my footsteps two weeks ago and now I'm back to sidewalks in New York City. I'm mostly over jetlag -- though sleep is often elusive in the most regular of times -- and my regularly scheduled programming: grocery shopping, strength training at the Y, Pilates class and catching up with friends. The first week I was back in New York I didn't have much scheduled, but now I've enjoyed a morning at the Metropolitan Museum of Art -- terrific exhibit on the history of American photography -- and indulged myself with a manicure. I don't often get manicures, but my hands definitely needed a little  pampering after time in the desert. 

If I was asked about my favorite landscape, it's definitely the ocean and I enjoyed fabulous ocean views in Capetown and in Namibia. The coast for the latter is the Atlantic Ocean and I enjoyed a day there on the water with a pelican and seals. But our day in the Namib Desert, the oldest desert in the world was spectacular. I know I did a quick post about it while I was in Namibia, but I'd like to share a few more photographs. 

Sossusvlei, Namibia

This is Big Daddy, the tallest dune (325 meters) in Sossusvlei

I would love to report that I climbed Big Daddy, but that is just not true. I was with a small group from our tour that realized that it would be a dune too far, and rested on a large rock just behind where I stood to take this photograph. I am pleased and grateful that I got as far as I did, which was not quite a mile across the desert and then back to our bus. The sand was as soft as anything at any beach I've ever walked on and it was a trek for me. But it was a thrill be be part of this and while I haven't become a complete fan of the desert, I have to come to have much more appreciation for all that goes on there. We had a terrific guide that accompanied us and he was able to share a vast trove of knowledge.

Sunset over the Namib Desert

The desert and the dunes during the day were fabulous, but the sunsets were extraordinary. This was the view from our cabin porch, and every cabin had a porch with this view. I didn't think to take a photograph of the cabin, but it was a great base for our desert expeditions. The Lodge was set close to the National Park where the dunes were located and had a rustic feel. No wifi in the cabins -- and, yes, I survived -- only access was in the bar. 

I think the phrase "Once in a lifetime," is overused, but when I think of these moments in the Namib Desert or seeing Victoria Falls -- a post yet to come -- or the wildlife I saw on the game drives, these were once in a lifetime experiences. I may, however unlikely, return to the Namib Desert, but this first thrill of seeing these sights will be impossible to duplicate. When I think about travel going forward, my thought goes to are there are other places and experiences that will hold these once in a lifetime moments? 

As ever, thanks for visiting and take good care.