10/03/18

After a cracking night of good food, wine and plenty of discussion, most about what an experience the day hay had been, I had a great night’s sleep. Phew.

The morning was about getting some running repairs to Betsy, blown exhaust etc. and then heading back South all the way to Swakopmund. This was to involve going back through the skeleton Coast National Park road and The National West Coast Tourist Recreation Area.

Before then a few running repairs in the only garage in town, there are only about 40 people in whole place. This involved a quick look from the mechanic (as if) and getting the blow torch and a spot of welding Don’t hold much hope that this will last long.

One wrong turn and ……..

The road, landscape, vista all breath taking and it was as fantastic as yesterday but a lot more pleasurable as we knew what we were in for and had the puncture tyre repaired (temporarily). Again, I can’t really explain to you what a fantastic and wonderful remote place this is, but in 150km to the new Park we only saw 4 cars. Hmmm, especially when the roads are really punishing, almost jaw breaking at times.

The new Park had tarmac roads which made life much easier and much speedier for Betsy. Unfortunately, we got a little bit cocky and went off piste again to see an abandoned drilling rig and Winstons Wreck an old ship wreck. The first went well the second left us stranded in the soft sand. Even Martin started to worry, and decision was made no more leaving the roads. It’s Africa and H&S doesn’t exist like at home. The rig was worth the view the wreck not so much. FYI it took us an hour to get out of the soft sand and a lot of stress on poor old Betsy.

We made Swarkopmund around 7pm and bar a couple of miss turns duly arrived at Sam Giardino’s guest house, a lovely Swiss residents nestled in the heart of this small town. Vey nice though and a good Steak for dinner. Martin though was not very well, we think a touch of food poisoning from the Terrace Bay lunch box. I’m sure he will be OK tomorrow.

The running repairs have not lasted as hoped for and will need urgent attention before we head off to Windhoek. As it’s Sunday tomorrow they will have to wait 48 hours so a lazy day in this painteresque seaside town. May be even a dip in the Ocean, but unlikely as it’s bloody cold.