Our second port of call on the trip up the African coast was Walvis Bay, Namibia. (Clicking on the picture will show the whole frame.)
A Darkling Beetle
We found this handsome tenebrionid darkling beetle on Sand Dune 7 outside Walvis Bay, Namibia. Their claim to fame is that they can stand on their head and condense the early morning fog on their bodies which then drips into their mouth. It's a useful talent in the desert!
Made it to the Top!
Deena takes pictures of other successful climbers to the top Dune 7. It's much easier going down.
Which Way?
The ridge of Dune 7, Walvis Bay, Namibia is 1250 feet high (380m). It's not easy to climb either. Your feet keep sinking into the sand and sliding down. Maybe you climb 25% more because of the sliding back. It really is kind of like those old movies where the guy who ran out of water is looking for the next oasis.
View from the Top
Looking down from the top of Dune 7, Namibia Desert, onto the parking lot below. It doesn't look this high from the bottom so in typical Deena fashion, she started scrambling up the dune. Ivan followed with the camera.
Namibia Desert
The desert itself has a unique, indescribable beauty.
Swakopmund Lighthouse
A lighthouse on the hill in Swakopmund, Namibia sports a cafe with a lovely outdoor setting.
A Himba Woman Vendor
A Himba woman vendor in Swakopmund. The tribes struggle to keep their identity in a modern Africa. This woman uses the red clay in her hair and on her skin. Yet, she sells trinkets to tourists instead of performing the traditional farming chores.
Walvis Bay, Namibia
A housing development in Walvis Bay, Namibia has an almost Twilight Zone feel to it.