On the Edge of Eternity 2

Having virtually crawled into bed last night, I sleep far better than usual and manage to sleep through the 6.00am alarm. G decides to leave me to sleep, and I only wake up as he is about to leave for the journey to the bottom of the canyon. By now it’s obviously too late to do anything but accept I’m staying put, so off he goes leaving me to a day of resting, reading and catching up with editing and writing. 

Our ‘cabin’ is delightful, and- like all the others - is situated almost on the edge of Fish River Canyon affording stunning views without even leaving your bed! There is even a yoga platform for you to practice with that fabulous views without set out before you. The canyon is the largest in Africa and the second largest in the world -  a gigantic ravine, in total about 160 kilometres (100 mi) long, up to 27 km wide and in places almost 550 meters deep. And we are staying in the only lodge on the western side, and the only one directly on its edge. 

I have breakfast, and wander round taking a few photos before retiring to our room. There are 20 chalets, and ours is 20 so there’s plenty of walking without having to leave the path! 

From now on we’ll only have WiFi in the community so areas, so there’s a constant need to balance recharging and being online - so things are taking longer than in South Africa. I’m likely to get even further behind as the trip continues! 

G returns at about 3.30 having enjoyed his day - though the journey was challenging to say the least. The lodge’s vehicle has had to cope with near vertiginous inclines and they’ve spent about 5 hours in total going down and back up again. At the bottom they’ve had the opportunity to swim in the river - I’m surprised but delighted 
that he’s actually braved the chilly waters. 

Then at 5.00 we both set out on a sundowner drive - far more gentle and of course the light is gorgeous. Floyd, our guide, is very informative, showing us, for example, the huge community nest of the social weaver bird - such an amazing structure. Then we stop on the canyon’s rim for drinks and snacks - I’m not really supposed to be drinking but I’m just keeping things in moderation and enjoy my G&T! 

Sunset itself is perhaps disappointing - a huge red ball which disappears to the palest pinks and violets - but by the time we get back to the lodge the sky has turned a deep pink - ideal for silhouetted trees.

We enjoy our meal far more than the rush of last night, and make our way back to our chalet where the winds are howling up from the canyon.  No wonder they offer guests ear-plugs to aid sleep! 


My main’s a quiver tree against the sunset sky - yes, I do have an obsession with quiver trees. There should be extras, but I can’t get them to load,