We had more smooth sailing overnight. It started out so smooth leaving Luderitz that though we were waiting in the cabin for Louis Armstrong to start singing It's a Wonderful World, when it didn't ever play we did not realize we were already sailing. No idea why we just eased away from Luderitz with no captain's announcement or sail away song.
We were up early again and it was dark and foggy as we arrived at the big container port in Walvis Bay. We were here for a couple of days and an overnight in 2001 and it is the most altered of our repeat ports. Today we had a ship's tour. It was very good but not really as described. There was lots of walking in sand and enough dune thrill riding that I got motion sick with vertigo for the first time on this trip. I'd have vomited but Clay had taken my purse with the barf bags in it and placed it against the van wall next to him. I had to just swallow hard. I still feel bad. We also had a stop for snacks after at the beach which was not described. The vehicles were not described but they were enclosed and air conditioned 9 passenger 4 x 4s with all bucket seats, I think. We saw more tiny animals than I expected and more big jackal and cat tracks than I expected. It was a good tour, but 5 hours is a long time without a toilet. That wasn't in the description either. Still I'm glad we went. We got back near 1:30 pm and Marketplace stops serving at 2pm so we went to Silk. I had pizza and Clay had Chinese chicken salad. We had Scoops for dessert. Now I think I need a nap before the WC shore-side event tonight. We are to be on the dock at exactly 5:30 pm to load buses for the desert event. We'll be back after our bedtime of 9 pm. We have to carry our passports and departure cards with us to the event in order to file through Stardust and Namibian immigration exit procedures before we can return to our cabins. We are scheduled to sail away at 11pm. Reflections says everyone who remains onboard must be all aboard and cleared through the immigration exit process by 8 pm. Next is 3 sea days. I'll have to report about tonight in tomorrow's post.
EXCURSION $219
DESERT 4X4 WILDLIFE DISCOVERY
This 4x4 adventure takes you out into the dunes
for a look at some of the small, fascinating creatures who make the hot desert
terrain their home. Conservation issues and the geological structure of the
desert are discussed en route.
LEVEL
MODERATE
WALKING TYPE
DURATION
APPROXIMATELY 5 HOURS
As you arrive in the dunes, your expert guide
will stop frequently to look for tracks and determine which creatures were
active the night before. When possible, your guide will attempt to catch a
little desert animal for observation and discussion. Creatures you might see
and learn about include the sidewinder adder, Palmetto gecko, sand diving
lizard and Namaqua chameleon, along with various beetles and lizards. After
sharing insights into the animals’ adaptations and design for desert survival,
your guide will take great care to ensure each animal is returned safely to its
home.
You are further shown and informed about the
desert adapted flora as well as the history and formation of the dunes.
In addition to viewing interesting animals and
learning about the flora, you will also witness spectacular scenery, feel the
silky sand beneath your feet and enjoy fantastic photographic opportunities.
Appreciate more views during your return journey
to the pier, which takes you along the scenic coastal road.
Important Notes: This excursion involves travel
along rough and bumpy surfaces and is not suitable for guests with back or neck
problems. This excursion is not wheelchair accessible or recommended for guests
with walking difficulties. It is recommended that guests wear sunscreen, a hat
and flat, comfortable shoes. The order of sights may vary.
Note: We did not find the chameleon which is the equivalent of a leopard, evidently. We saw 2 kinds of adder. The one listed and a larger, more aggressive horned adder. We lucked out in our vehicle assignment as there were 4 or 5 vehicles with drivers, but the only "guide" was our driver. I don't know what the view was from the other 2 rows behind ours but from the row behind the driver our view was impaired. We could see low right in front, out either side and then the forward sky view out the top window. It kept us from seeing the horizon and I think that's what did me in. I suspect the raked seating arrangement may have made the 2 rows further back and higher better for dealing with motion sickness.In other news, the ship is celebrating St. Patrick's tomorrow since so many passengers will be off tonight. Since we don't attend evening entertainment as a rule, I don't have any idea what they have on plan. If I learn, I'll report it tomorrow.
Photos
