Out of Africa : Canyons, Crickets and ever Changing desert

After a 600 km drive on gravel roads, Canyon Village was a welcome sight. The area we had driven through receives less than 10 mm of rain a year and is an expanse of endless sand and boulder hewn landscape. As we entered the canyon we couldn't help but be amazed at the foresight that it took to imagine the possibilities this setting offered. Tucked into a sheltering canyon, hidden from the world, lay a beautiful setting for the lodge.

Rising for an early breakfast so that the two of us could enjoy a 6km hike up the canyon we were off. The cliff face trail was fairly well marked as we climbed and the trail twisted and turned as we were led up the cliff face. Game tracks were evident as well as the "bum berries" of several antelope species. Finally reaching the top of the canyon we found ourselves on a level trail that led out of sight of the lodge buildings and around to the other side of the canyon. Slowly winding downward we realized that we were blocked from returning by a rock cliff, stretching for many kilometres. This cliff face contained several small caves and before we knew it we came upon a spectacular discovery. There was an opening through the rock face that allowed us to go through to the other side. Our photos will show this spectacular opening. The other challenge we faced was when we made it to the canyon floor. The wildlife trails crisscrossed the hiking trail making it very difficult to discern which one we should follow.

Our late afternoon agenda included a sunset hike and "sundowner" overlooking the Fish River Canyon. This canyon is second only to the Grand Canyon in size and is truly amazing to see. Following our hike we raised a glass of wine to the setting sun. Did I mention that it rained? At least it was off in the distance...;-)

Coffee break!

The dramatic setting we enjoyed at Canyon Village.

A birds eye view from our vantage point on the cliff.

Awesome!

We never doubted our decision!

Two love birds in one of the small caves we encountered.

At this point we were beginning to wonder if we could find our way.

And then we discovered the passage.

Don't know who this guy is...

Check out the neat passage through the cliff.

This was my visitor. Hearing a chirp at midnight, I looked around the room for the culprit. Finding nothing I went back to sleep. After several episodes I heard this thing very close to my head. It was within a few inches and scared the devil out of me. Picture me jumping out of bed at three in the morning after discovering this thumb sized creature beside my head while in bed...not a pretty sight!

It was very carefully escorted out of the room and may have bounced off a few items as it was gently jettisoned into the night. The next morning it greeted me when I opened the door. Fortunately it was a harmless corn cricket.