A Walk in the Park

A walk in the park... Namib-Naukluft Park. Though not merely a walk, but a hike. Though not your average hike, but sometimes considered "the toughest hike in Africa".

So what makes this 8-day trail such a challenge?

Perhaps it is the ~15+ km covered in 6-8 hours each day (which may or may not include the time spent attempting to relocate the trail when the markers are sometimes conspicuously located) with 40 lbs packs containing all food, water, and necessities which hug our backs as we tramp along on our increasingly blistered feet.

Or the numerous ascents and descents of varying steepness and lengths at an altitude of 1 mile above sea level.

And while some terrain is flat and easy-going, a fair portion of the hike consists of the "maddeningly rocky river beds" (according to the Lonely Planet travel guide), which we can certainly attest to.

Perhaps the most likely candidate are the chains installed to assist hikers to ascend and descend terrain that would otherwise be insurmountable without climbing ropes. Some wear their Sunday best for the occasion and do those chains in style.

So why put ourselves through such torment?

The majestic hills and mountains surrounding vast, lush valleys...

canyons...

and waterfalls splashing into blueish-green pools of water...

the flora, whether it was intriguing or just plain pretty...

And some wildlife viewing...

We saw lots of Zebra, some Kudu (pictured above) and Oryx, a Wildebeest, and had one encounter with a Black Mamba (snake). This is probably more than you'd care to know, but according to the "Snake & Other Reptiles of Southern Africa" book provided to us courtesy of PC, the Black Mamba is the largest venomous snake in Africa of usually 2.5 - 3 meters in length but maxing out at 4 meters. Its highly potent neurotoxin (attacks the victim's nervous system) and cardiotoxin (attacks the heart) can result in death. But don't worry moms, we and our four PC volunteer comrades are safe and sound.

So all in all, I guess we can say the pain and suffering was worth it. Whatever doesn't kill you makes you stronger, right?

Just kidding. We did actually have some fun.