Fish River Canyon

Fish River Canyon
Photo Credit: Mark

Namibia contains high degrees of sultry, exotic landscapes which no doubt inspire those lucky enough to visit in person. From burnt orange sand to pink sunsets, to the tiger's eye marbling of browns and yellows, the landscape is at the very least, mind blowing. I even include the flat stretches of nothingness. One place of our particular favorites so far is the Fish River Canyon. Even though it takes second in size to the Grand Canyon and second in popularity to Etosha National Park, the canyon is a mouth gaping, intimidating sight to behold. Not only is the place full of color and texture but as the second largest canyon in the world, it draws tourists from all corners of the earth. Lucky for us, we came from our lodge around the corner, not more than 15 minutes away. Well, it would have been only fifteen minutes had it not been for taking a wrong turn. One hour later, we paid our entrance fee and despite the downpour and ground shaking thunder, we headed to the official view point. 

Predictably, Mark busted out his giant tripod and immediately set to his photo taking. I stared helplessly out at the massive spread and the kids gave the canyon a cursory glance before walking along the fence shouting declaratives of conquering the world. I couldn't process the whole experience right away and I figured out why: we were all alone! I flash backed to my visit to the Grand Canyon 15 years ago. The rim was stuffed with people who were milling around, taking photos and trading off like we did in the pre-selfie stick days. I remembered one family climbing over the fence with their small children to get a better picture, and my heart stopping mid beat. One misstep and... 

But now, I let myself breathe, enjoying my insignificance and loneliness. Then thunder began its warning call again, steadily creeping closer. As this was one of Mark's lifelong dreams to photograph, we used every available second at hand, and hopped into the car to Hiker's View not three minutes away. Obviously, it was worth it to see the big green signs pointing straight down to the trailhead where the majority of people do their 80km, 5-6 day hike in a 500 million year old canyon. But rain won out and we made it back to the car drenched and elated. Our drive back to the main entrance was only slightly more than eventful, when lightening touched down about 50 feet in front of our car. Momentarily stunned by the light, we saw smoke quickly dissipate from the rocky ground as fast as it came. It was a good sign to head back to the lodge where we would spend the entire night blanketed in lightening shows and welcome cool breezes.

View of the trailhead: Hiker's View.

Hiker's View

Margo giving orders at the Round Table.

Break in the sky before the downpour commenced.

Lightening and pouring down rain glittering the sky.
Photo credit: Mark

This went on all night.
Photo credit: Mark