NAMIBIA Day 10: Helmeringhausen - Fish River Canyon - Ai Ais

Day 10

Helmeringhausen - Fish River Canyon - Ai Ais

Sunrise

Thanks to not having to pack up my tent we actually did not get away too late! The sunrise was absolutely spectacular and it reminded me of the typical pics one always sees of a sunrise or sunset of the Namib Desert.

The slightly overcast sky gave us a little relief from the sun for the time being. We were riding through hills and small mountains that gave the whole area a feeling of closeness, yet beyond that one could see more of it in the distance, making you realise the vastness of this country.

Awesome scenery

Making cuppa soup for lunch

Railway tracks

This guy was supposed to regulate traffic, but rather spent his time begging money off motorists.
He caused a huge truck to come our direction when it was our right of way on the one-way traffic lane, 2kms in.
We were forced off the road onto wet tar where roadworks were in progress.

After riding some tar for a while we were back on the gravel roads, discovering that the Fish River Canyon and Ai Ais were way further than I thought! Due to unforeseen circumstances in South Africa, we decided to cut out the wild horses at Aus and also the Canon Roadhouse, trying to get back home 2 days earlier. Yet we wanted to see the Fish River Canyon and even the Roadhouse, so we were pushing a little to get as much as possible fit into this day.

These trucks tyres are pumped - still get used?

Some amazing old cars

We hit some really bad spots, where the corrugated stretches could have been easier if one took it a little faster. Unfortunately there were potholes and unforeseen stretches of sand that would take us down if approach them too fast, not to mention damaging the bikes. So we were forced to go a little slower, making it a long stretch and many hours in the saddle.

But boy, was it worth it? This day must have been one of my highlights, for several reasons.

I had no idea what to expect at the Canon Roadhouse. Arriving there, we were met by loads of old cars and trucks, all placed either next to, between or even in plants, flowers and trees. Even a really old motorcycle! Unfortunately we were pressed for time and could not stay too long.

Refueling at Canon Lodge

A quick break and picyure-taking-opportunity

Petrol pumps with a roof

Our first view of the Fish River Canyon

Once we got to the “entrance” of the Fish River Canyon, we discovered we had to pay R60 each to go and look. Being late as it was, not to mention pretty knackered, we almost opted for not going in. Then decided since we have come this far and I might never get to this country again, lets just do it. And thanks heavens we did!!

The visitors centre at the main viewpoint

The other side of the canyon - behind us

I have no words to describe the magnitude and awesomeness of that sight when I looked down into the canyon. Pics cannot do it justice. I just know I am a very very small speck in the order of things around this country. The canyon deep below with crevices, rocks and riverbeds is forming something so absolutely stunning, that I could just stand in awe and absorb.

As close as I would dare

The road going to another view site 

A plato down below

Looking up at our bikes from where we climbed down

Our feet at the edge of the canyon

Minus the helmet cam for the wide angle view, I took a short video clip with my cell phone. For sure not great quality, but at least one can have a small idea of what I'm witnessing. This is also my first attempt at video editing with content from my cell, so please be impressed.

Click here

 Fish River Canyon Video clip

From the canyon we had to make our way to Ai Ais, more than 50kms away – and I thought it was something like 12kms! Needless to say it was getting late and the sun started dipping behind some of the mountains.

Setting sun

We were in a nature reserve and have been warned to not go too fast due to wild animals roaming all over, so in spite of trying to go at a slower speed, we were well aware of how dangerous it would be if we were to still be on these roads once it became dark. Not the best of roads, we picked and dodged our way between potholes, sand and loose gravel.

 

THIS is THE spot. Read why!

On our way to the hot springs a Gemsbok had suddenly crossed the road in front of us and as I slowed down to have a better look at this magnificent creature standing right next to the road. My attention was drawn to movement on my right. A second buck also wanted to cross and I was obviously in the way. As he was running next to the bike, I slammed on brakes. Fast (brilliant actually) emergency braking brought me to a standstill within metres as he almost jumped me off the bike when trying to leap across the road. He passed less than 3 metres in front of me. He was so close I could see the hair of his coat!! Thanks John and Peter for teaching me the emergency breaking, it probably saved my life today! I had to take a moment to recover and try and breathe again.  The Gemsbok is my favourite buck and this was a horrific and terrifying yet thrilling experience I will always treasure!

 

Gemsbok (Oryx) - like the one I almost kissed!

Now (obviously) going much slower, we got to see the sun set behind the breathtaking mountain ranges. Every turn we took was a different or more stunning view than the previous one. Although my heart was still thumping, I had an inexplicable feeling of euphoria as I took in the views and scenery. The last stretch was through the very mountains I had been admiring all along, with the soft glow of the setting sun highlighting the rugged rocks and outcrops.

 

Into the mountain ranges

We arrived at Ai Ais hot water springs with the last rays of the fading light. Although we were pretty knackered, the tents went up fast and we later went and introduced ourselves to our neighbours, mentioning to them that Ai Ais had no meat to buy! A braai grid had been lugged along for almost 4000kms now and we had still not been able to use it - plus I would be delighted for some protein!! Just as we sat down with our pasta, the guy comes over with a plate full of meat! Steak, sausage and ribs!! Enough to feed an army! Says his fridge door came off and he was going to lose the meat if he doesn't cook it. Toni was still declining the offer as I put the first piece of meat into my mouth. NO WAY was I saying no to this offer! The little Italian can eat huge amounts and we finished the pasta AND all of the meat! Obviously the full stomachs were pulling the eyelids southwards… We barely made it back to the tents, almost crawling back from the bathrooms.

Ai Ais at last

Dog tired but exhilarated and satiated. What a day! I will be dreaming of Canyons and leaping Gemsbok all night long. And meat! Yep… just what the Dr ordered!

Cliffs in the late sunlight