Wrapping up

So we still had no replies from entomologists who could help us identify ants, and no real plan on how to proceed with the GPS retrieval in two weeks. Paul was going to drive to the bush camp to discuss these things and many more (he had made a list of 28 points) with Bruno. The next morning Graham was to drop him off at Otjiwarongo.

Of course here in Africa nothing ever goes to plan. I receive a phone call at the house from Ernst, one of Bruno's guides saying that a car with tourists has broken down in the Kaokoveld desert, in the Hoanib riverbed. I pass the message to Graham and he rushes to the bush camp to alert Bruno. Upon returning Tim and the new guy, Sakkie, begin to remove the axel from a landrover in order to get the diff lock out. Graham and Tim were going to drive down to the Kaokoveld on the other side of the country in order to fix the guides car, a journey of over 48 hours. This means theres no time for me to show them how to use the GPS box, and that Paul cant be dropped off at Otji. Luckily for the 2nd Graham manages to arrange a pick up at the B1, where I dropped him off this morning.

I had to come with Paul to the bush camp as the car he had to take didnt have headlights and I could shine a spotlight. I met the french tourists there who had been very lucky and seen Hooker in front of the camp during the day many times, rolling in the mud. Paul and Bruno had their long talk while I listened to my ipod, and then we drove back. Graham and Tim had already left.

When I woke up at 6, I had a missed call from Tim at 1am. They themselves had broken down near Outjo, and needed to have someone from Outjo tow them. The tourists in the Kaokoveld have had a night at the Sesfontein lodge paid for, but I have no idea whats going to happen to the car now.

I saw Paul off on a minibus after goodbyes and am now here at the farmhouse alone with Sakkie who is busy tending the garden. I dont know when Graham will return. Tomorrow my uncle and aunt come and Ill join them in the bush camp, looking forward to it.