Way back through the desert

Way back through the desert

Day 4: 26 August

The B&B next door offered breakfast for walk- in customers and we inquired whether we could eat there. They were very welcoming and offered us a variety of breakfasts from their menu. We opted for the omelets and were not disappointed. They were delicious. With fresh coffee and juice.

After packing up, we were again on our way, leaving at 9:00. As Lüderitz was still in sleep mode on this public holiday we went in search of the Agate Beach. It is reached via an inland detour and past a lagoon teeming with birdlife and some Oryx and Springbok. A long stretch of beach which we had entirely to ourselves and could enjoy the fresh air, a long walk, picking up some shells.

As I had filled up my car the previous day, we could leave for our way back to Aus without delay. 20 km before Aus is a watering hole for the 'Wild- horses- of the desert'. As we arrived @ 12:00, there were many many horses, in a distance also a group of Oryx and some Ostriches. Fascinating to watch and photograph.

Desert horses & Oryx

After the Photo session with the horses we drove to the Desert Horse Inn and checked in again, this time getting another bungalow than the first time. The interior finishes were different and a bit older, but nonetheless as comfortable as the previous time. We decided to not have dinner at the Inn, but rather a good lunch in Aus at the 'Bahnhof Hotel'.

This proved to be a real treat: Calamari salad with Tzatziki; Beef Schnitzel with chips; Butternut stuffed with spinach - our respective meals. As dessert we had Ice cream with chocolate sauce; Ice cream with Amarula &nuts; Strawberry cheesecake. :-)

We returned to our lodge and decided to go on a hiking trail. There are several to choose from, from short and easy to long and for more advanced hikers. We took the short (1.5 h, 4.5 km) one, and calculated to be back just before sunset. The path is clearly marked and we enjoyed our walk through nature. Most fascinating were the ramparts in the mountains, which were left there from the 2 nd World war. 

Ramparts

We saw Kudus and Ostriches. Towards the end we lost the signs of the trail and decided to follow the river bed, seeing the lodge in the distance, and we made it back just in time before sunset. 

Taking a hot shower and drinking some hot chocolate was the perfect ending to this eventful day, and I was already looking forward to our next destination.

The next morning we decided to head to breakfast later, to escape the tourist groups. Half an hour later we had the breakfast room almost entirely to ourselves, and no queues to wait in. 

Breakfast had a slightly different selection than the previous time, but very hearty with a great variety.

I was very impressed with this lodge and the friendly, well organized staff. My rating : 9