I knew this trip would be a bit “rugged.”  The road to Swakopmund was MORE than a BIT rugged!  Bumpity bump bump – and repeat.  I admit it:  I was a bit cranky when we arrived.  Dehydrated, tired, and hungry – not a good formula for positivity!  A little water, a little rest, and a little food – phew!  Much better!

First, at Solitaire for apple pie, which they just ran out of when we arrived!

Next, at the Tropic of Capricorn, midway between the equator and the south pole.

Then, we viewed Kuiseb Canyon:  “On the Gamsbok Route, west of the Khomas Hochland, the Kuiseb River carves a spectacular feature called The Kuiseb Canyon, and it enters the Namib-Naukluft Park, about 165km from Swakopmund and 230km from Windhoek. It is a wild landscape of badlands, criss-crossed by a maze of dry river courses, which eventually make their way to the Kuiseb River.”

In Walvis Bay, a flock of flamingos entertained viewers.

Public housing units lined the road in Swakopmund.  These two bedroom/one bathroom homes often house up to ten people with the females in one room and the males in the other.  The house is given in the name of the family matriarch.

Other housing developments are more for visitors and retirees.