JoLt 2008 Diary
Monday 14th July
Following twenty nine plus hours travelling since leaving Heathrow, 32 very weary, tired and worn out Jolters arrived at Swakopmund. We experienced some hairy turbulence on the way but the group coped very well.
After meeting our guests, we spent the first night in relative comfort, but after five hours’ sleep, an early start this morning was essential to prepare for the day. Africa is proving pretty cold early on! The day started with a boat trip from Walvis Bay, escorted by seals and a very friendly fur seal called Spot who literally hopped on board! We were entertained by heavyside dolphins surfing on the wake and playing in the bow wave.
An expedition on quad bikes took place across the desert sands scaling crescent dunes and dry wadis. Our first group challenge was to conquer as a team the summit of the largest dune, before sliding down on our bums and bellies! Some took a tumble but all is well… other than sand everywhere!
The group worked together and created innovative methods of pulling and lifting and supporting and sliding and encouraging everyone to get to the top.
People are adjusting and settling into a new, challenging, exciting and interactive way of life. With such a successful achievement, the group are looking forward to the next challenge!
Tuesday 15th July
Following our last night in a bed for a while, we loaded on to two trucks for a three hour drive on dust tracks. The journey was a bouncy sing along and an ideal opportunity to see the landscape of Damaraland, Northern Namibia.
We arrived lunchtime at Spitzkoppe, an imposing granite inselberg and an ancient spiritual meeting place of bushmen. The area is a vast flat area with granite boulders arising up out of the surroundings. The granite was formed from lava millions of years ago. It was clear from to all how the legacy of geological events has created such a beautiful and interesting place. Under the shadow of the Spitzkoppe, we set up camp, where facilities at were limited, with many experiencing ‘long drop’ toilets for the first time.
Roan, one of the support team, introduced us to aspects of this environment. We learnt about the Camel Thorn Acacia tree, spied a Klipspringer amongst the rock formations, and the Hirax animal. We are beginning to gain an insight into these special environments and appreciate where we are.
The afternoon challenge was to ascend a large rock at the base of a large mountainous bolder. It began on gravel followed by an increasing gradient on the rock. Midway was a large step up, many chose to crawl, bum shuffle, or work in teams over the obstacle. Finally we had to navigate around large craters in the rock before achieving the summit. At times it seemed like we wouldn’t make it or would require more climbing equipment. The team pulled together well to help everyone to the top, with everyone needing to rely on the support of each other. The vista at the top was worth all the effort with a panorama stretching out across the plains, speckled with acacia trees and only matched by the silence and tranquillity. From here we watched the shadows lengthen as the sun set. We enjoyed ten minutes of silence to listen and reflect upon our experience so far.
Following the challenge we all had to learn how to erect tents. Working in 4’s we set up camp and gathered around the camp fire to exchange stories, as the African night spread out before us. As a group we have risen to the challenges of living in such a harsh and barren place, and grown closer together as a team.
Wednesday 16th July
Yesterday we learnt to erect camp, now was the time to take it down and move on. It would be nice to settle for longer but the journey awaits. We were surprised to see it was still dark at six in the morning when we got up! And cold when we crawled from our sleeping bags. We are beginning to realise the levels of work required to maintain travel and camping especially in this country.
The journey today was six hours to Etosha National Park. We broke the journey with a brief browse around a few local stalls at the roadside. We haggled with ladies, still in missionary costume, over jewellery and precious stones found in the local area. We feel we gave a fair price.
The highlight of this trip was being lucky enough to see ‘Safari elephants’ by the roadside. This is very unusual as they have the whole of Namibia to choose from!
After a long and tiring journey, we arrived at Etosha ready to prepare for the first game drive. We saw our first giraffes and springboks whilst travelling to camp. This was very special as our first sightings.
Before tea, we managed to fit in a short trek to a waterhole near camp. This proved a magical way for Tom to celebrate his 18th Birthday! At the hole we witnessed six elephants greeting and sizing each other up. All were male so the tension was charged! From the night emerged two black rhino, another rare sight. People have visited Namibia for weeks and not seen black rhino or safari elephants but we managed them both in one day! Together, JoLt really does achieve amazing things!
The evening meal gave us an opportunity to surprise Tom with balloons, banners, a feast, and lots of cake! He was clearly taken by surprise but did manage a speech.
“A dream come true, you’re all fantastic! I could not have wished for anything more.” Tom Evans. 18 yrs.
More coming soon!
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can help
JoLt has helped to transform the lives of hundreds of disadvantaged young people. This is entirely due to the generosity of those who have supported us with donations or organised fundraising events on our behalf.
Past
Expeditions
JoLt youngsters have travelled high in the Himalayas, along the Silk Road, across the Australian Outback and through Siberia.