Namib Naukluft Hiking Trail: A Walk Through the Mountains in Desert Country (Day 3)
Namib Naukluft Hiking Trail: A Walk Through the Mountains in Desert Country (Day 3)
In this week's addition: We climb out of Ubusis Kloof, we take a picture with a windmill, hiding from the sun during lunch becomes tricky and we end the day off with a magnificent sunset.
Day 3 of a multi-day hike is usually the day of acceptance.
Like I mentioned last week, about the feedback loop.
But by now, on Day 3, you’re not contemplating anymore.
You’re accepting the situation.
The funky feeling feet.
Sore shoulders.
In fact, you’re embracing it.
Why?
Well, there is nowhere else to go, no cavalry coming to save you.
You have to take responsibility for yourself.
This is also why I love doing things like multi-day hikes (besides the obvious e.g. seeing beautiful places). It teaches you a lot about yourself, about life and about taking things one step at a time.
There is no instant gratification, like we have become so used to in modern society (the closest thing to instant gratification on a multi-day hike may be the instant oats for breakfast).
It’s a slow process.
It’ a deliberate process.
And it’s a remarkably beautiful process.
Yes, even if having to chew the last bit of every cup of coffee (see why at the end of Day 1). Thus, with these thoughts in mind, we set off on Day 3 of our Namib Naukluft Hike.
Day 3 - Ubusis Hut to Adlerhorst Shelter
The day started with a slow amble back towards Ubusis Kloof, which we descended the previous day.
Heading back up the kloof, of course, meant climbing up the chains and steps we climbed down the previous day.
Fortunately it was a slightly easier process.
Perhaps from familiarity, or perhaps because climbing up is easier than climbing down.
While heading up, it was impossible not to notice the intricate textures of the harsh rock formations.
As well as the fragile plants that make it their home.
Nature always finds a way.
The ascent up the kloof lead us back to the Bergpos Windmill, which I mentioned last week.
Here we would turn off towards our overnight stop for Day 3, Adlerhorst Shelter.
But first, a group picture.
On the windmill.
Although I took the image (via camera remote), I cannot take credit for the idea, which came from Jacobus (Coos, above in yellow shirt) - but it turned out well!
From here it was a relatively straightforward, slightly undulating hike further along the trail.
When we decided to stop for lunch, shade was hard to come by.
And the trees that were there provided sparse cover.
This led to some creative sun blocking techniques as we sought out ways to avoid burning to a crisp.
Once our stomachs were satisfied, we headed off on the home stretch for Day 3.
Along this section, every now and then - between a whole lot of nothing - the most fascinating trees would pop up.
With lush green canopies.
Granted, they weren’t very tall (maybe 3-4 meters), but still remarkable for such dry, arid terrain.
This discussion about the trees kept the conversation going until we reach our goal for Day 3, Adlerhorst Shelter.
As readers from Day 1 and Day 2 will know, once you reach the overnight stop the day’s duties are not over.
As before, now it was time for “The Routine” (see the post from Day 1).
Interesting fact:
Along the Namib Naukluft trail, there is no (drinkable) water, you only have potable water at each designated overnight stop.
This is filled up every other month.
And consists of a deep pit underground, from which you pump the water up by hand. Which also means you have to carry enough water each day to last you until the next overnight destination.
Once everyone had their sleeping arrangements sorted, we could attend to more luxury items on the to do list.
Like patching yourself, or a group member, up as needed.
Injuries - big or small - can happen on a multi-day hike, and it is important to be prepared.
As the sun started to get close to the horizon, and finally dip below it, we were treated to a spectacular sunset.
Then, once darkness set in, we crawled into our sleeping bags.
Souls filled with great memories from the day’s hike as we drifted off to sleep.
Then, just as Day 3 was almost over:
“Who is that snoring?!”
Check back next week to find out, as we set off on Day 4 (after the snoring mystery was solved).
That’s it for Day 3, hope you enjoyed it!
Do you have any thoughts on Day 3 / experiences to share?
Simply hit reply and let me know / comment below.
PS - This is the 4th instalment of my weekly visual story covering the 8 Day Namib Naukluft Hiking Trail (1 day / week), you can read the previous posts here if you’ve missed them.
PPS - shameless plug once again 👉🏽 I have a new side hustle up and running, so if you like outdoor inspired casual clothing, check it out here (use code READER10 for a 10% discount)!
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Until next time ✌🏽.
Cornelius
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What an adventure.......thank you for letting us hike with you & see sights we might never otherwise experience!
You and your storytelling really come to life when in the middle of the most remote places. Wilderness spaces seem to be your charging stations. Great read and beautiful images. I am looking at multi-day hikes to book as soon as possible!