Namib Naukluft Hiking Trail: A Walk Through the Mountains in Desert Country (Day 4)
In this week's addition: We put our hiking boots on, again. A big decision awaits us shortly after starting out, our resupply party gets it spot on, and Hanlie actually has a beer.
Day 4 of a multi-day hike can go either way - good or bad.
You’ve accepted your fate the day before.
But it doesn’t mean you’ve made peace with it.
Sometimes it’s easy, sometimes it’s not.
However, if you do make peace with it, you go through a life altering transformative experience.
If you don’t, well, let’s just say it’s not pretty.
Fortunately, in our group, having done this type of thing many times before, we not only made peace with our fate: we ran towards it, literally.
What is it like?
Think of it as a rebirth into an alternate state of consciousness.
Painful to begin with, but once entered into, it is as if you are no longer constrained by the concerns of average hikers.
Another hill to get over?
Let’s do it.
Feet sore?
I love sore feet.
Member of the group struggling?
I’ll carry two backpacks.
Someone wants to have a bit of my rationed whisky at the end of the day?
Are you crazy, no way!
(Just kidding about the last bit!).
Oh yes, before I forget, the snoring mystery ended up being blamed on me (I do admit I have been known to snore), however I was awake at the time of the incident - so the mystery continues.
Regardless, mystery solved or not, peace made or not, we set off on Day 4 of our Namib Naukluft Hike.
Day 4 - Adlerhorst Shelter to Tsams Ost Shelter
The early morning sun illuminated the shrubs surrounding Adlerhorst Shelter, and it was perhaps a good thing we were awake to witness it.
Day 4 of the Namib Naukluft Hike is known for being longer than expected.
I think this is mostly due to the fact that hiking parties know this will be the day of resupply, and the looking forward to it makes the day feel longer.
Resupply?
Yes, if you can you are allowed to have someone drop a resupply of provisions at the halfway point. We were fortunate in that the parents of one of our groups members would also be waiting for us - with some extra treats!
But first, we had to do some walking.
Not long after the start on Day 4, we reached a junction in the trail.
Here, hikers can decide to go one way to cut the hike short, and “only” do 4 days.
The other way you complete the 8 Day Hike.
Once we headed further along the 8 Day Trail, it was time for a coffee break under - you guessed it by now - a tree for some shade.
Soon after our coffee break, we approached Zebra Kloof.
A steep descent had us negotiating one or two obstacles to make meaningful progress.
Once through Zebra Kloof, we headed upwards once more.
This lead to a short traverse, after which the descent to the Tsams Ost Valley awaited us.
Once on the valley floor heading to towards Tsams Ost, things got interesting for a moment.
We lost the trail.
Being a (mostly) marked trail, you would think losing your way is impossible.
Not so.
You always have to be aware of your surroundings.
Things can change quickly in remote regions, too. Winds can cover well worn tracks overnight. A moment of lost concentration can lead to missing a direction indicator.
Fortunately, with previous experience, we regained our way.
From here, with the knowledge of our resupply party awaiting us, we made good time covering the last few kilometers - passing some fascinating cactus fields - to our overnight shelter.
As Tsams Ost came into view, so did our resupply party.
Besides our elation to see them, the inexplainable excitement of sharing our journey so far with “outsiders” became overwhelming.
Such is the nature of multi-day hiking.
What surprised us most, however, was Hanlie actually having a beer, presented by our resupply party (ok, half a beer), as she does not drink alcohol at all.
So, yes, the Namib Naukluft is a tough one.
And we’re only halfway through.
But what makes all tough days on a multi-day hike better?
Cooking dinner together.
So that’s what we did.
Over dinner, as the light faded, we reflected on an eventful day of perseverance and team work.
Some threats may have been made if snoring occurred that evening.
But that’s besides the point.
The important thing is, we had reached the halfway point of our journey.
Or, as one says while chewing the last bit of your cup of coffee (details at the end of Day 1):
“I’m so f&*k@#g h#@$y we’re h*$e!”
Well, that’s it for day four, hope you enjoyed it!
Do you have any thoughts on Day 4 / experiences to share?
Simply hit reply and let me know / comment below.
PS - This is the 5th 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
Last week’s blog / newsletter:
Namib Naukluft Hiking Trail: A Walk Through the Mountains in Desert Country (Day 3)
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,
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