The Old Candle Factory

Here's a shot from the first landing...right at the beginning of this great adventure! It has been suggested I introduce you to the crew, so I shall try and assemble mug shots of the ace crew and add descriptions. (Bribes in plain envelopes will protect you from the worst embarrassments). Windhoek has made enormous progress since getting independence 18 years ago. My first impressions yesterday have been happily updated this morning. After lunch, we head off south west whilst considering news that the weather in our destination has been wet and windy for the last week, and the river Tschauchab is running so nobody can cross. Out with the maps!! Our fixer, Martin, has been a great help and runs a very successful business. His website is HERE .

We've arrived in Windhoek, Namibia with all its security and astonishing architecture! So I very much look forward to heading out into the desert. The above picture is borrowed from Erik's website - he flies passenger balloons in Namibia. See HERE. There's a thunderstorm raging outside so I shall keep a close eye on the weather as we near the flying dates. As usual - promises of more pictures as I find decent access to cyberspace.

A hasty greeting using up my last computer time with a mish mash of images from recent adventures in Botswana and Zambia. Tomorrow we depart from 2 days driving to Namibia where I look forward to some fantastic flights. Yesterday I thought I was dreaming when late afternoon I heard the familiar sound of leather on willow and sure enough, here in Botswana Okavango swamps, an impromptu game of cricket was being played the other side of the river from our Crocodile Camp by the neighbouring folk. Perhaps those who operate the Sir Osis of the River? And I've just had a call from MIke and Jeanette from Jo'burg who drove their Rolls Royce from Cape Town to UK last summer ( see HERE! ) and I shall meet up with them after this great adventure is finally over. Whoopee! I can see an evening of taller and taller stories being exchanged!!!!!! Bon Voyage to Mum and Lindy who are setting out in Lin's Volvo Amazon for deepest France to stay with Nick Sarah Emma and Vita.... I wish I could ...

Last night this boat docked at our bar and proceeded to live up to its name. ( (Sir Osis of the River) Full of young folk with a thirst, the name of the boat brought a smile! They regaled us with tales of Crocs and Hippos in the river - and this was AFTER our ACE driver Adam had just swum across it after losing a game of Backgammon. Today we are enjoying R & R in a cyber caff.

Arrived at Crocodile Camp in Botswana. It is HOT!! Unlikely to get online in the next few days - or post pics. But I'll try!! I'm borrowing a laptop from 2 cool dudes who are trying to get mine online in a cybercaf in MAUN. Just realised they are absorbed by my picture files!! Rascals! I'd better get back to camp - my tummy's rumbling! PS. Ran over a Black Mamba en route!! PPS. Yesterday I photographed a pack of Wild dogs. About 10 of them. And I later learned how rare that was - 25 packs left in Africa.

The falls were dramatic noisy magnificent and wet. The local chief Mukuni invited us to his enterprise allowing people to walk with L|ions. Scary stuff. I love feeling good honeat fear when inside you know you are safe. I ate crocodile curry on the banks of the Zambezi last night watching distant lightning dancing in great African clouds. And now I'm being called for the next flight with our 21 yr old pilot to Botswana. See you later..... Click on image for larger version.

yesterday I was invited to High Tea at the best Hotel in town on the banks of the Zambezi with Stephen and his girlfriend. It was simply the best tea I have ever had. Sumptuous colonial surroundings with a breathtaking choice of wonderful things to eat. And on the wall a quote from Livingstone - "Commend me to the merry midnight frogs." I know what he means! Here are some pictures which I HOPE will appear. The access to cyberspace is limited so no time to describe each image. You can enjoy guessing what on earth I was up to! Bingo! Online by the pool with my laptop and watching monkeys stealing food from unwary American tourists! I shall shortly have to go and film a sequence about 'walking with Lions' with the local tribe in the area surrounding these beautiful Victoria Falls. It is my earnest hope that I report back to you in one piece !!!