7th April Augrabie Falls

7^th April. Augrabie Falls NP.

Just what we needed after two days of solid driving, a break at this national park. The word 'Augrabie' means 'The Place of Noise' in the local language and the falls were quite spectacular. The Orange River drops some 56 metres into a plunge pool 130 metres deep then continues through some majestic cliffs on its way to the west coast some 500 kms away. There are few animals of note in the park, it is the rock formations that make it so interesting. The vegetation is low making the 5 giraffes we saw stand out conspicuously. Usually their surrounds are closer to their own height, this time we were able to see just how tall they are.

A few hours relaxed drive around the park before heading back to the resort with its ensuite ablution blocks and a Super 15 game on the telly Tomorrow we head to the Namibian border by way of a more isolated crossing just west of here.

I have spoken before of Len and Ria, the couple we first met outside Etosha NP some four years ago; I would like to indulge the reader in the friendship that has developed between us. That first night we had both turned up at a very nice camp site outside the eastern gate of Etosha. It was a small camp site with ensuite toilet block, part of an upmarket resort. The only others there were a group of young overlanders who, we griped, would keep us up half the night with their antics. Len walked over to us, strangers, and asked if we would like to share a bottle of good South African red with him as his wife. Ria, didn't drink red. We were happy to oblige and over the braai we enjoyed the bottle. Before we knew it the overlanders had gone to bed and it was us oldies making the noise! We caught up two days later again at Namatouni camp in the middle of Etosha. Again we ate together and shared a nice red. There is a viewing area overlooking a waterhole within walking distance of the camp. After finishing off the meal we decided to see what night action there was at the wet. Walking up we were bemused to see a dozen or so people sitting there in semi darkness, cameras set on tripods ready for the slightest animal activity. We sat silently for a few minutes until Len & Joan started to giggle. The situation was so surreal. We had to leave in a hurry before our laughter spoilt any chance those left had any chance to capture that elusive animal.

They told us then that we must stay with them before we flew out at Jo'burg airport, they were a short distance away from the airport. Joan especially hates putting people out and is the first to find an excuse not to, but both of them were insistent. We turned up a couple of days before we were to fly out, we were made at home and both proceeded to smother us with kindness. Ria is a hairdresser, her clientele consisting mainly of senior citizens, while Len is a retired electrical engineer who used to teach at the nearby Tafe College. His workshop would delight any home handyman. He has been so very helpful when small problems that arise in our vehicle.

When we bought our vehicle and were looking for a place to leave it near Jo'burg, he offered to keep it on their plot. Again something we owe them for. Len has been there to pick us up and drop us off at the airport when we fly in and out to. All we can repay is by taking them out for the odd meal and the breakfasts at Wimpys or Steers that Len enjoys.

Their dogs are another joy. I forget the name of the one that Len reckons has the personality of one with no personality (fitting), but Choco, the dachsund he picked up off the street and the latest edition, Luka, a great Dane pup, make up for the other dog's lack of charisma in boatloads. Joan went to bed the other night to see Choco's nose poking out from under the duvet. He has the most intelligent looking eyes. Luka on the other hand is a bumbling joy of life that runs amok with both humans and the other mutts. They snarl and snap at her when they've had enough of the 6 month old's exuberance, we threaten her with a feather duster. She fits in to the scheme of things as if she's always been there.

They visited us last year, they have a son in Sydney, but Len hates the long travel and we doubt we will see him at home. We hope to catch up with Ria if she ever comes across. We will miss the good times we had with them but have the memories.