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BURT stands for BIG UGLY RED TRUCK. This red truck has been my home for the past seven days along with some illegal bush camping and a chalet on the way. All 23 current Hot Rockers have travelled from Windhoek, Namibia to the town of Waterval Boven, South Africa. After seven long (very long) driving days we have finally reached our first climbing destination which just happens to be one of the biggest sports climbing venue- 'The restaurant'. With 500 routes I'm not so sure that I can get through all those in 10 days! We have to walk through a township to get to the venues which is a sobering reminder of the poverty that still exists in this part of the world.
As you can see from the photos Sussosvlei was incredible! This is where the highest sand dunes in the world are and on the day it was nearing 40 degrees which made walking for 6 miles hard going as the soles of our feet were scorching.. However, it was worth every step to see the Dead Vlei (and at least we managed to hitch hike some of the way!). The following day we headed to the second biggest canyon, fish river, in the world which was also pretty cool.
Yesterday we started climbing and although as I just mentioned it was nearing 40 degrees in Sussosvlei we were not been so luckily as soon as we hit the South African border. Apart from all the breakdowns and weight bridges (which we have always been way over our limit), the weather has been terrible (I felt like I was back in Scotland climbing for the day). As soon as we crossed the border there was thunder and lighting, heavy rain showers and the first clouds I had seen in Africa!
Prior to even getting to my first destination I was not lucky. First of all I thought I had lost my wallet after going though the airport security (which would have made for an interesting trip), then I lost my walking boots for a while, then I was ripped off by a Porter who wanted to 'escort' me at the Johannesburg, airport, then I thought my baggage had not arrived at Johannesburg, and finally the organised shuttle bus from the airport did not arrive to take me to my hostel. In saying tall this mostly all matters were resolved relatively easily!
All in all the expedition trip has been amazing and the people have been great. From the moment I got on the plane I had met some really nice people. So far, going it along seems to be a pretty cool way to travel!
So, my plans for the next two weeks are some more fab climbing and I'll also be heading to Kruger National Park to see some big animals. Can't wait.....
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