For Renae

My friend Renae recently sent me an email saying that she had successfully climbed all the highest mountains in New Hampshire (during the worst winter ever). I have a new appreciation for her accomplishment since I couldn't make it to the top of this sand dune in time for sunset. We made it about 5 1/2 stories out of 6 before inventing a new sport - butt sliding down the side of the dune. Going down is much easier than going up. This is Etienne - the most patient guide in history. It has been a week since this adventure and I am still finding red sand in everything I own.

Wild Ostrich in Namibian Desert

The deserts we travelled are all protected by the government and provide a home for 1000s of spring bok (deer), plus Oryx, wild horses, wild ostriches, and hyenas.

Namibian Desert Art

Dunes and Grasslands-Namibia

Namibian Oryx

Namibian Dune

This is the reason to travel to the Namibian desert. The views are spectacular at sunrise and sunset, especially from the top of the red sand dunes. Getting there is another problem. The red sand is like confectioners sugar and once you get to the top ridge, it is hard to keep your footing to keep from sliding back down the mountain. This ridge is over 6 stories high.

Sossus Dune Passage to the Stars

This walkway and all parts of the Lodge are above ground to keep you out of the way of all the desert critters, (like the hyenas that wait below for scraps from dinner). At night walking back to my room I saw a sky almost covered in stars. With the air this clear and so far removed from any lights, you can see stars that look like dust surrounding the stars that you might normally see on a clear night. It made me realize how small we are in comparison.

The Restaurant at the End of the Universe

"The Restaurant at the End of the Universe" is actually the title of one of my favorite books by Douglas Adams, but it couldn't be a more appropriate title for the restaurant at Sossus Dune. It is shaped in a giant oval and it has spectacular views of the desert and mountains. All doors and windows are open to the outside and you feel a part of the landscape. It doesn't hurt that there is a 6 star chef and an unbelievable bar and wine list. In the restaurant, everyone seemed to be talking in whispers. You feel like you are in a desert chapel that pays homage to all the natural beauty.

My Home at Sossus Dune Lodge

Far far far into the Namibian desert, when you feel like you will drive off the end of the earth, you will find the amazing Sossus Dune Lodge. It has 23 houses like these, connected by a wooden walkway to the main lodge and swimming pool. The entire building on the right was my home while there. It is about 600 sq feet and the entire right side is glass and balcony overlooking a desert that goes on forever. The walls are canvas and the interior is "Architectual Digest" material. It's a five star lodge plopped down in a lunar landscape.

My" Artsy" Namibian Photo

On the drive between Windhoek and the coast, the scenery changes at every turn, but one constant is the yellow grass that seems to glow, almost a neon yellow.