After a week of building walls we are back at base camp. Top priority, to queue for the showers after a week of physical toil and yet no washing, and an opportunity to get your clothes washed of sand, sweat and cement dust. A nasty combination.
Divine ( in picture) is the son of the woman who cleaned all our clothes. Leaving everything to dry in the bushes around base camp. It was interesting to return later in the day to see a knicker tree (below) and then rummage for shorts, tees and socks amongst the melee of clothing strewn across the trees by garment category.
Next week we are on Elephant Patrol.
At each stage so far. Windhoek to Swankopund to Base Camp, to Build Site, facilities have got more and more basic. Easing us in to the life, to come, of utter simplicity and a body aroma that won’t upset elephants. I understand that Chloe eau de parfum is not their scent of choice.
We will go down to two jeeps and no trailers. This means we only carry : a bed roll per person, each a small day pack of personal items, a tarpaulin to sleep on, food for 4 days, 300 litres of water and 2 shovels.
The shovels to be used to slope off behind a bush or rock, dig a hole preferably 20cm deep, do your, ‘business’ and then fill in the hole with the sand you have removed. I’m okay with all this roughing it, but I only met the other 12 people eight days ago!
Personal packing for Elephant patrol week:
- 3 t shirts
- 3 knickers
- Sunhat, Suncream, lip salve
- Toothbrush, toothpaste
- Water Bottle
- Notepad, pencils
- Camera, Binoculars
- Wet Wipes