The eerie sound of Aurora's horn had been heard throughout the night, so when I switched on the webcam at 6.30am it was no surprise to find a completely grey screen. A quick peek on deck confirmed the captain was attempting to guide us into Walvis Bay amidst thick fog. I prayed that today's excursion on a catamaran to see the seal colonies would not be cancelled.
As soon as we berthed Namibian Immigration officials came aboard and set up shop in one of the entertainment venues. Here efficieny reigned supreme (unlike South Africa) and I was ashore at 9a. By 9.30, still surrounded by fog, a happy band of 26 cruisers was making their way towards a wooden jetty where, hopefully, a catamaran would suddenly appear.
As soon as we berthed Namibian Immigration officials came aboard and set up shop in one of the entertainment venues. Here efficieny reigned supreme (unlike South Africa) and I was ashore at 9a. By 9.30, still surrounded by fog, a happy band of 26 cruisers was making their way towards a wooden jetty where, hopefully, a catamaran would suddenly appear.
Cushioned benches were provided around the bow with space for young an old alike. I heard a bit of a commotion behind me and thinking that one of the older ladies may have tripped I turned around to see if I could assist. Imagine my surprise when I came face to face with Necklace!
Necklace is one of many seals to have suffered injuries from becoming entangled in fishing nets. Having been rescued and nursed back to health he is now "one of the crew" on this catamaran. Being very polite he was waiting for me to shifty over to give him room to flippitty flot onto his deck - where of course fish awaited.
Once we had been given a lesson on seals Necklace headed back into the bay and almost immediately there was another commotion - this time overhead. A pair of huge wings heralded the arrival of Peregrine the Pelican - and another lesson. Talk about being part of the show!
All the while we were gliding slowly through dense fog heading for goodness knows where. A ghostly image appeared to starboard - rusting hulk used as a platform for cleaning the oysters.
Blankets were handed around as some were feeling cilly. At 10am. Glasses of a local sherry were distributed - described as being Namibian coffee. I stuck to water! Gradually the sun began to burn off the fog and ugly oil rigs emerged.
But looking to port side a much more pleasant sight - a lighthouse at the point of the sandy peninsular.
And this is where the seals have chosen to make their home. Colony after colony of them. With no natural predators in this part of the world their nubers have exploded.
Flamingoes flew past and circled around before landing in the shallows. What a spectacular sight.
In the afternoon I wandered around the Waterfront taking pictures and exploring the souvenir stalls.
A few Namibian ladies in traditional dress sat crossed leg in front of the stalls selling handmade jewellery. One had a very healthy looking baby boy playing next to her. His name was Mkoko and I bought a couple of rustic necklaces from her. I will always think of these as being made by Mkoko's Mother.
And so the sun set on the truly magical country of Namibia.
In our painting class today we had to paint a desert Chameleon - mine looks more like ET !!
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