It started the 28^th with a social braai, very well organised and prepared by Harald & Deike Rust, our hosts for the mini camp.Harald had set the campsite at the “Wasserklippe” for a great event, built additional toilets, a shower and supplied plenty of Water in a tank. He did a great job and we would like to thank him and Deike for all his efforts before and during the camp.

Mini camp activities were divided into 4 groups.

Berrit and Leonard took the rock climbers to Spitzkoppe and climbed the standard route to the summit. Although they had to descend the lower scramble in the dark, the party reached camp safely and in good spirit.

Volker W. and Sven M. led a three-day hike to the remote Lions Head in the Erongo mountains, encountering many zebras, frogs, lovebirds, turtles and red tailed parrots. In the night they had the excitement of a leopard wandering and groaning several times past their tent.

Roland S. and his group drove to the Brandberg for a five-day hike. After the good rainy season, there was still plenty of water but also dense grass in places. The group had a horrible encounter with a swarm of bees, which stung them tenfold.

Roland G. with some day hikers scrambled up the western granite mountains on Omandumba. What supposed to be an easy hike ended up in “bouldering and gardening”for 7 hours. Some older hikers even discovered the fun of rock hopping!

Barbara W. did a great job as camp convenor; she also led some groups for day walks in the vicinity and kept the base camp in great spirit.

We had good socialising around the campfire with Ken & Ulli’s musical contribution as an absolute highlight!

I think, for those participating and volunteering it was an unforgettable week. R.G.

Omandumba hikes