skeleton coast

If the gates are anything to go by then we can safely assume that death still greets the majority of Skeleton Coast’s unfortunate visitors. However, contrary to popular belief, it isn’t the bone chilling blanket of fog that renders visitors lifeless but the sharp rocks which litter this infamous coastline.

Having reached Torra Bay the group’s jovial mood was in dire straits thanks to the driving wind which was threatening to tear the tents from their sandy stations. With the tents shored up with screw drivers – used in the absence of tent pegs – we sought refuge behind the car in a vain attempt to enjoy a little respite from the wind.

Sporting shorts and looking a little shell-shocked we caught the attention of our new neighbours. Their invitation of shelter and warmth was grabbed by three pairs of cold hands, eager to rid ourselves of our matching sets of ice cream headaches.  Like most people we have met on the road their levels of hospitality, were second to none. Such meetings, offers of assistance and parcels of food have left us feeling not only honoured but slightly guilty. Have we ever provided such kindness to a group of travellers new to the UK? Have you?

Though I digress I urge you to place the moral of this story in your top pocket for safe keeping. So the next time you see four Polish men cramped in a small car I trust you will open your door to them.

Compounding our sense of guilt our new friends would not let us leave without showing us the sights of this striking coastline. So at 5.30am – cursing their generosity – we began packing our belongings into the rear of the car in preparation for a little sightseeing and a mornings fishing. Though we were more than a little weary we were awake enough to catch this little beauty!

To all our hosts in all 16 countries I hereby thank you.

kill bill

With endorsements ringing in our ears we hot footed it along the salt lined tracks of Etosha National Park in search of a lush waterhole. Having been promised a serene evening in front of the cast of stars from the Lion King we excitedly consumed our evening meal.

Clutching a glass of red wine (the perfect remedy for heartburn) we positioned ourselves on some rocks above the soon to be heaving waterhole. As the sun slowly set we remained transfixed in the hope that we might glimpse the illusive kill, or perhaps a herd of elephants frolicking in the shallow waters or maybe even a crocodile lurking beneath the surface.

No such luck. With the light fading rapidly and the wine running low we were becoming disheartened having yet to see a noteworthy animal. But just as we were collecting our discarded glasses we caught sight of the first predator of the evening. Straining our now weary eyes we were able to confirm our initial suspicions.

Like a true predator he patiently sat hidden from view. Without moving his silky smooth body he watched his prey nonchalantly going about its business, blissfully unaware of the impending danger. The sun had all but gone casting a dim light across the stage which lay below us.

Suddenly he exploded from his post pouncing on his prey. Though a short tussle ensued it wasn’t long before the writhing body fell limp in the mouth of the victorious hunter.

Unfortunately my wildlife knowledge is a little lacking in breadth and depth, and I therefore require a little help identifying the cast of ‘Kill Bill’. If anyone is able to identify either animal from the following descriptions please do not hesitate to contact us.

Predator
Small brown bird with a striking resemblance to a young English blackbird

Prey
Heavy set moth with a wingspan of approx 6cm