fgw Posted June 10, 2013 Share Posted June 10, 2013 (edited) Trip: Namibia - Southern Crossing Date: 5/20/2013 Trip Report: A two week trip to Namibia. We came mainly for the Orabeskopf Wall in the backcountry of the Brandberg Massif and that is pretty much the only thing we nailed climbing-wise (probably the 2nd ascent of Southern Crossing). Did a couple small things on the more famous Spitzkoppe but not much really. Hope you like your exfoliating slab climbing and sparse pro (think Stone Mtn moderates are runout... - bring your A-game). Did much tourist stuff including DIY safaris in Etosha National Park (almost froze to death) and some stuff on the coast. More on our site, here . Shirley doing a bit of haggling with Himba women in Uis: Day 2...well our day 2 since we started in late afternoon on day 1...of approach. The Orabeskopf Face looms above: Orabeskopf Wall on the Brandberg Massif with the Southern Crossing line highlighted...13-pitch 5.11+ or as we say ~11- A0: Pitch 1 of Southern Crossing: Shirley in the middle of the “Enduro Corner” (5.11-) on Southern Crossing. This is our pitch 6 – amazing climbing (May 2013): A pretty comfy night on the summit of the Orabeskopf Wall. To our delight, we found this here space blanket at the bottom of our pack. In combination with the fire, things were positively posh: After spending the night on the summit of the Orabeskopf Wall, this brilliant sunrise greeted us on the descent (May 2013): Etosha National Park: What kind of dog is this? More Etosha: Roadside stuff: Spitzkoppe: Watersports line on Spitzkoppe: Walvis Bay on the Atlantic coast: ...with its colonies of flamingos: Ever see 600 seals jacked up on PCP? The Namib Desert: On our final night, we went to this place in Windhoek [Windook] and enjoyed another spread of game meats...monkey gland sauce really brought the whole thing together nicely. Maybe we get a pet baboon here at home for a continuous, fresh supply? Gear Notes: Much gear & (currently) need to carry all water in. Edited June 10, 2013 by fgw Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mountainmatt Posted June 10, 2013 Share Posted June 10, 2013 Wow! That is one awesome trip! . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tvashtarkatena Posted June 10, 2013 Share Posted June 10, 2013 JEALOUS. Always wanted to go there. Went to SA for a month and loved it. Anyway, great TR. Love the extraterrestrial shrubbery. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pete_H Posted June 10, 2013 Share Posted June 10, 2013 Very cool. Definitely qualifies as an exotic climbing destination. Hope you ordered the "Game Knuckle." Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fgw Posted June 10, 2013 Author Share Posted June 10, 2013 thanks guys. went the oryx fillet (incredible!) and zebra steak (bit stringy...perhaps the lack of monkey batter??) route. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tvashtarkatena Posted June 10, 2013 Share Posted June 10, 2013 (edited) We did a little walking safari in Umfolozi Preserve (SA). Every night, somebody would ask "So, what are we eating?". The reply was always the same: "Roadkill". The Kruger NP gift shop offered elephant jerky for those seeking the 360 degree wildlife experience. Edited June 10, 2013 by tvashtarkatena Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pete_H Posted June 10, 2013 Share Posted June 10, 2013 Oryx: Its what's for dinner. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OlympicMtnBoy Posted June 10, 2013 Share Posted June 10, 2013 I dunno, "Game Knuckle" is what the Strong Men eat. Looks like a great trip! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wallstein Posted June 11, 2013 Share Posted June 11, 2013 Sounds like a great trip! My lady, Kate Rutherford, was one of the first ascentionist on Southern Crossing. She wanted me to come on the trip but I had prior commitments. Bummed I wasn't there. Looks like a good route. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fgw Posted June 11, 2013 Author Share Posted June 11, 2013 thanks all. Wallstein, thought it was a great route (even for wknd wankers like us). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WanderLust Posted June 11, 2013 Share Posted June 11, 2013 Thanks for sharing...incredible photos! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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