Lockdown 133

Lockdown Day 133 - 6 August 2020

Today the August wind announced its return and brought with it the cold weather now synonymous with the first half of August. To me, it signals the beginning of the end of winter. Suddenly those very thick jerseys are plucked out for a last wear and I find myself wishing for the ice age to repeat itself. Yes, although each season has its inherent beauty, Winter is still my favourite season, and if summer could be warmest at 25 degrees, it would be a close second. 

Still on the Kgalagadi topic, when it comes to accommodation we have found our ultimate favourites over the years. A definite mention is Bitterpan, a camp one can only access via Nossob on a very sandy see-saw (up and down the dunes) trail only 4x4 vehicles are allowed to follow. It also runs only in one direction towards Mata Mata Camp (where we would have slept last night) and you have to overnight at Bitterpan. 

The trail was manageable and allowed us to see 'inside' the dunes, but sadly the day we drove there, the wildlife was few and far between, save for a couple of beautiful Gemsbuck on top of a dune. The reason was probably the arrival of the August wind that brought bitterly cold weather with it. 

The Camp consists of 5 wooden rooms connected by a deck-like walkway from which the rooms' individual bathrooms and communal kitchen can be accessed. Each room has its own little encamped braai area and verandah, overlooking the pan where a water point is situated. 

While getting my bed ready, I heard a peculiar deep chirping sound coming from the wall close to my bed. Not wanting to share my bed with any creepy crawlies, I decided to find whoever was making the sound. Much to my surprise, I found a family of Bibron's Thick-toed Geckos, getting ready for the night. Dad, mom and two babies. I decided they weren't creepy or crawly and made my peace with their chirping . After checking on them for the umpteenth time, I realised they don't perceive me as a threat, so I did the same and let them stay.

That night, as I climbed into my 'blanky' I had carefully positioned in-between the lovely winter sheets, I looked out and saw the vast expanse of our milky way strewn over the night sky like a pot of glitter flung by angels. I slept like a baby, lulled into a peaceful sleep by my temporary housemates' soft chirps. 

The first time we visited the Kgalagadi, the night sky completely overwhelmed me, and then crept into my soul like an addiction. To see it once is just not enough. Going back has become a mandatory prescription for my spirit. A direct connection with God. When I sit outside in the cold Kgalagadi night and look up at the impressive expanse feeling close enough to touch, it is as if I am taken up into the realms where God resides. 

So tonight as I close my eyes, pretending to fall asleep in the Kgalagadi, I count the glittery dots of the night sky and yield to the rhythm of the Kgalagadi..... and God's call to trust Him in everything, because He's got this.

Tomorrow I continue our 'stay' in the Kgalagadi.