Making My Way Home

The work and play are done. The Rhino Dam is not completed, but nearly so. Patrol week started out slow. It was 5:00 on the second day before we saw an elephant. But it was soo very worth the wait.
We followed the 'new herd' and eventually positioned ourselves so that they would come upon us. A young bull pulled down a tree for our entertainment. Amazing! Awesome!.....
The next day we were lucky enough to come accross the "Small Herd". Oh No! My time here at this internet cafe is nearly through. I leave soon for the trip back to Windhoek. I will fly from there tomorrow. I will try to write again before I leave Africa (OMG I'm in Africa!!!!!). If not, I'll upadate more on Monday from the USA.
xo to all

Off to Work Week and Patrol Week

We 5 Trekkers have been joined by 8 others and today we are off to begin our work week. Good thing I'm such a people person with all these new people I have to meet. Typically we would be building walls around pumps and windmills. Instead, 6 Black Rhino were released into Damaraland and we are continuing the build of a water trough for them. I can walk without much pain, I will certainly lose 3 toenails (maybe 4), otherwise I'm quite healthy. We may see elephants at basecamp. It's not likely when we go to the build location.
But Patrol Week is all about tracking and SEEING elephants!!!!!
Thanks for the emails! I can't tell you how wonderful it was to reading them. Keep 'em coming!
Peace and Elephants-
xo

I FINISHED THE TREK!!!!!!!

Hello my friends!
I am in an internet cafe in Swakopmund. We finished the Trek yesterday. My feet are nearly bloody stumps. The Trek was sooo much harder than I even imagined. Many, many firsts for me. But given all the people surrounding me, even with blisters on all parts of my feet, the heat, the many undulations (David's word for steep hills), the variety of sufaces and general fatigue I was able to keep going. We saw some game, giraffe's among them, but no elephants. We did see many tracks, including elephants and rhino. Oh, the things I have seen. It takes my breath away. You can Google Earth Doros Crater and see one of the places we were. I will try to go into more description when I have more time. Think the most awesome that you can and maginify it a million times. I am here until Monday when 5 of us move on to the Volunteer Work week and the Patrol week.

I really don't have the words to tell you what is in my heart. Know that I have gained much. I am filled with Light and am surrounded by Love and Support. Today, right now, I am privledged and I am grateful beyond measure.
I will definitly write again around the 24th, if not before.
You each have my love and thanks.
more later...
xo

Day 1 (OMG)

Earlier this morning I wrote a beautiful description of everything I've experience so far. It didn't publish and was lost. I no longer have time to duplicate it. We will be leaving our Backpackers here in Windhoek in about 10 minutes for a 4 hour drive to where we will begin the Trek. The flight was great!! Movies and 5 episodes of CSI NY to keep me occupied. The driving is a little odd here and people smoke everywhere.
It's time to go. I'll write again in a week. I will also be checking email (hint-hint). xo

The Day has Arrived!!!!!

My flight is today. I will arrive Friday.
The Trek begins on Saturday!
Many, many thanks for helping to make this happen.
xo

Itinery

DAY 1: total distance 8km
Arrive at Windhoek International Airport where the group is collected by coach. We transfer to the start of the trek at the foot of the majestic Brandberg Mountain. At 2573m this massive volcanic feature is the highest in Namibia and will dominate the route as you make your way towards the Skeleton Coast.

From where the coach leaves us we will walk 8km to the area adjacent to the Ugab River and our first camp under the stars. Tonight the group will be briefed by EHRA staff about the challenge, the route, the area and in particular the desert elephants.
DAY 2: total distance 20k
After an early rise and breakfast we split into our walking groups and head through the ephemeral Ugab Riverbed up onto the calcrete escarpment north of the river, where lunch will be after 10km.

This afternoon’s walk follows the escarpment line towards the dune fields with dramatic views of the Ugab River valley and the stunning Brandberg. Our camp for this evening is after another 10km where we can enjoy one of the most beautiful sunsets the Namib can offer.
DAY 3: total distance 30,2km
We rise early to face a long and tough day. We make our way north-west from the river across the vegetated dune fields where we could catch a glimpse of the elusive kudu found in this area. Climbing out of the dune field we head for the only Mopane tree on these unforgiving sandy plains where we stop for lunch.

After lunch we continue towards the Guantagab River through rugged sedimentary hills, scattered with Commifora trees looking like miniature Baobabs. This area is frequented by the desert adapted Black Rhino, (Diceros Bicornis Bicornis). Nearly hunted to extinction in the 80’s their numbers are up to around 130 individuals walking free in the northern part of the Namib Desert, but with home ranges of up to 750 square km’s and their secretive nature, we would be lucky to even see their tracks. Tonight we camp amongst granite outcrops in the wilderness area south of Doros Crater, an afternoons walk of 15,4km.
DAY 4: total distance 20,9km
After breakfast we head north over the plains towards Doros Crater. We have lunch at the foot of this 140 million year old volcanic crater a walk of 11,3km. After lunch we follow Mountain Zebra footpaths up the rim of the crater, walk through the caldera and over the opposite rim for some amazing views towards the Skeleton Coast. Following an ancient Elephant path we are lead to our camp, which is 9,6km away, through beautiful granite features and an area frequented by oryx, ostrich and springbok

After dinner there will be an optional talk and practical session on astronomy, as the nights sky in this area is renowned for the plentitude of stars and incredible visibility.
DAY 5: total distance 20,5km
This mornings walk takes us towards the Mikberg, following game trails through typical Damaraland mars ion landscapes. Here we find the ancient Welwitchia Mirabilis plants eking out an existence on the plains. After lunch on the plains, which was 12,7km from this morning’s start, we pass the Petrified Forest (fossil remains of huge coniferous trees washed down during a rainy period millions of years ago). Onwards past fossil dunes we arrive at Gai-Ais fountain where we camp for the night, 7,8km. For sunset, we walk up a ridge to a breathtaking viewpoint watching the mist roll in from the Atlantic Ocean.

DAY 6: total distance 27,9km
Our last day full day’s walking takes us down to the Ugab River again, through valleys of folded sediments covering over 200 million years of geological history. Lunch is in one such valley after 15,4km, from where we continue to our camp close to the linear oasis of the Ugab. In this area the famed Desert Elephant roam, and we will tread carefully!
DAY 7: total distance 13km
A final walk out of the river valley brings us to the Brandberg West Mine where our coaches await us for the journey to Swakopmund on the Skeleton Coast. Total distance to Swakopmund is 230km and travel time will be approximately 2,5 hours. The gala evening will be held tonight!
Day 8
Return to Windhoek airport for flight to Heathrow.  Not for me.
I will be staying for the Volunteer Project.

In 1 day...

Today I clean litter boxes.                                                                                                               Tomorrow I fly.

In 4 Days...

I can hardly...

In 8 days...

Here's the list of sponsors SO FAR-
In no particular order
Martha
Sissy
Ann
Cindy
Tracy
Will
Lynn
Candace
Jackson
Amanda
Mary Jo
Vanessa
Joe
Walley
Hazel + John
Patty and Paul
Peanut
Donna
Heather
Angie
Rin
Emerald
Lisa
Troy
Jeff
Erica
Darlene
Kelly
Charlie and KC
Deb
Baker-Mahoney
Peter
Jenn
Chris + Julie
Peter B
Del
Larry + Sally
Janet + Ka
Katherine
Eric
Pam
Marilyn
Sally


Yippee!!!!!!

In 12 Days...

I got more info from Rachel yesterday. Rachel is EHRA's Volunteer Project Co-ordinator. She had this update to share-
*Update on the elephants*
This week a bull in the Huab River was shot, a bull we name Raphael, a beautiful, huge, trophy sized bull. A local resident who was intoxicated, ignored warnings not to walk in the river to get home as it was known the elephants were close by and it was dark. Needless to say the gentleman ignored warnings and was killed by an elephant. This situation has further proved the need for the bulls to be collared as who can know which elephant it was? And why should that elephant be shot? Humans must take responsibilty for our actions - if we decide to cross a busy highway, drunk, late at night and get run over and killed by a passing truck who didnt see him/her, should the driver then be declared guilty?

So the money that you are fundraising couldn't come at a more crucial time.
THANK YOU.

In 20 Days...

In 22 days...

In three weeks the adventure begins.
xo to Jackson

ABOUT MY TREK

HELLO FRIENDS!!!

I have some big news: I am doing a trek! The trek is in the desert! The desert is in Namibia! Namibia is in AFRICA!

Here are the important details:

The E.H.R.A. Desert Trek - Damaraland, Namibia

On October 3rd, 2009,  I will be embarking on a hike of 141 kilometers (that's 86.5 miles) through the Namib desert. The highly challenging route starts near the Ugab Wilderness Camp at the foothills of the Brandberg and leads through the sand dunes toward the Doros Crater. From there it swings west to Klein Gai-Ais and ends at the Ugab River. These regions are spectacularly beautiful and unique in their landscape and vegetation and are frequented by all sorts of rare and fascinating wildlife: oryx, ostrich, springbok, black rhino, mountain zebra, and, of course, the famed desert elephant. It will be an extraordinary learning experience, a stunning 7 day trek through one of the last wilderness areas in the world, something I have been looking forward to for a very long time. Most importantly, it will raise vital funds to help safeguard the seriously threatened desert elephant population in Damaraland.

The Organization: Elephant-Human Relations Aid (EHRA)

EHRA is a Namibian-registered not-for--profit organization which aims to protect and create harmonious relationships between local subsistence farmers and the resident herds of desert elephants. Conflict arises around the scarcest of desert resources--water. This leads to elephants (often the breeding bulls) being shot, which spells disaster for a species that's just taken its first footsteps on the fragile road to recovery after years of hunting that has almost wiped out the entire population. From 2006 to 2008 over 22 male bull elephants were shot either as trophies or 'problem' animals. This resulted in only one breeding bull remaining in the area. Voortrekker, whose life was saved thanks to funds raised by EHRA's 2008 trekkers. Those funds enabled EHRA to purchase permits that would otherwise have been sold to trophy elephant hunters. To further resolve these problems EHRA is working closely with the government to ensure effective measures are in place to provide accurate data on elephant population numbers and movements. This will help ensure the survival of this amazing species. Instrumental to this is a GPS collaring program for all current and future bull elephants. Funds raised from these treks will enable EHRA to initiate the collaring program, starting, of course, with Voortrekker.

Sponsorship:

I have been working very hard to make this happen, but I need your help. My current fundraising goal for EHRA is a minimum of $1600 (this does not include airfare and required gear). But this is going to be soooo easy, because of YOU. Don't panic! Please give only what you can. If that's $5, great! If that's $100, great! A bazillion dollars--great too! Every little bit will help. I have one supporter who wants to buy me the sunhat I'll need for the trek. I have another supporter who gives me $1 each time she sees me and thinks of it--and it's adding up! How amazing would it be if my personal supporters raised enough to radio collar a bull elephant?!!!

This is such an incredible opportunity and you are incredible people! Please considr donating whatever you can. Checks may be made payable to me - Hazel Youngs - or to Elephant-Human Relations Aid. (I can get you a recepit with letterhead and the not-for-profit ID# if you'd like.) And if You would like to donate gear or supplies, let me know and I can give you a list of specific items I will need.

Thanks so much in advance for your support. Feel free to share this with anyone in your circle who may be interested. Please contact me with any questinos or if you'd just like to hear me blab and blab about how cool this organization is.

Thanks again,

Hazel

elephant.trekker@gmail.com