"We shall not cease from exploration ...
and returning to our point of departure, see the place as if for the first time."
T.S.Eliot
I have visited this Park five or six times, but many years ago. In those days it was still the "Kalahari Gemsbok Park." Noel has possibly had more than twelve visits. This was his first visit in eight years, as he did not return after the death of his friend, Jan Hamman. We both shared many adventures in this Park with Jan and Elsie Hamman, and we have many wonderful memories. Iti s a first visit for Dave and Joy Mullin, and they have no idea what is in store for them ...
The Land Rover makes it to Twee Rivieren
We check in at Twee Rivieren, and receive the keys for our chalet. The chalets have low-slung thatched roofs, which almost extend to the ground. They are cool and comfortable. They also have 24 hour electricity supplied by ESKOM. (Note to Teresa: This means 24 hour air-conditioning !) Gone are the days when one heard the low rumble of the generator, which was started up every morning before sunrise. The generator start-up was so loud, that one did not need an alarm clock. One could only appreciate the silence of the night when the generator was switched off in the evenings. It was a constant sound during the day. There were other changes, too. The shop was bigger, the staff were sullen, and one could not even buy a beer. It was Sunday, and the liquor laws of the Northern Cape province prohibit the sale of alcohol on Sundays. I was approached by some Dutch tourists, who were unable to get an explanation from the staff, as to why they could not buy a bottle of wine to drink with their evening meal. "But, it is not so in Holland,'' spluttered a Dutch lady, angrily shaking her head.
The shop at Twee Rivieren
The heat of midday was oppressive, so we would nap until 4.00 p.m. The animals would seek shade or return to their burrows. We would see animal activity once the air had cooled off a bit. So, we retreated into the chalet, snoozed, and then it was time for the first game drive ...
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