Only fifty kilometers from our home – which is currently the Rossmund Village at Swakopmund – there are lovely campsites in the Swakop river bed. This filled with water last year after heavy inland rains. The pressure of the water masses was so strong that the Swakop poured into the sea. An event that last took place eleven years ago.

The creek is currently dry. There is no sign of water far and wide, apart from a few ponds where flamingos are looking for food. A few days ago, we packed groceries and a few cans of Windhoek beer in Mahlangu’s galley. Last but not least, Brigitta also loaded our kitten into the vehicle. We wanted to let it roam freely on our second visit to the same place. She knows Rossmund, but how would she react in a strange environment?

After Brigitta took her for an extended walk on a long leash, we released her. After a few laps around the camp, she disappeared. Would we see her again? Dusk fell; then it got dark. Nothing could be seen or heard from the kitten. Brigitta searched with a flashlight the surrounding. All she saw were her shining bright eyes far up on a ridge. Can she find her way home? We put a lamp on the camping table and hoped…

PS. An hour later – we were enjoying an espresso, accompanied by cake and a whiskey – we suddenly heard the bell she wears around her neck. Shortly thereafter, her tail brushed against our legs. She had survived the first adventure! And so did we!