Hiking Fish River Canyon
A challenge unexpected.
Stones smoothed by river currents, sand banks sculpted by the wind; the beauty of Fish River Canyon belied its harsh reality. The earth pushed against me with every step, shredding my muscles and my will.
With several 20km per day treks under my belt, I woefully underestimated the challenge of Fish River Canyon. During the four days in the canyon, I often (dramatically) recalled the biblical story of Israelites wandering in the wilderness for 40 years and understood why they consistently doubted God. How could you not feel doubt wandering through a desert?
Yet somehow, our group of ten managed to walk out of the canyon with only a few toe nails amiss. We relaxed in the Ai-Ais hot springs, gorged on the tastiest burgers, and reminisced on our experience.
Photography by Cybil Zhang & friendly strangers
