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We wake up early and begin our usual ritual of coffee, breakfast and boskak. There are not enough oats for everyone, so I volunteer to eat last night’s leftovers for breakfast which amuses the guys no end.

Marc and Jan Lucas bring out their chairs and we sit around chatting for a while as the sun sets. We hear lions in the distance and hope that they don’t come over while we’re sleeping to check us out. Dinner turns out well. Chakalaka spaghetti is a winner!  With full tummies and no beer to...

We find a sheltered spot and set up camp in the sand. After setting up my tent, I climb to the top of a koppie and snap these pics.

The route opens up into a gorgeous sandy plain which keeps us entertained until we arrive at Amspoort Gorge – a beautiful spot on the Huab river.

As we exit the canyon, we begin blasting south. I can almost smell the sea air as we get closer and closer to the Skeleton Coast. At one point, Marc and I are in the lead and we take a wrong turn. I quicky realize we’re going the wrong way and signal Marc to turnaround. We backtrack to the...

I’m relieved we have fuel because I’m really looking forward to riding through the canyon. From all the photos I’ve seen of Purros Canyon, it looks lush and filled with wildlife. We thank Colin and head off into the Canyon. It’s so different from where we’ve come from – wet and green. Within...

We head over to meet Colin and buy 45 liters of fuel. Colin’s place is like every other place we’ve bought fuel on this trip – a back yard with a few drums of petrol. We park the bikes under a shady tree and are prepared to pay Colin whatever he asks for the fuel. Surprisingly, he’s cheaper...

We’re closing in on Purros as Marc hits reserve on his bike. That’s not good. He should have at least 10 liters left in his tank at this point. This could be a problem because if we can’t get fuel in Purros, we’re not heading down the Purros Canyon. We arrive in Purros and our first stop is to...

And then we hit the most epic sandy trail… You know how a bull charges when it sees red? Well, I do the same when I see white – white sand. The riding is so much fun and the contrast between the white sand, the brown mountains and the greenery is breathtaking.

As we enter the riverbed, we spot a guy standing next to a makeshift stall. Marc immediately recognizes him from the previous time he was here and stops to buy a wooden toy. He chooses a really cool truck, with doors and a tailgate that open and close. Marc collects these things and is...

Shortly after brunch, we enter the Hourusib Riverbed. I can see it in the distance as I descend the mountain track. It looks like an oasis in the distance. Just gorgeous.

We’re making a good pace down the Khumib 4x4 trail. The riding alternates between stony roads and sandy riverbeds.     Around 11:30, we find a small spot of shade (hard to do in the desert) and stop for tea and soup; now a crucial part of our group daily ritual.

It’s really fun to be riding with a bunch of guys who are all at a similar skill level. There is no weakest link between us. At this point in the trip, Marc hasn’t come off his bike once – and it’s not like he’s been riding slowly either. Jan Lucas has fallen a few times, and I’ve fallen almost...

We snap some photos and head on into the Otjiha Plains. The morning light is gorgeous and I get left behind again taking photos, which means I have to blast to catch Marc and Jan Lucas, who are riding swiftly.

We’re definitely getting slower at packing up in the morning. I think it’s the length and intensity of the trip catching up with us. But spirits are still high. Today’s big mission is to find fuel. The local guy we met in the campsite last night has agreed to sell us 15 liters of his fuel...

I wake up to the sound of birds chirping and replay yesterday’s incredible adventure in my mind while savoring my last moments in a comfy bed. I make coffee while Marc prepares oats for us for breakfast. Every morning, breakfast signals my bowels to empty themselves like clockwork. Over the...

I like your thinking. Hypothetically, of course! Sent from my SM-N950F using Tapatalk

Let me know when you do, and I might join you guys if you're looking to ride in a group.

Thanks for the inspiring pics. What a trip that must have been. That's definintely somewhere I'll return too - next time with a LOT of fuel :-)

Thank you everyone for the fantastic feedback. I so appreciate your comments. I've had a long day preparing for a week-long motorcycle trip with my brother that's coming up on Thursday. Haven't had time to complete Day 9 yet, so I'll compelte it tomorrow... I'm sorry for leaving you hanging, but...