Rocky's Ride Detailed Travel Log Day 22: 24/08/24 Wild Camping - Norotshama River Resort 41.05 km I couldn't leave the desert completely unscathed. In an attempt to take a selfie with my phone balanced on a rock, I ran to sit in front of my tent—only to sit hard on a rock, bruising my coccyx. A lingering reminder for several weeks of my final night in the desert. But the Namib had one last gift for me: stunning scenery. The road to Aussenkehr was breathtaking, with endless sand plains and red mountains engulfing me before spitting me out onto the banks of the Orange River. The stark contrast between the lush riverbanks and the barren desert I'd spent the last three weeks in was overwhelming. Rocky and I both felt shell-shocked when we encountered the crowds at the local Spar in Aussenkehr. Rocky started shaking in his box, just like me—we'd grown so accustomed to the desert's solitude. Aussenkehr, though poor, was a relatively tidy community perched on the Orange River. I admired how the locals creatively used river reeds for their home construction, a resourceful adaptation to their environment. I camped at Norotshama River Resort, a serene oasis along the banks of the Orange River. Surrounded by rugged desert and mountains, the resort offered a refreshing contrast with its lush riverbanks and calm waters. As I set up camp, the sight of the Orange River flowing through the dry landscape reminded me of its importance to this part of Namibia. In an arid region, the river supports agriculture, allowing farms and vineyards to thrive along its banks, and provides a critical water source for wildlife. The Orange River is more than just a geographical feature—it’s a lifeline. It nurtures both the environment and the communities that depend on it, from the farmers who cultivate crops to the travellers, like me, who find peace and beauty in its flowing waters.