Step up to the Plateau

I’m alone at the wheel in Namibia, Okahandja is behind me and I’m heading north towards Otjiwarongo. This is big-sky country and my trusty little Toyota Rav seems to be enjoying the open road as much as I am. The cloudless winter sky is pearly blue and the roadside grasses tall and blonde. Pale Chanting Goshawks perch upright on the utility poles that flash by.

Soon, the distinctive twin peaks of the isolated Omatako Mountains rise into view out of the flat thornveld. Then I hit the brakes as two Tawny Eagles and a juvenile Bateleur slowly lift off the tarmac ahead of me. They are feeding on roadkill, an unfortunate aardwolf hit by some speedster last night. I pull over and drag its beautiful striped body to the verge. At least