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"This card is very easy to personalize and the blue coordinated perfectly with the "At Last" Save The Dates that we ordered from here as well. Nice, thick paper and good quality on the photo. Both my mother and MOH loved them!"
"These rehearsal dinner invitations look great! The formality of the folding card fit with the style of the dinner we are having. They also worked beautifully with some of our engagement pictures. My only wish is that I had paid extra for the photo finish (I thought I would prefer the matte look but I think the photo finish compliments the pictures better). Also, the text on the inside of the card was printed about 1/4" higher on the page than I would have liked. But overall, they are excellent and I'm very pleased with them!"
"For our Rehearsal Dinner invitations I used a favorite autumn picture of the wedding couple and then chose brown background with the blue design and lettering. Oh, my how stunning! On the back I printed the the menu choices. I so enjoyed working with the Design Team -- found them very responsive and professional. The shipping was fast -- a beautiful box arriving on my doorstep right on time. With the colors, rounded corners, and all the information on this one card, this invitation is ready for everyone's refrigerator and scrapbook."
"I would highly recommend this invite. The print, quality of picture, and the design are all top notch. The quality of paper is unbelievable. I have had so many invitee's raving to me about how gorgeous the invite was. Working with Paper Divas has been a wonderful experience too. I love how they emailed a final draft for me to ok before it went out and I got the invites right on time. This has been the least stressful part of the entire upcoming wedding!"
"Paper quality & printing was the best! Very easy to create and personalize. I will definitely shop again. Most important...the Bride Loved Them!!!"

subset: commoncrawl


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I wondered over to the Breakin Convention bank holiday Monday. I had my little cousins with me itching for some afternoon entertainment and they definitely got it.
It was a novel experience walking around with a 5 and 6 year old, giving them their first real taste of hip hop culture. I took them around various display areas, trying not to be offended by their impatience with breakdancing but humoured by their intense focus, shoulders hunched, as they sprayed their first ever tag.
We were all intrigued by the 'bar breakers'? Don't know if that's actually what they're called but there seemed to be a lot of muscle, a lot of bars and some pretty crazy tricks involved.
Unfortunately we missed the main stage events but overall it was still worth the trip. I'd been meaning to go the Breakin Convention for a few years now and was glad I finally made it. The boys had fun and so did I.


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Hi! I have been in business for close to 4 years. I am a licensed home baker and I have been very successful :-) My problem is I am a type 2 diabetic (found out 2 years ago) and I am asking what other diabetic bakers do to keep their hands away from cake scraps?? I do not over eat since I am very strict but I won't lie and say I never eat any cake or try icing. It is so tempting and I do not want to ever have to close my business but at times I feel it is better so I am not always around sugary sweets. Just frustrating so any advice is extremely helpful. Thanks so much :-)


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Taylor named national police explorer finalist
Explorer Captain Jordan Taylor of the Henrico Police Division's Explorer Post 608 is one of three finalists for the National Youth Representative for Law Enforcement Exploring. Taylor was selected as a finalist from entries made from Police Explorers across the United States. Taylor has been an explorer with Henrico Police since 2007 and is currently serving as the post president. He will graduate from Hermitage High School in June and plans to attend Randolph Macon University this fall majoring in international studies with a minor in political science. Jordan has received numerous awards including Explorer of the Year in 2009 and he was one of four named Henrico County Outstanding Youth in January 2012. In addition, he is the treasurer of the National Honor Society and president of the BETA Club at Hermitage. If Taylor is selected as the National Youth Representative, he will represent over 33,000 explorers and 8,245 adult volunteers throughout the United States. He will be expected to provide input and assistance as needed to the National Committee with regard to Law Enforcement Exploring programs, policies and resource materials. Additionally, he would represent Law Enforcement Exploring at meetings, functions, activities and other events. The National Youth Representative travels throughout the U.S. and meets with Explorer Posts and other individuals to spread information about Law Enforcement Exploring and try to boost membership nationally. Taylor will attend the National Law Enforcement Exploring Conference in Fort Collins, Co. in July where the representative will be named. |
Henricus to portray 'Arnold's Raid on Richmond' Jan. 31
Citizen Staff Reports 01/29/2015
The Henricus Historical Park in Chesterfield this weekend will portray "Arnold's Raid on Richmond," which took place in 1781 when British General Benedict Arnold took his small British and Loyalist forces and raided Richmond as Governor Thomas Jefferson watched from the safety of Manchester.
The event will take place Jan. 31 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Period-dressed historical interpreters will occupy the bluff overlooking the James River.
Visitors are invited to join the American militia, British regulars, Hessians and Loyalists in camp. > Read more.
'Secret Keeper Girl - Crazy Hair Tour' returning to West End Assembly of God
Hundreds of 'tweens' and their moms will attend the Secret Keeper Girl Crazy Hair Tour at West End Assembly of God on Jan. 22 at 6:30 p.m., a popular Bible-based tour geared toward building and strengthening relationships between mothers and their daughters (typically ages 8 to 12).
The event will feature a full fashion show, oversized balloon sculptures and confetti cannons – all in the name of inner beauty, Biblical modesty and vibrant purity. > Read more.
OutRVA, 'Say I Do!' to give away all-expenses paid wedding at Lewis Ginter
Citizen Staff Reports 01/15/2015
OutRVA and Say I Do! have collaborated to offer LGBT couples an opportunity to win an all-expenses-paid wedding at Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden's Robins Tea House on March 7.
In September, Richmond Region Tourism launched OutRVA, a campaign designed to show people Richmond's strong LGBT community and highlight the area as a travel destination.
The winning couple will say "I do" in a ceremony coordinated by event designer and floral artist Casey Godlove of Strawberry Fields Flowers & Gifts and marriage concierge, Ayana Obika of All About The Journey. The couple will receive wardrobe and styling, a custom wedding cake, florals, an overnight stay at the Linden Row Inn (including a suite on the day of the wedding for preparation), and a post-wedding brunch at the Hilton Garden Inn on Sunday, March 8. > Read more.
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Weekend Top 10
There are a bunch of unique events just for kids this weekend in Henrico! Virginia Repertory Theatre's production of "The Maggie Walker Story" opens tonight at The Children's Theatre at Willow Lawn. On Saturday, Walkerton Tavern will host a tea party and the Children's Museum of Richmond-Central will celebrate the Lunar Year of the Goat with several exciting activities. Ages 11-13 are invited to an "Introduction to Volleyball" workshop on Sunday at the Eastern Henrico Recreation Center. For all our top picks this weekend, click here! > Read more.
CAT Theatre announces auditions for 'Quartet'
CAT Theatre will hold auditions for Quartet on Saturday, Feb. 21, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., and Sunday, Feb. 22, from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. Auditions will be held at the theatre, located at 319 N. Wilkinson Road in Richmond. Quartet will run May 22 through June 6 and will close out CAT's 51st season.
Director Laurie Follmer is seeking two males, ages 50-70 and two females ages 50-70. British accents are required for roles and are requested for auditions. There is no actual singing in the show. Singing ability and experience is not a requirement. Audition sides are available at http://www.cattheatre.com on the Audition Page. > Read more.
Restaurant watch
Find out how your favorite dining establishments fared during their most recent inspections by the Virginia Department of Health. > Read more.
#SaveJosh campaign inspires legislation
U.S. Navy Concert Band to perform in Glen Allen
Business in brief
Committee OKs nondiscrimination bill
College affordability bills now in Senate
- More News
Print Edition
Jan. 22, 2015
Click here to read the print edition.Entertainment
Weekend Top 10
CAT Theatre announces auditions for 'Quartet'
Restaurant watch
Weekend Top 10
Environmental Film Festival films to be screened at Tuckahoe Library
- More Entertainment
Obituary – Carl G. Hodges
Obituary – Louise Catherine Fox Snoddy
Obituary – Horace David Eskridge Jr.
- More Obituaries
Henricus to portray 'Arnold's Raid on Richmond' Jan. 31
'Secret Keeper Girl - Crazy Hair Tour' returning to West End Assembly of God
OutRVA, 'Say I Do!' to give away all-expenses paid wedding at Lewis Ginter
- More Community
Bored senseless
Announcing Henrico Restaurant Week
An actual holiday spirit
- More Opinions
Monument City Classic volleyball tournament returns to town this weekend
Richmond Strikers form girls lacrosse program
Virginia fisherman wins James River event in Henrico
- More Sports
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Reverse relationships
Name | Updated | Category | Author | Stage | Type | |
Name | Updated | Category | Author | Stage | Type | |
WitchHunt |
Jul 07, 2011 | Ammo | Abandoned | Embedded library | ||
WitchHunt is a Spell Alert addon. It will warn you when someone is casting a spell or gains an ability. Example: Ammo begins to cast Powers of Death WitchHunt has gained several new features in 2.4 including filtering options on a per spell/ability basis and coloring options for the messages. You can configure WitchHunt through: Esc -> Interface Options -> AddOns Or open the configuration with /wh or /witchhunt Example of color config: Enjoy. -Ammo | ||||||
WoW Texas Holdem |
Jan 24, 2015 | gendi | Inactive | Embedded library | ||
4.1.0 Fix for 4.1 requiring use of RegisterAddonMessagePrefix 4.1.0 has a changed communication version and will not talk to previous versions I am now making use of curseforge's localization. If you are interested in helping localise for your lanaguage (or another!) please drop by the addon's localization page at curseforge... every bit helps, as soon as a localization reaches around 70% I will implement it in game. Thanks 3.1.6 Brings several changes to the command line interface, most... | ||||||
WIM (WoW Instant Messenger) v3 |
Jan 16, 2015 | mysticalos | Release | Embedded library | ||
WIM (WoW Instant Messenger) is a World of Warcraft addon which brings an instant messenger feel to communication in game. I created WIM over 2 years ago with the curiosity of creating an addon. Since then, WIM has evolved into what it is today, however so many requests from the community were added into the addon which resulted in bulky and inefficient coding practices that took a toll on both CPU and Memory usage. To resolve this, I decided to rewrite WIM from scratch. Each feature is being... | ||||||
Who's tanking - frames |
Oct 15, 2014 | smb | Release | Embedded library | ||
oUF based! This addon is based on (embedded) oUF! version < 1.32: it requires you to install oUF (download from wowinterface.com). Sorry about this dependency, but it shouldn't be that critical. Summary Since oRA3 doesn't provide MT-Target Frames anymore, i decided to write this addon. The main goal is to display oRA3 sortable Maintank/Playertank target frames. Changes V 1.2. Add Font options (Font face + font size) V 1.32 oUF embedded! V 1.40 Add Grow upwards and Grow left V 1.50 Update for... | ||||||
WhoLib |
Oct 14, 2014 | sylvanaar | Release | Embedded library | ||
Welcome to LibWho-2.0! This documentation is for developers, it you're a user: just don't care. An Interface for a information's about an user Better event for who's Queuing of /who and SendWho() A much better who interface, with guarantee to be executed ' user.Class string - class user.Race string - race user.Level string - level user.Zone string - zone time number - the minutes how old the data was Remarks If you're only interested in this feature, then you don't have to read about :Who()... | ||||||
WintergraspHelper |
Jun 03, 2009 | Takeda13 | Abandoned | Embedded library | ||
Wintergrasp helper provides: simple autoinvite for channels "SAY" "GENERAL" "WHISPER" "YELL" auto-convert to raid (only in wintergrasp or near the portal-caster alliance/horde) auto-promote chars to raid-assistant (lead required) autokick portal-casters (lead required, dalaran only) filter lowlevel-chars (default=lvl 80 only) promote/demote all to Assistant (lead required) warn and kick /afk after 1min while battle is active (lead required) announce invitation in general-channel (message is... | ||||||
WoWEquip |
Jun 30, 2010 | Xinhuan | Abandoned | Embedded library | ||
Due to an issue with the change to how the GetItemInfo() API works in patch 4.0.1 due to the streaming client technology, WoWEquip will now hang your system for upwards of a minute when trying to select an equipment to slot (after which it will work). This problem cannot be fixed until Blizzard fixes how the GetItemInfo() API works. In any case, no part of WoWEquip has been updated to be compatible with Cataclysm yet (the itemlink formats are also different) WoWEquip will only work on patch... | ||||||
Wishlist |
Jul 03, 2013 | XIU | Inactive | Embedded library | ||
Allows you to track multiple items that you want and keeps a list of the totals that are required. Use "/wishlist add [link]" to add a new item to your wishlist. Integrates into FuBar, uses AtlasLoot if available to import items. Can track: Honor Arena Points Gold Standing with Faction Number of items (Marks of Honor, ...) Ability to track custom items Use "/wishlist requirements items add [link]" to add custom items to use as requirement |


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Rate This
Fuck Yeah Menswear: Bespoke Knowledge for the Crispy Gentleman (Paperback)
Shipped to Tattered Cover in 3 to 7 days
In your hands is an Amazonian blowgun full of deadly knowledge darts ready to be delivered straight to your cranium.
You're about to begin a journey that will end in only one way—with you standing naked in an abandoned ravine watching as your old wardrobe slowly burns. Let this be your illustrated Iliad for dressing better.
Don't sleep. Read Fuck Yeah Menswear. Refer to it. Cite it in your dissertation. Owning this book sends a very clear message to your peers, coworkers, and loved ones: "I'm trill as fuck."
Praise for Fuck Yeah Menswear: Bespoke Knowledge for the Crispy Gentleman…
"Riotously funny, a love letter, a sendup and an Ouroboros all in one."
"It's the easiest, and probably most entertaining, way to learn how to reach ideal levels of crispiness…"
"From tumblr hype to printed glory, the sharp, satirical tone of Fuck Yeah Menswear successfully captures the voice of a generation. Not since Do's And Don'ts first published have we been this excited about a fashion book."
"The latest in the line of blog-to-book sensations, Fuck Yeah Menswear is a hilarious new tome for the sartorially obsessed."


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Doubt all you want. But I wasn't lying.Quote:
Originally Posted by galileo
Printable View
Doubt all you want. But I wasn't lying.Quote:
Originally Posted by galileo
I dont think he was doubting you...just the accuracy of your friends 4.3Quote:
Originally Posted by Shane
because these timings are not typically done fully automated.
Taking a sprint time with a stop watch is like eyeballing a fast ball, completely inaccurate.
Also, most colleges dont go for max benching, rather they rely on formulas to calculate a max bench so that they can be used in periodized training.
So its possible his max bench wasn't a "true" bench...either way, not much of a contention, a max bench of 365 for a 200lb individual is good, and wouldn't be to difficult to attain naturally.
The world IPF junior (19-23) powerlifting world record for a 200lb individual is 566 to give you an idea of what superb would be. http://www.powerlifting-ipf.com/ipf_worldrecords.htm
Geoff, I can understand that. But I know very well how they were measured and the accuracy. I was an exercise science major and interned in our strength & conditioning facility and I was there. As far as accuracy: The time on the 40 was 4.37. It was measured with a Speedtrap timing system on a track. As far as the bench press, I worked out with my roommate. He did the max when we were lifitng in the S & C facility. And many universities DO have athletes do an actual max bench. The head strength coach here is a good S&C coach. The whole reason I posted that in the first place was because it's starting to get annoying whenever someone sees an athletic feat that's above their current ability and immediately shouts that the person must be on gear. So like I said, anyone can doubt what I said all they want. But they'll be wrong.
I think if you had stated the accuracy like you just did there wouldn't have been any doubt.
Thats interesting about the max bench thing though, maybe its a regional thing.
I can't rationalize the benefit of doing actual max benching though, but I supposed you'd have more experience at different places than I! I was just speaking from the 3-4 places I'd heard about (and the one I was at).
Geoff, sorry man, maybe I should have. I didn't think it would be necessary to post how they were measured. Actually the only strength & conditioning facility I've spent quite a bit of time in was our own. What I know about how other coaches trained was second hand knowledge from one of the strength coaches or something I read. When the program is set up for the next group of athletes there is a lot of time to pick the strength coaches brain. So what I know about that is second hand knowledge from the head strength coach, one of the assistants, or some other strength coach I was fortunate enough to meet (which admittedly weren't many). From what I hear, some do it both ways. But you also have to figure, some strength coaches realize that many of the athletes are going to want to test their max at some point, so it's better to do it under the coaches supervision than on their own. Of course, the counter-argument is if the athlete gets hurt then the strength coach may be held responsible. So some coaches will and some wont. But in the case of my friend, he did it while we were working out on our own in the S&C facility in the off-season. As far as testing philosophy, I don't think it's a regional thing. I think it varies from school to school and coach to coach. The strength coach doesn't even always have a final say in athletes exercise program. For example, here the baseball team did a circuit program that I thought was lame and know the head strength coach wasn't all too thrilled with. But the baseball coach has the final say on how the baseball players are trained and he's pretty old-fashioned. Since he's ultimately responsible for the teams success and makes the big $, the strength coach has to let him have his way. The head S & C here thinks a lot like some of us do. The smith machine is used to hold jump ropes and lifting belts, there's two glute-ham raise machines from elitefts, and there's a well-read copy of Supertraining sitting on the bookshelf in his office.
With equipment.Quote:
Originally Posted by geoffgarcia
The bronze medal was a victory for Maurice Greene. No one who knows track pegged him as a serious medal favorite. He is one of the greatest sprinters of all-time. I was very happy for him.


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Find accommodations: Hotels, Campsites, Lodges, Guest Farms
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There are few more exhilarating ways to get around a country than by motorbike. Namibia, with its extensive and well-maintained road network, is the perfect place to go on a long and winding ride through its scenic and sweeping landscapes.
In this post we have collected the information of several tour operators in Namibia that offer bike riders a chance to explore our country in a unique way. So read on if you have a taste for adventure of the two-wheeled variety.
This company offers tours in Namibia and its neighbouring countries. Take a trip from South Africa to Namibia, or why not travel between Namibia and Botswana.
Riders heading toward Sossusvlei(Image source Ride2Roam)
Ride2Roam limits its tour groups to ten bikers at a time so you will never be part of a swarm of tourists. Bike enthusiasts run the company so they know what they are doing and you can feel completely safe when striking out on the road with these guys.
Riders striking out on a desert road.(Image source Ride2Roam)
Their website is comprehensive and easy to navigate, check it out here.
Mountain, biker.(Image source Ride2Roam)
This is a company that specialises in doing tours throughout Southern Africa. There are guided tours and there are self-guided tours. Either option you choose the folks at Dualsports Adventures will hire out all the gear you need to tour around Namibia including GPS equipment when needed.
Their Southern Namibia Adventure is highly recommended as it will give you a unique way to explore Namibia's Southern regions (read more about Namibia's south over here).
The ride will take you past Sossusvlei, rugged landscapes and the Fish River Canyon as you make your way through Namibia and into South Africa.
The Deadvlei, just outside Sossusvlei.
While based in South Africa this company does offer two tours through Namibia. The first is a ten-day tour that will take you along many of Namibia's most scenic dirt roads. There won't be any camping on this tour and adventuers can choose betweenb a three or five star package.
Exploring Namibia with friends on motorbikes- perfect!(Image source Motorcycle Tour South Africa)
The charming seaside town of Luderitz will be one of your many stops.(Image source Motorcycle Tour South Africa)
The second tour begins in South Africa and heads up the West Coast into Namibia. Check it out here.
This is the international agent for South Africa Motorcycle Tours, and you can read more about the man in charge, Tyler Hare, here.
Tyler Hare.(Image source Africa Motorcycle Tours)
This comapny offers perhaps one of the most interesting bike rides you can do in Southern Africa. Their Namibia/RSA tour is a must do for anyone who has 14 days and the urge to ride all around stunning Southern Africa. Starting in Cape Town your trip will take you north toward Namibia, and once in Namibia the real fun begins.
You never know what you'll find when you bike into Namibia.(Image source Africa Motorcycle Tours)
On this tour you will visit Keetmanshoop, Windhoek, the Skeleton Coast and Etosha National Park before returning south back down to Cape Town. For a detailed tour description click here.
For those riders who are looking for a little bit more of a challenging ride through Namibia this is an operator that can cater for your needs. Enduro Namibia proudly takes riders, of varying degrees of skills, over Namibia's 37000 km's of untarred roads, showing them exactly what the country has to offer.
Off the main roads are some truly beautiful untouched landscapes.(Image source Enduro Namibia)
Most of the tours are suitable for the average rider, with only two (the Wild West and the Kaokoveld rides) being singled by the folks at Enduro Namibia as needing more skilled and physically prepared riders.
The company has a page with need to know facts about biking through Namibia as well as detailed biographies of some of the riders who will be leading you on your group tour.
On many of these tours you will be camping out in the wild and this would make it the perfect tour for those bikers looking for a bit more adventure than usual.
One of the many camping spots you will visit on one of this company's tours.(Image source Enduro Namibia)
Another company that specialises in off-the-beaten-path tours is Gravel Travel. Check out their site here.
Cut your own path with your group of riders.(Image source Gravel Travel)
They also have several package options available for you to choose from just head to their website and begin planning your trip.
With over 20 years of experience and a brand new fleet that has just been bought, GAO are one of the more established companies offering motorbike tours throughout southern Africa.
GAO have a "Windhoek to Windhoek" tour and on this ride you will visit Etosha, Epupa Falls, Swakopmund and Sesriem. It is a 12 day tour and will take you through some of Namibia's top attractions.
Sesriem Canyon.
The "Ocean to Desert" tour is another tour that starts in Cape Town, South Africa and makes it way up to Windhoek Namibia. On this tour you will go through Sesriem, the Fish River Canyon, Etosha, Swakopmund and Windhoek. It is a 14 day tour finishing in Windhoek.
Stunning views abound in the Fish River Canyon.
The "Big Five" tour will take you on a circular route between Zimbabwe and Namibia and as you can guess the focus will be on visiting safari parks and seeing big game. The Okavango delta, Etosha National Park, Mdumu Game Reserve and Chobe National Park are some of the highlights on this 13 day tour.
Elephants in Etosha National Park.
Now many riders have families. And many riders' families are not necessarily able, or willing to ride a motorbike through a foreign country. So if you have family members or significant others who are not too keen on riding around Namibia then fear not. The people at Overlanding Africa have a solution for you.
While you are riding along the dirt roads, tearing up a dust storm on your motorbike your companions, if they choose to not join you on two wheels, will be right behind you in the Overland Safari Truck. Not only will you all be able to share in the same views and experiences but you everyone gets to do it in the manner that they'd prefer to.
Their website is a bit light on information but they respond to any queries you might have about doing a motorcycle tour with you via email.
Live to ride is the oldest motorcycle club in Namibia. If you are looking for like-minded riders and advice on the best routes to travel on throughout Namibia and Windhoek then be sure to visit their official page and drop them a line.
Cynthia, a Dutch motorcycle enthusiast talks about her time biking through Namibia. Read all about it here.
Cynthia on her way through Namibia.(Image source Motoress)
Words and pictures by Roderick MacLeod
I woke up after spending a night in the Fish River Lodge knowing that my day would be a busy one. I had signed up for a full day hike into the second largest canyon in the world: the Fish River canyon. The hike would be a ten-hour affair; five hours into the canyon and five hours to get out of the canyon before dark settled on the land.
As you can expect the day started early. Breakfast was served at 5:30am and despite the hour everyone was in high spirits.
Dube, one of the guides at the lodge.
The night before the hike I had had a chance to chat to some of the Fish River Lodge's staff about the hike and what I should expect. The response was always along the same lines: It is a tough hike and should not be attempted by the frail or lazy. A good pair of shoes is an absolute must and a healthy pair of lungs will, of course, help. The Fish River Lodge, as part of the full-day hike package you can purchase, provided me with water and food for the duration of the hike.
Once our guides for the day (Ben and Desmond) had introduced themselves to us we set out for the point at which we would begin our descent down into the canyon.
Our vehicle was left perched on the canyon's rim. We would see it as a dot, many hours later, looking up from the canyon floor.
An hour after beginning our descent I noticed how spectacular the formations in this canyon are. The dried up river beds, the gullies, the outcrops of strangely sculpted cliffs are all a treat for anyone with an interest in natural beauty. It is incredibly interesting to witness the changes to your surroundings as you descend into the canyon for the first time.
Rain-sculpted and sand-blasted, a face emerges from the cliff...
A long dried-up river bed
A gully in the morning sun.
On account of the many different landscapes in and around the Fish River canyon there is a varied collection of wildlife. The chances of sighting a few of these creatures increases when you are on foot. The park is home to many mountain zebra, various antelope, eagles and even a few rhino. Unfortunately I did not see any of the rhinos. I did however find traces of their activities on the path we were using.
Rhino dung on the hiking trail.
Many visitors at the lodge spoke of their encounters with the mountain zebras of the region. The reason why people have encountered so many of these animals is because the trails that I and everyone else hikes on are in fact the selfsame paths created and used by the animals. There is a distinct effort on the part of the park officials and lodge owners to keep the hike as natural as possible.
When hiking the Fish River Canyon you will literally walk on the paths the local animals use...
There has been no clearing of boulders or cutting of trails. This means that when scaling up or down the mountain you have to figure what the best route will be. Since the rocks in the canyon are frequently breaking off the cliff faces and rolling down the slopes no two hikes into the canyon are identical.
After three or so hours of hiking we came to a type of plateau which was about half the way down into the canyon.
We had reached the halfway point of the half-day hike, which meant we were one quarter through the full-day hike. We could see the river and the canyon floor below us. We were then told by Ben (our guide) that we would be heading further down the canyon and further along the river toward our destination: A natural rock pool in which we could have a refreshing dip before turning around and heading back out of the canyon.
View from the half-day hike turnaround point.Below to the left is the Fish River.
Between the half-day hike turnaround point and the rock pool was the part of the hike I found to be the most treacherous. The landscape suddenly flattened out and i found myself walking on cracked rock and around small thorny shrubs. Constant attention was needed to avoid spraining an ankle or twisting a knee.
Ben surveys the harsh beauty of the canyon surrounds.
Your prize for making it through these trials is an hour of relaxation at the rock pool. After 4-5 hours of non-stop hiking this rock pool becomes more than just a pool, it becomes an oasis. Water cooled rocks and shade from the surrounding cliffs will give you all the comfort you need after having spent hours in the arid heat.
The seemingly bottomless rock pool at the floor of the canyon.
After we had relaxed sufficiently at the rock pool we picked up our bags once more and headed back along the path we came down on.
My hiking companion preparing to leave the rock pool behind.
The hike was nothing short of glorious. I was constantly struck by the massive beauty of the canyon. From the moment I stood atop the canyon to when I was seated on its floor, to when I once again stood atop its cliffs I was filled with a sense of wanderlust and excitement. The hikes and hiking options offered by the Fish River Lodge make it easy to say this is the perfect spot for just about anyone who wants to go hiking in the Fish River canyon.
Even our guide, Ben, had to take a few breathers on the way up.
The Fish River canyon is one of the largest canyons in the world and it can be found in Namibia's Southern Karas region near the South African/Namibia border.
As with most places in the South of Namibia the best way to get there is via the small town of Luderitz. The drive from Luderitz to Fish River canyon is a lengthy, but relatively straight-forward drive. A car capable of dealing with rocky dirt roads is strongly advised.
Almost the entirety of the canyon is now a protected nature reserve and there are several lodges one can stay at around the canyon. It should be mentioned that the Fish River Lodge is the only lodge that is perched directly on the rim of the canyon, the other lodges are a little bit removed from the canyon.
If you wish to hike in the canyon you will need a guide as private hikes are no longer allowed since numerous tragedies have befallen ill-prepared private non-sanctioned groups of hikers.
Most of the lodges offer guests a variety of activities to choose from. So if there are people unwilling or unable to hike, do not fear. Activities in the Fish River canyon range from scenic drives to horse back safaris so check each lodge out and decide what is best for you and your traveling companions.
Here is a list of some of the places you can stay at near the Fish River Canyon:
This October, the Adventure Travel World Summit is to be held in Namibia, and with good reason: Namibia is one of the world's greatest destinations for extreme adventures.
We've picked just ten Namibian activities for adrenaline junkies, speed freaks and off-road fanatics, as well as ten less extreme alternatives for those who prefer to have a somewhat more relaxing holiday. Which would YOU rather do...?
The fresh southwesterly winds that reach Walvis Bay lagoon make this a prime spot for kitesurfing. Similar to traditional surfing but with a kite to pull you along - and lift you out of the water! - this is certainly one of the world's most extreme water sports. Walvis Bay Kite Centre has equipment to rent of buy, and offers one to one lessons from beginner level upwards. Further south, the bay off the little town of Luderitz are also renowned for its ideal conditions - the fastest kitesurfing speed ever recorded was here! Element Riders offers complete courses for all levels.
Chickened out? Enjoy extreme kitesurfing without getting wet! Come and watch the annual Luderitz Speed Challenge for windsurfers and kitesurfers - who can reach speeds of over 90km/h over 500m. National and world records are broken each year. For more info visit www.luderitz-speed.com
Fishing may not sound like a sport to get the adrenaline pumping - but what if you were reeling in a 100kg shark?! Tour operators along the coast of Swakopmund, Walvis Bay and Henties Bay offer shark angling excursions, and from November-May you may get the chance to battle with a coppershark, also known as a bronzy. These sea monsters can weigh anything between 15-190kg, and are sure to put up a good fight! Other species include smooth hound sharks and spotted gully sharks. For conservation purposes, all sharks must be returned to the sea unharmed.
Chickened out? Namibia's freshwater dams offer the perfect conditions for relaxing fishing daytrips, including the hardap, Von Bach, Friednau and Naute Dams. Catfish, carp, tilapia, barbel and bass are some of the species to look out for here. Contact the Namibia Federation for Freshwater Anglers to obtain fishing permits and get a copy of the regulations.
Not only are the rapids of the Kunene River a challenge, simply getting here is a real expedition! Felix Unite's extreme rafting experience takes place just once or twice a year and is a ten-day round trip from Windhoek, including five days on the river and a drive through Etosha National Park. The river forms the border between Namibia and Angola, and you will paddle your way down towards the 40m high Epupa Falls. Don't think about taking a dip - there are crocodiles in the water!
Chickened out? Go canoeing along the Orange River instead, as it winds through the beautiful landscape along the South African border. Not only are there no rapids to negotiate, there is also no nasty wildlife lurking beneath the surface, so you splash around to cool off as often as you like.
Surely on every true adventurer's bucket list, Skydiving is available for experienced and first-time jumpers just outside of Swakopmund, Namibia's adventure capital. Qualified skydivers can schedule a jump with a local skydiving club, while beginners have two options - a full-day training course with a solo jump at the end (with an automatically opening parachute), or a shorter course followed by a tandem jump, where your instructor does all the work. Don't forget to open your eyes and enjoy the magnificent scenery of the Namib Desert meeting the southern Atlantic Ocean! Check out Swakopmund Skydiving Club for more information.
Chickened out? Try a more relaxing hot air balloon flight instead, and float over the dunes of Sossusvlei at dawn with a champagne breakfast. That's more like it!
The dunes make for a nice, soft landing, but paragliding around Swakopmund is still extreme! The coastal winds offer extra lift, so that gliders can get high enough to admire the stunning views of the desert and ocean. The best flying takes place from October to March, and is regulated by local flying schools to avoid overcrowding. Depending on your experience, choose from a half day introductory course, a full day flight, a pilot's licence course or a tandem flight.
Chickened out? Does the thought of dangling under a parachute make you feel a bit queasy? Try a flying safari instead in a light aircraft - enjoy the views along the skeleton coast, the harbours and the Namib desert, without having to learn how to fly first!
New off-road motorcycle tour operator Madnam is launching a brand new series of biking tours around Namibia, visiting iconic sights such as Cape Cross, Brandberg, Erindi Game Reserve and Waterberg. To join their thrilling eight-day trip you need plenty of experience on a motorbike, including gravel roads - Namibia's terrain in tough! Bring your own bike or hire one of Madnam's BMWs for the ultimate off-roading adventure.
Chickened out? If you don't have motorbike experience and a week on a bike seems a little too extreme, try an afternoon eco quad-biking. Accompanied by experienced guides who will instruct you how to drive your vehicle, your tour begins gently on a flat trail through the Namib, before heading up into the dunes to take advantage of your 4x4. Pause for pictures and to admire the view!
Namibia's two main climbing sites are the jagged, 1,728m bulk of Greater Spitzkoppe, and the Brandberg Massif, which at 2,573m is Namibia's higest point. Justifying its "extreme" reputation, Spitzkoppe does not offer any established hiking trails, so climbers can feel like true explorers. Brandberg presents mountaineers with a constant scramble over boulders - it's a three-day clamber to the top which keeps away all but the most intrepid. Climbs should only be attempted with a trained guide from the local community who knows where to find water and will prevent you getting lost amid the rocks. Find your guide through the Namibia Community Based Tourism Association (NACOBTA) in Windhoek, Tel: +264 (0) 61255977 or email: firstname.lastname@example.com
One of Africa's top hikes is through the arid, inhospitable Fish River Canyon in southern Namibia. The second deepest canyon in the world offers an extreme environment indeed, and hikers must undertake the 80km, 3-5 day hike entirely unsupported, as there are no facilities en-route. The hike can only be carried out in winter, when the temperatures are slightly lowes and the rains have produced enough water for the river to flow - as this is the only source of water for hikers. Book your tour well in advance with Namibia Wildlife Resorts.
Chickened out? The hot springs at /Ai-/Ais mark the end of the punishing Fisk River Canyon hike - but you don't have to trek the canyon to be able to enjoy them! The /Ai-/Ais Hot Springs Spa has indoor and outdoor thermal pools and chalets looking over the canyon - you don't have to spend five days hiking to enjoy a foot massage here!
Known locally as the "ultimate speed machine", a waxed, metre-long piece of hardboard can reach phenomenal speeds of 80km/h on Namibia's steep, coastal dunes. You lie face down on the board, bend the front edge up to avoid it sticking into the sand (and flipping you over!) and lift your feet off the ground - then wait to be pushed over the cliff! Definitely not for the faint hearted, this is a major adrenaline kick!
Chickened out? If you don't fancy the steep slopes and high speeds, you can still enjoy an introductory sandboarding session on the dunes. Equipment - including a helmet - is provided, and even the tiniest participants can join in - riding down the dunes on the instructor's back!
With an extreme combination of altitude, deepwater diving, abseiling, rock climbing and pitch darkness, we vote cave diving as Namibia's ultimate extreme adventure. The caves and sinkholes are all over 1,400m above sea level, with depths of between 30 and 130m, and you may have to abseil as far as 140m (with all your diving equipment!) just to reach the water! The Dragon's Breath Cave, 46km north of Grootfontein, is one of the most famous cave diving spots, as it contains the largest subterranean lake in the world. Harasib Cave and Lake Guinas are also recommended. Booking is required at least three months in advance, and it can take up to a week to prepare the caves for diving. Otjikoto Diving Enterprises is the only operator permitted to work in these waters.
Chickened out? For those without the qualifications, experience or courage to try cave diving, you can still spend time underwater without the need for oxygen masks or wetsuits - in Swakopmund's National Marine Aquarium. The newly refurbished site has a walk-through tunnel which brings you up close to marine life including sharks and rays, a much safer underwater adventure that the whole family can take part in!
Information about these activities was taken from Namibia Holiday & Travel - the official Namibian tourism directory. Photo credits: Travel News Namibia
In this weekly EXTREME NAMIBIA blog series we explore some of our country's extremes, and share with you practical information on how you can come and discover them for yourself.
"Namib" is the Nama word for "vast" - and this desert, stretching for 1,600km along Namibia's coast, is certainly the embodiment of vastness. The most arid parts of this sandy expanse receive an average of just 2-5mm of rainfall a year, which would manke you think that this is 1,600km of nothing - yet even here, in one of the planet's most extreme wildernesses, life perseveres.
Bizarre plants, innovative insect, and mammals with their own "cooling systems" all manage to eke out an existence in the Namib; read on to find out about some of nature's most extreme adaptations!
Camelthorn trees are a characteristic sight in the Namib - most notably the fossilized remains of those in Deadvlei, which date back over 900 years, but have not rotted thanks to the extreme dryness. The tree's huge thorns deter overgrazing, and its deep roots can tap water sources located up to 50m underground. Because competition for the water is so tough, they have also developed a way to avoid growing too close together: their seeds, which grow in large, crescent-shaped pods, will only germinate once they have passed through the digestive tract of an animal. The animals then wander and disperse the seeds, far from the source. Clever!
Desert-adapted elephants are not a distinct species of elephant, but their behavior is quite unlike that of savannah elephants. They walk up to 60km a day between water sources, and have learned to dig waterholes with their tusks. If this fails, they can go up to four days without drinking. Their home range can be an astonishing 2-3,000 square kilometers, and their feet are wide to facilitate walking across these great distances on the soft desert sand. Desert elephants they walk carefully to avoid knocking down trees, breaking branches or scraping bark - unlike their savannah cousins, which are known for being highly destructive.
A very old welwitschia, standing around the height of a man. Its two leaves have shredded, making it look like there are many more. Image from the Wikimedia Commons.
The welwitschia is one of the world's oldest - and oddest - plants. It is the only species in its family, and throughout its lifetime - which can be up to 1,500 years - it will only grow two leaves, which can each measure up to 4 meters long. The welwitschia only grows in this region of Namibia and Angola, and given the arid nature of the Namib, it is believed to survive on the dew caused by the frequent fog. Welwitschias are truly prehistoric-looking, and are believed to date back to the Jurassic period.
The oryx, also known as a gemsbok, is a common sight in the Namib desert, thanks to its incredible adaptations to the intense heat and lack of water. The oryx has an effective "cooling system" - blood is pumped through cooler vessels around its nose while it breathes rapidly - which means that while its body temperature can reach over 40 degrees celcius, their brain remains much cooler. The high body temperature means it loses very little water through sweating - which is good news, as they can rarely drink, and have to obtain most of their liquid from food. Additional adaptations include efficient kidneys to produce highly concentrated urine, a white belly to reflect the heat back onto the sand, and the ability to breate up to 210 times a minute - wow!
The Namib, at 55 million years old, is the world's most ancient desert, as well as being one of the driest. Much of it is protected as part of the Namib-Naukluft National Park which covers almost 50,000 square kilometers, making it larger than Switzerland.
Rainfall varies from 85mm in the westm to just 2mm in the east - but the area is often covered by a thick fog, which allows plants and animals to survive thanks to the dew it creates.
Another souce of water are the rivers. Although the beds seem to be almost always parched, there is permanent waterflow underground which creates linear "oases" on the surface.
Watch a fascinating video about some of Namibia's most extreme desert-adapted wildlife - including rolling spiders and invisible snakes - here.
Sossusvlei is one of the most visited destinations in the Namib-Naukluft National Park, but visitors can also enjoy hot air balloon rides, quad biking, desert hikes, paragliding and sand boarding. Download our Adventure Travel Planning Guide to find out more!
True adrenaline junkies might prefer something a little more challenging - 100km of Namib Desert is a tortuous race which takes place near Sossusvlei in extreme weather conditions. Alternatively, one of the toughest foot races on earth is the Namib Desert Challenge which covers 228 km of inhospitable, desert terrainover five stages of high-endurance ultra-running. Read more about these events in our Endurance guide.
If you want to get up closer to some of the species that have learned to survive in the desert without venturing to the Namib, visit Swakopmund's Living Desert Snake Park - it houses a variety of snakes, scorpions, geckos and monitor lizards with information about each.
Spend a thrilling day tracking desert-adapted elephants - contact a Namibia tour operator to plan your tracking experience. You can also find your ideal accommodation near the Namib Desert in our Accommodation Guide.
Namibia is a country of almost-superlatives. The second-least densely populated country in the world is also one of the newest, and is home to some of: the largest dunes, the darkest skies, the oldest cultures, the biggest conservation areas in Africa, the world's last rhinos and the most complex languages on the planet - to name but a few!
In this weekly blog series we explore some of Namibia's extremes, and share with you practical information on how you can come and discover them for yourself.
Sossusvlei is surely Namibia's most iconic landscape. The rust-red dunes, bleached white pans and deep blue sky are instantly recognisable, and symbolise the country's vast, dry, uninhabited expanses. The dunes here are some of the highest in the world, and the tallest in this area - at a whopping 325m (1,066ft) - is the appropriately named Big Daddy.
The more popular - and widely photographed - Dune 45 is just 80m high, but people still like to climb the monster Big Daddy for two main reasons: firstly, because it overlooks the surreal landscape of Dead Vlei, a white pan filled with the dark fossils of camelthorn trees, and secondly because climbing Big Daddy gives you ultimate bragging rights.
Two adventurers climb a massive dune.
It's not for the faint-hearted. Climbers need to start early - and round here, early means waking at 4:30am. This allows time to reach the park gate when it opens at sunrise, and then make the 65km drive to Sossusvlei in a 4x4 over the soft sand. An early start also displays the dunes as their most picturesque. The rising sun causes one side to glow a fiery red, while the other is entirely in the shadows. It truly is a paradise for even the most amateur photographer. As the sun soars higher in the sky, the landscape appears to flatten as the shadows disappear.
If the early wake-up call has left you feeling dizzy, ascending Big Daddy's crest will really make your head spin! It takes an average of 50 minutes to reach the first plateau - which rewards adventurers with awesome dune panoramas, a peek down into Dead Vlei, and gorgeous photo opportunities.
Climbers take on Big Daddy
Continuting to the second peak requires stamina, bravery and an extremely large bottle of water. It takes at least another hour with the sun now high in the sky and not a spot of shade in sight! But of course, the views from the top are astounding, and if you reach the summit, you have truly conquered one of nature's harshest giants.
Now comes the reward - running down the soft sand of the slipface. Two hours of endurance to the top - five mintes of sheer pleasure bouncing down to the the bottom! The adrenaline rush will give you enough energy to take a stroll around Dead Vlei for some photos, before a well-earned lunch at a shady picnic spot.
Running down Big Daddy (left); Climbing Big Daddy offers an unusual view of Dead Vlei (right)
Big Daddy is the tallest dune in Sossusvlei but not in the Namib Desert - that honor belongs to the giant 383m Dune 7.
In the Nama language, "Sossus" means "a gathering place for water". "Vlei" is Afrikaans for "a shallow lake".
The dunes of the Namib were created by sand being carried on the wind from the coast. The wind in Sossusvlei itself blows from all directions meaning the dunes are known as "star" dunes - as they cause the sand to form a star shape with multiple "arms". This wind pattern also means that the dunes hardly move.
The sand here is five million years old. It is comprised mostly of tiny grains of coated in a thin layer of iron oxide, giving the Namib its distinctive red color.
An aerial view of the dunes at Sossusvlei gives a sense of scale
The park gate is just past Sesriem, and is open between sunrise and sunset. From here, the 65km drive to Sossusvlei takes about an hour.
At the base of Dune 45 - 45km from the gate - there is a small parking area and a dry toilet. Sossusvlei has a larger parking area with more toilets and a picnic area. There is no water here, so bring plenty.
The route beyond this parking area (another 4km to Sossusvlei) can only be covered in a 4WD vehicle. Alernatively, there is a 4WD transfer service, or you can walk.
The climate here is extreme, even in winter. Visitors should bring at least two litres of water, sunscreen, a sunhat, sunglasses and long-sleeved shirt. Be aware that the sun is also reflected upwards from the sand!
Read a local painter's perspective on Sossusvlei and see a photo gallery of the region.
Don't fancy scaling one of the world's highest dunes? Take a look at Gondwana Collection's 360 degree panorama of Sossusvlei instead!
"More than an endurance mountain bike race, the FNB Desert Dash is a wild beast that lures you, challenges you and allows only a few to stay on its back. It's a 369km, 24 hour fight between human and nature, body and mind." - www.desertdashnamibia.com
Photo from Desert Dash
Tomorrow, 14th December, around 450 hardcore cyclists will be strapping on helmets, stretching calves and pumping up tires in preapration for Namibia's eighth annual Desert Dash - one of Namibia's most intense mountain biking events.
Desert Dash covers 369km on a mainly gravel road between Windhoek and Swakopmund, and must be completed within 24 hours. It starts at 3pm on Friday, and the cut-off time is at 3pm on Saturday. The race is covered in six stages, and riders can participate in teams of two or four. The first and final stages must be cycled by all team members, while the teams take it in turns to cycle the middle four stages. There is also a tandem category. But all eyes are on another, much tougher category - the individuals. These reckless racers cover all six stages alone, and astonishingly the current record across all categories is held by a solo cyclist, Namibian Mannie Heymans, who completed the race in just 12 hours 13 minutes!
So whose crazy idea was it? Some years ago, a group of friends including founder Aidan Delange decided to cycle from Windhoek to Swakopmund for fun. They made the journey over a couple of days, camping along the way, and on their return had the idea of turning it into a 24 hour race to be completed in teams. When the idea of solo racers was initially proposed, they were told it was impossible - but there is nothing that Namibians like more than an endurance challenge - and Desert Dash was born. There were so many applications from solo cyclists that the number had to be limited to 100, and this year's online bookings sold out in just 38 seconds!
Money raised by Desert Dash participants goes to support Children in the Wilderness, a Wilderness Safaris initiative that sends rural children to Wilderness Safaris camps for the week, to teach them about the bush, the environment and wildlife; as well as health and sanitation issues. The children are able to play, learn and discover the possibilities of life outside their villages. The experience has been described as life-changing.
Children in the Wilderness takes over Andersson's Camp, near Etosha National Park
One of Namibia's most iconic desitnations, the Fish River Canyon, is more than just a must-see travel destination. It is an adventure and a challenge. For years, the 84km trail that descends through the canyon has served as a race course for elite runners.
The Fish River Challenge Race invites athletes from all over the world to tackle extreme conditions and terrains. In 2003, Namibians Russell Paschke, Charlie du Toit and Coenraad Pool set a record time of 10 hours 54 minutes to complete the run.
Today, that record has been shattered by ultra trail runner Ryan Sandes who finished in 6 hours and 57 minutes. Read more about Ryan's accomplishment here.
Fish River Canyon is the second largest natural gorge in the world, and the largest in Africa. Set in a harsh, stony plain dotted with drought resistant succulents, such as the distinctive quiver tree or kokerboom, the canyon is a spectacular natural phenomenon.
Formed over 500 million years ago, Fish River Canyon was created by the collapse of the valley bottom due to movements in the earth's crust. It drops vertically by half a kilometer without any warning. As with most rivers in Namibia, Fish River is generally dry except during the rainy season, from January to April.
Unlike Ryan, you may choose to explore Fish River Canyon at a more leisurely pace. The Fish River Canyon Hiking Trail is generally a four-day, 86km expedition open from May to September. Even if you're not planning on racing through, hiking the trail still requires a doctor's approval. With no services except for at the beginning and end, it's obviously not for the faint of heart.
To book a trip to the Fish River Canyon, contact Namibia Wildlife Resorts.


text: A Community Workshop for Phase 1 of the project took place on September 29, 2011. Despite a beautiful fall evening, more than 150 people turned out to learn more about the area, hear about the project from Mayor, staff, and consultant team and share their ideas for the future of the Highway 43/Willamette Falls Drive Corridor. Check out the presentation, map exercise results, and comments below. There are links on the right to photos and a video of the workshop.