The long drive through the mountains to Swakopmund was exhausting, but the fishing trip at sea was worthwhile – for a rich fish dinner in the evening. The rest of the catch ended up in a large cool box. Ralph flew them freshly caught to Bitterwasser in his Cessna. The croaker, also known as cod in Namibia, are now waiting to be prepared in the lodge's freezer. They are all large adult animals, whose fondness for the pieces of sardine on fishooks was their undoing. The small ones caught, under four inches tall, got a chance to grow further. If they are not pulled out of the sea prematurely, these predatory fish can grow to be over two meters long and weigh 100 kilograms.
In Bitterwasser we are now eagerly awaiting the big fish dinner.
The SSN (Soaring Society of Namibia) website states that pilots holding a SPL license together with a valid LAPL medical may fly gliders with European registration in Namibia. Previously, the more complex Class 2 ICAO medical was required. The SSN point out that no definitive, valid statement can be made for neighbouring countries such as Botswana or South Africa.
For glider owners: Please check with your insurance company that this is in accordance with your insurance contract.
Although the season in Bitterwasser seems to be coming to an end in mid-January, the weather is at its best. Pilots from all over the world enjoy impressive thermals, breathtaking cross-country flights over 1000 km and a unique community.