Helmeringhausen - The Horse Has Left Town

Sometimes, on my way between north and south Namibia, I take a shortcut along a 230km gravel road. The road is rough in places and, about half-way, I often stop at a small settlement called Helmeringhausen:


This is it - Helmeringhausen ... a 500m stretch of recently-tarred road in the middle of nowhere, with a couple of buildings on either side - I estimate that there are probably not more than 40 permanent residents living here.


Not many photo-ops here so I took a pic of the window at the gas station (we call them 'petrol stations') - I love that sign 'Never mind the Dog, Beware of the Owner' ... I'm not sure why they're so concerned about security; it would be very difficult for any would-be robber to make a getaway - where would he run to?


There's a small open-air museum with some farming implements and other odds 'n ends - this appears to be an old drill-rig used for searching for water in this arid land.

I'm assuming, from a small memorial on the site, that Helmeringhausen was established by the farming community many years ago, probably as a central meeting place and a source of basic supplies.


At the end of the road, a Metal Man directs the thirsty traveler to the hotel and Coffee shop - not that anyone could miss it. Dig those sandals - and one of my favorite trees behind the figurine.


The Coffee Shop, an oasis in the wilderness. It seems that quite a few tourists and tour buses pass through here on their way to more famous attractions like Sossusvlei and Duwiseb Castle.


A colorful straw-bale family greets visitors to the Hotel.


A lone dead car and tree keep each other company in the sun. Any idea what make of car this was?


Another pic of my favorite tree at sunset - I love the symmetry of the crossing branches.

Well, I guess it just goes to show that there's always something to photograph, even in the middle of nowhere. Too bad about the horse though - but, I can't say I blame him for leaving ...

You can see where Helmeringhausen is by clicking on the 'location' link below this post.

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