Encountering our first real set-back, we leave the hot springs for Upington, looking for dental care and a new communication device – we’ve lost our trusty and capable phone. That in itself is not an insurmountable problem but it will be a long time before we can reach the level of communication Jim worked so patiently to produce. Maddening but not life threatening. The toothache is a different story.

I’m quickly reducing the stock of painkillers we brought and without much relief. Knowing no one in Upington we find a wi-fi hotspot and google dentist, hoping for a same day appointment. The following morning is the best we can do. I’m really quite frightened by what might be causing the unrelenting pain. It is a relief to arrive at Dr. Booysen’s office and be received very professionally – however, she cannot help me. What is likely needed is an extraction and an implant and we are referred to Dr. Du Toit, who cannot see me for another 10 days. We retreat to our camp to ponder the options.

Who knew when starting this blog that we’d be talking about tooth implants? They are an extensive and expensive process, requiring about nine months to complete with varying stages of procedures. Should we wait and take our chances getting it done in Namibia where we can apply for extended stay visas? Our South Africa visas are the standard 90 days – it may not be easy to extend. But luck intervened and the specialty dentist could see me on Monday. That left the weekend to fill so we bit the bullet (it hurts just writing that) and headed for the remarkable Witsand Nature Reserve.