Tracks in the Sand

We've spent 5 days moving deeper into the wilderness on roads that are just tracks through endless bush and grassland, often deep sand that is easy to sink in.  Some days we saw no other vehicles, so staying mobile was critical. Here's a note a made on one such day, and some pics.

Today was quite a drive, only about 200 km, but all on sandy tracks, sometimes deep enough that we had to power through, low gear, very high revs, slewing back and forth like slalom skiers, praying not to get stuck. Yesterday we did come to an abrupt halt in deep sand, a literal sinking feeling because we didn't know if we'd get out again without help, and there was absolutely no one else on the road.  We deflated the tires even more, and dug out with our little spade, all the while watching for predators. Revved up in 4 wheel low, went about a foot and dug in even deeper. Yikes, but don't panic! Removed a lot of sand from under the truck, dug out the wheels, and made a track with broken branches, all in extreme heat - panting and hoping....This time we roared free - huge relief. We now think we have the technique - low gear, hi revs and very flat tires, and have negotiated some long deep sand traps today. We also dealt with poor maps and conflicting/wrong advice on what roads would get us here, but ended up seeing some really remote countryside and arriving safely. Not too much game, but several encounters with elephant herds browsing at the roadside. You try to hold back until they leave, but sometimes you inadvertently get too close. Twice giant elephants protected little ones by turning toward us, flaring their ears and glaring at us. I hit reverse and backed off to show appropriate submission, staving off a charge. My nightmare is suddenly coming upon an elephant in a sand trap, stopping and getting stuck, but luckily that hasn't happened, and we and the truck haven't been flattened!
All this is happening in NE Botswana, as we drive through the huge Chobe and Moremi reserves. It's not as lush as Zimbabwe, but a beautiful mix of trees and grassland.

Reading the note, now that we're back in civilized roads in central Botswana, I realize that I miss those roads. Once you got the hang of it, and some confidence, it was like driving a boat through waves - a rush!  And as you twist and turn, you're cruising through the most beautiful wilderness you can imagine, with wild animals lurking around every bend. So lucky to be here!