Be passionate, Be curious, Be adventurous

WayPoint Namibia:

In May 2009, a group of Climbers and adventures traveled to Namibia to discover a new rock face in the northern part of the country. Climbing wasn’t there only intent though. They were also looking to create a deeper understanding about the extraordinary culture and people of this African nation. 

Headed up by Majke Burhardt, writer, climber, and guide, the group spent a little less then a month traveling through the country seeking out the connections between culture and climbing. They climbed and emerged into the culture to return home with some amazing stories and visuals. Their story and journey were documented and unravel in the documentary, WayPoint Namibia.

The Adventure Chronicles hooked up with Majke upon their return and release of WayPoint Namibia. Looking back upon their journey Majke gave us an insight on the adventure, the planning, and the memories that were formed.

The project began several years back when a friend, Jeff Barbee, a Journalist, living in Namibia, had sent Majka some photos of a huge rock located in Northern Namibia. With that image imprinted in her mind she set off on the planning, with highlights on Spitzkoppe, and Brandberg.

“I wanted to go climb and I wanted to interact with the Himba more and I thought ok here’s my theory: as a climber we will be able to do that. Is that true.” Majka Said

Through the planning effort the most difficult part was over coming the what ifs. She knew there was some climbing in

Northern Namibia, but not knowing what they were really going to discover on the rock was the struggle. Convincing her partners to join this expedition to check out some potentially bomber rock or even possible sketchy slab rock was key. Bottom line, there was no guarantee what they were going to find; But that is what makes it an adventure we all dream about.

“The first time we got out of the car, they treated us just like any other tourist. Once we spent a few days "getting muddy," living in the vicinity and climbing, the locals' attitudes changed.” Majke said

Through out the month the group successfully integrated into the culture and found some outstanding climbing. However the biggest hurdle they had to overcome was working with the extremely hot temperatures, that didn’t allow them to climb the routes throughout the day.

As they left the country and the Namibia Journey the single image Majke will forever have is watching the evening sky change every different color. Living under the stars for 28 days in a dry climate in the southern hemisphere they got to witness some of the most picturesque Evening skys.

So was Majke able to address her theory? Absolutely, adventures brings us into portals of global understanding. To a level that one can only find; interacting with local children, discovering the one unclimbed line to the summit, watching the evening sky change to the different spectrum, and emerging into the local culture. When you are on an adventure and in a place so unfamiliar you are subjected to a little venerability which will lead to a deeper understanding of culture, place, and respect.

Majka is truly an amazing person, and adventurer. She is living life and writing about it the whole way. Follow her where you can because you will be inspired and maybe even find that passion for the outdoors and adventure. Cheers, Majka.

Check out the full-length film on DVD at www.majkaburdt.com and available for digital HD download for $7.99 at alstrinfilms.com. WayPoint Namibia was directed and produced by Chris Alstrin with Majka as the Executive Procuder. 5% of purchases will be donated to the Integrated Rural Development and Nature Conservation, an organization that strives to improve the lives of rural people by diversifying the socio-economy in Namibia's communal areas to include wildlife and other valuable natural resources.

Find out more about Majke on the Adventure Chronicles Friday Focus.