October 3: Today we took a couple of long, fairly strenuous walks through the varied terrain of Isalo National Park. In the morning:
Driving a car into the river to wash it seems to be a common practice. Water is hard to come by, and expensive, in Madagascar.
Tending zebu in the dry grasslands
An interesting combination of old and new
Our morning goal: The refreshing greenery of the Canyon des Makis
In the afternoon we embarked on a hike past dramatic rock formations to the Natural Swimming Pool.
The rock-sealed tomb of a tribal ruler
Pachypodia (elephant foot) plants
Reaching the Natural Swimming Pool after a hot, tiring hike was a relief. The water was refreshing, and the spot was beautiful. A half hour here made the hike back seem much easier.
Nearing sunset, the rocks blazed with color.
