D is for Dunes

The view from the top of a dune at Sossusvlei (in Namibia) towards the Naukluft Mountains in the direction of Sesriem, so it says on the back of the card.

Sossusvlei is well known for its red dunes which are among the highest in the world.  They surround a salt and clay depression which sometimes fills up with rainwater in a particularly wet season.  Vlei, in fact, means lake or marsh in Afrikaans.  You can also find Hiddenvlei and Deadvlei.

Interesting, those last two names, the way that they combine Afrikaans and English.  Sossusvlei is similarly of mixed origin in that "sossus" means "dead end" or "no return" in the Nama language. That too conjures up a few thoughts.

California

Encelia and Yucca blooming on the desert near Palm Springs, California
In the springtime the gorgeous Encelia (Incense Bush)  covers the slopes with brilliant yellow contrasting vividly with the blue of the snow capped mountains.  Here and there the white lily-like Spanish Dagger is seen.  Mt. San Jacinto in the background.

This card is dated March 17 1934, and was sent from Palm Springs to Sunbury on Thames in England.  The message says that "this place is just 135 miles from home" and was signed from Aunt Nell.  I wondered where home could be until I read the second card.

I'm guessing that this was "home".  It was sent to wish someone a very happy and merry Christmas in 1935 and was signed Aunt Nell and Uncle Jim.

I bought both these cards at a book fair, just a handful of cards at the side of a stall.  I wish now that I'd bought more.  There were others from California, and I suspect probably from the same people.  It would have been interesting.

Now, I know nothing much about Santa Monica or Palm Springs, and especially not about any desert there.  I am waiting to be informed.....

This is a post for Postcard Friday, which is hosted by Beth Niquette at The Best Hearts are Crunchy.