I got an ear-full from a few friends for not writing yesterday! Sorry...
In this page I will give a brief description of yesterday's cycling, followed by a description of my day off in Jongensfontein.
I was expecting a very tough ride from Gouritz, as my gps maps did not show a direct route to Still Bay. This would have meant shooting north to Albertinia, then following the N2 before going south to Still Bay. What a joy and relief to find a direct route, going past lovely farmlands with lots of Fynbos and birds. Total distance in the end was only 65.35km, taking me 3h49 to complete (time on the track was 4h15 - the difference in time to be blamed on bird watching!)
I left Gouritz quite early in the morning and this was perfect for early morning birding. First 15km's were on smooth tar road and then changed to a fairly rocky dirt road. No worries as the scenery was breathtaking and I was looking out for little buck and other live animals.
My relief was great but I did not want to believe my eyes as I thought it must be Still Bay I could see in the distance, just as I crested a hill. Knowing that you don't have to do 101 km's somehow, revitalises you and gives you energy to go on.
The previous day, the lady at the municipal caravan park office, mentioned something about approaching SB through the Coloured Township and as I neared this settlement, I suddenly realised that stray dogs might be a problem. And sure enough, the highest heart rate achieved on the day, was as I was sprinting away from a dog!
As you near SBay, you drive/cycle along the Goukou River. This is a very enjoyable ride and a great part of my day off (Friday the 19th) was spent birding along the river and estuary with Thys and Nerina.
I made my way to Jongensfontein Camp Site, found a spot and before I could pitch my tent, I was joined by my travel companions. Our tents were pitched under the Milkwood Trees, with the sound of crashing waves just behind the dunes. A perfect camping spot if ever there was one!
The greatest part of today was spent birding along the river and estuary - Thys and Nerina are budding twitchers, and I am enjoying introducing them to this hobby of mine.
As I write now, I can hear the waves in the distance and the fat dripping in the fire as Thys is braaing for us.
I am packed and ready for tomorrow. I washed and oiled my bike today and bought spare pedals as I am slightly concerned about the bearings in my pedals. Will have it checked out and fixed if necessary in Hermanus, a few days from now. It helps to know you are prepared, should the worst happen! If a pedal breaks, I have to walk!
So, let me log off, we will be eating soon. Thanks for the comments a few of you have left, it is great to hear from you. Until tomorrow then, if all goes well. The ride should be around 75km, and the weather looks promising. Blessings!
In this page I will give a brief description of yesterday's cycling, followed by a description of my day off in Jongensfontein.
I was expecting a very tough ride from Gouritz, as my gps maps did not show a direct route to Still Bay. This would have meant shooting north to Albertinia, then following the N2 before going south to Still Bay. What a joy and relief to find a direct route, going past lovely farmlands with lots of Fynbos and birds. Total distance in the end was only 65.35km, taking me 3h49 to complete (time on the track was 4h15 - the difference in time to be blamed on bird watching!)
I left Gouritz quite early in the morning and this was perfect for early morning birding. First 15km's were on smooth tar road and then changed to a fairly rocky dirt road. No worries as the scenery was breathtaking and I was looking out for little buck and other live animals.
My relief was great but I did not want to believe my eyes as I thought it must be Still Bay I could see in the distance, just as I crested a hill. Knowing that you don't have to do 101 km's somehow, revitalises you and gives you energy to go on.
The previous day, the lady at the municipal caravan park office, mentioned something about approaching SB through the Coloured Township and as I neared this settlement, I suddenly realised that stray dogs might be a problem. And sure enough, the highest heart rate achieved on the day, was as I was sprinting away from a dog!
As you near SBay, you drive/cycle along the Goukou River. This is a very enjoyable ride and a great part of my day off (Friday the 19th) was spent birding along the river and estuary with Thys and Nerina.
I made my way to Jongensfontein Camp Site, found a spot and before I could pitch my tent, I was joined by my travel companions. Our tents were pitched under the Milkwood Trees, with the sound of crashing waves just behind the dunes. A perfect camping spot if ever there was one!
The greatest part of today was spent birding along the river and estuary - Thys and Nerina are budding twitchers, and I am enjoying introducing them to this hobby of mine.
As I write now, I can hear the waves in the distance and the fat dripping in the fire as Thys is braaing for us.
I am packed and ready for tomorrow. I washed and oiled my bike today and bought spare pedals as I am slightly concerned about the bearings in my pedals. Will have it checked out and fixed if necessary in Hermanus, a few days from now. It helps to know you are prepared, should the worst happen! If a pedal breaks, I have to walk!
So, let me log off, we will be eating soon. Thanks for the comments a few of you have left, it is great to hear from you. Until tomorrow then, if all goes well. The ride should be around 75km, and the weather looks promising. Blessings!
Great fact that the only thing you had to "run" from while going through the "dangerous" informal settlement is a dog... Doomsday sayers to rest!!
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