I am writing a day later, sitting at a laundry about 5km from our campsite. There is no power at our campsite and no mobile / cell reception either.What can I say. It is getting tougher and tougher by the day.
The photo on the right was taken on the 11th just outside Garies on the way to Kamieskroon where I saw my first Kokerboom (Quiver Tree - Aloe dichotoma) and also to give you an idea of the landscape up North.
We were the only people in the caravan park at Kamieskroon and so I opted to put my inflatable mattress in the bathroom. Less noise from the N7 traffic, no tent flaps making noise and less time to pack up in the morning!
By 7:15 I was on the road and only got to see the sun at 7:50 as there are many rocky outcrops / mountains which were blocking the sun (yippee!). There was however a light head wind which meant harder pedaling. My bright brother Hansie, suggested that I cycle slower, then there is less of a head wind! Again I had a lot of climbing to do, but half way into the ride, the wind dropped and things weren't too unpleasant.
I stuck to my plan of carrying extra water and was glad that I did. The air is very dry op north and with a hot wind (low 30°C's) you dehydrate even if you don't do any exercise! The hot air scorches your lungs and I was taking strain.
The last 25-30km the wind picked up again and it was a very hard slog to get to Springbok. This is when you have to dig really deep and find that extra bit of go! It constantly amazes me: we are so much stronger than we think and we are capable of so much more than we give ourselves credit for. Remember this when you are in a challenging situation. Never give up!
I saw my first two Klipspringers (tiny antelope that lives in mountainous / rocky areas - they have specially adapted hooves which allow them to scamper over rocks and boulders) on the side of the road. They have been very elusive thus far.
My friend Garth sent me an sms while I was cycling, but I could not respond as my cell battery was nearly flat and, Garth, at that stage I was about 14km into a 21km climb! He said that he expected my body to be well into the swing of things by now, well, my friend. I wanted to write back that I was ready to go home! I think I am getting fitter, but I am also getting more and more tired. The day off today is good, and I am looking forward to a few days rest at Augrabies Falls.
Distance traveled yesterday was about 77km (have not recorded the trip in my log yet) and I was out on the road for 4h40. We are staying at Goegab Nature Reserve, just outside Springbok. I have only been here in winter before, but in spring it burst into life with a very wide variety of spring flowers and succulents. The landscape is incredibly beautiful, with large open grasslands, big rocky boulder strewn mountains. I absolutely love this area! We opted to rent two little thatched cottages for our stay. Unfortunately, there are millions of flies around the cottages (near trees - there is no problem in the open areas, unfortunately you don't have shade there!).
As I am sitting here now, the sweat is dripping off me. Weather forecast for tomorrow does not look too promising. I am expecting hot, windy conditions and have decided to take the easy way out, by putting my panniers in the trailer (am doing 171km tomorrow!). I am sure you will forgive me! And if you don't, then you can come and cycle 171km in hot weather for me!
Well, we have to get back to our campsite, so I will log off. Please keep sending mail - it is nice to hear from you.
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