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| Happy to be alive! |
Once again too many pics, but after Abie leaves, we are back to Jinx taking most of the pics! Endure a little while longer please!
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| Poor Toni has to figure out why Jinx's luggage was taking so long to load! |
We woke up to a cool overcast morning, with weather threatening to become more than the light drizzle that was in the air.
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| Climbing a hill |
After a cup of coffee, we left just after 8 and found ourselves at a deep river crossing. Abie was on the other side already, so who were we to be chicken??
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Our first (of many) water crossings
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| First Toni |
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| The view from the helmet cam! |
We made it through safely, but the second crossing seemed too daunting, deep and fast flowing.
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| Abie and Toni discussing if they should try and get through |
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| We decide to turn around |
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| Abie goes through first |
Back through the first river and then onto a detour that was beautiful.
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| And Jinx brings up the rear |
It started up a steep climb and then made its way through the rocky outcrops on the Plato.
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| Toni flashes past |
By now the drizzle was hard enough to make seeing through the visor almost impossible, yet we were accompanied by a beautiful rainbow.
The rock formations were intricate and majestic, yet simple and plentiful. The detour included going through about 5 gates, farms with horses and a lovely campsite.
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| Near the campsite |
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| Through farms |
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| Waiting to go through one of the many gates |
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| Sluices opened at the Clanwilliam dam |
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| All kinds of 2-wheelers were enjoying the masses of water |
From Clanwilliam we took a look at the dam after the sluice had been opened.
Then winding along a stunning road next to the river. We just had to stop at the Brick wall made by Italian Prisoners of war. Also a beautiful sight, as the water was rushing past to join the tons coming down after heavy rains, flowing high up to the trees.
This stretch was also quite a challenge with slippery mud, some sand and lots of wet spots with potholes. Yet one of the most beautiful roads winding all along the river!
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| The Clanwilliam dam |
We met up with the N7 at Klawer and then rode tar all the way to Springbok. We could not believe the
Northern Cape could be so green?!
While refuelling in Bitterfontein Abie discovered a huge gash in his tyre and was forced to turn back, limping safely into Klawer for the night.
Almost dark, covered in mud and shoes still soaked from the trip we opted to stay in the Springbok Backpackers. Unfortunately we must (for the first time ever) say that we were totally unimpressed with the value for money at this poor accommodation. The unfriendly and unhelpful staff let us feel we were inconveniencing them in spite of booking ahead of time.
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| Cold garage doors, little bedding and no privacy, especially in the bathroom! |
But all in all, a stunning and thrilling day. We loved the challenges, the beauty and new roads. Totally drenched and knackered but happy!!
