tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4825893219364409662024-02-21T12:59:13.835+02:00Biking 2 Nowhere . . . . .RIDING MY OWN BIOGRAPHY . . .
I have decided to start living my dream. Taking to the roads and hopefully some back roads too.
Lady alone, on my motor bike.
I enjoy writing and love photography, so I want to take you along with me via my pics and words. - 'Four wheels may move the body ... but two wheels move the soul.'Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16890635839913008069noreply@blogger.comBlogger37125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-482589321936440966.post-35203282323382250392016-02-14T14:07:00.000+02:002016-02-14T14:07:51.050+02:005 Days of gut-wrenching mud and rain - but I survived and loved it!<h3>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><b>Day 1 Montagu - Oudshoorn</b></span></h3>
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<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Dramas. First our
Angola trip had to be put on hold. Then our beautifully planned trip of doing
Mpumalanga, Lesotho, Swaziland and back through the Transkei was cancelled due
to sickness in the family. So we decided to do a shorter trip to Gamkaskloof,
the Hell (small place in South Africa) and Baviaanskloof, so that if we were called back, we were close
enough. And via as many dirt passes as possible. </span></span><br />
<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img alt="" id="lightboxImage" kasperskylab_antibanner="on" src="http://bmwmotorcycleclubcape.co.za/sites/bmwmotorcycleclubcape.co.za/files/ckutils/P9260450.jpg" style="display: inline; height: 435px; width: 580px; z-index: 10500;" /></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">"US" would be my Italian friend
Toni, on his KTM 990 called Jongosi. And myself, Jinx, on my BMW 650 called Brutus. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 115%;">We are both vertically challenged, both prefer
picnics in the veld to sit down meals and both love bikes, adventure and
riding. This combination worked for us. But would the friendship last after
what it get's put through in the following days to come...?</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Due
to unforeseen circumstances we had a (very) late start. Toni arrived to a
cold, wet farm in Montagu and soon we were on our way. At last our forever
elusive trip had started. Because the trip started almost a day late we
decided to go via tar road. Later due to our late start and
inclement weather we decided to stay over in Oudtshoorn and not go over the
Swartberg pass to Prince Albert. Did I mention it was raining?</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><img src="http://bmwmotorcycleclubcape.co.za/sites/bmwmotorcycleclubcape.co.za/files/ckutils/P9260472.jpg" /></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 115%;">There was
a music festival on in town, and one of the music groups were staying in the
same establishment as us. What a surprise when we went to the bar for a drink,
something we very rarely do, and find a band setting up. They were going to
“warm up” for later that evening. </span></span><br />
<span lang="EN-GB" style="clear: left; float: left; line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="clear: left; float: left; font-family: calibri, sans-serif; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img height="480" kasperskylab_antibanner="on" src="http://bmwmotorcycleclubcape.co.za/sites/bmwmotorcycleclubcape.co.za/files/ckutils/P9260463_small.jpg" width="640" /></span><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Now Sakkie-sakkie South African cultural music) is not really our
type of music, however we did enjoy the band, but had to refuse all the
invites to join them later.. It felt as if we were part of the group, and they
seemed disappointed that we would not be joining them. - Must be our
irresistible personalities!</span></span>We both retired early and sleep came easy
as we had a long day on the bike, in the rain.</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><b>Day 2 - </b></span></span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Swartberg Pass & Prins Albert</span></h3>
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<span lang="EN-GB">Getting a late start did not help us the
following morning, with thunderous skies and a cold wind greeting us at
the foot of the Swartberg. Stunning views were below us – and below the
clouds and mist we rode into as soon as we gained altitude.</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB">As we started climbing the winding narrow
pass the rain came down harder and a cloud cover descended on us. The few
tourists that came past in warm dry vehicles thought we were positively mad.
Did I mention it was raining?</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB">The higher we went, the colder it got and
by the time we got to the look-out point at the Top, we were frozen to the bone
and the wind almost blew us right back from where we came. </span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" height="400" id="lightboxImage" kasperskylab_antibanner="on" src="http://bmwmotorcycleclubcape.co.za/sites/bmwmotorcycleclubcape.co.za/files/ckutils/P9270490.jpg" style="display: inline; height: 435px; width: 326px; z-index: 10500;" width="299" /></span></div>
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As we made our way down the other side,
something that felt like hail hit us pretty hard. The locals later told us it
is called ice rain. In spite of the stinging we rode with our visors lifted, as
we could not see through them when closed. </div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" id="lightboxImage" kasperskylab_antibanner="on" src="http://bmwmotorcycleclubcape.co.za/sites/bmwmotorcycleclubcape.co.za/files/ckutils/P9270494.jpg" style="display: inline; height: 435px; width: 580px; z-index: 10500;" /></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB">A few bends after the top on the way down
the rain stopped, the clouds lifted and we saw blue in the sky. We ended up
stopping for almost an hour, drying out in the weak sunlight, admiring the
views and taking photos.</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" id="lightboxImage" kasperskylab_antibanner="on" src="http://bmwmotorcycleclubcape.co.za/sites/bmwmotorcycleclubcape.co.za/files/ckutils/P9270516.jpg" style="display: inline; z-index: 10500;" /></span></div>
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The turnoff to Gamkaskloof is about halfway
down the Swartberg pass. By now the weather had turned again. Raining...We met
up with another biker (who was in a vehicle) at the turnoff to the Hell. Due to
the bad weather and dense mist, he advised us to either go with extreme caution
or rather not at all.</div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="" id="lightboxImage" kasperskylab_antibanner="on" src="http://bmwmotorcycleclubcape.co.za/sites/bmwmotorcycleclubcape.co.za/files/ckutils/P9270503.jpg" style="display: inline; height: 414px; width: 640px; z-index: 10500;" />Not much to be seen in such bad weather, he
said. But since we both have “done” the Hell three times before and never
manage to get down there; we decided to go in - at least a little way.<img alt="" height="240" id="lightboxImage" kasperskylab_antibanner="on" src="http://bmwmotorcycleclubcape.co.za/sites/bmwmotorcycleclubcape.co.za/files/ckutils/P9270496.jpg" style="display: inline; height: 435px; width: 580px; z-index: 10500;" width="320" />The decision to turn around was met with
deep disappointment and frustration (something we seem to have to gotten used
to lately). But rather safe than sorry and have something go wrong before we
even begin our trip. Did I mention it was raining?</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB">We had not gone very far back on the
Swatberg pass when the sun suddenly peeked through the dark clouds. </span></div>
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<img alt="" id="lightboxImage" kasperskylab_antibanner="on" src="http://bmwmotorcycleclubcape.co.za/sites/bmwmotorcycleclubcape.co.za/files/ckutils/P9270544-001.jpg" style="display: inline; height: 435px; width: 580px; z-index: 10500;" /></div>
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<a href="http://bmwmotorcycleclubcape.co.za/sites/bmwmotorcycleclubcape.co.za/files/ckutils/P9270560.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" id="lightboxImage" kasperskylab_antibanner="on" src="http://bmwmotorcycleclubcape.co.za/sites/bmwmotorcycleclubcape.co.za/files/ckutils/P9270560.jpg" style="display: inline; height: 435px; width: 580px; z-index: 10500;" /></a><span lang="EN-GB">After a stop at the lookout point, we
actually ended up riding the rest of the pass in lovely sunshine! As a tour
guide I use to go over this pass so often, but this was my first time by bike –
and what an experience! </span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB">The many bends and curves could be followed
all the way up to the highest tips of the mountains. The vastness and closeness
both get experienced to the utmost intenseness. Somehow living IN the moment
and not looking AT it. </span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB">After crossing a river at the bottom of the
pass we decide to have our picnic under the trees below the majestic backdrop
of Liken-painted rock faces. </span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB">We haul out the (espresso) coffee maker,
buns, soup and everything needed to sit down to a feast. As the first cup of
water starts to boil, the heavens opened above us. How we
missed to check our backs is beyond me, but the rain caught up and before
getting drenched to the bone, we packed up (without eating anything) and headed
for the Prins Albert Camp site. Did I mention it was raining?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB">The lousy weather forced our hand and we
decided to go for the accommodation instead of trying to pitch tents in the
rain - and then get a wet tent down and loaded early the next morning.
Unfortunately was it not only a Saturday night, but we were competing with 2
lots of wedding guests – so tenting it would be!</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" id="lightboxImage" kasperskylab_antibanner="on" src="http://bmwmotorcycleclubcape.co.za/sites/bmwmotorcycleclubcape.co.za/files/ckutils/P9270598.jpg" style="display: inline; height: 435px; width: 580px; z-index: 10500;" /></span></div>
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That night the weather turned out to be quite nice
with no rain. Prins Albert’s camping site must be one of the nicest we have
ever been to.</div>
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<span lang="EN-GB">Extremely reasonable with bathrooms to die for! Not to mention
our neighbours. They noticed "wet chickens" would be an
understatement and came to the rescue. I was offered a jacket (I had removed
mine cause it was so wet and uncomfortable, but had something warmer (deep)
down once I could off load my luggage. </span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB">Not to mention an offer for a heater! After
freezing by the early hours of the morning I put on the heater-fan and for the
first time slept like a baby in my own little “heat-conditioned” tent. A
new but novel and wonderful experience... I’d been thinking all of
the next day how on earth I could make extra space on my bike for a heater!</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" id="lightboxImage" kasperskylab_antibanner="on" src="http://bmwmotorcycleclubcape.co.za/sites/bmwmotorcycleclubcape.co.za/files/ckutils/P9270592.jpg" style="display: inline; z-index: 10500;" /></span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16890635839913008069noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-482589321936440966.post-29995659198621396072014-09-08T14:27:00.000+02:002014-09-08T14:27:44.803+02:00I live to ride and ride to live - this is why!THIS is why I live, is why I ride...<br />
<br />
This video clip absolutely spoke to me, as I am sure it will to anyone else who can't help but love the open roads and freedom only a bike can provide...<br />
<br />
Viva to life!!<br />
<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/dytQvJefFW0?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
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<strong><span style="color: red;"><em>A big thanks to</em></span></strong> </div>
<h3 class="iw">
<span class="gD" email="dutymanager@swellengrebelhotel.co.za" name="dutymanager@swellengrebelhotel.co.za"><a class="g-hovercard yt-uix-sessionlink yt-user-name " data-name="watch" data-sessionlink="feature=watch&ei=x1sNVKDhLumH0AW8uoHwBw" data-ytid="UCBn8MR2Gyc_Ee50y_4ECfaQ" dir="ltr" href="http://google.com/+eveRideorg" target="_blank">eveRide ADV</a> for understanding and speaking my heart! Great job on this video clip!</span></h3>
<div class="iw">
<span class="gD" email="dutymanager@swellengrebelhotel.co.za" name="dutymanager@swellengrebelhotel.co.za"></span><span class="gD" email="dutymanager@swellengrebelhotel.co.za" name="dutymanager@swellengrebelhotel.co.za">Make sure to go and visit him - he has a lot of really good biking clips!</span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16890635839913008069noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-482589321936440966.post-91361995618084205072014-07-08T00:03:00.000+02:002014-09-08T17:50:32.947+02:00Chapman's Peak drive the way it SHOULD be seen!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQC7Rgijy4RMI9DDZOx3TuZUOWNGTdsMIyCdYk-0JSIwmZ0eUxulHSbm6aetnjG9BkUnTo8MjA6Af6xuBMARMhBaM3li5D7VVURII7ks8u14Ixrzwb3vCsoybOsVdjX9mOjgsw7CNSnes/s1600/Snapshot+Chappies.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQC7Rgijy4RMI9DDZOx3TuZUOWNGTdsMIyCdYk-0JSIwmZ0eUxulHSbm6aetnjG9BkUnTo8MjA6Af6xuBMARMhBaM3li5D7VVURII7ks8u14Ixrzwb3vCsoybOsVdjX9mOjgsw7CNSnes/s1600/Snapshot+Chappies.png" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Here is a video clip I made of our trip over Chapman's Peak. It must be one of the most beautiful and breathtaking passes in South Africa, if not in the world.<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/HDOkijPdtIg?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<br />
<br />
Join me with two more motor bikes and experience what beauty South Africa has to offer!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16890635839913008069noreply@blogger.com0Chapman's Peak, Table Mountain National Park, Cape Town, South Africa-34.087222 18.360555999999974-59.6092565 -22.948038000000025 -8.5651874999999968 59.669149999999973tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-482589321936440966.post-48941834020016065562013-11-27T16:56:00.000+02:002013-11-27T17:15:14.138+02:00The End: Last Days of my NAMIBIAN adventure<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlXQ1AGMlYULldqrHd5CBHA_hF6oEAi93uepqBQI6-kyPxzhWnF-BBfNHS93WZDxLRcwADPlRAK4SJQFcRInWZAfvgXXlB4qXVLK5o0U_5TMAPgN0kNSE_McylduPu6aozLuVL_PC-_vM/s1600/28-FILE0114.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlXQ1AGMlYULldqrHd5CBHA_hF6oEAi93uepqBQI6-kyPxzhWnF-BBfNHS93WZDxLRcwADPlRAK4SJQFcRInWZAfvgXXlB4qXVLK5o0U_5TMAPgN0kNSE_McylduPu6aozLuVL_PC-_vM/s640/28-FILE0114.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Day 12 & 13: Ai Ais - Springbok - Lambertsbaai - home<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-L71UeFP-OMGJZPaxtgN-aXzPe1Ezo_Ya_TZzqRYKkR4_L5yo5yWtmdYUKeUozbAwym7Woa5RE8miHfr62N5OYcjta3TIiLwtsYbGOmHPql4eEjqCIvdwNJe98diSlUN7XevrT-1rSa4/s1600/02-IMG-20130912-00867.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-L71UeFP-OMGJZPaxtgN-aXzPe1Ezo_Ya_TZzqRYKkR4_L5yo5yWtmdYUKeUozbAwym7Woa5RE8miHfr62N5OYcjta3TIiLwtsYbGOmHPql4eEjqCIvdwNJe98diSlUN7XevrT-1rSa4/s400/02-IMG-20130912-00867.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A regular visitor</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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The next day we left just after 8 (almost on time!) and made
our way through the last parts of <st1:country-region w:st="on">Namibia</st1:country-region>.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our campsite</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhObYHRtxIQKl_sxgaiDZj8RvYRblREsKh8RkKfiNlLRpWfLhzAuDwyZvnPQh-MQQ-FtdTIoUiVahUxLFVsca10rIOBe5C7JOFbIafH_IPqKwmsDRgJPkSjZ5zLaWisEMWhPs0cCTmdZ5c/s1600/03-IMG-20130913-00870.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhObYHRtxIQKl_sxgaiDZj8RvYRblREsKh8RkKfiNlLRpWfLhzAuDwyZvnPQh-MQQ-FtdTIoUiVahUxLFVsca10rIOBe5C7JOFbIafH_IPqKwmsDRgJPkSjZ5zLaWisEMWhPs0cCTmdZ5c/s400/03-IMG-20130913-00870.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our life savers who brought us some meat over</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1sIIsWhazICDI4ymS3GmTErUKzhTTilWjOaNfrQcS2LoBkKu1DUYdcfm8QPaCHVuKM4ylj9daTbyP-tGIP3MeHKiIQlv5svnXCvIdwDNFi2gE-cYttTXagQu4iNW2kb36PJ77cu4sAYE/s1600/17-FILE0050.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1sIIsWhazICDI4ymS3GmTErUKzhTTilWjOaNfrQcS2LoBkKu1DUYdcfm8QPaCHVuKM4ylj9daTbyP-tGIP3MeHKiIQlv5svnXCvIdwDNFi2gE-cYttTXagQu4iNW2kb36PJ77cu4sAYE/s400/17-FILE0050.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Departing Ai Ais</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuuqBtTJG7xizoSb8LqMKIAWBy3tVrvaGGCK5qha4eJwaEjVKuE8e_B0gdaJpgqJscbd98TmEDqQp0GNddnwhMUccgmUAJjbVN26jPaHN-ujY4wYGNsDlfaz2Vay9vZG_oBUIrAfNHCOc/s1600/18-FILE0060.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuuqBtTJG7xizoSb8LqMKIAWBy3tVrvaGGCK5qha4eJwaEjVKuE8e_B0gdaJpgqJscbd98TmEDqQp0GNddnwhMUccgmUAJjbVN26jPaHN-ujY4wYGNsDlfaz2Vay9vZG_oBUIrAfNHCOc/s640/18-FILE0060.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Back through the beautiful mountains</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Once again through the same mountains and beauty as we came
in. One specific corner I wanted to check out, as I had almost bought quite a
sharp bend (and the rocks to its side!!) as we were trying to make up time on
the way in. I wondered if it was my haste, or a really serious bend or just
silly me who, after more than 4000kms of dirt road could not take a decent turn
in the road? To my relief there was plenty lose sand and a fairly nasty corner
if one came from the other side. Then again, as much as I loved this country, I
would preferably get home in one piece, without having to show off the property
I accumulated along the trip!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdRsxlwMIfCm4KmnWNyuYuW7Sh0SD8p86H68KX2xr3ji8GhOyKy-uY4D1sMIcQiDx5zd658nqAcViKHnmHGnqw5OSTy_HMgMTJQckkk9ull8wU8IP2DP_UR8wdpsyVJvludxmyoQt4X-s/s1600/20-FILE0073.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdRsxlwMIfCm4KmnWNyuYuW7Sh0SD8p86H68KX2xr3ji8GhOyKy-uY4D1sMIcQiDx5zd658nqAcViKHnmHGnqw5OSTy_HMgMTJQckkk9ull8wU8IP2DP_UR8wdpsyVJvludxmyoQt4X-s/s640/20-FILE0073.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">On the moon? No, not quite!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our last stop with sand, endless, awesome sand.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Growing in the middle of nowhere</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our last picnic in Namibia</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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With a heavy heart I got to the border. I was leaving behind
a place that had touched my heart and I was determined to come back some day!
Shortly after the border we came across some beautiful flowers along the way.
Stretching as far as the eye could see. Unfortunately we left the good weather
behind with the flowers. After Springbok, we stayed over in Lamberts bay. A
nice little fishing village where we bought fish and chips from the corner café.
We went and ate it on the beach in cool and cloudy conditions - out of the
paper bag. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">At the border</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Spring flowers</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Flowers as far as the eye could see</td></tr>
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The following morning the weather became worse and we rode
in rain. We stopped to refuel at Piketberg and have something hot to drink at
the Spur. Drenched and freezing we each needed a second cup to defrost. I asked
permission to eat the sandwiches we had made that morning – from bread we still
bought in Ai Ais. The rain washed away our plans to have a picnic along the
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Our paths parted at Piketberg and I had to say goodbye to
the wonderful riding buddy I had for the last week or two. I spent the following few hours battling
strong winds and rain in the storm I was facing all the way home. But maybe the
storm was worse inside me?</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF49xa9BtTHItZf8hnJUzRiKso9-fnPN_pGmKKDm-61_RA3tMyDHZKRa-3hyfmIJUJ6X8za_A4IXkblxNTXIrkjs64o2xVMnbB5JqFxUAqODzZomFFI6JJjsMY-h7VLpzqQTs_7VOhYvg/s1600/14-IMG-20130914-00900.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF49xa9BtTHItZf8hnJUzRiKso9-fnPN_pGmKKDm-61_RA3tMyDHZKRa-3hyfmIJUJ6X8za_A4IXkblxNTXIrkjs64o2xVMnbB5JqFxUAqODzZomFFI6JJjsMY-h7VLpzqQTs_7VOhYvg/s400/14-IMG-20130914-00900.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chips on the beach</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lambertsbaai</td></tr>
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Our last day in <st1:place w:st="on">Namibia</st1:place> brought the strangest
feeling over me. I had fallen in love with this arid, barren country. The
vastness and variety appealed to me as I drank up its beauty every day. That morning
we made our way through the mountains and later over the open plains towards
the border, I felt close to tears. While lapping up the last bit of the
magnificence it dawned on me that shortly I would be facing reality again. Daily life and stress I could put aside while
in the saddle of my trusty steed. Worries I could put aside because I had more
beautiful things to see and experience while being in a country that sneaked in
under my skin. I have to go back! Soon!</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The end of an awesome trip!</td></tr>
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My next post will be a summary of my experience of this awesome trip and some of my favourite pics. Stay tuned!<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16890635839913008069noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-482589321936440966.post-72363216523869479612013-10-23T13:30:00.001+02:002013-10-23T13:32:49.628+02:00NAMIBIA Day 11: Ai Ais - Rest day<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDeBTg3PMSGbOHSLdPAr_HehMvNDMVIfhLowOLWLFToS4vd1ZuSxID_pMt-KojDFOJl2w8xwNVwYmkHpF4kTVNrD2Ji-bKTYPgdrIkm75MZJT72A95cD49jdTw55EVoC_19oVRU2ddKlA/s1600/09-DSCN0328.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDeBTg3PMSGbOHSLdPAr_HehMvNDMVIfhLowOLWLFToS4vd1ZuSxID_pMt-KojDFOJl2w8xwNVwYmkHpF4kTVNrD2Ji-bKTYPgdrIkm75MZJT72A95cD49jdTw55EVoC_19oVRU2ddKlA/s640/09-DSCN0328.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Day 11 Ai Ais</div>
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After a gruelling (almost) 2 weeks we decided to spend a day
at Ai Ais. This is where a lovely hot water spring with campsite is situated beyond the Fish River canyon. I woke to the twitter of birds and a peacefulness that I just soaked up for a while. It was the first time I could sleep late (as in 7am) and catch up on
my blog. I even ended up falling asleep later in the morning till the sun burnt me
out of the tent an hour or two later.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJR3ZXI12Yr-As2X-VB1pkUW_TaVcQA17bBktwW_2qmUQ8QYJrVUAPJ89z6GtGGoSxgcXtDq0kDwJ1fFo3oxkA5HPum0_bZ-oSYjyttBDgxcfaq6TrGP7kVN8ierUlCPA-rX4QssuHuZ4/s1600/01-IMG-20130912-00856.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJR3ZXI12Yr-As2X-VB1pkUW_TaVcQA17bBktwW_2qmUQ8QYJrVUAPJ89z6GtGGoSxgcXtDq0kDwJ1fFo3oxkA5HPum0_bZ-oSYjyttBDgxcfaq6TrGP7kVN8ierUlCPA-rX4QssuHuZ4/s400/01-IMG-20130912-00856.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">4 Birds sitting close together</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivKsdGYgA93iXE4FFgMzIkxf3IYXYTKpCULbjlgJFI_Dl4qsTNyfCcLVjZ6_e5-zQhKzcYgzZN-DK7H8W04L4DYgYTWkIPituV8eLVJBFIGntFE7Y1cFEjf_4T6vblNEHiT24a6P1YTEE/s1600/02-IMG-20130912-00857.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivKsdGYgA93iXE4FFgMzIkxf3IYXYTKpCULbjlgJFI_Dl4qsTNyfCcLVjZ6_e5-zQhKzcYgzZN-DK7H8W04L4DYgYTWkIPituV8eLVJBFIGntFE7Y1cFEjf_4T6vblNEHiT24a6P1YTEE/s400/02-IMG-20130912-00857.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Waking me with lovely song.</td></tr>
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I tried working on my blog – yes, I must be honest, somehow
very little writing happened on the entire trip and it was good to spend a few
hours trying to get things in order. Toni had gone for a very long walk and
came back with some nice pics of the (almost) dry river bed.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhadreey_HBMf86orOy7Os2pdd-hZAo9MHMrZSb7JtZPgjAVcGKqF-fJfYFkA8i8WPpCSrs2YFrjON6be57ZsW2hUaLANSRgBKddrE0hK8ZpmxSwv55g5DvP8CWdUfjayJsvCuTFLooJSE/s1600/10-DSCN0332.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhadreey_HBMf86orOy7Os2pdd-hZAo9MHMrZSb7JtZPgjAVcGKqF-fJfYFkA8i8WPpCSrs2YFrjON6be57ZsW2hUaLANSRgBKddrE0hK8ZpmxSwv55g5DvP8CWdUfjayJsvCuTFLooJSE/s640/10-DSCN0332.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fish River riverbed </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4NypMv2jeVNCbb259-n204mm53sHHsrHDjtjsAFUpmF7rqawELdhQ47frBg4E8Db3BZzVGjelUbujSL7xIxaIb5ApW2UrDSWAKECpUHXLblCXhgf5g8clePA7KiDFvagFi2UcozsL95I/s1600/13-DSCN0335.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4NypMv2jeVNCbb259-n204mm53sHHsrHDjtjsAFUpmF7rqawELdhQ47frBg4E8Db3BZzVGjelUbujSL7xIxaIb5ApW2UrDSWAKECpUHXLblCXhgf5g8clePA7KiDFvagFi2UcozsL95I/s400/13-DSCN0335.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A hint of water</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9CjvClJjmkKN0OL0Cfuc-N2dIuNDHPgMMJSijCBxcTgBvXhALoXn3Djir7nNkfH1TughclS1rLSgu4DH5opMVn4xjV9CPtOK1-9tbCAJVYGHDg5dv7NO0N7HQwJLo86eqrVE6voqPnm4/s1600/14-DSCN0336.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9CjvClJjmkKN0OL0Cfuc-N2dIuNDHPgMMJSijCBxcTgBvXhALoXn3Djir7nNkfH1TughclS1rLSgu4DH5opMVn4xjV9CPtOK1-9tbCAJVYGHDg5dv7NO0N7HQwJLo86eqrVE6voqPnm4/s400/14-DSCN0336.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCuMoz0NeDaqMq09MKywb0moR5r1nhNzBwsxp_tR2kduz4rhz4Hw8UuhUAqqimJDQKn3gyjrM009aKOawNGEanzVwSaWIKDmZuwaweq3XeZwgM0O72BV-57wWc7yN6DL2cwXCs-1WW-e8/s1600/15-DSCN0337.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCuMoz0NeDaqMq09MKywb0moR5r1nhNzBwsxp_tR2kduz4rhz4Hw8UuhUAqqimJDQKn3gyjrM009aKOawNGEanzVwSaWIKDmZuwaweq3XeZwgM0O72BV-57wWc7yN6DL2cwXCs-1WW-e8/s400/15-DSCN0337.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Been a while since there had been rain</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_r6DM4cy8MhtWzPVpmTyvBGlXXDUfYdy2WMDsq1EIxII2j5c6WgKDPa5sw-FgNAxR-gNNSFOJtaBwZDrVBOn9CB6fXg1EtVYnOGZNkuB-P-zXAFh7ywJf0TVsvPUj5J1gBFMn6KqWHvk/s1600/1-DSCN0322.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_r6DM4cy8MhtWzPVpmTyvBGlXXDUfYdy2WMDsq1EIxII2j5c6WgKDPa5sw-FgNAxR-gNNSFOJtaBwZDrVBOn9CB6fXg1EtVYnOGZNkuB-P-zXAFh7ywJf0TVsvPUj5J1gBFMn6KqWHvk/s400/1-DSCN0322.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Trying to catch up with my blogging</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaG3ZUUKYZH9Ox2DlMtwT6GioTSLWYEircmNjq1XPRbPZnNsuBH5ONxMrbEQ4fkQbxAo-sMSpDBCm8ZtYAFFBD8bJx1X3jDy7votASlcGdPTR1g04pCPyOdhpWRuQeyQMgcYnaIoNBrDc/s1600/16-DSCN0340.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaG3ZUUKYZH9Ox2DlMtwT6GioTSLWYEircmNjq1XPRbPZnNsuBH5ONxMrbEQ4fkQbxAo-sMSpDBCm8ZtYAFFBD8bJx1X3jDy7votASlcGdPTR1g04pCPyOdhpWRuQeyQMgcYnaIoNBrDc/s400/16-DSCN0340.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bone dry</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIa62tai0rYLDxOeI0H12JpntqsCdsJDAydha-F1rmCapMVKuvhMgF10c0CQv8x6nRp5zpDuoTE3TjO8_CtksGlPzvi-9xgvZNyjGUkMXqM6w9T5WUWx1AZzuHVkei_ispEgr3ZFBjJwk/s1600/19-DSCN0344.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIa62tai0rYLDxOeI0H12JpntqsCdsJDAydha-F1rmCapMVKuvhMgF10c0CQv8x6nRp5zpDuoTE3TjO8_CtksGlPzvi-9xgvZNyjGUkMXqM6w9T5WUWx1AZzuHVkei_ispEgr3ZFBjJwk/s640/19-DSCN0344.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A lovely view</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx0hLCVI-JZyUFPoZ6LVTZ88qhN9ALk2RHjSmRwjAQ5s7mXCz1uYEUPZhEnevdRfbmMnlTkuP0982iGhnBlimCwnk0Bw_qlHuJaPOSkB5wl4ntyZggtRJNKPmdxAJWFENNPHGu-Lvk4xc/s1600/08-IMG-20130912-00865.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx0hLCVI-JZyUFPoZ6LVTZ88qhN9ALk2RHjSmRwjAQ5s7mXCz1uYEUPZhEnevdRfbmMnlTkuP0982iGhnBlimCwnk0Bw_qlHuJaPOSkB5wl4ntyZggtRJNKPmdxAJWFENNPHGu-Lvk4xc/s400/08-IMG-20130912-00865.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lunch. Chips and smash on bread - Yeah, don't ask! I have eaten tastier before!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjxld6MSSzh8EFuMWyYaJIkdQZ7ggspKz46IiPdyst1xwbOBUyEH9tZ3q_-IpF337fiT3iSCkrlXmIli3jLc8zuQmjM6IiaOyFzyIFbL_c50tT1OsvYEtgMjPnIKcvCheD3gIVuyogE0s/s1600/18-DSCN0343.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjxld6MSSzh8EFuMWyYaJIkdQZ7ggspKz46IiPdyst1xwbOBUyEH9tZ3q_-IpF337fiT3iSCkrlXmIli3jLc8zuQmjM6IiaOyFzyIFbL_c50tT1OsvYEtgMjPnIKcvCheD3gIVuyogE0s/s400/18-DSCN0343.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfy_m1UpEzOeUmgsM4DyG9ysFpU0SO1eXk3ASQh5uVSVblRW2iG1efi9DuVQgBCLMQPildlODCb4jdDZOGYKR18hetQ792m4TEVABLoFpEPC02KaSHzmOqQK_Rnxm7Msilj82SZHYz3Z0/s1600/17-DSCN0341.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfy_m1UpEzOeUmgsM4DyG9ysFpU0SO1eXk3ASQh5uVSVblRW2iG1efi9DuVQgBCLMQPildlODCb4jdDZOGYKR18hetQ792m4TEVABLoFpEPC02KaSHzmOqQK_Rnxm7Msilj82SZHYz3Z0/s400/17-DSCN0341.jpg" width="400" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfy_m1UpEzOeUmgsM4DyG9ysFpU0SO1eXk3ASQh5uVSVblRW2iG1efi9DuVQgBCLMQPildlODCb4jdDZOGYKR18hetQ792m4TEVABLoFpEPC02KaSHzmOqQK_Rnxm7Msilj82SZHYz3Z0/s1600/17-DSCN0341.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
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We went for a swim in the (so called) hot pool, but the
water was barely warmer than mom’s stare after she discovered I'd taken my
horse on a sightseeing trip through the house. I was also disappointed with the
stock in the little shop. No bread, no meat and definitely no fresh vegetables.
Since we had done extremely well with the finances and had some money left, we
decided to dine out and had Oryx steak for supper. My medium-rare steak ended
up well-done, but since it was meat, who’s complaining. The potatoes and
veggies (yesss… veggies!) were excellent.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjba2k-G4gErHyTAIZ_RQzQyHb3_wzKdjZ7QlnOHziOmcVc390DQZY87UhAxcnfaZ43w7TvTtyPes7ZkLp5IBQB8VMdNpxcUa8BMnHf5ybcEJHAFM3zD66hsUMZJxFv97ReklEFObqghBc/s1600/05-IMG-20130912-00862.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjba2k-G4gErHyTAIZ_RQzQyHb3_wzKdjZ7QlnOHziOmcVc390DQZY87UhAxcnfaZ43w7TvTtyPes7ZkLp5IBQB8VMdNpxcUa8BMnHf5ybcEJHAFM3zD66hsUMZJxFv97ReklEFObqghBc/s400/05-IMG-20130912-00862.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This guy has been cycling thousands of kms without legs</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEislyAPF4I6oW8SRtzAu2ml81FAn680c4-jnglM8HxhOr2gHJt-Nf92GjD5y56PuI7Lmz0Se0OdVr9G4Qrv4f67UF0Zv6I0knUl5NW0M85qsgfNnetDAaSak6qVmbXJtQFwRU3ONxPHn6s/s1600/06-IMG-20130912-00863.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEislyAPF4I6oW8SRtzAu2ml81FAn680c4-jnglM8HxhOr2gHJt-Nf92GjD5y56PuI7Lmz0Se0OdVr9G4Qrv4f67UF0Zv6I0knUl5NW0M85qsgfNnetDAaSak6qVmbXJtQFwRU3ONxPHn6s/s400/06-IMG-20130912-00863.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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As we left for supper, some hooligans with large cars and
even larger speakers for their music pitched up close to our tent. We were
relieved that we would be further away while having supper, but worried how we
would get sleep that night with the racket going on. Lo and behold, when we got
back, there was the hugest of huge fires burning but not a soul in sight. I was
not sure if they were asked to leave or had their fun for the night, as the
place was strewn with empty liquor bottles and cans. Since we had not been able
to have a fire for the entire trip, we each settled down on a stone and
thoroughly enjoyed the glorious fire, specially lit and ready for when we got back!</div>
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<o:p> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSUWKvXtCe53eJp9WY3Brc-pbByu67-D-Jni-3J5vZTG95tXVt01w6nyOKcXnaoOiYSBV3K_x9lYlcL0TuskHomxrwcmhaP6GeH0s2nfAGgQge3o9ItFEqid9JUzwmPdqhhTjhfkd_9vs/s1600/03-IMG-20130912-00858.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSUWKvXtCe53eJp9WY3Brc-pbByu67-D-Jni-3J5vZTG95tXVt01w6nyOKcXnaoOiYSBV3K_x9lYlcL0TuskHomxrwcmhaP6GeH0s2nfAGgQge3o9ItFEqid9JUzwmPdqhhTjhfkd_9vs/s640/03-IMG-20130912-00858.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ai Ais campsite</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2XbAOBCY58NIr4_4qbiTQbdq2o_TgOlNGop8ZpIDKg_H3V1kaG5NEFK5DO39P8luT3a0j8nfex4QSjz8YNybenNMMeWxjs0cz9Z7D2gfG4wH6mg2Rwv9xy_s_XrYdhOqp1kaRGzCKH0E/s1600/04-IMG-20130912-00861.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="297" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2XbAOBCY58NIr4_4qbiTQbdq2o_TgOlNGop8ZpIDKg_H3V1kaG5NEFK5DO39P8luT3a0j8nfex4QSjz8YNybenNMMeWxjs0cz9Z7D2gfG4wH6mg2Rwv9xy_s_XrYdhOqp1kaRGzCKH0E/s400/04-IMG-20130912-00861.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My sentiments too!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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We could not stay up too late, as the next day was once
again an early start. Yet the day off gave me a good rest. In spite of the
rest, I faced bed with some dread. This would be my last night in a country
that had touched me in so many different ways. I hated the thought of leaving –
leaving a place that had unexpectedly crept into my heart. But off to bed now –
tomorrow will be a long day.</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4bHXboY0NX7AYNg9-TygQ1uBX6kPIJZLcO9M65OecpAPDo5GUVgs-wmFdJZHY-6zlD2fOHI_S_jY97qe5ko931FA84mOqPqD9t-lzwCoYd7UyYSZvKKUez5XlsPfZEl16hMpqsM8y1_0/s1600/07-IMG-20130912-00864.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="476" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4bHXboY0NX7AYNg9-TygQ1uBX6kPIJZLcO9M65OecpAPDo5GUVgs-wmFdJZHY-6zlD2fOHI_S_jY97qe5ko931FA84mOqPqD9t-lzwCoYd7UyYSZvKKUez5XlsPfZEl16hMpqsM8y1_0/s640/07-IMG-20130912-00864.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sunrise behind my tent</td></tr>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16890635839913008069noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-482589321936440966.post-11227491295288430732013-10-18T13:15:00.000+02:002013-10-18T13:17:16.003+02:00NAMIBIA Day 10: Helmeringhausen - Fish River Canyon - Ai Ais<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBCaMBzMpUA5qIvRdKrDf2vpMCB9vytZbfL2YIGKcemz73KDjDFTDuUFXaYpBmRlFR_rhD7ZktUHEGhv_5CAy2OxHyh2zOvCY2M5V2S1mW5q3iMdXGKV4sEwVSp7wEtvEBxbRHb8mvv64/s1600/34-IMG-20130911-00854.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBCaMBzMpUA5qIvRdKrDf2vpMCB9vytZbfL2YIGKcemz73KDjDFTDuUFXaYpBmRlFR_rhD7ZktUHEGhv_5CAy2OxHyh2zOvCY2M5V2S1mW5q3iMdXGKV4sEwVSp7wEtvEBxbRHb8mvv64/s640/34-IMG-20130911-00854.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Day 10</div>
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Helmeringhausen - <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placename w:st="on">Fish</st1:placename>
<st1:placetype w:st="on">River</st1:placetype> <st1:placetype w:st="on">Canyon</st1:placetype></st1:place>
- Ai Ais</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixjmi-rkUSDPfpm8Z_22GxLRocC-5icQiXM5iemQi6aZpQmJuTWEyBDJG2qhuzNczZNDP_e5n-JC1_flHCUM1oNPVtwJASYjgyVHHkwLKc54cZ-5C91Zm-DkD9x-tfrEB0-DaQNEaKHws/s1600/IMG-20130911-00736.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixjmi-rkUSDPfpm8Z_22GxLRocC-5icQiXM5iemQi6aZpQmJuTWEyBDJG2qhuzNczZNDP_e5n-JC1_flHCUM1oNPVtwJASYjgyVHHkwLKc54cZ-5C91Zm-DkD9x-tfrEB0-DaQNEaKHws/s640/IMG-20130911-00736.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sunrise</td></tr>
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Thanks to not having to pack up my tent we actually did not
get away too late! The sunrise was absolutely spectacular and it reminded me of
the typical pics one always sees of a sunrise or sunset of the <st1:place w:st="on">Namib Desert</st1:place>.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwzoTxgjGBQax8Je0w-nOOEPLcssCvIniPA7KVZ8Zw4JcPWy7UgZY6dSFzsWFFIClx9gMvwBjwMLs0xA8K3gmRIPibBT8pu-KQ9ZdoEK215xFg4QBd4cuZG2GSbTJ8_EDuQ3shM0GFLnE/s1600/13-IMG-20130911-00749.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwzoTxgjGBQax8Je0w-nOOEPLcssCvIniPA7KVZ8Zw4JcPWy7UgZY6dSFzsWFFIClx9gMvwBjwMLs0xA8K3gmRIPibBT8pu-KQ9ZdoEK215xFg4QBd4cuZG2GSbTJ8_EDuQ3shM0GFLnE/s400/13-IMG-20130911-00749.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
The slightly overcast sky gave us a little relief from the
sun for the time being. We were riding through hills and small mountains that
gave the whole area a feeling of closeness, yet beyond that one could see more
of it in the distance, making you realise the vastness of this country. </div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmpPbKljQer5Efzx8UXQy4eFu1-tIXlt8tI4bHTxZzQroSn6ID67i-x8OCSjns4eidh8x-lNCvCpHxmEUBHTaZbUUTnfe3iNuljlf7noZy6DBvzeSz7tm-70d6egu9P7FwHEN6dPD1bVY/s1600/14-IMG-20130911-00754.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="476" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmpPbKljQer5Efzx8UXQy4eFu1-tIXlt8tI4bHTxZzQroSn6ID67i-x8OCSjns4eidh8x-lNCvCpHxmEUBHTaZbUUTnfe3iNuljlf7noZy6DBvzeSz7tm-70d6egu9P7FwHEN6dPD1bVY/s640/14-IMG-20130911-00754.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Awesome scenery</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS1hv-xEYgReTIFBafk0P4frZzsA0UglxHAEEUeTSPs4pFeZhe0Djbau-pfAtz18xPNC6-pXZA0JsRqHBwA0j1hiGepkcObV7xUZf_VjwapNDg5eOnAb7U2ItlLuRgNWw59TQPTGGNC0U/s1600/02-IMG-20130911-00779.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS1hv-xEYgReTIFBafk0P4frZzsA0UglxHAEEUeTSPs4pFeZhe0Djbau-pfAtz18xPNC6-pXZA0JsRqHBwA0j1hiGepkcObV7xUZf_VjwapNDg5eOnAb7U2ItlLuRgNWw59TQPTGGNC0U/s400/02-IMG-20130911-00779.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Making cuppa soup for lunch</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVOxpsaPfljMh_sM0XOy3IvPDoXoH4z-7-RPKFng1N38w2gQ4_dJst74Oh_elc8EAE8Juzoy2q7PHeTUWobn6HcD0Elm-1Eo_kV2wyWDnIsUYdEmsTbsYu7Z1eBHbKQZ1ECGEcK5sYzFc/s1600/01-IMG-20130911-00776.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVOxpsaPfljMh_sM0XOy3IvPDoXoH4z-7-RPKFng1N38w2gQ4_dJst74Oh_elc8EAE8Juzoy2q7PHeTUWobn6HcD0Elm-1Eo_kV2wyWDnIsUYdEmsTbsYu7Z1eBHbKQZ1ECGEcK5sYzFc/s640/01-IMG-20130911-00776.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Railway tracks</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP3X8j_jUcGDtI2Tr-PxhFfiS65HAEx2xxdrRYOw5Ba7JO7TqPllf_EVFIO2CmLNfuMZlI2jIbC_a_OKFHi8tjjacOyv9gklv3KCdJPZnFjM3JbKuXoa2wuRfUapeZvWb0bTr4b94moh4/s1600/16-IMG-20130911-00770.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="297" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP3X8j_jUcGDtI2Tr-PxhFfiS65HAEx2xxdrRYOw5Ba7JO7TqPllf_EVFIO2CmLNfuMZlI2jIbC_a_OKFHi8tjjacOyv9gklv3KCdJPZnFjM3JbKuXoa2wuRfUapeZvWb0bTr4b94moh4/s400/16-IMG-20130911-00770.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This guy was supposed to regulate traffic, but rather spent his time begging money off motorists.<br />
He caused a huge truck to come our direction when it was our right of way on the one-way traffic lane, 2kms in.<br />
We were forced off the road onto wet tar where roadworks were in progress.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
After riding some tar for a while we were back on the gravel
roads, discovering that the <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placename w:st="on">Fish</st1:placename>
<st1:placetype w:st="on">River</st1:placetype> <st1:placetype w:st="on">Canyon</st1:placetype></st1:place>
and Ai Ais were way further than I thought! Due to unforeseen circumstances in <st1:country-region w:st="on">South Africa</st1:country-region>,
we decided to cut out the wild horses at Aus and also the Canon Roadhouse,
trying to get back home 2 days earlier. Yet we wanted to see the <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placename w:st="on">Fish</st1:placename> <st1:placetype w:st="on">River</st1:placetype>
<st1:placetype w:st="on">Canyon</st1:placetype></st1:place> and even the
Roadhouse, so we were pushing a little to get as much as possible fit into this
day.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbPyYEHbY6_r5ECb7xXkEw8rM3U5foPyeNxehuiDTVJUdOEY0N_ylzi0LDhBurRIkCKBlXMBFD2tWLzOVlwmgSdF7NklU4Zou9ZAVUtUB5_Y2Mt5mGi2EZyM49cXYTm010DKFnyV3CaGs/s1600/11-IMG-20130911-00790.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbPyYEHbY6_r5ECb7xXkEw8rM3U5foPyeNxehuiDTVJUdOEY0N_ylzi0LDhBurRIkCKBlXMBFD2tWLzOVlwmgSdF7NklU4Zou9ZAVUtUB5_Y2Mt5mGi2EZyM49cXYTm010DKFnyV3CaGs/s400/11-IMG-20130911-00790.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwQKkLI41Pb7MZiHQR1BDR6L2y2y7w00GAr8zoB5ahSfcJUg3e0Wc5z0qmOKJP96fwspv5KYlHnAq2HylBiUJnERvq0rDO0bokR94hKI3SG-DUt9ib3nfVeOhpoRZ8MxIdgEzQMqyF6JQ/s1600/03-IMG-20130911-00780.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="295" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwQKkLI41Pb7MZiHQR1BDR6L2y2y7w00GAr8zoB5ahSfcJUg3e0Wc5z0qmOKJP96fwspv5KYlHnAq2HylBiUJnERvq0rDO0bokR94hKI3SG-DUt9ib3nfVeOhpoRZ8MxIdgEzQMqyF6JQ/s400/03-IMG-20130911-00780.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">These trucks tyres are pumped - still get used?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibmI2Q6n6linvKBg4z5aft9BqFM1U4G9iOGGGs9592ias7XvAmlPk2C2QpkZeLsXDKmKioGrBPaHPSshgFGidDrjTWNRZj6_UC95o6V0AMzV0KdyGguNwxGST9yexZQTMgLsRi8Z3xJU8/s1600/05-IMG-20130911-00784.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibmI2Q6n6linvKBg4z5aft9BqFM1U4G9iOGGGs9592ias7XvAmlPk2C2QpkZeLsXDKmKioGrBPaHPSshgFGidDrjTWNRZj6_UC95o6V0AMzV0KdyGguNwxGST9yexZQTMgLsRi8Z3xJU8/s640/05-IMG-20130911-00784.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Some amazing old cars</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT5wSAM5c1wnrXRee0S97_923LjdrQqgqEQvwYztN8xGfBUzSMrDWx_GJwZMPMpv1gvMw3gaVWfpdxoyMHafkYwDxzgTzzL-jVLrG90G1NUnQkLewD4CFagSfRF0sLT_EBdMVgWgiYrco/s1600/04-IMG-20130911-00782.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT5wSAM5c1wnrXRee0S97_923LjdrQqgqEQvwYztN8xGfBUzSMrDWx_GJwZMPMpv1gvMw3gaVWfpdxoyMHafkYwDxzgTzzL-jVLrG90G1NUnQkLewD4CFagSfRF0sLT_EBdMVgWgiYrco/s400/04-IMG-20130911-00782.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We hit some really bad spots, where the corrugated stretches
could have been easier if one took it a little faster. Unfortunately there were
potholes and unforeseen stretches of sand that would take us down if approach
them too fast, not to mention damaging the bikes. So we were forced to go a
little slower, making it a long stretch and many hours in the saddle.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj74KI9znAkPzf2TIuxdT3verIuktCmKoOGyYhmLyF9SJ97WvDvLGkLdWpZr3mqg9ZK0MdIsDWsZ_d44uEbbvviAj4FAxwb9NmddryO7E22hPFE3yrPMxOIOLVxI9QpbW0WKbGcCGxts9M/s1600/06-IMG-20130911-00785.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj74KI9znAkPzf2TIuxdT3verIuktCmKoOGyYhmLyF9SJ97WvDvLGkLdWpZr3mqg9ZK0MdIsDWsZ_d44uEbbvviAj4FAxwb9NmddryO7E22hPFE3yrPMxOIOLVxI9QpbW0WKbGcCGxts9M/s640/06-IMG-20130911-00785.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But boy, was it worth it? This day must have been one of my
highlights, for several reasons.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9RfmC1UHRU-pMiN38rK-OwdyliLITfDc-jppYcYn1Ki_SgewIULNmvU4lFVYhg4GPyiVnQXRQBMWpWyGRYFBKbMy6HcxKBpeZGlQ9_gd2xVW4mVeWDxwUR6KvRBqLps-zmdqLkclVn78/s1600/07-IMG-20130911-00786.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="297" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9RfmC1UHRU-pMiN38rK-OwdyliLITfDc-jppYcYn1Ki_SgewIULNmvU4lFVYhg4GPyiVnQXRQBMWpWyGRYFBKbMy6HcxKBpeZGlQ9_gd2xVW4mVeWDxwUR6KvRBqLps-zmdqLkclVn78/s400/07-IMG-20130911-00786.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4uOyGUf0bj0RpHXKqRcjqdioVfHf9oV8XHAZhhyphenhyphenSezTad5J-wLZ2qHbJ0irzImOErlXiRWBzpDCD91a7EDqQChh8b-meEquZOb2YCqCK6RYmgJFUOsy6G76MAbqQs0lsNOacT-o0meL8/s1600/09-IMG-20130911-00788.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4uOyGUf0bj0RpHXKqRcjqdioVfHf9oV8XHAZhhyphenhyphenSezTad5J-wLZ2qHbJ0irzImOErlXiRWBzpDCD91a7EDqQChh8b-meEquZOb2YCqCK6RYmgJFUOsy6G76MAbqQs0lsNOacT-o0meL8/s400/09-IMG-20130911-00788.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I had no idea what to expect at the Canon Roadhouse. Arriving
there, we were met by loads of old cars and trucks, all placed either next to,
between or even in plants, flowers and trees. Even a really old motorcycle!
Unfortunately we were pressed for time and could not stay too long.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPCpM7QjKLSre_J5JGGMadHB4NXLxv6JmqiO2Pn-XSYvvATIU85bx7zPjWdW8h9rN_xcNxbEF_j0str1g7PhVj75qTNdbGg1Iggg6MPR-fTCKb4nc1LfJQnpASpUFkv5QYgguujfgU4Eo/s1600/10-IMG-20130911-00789.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPCpM7QjKLSre_J5JGGMadHB4NXLxv6JmqiO2Pn-XSYvvATIU85bx7zPjWdW8h9rN_xcNxbEF_j0str1g7PhVj75qTNdbGg1Iggg6MPR-fTCKb4nc1LfJQnpASpUFkv5QYgguujfgU4Eo/s400/10-IMG-20130911-00789.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Refueling at Canon Lodge</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJZXpO5Rr-WbAgxXMnhieR4PV6bNMCfda8hHqxOHrwwxvMKDgATxFlbVbq4aZqlfGaRziHINRFuHj2Dz2lfJcLVI0d-928LUt5HBURMn-1tv-SlBGXkkKTOhXSXmKbWpNw6jleMI0VH4A/s1600/08-IMG-20130911-00787.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="297" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJZXpO5Rr-WbAgxXMnhieR4PV6bNMCfda8hHqxOHrwwxvMKDgATxFlbVbq4aZqlfGaRziHINRFuHj2Dz2lfJcLVI0d-928LUt5HBURMn-1tv-SlBGXkkKTOhXSXmKbWpNw6jleMI0VH4A/s400/08-IMG-20130911-00787.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A quick break and picyure-taking-opportunity</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht-kyJJovKOE-qAeB3fODoFJLayAPz_rsE5FSPxRllfzDlTIfuFaHYfvNkwPG04kmmeM-G4KbdutwwevwYGYQ6nDV_kdhelCRbDEnrwsaNgxTCofJ1g4VAvvZ-uM9vSpxcTfJun_dMrww/s1600/12-IMG-20130911-00791.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht-kyJJovKOE-qAeB3fODoFJLayAPz_rsE5FSPxRllfzDlTIfuFaHYfvNkwPG04kmmeM-G4KbdutwwevwYGYQ6nDV_kdhelCRbDEnrwsaNgxTCofJ1g4VAvvZ-uM9vSpxcTfJun_dMrww/s400/12-IMG-20130911-00791.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Petrol pumps with a roof</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
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<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0HKUE7uKqzINHkPJ5e0ijqJOz_YhqYmlwgQvwRAY9Ux-kifubJbJEKUkTeMXVcw6Pn2OmGkf_UWIQFuEHtBnpQESGcJJVNX0DA7AaR0B_w-TrJI6jANtwobUUUiYej167Zj-yg1sdkuw/s1600/17-IMG-20130911-00796.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0HKUE7uKqzINHkPJ5e0ijqJOz_YhqYmlwgQvwRAY9Ux-kifubJbJEKUkTeMXVcw6Pn2OmGkf_UWIQFuEHtBnpQESGcJJVNX0DA7AaR0B_w-TrJI6jANtwobUUUiYej167Zj-yg1sdkuw/s640/17-IMG-20130911-00796.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our first view of the Fish River Canyon</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Once we got to the “entrance” of the <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placename w:st="on">Fish</st1:placename> <st1:placetype w:st="on">River</st1:placetype> <st1:placetype w:st="on">Canyon</st1:placetype></st1:place>, we discovered we had to pay R60 each to go and look. Being late as it was, not to mention pretty knackered, we almost opted for not going in. Then decided since we have come this far and I might never get to this country again, lets just do it. And thanks heavens we did!!<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4KSLXft3x0hYggaDKCVsn86aB2BRG8xljKgcfOpsHgpTxQf6qbyB1UjNzeHeajZWg1NofmBz9XJJ8divnaJ0eB1DsmK0OFTG0-rUBbQDKp_zWRodQr8CYn2UVPpDejj45So8JqjO_Lmg/s1600/18-IMG-20130911-00799.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="297" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4KSLXft3x0hYggaDKCVsn86aB2BRG8xljKgcfOpsHgpTxQf6qbyB1UjNzeHeajZWg1NofmBz9XJJ8divnaJ0eB1DsmK0OFTG0-rUBbQDKp_zWRodQr8CYn2UVPpDejj45So8JqjO_Lmg/s400/18-IMG-20130911-00799.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption">The visitors centre at the main viewpoint</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg97FCTB6wYUs6xFjcxpu_EWuzriEVnqajKU0NuneyZoc7K1S0ChMpSlXt7p_4KxB7ki2d92gajjqPRpOOrN3PGy711xgtqy3lLV43RN76qkGcI6-ThyphenhyphenZydk3FBI1EWHCaRU9yktJEAM4Y/s1600/19-IMG-20130911-00800.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="297" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg97FCTB6wYUs6xFjcxpu_EWuzriEVnqajKU0NuneyZoc7K1S0ChMpSlXt7p_4KxB7ki2d92gajjqPRpOOrN3PGy711xgtqy3lLV43RN76qkGcI6-ThyphenhyphenZydk3FBI1EWHCaRU9yktJEAM4Y/s400/19-IMG-20130911-00800.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The other side of the canyon - behind us</td></tr>
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I have no words to describe the magnitude and awesomeness of
that sight when I looked down into the canyon. Pics cannot do it justice. I
just know I am a very very small speck in the order of things around this
country. The canyon deep below with crevices, rocks and riverbeds is forming
something so absolutely stunning, that I could just stand in awe and absorb.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi62sHNIJB-tpETyFG2MuT4gif3v8bKJiB98bznWhJ3J1Fqms2AJq_b0eq0G5yUOnv9B6XuG0-ZR9GjvranULkDSrmTrpEtjlapQTwA0Em0Q7DZ6x2k99dsJdjcr-dpR_sg8ZvzYQt-57E/s1600/20-IMG-20130911-00226.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi62sHNIJB-tpETyFG2MuT4gif3v8bKJiB98bznWhJ3J1Fqms2AJq_b0eq0G5yUOnv9B6XuG0-ZR9GjvranULkDSrmTrpEtjlapQTwA0Em0Q7DZ6x2k99dsJdjcr-dpR_sg8ZvzYQt-57E/s400/20-IMG-20130911-00226.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">As close as I would dare</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnzaTfvNnV0LfrmoUyYbcFDozOzox9REfbcUeMIrcUihBZqqK3K9dNNkCchgx9kctgs5sLdg-663KacQv1z-8S2fa9Aqx9EyyZ75bv8I_I_Pv0kNLYksiRRH5h_sJnXQDfS9RsHQ_2qbs/s1600/24-IMG-20130911-00815.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnzaTfvNnV0LfrmoUyYbcFDozOzox9REfbcUeMIrcUihBZqqK3K9dNNkCchgx9kctgs5sLdg-663KacQv1z-8S2fa9Aqx9EyyZ75bv8I_I_Pv0kNLYksiRRH5h_sJnXQDfS9RsHQ_2qbs/s400/24-IMG-20130911-00815.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiSuIUHGeVKk82lHrcQW8RV40xeFeMYO2PUNQQO1n9UpP9qkLgOURSQXtOJg1huNJGobD8SegLwKqDXRvSPy4Tykuu1u05Dq95aljyasEKydbZRTq1gtRlfEg8aACPDvqNFOL4fgM2YyY/s1600/22-IMG-20130911-00803.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiSuIUHGeVKk82lHrcQW8RV40xeFeMYO2PUNQQO1n9UpP9qkLgOURSQXtOJg1huNJGobD8SegLwKqDXRvSPy4Tykuu1u05Dq95aljyasEKydbZRTq1gtRlfEg8aACPDvqNFOL4fgM2YyY/s400/22-IMG-20130911-00803.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The road going to another view site </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0i1-yZ7H3OJHM7qZ4reogi6jyIsn9UR20rhb6ayCR3wuqu_VUdISZXYdfQPVlj99B0RMjmeZO8tUOtRHMQP88B2yA35X1biKtanLp0oW8y5ur7qQFPf4-5SvgdS9x7exOOLh58iRBoRc/s1600/26-IMG-20130911-00819.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0i1-yZ7H3OJHM7qZ4reogi6jyIsn9UR20rhb6ayCR3wuqu_VUdISZXYdfQPVlj99B0RMjmeZO8tUOtRHMQP88B2yA35X1biKtanLp0oW8y5ur7qQFPf4-5SvgdS9x7exOOLh58iRBoRc/s400/26-IMG-20130911-00819.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A plato down below</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiplha786SVnS1pYWinX6F5QQDkmurK8okg4XQGjj6nqVrfkQPg2mKRrnHGXJMx9zXz2odo9TYPq81VN8Khb77RyTl5TLcb27IxMmAkJLyWFGPfeozo-3QMj33-kIJ4vH2t-8GQS5fw2Ck/s1600/36-IMG-20130911-00818+e.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiplha786SVnS1pYWinX6F5QQDkmurK8okg4XQGjj6nqVrfkQPg2mKRrnHGXJMx9zXz2odo9TYPq81VN8Khb77RyTl5TLcb27IxMmAkJLyWFGPfeozo-3QMj33-kIJ4vH2t-8GQS5fw2Ck/s400/36-IMG-20130911-00818+e.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2NIsmz1mNmfmwh8e08U4mwcwgzPOBLtM8hZf_7EOyOZF7O9pUEUg7PL2D7qbmyLiz1q6nHggz7XUQLUp77oljkGFc1K4pXKGhfTsktzxEZEAJ2qg2iE2RmB2QZls-LICOQyGKdRDVySw/s1600/29-IMG-20130911-00831.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="295" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2NIsmz1mNmfmwh8e08U4mwcwgzPOBLtM8hZf_7EOyOZF7O9pUEUg7PL2D7qbmyLiz1q6nHggz7XUQLUp77oljkGFc1K4pXKGhfTsktzxEZEAJ2qg2iE2RmB2QZls-LICOQyGKdRDVySw/s400/29-IMG-20130911-00831.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking up at our bikes from where we climbed down</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitb0ISVM-wFhujHTlIn0XLZCdTh8GzdaNOgXkwEEvLSQNG_B6gO7G9UUhoKR5n72-yzaGXyIqO2ezH4lP3-iiWKZHM3kWCs6siBBXmy16T3GiAZbTaKXJcnF6Cc-XygCEinOliuqZkYg0/s1600/28-IMG-20130911-00827.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitb0ISVM-wFhujHTlIn0XLZCdTh8GzdaNOgXkwEEvLSQNG_B6gO7G9UUhoKR5n72-yzaGXyIqO2ezH4lP3-iiWKZHM3kWCs6siBBXmy16T3GiAZbTaKXJcnF6Cc-XygCEinOliuqZkYg0/s400/28-IMG-20130911-00827.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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Our feet at the edge of the canyon</div>
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Minus the helmet cam for the wide angle view, I took a short
video clip with my cell phone. For sure not great quality, but at least one can
have a small idea of what I'm witnessing. This is also my first attempt at
video editing with content from my cell, so please be impressed.</div>
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Click here</div>
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<o:p> <a href="http://youtu.be/-vBaMZQk_jU" target="_blank"><b>Fish River Canyon Video clip</b></a></o:p></div>
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From the canyon we had to make our way to Ai Ais, more than
50kms away – and I thought it was something like 12kms! Needless to say it was
getting late and the sun started dipping behind some of the mountains.</div>
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<o:p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMoIk_wAuR8TF-5heCp6-QUiei3s8nJWTwBC2lWtdlPMHTgyq270thD3DnJ2cxf6M_wawr1twQY6mQ32V8WCbfNEBMu-ayR4pHyeuCSMFrkfrYuNkXQuuw2eMRiukOkh4VjrjTang9x1M/s1600/31-IMG-20130911-00841.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMoIk_wAuR8TF-5heCp6-QUiei3s8nJWTwBC2lWtdlPMHTgyq270thD3DnJ2cxf6M_wawr1twQY6mQ32V8WCbfNEBMu-ayR4pHyeuCSMFrkfrYuNkXQuuw2eMRiukOkh4VjrjTang9x1M/s640/31-IMG-20130911-00841.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Setting sun</td></tr>
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We were in a nature reserve and have been warned to not go
too fast due to wild animals roaming all over, so in spite of trying to go at a
slower speed, we were well aware of how dangerous it would be if we were to
still be on these roads once it became dark. Not the best of roads, we picked
and dodged our way between potholes, sand and loose gravel.</div>
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<o:p> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVozgy5u-FTorfTJw0PjZjhDIrb7LOOavNrT10ObkP-DO_J2oG45hz9UEXRzhbeJZzpc5_oLGqmUchLjO_Sv8GrqRS76GXZxsLzaaaY5aZfFxbAdycqO5_0Kwo7fPYLd0vWOLed2uW3-g/s1600/30-IMG-20130911-00834.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVozgy5u-FTorfTJw0PjZjhDIrb7LOOavNrT10ObkP-DO_J2oG45hz9UEXRzhbeJZzpc5_oLGqmUchLjO_Sv8GrqRS76GXZxsLzaaaY5aZfFxbAdycqO5_0Kwo7fPYLd0vWOLed2uW3-g/s400/30-IMG-20130911-00834.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">THIS is THE spot. Read why!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</o:p></div>
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On our way to the <st1:city w:st="on">hot
springs</st1:city> a Gemsbok had suddenly crossed the road in
front of us and as I slowed down to have a better look at this magnificent
creature standing right next to the road. My attention was drawn to movement on
my right. A second buck also wanted to cross and I was obviously in the way. As
he was running next to the bike, I slammed on brakes. Fast (brilliant actually)
emergency braking brought me to a standstill within metres as he almost jumped
me off the bike when trying to leap across the road. He passed less than 3
metres in front of me. He was so close I could see the hair of his coat!!
Thanks John and Peter for teaching me the emergency breaking, it probably saved
my life today! I had to take a moment to recover and try and breathe
again. The Gemsbok is my favourite buck
and this was a horrific and terrifying yet thrilling experience I will always
treasure!</div>
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<o:p> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn4iOETB1HA4S-STKLpyE4ys3AsBsYvXiC12f1P3okdWmarHPTn_pjiwrB5jIpJGjII3nfqP35IOclFlr-TEF2oZKwcKyQRQgAV2gSoe7LIzCDfZ0t5r3S4r5AeAf8zIPmH0c_jzFLiec/s1600/1-Oryx+-+Gemsbok.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="333" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn4iOETB1HA4S-STKLpyE4ys3AsBsYvXiC12f1P3okdWmarHPTn_pjiwrB5jIpJGjII3nfqP35IOclFlr-TEF2oZKwcKyQRQgAV2gSoe7LIzCDfZ0t5r3S4r5AeAf8zIPmH0c_jzFLiec/s400/1-Oryx+-+Gemsbok.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gemsbok (Oryx) - like the one I almost kissed!</td></tr>
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Now (obviously) going much slower, we got to see the sun set
behind the breathtaking mountain ranges. Every turn we took was a different or
more stunning view than the previous one. Although my heart was still thumping,
I had an inexplicable feeling of euphoria as I took in the views and scenery.
The last stretch was through the very mountains I had been admiring all along,
with the soft glow of the setting sun highlighting the rugged rocks and
outcrops.</div>
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<o:p> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpmvKwuDjR5Rky5d2FehD4HeXDAs4HvDI9d0KHlR5GR888IVrHpLvOV74wwDhPRGjzvVMwwSloYWfSyZ7C914EAEMb0yXQIuhTftnxL6kzRpjZMbovFD1c6iBMWMzbqfqYwgcMvLVjSoc/s1600/33-IMG-20130911-00852.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="475" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpmvKwuDjR5Rky5d2FehD4HeXDAs4HvDI9d0KHlR5GR888IVrHpLvOV74wwDhPRGjzvVMwwSloYWfSyZ7C914EAEMb0yXQIuhTftnxL6kzRpjZMbovFD1c6iBMWMzbqfqYwgcMvLVjSoc/s640/33-IMG-20130911-00852.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Into the mountain ranges</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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We arrived at Ai Ais hot water springs with the last rays of
the fading light. Although we were pretty knackered, the tents went up fast and
we later went and introduced ourselves to our neighbours, mentioning to them
that Ai Ais had no meat to buy! A braai grid had been lugged along for almost
4000kms now and we had still not been able to use it - plus I would be
delighted for some protein!! Just as we sat down with our pasta, the guy comes
over with a plate full of meat! Steak, sausage and ribs!! Enough to feed an
army! Says his fridge door came off and he was going to lose the meat if he
doesn't cook it. Toni was still declining the offer as I put the first piece of
meat into my mouth. NO WAY was I saying no to this offer! The little Italian
can eat huge amounts and we finished the pasta AND all of the meat! Obviously
the full stomachs were pulling the eyelids southwards… We barely made it back
to the tents, almost crawling back from the bathrooms.</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXbQM-IvnDmJ0ilnkHr94x5urELWYzIiYPDuBV26T6TwV20RreZShyagooPvHIkAOEOB1nLOd9M15vPankrd6mM2QDehGRzOT-Sb2SNCOdyELIaERIdg9c2toaLlyUSHl2SwF_IIZG-qc/s1600/35-IMG-20130911-00855.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="297" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXbQM-IvnDmJ0ilnkHr94x5urELWYzIiYPDuBV26T6TwV20RreZShyagooPvHIkAOEOB1nLOd9M15vPankrd6mM2QDehGRzOT-Sb2SNCOdyELIaERIdg9c2toaLlyUSHl2SwF_IIZG-qc/s400/35-IMG-20130911-00855.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ai Ais at last</td></tr>
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Dog tired but exhilarated and satiated. What a day! I will
be dreaming of Canyons and leaping Gemsbok all night long. And meat! Yep… just
what the Dr ordered!</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh77NRnOMJV3HUZ5la1UqnkyOUiLPI4skE6Iw9PMXveys4U9Zm4vYWjmQtSleFv1tfWHU-7Vs2hsZwQSD-M7MKp5lcUfhzsIncZb2GtpV0kTzq-y-4YXb_FMtz__PzJxgxQMnmDXFsGHjY/s1600/27-IMG-20130911-00826.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh77NRnOMJV3HUZ5la1UqnkyOUiLPI4skE6Iw9PMXveys4U9Zm4vYWjmQtSleFv1tfWHU-7Vs2hsZwQSD-M7MKp5lcUfhzsIncZb2GtpV0kTzq-y-4YXb_FMtz__PzJxgxQMnmDXFsGHjY/s640/27-IMG-20130911-00826.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cliffs in the late sunlight</td></tr>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16890635839913008069noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-482589321936440966.post-21128050951504517752013-10-15T14:05:00.000+02:002013-10-16T12:11:14.192+02:00NAMIBIA Day 9: Solitaire – Maltahohe – Helmeringhausen<div class="MsoNormal">
Day 9</div>
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Solitaire – Maltahohe – Helmeringhausen</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5kyVu-UOGiDoRxllA6m6Amn5ENJOexejp-zVJhxXfFKc4u0imb-MtFSb4WVLRO5D97F-49rLWNqnnUdP_0rsSRoVuw5KuItw12I3bcwE30PLu4Ee7FegDRaHX1JqctAJY8unH9amshZU/s1600/32-IMG-20130911-00742.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="473" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5kyVu-UOGiDoRxllA6m6Amn5ENJOexejp-zVJhxXfFKc4u0imb-MtFSb4WVLRO5D97F-49rLWNqnnUdP_0rsSRoVuw5KuItw12I3bcwE30PLu4Ee7FegDRaHX1JqctAJY8unH9amshZU/s640/32-IMG-20130911-00742.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="color: red;">My first Movie!</span></b></div>
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Click below </div>
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<a href="http://youtu.be/qXm23VZrZVQ" target="_blank">Riding the Desert</a></div>
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Once again (am I going to start EVERY single day’s trip
report with these words?) we got away later than planned. Just as we were ready
to leave Toni got a phone call from work he had to attend to. Sometimes, just
sometimes, I am not the only reason we struggle to get away on time.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_K7C0lQbLUBf3eqoxzOYzF5fCflwicGc9LvJ5295h2y5Jej7VW9DzVs_ezmA3snhpxg1gfQQiHuHExMcC81t397v78jRUudVWT2nwHDlaiOh7Ts9_Y-iWG7w-oKU6ZchlIllLMFqqhrA/s1600/01-IMG-20130910-00666.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_K7C0lQbLUBf3eqoxzOYzF5fCflwicGc9LvJ5295h2y5Jej7VW9DzVs_ezmA3snhpxg1gfQQiHuHExMcC81t397v78jRUudVWT2nwHDlaiOh7Ts9_Y-iWG7w-oKU6ZchlIllLMFqqhrA/s400/01-IMG-20130910-00666.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mountainous</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglIATGWd8pDkzErSJq85NDHy8hK8VtqEK9tbqkpP-1wSXoFa-qu3gg2QeCBFxf252GXOjFG4Mc8TLctQJh1UD_EgUVU4NJpqi0N9rUv5xlFMiFgdEivCQvIz6DTdcQEKInI7izrlYosMQ/s1600/11-IMG-20130910-00687.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglIATGWd8pDkzErSJq85NDHy8hK8VtqEK9tbqkpP-1wSXoFa-qu3gg2QeCBFxf252GXOjFG4Mc8TLctQJh1UD_EgUVU4NJpqi0N9rUv5xlFMiFgdEivCQvIz6DTdcQEKInI7izrlYosMQ/s640/11-IMG-20130910-00687.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mini Table Mountains</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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The lovely morning took us back on familiar roads, yet
getting hot and dusty pretty quick. Or maybe it just had something to do with
the fact that it was almost the middle of the day. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvL-7wPBrW_32S0ApqUegIlCUlnxJlK8nzXE93O1KwgwyhnkJR0qy1H7ptetkXfr2pzul-yhlWumVhnDjCrvYYBMku1_TMTN9LI__Mi3ysowh3OEZNtaL21ynrg3EHyyBoNr1RKYA2m9M/s1600/02-IMG-20130910-00671.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvL-7wPBrW_32S0ApqUegIlCUlnxJlK8nzXE93O1KwgwyhnkJR0qy1H7ptetkXfr2pzul-yhlWumVhnDjCrvYYBMku1_TMTN9LI__Mi3ysowh3OEZNtaL21ynrg3EHyyBoNr1RKYA2m9M/s640/02-IMG-20130910-00671.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Eating at the Pappot </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwmnpipsHAOg8TuPLS8loPGgu5wgWLuavgUUr53-nuLTUDfYy6iehboSQHPNAmrTAVK23q7ZGBawpqZQcwFK05JUG4gHpiacgBAHRWkRdpipjWtrG56fMymFW4cV03CwEmkR4n60wwSDE/s1600/04-IMG-20130910-00673.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwmnpipsHAOg8TuPLS8loPGgu5wgWLuavgUUr53-nuLTUDfYy6iehboSQHPNAmrTAVK23q7ZGBawpqZQcwFK05JUG4gHpiacgBAHRWkRdpipjWtrG56fMymFW4cV03CwEmkR4n60wwSDE/s400/04-IMG-20130910-00673.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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We got to see more and more mountainous areas and slightly
more vegetation. By the time we got to Maltahohe, the sun was beating down on
us and we were parched. Yeah, we did not have enough water with us. Before even
turning into the little town, we had kids begging us for money. While filling
up we started chatting to a friendly guy who had a whole lot of bikes on a
trailer behind his mini bus. Turns out he has some tourists on bikes in the area
and he’s on his way to collect them from Solitaire. What he also had was a
freezer/fridge with ICE cold water. He gave us some and we gulped it down like
starved little orphans. Once again kids and grownups alike were standing
around and begging for food and money.</div>
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<o:p><br /></o:p></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1NVc5m28NkcQZcULxdEd_bMMWrwoS74yB__CjSknOVa0EKu_jmxNEz3f96ZFjZiByEnn14Ed6rAiRxiRxGcsITdsf9KtLFJKW6uQxxK6gqwGzbIEuk4TLw1CX0TNNLsBvazgskSN0Ikc/s1600/03-IMG-20130910-00672.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1NVc5m28NkcQZcULxdEd_bMMWrwoS74yB__CjSknOVa0EKu_jmxNEz3f96ZFjZiByEnn14Ed6rAiRxiRxGcsITdsf9KtLFJKW6uQxxK6gqwGzbIEuk4TLw1CX0TNNLsBvazgskSN0Ikc/s640/03-IMG-20130910-00672.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">On the stoep of the Pappot, eating chips and buns</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiX6UlMH_GuACvi8PH8ymeHAKB9Df0CCw11RbLy7k9pk6NZzLLIUJKsOz0pWuhTjDQfmjEeq_RM66r-oKRaVHtEiMA0ib5JbjP_KHh00KOdiRYwiV5o2eKshKxtKKeVNeQizndEirmwVA/s1600/05-IMG-20130910-00674.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiX6UlMH_GuACvi8PH8ymeHAKB9Df0CCw11RbLy7k9pk6NZzLLIUJKsOz0pWuhTjDQfmjEeq_RM66r-oKRaVHtEiMA0ib5JbjP_KHh00KOdiRYwiV5o2eKshKxtKKeVNeQizndEirmwVA/s640/05-IMG-20130910-00674.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Down the road we bought some (not so fresh) buns and a
packet of chips with another large bottle of water and enjoyed chips on the dry
buns on the stoep of the little cafe called the Pappot! After the 3<sup>rd</sup>
group of kids came asking for money, I went in and bought them a loaf of bread,
hoping to eat my food without feeling guilty by the hungry stares. Needless to
say, it enticed even more little faces to come out the woodwork!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxI2yih2SK4WIcePHmlQM0M_YQq6REmyD7D-mUvsXfSUM76ZtRweO-3gomP3t8ZB2CQXReNikdWUWsfvYuELKlAkws21-EMU8DMvmiI63l8ScwrxOAjx_199yk6XK87E4A-KGo3jV-LgE/s1600/06-IMG-20130910-00675.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxI2yih2SK4WIcePHmlQM0M_YQq6REmyD7D-mUvsXfSUM76ZtRweO-3gomP3t8ZB2CQXReNikdWUWsfvYuELKlAkws21-EMU8DMvmiI63l8ScwrxOAjx_199yk6XK87E4A-KGo3jV-LgE/s400/06-IMG-20130910-00675.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1skF3NE0rkLIvCXFqsdeVYWZiXs7mwT5ZehK14-KFSO3zLC1VkikELqWgBCx-jbynahM37XOVLY95QsbNBOjhGPE0DJlNf09KK-lLDcBnoY1rv1bc2ZtAyOex3HYJYjfRhnLdo9Sd0Tg/s1600/08-IMG-20130910-00679.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="476" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1skF3NE0rkLIvCXFqsdeVYWZiXs7mwT5ZehK14-KFSO3zLC1VkikELqWgBCx-jbynahM37XOVLY95QsbNBOjhGPE0DJlNf09KK-lLDcBnoY1rv1bc2ZtAyOex3HYJYjfRhnLdo9Sd0Tg/s640/08-IMG-20130910-00679.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwA1JbbZg7e2lxyamY-YWtvq1xsGELKbO8y9xa17Dga249-2nzWw-w1zo_FLSjfnld-x4CjMtzNJd5hyaZRGttCzJIc78r2tEDSyqP5ybohrAO3K2LL50806GmEmWZur5potLYnzTpA0U/s1600/13-IMG-20130910-00691.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwA1JbbZg7e2lxyamY-YWtvq1xsGELKbO8y9xa17Dga249-2nzWw-w1zo_FLSjfnld-x4CjMtzNJd5hyaZRGttCzJIc78r2tEDSyqP5ybohrAO3K2LL50806GmEmWZur5potLYnzTpA0U/s400/13-IMG-20130910-00691.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The end is in sight</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We were told of – and looking forward to - lovely lawns and
a great camping site at Helmeringhausen. So great was our disappointment once
we got there after another few hours of hard riding, to discover the only bit
of grass was against the fence along the main street. It did feel a bit exposed
so we opted for the back yard, sharing our camping space with goats and ducks.
We were camping on a farm where our hot water was made by a donkey (wood-burn
geyser) – surprisingly fast, I must admit! </div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNTnpDNjT8o7F3vzLE6cfvqabEjdCIsLsDqmZOwkDBMh3n6olWoQZGkx2Li-XUjnQHU0A3ydCAaC2c66tla1txgUj0gmz1RIBI61I3ovTJBakXwi7boi4jbwRvA1IvMT8bBz92mtjtP-I/s1600/31-IMG-20130911-00732.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="476" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNTnpDNjT8o7F3vzLE6cfvqabEjdCIsLsDqmZOwkDBMh3n6olWoQZGkx2Li-XUjnQHU0A3ydCAaC2c66tla1txgUj0gmz1RIBI61I3ovTJBakXwi7boi4jbwRvA1IvMT8bBz92mtjtP-I/s640/31-IMG-20130911-00732.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yep, stunning</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh91hgUDClNyAp7yMFLLv14Pw6KmEOy1AOKHs_pbfRH0-MjnGHRz26jZOoBy3xP-ESEGSGgOINAjuFsan9TMHwEFOHsv1KYJfYUvzz0MYAfygUQdDDtQXI9Ki5aaqzRTT_Wz9cYD5-1bAw/s1600/14-IMG-20130910-00692.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh91hgUDClNyAp7yMFLLv14Pw6KmEOy1AOKHs_pbfRH0-MjnGHRz26jZOoBy3xP-ESEGSGgOINAjuFsan9TMHwEFOHsv1KYJfYUvzz0MYAfygUQdDDtQXI9Ki5aaqzRTT_Wz9cYD5-1bAw/s400/14-IMG-20130910-00692.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Toni is getting his tent unpacked</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzrtot3tEBAHo10gOpzfoZ7vqUkFmBXwZRlUvgpSlCrEZQLgeuon-i0QXMozrN34LXpy3sJxBWZCcLftG3U1dmhCscqdANxAUoKTFaFLrREhjX-PPsAqjWIuiO4BH8wz0Oi5IUdnRlilY/s1600/22-IMG-20130910-00709.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzrtot3tEBAHo10gOpzfoZ7vqUkFmBXwZRlUvgpSlCrEZQLgeuon-i0QXMozrN34LXpy3sJxBWZCcLftG3U1dmhCscqdANxAUoKTFaFLrREhjX-PPsAqjWIuiO4BH8wz0Oi5IUdnRlilY/s400/22-IMG-20130910-00709.jpg" width="297" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">They Donkey - for making hot water</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZmkZRpA7s2yu-ZGb6rJ4AanCxLqwCSPWZ5IGJqT1WepK36n0YSy3D7C7eDbd4-YfY7GK1stmFufdmzm6UGpyGltgqbPMTzv2tpbwlJQQPsKkCKu2ytFXaNufXNj-mF4Ki7rM7uvv1bh8/s1600/20-IMG-20130910-00704.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="297" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZmkZRpA7s2yu-ZGb6rJ4AanCxLqwCSPWZ5IGJqT1WepK36n0YSy3D7C7eDbd4-YfY7GK1stmFufdmzm6UGpyGltgqbPMTzv2tpbwlJQQPsKkCKu2ytFXaNufXNj-mF4Ki7rM7uvv1bh8/s400/20-IMG-20130910-00704.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Best side of a donkey</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVAywoOykZBjdJsezemNXgEK_SKvl24f36Df6DHw8Px0SBoKirChDHzXN1OvEBs18rVO7AEb1grua7nb5erhm3wD3eZHnwWi6ctqVA-guk59tOWr-2tEIBnEi3xSduov5wahKAMJAxauo/s1600/24-IMG-20130910-00713.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVAywoOykZBjdJsezemNXgEK_SKvl24f36Df6DHw8Px0SBoKirChDHzXN1OvEBs18rVO7AEb1grua7nb5erhm3wD3eZHnwWi6ctqVA-guk59tOWr-2tEIBnEi3xSduov5wahKAMJAxauo/s640/24-IMG-20130910-00713.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tent up as the sun goes down</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi61-9huV41FXfEBr1YpGT1GNN-1Jc4HPJNExTRyicg_FDOn8fDATksXx9DhQdbFVpFnH5HAcnBxi9oWo_VML45PljFW9CysFJjVJA6K0spiEuO9vlxJlMoO7RrScPAyFFyPKAxHsewbds/s1600/19-IMG-20130910-00703.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="295" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi61-9huV41FXfEBr1YpGT1GNN-1Jc4HPJNExTRyicg_FDOn8fDATksXx9DhQdbFVpFnH5HAcnBxi9oWo_VML45PljFW9CysFJjVJA6K0spiEuO9vlxJlMoO7RrScPAyFFyPKAxHsewbds/s400/19-IMG-20130910-00703.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And this is where I will be sleeping</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
Since we were the only campers and had 2 bathrooms to
ourselves, I opted for not taking my tent out and made myself comfortable in
one of them. My mattress on the cement floor and my own personal shower and
toilet! Pretty luxury I thought, plus I did not have to get my tent folded up
next morning – hopefully get away earlier THIS time?</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfH_iEwkGQT_s2yNls3_zFJ5TfUTRekEDjPOn6jDTqFqwERWWkM-nooBgjn_zw2cF6j4rmf_Gv5pniaJ2yBQj3kSHgn8Aq4moqBVEns3yEfSOZekJZbOg5mQUSCKHxQU8na8C-UK5LYaE/s1600/23-IMG-20130910-00711.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfH_iEwkGQT_s2yNls3_zFJ5TfUTRekEDjPOn6jDTqFqwERWWkM-nooBgjn_zw2cF6j4rmf_Gv5pniaJ2yBQj3kSHgn8Aq4moqBVEns3yEfSOZekJZbOg5mQUSCKHxQU8na8C-UK5LYaE/s400/23-IMG-20130910-00711.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A neighbour</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqGnsVOycplb89dds50ljOll852FNNdNRodOA0sWHslnrQ9v9Q1KSy2qKIcJJEvemmCXtUQ4bD5AtA4H3CBMpalBCNptxz5SSidtLn_xVApQbjmSubcssCCO2DFfru4UV_nBU3i0IRBVk/s1600/21-IMG-20130910-00707.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqGnsVOycplb89dds50ljOll852FNNdNRodOA0sWHslnrQ9v9Q1KSy2qKIcJJEvemmCXtUQ4bD5AtA4H3CBMpalBCNptxz5SSidtLn_xVApQbjmSubcssCCO2DFfru4UV_nBU3i0IRBVk/s640/21-IMG-20130910-00707.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The camping spot</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqN9juuJk9tGzKhcD_wSDut7g8JFQuqTmYvIL-pzG3f1-iR97gk7nluknwXlrY6-wca6qz1DQPfKijIhIRdDk_CsBJk__eAD8_3IeCSCO9r3EC9s_GbQubaMjju50iqnI-03GJNpui3gE/s1600/25-IMG-20130910-00715.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqN9juuJk9tGzKhcD_wSDut7g8JFQuqTmYvIL-pzG3f1-iR97gk7nluknwXlrY6-wca6qz1DQPfKijIhIRdDk_CsBJk__eAD8_3IeCSCO9r3EC9s_GbQubaMjju50iqnI-03GJNpui3gE/s400/25-IMG-20130910-00715.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cosy</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgdOGnbuDlQwTiUNQywqA5zfWkl0RgGOBMrgOXFCtj46_BSiotlUCXww1UDiaveLyCJFbsH8VxRUQAxbo5p1JUqlNeTZejfodGXBaW2vvSUL_0pWQplLAZ7HDVIumqnymN-q9OrpS_jj4/s1600/15-IMG-20130910-00693.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgdOGnbuDlQwTiUNQywqA5zfWkl0RgGOBMrgOXFCtj46_BSiotlUCXww1UDiaveLyCJFbsH8VxRUQAxbo5p1JUqlNeTZejfodGXBaW2vvSUL_0pWQplLAZ7HDVIumqnymN-q9OrpS_jj4/s400/15-IMG-20130910-00693.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Some more of our neighbours</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0yKHLTIRdH0IW7xCO0p-TuiFup1i_lzMu1O5vM0FmU7sG-fNEd3mtaX07k2-iiik6GSQqr6utQoDLgc6zUvX8l6JNLe87wZxzU94o1dxCQsYzmIkAj1fN0OgRDOJ8ydA3o_vk61IpN8I/s1600/16-IMG-20130910-00697.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="472" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0yKHLTIRdH0IW7xCO0p-TuiFup1i_lzMu1O5vM0FmU7sG-fNEd3mtaX07k2-iiik6GSQqr6utQoDLgc6zUvX8l6JNLe87wZxzU94o1dxCQsYzmIkAj1fN0OgRDOJ8ydA3o_vk61IpN8I/s640/16-IMG-20130910-00697.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Because of the mountains and leafless trees, the sunset was
begging for pics to be taken! The whole farm setup was interesting and
something quite different to what we have had so far. I loved the goats and
especially their kids.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi5sAA6uYnkace1PkEYz3R4XZD29cX-kVUS0h8rY0WRYj_7MI389wgh1Z9xGR_bkM-A0plmmIhBWpDnaSkkeaqoNCXpXyBwU4-JS5NebgpIUjWCdbIGCzZX82ef53xKPIvI4r68i2gurk/s1600/17-IMG-20130910-00699.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="297" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi5sAA6uYnkace1PkEYz3R4XZD29cX-kVUS0h8rY0WRYj_7MI389wgh1Z9xGR_bkM-A0plmmIhBWpDnaSkkeaqoNCXpXyBwU4-JS5NebgpIUjWCdbIGCzZX82ef53xKPIvI4r68i2gurk/s400/17-IMG-20130910-00699.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The back yard</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvL0JnZUgc4c0LUotnklcCMHWrPE9otGZVwx7d28odIOZ7IRydJDppOy0WJS6kcV8or0m0Z4Dw1Aub1WpAQXJL0q3lDSs_33EWrs0w3LCBGrvdBGYNp_ErP6MFgmzUhISNZWJYWg6es70/s1600/18-IMG-20130910-00701.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvL0JnZUgc4c0LUotnklcCMHWrPE9otGZVwx7d28odIOZ7IRydJDppOy0WJS6kcV8or0m0Z4Dw1Aub1WpAQXJL0q3lDSs_33EWrs0w3LCBGrvdBGYNp_ErP6MFgmzUhISNZWJYWg6es70/s400/18-IMG-20130910-00701.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">An old car at the entrance</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP8PU1DDgpnnJStS6OWqrQnFjkiysborYHEa4MLw_jEjVIe9_UNpauJjGzFC87_4soMh7AFDD2zWey-deu77wYg97JdeNRl6cElLqLZTHNiwL5_BC95KqTeHFbZuf1ou9DP23Ad7lF7AI/s1600/26-IMG-20130910-00716.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP8PU1DDgpnnJStS6OWqrQnFjkiysborYHEa4MLw_jEjVIe9_UNpauJjGzFC87_4soMh7AFDD2zWey-deu77wYg97JdeNRl6cElLqLZTHNiwL5_BC95KqTeHFbZuf1ou9DP23Ad7lF7AI/s400/26-IMG-20130910-00716.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">More pieces coming off Brutus</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ2p39IDVsRID9xUOPX0OJcOA08wdP16oE47eJJSECu14V9Eb0D5PMjRgTvas7ifls0Uki62ezSVaGfAf_UPDgFtut-b49Doxs7SZZOq_KTsdfqPXryhfuVLUbMNDyeGt7QYbbgJ51s00/s1600/07-IMG-20130910-00678.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ2p39IDVsRID9xUOPX0OJcOA08wdP16oE47eJJSECu14V9Eb0D5PMjRgTvas7ifls0Uki62ezSVaGfAf_UPDgFtut-b49Doxs7SZZOq_KTsdfqPXryhfuVLUbMNDyeGt7QYbbgJ51s00/s400/07-IMG-20130910-00678.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fixed!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyHUfKdlFTTI7dL2mS0p6vJN3atVj_hCeZRe4VvGASNuylQY_NPKeIflAa3g2jlYcmd77o3_tJx-9W4_7155S6nqMw0l2VLl89Z3XPq0bjA1lpQ-arhxeLCuQdJI_aWnjTmvR392kpE-M/s1600/27-IMG-20130910-00717.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="476" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyHUfKdlFTTI7dL2mS0p6vJN3atVj_hCeZRe4VvGASNuylQY_NPKeIflAa3g2jlYcmd77o3_tJx-9W4_7155S6nqMw0l2VLl89Z3XPq0bjA1lpQ-arhxeLCuQdJI_aWnjTmvR392kpE-M/s640/27-IMG-20130910-00717.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sunset</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqG7lok-uP9I1j7jYel9JIlzxQTwlRqi7pl4NJi_iOUDTbV5KWEaCtrCwHhjLBxon3OBWQVSzagBb76JUIEdOGlLrgWNyNRb-R5znWeB1MS7UqKE9H7NNB_YA8Gth_Dfc4hsM4dXhPjmM/s1600/28-IMG-20130910-00721.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqG7lok-uP9I1j7jYel9JIlzxQTwlRqi7pl4NJi_iOUDTbV5KWEaCtrCwHhjLBxon3OBWQVSzagBb76JUIEdOGlLrgWNyNRb-R5znWeB1MS7UqKE9H7NNB_YA8Gth_Dfc4hsM4dXhPjmM/s400/28-IMG-20130910-00721.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Toni rather scrapes sand away than parking his bike on harder ground to oil the chain.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhphzketBfkhyqe5VTBpMduHKl4o6xaIFXMRnSZ54lRz_oeq3rSSFXL7zmleB0rmqD-LGgqrpa1oplAgt-14Mpho9duJSY8yDKk-_Nf5a-vyFDIfRZvOKkOme5WxvMufmJdExZ627G0oKM/s1600/30-IMG-20130910-00724.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhphzketBfkhyqe5VTBpMduHKl4o6xaIFXMRnSZ54lRz_oeq3rSSFXL7zmleB0rmqD-LGgqrpa1oplAgt-14Mpho9duJSY8yDKk-_Nf5a-vyFDIfRZvOKkOme5WxvMufmJdExZ627G0oKM/s400/30-IMG-20130910-00724.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A little lizard catching insects on the other side of the window</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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With no lights or electric outlets anywhere, we decided on
Salticax and mussels for supper, rinsed down with beer and espresso – yes
please, don’t ask. What I DO know is that my body is craving for something
slightly more than starch and carbs by now…</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWrWHP-TcAdLYMikdjEkIZwEIJg9g_5S9hXJv4YpCcGIv7I759QhHTmhl3L8pPSD0-MvOo2hLEKLqDpG7cSqgvhLzN3C1f1vQf3w-pKZA5iF6gNlPiTksGFiERBZXgbzv6kRGYLPbS7v0/s1600/35-IMG-20130911-00746.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWrWHP-TcAdLYMikdjEkIZwEIJg9g_5S9hXJv4YpCcGIv7I759QhHTmhl3L8pPSD0-MvOo2hLEKLqDpG7cSqgvhLzN3C1f1vQf3w-pKZA5iF6gNlPiTksGFiERBZXgbzv6kRGYLPbS7v0/s400/35-IMG-20130911-00746.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The cat and Toni have the same expression!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijMTk5IlH06yPDO69TXhVDUGDOmGGhm9PyLmcdYiBiV4b6lhv-_cN6hi8wJcn2ax_2OUDaoHdWLW98zNyxBCvkGeP1LZ6xgh1unoIOD3u2c45amivzvipWlHL_egaqAAQeglyepXW7pbM/s1600/36-IMG-20130911-00747.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijMTk5IlH06yPDO69TXhVDUGDOmGGhm9PyLmcdYiBiV4b6lhv-_cN6hi8wJcn2ax_2OUDaoHdWLW98zNyxBCvkGeP1LZ6xgh1unoIOD3u2c45amivzvipWlHL_egaqAAQeglyepXW7pbM/s400/36-IMG-20130911-00747.jpg" width="297" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ahh better, a nice smile</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Yet I had a great day and munching with the awesome colours
of the setting sun and stunning surrounding made me calm and content. OK, the
fact that I don't have to get a tent packed up the next morning might also have
had something to do with it….</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC_1eLC-vNIOInJmDxHplA4pfqh8tchH3JNdf7KnzyqA3iozbTcyhoLi5J6HKoNOiJkbNQBf9mfG-gMkrYFfHrKVB6oSGSPMqBrLupb25cFp-5hvEA7lyK2myX7NjtxQ2GdxjTI4bemgw/s1600/34-IMG-20130911-00745.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="472" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC_1eLC-vNIOInJmDxHplA4pfqh8tchH3JNdf7KnzyqA3iozbTcyhoLi5J6HKoNOiJkbNQBf9mfG-gMkrYFfHrKVB6oSGSPMqBrLupb25cFp-5hvEA7lyK2myX7NjtxQ2GdxjTI4bemgw/s640/34-IMG-20130911-00745.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16890635839913008069noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-482589321936440966.post-78984167879702657942013-10-10T15:51:00.001+02:002013-10-10T16:26:28.551+02:00NAMIBIA Day 8: Swakopmund – Kuiseb pass - Solitaire<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Day 8</div>
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Swakopmund – Kuiseb pass - Solitaire</div>
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<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1NMYCi1AjBWzHibxJ7Sw-HRxgHjnSToaT0C5lCZpXd76P7MfTJlsHGGjcqOq4oXPNVBLsLq89LWLPCPF7YHAtD_PzcmYCyDTbQIVf0QMAugtJecd2feIDt28TWE4IOUfCSM3UKEZj_3E/s1600/11-FILE0064.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1NMYCi1AjBWzHibxJ7Sw-HRxgHjnSToaT0C5lCZpXd76P7MfTJlsHGGjcqOq4oXPNVBLsLq89LWLPCPF7YHAtD_PzcmYCyDTbQIVf0QMAugtJecd2feIDt28TWE4IOUfCSM3UKEZj_3E/s640/11-FILE0064.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sand dunes lit up by a bit of sunlight</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We woke to a light drizzle and chill in the air. Since I did
not bother to look out the window before I packed all my stuff (well, to my
defence it was 5.30 and still dark outside), I was totally underdressed for the
occasion! I asked if we could do the salt road again, as I hoped to get nice
pics with the rising sun on the dunes.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWuQyMp27F2AwnwcYDhh9t-xxVHc1_rl_K5ZrFL_ykvTjYQK66cSGeRvamQfug1defvCJAeT8BKUjPwqsIophd2bBId12fwsrOvU1vJP47AxYlRFi1NWuQxWyIbUnBj3Ei8PiPYx1_CJU/s1600/12-FILE0067.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWuQyMp27F2AwnwcYDhh9t-xxVHc1_rl_K5ZrFL_ykvTjYQK66cSGeRvamQfug1defvCJAeT8BKUjPwqsIophd2bBId12fwsrOvU1vJP47AxYlRFi1NWuQxWyIbUnBj3Ei8PiPYx1_CJU/s640/12-FILE0067.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of the reasons I fell in love with this country</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;">Unfortunately the light drizzle did not only NOT
light up the dunes as I had hoped, but also got my helmet camera wet –
resulting in even worse pics once we hit the dusty desert! I am sure by the
end of the trip I shall remember to clean the lens regularly!</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGuhyksTcqYetG_KyrEjx9fJKwKeuvQCw_gbjMj23NHh7Hbd-_AuAlR5mVzGmbvJ2qWlEFqehIs3JIt69_YnouuLXXEfFdKp2ZXvNup7mCefM9_xMCHjOqldrmAekfViSXKRh_jgl7HAg/s1600/20-IMG-20130909-00559.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGuhyksTcqYetG_KyrEjx9fJKwKeuvQCw_gbjMj23NHh7Hbd-_AuAlR5mVzGmbvJ2qWlEFqehIs3JIt69_YnouuLXXEfFdKp2ZXvNup7mCefM9_xMCHjOqldrmAekfViSXKRh_jgl7HAg/s400/20-IMG-20130909-00559.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sand as far as the eye can see</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;">After refuelling in Walvis again, we hit a wide,
lovely gravel road. Almost 4 lanes wide, although the extreme sides were loose
sand. Most South Africans can only dream of such a freeway! </span></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihH7qbeO351feXgPUXrN23-RtnmiQlyIIPQc8L-_93bNY4EF4cfrQLP7S241OCnkGE-gWWpTeUG2X546spB5rcCYU1n6SJM88anaK8FSjfR3cYPjlAQOj24HY1KrJsn8Wt3ua4DUAftg8/s1600/23-IMG-20130909-00569.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihH7qbeO351feXgPUXrN23-RtnmiQlyIIPQc8L-_93bNY4EF4cfrQLP7S241OCnkGE-gWWpTeUG2X546spB5rcCYU1n6SJM88anaK8FSjfR3cYPjlAQOj24HY1KrJsn8Wt3ua4DUAftg8/s400/23-IMG-20130909-00569.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dust as far as the eye cannot see!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The rain cleared up and we continued riding in overcast but dry
conditions. Except for some trucks in the beginning and a few cars/bakkies as
we went along, the road was relatively vehicle free. A big relief, as every
passing thing leaves a cloud of dust. Cough, cough, splutter, splutter! We got
into the rhythm with Toni riding alongside me – thus saving us both gulping
down loads of each other’s dust.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnaD_ipo8xR5p5YVntKsFl1KP3Dbp48QxsGlRANyp0xmhd-LzINhzb2JTC5ETNfHDMNNJrleJqDyqxXXy7F75lTCK-BNHQna5kF5joy5zwWn3ExEaJ1PhWZNu4Fc1QM0_XvrXA2w2qkz0/s1600/21-IMG-20130909-00561.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnaD_ipo8xR5p5YVntKsFl1KP3Dbp48QxsGlRANyp0xmhd-LzINhzb2JTC5ETNfHDMNNJrleJqDyqxXXy7F75lTCK-BNHQna5kF5joy5zwWn3ExEaJ1PhWZNu4Fc1QM0_XvrXA2w2qkz0/s400/21-IMG-20130909-00561.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">More sand, front and back</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR2rS4DPwzfD1geNe8pnGVGb4JTYLjsL8MtatqvtxJxUZOGu_hwJW5Q4iG28Z17SrIs1dl_ZsZwlx-MRauO2BgcZrWy_pxZLN-tvBYovpYT3U8L6bRv9C5zhai0t5zebWQbBURLEm3YPM/s1600/22-IMG-20130909-00564.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR2rS4DPwzfD1geNe8pnGVGb4JTYLjsL8MtatqvtxJxUZOGu_hwJW5Q4iG28Z17SrIs1dl_ZsZwlx-MRauO2BgcZrWy_pxZLN-tvBYovpYT3U8L6bRv9C5zhai0t5zebWQbBURLEm3YPM/s400/22-IMG-20130909-00564.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjonLAPDfglJnfmz3bzNUng1-ZjDu9U47feD9k1wlDYyyV5wA8xYujbzyR0mph2TIUeTAfJOmnU8ArP9IDRLe378YcSqJXBfEptjng-av6W9QnuCVdRPgAvpDY00FVzENGx9pA6iYWnOSo/s1600/14-FILE0119.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjonLAPDfglJnfmz3bzNUng1-ZjDu9U47feD9k1wlDYyyV5wA8xYujbzyR0mph2TIUeTAfJOmnU8ArP9IDRLe378YcSqJXBfEptjng-av6W9QnuCVdRPgAvpDY00FVzENGx9pA6iYWnOSo/s400/14-FILE0119.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Almost no difference between the road and surroundings</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This was an amazing experience – the never ending sand and
dunes as far as the eye could see! I don’t believe I have ever been in a
dessert before – the beauty and vastness captured my spirit of freedom and even
solitude in some ways. There was grandeur in the simplistic surroundings that
surpassed of the most magnificent mountains and scenery I had ever seen before.
It was in these moments I realized I loved this vast country and have to come
back to see more of the hidden treasures one can only see by taking the roads
less travelled. How fortunate am I to have a wonderful steed and companions to
help me experience these untamed wide open spaces!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw65vmU6idEvfmpz4Ki7JBtgPm3MDjaMEzTK7I0ujsOlLheKEB3RO5L1tEDA2ty76cn3NuIBB9peY1XTgGpDCD4vTODeDKsRxu87K2DJBsHvIiaoFwAHdXIpRbGJGUzCpGXTfuKCe8JiQ/s1600/24-IMG-20130909-00575.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw65vmU6idEvfmpz4Ki7JBtgPm3MDjaMEzTK7I0ujsOlLheKEB3RO5L1tEDA2ty76cn3NuIBB9peY1XTgGpDCD4vTODeDKsRxu87K2DJBsHvIiaoFwAHdXIpRbGJGUzCpGXTfuKCe8JiQ/s400/24-IMG-20130909-00575.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Refueling along the way</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We had been travelling for hours and only stopped to take
off the extra clothes, Toni to fill up his (super) thirsty KTM and munch down a
few peanuts and raisins. While riding I would often gulp down loads of water
from my backpack and cannot fathom how I did so many hot, dusty roads in the
past without it?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMHoBK5n5vsDY3rEl1G8E9gOgB2vZi4TkpCgMUZS7EnakCN6hQGIszD_XywiYQEIqfioUE4VFMpGrK0CZUquc4mT1BFmXeQJeZSIkFplXqi-G6j_DVOVQWdjK5uONnk7DHxSpmuPujtXE/s1600/15-FILE0193.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMHoBK5n5vsDY3rEl1G8E9gOgB2vZi4TkpCgMUZS7EnakCN6hQGIszD_XywiYQEIqfioUE4VFMpGrK0CZUquc4mT1BFmXeQJeZSIkFplXqi-G6j_DVOVQWdjK5uONnk7DHxSpmuPujtXE/s400/15-FILE0193.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpq5Hqgzfq2Wy6y4M-gbu_-F_rV7iIWJCGIk0IE1jthAHUoVijB7M_fh5rfeE27n3YstkVf95h7StVJ69Wuwzo6JXCArc2SRFzq5442bLb0NI6sMXyS90p4IZ-S1tUJr1h0Lhdgs6Andc/s1600/16-FILE0201.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpq5Hqgzfq2Wy6y4M-gbu_-F_rV7iIWJCGIk0IE1jthAHUoVijB7M_fh5rfeE27n3YstkVf95h7StVJ69Wuwzo6JXCArc2SRFzq5442bLb0NI6sMXyS90p4IZ-S1tUJr1h0Lhdgs6Andc/s400/16-FILE0201.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">In the Kuiseb pass</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The road started winding between mountainous outcrops and
later we found ourselves in the Kuiseb pass. This absolutely stunning pass, took
us down into the valley, though most of the way the road nestled in between the
mountains. Rounding a bend, I noticed a dry riverbed with some trees in it. The
place looked so welcoming that we decided to have our lunch right there.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAzYHwEBqIJrEfqX5j-w8aHN0NdrunqpbONy-KeKkLiP7DVPyiNE_UuLB6ZqVWFCJ-8YoX9NcjSIh79jp2z0hwqcESdodgG0L4lCZdpanrT3ml_OXzC7OP3dPWOcjoAikysG1Lfu9fdM8/s1600/17-FILE0204.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAzYHwEBqIJrEfqX5j-w8aHN0NdrunqpbONy-KeKkLiP7DVPyiNE_UuLB6ZqVWFCJ-8YoX9NcjSIh79jp2z0hwqcESdodgG0L4lCZdpanrT3ml_OXzC7OP3dPWOcjoAikysG1Lfu9fdM8/s400/17-FILE0204.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As I turned off onto the sandy track, Brutus could not make
the turn (let’s not blame the rider here!) and as he bucked and rebelled against
the loose sand and round river stones, I knew we were going down! We came to a
standstill a few metres off the little track, still upright and in one piece.
Once again I had to take a few moments for my heartbeat to normalize and was
thankful we were not picking up dented pieces of Brutus along the sandy path. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGRrqtqUX2Se8kSng2SsaBx8RqO8cL1m9sj1Kboc22uGEx9Ll5CJQHCf_6MPMdNf15athfzTFQAV5hFVkxxoh3MzlkEolUSj2w1xvd5Jm545zkizsWzLE2wOsTIEX9OLjeHyotspRil0w/s1600/02-DSCN0286.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGRrqtqUX2Se8kSng2SsaBx8RqO8cL1m9sj1Kboc22uGEx9Ll5CJQHCf_6MPMdNf15athfzTFQAV5hFVkxxoh3MzlkEolUSj2w1xvd5Jm545zkizsWzLE2wOsTIEX9OLjeHyotspRil0w/s640/02-DSCN0286.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The haven</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHLzoEVBcU2FKk6OP2z-6WNr70WA3gaL1NdQ6h84v3OWdgrMo6wKC1y_MpNA7gjHPdNkyxOwxza5WM209w1ypT72I8hUPUd5Oalg812cZLt2MEEoX8uOJpOp43C9ZDGCT4JETiOIO4ky8/s1600/18-FILE0209.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHLzoEVBcU2FKk6OP2z-6WNr70WA3gaL1NdQ6h84v3OWdgrMo6wKC1y_MpNA7gjHPdNkyxOwxza5WM209w1ypT72I8hUPUd5Oalg812cZLt2MEEoX8uOJpOp43C9ZDGCT4JETiOIO4ky8/s400/18-FILE0209.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Where I almost bought some costly property</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3dBokbJQfoQcJoPoIgzBHyRI-DDxe2zpxDCd6jTLlSCmNGDsEoGm5v5B54mV0IT79-nAGJC1FmLfC4JS3nO58xRZ47bX7gP3MUzD5MOaC0QGQYC3rKh4OwtZTw-UBseGMMKfetqmWLR4/s1600/19-FILE0213.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3dBokbJQfoQcJoPoIgzBHyRI-DDxe2zpxDCd6jTLlSCmNGDsEoGm5v5B54mV0IT79-nAGJC1FmLfC4JS3nO58xRZ47bX7gP3MUzD5MOaC0QGQYC3rKh4OwtZTw-UBseGMMKfetqmWLR4/s400/19-FILE0213.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The view from under the tree</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
After struggling back, we parked the bikes in the shade of
the huge Thorn trees and enjoyed a nice lunch of Game energy drink, Salticax
and Oysters. (And Toni had his Espresso of course!). Please tell me how many
people enjoy Oysters in the middle of a Dessert, brought in by bike?! My first
taste of smoked Oysters, and to be honest, it tasted very similar to the smoked
mussels! Then again, I am sure a little sophistication on my part would have
helped identify the magnificent difference!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE4C6iLxQhaJ-z9bYMurmBce8JnHacZgHv0ak_-upimZSxsC173guRCDHGOEf7njspkZ8T73qac3KQaVC-wrUNUfLA7rjrdV7q7h0H8adh5a6-AbAQLi8u66bndIadZyfWa21yBsG5f2c/s1600/25-IMG-20130909-00586.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE4C6iLxQhaJ-z9bYMurmBce8JnHacZgHv0ak_-upimZSxsC173guRCDHGOEf7njspkZ8T73qac3KQaVC-wrUNUfLA7rjrdV7q7h0H8adh5a6-AbAQLi8u66bndIadZyfWa21yBsG5f2c/s400/25-IMG-20130909-00586.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The bridge in the background</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhdtOkbZR12D9cHvbywJBgwbyPVQXXDgMKApNWLj7EfK5RBpHNlrz6TQpc4oTo6bGzCAuLYUPYSliuA7udz7iFsLiBsInYYT0CCF4ar-J4Zt_7wrz1Nz1JIe_mRAURT2NsuB3PZaXPAw0/s1600/26-IMG-20130909-00589.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhdtOkbZR12D9cHvbywJBgwbyPVQXXDgMKApNWLj7EfK5RBpHNlrz6TQpc4oTo6bGzCAuLYUPYSliuA7udz7iFsLiBsInYYT0CCF4ar-J4Zt_7wrz1Nz1JIe_mRAURT2NsuB3PZaXPAw0/s400/26-IMG-20130909-00589.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The only green trees we saw for miles and miles</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwSj7MxXvYXUitrSxmuJfyrzEDhBUB7103IRd-ly4YcaHGUcWcxEq9jO38aK3kQQQUhzS0ulOFJXZ4ZEv36wQPrjUgHrBUvTJRVt47RZ3J1e8x03s7aFX2RV_sS52kppugzrjJj2hFWwo/s1600/27-IMG-20130909-00592.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwSj7MxXvYXUitrSxmuJfyrzEDhBUB7103IRd-ly4YcaHGUcWcxEq9jO38aK3kQQQUhzS0ulOFJXZ4ZEv36wQPrjUgHrBUvTJRVt47RZ3J1e8x03s7aFX2RV_sS52kppugzrjJj2hFWwo/s640/27-IMG-20130909-00592.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Toni preparing to make his Espresso</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaV8r8FG3_XBb7EKMzNE4B94dYT__h383q6LCZ24J3hfZjnjcA27FoJBH1sUkwIcLoBBbKKt7KV0HGGHAeeA6bSyQ2nHv8w9x5EXWMOnJC8zogh8vNDybeHvpBPHleeOFe7HP7DtcTKs8/s1600/28-IMG-20130909-00595.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaV8r8FG3_XBb7EKMzNE4B94dYT__h383q6LCZ24J3hfZjnjcA27FoJBH1sUkwIcLoBBbKKt7KV0HGGHAeeA6bSyQ2nHv8w9x5EXWMOnJC8zogh8vNDybeHvpBPHleeOFe7HP7DtcTKs8/s400/28-IMG-20130909-00595.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pouring the well brewed cuppa<br />
<br />
<br />
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<br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;">After lunch we went for a short walk in both
directions of the dry riverbed and then hit the road.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-FY71C86jNjQEZUwpZvouldhcD18woU94ghP8n066FxG99YoLF0FB7TbCvYKpHd9_1tNgKf-WnM51HBK12eGZBgUNrmyffmiGh6FP2xRz8zYmNtXSEcSdblShFRIl8iTXVsby7uCADBo/s1600/03-DSCN0293.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-FY71C86jNjQEZUwpZvouldhcD18woU94ghP8n066FxG99YoLF0FB7TbCvYKpHd9_1tNgKf-WnM51HBK12eGZBgUNrmyffmiGh6FP2xRz8zYmNtXSEcSdblShFRIl8iTXVsby7uCADBo/s400/03-DSCN0293.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">On our way back to the bikes after a walk<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: 16px; text-align: start;">Once again my helmet cam had had enough and the battery was flat by the time we were ready to leave. What a pity, as the views were stunning from there! </span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></div>
<br />
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<br />
<br />
<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhls6yRo7gVF0B9abZi8UZqfTjh5r4NjN8enqiP1qvmMlfoU5p_yiPsDYRkKXCD32dZKKWIdHOwvWoV8rR_hn5stjJzJZL2kAjMy0uAeemd387gDGU9ZYsVmBxPurruGloOXvQyuu_PBvI/s1600/09-DSCN0319.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhls6yRo7gVF0B9abZi8UZqfTjh5r4NjN8enqiP1qvmMlfoU5p_yiPsDYRkKXCD32dZKKWIdHOwvWoV8rR_hn5stjJzJZL2kAjMy0uAeemd387gDGU9ZYsVmBxPurruGloOXvQyuu_PBvI/s640/09-DSCN0319.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">What a view?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgilORBJc8cU1Dlw1LFyFVr3QWsfq6AHi63-Or8kAXj9f5uA4WTr6iTpyamr9uVxGQkkeTNC6jJPCGyWfdxs_D11GcLOl9X1SItMDrYbEe98gF2NlAei07KjwwMIqixNaRI3fYlDmCfJKk/s1600/31-IMG-20130909-00605.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="295" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgilORBJc8cU1Dlw1LFyFVr3QWsfq6AHi63-Or8kAXj9f5uA4WTr6iTpyamr9uVxGQkkeTNC6jJPCGyWfdxs_D11GcLOl9X1SItMDrYbEe98gF2NlAei07KjwwMIqixNaRI3fYlDmCfJKk/s400/31-IMG-20130909-00605.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Every twist brings something new</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinJM72mE-C5oVfB0ji2B-9UgV6aOBfhVA02JBM8UXpla48XNtz2PcsLjnDqOmzYjtXFJMlxIy5OdamTH9QM-sADnnIDPkp9okhbT3z1Am_aY9UvXClsrIaBN_t0s5eLHr6SPtGaG1Rs7k/s1600/06-DSCN0303.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinJM72mE-C5oVfB0ji2B-9UgV6aOBfhVA02JBM8UXpla48XNtz2PcsLjnDqOmzYjtXFJMlxIy5OdamTH9QM-sADnnIDPkp9okhbT3z1Am_aY9UvXClsrIaBN_t0s5eLHr6SPtGaG1Rs7k/s400/06-DSCN0303.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwC0UjI2OumfAHxC-LqgFWw2BuOGQia-Hp2FRkCjm3dSPrFAB508Q2I4CsGDo5GthvlnjpST9rsHcO6Ktaz6ZXbWnubuuu9onTGKQ-ZYgPsRW0o4X43cbUHTEnAVac2rn0jgH6JqarfTY/s1600/32-IMG-20130909-00611.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwC0UjI2OumfAHxC-LqgFWw2BuOGQia-Hp2FRkCjm3dSPrFAB508Q2I4CsGDo5GthvlnjpST9rsHcO6Ktaz6ZXbWnubuuu9onTGKQ-ZYgPsRW0o4X43cbUHTEnAVac2rn0jgH6JqarfTY/s640/32-IMG-20130909-00611.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXY7QJEzux_Qs4xplQzwHhlKRRjL020Xw76mUvidHLXgrei07HIUxF8jiVfBJ5gs1PjR94Mr3UdICFfVHQf4vM6ma0LYjXNG0w7aiF6ND8D9EuD3fZLBIqthFV44s3yiUZIyjlpqdb27E/s1600/38-IMG-20130909-00629.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="472" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXY7QJEzux_Qs4xplQzwHhlKRRjL020Xw76mUvidHLXgrei07HIUxF8jiVfBJ5gs1PjR94Mr3UdICFfVHQf4vM6ma0LYjXNG0w7aiF6ND8D9EuD3fZLBIqthFV44s3yiUZIyjlpqdb27E/s640/38-IMG-20130909-00629.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;">Still winding through the pass, Toni indicated
something was wrong with my bike. We discovered the back mudguard had been torn
in one place, was loose somewhere else and gone at a 3<sup>rd</sup> place. The
chain guard was also badly ripped.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeuMabzx00Ya9to2faB36GE2JoB5WvORHaHQYzU0-4zryRr-D4bSvuskNNF7z4sfARxLtia45YEShp1uxzVhuU3b5Mj7fy2u3jFI245wAlC5uKO0bp7zdhF2DiVNaKzYTHNn5XaKsO6YY/s1600/30-IMG-20130909-00600.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeuMabzx00Ya9to2faB36GE2JoB5WvORHaHQYzU0-4zryRr-D4bSvuskNNF7z4sfARxLtia45YEShp1uxzVhuU3b5Mj7fy2u3jFI245wAlC5uKO0bp7zdhF2DiVNaKzYTHNn5XaKsO6YY/s400/30-IMG-20130909-00600.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7uE2RlsMrlKREhga0efdk-e9qjFgvBHUvbcyy-M79Z5HC4q0jceM_mKGn2ih2DZ01NsTXnYWaGAsUaJNS_V6LkLpRQY-RZpuis50N0fBzofxdSRoqmq6b3s4EGmwHUISrDzKGo1Zftso/s1600/04-DSCN0299.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7uE2RlsMrlKREhga0efdk-e9qjFgvBHUvbcyy-M79Z5HC4q0jceM_mKGn2ih2DZ01NsTXnYWaGAsUaJNS_V6LkLpRQY-RZpuis50N0fBzofxdSRoqmq6b3s4EGmwHUISrDzKGo1Zftso/s400/04-DSCN0299.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The broken mudguard</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8Q70mVSrDvdDORQd5sK7foKwGQyPSYp4M0rvYR_j6wzBtSFWNmBy8UnRxnoxK8kmO_4zjMip9WqSCS_xt95xyiKUenpAM0TffiuxW24Wfn-1ki8Y7oFgsN0okZFxCBWfIs7rvMmrge_E/s1600/05-DSCN0302.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8Q70mVSrDvdDORQd5sK7foKwGQyPSYp4M0rvYR_j6wzBtSFWNmBy8UnRxnoxK8kmO_4zjMip9WqSCS_xt95xyiKUenpAM0TffiuxW24Wfn-1ki8Y7oFgsN0okZFxCBWfIs7rvMmrge_E/s400/05-DSCN0302.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Assessing the damage </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihUicX-IfqZT68zMCxVLdNMOFIODAVo_uzuXsIOGNKTk38QSJXWSkKhEuNmFtE2iQ5rTfsoiGIegO0j2wffgbySjyvyLaUsLRAKFSpOR9aW4k0mixk0lKw9W9Bk4E5zqbWyLCEP13Dmyw/s1600/07-DSCN0306.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihUicX-IfqZT68zMCxVLdNMOFIODAVo_uzuXsIOGNKTk38QSJXWSkKhEuNmFtE2iQ5rTfsoiGIegO0j2wffgbySjyvyLaUsLRAKFSpOR9aW4k0mixk0lKw9W9Bk4E5zqbWyLCEP13Dmyw/s400/07-DSCN0306.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Finding the only bit of shade around to work in</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Thanks to my riding buddy, who managed to take it off, reassemble
a few pieces and then decide most of it should come home on the bike. So now
more time wasted in the mornings having to add all these loose parts to the
million straps and cords I am already using! Sighhhh….</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvOcM5XshtuwB4CWOmg-P_DSYa7kmx6UntEWdXXrCAUYhKL_WoEhp-_a6YBVEX3FoDPFB9m-G11AWDbNY6gg1Lg2bD1wbDxv9Ad_z9aOD9y9apWSCIGqmZ8iT91V9BmGbbMa75ndYtSAQ/s1600/36-IMG-20130909-00622.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvOcM5XshtuwB4CWOmg-P_DSYa7kmx6UntEWdXXrCAUYhKL_WoEhp-_a6YBVEX3FoDPFB9m-G11AWDbNY6gg1Lg2bD1wbDxv9Ad_z9aOD9y9apWSCIGqmZ8iT91V9BmGbbMa75ndYtSAQ/s400/36-IMG-20130909-00622.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1-TwpGITjQwQDNltDb_Pp8RJG5DEAXlhL0AzoLkPL3tkTtBlBJUoC5hLZ9AN3p8Jae2t_wjZuHy4Febsk__oRQnn3MjFVtwgHNtTfK3zG3S-o7_QcodeZua1jxzz8ZXkIh_5LMVkdds0/s1600/08-DSCN0308.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1-TwpGITjQwQDNltDb_Pp8RJG5DEAXlhL0AzoLkPL3tkTtBlBJUoC5hLZ9AN3p8Jae2t_wjZuHy4Febsk__oRQnn3MjFVtwgHNtTfK3zG3S-o7_QcodeZua1jxzz8ZXkIh_5LMVkdds0/s400/08-DSCN0308.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The end result - for now</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Note to self: Invest in hard panniers when you get the money
saved up!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And while you're at it: There MUST be alternatives to pasta
and Salticax?!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrzmjYnw2vALlgLblNLvqyXSp6yMRUrrvK1hOX1swTN70RTTYoFsnP_kUxdKQ0SsQCgXdtCtyrTbRnCviBO3oAtnvlpYn3ujXgaV1fucTyAKBGZHRqutH0rQbwzkP67e5k-dYpYDJntIw/s1600/35-IMG-20130909-00621.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrzmjYnw2vALlgLblNLvqyXSp6yMRUrrvK1hOX1swTN70RTTYoFsnP_kUxdKQ0SsQCgXdtCtyrTbRnCviBO3oAtnvlpYn3ujXgaV1fucTyAKBGZHRqutH0rQbwzkP67e5k-dYpYDJntIw/s400/35-IMG-20130909-00621.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Views of what's to come</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmMZicr3jjL2UKs7eSmHAk5TFtradv31ub8cazaJy6qSDrVLbG8SQiVHnCpKB91jh1gro1durhX1iedTTK9AFoY_6ZpOjsNI0XKxYT2hstRg44CCpWtq1O1V4pxKSWUQiV9jQg19mYOtI/s1600/37-IMG-20130909-00625.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmMZicr3jjL2UKs7eSmHAk5TFtradv31ub8cazaJy6qSDrVLbG8SQiVHnCpKB91jh1gro1durhX1iedTTK9AFoY_6ZpOjsNI0XKxYT2hstRg44CCpWtq1O1V4pxKSWUQiV9jQg19mYOtI/s400/37-IMG-20130909-00625.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Toni busy fixing again</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
By the time we came to the Tropic of Capricorn, my number
plate had almost rattled off due to the bad road. It required some more of
Toni’s genius to make a washer (thank goodness for our – empty - tinned
Oysters!) and get it fixed – and thanks to the trusty Leatherman!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZnlbyV-CHqFrmjpBWhSJR_-oMyvLe42PDhyz-0VBQ0sFB9M2ugbrs5WaBdO9mhCCCxCJWlbeGYjQJ6SmZ_GVvsirL63xChlKsJNuFd565or_2ZxRiDL1baYPppBjZKIAumr63VBdKQ24/s1600/41-IMG-20130909-00636.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZnlbyV-CHqFrmjpBWhSJR_-oMyvLe42PDhyz-0VBQ0sFB9M2ugbrs5WaBdO9mhCCCxCJWlbeGYjQJ6SmZ_GVvsirL63xChlKsJNuFd565or_2ZxRiDL1baYPppBjZKIAumr63VBdKQ24/s640/41-IMG-20130909-00636.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Changing light</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A toktokkie coming to inspect Toni's handiwork </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">At last a pic of me!</td></tr>
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Everyday we have been arriving at our destinations just as
the sun was setting. Due to the extra time it took to fix my bike, today was no
exception. The area had slowly changed to a little more vegetation, farms and
hills. All in a soft glow thanks to the late time of the day. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This must be one of my favourite pics of the entire trip. Look at those mountains!</td></tr>
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We arrived at Solitaire dirty and tired, but happy. I was in
time to get the famous apple pie everyone told us to try. Not a great apple pie
lover as such, I must admit it was pretty good. The cutest little bakery out in
the middle of nowhere?! Now THAT was a lovely surprise! I was actually ogling
the chocolate éclairs, donuts and every other sugar-overloaded-fat-induced sin
I could see. (I guess?) It was fortunately closing time and I did not have time
to choose any sinful delight. In any case, Toni was getting apple pie for me.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Entrance at Solitaire</td></tr>
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After refuelling we found a nice camping spot and set up
tents in the setting sun. Beautiful!</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A mongoose close to our camp</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3sKClJ_L6A6AfIyQPgEK3c26JeheH_GxN8BBeGOJ_M2B5HRhBGEnCzai32lN6WuTDF1N-FBO50ZmWVHoSaU9UvA7M2YKeeyCIDFbmvDzqVd1PCV7D1FRWKOOFhz5KtFA4CMh76jeh4JM/s1600/44-IMG-20130909-00659.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3sKClJ_L6A6AfIyQPgEK3c26JeheH_GxN8BBeGOJ_M2B5HRhBGEnCzai32lN6WuTDF1N-FBO50ZmWVHoSaU9UvA7M2YKeeyCIDFbmvDzqVd1PCV7D1FRWKOOFhz5KtFA4CMh76jeh4JM/s640/44-IMG-20130909-00659.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Toni helping me to get my tent up in the fading light</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNcH8nkDVpDF74-rdW0mfzcoKSrpbc4auHGBoIi0eaDCJZSvMlgsEoRd_jKaKcnsd6hqpSAwqxtXRBBkh1qGmcwMAL-rpFO7hU-Yr6A35FNxNpJlbmPcGWEOBUgy2e14klF0mfbJlW6mk/s1600/45-IMG-20130910-00664.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="297" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNcH8nkDVpDF74-rdW0mfzcoKSrpbc4auHGBoIi0eaDCJZSvMlgsEoRd_jKaKcnsd6hqpSAwqxtXRBBkh1qGmcwMAL-rpFO7hU-Yr6A35FNxNpJlbmPcGWEOBUgy2e14klF0mfbJlW6mk/s400/45-IMG-20130910-00664.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And trying to salvage some of Brutus<br />
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<span style="font-size: small; text-align: start;">We were sharing our power outlet with some other campers and it was fairly late before we could start charging our magnitude of electrical paraphernalia. Little did we know the power (a generator) was switched off at 10pm and most of our “megafters” went uncharged for the next day! But who cares … Apple pie and cuppa soup for supper. </span><span style="font-size: small; text-align: start;">Crashing early once again after a long, hard day, I started loving the feeling of being tired because of what and how I had experienced the day. What a wonderful life?!</span></td></tr>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16890635839913008069noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-482589321936440966.post-6522129527892980922013-10-08T16:41:00.001+02:002013-10-08T18:21:06.559+02:00NAMIBIA Day: 7 Swakopmund - Walvis Bay<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdtoO1EGLO0XohS7yY-yDi6DrdPY2tZ2_KX1JQarsB0J8WHXy08isLDb0Haivw-f9d3lYmYcifXZkjAa9BPhEUaiK-qB7OYctNMCH8mw1DaWxyeBnPMWs07AyD_LGki9G0r6sdNfj_lqo/s1600/IMG-20130908-00531.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdtoO1EGLO0XohS7yY-yDi6DrdPY2tZ2_KX1JQarsB0J8WHXy08isLDb0Haivw-f9d3lYmYcifXZkjAa9BPhEUaiK-qB7OYctNMCH8mw1DaWxyeBnPMWs07AyD_LGki9G0r6sdNfj_lqo/s640/IMG-20130908-00531.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Day 7</div>
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Swakopmund - <st1:place w:st="on">Walvis Bay - Swakopmund</st1:place></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5X1Iv7Sf6RPzaXZW1dzzySOxQz1DvUyQk9aEw-fMsLYE1a7gHfP5tOjXzsno6zJ3jFvaL1ns_sgKCSae7fjoXZ-DfTTg4fMcbBRUwdR3zeuw0EId3xdmKne-NjMRKrb4362aRFgCiYDc/s1600/01-IMG-20130908-00424.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5X1Iv7Sf6RPzaXZW1dzzySOxQz1DvUyQk9aEw-fMsLYE1a7gHfP5tOjXzsno6zJ3jFvaL1ns_sgKCSae7fjoXZ-DfTTg4fMcbBRUwdR3zeuw0EId3xdmKne-NjMRKrb4362aRFgCiYDc/s640/01-IMG-20130908-00424.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The sand dunes I have come to fall in love with!</td></tr>
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Today was one of the nicest days in terms of seeing a lot,
but not spending hours and hours in the saddle, be it tar or battling loose
sand and gravel. We joined Johan and Louis for breakfast near the lighthouse
and then Johan took us on a scenic ride to <st1:place w:st="on">Walvis Bay</st1:place>.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Toni and Johan with standing proudly next to their similar KTM's</td></tr>
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Taking the salt road round the back of the dunes was
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might be slippery when
wet, but it rode like a lovely tar road. Rising high up on our right, brilliant
yellow sand dunes sparkled in the stark sunlight. We stopped at Dune 7, the
highest one of the series of dunes we were passing. Absolutely awesome!! Just
like in the pictures of the desert, even the palm trees giving an Oasis
feeling to it!</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Brutus in front of the infamous Dune 7</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj060PAQn3OUT90egouQ0Wm-RxTmelHxfkxYySAR242ah-7We98JpfNhPr3sYYQFOP6H1LRbhl9-Rq-b8LC5PpAnltMsZ8QpDBd2cfmQaY9i1E5mjgKqYFsgY-rpNnW7F2dqEV6lWz3Dc/s1600/03-IMG-20130908-00430.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj060PAQn3OUT90egouQ0Wm-RxTmelHxfkxYySAR242ah-7We98JpfNhPr3sYYQFOP6H1LRbhl9-Rq-b8LC5PpAnltMsZ8QpDBd2cfmQaY9i1E5mjgKqYFsgY-rpNnW7F2dqEV6lWz3Dc/s400/03-IMG-20130908-00430.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The 3 of us - happy to be bikers!</td></tr>
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We filled up in Walvis and then Johan took us to the
Flamingos – out of town on the way to the salt works. What a lovely sight! They
did not seem too worried about humans in such close proximity and I could get a
few nice pics. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4ZskCBs8v9RqWq_FX7z-2_MHMFPEeChT8w0wJ5GyLxMz2899mydgXz1WxUNmlQzodcI9U9eEdH6sYUciyQZ1W8x2HAEwO0wS5MQSUfIM9Odwub_O-AzoP_47ndlb9bCNWJPdPkMPRpmo/s1600/06-IMG-20130908-00446.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="297" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4ZskCBs8v9RqWq_FX7z-2_MHMFPEeChT8w0wJ5GyLxMz2899mydgXz1WxUNmlQzodcI9U9eEdH6sYUciyQZ1W8x2HAEwO0wS5MQSUfIM9Odwub_O-AzoP_47ndlb9bCNWJPdPkMPRpmo/s400/06-IMG-20130908-00446.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Toni is showing how close he can get to the Flamingos</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8ajTkypJV5YcwdtsWpUfmVI9O4PpftuUwQwIBoDsppJwW-gW4RK6AdodX9UyVQ6Y4qAO48OBY3I-EaXq6DfMjkaGfw5X3mtQ-MxWngA38ylG6KLFZDKZiAG9YErdw2GP5arQwGBAtzCE/s1600/18-DSCN0264.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8ajTkypJV5YcwdtsWpUfmVI9O4PpftuUwQwIBoDsppJwW-gW4RK6AdodX9UyVQ6Y4qAO48OBY3I-EaXq6DfMjkaGfw5X3mtQ-MxWngA38ylG6KLFZDKZiAG9YErdw2GP5arQwGBAtzCE/s400/18-DSCN0264.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I cannot believe these birds are so happy in the desert?!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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From there Johan showed us the whole area where the salt was
being made. In spite of being a Sunday, things were in full swing and truck
loads of salt was being delivered to the conveyer belt. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw0zopz3uO8Snx4qNazHRoGtJ3ZBfwM6d3HkljM14g5aV8S2PKkiD5FR9eA3YOp8z5WNGj0Dizb0OjoFOaZrzQBAXamAv_WNGUYUKSjq9WyYzscqTwc4aEhp0IXx0HewS4bJbNWzKpm9Y/s1600/07-IMG-20130908-00453.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw0zopz3uO8Snx4qNazHRoGtJ3ZBfwM6d3HkljM14g5aV8S2PKkiD5FR9eA3YOp8z5WNGj0Dizb0OjoFOaZrzQBAXamAv_WNGUYUKSjq9WyYzscqTwc4aEhp0IXx0HewS4bJbNWzKpm9Y/s400/07-IMG-20130908-00453.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Entering the saltworks</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF7yGrtLqk5Dbq9a3_rqZQ64k_h4cbUjKJd2MB8HDjbPMY1mUrRTNGIrvkztPKHqlvFM462l6qxHmwE-J3wCQ1YeXTgbWArZfjTW2OI3-BdXqYlyz_Qaz6GAbaYp2njA_vrh2fLKn3IwM/s1600/08-IMG-20130908-00454.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF7yGrtLqk5Dbq9a3_rqZQ64k_h4cbUjKJd2MB8HDjbPMY1mUrRTNGIrvkztPKHqlvFM462l6qxHmwE-J3wCQ1YeXTgbWArZfjTW2OI3-BdXqYlyz_Qaz6GAbaYp2njA_vrh2fLKn3IwM/s400/08-IMG-20130908-00454.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Salt coming down from the conveyor belts</td></tr>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4aBfX3z6cYz0SGoOCCYGJdxx0RVpLlI7mUErzuuWC2gP-QU4tqLmFbaVMI6IOty_c5ek8X_quxblQqpUrnw2-8ZmPXrGlUHK1mDUH15YisICUS9Mo68tMAZMR_80jLjmxhnhScYnBIa4/s1600/09-IMG-20130908-00458.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4aBfX3z6cYz0SGoOCCYGJdxx0RVpLlI7mUErzuuWC2gP-QU4tqLmFbaVMI6IOty_c5ek8X_quxblQqpUrnw2-8ZmPXrGlUHK1mDUH15YisICUS9Mo68tMAZMR_80jLjmxhnhScYnBIa4/s400/09-IMG-20130908-00458.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Trucks hauling salt</td></tr>
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We rode in deeper,
seeing the dams where salt was busy forming. Even pink dams! Here the crystals
form that get sold in the curio shops and semi precious jewellery gets made of.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIn7Xll2VOF0XaPW16G_6vPnjjsqejmXBSxIMr4MohyFUA99PiNthyphenhyphenv-ZWO4yzHstHdGgIUqyScryqw6SPdGKqurf9pK-DDFW_d1tL7ddYxhvqU2XLh6dg_dqhu8dzso9RmHEv6eSvjeo/s1600/12-IMG-20130908-00467.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIn7Xll2VOF0XaPW16G_6vPnjjsqejmXBSxIMr4MohyFUA99PiNthyphenhyphenv-ZWO4yzHstHdGgIUqyScryqw6SPdGKqurf9pK-DDFW_d1tL7ddYxhvqU2XLh6dg_dqhu8dzso9RmHEv6eSvjeo/s400/12-IMG-20130908-00467.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Vast dams of pink!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt1ythlcLKb7dIYKchugeDhqCOI06qqLQX5y1eHajBAxD023ahApi3HOQ-UH9-2DPmWsb4AKYwbe8fpKCuT5_CMoQRWN7jxsRpSA6xJH491v33uIS1rzWVDx41X83wzU4htw3usNhR6fw/s1600/10-IMG-20130908-00463.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt1ythlcLKb7dIYKchugeDhqCOI06qqLQX5y1eHajBAxD023ahApi3HOQ-UH9-2DPmWsb4AKYwbe8fpKCuT5_CMoQRWN7jxsRpSA6xJH491v33uIS1rzWVDx41X83wzU4htw3usNhR6fw/s640/10-IMG-20130908-00463.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Toni and Johan taking a closer look at the pink dam</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFVVTasWtdBPBnmFUoCP0xo0EBVt_HoaYHo5BKSV7j_KRhae9hoW8EEYvQIYMegu1OfFvj6y35PHTtpjZiuyz-SEHVB6UHFrUFLSh-y_w99RHr-IWDjfHq1adeCmpjoZ4fvXrlhO1FMvM/s1600/11-IMG-20130908-00465.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFVVTasWtdBPBnmFUoCP0xo0EBVt_HoaYHo5BKSV7j_KRhae9hoW8EEYvQIYMegu1OfFvj6y35PHTtpjZiuyz-SEHVB6UHFrUFLSh-y_w99RHr-IWDjfHq1adeCmpjoZ4fvXrlhO1FMvM/s400/11-IMG-20130908-00465.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The first signs of crystals forming</td></tr>
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On our way back, the Flamingos had moved to the other side
of the road and with the later time of day, I thought the setting was better.
Once stopped and off the bikes, we noticed a jackal scavenging through the area
and sometimes getting the birds slightly unsettled when he trots into their
direction. I have never seen a jackal this near and once again a wonderful
experience getting so close to the birds and wildlife! </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3toVUYI5x2nP2E0U-NESdrsv6D8LQ7e8g6aNC55mXCeY8bPyuQcFctEnKW6x41A6U3-5pA2Jn2K3eAZaB5MDGDp-1BvDEVYoBRMeFFU4kenCILH5EfxGVyK56AsdE4N3oHvXUJmpdrrU/s1600/17-DSCN0263.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3toVUYI5x2nP2E0U-NESdrsv6D8LQ7e8g6aNC55mXCeY8bPyuQcFctEnKW6x41A6U3-5pA2Jn2K3eAZaB5MDGDp-1BvDEVYoBRMeFFU4kenCILH5EfxGVyK56AsdE4N3oHvXUJmpdrrU/s640/17-DSCN0263.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A beautiful sight - a jackal from this close!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYd0OQ4H5IJb4C2DyArZWr_4lv5vQP4MBf8UgBFlr3fh1nKmSKuklRlRhsAq89FGF495rYAqBcM_pfeMqGpMR8MiVVR2za0qKVMZ3ni_Bp9cZo6p9uWRRYFxy16VXKDpNJxFk_3cEh2Vg/s1600/15-IMG-20130908-00528.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="476" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYd0OQ4H5IJb4C2DyArZWr_4lv5vQP4MBf8UgBFlr3fh1nKmSKuklRlRhsAq89FGF495rYAqBcM_pfeMqGpMR8MiVVR2za0qKVMZ3ni_Bp9cZo6p9uWRRYFxy16VXKDpNJxFk_3cEh2Vg/s640/15-IMG-20130908-00528.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The sun highlighting the dunes and catching the Flamingos</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkBY8mWtUfyhrZ4pYf3LYJ7_uozECQU5KNhmUf5NuquwY7zUDuw3L_v_nGDsxkXrTqeq7a1Us4ImAgeyEIFpSNMk8kFir2Cg4LXKzmifc4WNrznZ7oxzVY2ZbY_K61uXDvIZ7YBCHMcPg/s1600/13-IMG-20130908-00468.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="476" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkBY8mWtUfyhrZ4pYf3LYJ7_uozECQU5KNhmUf5NuquwY7zUDuw3L_v_nGDsxkXrTqeq7a1Us4ImAgeyEIFpSNMk8kFir2Cg4LXKzmifc4WNrznZ7oxzVY2ZbY_K61uXDvIZ7YBCHMcPg/s640/13-IMG-20130908-00468.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Brutus has to stand his man amongst the larger 2 KTM's!!</td></tr>
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<span style="text-align: start;">After saying goodbye to Johan, we took a short detour to the harbour, where we ended up looking for “something to take home”. Obviously a lot of bartering was involved and the “best” deal allowed us to take a few pics of her. The Ovambo women don’t bath that often and by putting this clay into their hair and bodies they keep away unwanted elements like insects (and maybe smell?). They would go to sleep as is and retouch it the next day if needed.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLt50lKKcadyRAWMFotxoIGx8mx-PInVSme-sgb7QfHt4PPj_Nahb3qT8Aku-MgktYRV018sskhKJWBHkSZQU8sGpRT21Ra9aJgrE-P5fbGg8b-m9_ozNcKZNpQ7iWYe4J30XHer1BT7w/s1600/19-DSCN0267.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="539" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLt50lKKcadyRAWMFotxoIGx8mx-PInVSme-sgb7QfHt4PPj_Nahb3qT8Aku-MgktYRV018sskhKJWBHkSZQU8sGpRT21Ra9aJgrE-P5fbGg8b-m9_ozNcKZNpQ7iWYe4J30XHer1BT7w/s640/19-DSCN0267.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It takes them hours to get their hair this lovely</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCq9rmak8AO2E29wIP5BRKDlWsXwPlnQSG6dKFizUedaeTspXoXfedGDhi4zcPOF8FYlzKrNmZFDOCuzEa5cWMgaJ5K3M1jIFl6089I2PpqCEqLzrGcZc_5OM9X92VAxxRSnVUc87Xu3c/s1600/20-DSCN0268.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCq9rmak8AO2E29wIP5BRKDlWsXwPlnQSG6dKFizUedaeTspXoXfedGDhi4zcPOF8FYlzKrNmZFDOCuzEa5cWMgaJ5K3M1jIFl6089I2PpqCEqLzrGcZc_5OM9X92VAxxRSnVUc87Xu3c/s400/20-DSCN0268.jpg" width="366" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A happy smile because she got something sold!</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJZMPWgiOXnP3-n3_RICHfUmyAHHdCYo1zSu6nL20nLoprmoyv_k7dB3ws4UCLWZDurM7FzvEDAYdAUf_swhzl0_DkviIgiK5ME57SpbN4IYqOuvVqZbU4A7IZYwLEJAYM59vmXucajds/s1600/14-IMG-20130908-00526.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJZMPWgiOXnP3-n3_RICHfUmyAHHdCYo1zSu6nL20nLoprmoyv_k7dB3ws4UCLWZDurM7FzvEDAYdAUf_swhzl0_DkviIgiK5ME57SpbN4IYqOuvVqZbU4A7IZYwLEJAYM59vmXucajds/s640/14-IMG-20130908-00526.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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We took the coastal road back to Swakopmund, with huge dunes
on the right and the sea on our left. As we left town, for more than a
kilometre or two, there were lovely Palm trees on both sides of the road,
almost bidding us farewell as we rode off into the sunset. Was it not for
Johan, I don’t think we would have seen so much and had the experience we did.
Stunning!</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_v7U1S_K_gVJUT6J4V1NN71pfInuScqB4BQJv0MyQ4kE4m3LoskRvvNh8DjWF9cv5zMP4wULyUspnxLVrZ1KBESB-T1s3kLoHcSjuRTdzPO6Sw5ZU3S4yWFVwasnx3hS7wC0ODMr0lzM/s1600/22-DSCN0273.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_v7U1S_K_gVJUT6J4V1NN71pfInuScqB4BQJv0MyQ4kE4m3LoskRvvNh8DjWF9cv5zMP4wULyUspnxLVrZ1KBESB-T1s3kLoHcSjuRTdzPO6Sw5ZU3S4yWFVwasnx3hS7wC0ODMr0lzM/s640/22-DSCN0273.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Once off the road, it's just sand and more sand!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Coastal road between Swakop and Walvis<br />
<span style="font-size: small; text-align: start;">I was surprised at the huge amount of development of both Swakopmund and Walvis. Somehow I could see myself escaping this way - were I ever forced to leave my beloved </span><st1:country-region style="font-size: medium; text-align: start;" w:st="on">South Africa</st1:country-region><span style="font-size: small; text-align: start;">. I am (unwisely?) guessing Swakop would not get too hot in summer because it is at the coast? It has wonderful old buildings and I loved the architecture. We ended the day with fish and chips, our first break from pasta or salticrax-with-something since we've been in</span><span style="font-size: small; text-align: start;"> </span><st1:country-region style="font-size: medium; text-align: start;" w:st="on">Namibia</st1:country-region><span style="font-size: small; text-align: start;">. NICE.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">At last something other than pasta and salticrax!</td></tr>
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Toni never seizes to bring a giggle at the
most appropriate times! Yesterday, I came across this picture! I
found him perched on his bed getting his
GPS sorted out. Now that morning he was dressed in
a pair of socks that almost came to his crotch! This time he was wearing the
owner of the guest house’s dressing gown!! All mauve and feminine, cause his
clothes were still in the wash and he was getting cold! Sorry Toni, I just HAD to share this pic!</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Toni caught in the act wearing a sexy little number!</td></tr>
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Johan, thanks so much for showing us your wonderful area. I
loved spending my “rest day” seeing even more of the treasures this awesome
country has to offer. </div>
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Also a huge thanks to Braam and Laura from <a href="http://www.lasirenetta.com.na/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">La Sirenetta</a><span style="background-color: #ffffca; font-family: Georgia;"> </span> For their tons of help with future tenting options, phonecalls, extra washing powder for the road, friendliness, the lip ice that at last helped for my chapped lips! - And loaning Toni your gown Laura! :) You guys went out of your way to make our stay wonderful!</div>
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AND I get to sleep in a real bed tonight!</div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16890635839913008069noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-482589321936440966.post-25099735621838749202013-10-06T19:42:00.000+02:002013-10-07T10:34:44.359+02:00NAMIBIA: Day 6 Windhoek - Okahandja – Swakopmund<br />
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Day 6</div>
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<st1:place w:st="on">Windhoek</st1:place>
- Okahandja – Swakopmund</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAyeozAC8ZibMzCMzHyeBFgVwRBGDLtGdkUQ6I5jJiMR8m7yfsGvgTA2BHjU36Z-lQSD6jWo7r5useDS_2zbpGgDYG9HZ8xB3YXH5qJI1Rxis2j6jgln-7ImcC2ATbvXmjUBKlY1yLxXg/s1600/04-IMG-20130907-00400.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAyeozAC8ZibMzCMzHyeBFgVwRBGDLtGdkUQ6I5jJiMR8m7yfsGvgTA2BHjU36Z-lQSD6jWo7r5useDS_2zbpGgDYG9HZ8xB3YXH5qJI1Rxis2j6jgln-7ImcC2ATbvXmjUBKlY1yLxXg/s640/04-IMG-20130907-00400.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A lovely setting</td></tr>
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After a wonderful rest thanks to Bianca, we hit the road on
a balmy but cool morning. Days of difficult off-road conditions actually made
me enjoy the tar road. – Yes, I know I would never let THAT come out of my mouth,
but I have had a few days to reconsider my riding skills and
nearly-near-death-experiences and cannot help wondering if I am way more of a
sissy than I thought.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ5IqsD954z61pOSchmrN2FGQG7kOBtf0yrw3qZXIF3ZOzVC-p6Zad1jTqcWVgyEadK2DxD6W99Rvjxrzl-Y9wQFt9IsMq7-xzth9ad1oWXiQA4LnBbBOlTmzh0xXvfuXX88A_HMcj4lk/s1600/02-IMG-20130907-00397.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ5IqsD954z61pOSchmrN2FGQG7kOBtf0yrw3qZXIF3ZOzVC-p6Zad1jTqcWVgyEadK2DxD6W99Rvjxrzl-Y9wQFt9IsMq7-xzth9ad1oWXiQA4LnBbBOlTmzh0xXvfuXX88A_HMcj4lk/s400/02-IMG-20130907-00397.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The first thing that I bump into the next morning?!?<br />
In this case, I don't think Toni is too big for his socks!</td></tr>
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The outskirts of <st1:city w:st="on">Windhoek</st1:city>
were beautiful and I was surprised at how mountainous the area was. Obviously it
also had more rain than the area we had been in over the last few days, as the
vegetation was greener and denser too.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3GRRt1BjWjUzJBwyzWvSLVcLLKrCCGEz_hZm-FKnjilg5oiKo4rbXUd-noxNdXUODRlShe18-Ksj_3ivHxmal9fYqzJU-MH8CEj5U5oHGBt00LZxAXgmTpZB6MeYfryVHh0byEoZ1ldE/s1600/01-IMG-20130907-00396.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3GRRt1BjWjUzJBwyzWvSLVcLLKrCCGEz_hZm-FKnjilg5oiKo4rbXUd-noxNdXUODRlShe18-Ksj_3ivHxmal9fYqzJU-MH8CEj5U5oHGBt00LZxAXgmTpZB6MeYfryVHh0byEoZ1ldE/s400/01-IMG-20130907-00396.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">An idea of all our electrical paraphernalia we drag along on the bikes!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDIHL_l-Q7Kfn_f2l2PeC2Azzwj0gAG1MQ-LAZRmklozAZf1d8RVWY8sHyI9Q2n_zVBk-oAV2ODU_d5lPLUi8ameO9GWKyZwFgDhzSWIjczW35DvXJMqtFg4sq0M65JlLAjNXDrDt0gJA/s1600/05-IMG-20130907-00402.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDIHL_l-Q7Kfn_f2l2PeC2Azzwj0gAG1MQ-LAZRmklozAZf1d8RVWY8sHyI9Q2n_zVBk-oAV2ODU_d5lPLUi8ameO9GWKyZwFgDhzSWIjczW35DvXJMqtFg4sq0M65JlLAjNXDrDt0gJA/s400/05-IMG-20130907-00402.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A bit of shade for our stop</td></tr>
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We made good time on the tar and once again I have only
praise for our F4 interphone that allows us to communicate while riding. It
has been such a big help to foresee problems, where to go or stop and even some
general banter.<br />
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We refilled in Okahandja and were on the lookout for biltong
(dried meat), but after some advice from the local petrol attendant, we opted
to try at the road stall along the way – needless to say, we never found it and
had no biltong.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tucs (the wind blew away before I had mine) and Nartjies</td></tr>
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We made a stop some 50 kms further to have a bite to eat. A
couple of German guys pulled up in their car and came and sat with us. We got
chatting and had a wonderful visit with the two musicians, who were here for
concerts, playing the cello and violin. They also gave us good directions for
the rest of our stay in Swakopmund. By now it had become blazing hot and we
seemed to become more lethargic as the day went on.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC5jmJzeLhgFGILOyb_UJYxbkJxX5iyQla7TskPMM2VgXY-orzWytiJElxjbgpAm7eOSmdMMU94_IyTgopWmmjCj_ILgVHVIegsu56Jevk6rNpkCl6F_SQIOUKto0aT6rUhOdSR2lHvV0/s1600/08-IMG-20130907-00405.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC5jmJzeLhgFGILOyb_UJYxbkJxX5iyQla7TskPMM2VgXY-orzWytiJElxjbgpAm7eOSmdMMU94_IyTgopWmmjCj_ILgVHVIegsu56Jevk6rNpkCl6F_SQIOUKto0aT6rUhOdSR2lHvV0/s640/08-IMG-20130907-00405.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our new German friends</td></tr>
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We saw bush pigs quite a few times, literally just grazing alongside
the road. A lovely sight to see such
wild animals right next to a major road.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV8CPjSp0yhpzZyCmGgRmli1xOLjXMDQYy97QAE2KQeRCeQpgw0Q4GSKzUmmrVtdBA_L-0cEmPE4QyQgbVRP6_yVmoHa6obw3UpCZLfKne0nGpidbynBWQGSK7Q51pTQjfhtSncsYtv6E/s1600/09-IMG-20130907-00407.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV8CPjSp0yhpzZyCmGgRmli1xOLjXMDQYy97QAE2KQeRCeQpgw0Q4GSKzUmmrVtdBA_L-0cEmPE4QyQgbVRP6_yVmoHa6obw3UpCZLfKne0nGpidbynBWQGSK7Q51pTQjfhtSncsYtv6E/s400/09-IMG-20130907-00407.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We made a 2nd stop to eat the biltong we bought from a Spar!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbuKjat9VlTNjbA9_oJxI842kGJrsXIOAt9yez7lHmNtYS48pxr3fsL6-jfCfKsUpZ9JYnV3evsQ60t3nOfkkNwH7E5YBvpjWxvsCF9TkkDAa2U2nBXAzG9Kk2fE64ekd3Lcnzp6Um6Lc/s1600/07-IMG-20130907-00220.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbuKjat9VlTNjbA9_oJxI842kGJrsXIOAt9yez7lHmNtYS48pxr3fsL6-jfCfKsUpZ9JYnV3evsQ60t3nOfkkNwH7E5YBvpjWxvsCF9TkkDAa2U2nBXAzG9Kk2fE64ekd3Lcnzp6Um6Lc/s400/07-IMG-20130907-00220.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And some more Nartjies</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
Suddenly everything changed! The scenery had changed from
vegetation to white flat stretches of sand. We were smack bang in the middle of
a dessert and somehow I never realized Swakopmund was situated in the desert?!
As we neared the coast, the cooler air was a welcome relief to my
sweat-drenched body. I must admit that my riding jacket had only seen dust and
sweat for the last while and had quite a pong to it. I wondered if I would be
able to give it a quick wash or if I should be dishing out washing pegs to
anyone who wanted to come close?!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8lLR2j_h1F57bsWHa0TtBvM-7qLxV7nlolEY910-JWTf6cZpl3ReueZa9IcnCzFbJ65u0wVqjKI1EhKf0fKy0bFjF5zn8NHEGSY8Tk7SSd1g6AaNTjp2wV5i_MK_HWX0HyeD_SGWn_oo/s1600/10-IMG-20130907-00411.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8lLR2j_h1F57bsWHa0TtBvM-7qLxV7nlolEY910-JWTf6cZpl3ReueZa9IcnCzFbJ65u0wVqjKI1EhKf0fKy0bFjF5zn8NHEGSY8Tk7SSd1g6AaNTjp2wV5i_MK_HWX0HyeD_SGWn_oo/s400/10-IMG-20130907-00411.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And suddenly we were in the desert</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMvzFso9tulT1AnrvpGzQzsXaN19A8zAAzxB0E_lzayOW2DVfUISiJVYacj2jYe1xExeVQ0RutSE9pVfb0GrtNr0sano5hbqb1MVibzgQ964rjRw11u2uZ0EgqjuQY07H3WdDLoLzP5eE/s1600/11-IMG-20130907-00413.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMvzFso9tulT1AnrvpGzQzsXaN19A8zAAzxB0E_lzayOW2DVfUISiJVYacj2jYe1xExeVQ0RutSE9pVfb0GrtNr0sano5hbqb1MVibzgQ964rjRw11u2uZ0EgqjuQY07H3WdDLoLzP5eE/s640/11-IMG-20130907-00413.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Toni trying to take pics from weird angles</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia2hRfPRGm58fIsgwRj8i647zABXitA4fXUDFGQGGw2D1X9YokQu-iN_tzqJwRGHA4UXZ6We8BVHz709DOVUr6vNMH8aKoJl-iBhtTaqGdKGtso36aP1JdHxgVt08atvJ6IqAvdRBvpmY/s1600/12-IMG-20130907-00415.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="476" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia2hRfPRGm58fIsgwRj8i647zABXitA4fXUDFGQGGw2D1X9YokQu-iN_tzqJwRGHA4UXZ6We8BVHz709DOVUr6vNMH8aKoJl-iBhtTaqGdKGtso36aP1JdHxgVt08atvJ6IqAvdRBvpmY/s640/12-IMG-20130907-00415.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My attempt at pics in the desert</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8fRIwFQgeaiAAJlGU_Tr3jFsD0UsU_NXSr1VoabRqKVssz8jWv-0ILuCr_zJSjESkHOeV3kRRMVpuEaXIusvzeq9ZF1CXVj5HNl-CmzduXBtkrlicteCOmiLuR1l8uN5Xcm52LilzTbI/s1600/13-IMG-20130907-00416.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="472" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8fRIwFQgeaiAAJlGU_Tr3jFsD0UsU_NXSr1VoabRqKVssz8jWv-0ILuCr_zJSjESkHOeV3kRRMVpuEaXIusvzeq9ZF1CXVj5HNl-CmzduXBtkrlicteCOmiLuR1l8uN5Xcm52LilzTbI/s640/13-IMG-20130907-00416.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">More hills and sand</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
We were met by Braam and Laura in Swakop, just as the sun
was setting and a sticky wetness was in the air. Dog tired once again, but
relieved we did not still have to pitch tents, we made ourselves comfortable
and got our washing done.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjitjymJ_bbyeeJlOvjFNUj0_uUG6Mbn9ppgsIuk1KpoOjnkyiw-_9CgJeaVy0us7noBeJiDLMQylw3DGRgHQS5ddOwuVcnllFpggyco3Q17Wx4nLl8MxrFTOw09S03UPNXsYe6GmcE-vY/s1600/14-IMG-20130907-00418.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="295" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjitjymJ_bbyeeJlOvjFNUj0_uUG6Mbn9ppgsIuk1KpoOjnkyiw-_9CgJeaVy0us7noBeJiDLMQylw3DGRgHQS5ddOwuVcnllFpggyco3Q17Wx4nLl8MxrFTOw09S03UPNXsYe6GmcE-vY/s400/14-IMG-20130907-00418.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Desert as far as the eye can see</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUlHYsFUFfmPCpjnTWXAykl7jxyJwE93ws65l3e0yy0NbTm_n3eC0PT1tMh2ADpVJoToP8Z_iywJISZzO7UOX2jRyP0GhJloat-HuOqMzq-P-8eY-4LgODxsQC3QFbBqsfjveUcaO_LXc/s1600/16-DSCN0224.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUlHYsFUFfmPCpjnTWXAykl7jxyJwE93ws65l3e0yy0NbTm_n3eC0PT1tMh2ADpVJoToP8Z_iywJISZzO7UOX2jRyP0GhJloat-HuOqMzq-P-8eY-4LgODxsQC3QFbBqsfjveUcaO_LXc/s640/16-DSCN0224.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I love this vastness!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4xwQ3Lm-evAg9Z1vdWIQqw4eHBNl94jEG7CWg-pefBM5Kg0nnitn9f5qGlYXqTz8ji2nKVuflzhhyphenhyphenIu4GrPkt2wSnxrZ6ZH8HwTaLon5R6gx99ORM4B_y_h14g8YQvGwbTsIGPIDhpio/s1600/15-IMG-20130907-00420.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4xwQ3Lm-evAg9Z1vdWIQqw4eHBNl94jEG7CWg-pefBM5Kg0nnitn9f5qGlYXqTz8ji2nKVuflzhhyphenhyphenIu4GrPkt2wSnxrZ6ZH8HwTaLon5R6gx99ORM4B_y_h14g8YQvGwbTsIGPIDhpio/s640/15-IMG-20130907-00420.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWBE4Xkdz3nnV2r1MFlMrFjkWcYF8sardUPAe5vKMdNxMFa8RAoirB48i0pprbR7YrlUdhSFavweC1YiJcGGdM0DQiUH7RyiwknH9-AZwhY8d7bQTOrlBIHJFEGyQuhgaU4KgdlI4NNys/s1600/18-IMG-20130907-00421.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWBE4Xkdz3nnV2r1MFlMrFjkWcYF8sardUPAe5vKMdNxMFa8RAoirB48i0pprbR7YrlUdhSFavweC1YiJcGGdM0DQiUH7RyiwknH9-AZwhY8d7bQTOrlBIHJFEGyQuhgaU4KgdlI4NNys/s400/18-IMG-20130907-00421.jpg" width="297" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Palm trees line the street as you enter Swakopmund</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO_BciVHdFyHr5z1bpg6tWv_kQA7zcQ0SCAqQGwYifrdXybBccPBtyhOAYhQaSHqzdRVezUEYRyI9_vIB8ak3OpDyLn-3XKVdjXECrVpGvLLL2w7hSI4omvroSZvUuIbVe0eDQNMHda3Q/s1600/19-DSCN0227.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO_BciVHdFyHr5z1bpg6tWv_kQA7zcQ0SCAqQGwYifrdXybBccPBtyhOAYhQaSHqzdRVezUEYRyI9_vIB8ak3OpDyLn-3XKVdjXECrVpGvLLL2w7hSI4omvroSZvUuIbVe0eDQNMHda3Q/s400/19-DSCN0227.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The jail - a beautiful old building</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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</div>
I absolutely loved the beauty of the desert, especially
with the setting sun turning the whole area into soft hues of light pinks and
blues above the sandy dunes.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFE13Y0dgkPXzUQMOehhRQ9KyphcVFABXi9-uWZf7CF5CmJfIJ67xRGR_Qp9oUXMWVaTD-ckIXEjCZO-wfjcjea6jIZ0znKP9brj_ds92famXZEu27GUmaj65eptTw7vRQrnaugC-UR_g/s1600/17-DSCN0226.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFE13Y0dgkPXzUQMOehhRQ9KyphcVFABXi9-uWZf7CF5CmJfIJ67xRGR_Qp9oUXMWVaTD-ckIXEjCZO-wfjcjea6jIZ0znKP9brj_ds92famXZEu27GUmaj65eptTw7vRQrnaugC-UR_g/s640/17-DSCN0226.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16890635839913008069noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-482589321936440966.post-9247402328512327432013-10-03T17:13:00.000+02:002013-10-07T10:34:12.434+02:00NAMIBIA Day 5: Gochas – Stampriet – Ullenhorst – Windhoek<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0DC64SURJCnRbAPSDADImcAeQowDfMUWrfHdc1IBs2oDxl4tQoBpk6d1izqEl1NZ5m3eMOyTVJNbe3ndx90MJ7MYz4_wYQLEdnc6Nh7NR_QPvzqQ0Zrfr1Tbrt7e_-C2baHlijEwt6pA/s640/13-DSCN0215.jpg" width="640" /></div>
<br />
Day 4<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Gochas – Stampriet – Ullenhorst – <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Windhoek</st1:place></st1:city></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on"><br /></st1:place></st1:city></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiBVZU_d-OOC-LDmTZb1FXTuk00ANLfRAn6BIwRU9jV0zToY3WRyAo-B5kwAW48pm48V_Lcao40s4BQgiG5-PSv-zFxKkBPJjARjIHqA76DlQdAFg-Y_WCfA_zm9TOD_3hyfZXrYqLF8c/s1600/03-IMG-20130906-00344.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiBVZU_d-OOC-LDmTZb1FXTuk00ANLfRAn6BIwRU9jV0zToY3WRyAo-B5kwAW48pm48V_Lcao40s4BQgiG5-PSv-zFxKkBPJjARjIHqA76DlQdAFg-Y_WCfA_zm9TOD_3hyfZXrYqLF8c/s640/03-IMG-20130906-00344.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
Once again a lovely sunrise. Although a distant rooster was
determined to wake up the district before 4am! Or no wait! I was already awake!
Absolutely freezing to death through most of the early hours of the morning, I
could not help but notice the farm noises from early morning. Our tents were up
right next to a camp full of cattle and when we started pitching them the
previous night, we had an audience come closer to investigate and then do a
thorough inspection once we were done.</div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcpcrKf1Rpt3ZLCMqdhdaxq0wL-Ii9H1ZdnLsnzBCUR6VqWVbqnt0NKSDigzA0dkhHRB45cQdtIN8dCT-ObFILcTVrcnnA4ubGbDWShbm1TQftLgY0Q89xzYhNwLR79ghzuRFAAYNP0Bo/s1600/04-IMG-20130906-00349.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcpcrKf1Rpt3ZLCMqdhdaxq0wL-Ii9H1ZdnLsnzBCUR6VqWVbqnt0NKSDigzA0dkhHRB45cQdtIN8dCT-ObFILcTVrcnnA4ubGbDWShbm1TQftLgY0Q89xzYhNwLR79ghzuRFAAYNP0Bo/s640/04-IMG-20130906-00349.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
Getting away later than planned, we hit the road only around
10.30. We had been told that except for the first 65kms, the rest of the road
had been tarred, thus no need to rush or get away early. We met a very
interesting man there at our campsite. Koos Van der Berg has taken a year off
from work to write a book. After heart problems, he decided to hit the road,
with a (very heavy) rucksack, his laptop and his own thoughts. He has walked
through large parts of <st1:country-region w:st="on">Namibia</st1:country-region>
and lost 20kg since he started. We spent quite a while chatting to him and
found him immensely interesting! Be on the look out for his book!</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz8ZTSVGbJHMWsxfx6BnENdxzkfRetv2x-8B-fDOkshPphnj-jcpnH_CjYQ0ZzeHz6_YvBohYStGtvvgXohiXpNYmhYMgfaFVvXo6OCMICqpaZ2a-wSJa74ZPYBlhDQ_K2pMaVGEaXyC0/s1600/06-IMG-20130906-00351.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="476" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz8ZTSVGbJHMWsxfx6BnENdxzkfRetv2x-8B-fDOkshPphnj-jcpnH_CjYQ0ZzeHz6_YvBohYStGtvvgXohiXpNYmhYMgfaFVvXo6OCMICqpaZ2a-wSJa74ZPYBlhDQ_K2pMaVGEaXyC0/s640/06-IMG-20130906-00351.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Koos Van der Berg</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on"><br /></st1:place></st1:city></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0VX0FXCCZUbknqkbGW10eVnDGajDmQm3KCIaLudL-SFJdeWBsytCIAm0QIKLDTZfMnvoN1YzatcbDfzDp287QBb954-Tc3LGQPEHEVOnvgOAMpNICzFNS4ZZiJdx_bBC13w9jkROxaig/s1600/07-IMG-20130906-00352.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0VX0FXCCZUbknqkbGW10eVnDGajDmQm3KCIaLudL-SFJdeWBsytCIAm0QIKLDTZfMnvoN1YzatcbDfzDp287QBb954-Tc3LGQPEHEVOnvgOAMpNICzFNS4ZZiJdx_bBC13w9jkROxaig/s640/07-IMG-20130906-00352.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And so the day begins!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibTbwUQD5o4JNtQn7z_fSJekYZsAR06bdRuJ9TXH88XQDLswFhrBlvdxOXsdtitiMwZwvmgXqhGB5h2ywwA2_-vggo3D9V9S7GVUEbW_Z1oJ2JYdHuifUDPsNN0v77Zwl7helgJx7ujfs/s1600/IMG-20130906-00356.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibTbwUQD5o4JNtQn7z_fSJekYZsAR06bdRuJ9TXH88XQDLswFhrBlvdxOXsdtitiMwZwvmgXqhGB5h2ywwA2_-vggo3D9V9S7GVUEbW_Z1oJ2JYdHuifUDPsNN0v77Zwl7helgJx7ujfs/s640/IMG-20130906-00356.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Brutus still looking strong!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZFUpipH2DPyq8AzO5WSWGD-Pgs7icJcQR2iismvOj3G6nTMRV0PePK2ZqG_2XsTDRXjTvVgtfTJftUF63rjXlSBx_e3_kgBDy0J88EN-8jOA_4aVt-FhInn6xYeoB_eAxaX2hgBwsLGw/s1600/02-DSCN0185.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZFUpipH2DPyq8AzO5WSWGD-Pgs7icJcQR2iismvOj3G6nTMRV0PePK2ZqG_2XsTDRXjTvVgtfTJftUF63rjXlSBx_e3_kgBDy0J88EN-8jOA_4aVt-FhInn6xYeoB_eAxaX2hgBwsLGw/s640/02-DSCN0185.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fooling around - still have some energy!</td></tr>
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Leaving Gochas we had lovely mountains on the one side - lit
up by the morning sun. 4 Kudus jumped across the road right in front of us.
Unfortunately, once again I had problems with the cam. As we were ready to
leave, the bracket holding my cam had come off and the spare bracket was packed
so far away, I was not going to undo the hours’ worth of tying we went through
a little earlier!</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixrSvHxKvtVZ1pY1lcaWIyTnDbhz-zSDQTyUDzcVhbUMkZsKHq9oFHElTeAMqQ_WcTGow_M2-ZVRs7AOuph0GIgABaUMA5nL2vKe2hQ-eI84ubTmhotbzySgaA2WkJ9ahFtKZss5-N0EU/s1600/09-IMG-20130906-00358.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixrSvHxKvtVZ1pY1lcaWIyTnDbhz-zSDQTyUDzcVhbUMkZsKHq9oFHElTeAMqQ_WcTGow_M2-ZVRs7AOuph0GIgABaUMA5nL2vKe2hQ-eI84ubTmhotbzySgaA2WkJ9ahFtKZss5-N0EU/s640/09-IMG-20130906-00358.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I loved the formations of this tree trunk</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sand - and more sand!</td></tr>
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The road quickly changed to my favourite loose gravel and
dust! Toni was riding ahead and we have an F4 Interphone system to communicate
through the helmet. This has been extremely helpful, as during the wet and
muddy conditions, he was ahead and would warn me about potholes and problems.
In this case it was also good to know where the next sand patch or rut would
be. Yet for some reason the F4’s range was suddenly down to barely 50metres
(can do 500m), necessitating me to ride in his dust most of the way. Add loose gravel,
sandy patches and heat in the 50’s (ok, ok, in their 30’s!) into the equation
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijaae1Ad7-j8z3b9QIL1E1sc0raF3WEFOS4am8mOn6rbazZSIiGiswktKy_jGvZ4Wwp4wm1_sn1g6hKWECRNmwWcqGic0M_tV7-rg_1rEVjinzsu2iXjnGntwE49TIIgnM0waR8NpOgfA/s1600/10-IMG-20130906-00360.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijaae1Ad7-j8z3b9QIL1E1sc0raF3WEFOS4am8mOn6rbazZSIiGiswktKy_jGvZ4Wwp4wm1_sn1g6hKWECRNmwWcqGic0M_tV7-rg_1rEVjinzsu2iXjnGntwE49TIIgnM0waR8NpOgfA/s640/10-IMG-20130906-00360.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of the only two trees we stopped at during the day</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYLsgpFtA56GJEN9lfxpbfq2W9LGZ53_8xaR1spdCCuYMMLjYUYsEyrriDCjmK8zo-3jMjdOMwcvsYlaTRk8084DDgtsizWqTPs_GrRHnxKj0_hHTMvznBhSWdbWWTkih5g8t-4da2z3U/s1600/11-IMG-20130906-00362.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYLsgpFtA56GJEN9lfxpbfq2W9LGZ53_8xaR1spdCCuYMMLjYUYsEyrriDCjmK8zo-3jMjdOMwcvsYlaTRk8084DDgtsizWqTPs_GrRHnxKj0_hHTMvznBhSWdbWWTkih5g8t-4da2z3U/s640/11-IMG-20130906-00362.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I was frustrated that I could not look around and enjoy the
awesome beauty I was in. I was constantly worried I would either drop my bike or
that I was keeping Toni back. Wearing riding gear in the middle of a desert
started getting to me and I convinced myself to never do dirt roads again (yeah
right!!).</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Almost passing out in the scrap of shade</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit_coPFLxIjyVgi8MMNzIQrK7nHGavHw08c8Kr8WmQhIjMJVrXl1zKTSbvmWHQPDvLr24irmq87pvWHcQREGmAbbUdp0yJYZRCQfdgglikB97mgVYYXTUV7K4c0Ssx-oztmFX0UT-xtYA/s1600/16-IMG-20130906-00374.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit_coPFLxIjyVgi8MMNzIQrK7nHGavHw08c8Kr8WmQhIjMJVrXl1zKTSbvmWHQPDvLr24irmq87pvWHcQREGmAbbUdp0yJYZRCQfdgglikB97mgVYYXTUV7K4c0Ssx-oztmFX0UT-xtYA/s640/16-IMG-20130906-00374.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My way of indicating we were both sitting - and both too tired to get up and take a pic!<br />
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<span style="font-size: small; text-align: start;">The heat was almost crippling and we looked for a shady tree – have you ever tried finding a tree in a desert?! At last we got to rest our weary bones under a tree. I don't remember ever feeling so low and tired during a ride.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZqUc6RhL-bfQrmeUo6EiIJ4WkMjdtwpEwOeS83eykaTKoxdW02RbC7Pp-85jgqTCORCYMmXNlZ7thosqtVXkIFhYI2Qzvpe7OmnZg-U76ezeN3k2NddVO4mhFGiYEAbg_R7qL1WHI_F4/s1600/20-IMG-20130906-00212.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZqUc6RhL-bfQrmeUo6EiIJ4WkMjdtwpEwOeS83eykaTKoxdW02RbC7Pp-85jgqTCORCYMmXNlZ7thosqtVXkIFhYI2Qzvpe7OmnZg-U76ezeN3k2NddVO4mhFGiYEAbg_R7qL1WHI_F4/s640/20-IMG-20130906-00212.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">OK, so I did get up to capture the moment!</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwLnhtll84bmvsdSSoUuJM6GhtuYkmDanwSEmWhPmv5Si6sWr4tsXy5gv8nEZP1OchWUIpqHGOzDnHR0lgWCb0jptwrApnibmDvCVsPVeQAXNUWuPFr3t_0ID86z4ugeUQ3Mf_wGKgUfQ/s1600/IMG-20130913-WA000.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwLnhtll84bmvsdSSoUuJM6GhtuYkmDanwSEmWhPmv5Si6sWr4tsXy5gv8nEZP1OchWUIpqHGOzDnHR0lgWCb0jptwrApnibmDvCVsPVeQAXNUWuPFr3t_0ID86z4ugeUQ3Mf_wGKgUfQ/s400/IMG-20130913-WA000.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My sister sent me this - how on earth did she know I was soo knackered THIS day?!</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinTzVwK54aNm3w1QsFUmKCg6iY9TKUX-tNFrTEy7PYrWD9oLNQD_faTisTkPzJRN8YCMInkAgcUoLjaJ1a747vHFqAdhxrLqJYPr3UZEGKCJx2sgQ4fy7PCXy-Yjk2vJiSKRxQWjurX9k/s1600/01-IMG-20130905-00291.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="539" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinTzVwK54aNm3w1QsFUmKCg6iY9TKUX-tNFrTEy7PYrWD9oLNQD_faTisTkPzJRN8YCMInkAgcUoLjaJ1a747vHFqAdhxrLqJYPr3UZEGKCJx2sgQ4fy7PCXy-Yjk2vJiSKRxQWjurX9k/s640/01-IMG-20130905-00291.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: start;">The highlight of my day came when about 7 or 8 Kudus crossed just in front of us. The last one was cut off and stayed on the other side till I was right next to him. Never in my life have I seen a wild deer from so close, let alone a Kudu jumping?! We saw a lot of goats, cattle and other animals roaming on the wrong side of the fence and one constantly had to expect the unexpected.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4XLbM-YNx2MSyu28pNev6RKKJxQ6RDcAD-KoiLcjaF9yQfqs5MhKgVnjDicf-pclPIXsmjZWK9lwfqbW3oPQ1yDGqhh4t9C0U-IxB0XnA96-HxoUen8np8TXrIM1_1JHEQjv_Np_gZrk/s1600/15-IMG-20130906-00369.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4XLbM-YNx2MSyu28pNev6RKKJxQ6RDcAD-KoiLcjaF9yQfqs5MhKgVnjDicf-pclPIXsmjZWK9lwfqbW3oPQ1yDGqhh4t9C0U-IxB0XnA96-HxoUen8np8TXrIM1_1JHEQjv_Np_gZrk/s640/15-IMG-20130906-00369.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A new fan at the few solitude petrol pumps at Ullenhorst</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVsNuL3PuDnyQoMV3fgndvD6gW8gX9EaPgIsW9L1vWbxappsAiU-nnOvB1gUCEzRQVMrvYEhvprHKc8oKzUA-pLcZXOH12GGXQUsIwVgE4jSXpAy-RrMSdoF_j9rK-PrHWrMZ36RL2jew/s1600/14-IMG-20130906-00365.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVsNuL3PuDnyQoMV3fgndvD6gW8gX9EaPgIsW9L1vWbxappsAiU-nnOvB1gUCEzRQVMrvYEhvprHKc8oKzUA-pLcZXOH12GGXQUsIwVgE4jSXpAy-RrMSdoF_j9rK-PrHWrMZ36RL2jew/s640/14-IMG-20130906-00365.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">After a split in the road we had to consult the roadmap, as the indications were not what we were expecting!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhouIocKauMV5yLvfdsW_Bpme0xvZWuL1C4u54_QY7-pK0VRkKIJoflWwAfW4_G27Nqj4-EOuAthHscmSkAD2jO_Hr5T8sNlHk9yS9j77mbbE5pFa8YjjeCiIG_dskgMJu0GgOfQC8HWgs/s1600/21-IMG-20130906-00382.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhouIocKauMV5yLvfdsW_Bpme0xvZWuL1C4u54_QY7-pK0VRkKIJoflWwAfW4_G27Nqj4-EOuAthHscmSkAD2jO_Hr5T8sNlHk9yS9j77mbbE5pFa8YjjeCiIG_dskgMJu0GgOfQC8HWgs/s640/21-IMG-20130906-00382.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">What a beautiful area?!<br />
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<span style="font-size: small; text-align: start;">We hit some tar on our last stretch into </span><st1:city style="font-size: medium; text-align: start;" w:st="on">Windhoek</st1:city><span style="font-size: small; text-align: start;">. Once again we were riding at dusk and stunning views were seen everywhere!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQFPVBRuUQjNgopP-Pg7WsPNiU9Amq0AxRkJ0pXnTTZgZNWyrI8FbyXAnn2_ZxQEuKHn4I4b9SzLSZ1T-ZWThWDwpCfVFQJ17_shkU23Rz8oReXtB7BkKdnwPEsA6zq_Q0R2tHcHNMDSU/s1600/22-IMG-20130906-00391.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQFPVBRuUQjNgopP-Pg7WsPNiU9Amq0AxRkJ0pXnTTZgZNWyrI8FbyXAnn2_ZxQEuKHn4I4b9SzLSZ1T-ZWThWDwpCfVFQJ17_shkU23Rz8oReXtB7BkKdnwPEsA6zq_Q0R2tHcHNMDSU/s640/22-IMG-20130906-00391.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Awesome views!</td></tr>
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In <st1:place w:st="on">Windhoek</st1:place>
we could use Accommodation Swap (thanks Dad!) and actually slept in beds!! Yes
you heard it, a BED! Situated high up against a hill in <st1:city w:st="on">Windhoek</st1:city> we had awesome views from the great
guesthouse. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9pgno8cYmoqQnxYxPGBnSp15l8yi_mFOBKnGns6NUwRIu5w5-0jUQRchlZyOBiyz4A8UeSTXK6JveDHvzRiSVvlcG36DgJczmRp_0d4QTvw9dY81JM-qLOuqdffMKs3ncq5xnfHRWFeY/s1600/23-IMG-20130906-00215.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9pgno8cYmoqQnxYxPGBnSp15l8yi_mFOBKnGns6NUwRIu5w5-0jUQRchlZyOBiyz4A8UeSTXK6JveDHvzRiSVvlcG36DgJczmRp_0d4QTvw9dY81JM-qLOuqdffMKs3ncq5xnfHRWFeY/s400/23-IMG-20130906-00215.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A REAL bathroom</td></tr>
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Toni cooked us some pasta up on a little terrace and after
dropping to sleep several times in front of my laptop (I just HAD to try and
get some of my blog done!) I gave it up for a bad job and hit the comfy bed!
The shortest sleep of my life! Was still getting into bed and the alarm had
gone off 5 hours later. I had slept the sleep of the dead! The long, tedious
dusty roads were getting to me. Spending between 6 and 10 hours in the saddle –
well, most of them standing out of the saddle – I could feel I was getting
weary and needed a break soon. It was heaven not having to pack and load up my
tent!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwOCx-4JCXeHH3g7QEikK-PQoq49HAEHRAq8UpPC5RPU7EjQ2m5hYDGo8lv3fLEZzi5HTL8onOahXXTX2AFQUJeg8lqHbCaUN-fnCCbBUPpCoZAHs7LgSji8oEEifDV_-VYkfFbd19tNg/s1600/IMG-20130906-00376e.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwOCx-4JCXeHH3g7QEikK-PQoq49HAEHRAq8UpPC5RPU7EjQ2m5hYDGo8lv3fLEZzi5HTL8onOahXXTX2AFQUJeg8lqHbCaUN-fnCCbBUPpCoZAHs7LgSji8oEEifDV_-VYkfFbd19tNg/s640/IMG-20130906-00376e.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16890635839913008069noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-482589321936440966.post-88838980779245012942013-10-02T23:42:00.000+02:002013-10-07T10:33:46.288+02:00NAMIBIA Day 4: Grunau – Keetmanshoop – Koes - Gochas<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<img border="0" height="473" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheCByOrgau7IcwznHWPGpZvJ2JdrHsLgmG7UfwwoFxfUQJpKDjl-Zhs1tJMSqISwvRTwxoi-izycYegvNSn_UqaTFUv6KY8qF3_cCFt19hyphenhyphen-JjcvObrIdh4Dp7O-4-SbcUKohE0waYKx8/s640/IMG-20130905-00314.jpg" width="640" /><br />
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Day 4</div>
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Grunau – Keetmanshoop – Koes - Gochas</div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;">I was up early enough to enjoy a spectacular sunrise. </span></div>
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<img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4jNil7_2xce5ws7Rpas2LqnI3HqF76aiYdK-au0y3TZJo84eq88dFyD8dVsWS0KlSS1AcHJSbqyNUZZinAmDEYxan4ZbYiv1z4BtxHa2fBG6NIyi9izGDJUcIY184PkCe9pHtMPUMtJY/s640/3-DSCN0163.JPG" width="640" /></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;">Although a cold night, I slept warm and woke to
birds singing and a red sun rising in the distance. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-0mODr9Bvjk_7w0OXIGOVil9QBtSnHgZ3kukGAcHTD09h4o0Cm7UiYVUaEJABW9MyDGUGP4FhPHQBoh-j1JFOqNnC8Qm7RO3N69ldKkN7RG2GZjFhO9TcMCPZF7tEJrvSNM3Mi6RAkhk/s1600/01-FILE1000.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-0mODr9Bvjk_7w0OXIGOVil9QBtSnHgZ3kukGAcHTD09h4o0Cm7UiYVUaEJABW9MyDGUGP4FhPHQBoh-j1JFOqNnC8Qm7RO3N69ldKkN7RG2GZjFhO9TcMCPZF7tEJrvSNM3Mi6RAkhk/s640/01-FILE1000.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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We met up with Nic at the White house and left around 8.30.
Not having anything to eat or drink, we had a picnic on the way just before
Keepmanshoop.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLz2GncnpPAuXKACLAEx0ljqfCYuJq8NHCILbE9C5rnRgcneQIjRqhshRncDBvUh8bxw4eG-lJZCT9BS06K7rtu5hjzBCdvpGvqgLMW1o75A4svzq4qwXVcEMSpd591bZM6u2iVP9DPVM/s1600/6-DSCN0187.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLz2GncnpPAuXKACLAEx0ljqfCYuJq8NHCILbE9C5rnRgcneQIjRqhshRncDBvUh8bxw4eG-lJZCT9BS06K7rtu5hjzBCdvpGvqgLMW1o75A4svzq4qwXVcEMSpd591bZM6u2iVP9DPVM/s400/6-DSCN0187.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr4fEBeUb2D_z3Cixhw02aQDYbZyUEMZrpONXL6RpZGQTIqDr2-CgFhTKLEq2R2vvknH4_nHbCSnvF0fVaWudfmoxt099xUPggP_zoBvoURaagd3-R2EcgNptbUDwl-xTILTcubqL4WWs/s1600/7-IMG-20130905-00298.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr4fEBeUb2D_z3Cixhw02aQDYbZyUEMZrpONXL6RpZGQTIqDr2-CgFhTKLEq2R2vvknH4_nHbCSnvF0fVaWudfmoxt099xUPggP_zoBvoURaagd3-R2EcgNptbUDwl-xTILTcubqL4WWs/s400/7-IMG-20130905-00298.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Toni giving Nic some of his Espresso</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-CT3FB-D-WRk-c3pN0IrZTw6pyBFfL3UmzCPW323E_v8ahELAfp8Xg3EHhfE4r0oc3q0e-eYdpmqodr3NxCQI2yrer4KVG-jyzb1CT3xaiPPZdkmGc8GpGuNJBnSRP4QOBY71DKZfizI/s1600/04-FILE1120.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-CT3FB-D-WRk-c3pN0IrZTw6pyBFfL3UmzCPW323E_v8ahELAfp8Xg3EHhfE4r0oc3q0e-eYdpmqodr3NxCQI2yrer4KVG-jyzb1CT3xaiPPZdkmGc8GpGuNJBnSRP4QOBY71DKZfizI/s640/04-FILE1120.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The red dunes near Koes</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3pSA-GBHjLmi3O1-vzKREAzJha9myItfrOh0YLdEq4eEZzb4ZUBIHKqta3XiSDq6Oofkw4YOn7ib83bHxzMhtWBlq4D2N9eqMAxfAQW-2T3uz8GxJAdHjg9P3JCx9JA4iht9VW5KHt3c/s1600/05-FILE1223.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3pSA-GBHjLmi3O1-vzKREAzJha9myItfrOh0YLdEq4eEZzb4ZUBIHKqta3XiSDq6Oofkw4YOn7ib83bHxzMhtWBlq4D2N9eqMAxfAQW-2T3uz8GxJAdHjg9P3JCx9JA4iht9VW5KHt3c/s640/05-FILE1223.JPG" width="640" /></a><br />
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There we turned onto gravel, rode past the Quiver tree
forest and Giants playground (masses of huge heaps of stones – looks almost
like it was put there by someone – yet way too huge!).</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihMEUdwzr45j_Scct1WAGtWt4mTrkb0ddiHzER5GKDtJTxQeYG8UtxaG1ZPMjD_rbgoASkpJunLxn5xbO63WeNikupe7Ey1dN3i9XFapfFDskEzCB74RI8oh-euB08887d8n2V3ygRsvw/s1600/9-IMG-20130905-00309.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihMEUdwzr45j_Scct1WAGtWt4mTrkb0ddiHzER5GKDtJTxQeYG8UtxaG1ZPMjD_rbgoASkpJunLxn5xbO63WeNikupe7Ey1dN3i9XFapfFDskEzCB74RI8oh-euB08887d8n2V3ygRsvw/s640/9-IMG-20130905-00309.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Quiver forrest</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTMyvPKJSxwiXRoiaeOH1603QomEOk1cBOmDjbowr-NPkQCDsNEjfbRlveP3WBpCnbetS1bj_YQztIiJy8MOp-rp5MCZ32sYqht9B651owc3iRfw6Laooh3-CqlseUw0M3hD5sNuEGQHE/s640/10-DSCN0209.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Thorn bushes where ever we look!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpx5lvluGLLHYZDRhk0q_NgwKwImbWit7Qj8soUJyLbKTS1KhiV_OXBZbq1sC2H8-vMvNxXbwYA6SXqlzJNWhqTDFvUx0VieTjLDQ3OdnrkpkSUE23q-agnh1UcSKbPprPf9__E8Y8isc/s1600/8-IMG-20130905-00299.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpx5lvluGLLHYZDRhk0q_NgwKwImbWit7Qj8soUJyLbKTS1KhiV_OXBZbq1sC2H8-vMvNxXbwYA6SXqlzJNWhqTDFvUx0VieTjLDQ3OdnrkpkSUE23q-agnh1UcSKbPprPf9__E8Y8isc/s400/8-IMG-20130905-00299.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nic and Toni discussing the route again</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnT3r7vh8KjhL_iznVUgfOJ9g9Klg7LXhKfgMb4EfaSWghw4MQ8EL9wAUcVulzmiUkUku6tnY6Y0esbcW9KRgYcpM67gYgFi9WjRblf3-i0laJekggPVuxhT4bHMHw6-imh_rYp9IdEV0/s1600/06-FILE1406.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnT3r7vh8KjhL_iznVUgfOJ9g9Klg7LXhKfgMb4EfaSWghw4MQ8EL9wAUcVulzmiUkUku6tnY6Y0esbcW9KRgYcpM67gYgFi9WjRblf3-i0laJekggPVuxhT4bHMHw6-imh_rYp9IdEV0/s640/06-FILE1406.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Notice the large birds nests to the right!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMGzALeTPFVtyXBvTtLjuRsqwiQG_sBbbbfqhNkNiPxkS9yjcdNgDm_gSQFuT_HwIYs3FgZV7K-KkrbLXM-wa02JHu1CtZYJKBpCdMKv4wbqy9fJyRMxqUa6xTz3GS2_nm7MED4rrxcv8/s1600/03-FILE1105.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMGzALeTPFVtyXBvTtLjuRsqwiQG_sBbbbfqhNkNiPxkS9yjcdNgDm_gSQFuT_HwIYs3FgZV7K-KkrbLXM-wa02JHu1CtZYJKBpCdMKv4wbqy9fJyRMxqUa6xTz3GS2_nm7MED4rrxcv8/s640/03-FILE1105.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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The road started getting very difficult due to lose gravel
and huge middelmannetjies (central ridge). This meant I was standing for ages
and a girl (a very unfit girl!) can only take so much! Hardly sat down and I
hit one at a bad angle and started to loose control. For some moments my life
was flashing past me and I wondered if hubby would remember I had funeral
insurance. Forgetting all I had learnt, I was all over the place and realized
my whole trip I had been saving up for years and years was coming to a crashing
halt – literally!</div>
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I stood up, looked up and let the throttle ease a bit and
suddenly had control again. Tony made me stop and I was shaking like a reed.
Lesson learnt! From there, any sign of danger, I would be up out my saddle.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtB43OQ5iafGO9y9xQEHJ2kXzJYJkCkpNdzxlXtKawIc3K0bE7PTHLAQ537eMkPpFgak1qY4tPmdXk2tBY6ooJD43q0Lh8GDJZSxoDfuCqf7k300dVRjdP1EzExxLSPVfYVYSBvP3UC6I/s1600/01-IMG-20130905-00317.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtB43OQ5iafGO9y9xQEHJ2kXzJYJkCkpNdzxlXtKawIc3K0bE7PTHLAQ537eMkPpFgak1qY4tPmdXk2tBY6ooJD43q0Lh8GDJZSxoDfuCqf7k300dVRjdP1EzExxLSPVfYVYSBvP3UC6I/s400/01-IMG-20130905-00317.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yep, thats how I felt!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1VG73cXT-ZZZytsbW7Kf-9H8-XHkIkrSwvmiWBZLh0vPQeND31-VQExj2vGHWAaikkIKhVQbdGl6YiJwhDmKeTrueJFCeb7lbb8H_gf2zkcGjzNH3m7Qvi_bSZs_l63_vws6agY-eoic/s1600/02-FILE1099.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1VG73cXT-ZZZytsbW7Kf-9H8-XHkIkrSwvmiWBZLh0vPQeND31-VQExj2vGHWAaikkIKhVQbdGl6YiJwhDmKeTrueJFCeb7lbb8H_gf2zkcGjzNH3m7Qvi_bSZs_l63_vws6agY-eoic/s640/02-FILE1099.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">More red dunes<br />
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<span style="text-align: start;"><span style="font-size: small;">To be able to hear Toni over the headset I had to stay pretty close – in his dust. Once I lose him, it means reconnecting and hand off the handlebar, which I didn't want to do, so eating dust and only concentrating on the road in front of me was frustrating. </span></span><span style="font-size: small; text-align: start;">This day was taxing and stressful!!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid-DBrR_sLeKP0WrKiz9nze0583NN4cqlrXx9f5xcfs8oLChfEN1DNDtiyYt2czOqaNOpir61kaRq64xoQXaaRWMC2fYwU-AcROpJLhv0yzrtak_sdM16A70EeDr1OF_n-mSI-o2YYf0s/s1600/05-IMG-20130905-00328.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="295" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid-DBrR_sLeKP0WrKiz9nze0583NN4cqlrXx9f5xcfs8oLChfEN1DNDtiyYt2czOqaNOpir61kaRq64xoQXaaRWMC2fYwU-AcROpJLhv0yzrtak_sdM16A70EeDr1OF_n-mSI-o2YYf0s/s400/05-IMG-20130905-00328.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"> Something strange in the tree?</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheeMnfMcRjUo5NHU3DwSrowD9j_3TTlc-tt6QGPHDMGclAMSlyVt6VtTlnddLsnW6wceBwk-w-swzRKxjonaL1e8Z8XKepuNl9A9qfjnuyLikToERSg6g-Jwuz86V8L4sWTLT-7ikRflc/s1600/04-IMG-20130905-00326.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="472" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheeMnfMcRjUo5NHU3DwSrowD9j_3TTlc-tt6QGPHDMGclAMSlyVt6VtTlnddLsnW6wceBwk-w-swzRKxjonaL1e8Z8XKepuNl9A9qfjnuyLikToERSg6g-Jwuz86V8L4sWTLT-7ikRflc/s640/04-IMG-20130905-00326.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Birds nests!! With a difference!</td></tr>
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<span style="text-align: start;">We rode over beautiful red dunes near Koes, saw a herd of horses stampeding up to us and then right past us – come to think of it, saw horses a few more times, but not as dramatic. The highlight: We saw a Bush pig chase a large baboon. Some awesome sights! Unfortunately my cam, once again was not taping when that happened.</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Some horses accompanying us</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dusty but beautiful road</td></tr>
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<img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDGTbocHHt0WqyVx2PAwiNA02pAsHNpGJh3iKKxu6NqE3hyphenhyphenbBYbqegEG_MJf-0v4IRERW6bn6BRUhnFcRh9fDNS1mF-7sMriy97XUXopKKiJLxsCf5YJi3Oh_sjtxDPjsLaiKqAhmkhk4/s640/06-DSCN0205.jpg" width="640" /></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">On the road as the sun starts setting</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Getting to our campsite as the sun is setting</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Unpacking the tents</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A cow came to inspect and see if the tents were up properly<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Toni eating pasta and too tired to smile!</td></tr>
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We took way more hours to do the almost 400 km’s and arrived
at the Aub campsite just outside Gochas as the sun was setting. Tired to the
bone and totally drained of energy, we barely stayed awake to eat (Pasta and
sauce) and dropped off to sleep as soon as we had a shower. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sun rising over our tents</td></tr>
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A lot of dust and difficult riding conditions make me wonder
why I love taking gravel roads!?!</div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16890635839913008069noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-482589321936440966.post-77511796733600882742013-09-29T22:44:00.000+02:002013-10-07T10:33:19.155+02:00NAMIBIA Day 3: Springbok – Noord Oewer – Grunau<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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</o:shapelayout></xml><![endif]--> Day 3</div>
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Springbok – Noord Oewer – Grunau</div>
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Today has been the most frustrating day of our trip so
far!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Something went wrong with the
limited power supply we had at the Back packers and I left without being able
to put on my helmet cam. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Still dirty in spite of a quick wash down.</td></tr>
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I had forgotten how mountainous the area was and
exceptionally green!</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Outside of Springbok - the orange Namaqualand Daisies<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hitting the open roads</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hills start popping up</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And the last mountain - at the border</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Checking our documents at the border</td></tr>
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It was a nice ride to the border. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Going into Namibia from South Africa</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Crossing the Orange rivier</td></tr>
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Once through the border at
Noord Oewer we went and bought new Namibian sim cards for our phones so that we
could have contact with folk back home and if some emergency occurred, we would
be able to get help. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">First fuel from Namibia - much cheaper than in South Africa</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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And a data card for me to keep my blog updated (yeah
right!). Yet to get the stuff to work was an absolute pain. Dramas of epic
proportions! </div>
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We ended up paying way more than we intended and thanks to the
wonderful help of the staff at the Wimpy, they got us connected. Unfortunately we had spent about 3.5 hours
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Happy to be on Namibian soil!</td></tr>
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This meant that we were too late to take our original route
to Karrasburg and opted for Grunau, were we had a good time at a wonderful
campsite at accommodation called the White House. What friendly and helpful
hosts! Even gave us some rusks for breakfast. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">First stretch on the never ending Namibian roads</td></tr>
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This was where we met up with Nic. A pilot who was glad to
take to the open roads (for a change) and not just the skies! His wife was
accompanying him with a cage for some parts of the way.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAzIZ4pGpcaUB0mon4zal6hsQHu4c8695KrngSGPQDf4pmha_t1yBytb1Z-xWiWUPYrsW-xYaY3bs1eXxKLd47jj9wC3bb7iL-VDmb0wD96wF87o_nFRuXVQgL_hL9i_23KC8PVEh83V8/s1600/05-DSCN0144.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAzIZ4pGpcaUB0mon4zal6hsQHu4c8695KrngSGPQDf4pmha_t1yBytb1Z-xWiWUPYrsW-xYaY3bs1eXxKLd47jj9wC3bb7iL-VDmb0wD96wF87o_nFRuXVQgL_hL9i_23KC8PVEh83V8/s640/05-DSCN0144.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Glad to know some rest is close!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A view from my tent</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKbP_JNNmti9AQAbzFEWU-oAerVud2vYi1KbcrmoPP3VX4Hs3LW4B97uE1dVDrs4lQSWNlMVKikDCuTSoyZYsfdlXhcVT9jmz6EQwxlOhgLEhx72oo5dp0W_OoDl1Onn_aON7vFoeqqxY/s1600/08-DSCN0151.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKbP_JNNmti9AQAbzFEWU-oAerVud2vYi1KbcrmoPP3VX4Hs3LW4B97uE1dVDrs4lQSWNlMVKikDCuTSoyZYsfdlXhcVT9jmz6EQwxlOhgLEhx72oo5dp0W_OoDl1Onn_aON7vFoeqqxY/s640/08-DSCN0151.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">First Namibian sunset</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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Here I could not stop taking pics of the sunset and
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nic and Toni discussing the route</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgviCoiDeusPKDSaORNOwyPSKIMcFB5IKDqm_7ArsOtNHah9lF5nJYMBema31nWPYpChav_pbO2zlzJa28QrxHVTbdqTkUdjcGtE_3sB7Qr69uniV9XM5A0rL7uYB0k6AVGlNPl7wm88o/s1600/11-DSCN0161.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgviCoiDeusPKDSaORNOwyPSKIMcFB5IKDqm_7ArsOtNHah9lF5nJYMBema31nWPYpChav_pbO2zlzJa28QrxHVTbdqTkUdjcGtE_3sB7Qr69uniV9XM5A0rL7uYB0k6AVGlNPl7wm88o/s640/11-DSCN0161.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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We had Salticrax and Mussels for supper and washed it down with a nartjie and coffee.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-8KiLoDXAmg50AjUXW1mVq-DB2AeWU9b43R9bs2Q2tPtLqdYkbmrxXBlPKzXr4WUyXYTA36PTFic97izhBcwG10-RhMUVxokbquplWBCZILPXzxKYM8NMPvRlZlYuMEhVp5Y2cWcE6sI/s1600/IMG-20130904-00289.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-8KiLoDXAmg50AjUXW1mVq-DB2AeWU9b43R9bs2Q2tPtLqdYkbmrxXBlPKzXr4WUyXYTA36PTFic97izhBcwG10-RhMUVxokbquplWBCZILPXzxKYM8NMPvRlZlYuMEhVp5Y2cWcE6sI/s320/IMG-20130904-00289.jpg" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBeJrHSCPui6jtA0rv5tiOgfmxxEkgIwwfBiYISEDdBQzJOvBRXGYKDV84xDUZPfx08WBTnck9clusA5cm3m8l7gbySFX3W-S38cXTluUEVjraBEFyGFbzgF7kYY_g4FlJIjIV0hypnUU/s1600/12-DSCN0164.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBeJrHSCPui6jtA0rv5tiOgfmxxEkgIwwfBiYISEDdBQzJOvBRXGYKDV84xDUZPfx08WBTnck9clusA5cm3m8l7gbySFX3W-S38cXTluUEVjraBEFyGFbzgF7kYY_g4FlJIjIV0hypnUU/s400/12-DSCN0164.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our first washing of the trip</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Start settling down for the day</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGDwmxrpeqRtS5IQnMTyUcrga2qS1pmr_zvCM7whYQeTCXq2Gmy0Fjw9KPsHLbOoEE-H65LvZnn17vMjOQ9Yrqa9rH_Oh3hm9s4PF4rD8Xn3MaDgueyJKTbwbGgH3rVZ6n_tFDfQTfopw/s1600/14-DSCN0171.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGDwmxrpeqRtS5IQnMTyUcrga2qS1pmr_zvCM7whYQeTCXq2Gmy0Fjw9KPsHLbOoEE-H65LvZnn17vMjOQ9Yrqa9rH_Oh3hm9s4PF4rD8Xn3MaDgueyJKTbwbGgH3rVZ6n_tFDfQTfopw/s640/14-DSCN0171.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The sun catching the distant mountains</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Some interesting art</td></tr>
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I started noticing the subtle change in surroundings from South Africa to Namibia. Although different, I
liked it. A kind of rugged beauty that demanded a second look.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">In Afrikaans: "Laugh with me; just because - for we need it".<br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">A relief to have a good night sleep after a long and exhausting day. Our first day on Namibian soil – yeahh!!!</span></td></tr>
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The White House was the highlight of the day with meticulous
care taken of the ablution blocks, the tents and helpfulness. Not to mention
the very reasonable price! Definitely a place I would recommend and visit
again.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our camp, tents, washing and dining room</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16890635839913008069noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-482589321936440966.post-11559339786415383922013-09-20T12:15:00.001+02:002013-10-07T10:31:50.909+02:00NAMIBIA: Day 2. Cederberg – Algeria – Clanwilliam – Springbok<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikDanb4Byk1ho8SihZ7WVMNow21KxeauI3Et_PFjrn0xlG2pSmmHT-zKMZr8JrFZMvXrQinP5dBDCTgk7FSmuNcMXfzpscu5bP8HUynaUHjohx1Sl6EeI85Bl1lleMWrXzboAvyHows5k/s1600/IMG-20130903-00228e.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikDanb4Byk1ho8SihZ7WVMNow21KxeauI3Et_PFjrn0xlG2pSmmHT-zKMZr8JrFZMvXrQinP5dBDCTgk7FSmuNcMXfzpscu5bP8HUynaUHjohx1Sl6EeI85Bl1lleMWrXzboAvyHows5k/s640/IMG-20130903-00228e.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Happy to be alive!</td></tr>
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Once again too many pics - especially of me - but after Abie leaves, we are back to me taking most of the pics! Endure a little while longer please! </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVIREDHRPR98AacMCQ7mA4BNc_avtVHRThnboD2Z7yXJ9BTtqeWGLRiRy3zIQWt239vLUTTcCLRd3nV_sxkMsfgEF1UUy0YwoiCK75g_0gyIMrzT8GISAfjsX0CckRd8CVlFiUq4Pk87I/s1600/IMG_0047.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVIREDHRPR98AacMCQ7mA4BNc_avtVHRThnboD2Z7yXJ9BTtqeWGLRiRy3zIQWt239vLUTTcCLRd3nV_sxkMsfgEF1UUy0YwoiCK75g_0gyIMrzT8GISAfjsX0CckRd8CVlFiUq4Pk87I/s400/IMG_0047.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Poor Toni has to figure out why my luggage is taking so long to load!</td></tr>
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We woke up to a cool overcast morning, with weather
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUC6m7ExaSADoTjJVEwC86xDqITijF_XMIA2juUbRnK_qRZgWPtfFJAFYDggEwd0GOs9gheXmvqLPqZL257wY-DyPMpRHkt3SJuh9bmjfMsXCGmyRnYBiTpa_xjg4bU_0To31zK7YYIE8/s1600/FILE0159.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUC6m7ExaSADoTjJVEwC86xDqITijF_XMIA2juUbRnK_qRZgWPtfFJAFYDggEwd0GOs9gheXmvqLPqZL257wY-DyPMpRHkt3SJuh9bmjfMsXCGmyRnYBiTpa_xjg4bU_0To31zK7YYIE8/s400/FILE0159.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Climbing a hill</td></tr>
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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 was I to be chicken?? </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our first (of many) water crossings</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">First Toni</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbK2OgQLknA7MlzLlKS-KZQ4bIEvNSEShLZ3ou7PgSrFE-tPrefnxJL-UiNdvJSaXrFLcI-WHtqzFAIY0pfbhQcLUSpcymNyBIltkQd87cvryse_EHW6ZoVbIPuHQmuWIguMp-i8C78lA/s1600/FILE0076.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbK2OgQLknA7MlzLlKS-KZQ4bIEvNSEShLZ3ou7PgSrFE-tPrefnxJL-UiNdvJSaXrFLcI-WHtqzFAIY0pfbhQcLUSpcymNyBIltkQd87cvryse_EHW6ZoVbIPuHQmuWIguMp-i8C78lA/s640/FILE0076.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The view from my helmet cam!</td></tr>
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We made it through safely, but the second crossing seemed too daunting, deep and fast flowing.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Abie and Toni discussing if they should try and get through</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhyrwjJ3CV7VZZ5frDKiMcD6ywMSbCCISnDgzBDF8mp0d0kFlVU9FEwvAcZO63XLVIwHAvssZKzG9Gqy5yf5Y-vvqtYBDojsby-UgzAsnRV0drZ8E8D2PSdFkfH-sNn7LqMJv7RBCPYXg/s1600/IMG-20130903-00213.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhyrwjJ3CV7VZZ5frDKiMcD6ywMSbCCISnDgzBDF8mp0d0kFlVU9FEwvAcZO63XLVIwHAvssZKzG9Gqy5yf5Y-vvqtYBDojsby-UgzAsnRV0drZ8E8D2PSdFkfH-sNn7LqMJv7RBCPYXg/s400/IMG-20130903-00213.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We decide to turn around</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDZu_wssveTe6PIqHdMHNBpc9q3OixBi7c8JB8NYfaCcF1PZTS2ZSHe-RxuJBmCQEK0UQms9O6gB1LTsIc-6bCGqOQ6E2IMc6exHJsGhgMVl6x9teS-gamcIRUHzjHadNMOr7pn0s_NJI/s1600/IMG-20130903-00216.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDZu_wssveTe6PIqHdMHNBpc9q3OixBi7c8JB8NYfaCcF1PZTS2ZSHe-RxuJBmCQEK0UQms9O6gB1LTsIc-6bCGqOQ6E2IMc6exHJsGhgMVl6x9teS-gamcIRUHzjHadNMOr7pn0s_NJI/s400/IMG-20130903-00216.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Abie goes through first<br />
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Back through the first river and then onto a detour that was beautiful. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM7fHOZv98Q9xHuKwExwhHVLLoL9lpkh5-WzFOME5cAK9c1BsyecMtVeh6xkJkxmgAAW8GOfnbh1mc4Q21TFzI7l3vOFryTh7_LV1FYrr1OHAb5juc6N9y5kT9mXvg4SA8jEv77RdxKGw/s1600/IMG-20130903-00220.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="297" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM7fHOZv98Q9xHuKwExwhHVLLoL9lpkh5-WzFOME5cAK9c1BsyecMtVeh6xkJkxmgAAW8GOfnbh1mc4Q21TFzI7l3vOFryTh7_LV1FYrr1OHAb5juc6N9y5kT9mXvg4SA8jEv77RdxKGw/s400/IMG-20130903-00220.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtIlZGxNWi9yYCPjuVDA_WEZzwhQ2eIcFTiQ3Sxfrgf95YdzCY4c8NO_DyoAfPmqRCveaolDuJ3Gh6H4UlgleAgJmBpCmgn56a4c-mX1kClQsda8xs56EIt7KkLZUfWMwG2l0nJZArb1c/s1600/DSCN0111.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtIlZGxNWi9yYCPjuVDA_WEZzwhQ2eIcFTiQ3Sxfrgf95YdzCY4c8NO_DyoAfPmqRCveaolDuJ3Gh6H4UlgleAgJmBpCmgn56a4c-mX1kClQsda8xs56EIt7KkLZUfWMwG2l0nJZArb1c/s640/DSCN0111.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And I bring up the rear</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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It started up a steep climb and then made its way through the rocky outcrops on the Plato.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxjTHa5OhsdkfauhTuz4VPhVOGDJqqwWp2LfD_RpylBMYSnWd3qcagWSZajYPIiyLyI6PASC6oQEVzYpQmcbdcO-okhtKp0HkCdin9-9l4-DbC8iaQ1PjY_Xhf0C2n3QH3TAY-l2bQEvw/s1600/FILE0162.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxjTHa5OhsdkfauhTuz4VPhVOGDJqqwWp2LfD_RpylBMYSnWd3qcagWSZajYPIiyLyI6PASC6oQEVzYpQmcbdcO-okhtKp0HkCdin9-9l4-DbC8iaQ1PjY_Xhf0C2n3QH3TAY-l2bQEvw/s400/FILE0162.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-aN_4JxPz6pVLsQYVY2l_6v1-mrPCiR2DXbdTCE5-UC_fn73dvJeNkb8ArdA6vfdzy8yk1KlfCawbxmSqxEdxm3Rc20c0WoNKdXcRR9E7i9PgWGOVzIa3hjbxTWMmfHrje2xLaQW5jx0/s1600/FILE0176.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-aN_4JxPz6pVLsQYVY2l_6v1-mrPCiR2DXbdTCE5-UC_fn73dvJeNkb8ArdA6vfdzy8yk1KlfCawbxmSqxEdxm3Rc20c0WoNKdXcRR9E7i9PgWGOVzIa3hjbxTWMmfHrje2xLaQW5jx0/s400/FILE0176.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Abie coming up the hill</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzF2-S2KzwSLH3xsQr-NflJX-c4Ca19LANWv1a0cnRfXk_tISA4udnbUVT2P4Ef3UH7WZVf-PwgEInLEKq278UQSk5H_-D8ZMJmos-8XlnByTNTImx9QYvpGSZQLrCYXgaN5EPMCnuHJ8/s1600/FILE0178.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzF2-S2KzwSLH3xsQr-NflJX-c4Ca19LANWv1a0cnRfXk_tISA4udnbUVT2P4Ef3UH7WZVf-PwgEInLEKq278UQSk5H_-D8ZMJmos-8XlnByTNTImx9QYvpGSZQLrCYXgaN5EPMCnuHJ8/s400/FILE0178.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Toni flashes past</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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By now the drizzle was hard enough to make seeing through
the visor almost impossible, yet we were accompanied by a beautiful rainbow.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUkPPH05igcBrVyYYcpF15ankU997upIL9rHyewsXYzPaNOIJ0srhyXCm-dtTVULMVoeTYsg7_oGQeV8_ML1Vn0CBuSLXbCHYZXyc31OGLjcL3ClG-lTs2MKmnooflyua2mvrPO_Cdrok/s1600/FILE0263.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUkPPH05igcBrVyYYcpF15ankU997upIL9rHyewsXYzPaNOIJ0srhyXCm-dtTVULMVoeTYsg7_oGQeV8_ML1Vn0CBuSLXbCHYZXyc31OGLjcL3ClG-lTs2MKmnooflyua2mvrPO_Cdrok/s400/FILE0263.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYjOPpaDcWoxEgDUsrSlY3W_ZBsahOYTrdBRWW4iRRP8xAF8w7BzH7yQFUU0dOnHQ7ULAAfo9CfypjBcBl5N3uGVvrMktQBio_3FfYIVdwulio-VYqmx2Fp5UhpH0YRniwxuSYO7yRWMY/s1600/FILE0286.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYjOPpaDcWoxEgDUsrSlY3W_ZBsahOYTrdBRWW4iRRP8xAF8w7BzH7yQFUU0dOnHQ7ULAAfo9CfypjBcBl5N3uGVvrMktQBio_3FfYIVdwulio-VYqmx2Fp5UhpH0YRniwxuSYO7yRWMY/s400/FILE0286.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpbQDf9BpxFlXMSq_KtVjagzo1wlhJJyTcOYmwXnGc8QXZa8bfont4iU5gru5_zuTNzA-YkHRbltEiVTGYKnEDaEO6rRe6QIYGCjcQUQbVQQIdNa4zcgX7BwSYYa_yNZyFuoOwwjmmJDY/s1600/IMG-20130903-00222.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpbQDf9BpxFlXMSq_KtVjagzo1wlhJJyTcOYmwXnGc8QXZa8bfont4iU5gru5_zuTNzA-YkHRbltEiVTGYKnEDaEO6rRe6QIYGCjcQUQbVQQIdNa4zcgX7BwSYYa_yNZyFuoOwwjmmJDY/s400/IMG-20130903-00222.jpg" width="297" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA2paxrrue-92jKZNxsFN5qxcjadzCHNIzDfeDF4oPUBklKgPjifpiVKlcCXFvICAt6Alhle6cEE0J7L3iigE_Xfx-kgWcK_WpAv8Hf-j7o7drt7u_lIIjmEI7_Cni4jFC-Q4OZP7aeTs/s1600/FILE0223.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA2paxrrue-92jKZNxsFN5qxcjadzCHNIzDfeDF4oPUBklKgPjifpiVKlcCXFvICAt6Alhle6cEE0J7L3iigE_Xfx-kgWcK_WpAv8Hf-j7o7drt7u_lIIjmEI7_Cni4jFC-Q4OZP7aeTs/s640/FILE0223.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYcoO7FPaoNHQIxNlkoNM1cDKF5rUSPMtn6KwvqMlt25beHmBMiVbb6xstCN-aIWSPVuIYZPdwR-q0BDRY2VQLzWkwKC6OjVjDsOPEgVANvQAVd1MbfgHI7PN8uxkY9ZNcYezZ6OOIjjA/s1600/FILE0306.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYcoO7FPaoNHQIxNlkoNM1cDKF5rUSPMtn6KwvqMlt25beHmBMiVbb6xstCN-aIWSPVuIYZPdwR-q0BDRY2VQLzWkwKC6OjVjDsOPEgVANvQAVd1MbfgHI7PN8uxkY9ZNcYezZ6OOIjjA/s640/FILE0306.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4BaWxwU9X8iUatPUL05t7mCBLZNHYmucwn6D0P-4xBBPfHx1AMNeQWO-qysxWW5buIoFCnnRLo9BrrgFdmacMjbTlzFHQt2ytsliYWvvQbO8TJsYhQUut4P76eQ7R8QhoBL8Adfd0myU/s1600/FILE0357.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4BaWxwU9X8iUatPUL05t7mCBLZNHYmucwn6D0P-4xBBPfHx1AMNeQWO-qysxWW5buIoFCnnRLo9BrrgFdmacMjbTlzFHQt2ytsliYWvvQbO8TJsYhQUut4P76eQ7R8QhoBL8Adfd0myU/s640/FILE0357.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Near the campsite</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiah54UFnt9z9XOeHTslu7vb2t0xBD_9zOZXsslHMxLOFLGNwS8t36byxy8BA9gf32_bUluC3YkiGZ99VpY4qF7YnZ_zGD0yTbSxdtjOei2QVaPipnWnItdcxnfD_mP0B5QWL3NqLwzYhM/s1600/FILE0374.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiah54UFnt9z9XOeHTslu7vb2t0xBD_9zOZXsslHMxLOFLGNwS8t36byxy8BA9gf32_bUluC3YkiGZ99VpY4qF7YnZ_zGD0yTbSxdtjOei2QVaPipnWnItdcxnfD_mP0B5QWL3NqLwzYhM/s640/FILE0374.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Through farms</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdpuIFvJGR0M_hRf6ZVKYn6XsxIcrPxy4aWAktWgx4HYLJCOUwnHHp6RmwxZAcM2EyD46qbfVL_r35udLuwkQL48dvHIXIFANLoS1bUaXX6C1Rut-M9_BeVjRiNvgan1QGh7cmaRYJ0ug/s1600/IMG_0069.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdpuIFvJGR0M_hRf6ZVKYn6XsxIcrPxy4aWAktWgx4HYLJCOUwnHHp6RmwxZAcM2EyD46qbfVL_r35udLuwkQL48dvHIXIFANLoS1bUaXX6C1Rut-M9_BeVjRiNvgan1QGh7cmaRYJ0ug/s640/IMG_0069.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Waiting to go through one of the many gates</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjikSy9WKUQZUfzTF4ONzK0FrPmiCKaAyYDnlUAvTAYlceGDWHATeeJGkgAWMxHFXQx8-ggFZq9uw6vPy7gOusohdrVSv8PfZsbz39AJ1ipPhjKJd1-oAw8Qf-jF3MLZyHdj1V-CvT_9T0/s1600/FILE0310.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjikSy9WKUQZUfzTF4ONzK0FrPmiCKaAyYDnlUAvTAYlceGDWHATeeJGkgAWMxHFXQx8-ggFZq9uw6vPy7gOusohdrVSv8PfZsbz39AJ1ipPhjKJd1-oAw8Qf-jF3MLZyHdj1V-CvT_9T0/s400/FILE0310.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Some deeper (and bigger) puddles to pass</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwmYRCZkeOd1o86C3lrhnBiG8cUysKzSxU_dwrqRAD3y43FQIXoG0TKRVtww43QqoNC8N7tj_RyKzDtuivF2CD1Tnh0hwXTw-3KhA2plxsfZAfXTctYqPcEbnd2AwSdUDniGT4vyM_Ous/s1600/FILE0520.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwmYRCZkeOd1o86C3lrhnBiG8cUysKzSxU_dwrqRAD3y43FQIXoG0TKRVtww43QqoNC8N7tj_RyKzDtuivF2CD1Tnh0hwXTw-3KhA2plxsfZAfXTctYqPcEbnd2AwSdUDniGT4vyM_Ous/s400/FILE0520.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="text-align: center;">After an energy bar, the rain started falling a bit harder
where the detour road connects with the original, Potholes and slippery mud
greeted us a little further and we inched our way forward. Well, a little
faster than inched, but still very slow. Although stressful, as I did not want
to come down at the beginning of my trip, I really enjoyed the challenge and
sense of achievement once I had passed without landing in a puddle.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvINx9KvlF7M95qFhcjRoHAzMkfUAhlTLMoyx6RIR2lwYMKHD1zspm7_A0FRLctJPYVykUj4yp_28tnSd_JJOL6o2ZZ5gVi9Uu-sBMI152J9mSu9dRMz59nOMn3kYSkbPTzbbSYvTifWc/s1600/IMG-20130903-00231.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvINx9KvlF7M95qFhcjRoHAzMkfUAhlTLMoyx6RIR2lwYMKHD1zspm7_A0FRLctJPYVykUj4yp_28tnSd_JJOL6o2ZZ5gVi9Uu-sBMI152J9mSu9dRMz59nOMn3kYSkbPTzbbSYvTifWc/s400/IMG-20130903-00231.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">End of our detour</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwGys2VeNkrfcxhnV6zs9-Hweczi3n-3ygkcXgPKvyt0KQHl8NMUb3gmZokDwR965r6U3VhFv2Lh9OthSrB3LToo0N_Bdq9RV9HU9-o5NHdLRTuTiqtYcBxl2wq9Jap77Q8F5XwAdDoUQ/s1600/IMG-20130903-00232.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwGys2VeNkrfcxhnV6zs9-Hweczi3n-3ygkcXgPKvyt0KQHl8NMUb3gmZokDwR965r6U3VhFv2Lh9OthSrB3LToo0N_Bdq9RV9HU9-o5NHdLRTuTiqtYcBxl2wq9Jap77Q8F5XwAdDoUQ/s400/IMG-20130903-00232.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Almost thought I was going to get lucky with a stripshow, but unfortunately not!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg58Pc1CCBOBw28ZnF0IjK11N-8nBgv8fcsOLy5KyOekeP0nTi7Exyjijqe54hSHrxxPvH4eUGCThrri8R6_iHzKUrCKnNjEloK5ViJGRfV2V9vdoHpdAadeZHnW5NyGUVnySXiKQAkI84/s1600/IMG-20130903-00233.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg58Pc1CCBOBw28ZnF0IjK11N-8nBgv8fcsOLy5KyOekeP0nTi7Exyjijqe54hSHrxxPvH4eUGCThrri8R6_iHzKUrCKnNjEloK5ViJGRfV2V9vdoHpdAadeZHnW5NyGUVnySXiKQAkI84/s640/IMG-20130903-00233.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">What an awesome sight?!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGUIPXsIdeltPGll8erlmZ6o3ojiaDLYOHfRWP3XMNlMRZrhYy9cdeRX-T35dv-FYzYxXpB7Eymy8D-di9XFEl0EEz1Pp-g2ENrJugCuHSUtJ8JLV8NfYsF2jmSIHYAaHkCgFTvI2_2P0/s1600/FILE0679.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGUIPXsIdeltPGll8erlmZ6o3ojiaDLYOHfRWP3XMNlMRZrhYy9cdeRX-T35dv-FYzYxXpB7Eymy8D-di9XFEl0EEz1Pp-g2ENrJugCuHSUtJ8JLV8NfYsF2jmSIHYAaHkCgFTvI2_2P0/s400/FILE0679.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Coming down the slippery pass</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNi00KRXe-r5vbFG2NTgMfdZyQBcqc84IPTpo7UXQkyQPxegGDZn2v01i-2k0pOiMaBvHTMOSTqExMw0bFQLExvMS8zVftEaaQuGyaTWJHWTovGOV00ShCebH_eiYQmTQJ2up0QK3VaBw/s1600/IMG_0071.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNi00KRXe-r5vbFG2NTgMfdZyQBcqc84IPTpo7UXQkyQPxegGDZn2v01i-2k0pOiMaBvHTMOSTqExMw0bFQLExvMS8zVftEaaQuGyaTWJHWTovGOV00ShCebH_eiYQmTQJ2up0QK3VaBw/s400/IMG_0071.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Amidst rain, mist and cold</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6Q1ziabhlooRRUUCAVXee_LmTS85E_4NJv3P9xKtRZdLmdIqJBQ9jp8Xdnaw6-wkQXZwhBWCHcP5rYKHEnEA03aD5Xo9E3K10v5IE4x5HvrXrWixyG4wCc8xJGjr7WNwZ7AyrP-Kto8k/s1600/IMG_0076.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6Q1ziabhlooRRUUCAVXee_LmTS85E_4NJv3P9xKtRZdLmdIqJBQ9jp8Xdnaw6-wkQXZwhBWCHcP5rYKHEnEA03aD5Xo9E3K10v5IE4x5HvrXrWixyG4wCc8xJGjr7WNwZ7AyrP-Kto8k/s400/IMG_0076.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My pants and shoes totally drenched (and muddy)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3CY_Wsfn7d0L77Hq36BpPXNNHfkDnKnR6iYl44ZdC2JgkvIaOXvQkVXqKNyK4y3UxhcPHGRuuLgO2TMtYQPAXb8ozjq5OsyN-uurD6hmNhw_g3aAZrPDSdZmNSmHN7oCfy6WXTMKqEe8/s1600/FILE0688.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3CY_Wsfn7d0L77Hq36BpPXNNHfkDnKnR6iYl44ZdC2JgkvIaOXvQkVXqKNyK4y3UxhcPHGRuuLgO2TMtYQPAXb8ozjq5OsyN-uurD6hmNhw_g3aAZrPDSdZmNSmHN7oCfy6WXTMKqEe8/s640/FILE0688.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Slippery and dangerous we slowly made our way to the bottom</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The road wetook to get to the bottom</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Brutus had seen cleaner days!</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1sndqejeVh48KTnub9SkPRGN38fMr591ETsIsJb8a80xzcEkKL8PTn4QTZCpF0ZjVjFCz-mZMPD_JA396jJJk4hQF5lf82sWyTLLpNZnqlRgVROAQ3-qTJJN5QcMXGNiDc3wnGbsgWSo/s1600/IMG-20130903-00236.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1sndqejeVh48KTnub9SkPRGN38fMr591ETsIsJb8a80xzcEkKL8PTn4QTZCpF0ZjVjFCz-mZMPD_JA396jJJk4hQF5lf82sWyTLLpNZnqlRgVROAQ3-qTJJN5QcMXGNiDc3wnGbsgWSo/s320/IMG-20130903-00236.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="text-align: center;"><br /></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sluices opened at the Clanwilliam dam</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf9-xGIQK7fIheAiK5i5t0QMo8PvTPKMn-VndSximKLAEqRPoSHK0Mp-AUbBMQphzfLYI80mvIbYDHDgFxS8Qzjhw5G8dpHx8aa8gj9zOS0yL5_6bPIScluHOCYW3l_oAzLqDVAcqunjQ/s1600/IMG-20130903-00242.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="297" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf9-xGIQK7fIheAiK5i5t0QMo8PvTPKMn-VndSximKLAEqRPoSHK0Mp-AUbBMQphzfLYI80mvIbYDHDgFxS8Qzjhw5G8dpHx8aa8gj9zOS0yL5_6bPIScluHOCYW3l_oAzLqDVAcqunjQ/s400/IMG-20130903-00242.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">All kinds of 2-wheelers were enjoying the masses of water</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfLhH3WKfX3ObhuM_3ZHYFYVvWLBuGPscu7cpstRzSBj3jVvityoK18TPsOPeR42Y7mmAnTsuC5t4mPmr9b6RP-8tw4iLbVTVXU5IRBTSM6llhEenPWfkwybDkuvIr7tql5YW9QhFMFVY/s1600/IMG-20130903-00244.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="297" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfLhH3WKfX3ObhuM_3ZHYFYVvWLBuGPscu7cpstRzSBj3jVvityoK18TPsOPeR42Y7mmAnTsuC5t4mPmr9b6RP-8tw4iLbVTVXU5IRBTSM6llhEenPWfkwybDkuvIr7tql5YW9QhFMFVY/s400/IMG-20130903-00244.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Abie taking a look</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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From Clanwilliam we took a look at the dam after the sluice
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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. <br />
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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! <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3pIgK4BqQtPpK0KiKP68NcQHEwhs1RIxfLwNSMpzytDyBHCwEEWVS7KNO2Y7Esww4rVMbsH0HPZaZrd9LQrAeAdQz4SrVwHBFWUDeftqMe-m74TJJfFEzGyztBxo0g5R60roxSlQR6Xo/s1600/FILE0799.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3pIgK4BqQtPpK0KiKP68NcQHEwhs1RIxfLwNSMpzytDyBHCwEEWVS7KNO2Y7Esww4rVMbsH0HPZaZrd9LQrAeAdQz4SrVwHBFWUDeftqMe-m74TJJfFEzGyztBxo0g5R60roxSlQR6Xo/s640/FILE0799.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1F8PbIooNVFP4NHk9sN-xXeEdjUlbRLUS-hHHVtCNNrUoqZqjMC-vWcMx9j3WYX14FwF8N3VCopUMrGILVW6Ddi_JbBhE0A3PAbL2XcODYk6MZLfftrsZL3NsnFb8WNvgjpSM8n95Zac/s1600/FILE0955.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1F8PbIooNVFP4NHk9sN-xXeEdjUlbRLUS-hHHVtCNNrUoqZqjMC-vWcMx9j3WYX14FwF8N3VCopUMrGILVW6Ddi_JbBhE0A3PAbL2XcODYk6MZLfftrsZL3NsnFb8WNvgjpSM8n95Zac/s640/FILE0955.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Clanwilliam dam</td></tr>
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We met up with the N7 at Klawer and then rode tar all the
way to Springbok. I could not believe the <st1:state w:st="on">Northern Cape</st1:state> could be so green?!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnW_K2eRD6LTRg9WZU0IZUWi1EodB_s9WUlfY3XBVogej5PWt2qBRv9jbmkeY5hn3m7qjdJ8XxwLq31Pugr2w7aGQvAATRwRGukvqApi2JymQWTHnrWA_JbG76_S1mZd6s3Q5xlgljDw0/s1600/DSCN0129.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnW_K2eRD6LTRg9WZU0IZUWi1EodB_s9WUlfY3XBVogej5PWt2qBRv9jbmkeY5hn3m7qjdJ8XxwLq31Pugr2w7aGQvAATRwRGukvqApi2JymQWTHnrWA_JbG76_S1mZd6s3Q5xlgljDw0/s400/DSCN0129.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi1Lt0GK2o9TjDd78PSnngWP29X68CD3Lf75ubKcZqB0u5CB8VvHsnyAh2rwGl-56Bc2D1I_MWT9cJJh3FTay0Xeh-fRGkxWMf_3VhyxPx7GkmkXzS_UrSaXrmMkcFpRFWIbYOVGx4w8A/s1600/IMG-20130903-00252.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi1Lt0GK2o9TjDd78PSnngWP29X68CD3Lf75ubKcZqB0u5CB8VvHsnyAh2rwGl-56Bc2D1I_MWT9cJJh3FTay0Xeh-fRGkxWMf_3VhyxPx7GkmkXzS_UrSaXrmMkcFpRFWIbYOVGx4w8A/s400/IMG-20130903-00252.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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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.<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0ltNHChrAQBE4acWZAzRbdBVX9X3-knaCk-X1kYxan2yt26T8qQw247ZgKxckPvv0EekiApS5E3DSxMevMvr_xQyIQtbMBF1Rul14RY4-_X7toH4T-LQHXU82eL6L1bOkR-p21V7fpRE/s1600/IMG-20130903-00253.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0ltNHChrAQBE4acWZAzRbdBVX9X3-knaCk-X1kYxan2yt26T8qQw247ZgKxckPvv0EekiApS5E3DSxMevMvr_xQyIQtbMBF1Rul14RY4-_X7toH4T-LQHXU82eL6L1bOkR-p21V7fpRE/s400/IMG-20130903-00253.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cold garage doors, little bedding and no privacy, especially in the bathroom!</td></tr>
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Almost dark,
covered in mud and shoes still soaked from the trip we opted to stay in the Springbok Backpackers. Unfortunately I must (for the first time ever) say that I was
totally unimpressed with the value for money at this poor accommodation.<br />
The unfriendly and unhelpful staff let us feel we were inconveniencing them in spite of booking ahead of time.</div>
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But all in all, a stunning and thrilling day for me. I loved the challenges, the beauty and new roads. Totally drenched and knackered but happy!!<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirjQArV1cgV3s6onc3ZqThnFJ3gZArj6yqkKtwBnALNdtQ8zJWI6sek_chhGIjkFft5G_HHKPXrpC2Oe3mV7XGEbzhVtLuQP50se_E3Z7Z4Asfi34wDRTLKlL3_tdm2FQxOcqG_reIKa0/s1600/IMG_0086.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirjQArV1cgV3s6onc3ZqThnFJ3gZArj6yqkKtwBnALNdtQ8zJWI6sek_chhGIjkFft5G_HHKPXrpC2Oe3mV7XGEbzhVtLuQP50se_E3Z7Z4Asfi34wDRTLKlL3_tdm2FQxOcqG_reIKa0/s640/IMG_0086.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16890635839913008069noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-482589321936440966.post-88173636477394818892013-09-16T18:36:00.000+02:002013-10-07T10:31:34.429+02:00NAMIBIA TRIP: Day 1. Cape Town - Gouda – Tulbagh – Ceres – Oasis Cederberg<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4vW9Ky2Ho05J5TKu3cIMdAin6O5dn6kA0j8ZMNPB8riYM5vYAQlI8N-kjVq2bNa-EXw51yeCqSChDnE-QS8WrjTeTvc8pss4ycNkCSGCqH9n7egKpFwP-Gv8MVqqqqMYEzj3AxvaTqRU/s1600/IMG-20130902-00206.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
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Day 1</div>
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<st1:city w:st="on">Cape Town</st1:city> - <st1:city w:st="on">Gouda</st1:city> – Tulbagh – Ceres – Oasis Cederberg</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBC2dJsbPhqXHs9QCthIgLuWypy5J4koINj52PRDot3JzN8StuckqK8kgFqe2uXTfcBRGCwrJG5TYGYAilSexW4A2cjyWgxlXrlEy_iUGF3ifs1GxvMZONNBBEMV3BsLejOcbvrTcJsZ4/s1600/IMG-20130902-00198.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="476" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBC2dJsbPhqXHs9QCthIgLuWypy5J4koINj52PRDot3JzN8StuckqK8kgFqe2uXTfcBRGCwrJG5TYGYAilSexW4A2cjyWgxlXrlEy_iUGF3ifs1GxvMZONNBBEMV3BsLejOcbvrTcJsZ4/s640/IMG-20130902-00198.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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First of all I want to apologize for all the pics of the first few days' posts. We are 3 people with a variety of devices for capturing awesomeness! I have brought them down from almost 1000 to 50. I promise to lessen the pics as the days go by.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIIQzPBceYagxp6Der9jbwqDj-zFR684AWwN_UOihbAu4XhlN100Sa8LQmizA8GmaIhcNooSLLyh1dVxy24AQKp0R_R0npMLnZEN0HcqrHsCvFRWn888m_CFBgpZosISGblHOe19KcwZ0/s1600/Milnerton-20130829-00195.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIIQzPBceYagxp6Der9jbwqDj-zFR684AWwN_UOihbAu4XhlN100Sa8LQmizA8GmaIhcNooSLLyh1dVxy24AQKp0R_R0npMLnZEN0HcqrHsCvFRWn888m_CFBgpZosISGblHOe19KcwZ0/s200/Milnerton-20130829-00195.jpg" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our Dog tags!</td></tr>
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Wow! What a day - with tons of mixed feelings!! Doing some
last minute needlework till 1am was not quite in the planning, but if things
suddenly don't work, what’s a girl gotta do?! </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7VtlFdiBKLPpi0czfxk8AS5pxiBj80xUW988re-CcaTkvTehaLT10zt_q1meDERb7hSNJOhHD1yQQAODxp9xtNXylzIBtx-mY8BRTc5XbV0FrdS3nXn_jdoyXDqB5F1dqvYl2T38Hklg/s1600/Melkbosstrand-20130902-00196.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7VtlFdiBKLPpi0czfxk8AS5pxiBj80xUW988re-CcaTkvTehaLT10zt_q1meDERb7hSNJOhHD1yQQAODxp9xtNXylzIBtx-mY8BRTc5XbV0FrdS3nXn_jdoyXDqB5F1dqvYl2T38Hklg/s320/Melkbosstrand-20130902-00196.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yep, that's me with a needle and thread!!</td></tr>
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On the other hand, were it any
other capable woman, the job would have taken half an hour and not two and a
half hours!! Then again, give me a bike and some dirt roads rather than a needle
and thread! Although being awake since 5.30am we did not get away till 8.30!
All thanks to me, of course. Once again packing and repacking, then not finding
things and then having to get loaded and all the different luggage
arrangements. Sighhh…</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">First day of our trip and ready to leave!</td></tr>
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Toni and I slept over at Abie’s, so that we could all leave
together and get an early start – we hoped!</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxoL83LTrBuC4XnW_zS9oNm85Mmof7D_5xRsbfW1te9bw2AYA9Hq5MsXx84IQBqY6kQXa8TESbh6piR7NHT0N9OmZTBBCGqCTj7yJdo2RCOBdCZ-h0olyvpZB5i4qN-ovYfY2uqw6L2aU/s1600/IMG-20130902-00168.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxoL83LTrBuC4XnW_zS9oNm85Mmof7D_5xRsbfW1te9bw2AYA9Hq5MsXx84IQBqY6kQXa8TESbh6piR7NHT0N9OmZTBBCGqCTj7yJdo2RCOBdCZ-h0olyvpZB5i4qN-ovYfY2uqw6L2aU/s320/IMG-20130902-00168.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Toni repairing my power output in Ceres</td></tr>
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Just as we were kitted and ready to leave, I found my Helmet
camera kept shutting down. Then discovered the battery was flat!?! How was that
possible? I had charged both the battery and the spare just before I left for <st1:city w:st="on">Cape Town</st1:city>! I decided we
must rather hit the road and I would replace it a little later when we stopped
again. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-VOwKKUn6-o0SuRnZK7O-OBQw6N6Fc_59nN-qak5JczJWmTABnViQDI-fEol85CGVMV5G73_vfnLuoAI2pedsP2KZSq3K0z3sEJ55PqYp3pXhjsvlONpbMjCL55tPtH2AuntTH8HAHzM/s1600/DSCN0070.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-VOwKKUn6-o0SuRnZK7O-OBQw6N6Fc_59nN-qak5JczJWmTABnViQDI-fEol85CGVMV5G73_vfnLuoAI2pedsP2KZSq3K0z3sEJ55PqYp3pXhjsvlONpbMjCL55tPtH2AuntTH8HAHzM/s320/DSCN0070.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The very last time Brutus or I was clean!!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnjK2XEghj1lcrDLSTc-oC9FRN0JBWyUsIwbSVgK9p3m7_oz4nEhUWhYJq165LhFn6SKkWYl27RaYuqwuVtjoPchJXnTTAc5HAyZDIYDizes2NSlPpv7sNXEaYRGfiG2bfJB5W0FzXS-M/s1600/IMG-20130902-00163.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnjK2XEghj1lcrDLSTc-oC9FRN0JBWyUsIwbSVgK9p3m7_oz4nEhUWhYJq165LhFn6SKkWYl27RaYuqwuVtjoPchJXnTTAc5HAyZDIYDizes2NSlPpv7sNXEaYRGfiG2bfJB5W0FzXS-M/s640/IMG-20130902-00163.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU8wjbTLXGRaQf8PH0xi-OwV0i0921Mz6RMlAmUxglsnVtmXkYvIhr4iCsAGAnbQm4Y-JFQHxbziTaFqD5Cbwmi1u75Wj0MafYvJdwFn6KS5sqELIQyh9FlcUimrF8H2p0ZXyACybxe7I/s1600/DSCN0072.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU8wjbTLXGRaQf8PH0xi-OwV0i0921Mz6RMlAmUxglsnVtmXkYvIhr4iCsAGAnbQm4Y-JFQHxbziTaFqD5Cbwmi1u75Wj0MafYvJdwFn6KS5sqELIQyh9FlcUimrF8H2p0ZXyACybxe7I/s400/DSCN0072.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Snow capped mountains in the distance</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAQwr4C6bKcTQYYBuZgS6xdsAz-WGNDVkWuAsnka3H4VqdWIEiVLbKan_D-hohmi5GJimrBH-2ndmCSiXAwWa6n9pUWgYniIEABNy1bSqXIiNaBUIvkTWqCN1ktWdlJ-1F5KSWKV6DEbc/s1600/IMG-20130902-00165.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAQwr4C6bKcTQYYBuZgS6xdsAz-WGNDVkWuAsnka3H4VqdWIEiVLbKan_D-hohmi5GJimrBH-2ndmCSiXAwWa6n9pUWgYniIEABNy1bSqXIiNaBUIvkTWqCN1ktWdlJ-1F5KSWKV6DEbc/s400/IMG-20130902-00165.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Curious cows</td></tr>
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What a beautiful ride through the Durbanville hillside,
green pastures everywhere and white-covered mountains accompanying us till the
end of the day. </div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggJg7yFhGLb_vOiGiSq_WAHIcZryCOIbfSKqsedhfMOTS-Dv_EVZoAnQJqr1N5dXnfcKmo1hlVEeSkkPQfgd-KkqpKdQbNEUrap6AWiFXI7BHv2kxUQsQ8_PYuKS8cwjPmSwwOFrEvvdE/s1600/DSCN0074.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggJg7yFhGLb_vOiGiSq_WAHIcZryCOIbfSKqsedhfMOTS-Dv_EVZoAnQJqr1N5dXnfcKmo1hlVEeSkkPQfgd-KkqpKdQbNEUrap6AWiFXI7BHv2kxUQsQ8_PYuKS8cwjPmSwwOFrEvvdE/s400/DSCN0074.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Happy and fooling around</td></tr>
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When we made a stop, I replaced the battery with the spare and
discovered it too was flat!! Devastated, I had to ride on without the much
anticipated cam! The reason being that the cigarette lighter charger Toni had
installed for me to give direct power to my (many) devices – hubby says I am a
gadget freak! – broke the day before the trip started.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_V574LtH1YivxfFaeFYMX7yq73AJgEqJSSocC1kYKp78-G0hAAHi1MMEKoN2_9TKbaOXSFRPYYN0BaDPwp5oCAasNv37yNJ-V7Pz4nJ6TQZcgz12nzSqssFO9WxiXMYiWUrwjwKFQWkI/s1600/DSCN0077.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_V574LtH1YivxfFaeFYMX7yq73AJgEqJSSocC1kYKp78-G0hAAHi1MMEKoN2_9TKbaOXSFRPYYN0BaDPwp5oCAasNv37yNJ-V7Pz4nJ6TQZcgz12nzSqssFO9WxiXMYiWUrwjwKFQWkI/s640/DSCN0077.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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The crisp, cold morning air was refreshing and I felt alive.
Felt like jumping and bucking, because I was at last on the trip of a lifetime! Passing a pasture with sheep I saw one of the most fascinating sites…
Steam was coming out of them, each individual, but from their whole body. So
the whole field was full of little white clouds with white air rising out if
them. If ever I was heartbroken about my cam’s flat batteries!! </div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2bkUkCSxOlQ2LFDujNY3O08c3g0zhThPsQRqN-2VO7-tK7hw3AFPp6-VLNDR32-i5nIwhFguxzXaqSCWg-sW3Sn2iHAjRbUkAPLPR0Yd6AhFO8zF2Q8Q4pF7_16CrxiUzJE6rPRm62FM/s1600/DSCN0078.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2bkUkCSxOlQ2LFDujNY3O08c3g0zhThPsQRqN-2VO7-tK7hw3AFPp6-VLNDR32-i5nIwhFguxzXaqSCWg-sW3Sn2iHAjRbUkAPLPR0Yd6AhFO8zF2Q8Q4pF7_16CrxiUzJE6rPRm62FM/s640/DSCN0078.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Behind the Tulbagh mountains</td></tr>
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The Porselein road between <st1:city w:st="on">Wellington</st1:city> and Riebeek Kasteel almost had me
buying some pretty expensive property as I nearly came down in a stretch of
mud. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq8vqWiEHsDxc5yCcKPVgsMSVh2VlYmBgBlpRAxXO4Hy7qh1iYWBMpu5cA_J1LJURzwExwXyjYjzN-azOF-GEHrFAlV_MTXi5HndAn7_TfWO7TeCboaH27C6Hu4j6aWHJBqnENDtdW1K0/s1600/IMG_0031.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq8vqWiEHsDxc5yCcKPVgsMSVh2VlYmBgBlpRAxXO4Hy7qh1iYWBMpu5cA_J1LJURzwExwXyjYjzN-azOF-GEHrFAlV_MTXi5HndAn7_TfWO7TeCboaH27C6Hu4j6aWHJBqnENDtdW1K0/s400/IMG_0031.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbmoFS4PwuoJ9uN_7Z0vv0SwjLcOMID5JAaiEx4sf-2SWsXKRZmmYvOLXJb5rl-Kqwy2V6tfR1gY0ym7isJWFoXeUR18kwx6VOjVMWxnQ0yrOqXAOno7NzCQd8t0HPLLABqcLtsRvoZ_o/s1600/IMG_0029.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbmoFS4PwuoJ9uN_7Z0vv0SwjLcOMID5JAaiEx4sf-2SWsXKRZmmYvOLXJb5rl-Kqwy2V6tfR1gY0ym7isJWFoXeUR18kwx6VOjVMWxnQ0yrOqXAOno7NzCQd8t0HPLLABqcLtsRvoZ_o/s640/IMG_0029.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Almost buying some property!</td></tr>
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Brutus came through for me and we passed it with flying colours – ok ok,
by the skin of our teeth, but hey, no dust was eaten, ermm… I mean mud!</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnQhmiNZWLGpMgHhpcogoiwB9VIXsVgdXrMHNDVmz-7eOEs7GOsIB89V667j_pgqG1aDXuvdRVIVgtdLSahI4967aoOHZWVjHsB38rXN7sycJH8QKreWqtU1TzYQ-J95Nlz2B8wOaBG8M/s1600/IMG-20130902-00197.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnQhmiNZWLGpMgHhpcogoiwB9VIXsVgdXrMHNDVmz-7eOEs7GOsIB89V667j_pgqG1aDXuvdRVIVgtdLSahI4967aoOHZWVjHsB38rXN7sycJH8QKreWqtU1TzYQ-J95Nlz2B8wOaBG8M/s320/IMG-20130902-00197.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">First (of many!) refueling on the trip - in Ceres</td></tr>
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Toni used his socket and started charging the cam in the
meantime. We had the R20 Wimpy breakfast at Ceres and I went to fetch my
charger so that it could get a bit of a power boost while we were eating and
get a new power socket for me. Lo and behold! I had managed to forget my wall
charger at home!! Highly stressed, yet relieved country folk are so prepared to
go out their way to help, I managed to get a cigarette lighter installed again.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVe5Dxa-Y-hTgURKuEkYx9tvDL9uRGUTkbydNOKQmjxBZ1AY1EZdRVvh-4h_5eHjQfyjLKHmM-M1zl739BEp8JUDO1RI1Qd-KKZ0u_e80HdLOT4t56DicjSSw4okLJHRkKtolY7ILBr1w/s1600/IMG_0039.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVe5Dxa-Y-hTgURKuEkYx9tvDL9uRGUTkbydNOKQmjxBZ1AY1EZdRVvh-4h_5eHjQfyjLKHmM-M1zl739BEp8JUDO1RI1Qd-KKZ0u_e80HdLOT4t56DicjSSw4okLJHRkKtolY7ILBr1w/s640/IMG_0039.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg_qS07ZU5ppxYAisb5GLz-BADTnho8sA0EUuhk-j2cCMSXDBMs0ucjLhiIrtzzePfUZAOdznrtOaUFq_vNAeynlTu01xTFk2vzDLXBJRPPQuXwNm2ewn7sMG-M7yjyb3eK8-xS_JP3r4/s1600/IMG-20130902-00176.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg_qS07ZU5ppxYAisb5GLz-BADTnho8sA0EUuhk-j2cCMSXDBMs0ucjLhiIrtzzePfUZAOdznrtOaUFq_vNAeynlTu01xTFk2vzDLXBJRPPQuXwNm2ewn7sMG-M7yjyb3eK8-xS_JP3r4/s640/IMG-20130902-00176.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ceres from the Gydo pass</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSpsf0kLkJx6VJduQEse2_9ifJCwbLOd6Obl4-L3eZa4ejZF7oXsuTRNiHmiaXEN07W2-g_V97xeUaClzjg5h3AY3_qUoN5jAKQ4_IgnBaBQvsxSe1rV3ZqX1aYOfn7P79yD77qC5kiJw/s1600/DSCN0095.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSpsf0kLkJx6VJduQEse2_9ifJCwbLOd6Obl4-L3eZa4ejZF7oXsuTRNiHmiaXEN07W2-g_V97xeUaClzjg5h3AY3_qUoN5jAKQ4_IgnBaBQvsxSe1rV3ZqX1aYOfn7P79yD77qC5kiJw/s640/DSCN0095.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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From Ceres we went up the Gydo pass, where we had to take
pics of the valley and the snowy mountains and on to Op die Berg. Although the
snow had been melting for the last 4 days, it was still close and low enough
that we could enjoy every moment of its beauty. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyCvVahXFGIAVqLqO_QBJeLoM9kbVHkcOy5rGeEijxPSZXm4ybHHv97BR2fIq_RaCsDmxYsZhcLApTKKFOnme9LUWhWg-Q0YObqU1Gj-oLj2LV3zru96LzYWCCMzBenzJVonOuvfHFeHQ/s1600/DSCN0098.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyCvVahXFGIAVqLqO_QBJeLoM9kbVHkcOy5rGeEijxPSZXm4ybHHv97BR2fIq_RaCsDmxYsZhcLApTKKFOnme9LUWhWg-Q0YObqU1Gj-oLj2LV3zru96LzYWCCMzBenzJVonOuvfHFeHQ/s640/DSCN0098.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Just came from here</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCerJahXXGrImPlKj4Og3MSuSeoMmo-XkWsTiZQkdN_7bqL8_sJeq6xsXnxY4YNOgzMIXJEYXyHzWOLS1Sb__c7B1f2RG-PeAxeLYVYJFdEs1msxoPA9TUEhqlWNXtZ5BAWrb68UN3FMs/s1600/DSCN0102.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCerJahXXGrImPlKj4Og3MSuSeoMmo-XkWsTiZQkdN_7bqL8_sJeq6xsXnxY4YNOgzMIXJEYXyHzWOLS1Sb__c7B1f2RG-PeAxeLYVYJFdEs1msxoPA9TUEhqlWNXtZ5BAWrb68UN3FMs/s640/DSCN0102.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And going here</td></tr>
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There we turned east and headed
for Oasis in the Cederberg, passing fields of orange flowers, rock formations
and a stunning pass.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXaljaursupFv4xMK7J4RCE2Op3MWw08Nnqe-M4gYa85z-vDAlBJTZFuk21yxlQCuLQnEkhulmG865W-pG_hQ9dS_w-EmnkmYwkYQtRuoWgJJ1ob6TBf8egdPigTNLYan745pYcAI0emE/s1600/FILE4025.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXaljaursupFv4xMK7J4RCE2Op3MWw08Nnqe-M4gYa85z-vDAlBJTZFuk21yxlQCuLQnEkhulmG865W-pG_hQ9dS_w-EmnkmYwkYQtRuoWgJJ1ob6TBf8egdPigTNLYan745pYcAI0emE/s640/FILE4025.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Oasis - literally!!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0oEwi2wfSUuxcoJLq_5jRaIGpbEvfQ2hdcyYXENZ4fo45UB2CDQFRwgrRwII5ql-8aPopS10DgeF_eb462sVkr04pMXTXvvI5o6Ht7KkI6OoSlkycR1ExA_OIXmFGMCmtucS_OBis7HQ/s1600/IMG-20130902-00202.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0oEwi2wfSUuxcoJLq_5jRaIGpbEvfQ2hdcyYXENZ4fo45UB2CDQFRwgrRwII5ql-8aPopS10DgeF_eb462sVkr04pMXTXvvI5o6Ht7KkI6OoSlkycR1ExA_OIXmFGMCmtucS_OBis7HQ/s400/IMG-20130902-00202.jpg" width="400" /></a>/</td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;">Abie trying to get away from the muggies (insects/bugs) eating us alive!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4vW9Ky2Ho05J5TKu3cIMdAin6O5dn6kA0j8ZMNPB8riYM5vYAQlI8N-kjVq2bNa-EXw51yeCqSChDnE-QS8WrjTeTvc8pss4ycNkCSGCqH9n7egKpFwP-Gv8MVqqqqMYEzj3AxvaTqRU/s1600/IMG-20130902-00206.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4vW9Ky2Ho05J5TKu3cIMdAin6O5dn6kA0j8ZMNPB8riYM5vYAQlI8N-kjVq2bNa-EXw51yeCqSChDnE-QS8WrjTeTvc8pss4ycNkCSGCqH9n7egKpFwP-Gv8MVqqqqMYEzj3AxvaTqRU/s400/IMG-20130902-00206.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Toni happy with his new orange KTM beanie!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDxsgR4yIIpBynZuJfn7CIiE5WgxJB5J7QshCcXNKUD9vKCVD1Ct-fBQZ-FCJAFyTL_g7HW0n97bTvzByE8kROJX1_UGu2Pde-DqG5zY2VLDDopsYu_4_i0nEvhnoppM9AA9LcyOaKByw/s1600/IMG-20130902-00208.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDxsgR4yIIpBynZuJfn7CIiE5WgxJB5J7QshCcXNKUD9vKCVD1Ct-fBQZ-FCJAFyTL_g7HW0n97bTvzByE8kROJX1_UGu2Pde-DqG5zY2VLDDopsYu_4_i0nEvhnoppM9AA9LcyOaKByw/s400/IMG-20130902-00208.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Great ribs and chips</td></tr>
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The first day was concluded with of the best Spare Ribs I
have eaten, good company and good conversation with Gerrit the owner of Oasis. What
an awesome place!</div>
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Thus my first day ending on a high as I got to ride of the
most beautiful areas and the recent snow adding to its beauty! </div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16890635839913008069noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-482589321936440966.post-57053637129419376092013-08-31T23:14:00.000+02:002013-10-07T00:25:07.632+02:00My long-anticipated Namibian trip!<div class="MsoNormal">
At last! I am just about to leave. All is ready and packed
and the nerves are pretty raw – Exhilarated and scared at the same time!</div>
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So many things had to fall in place, get changed, bought or
fixed and in the end, all has worked out.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQH6Za0nVvRrCMF7eD3sNO4MzXaAnBhRv6sW4xlB5N-nCg9DGupEF2kO3PeYbY40bJYJQ-Ouwn2jIVW1towpLARDn1Y87miulOx3zlc1QBmrl8hdidLa3fJdrgiY0S4lSQ6cQ1bVP8Fjo/s1600/IMG-20130826-00140.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQH6Za0nVvRrCMF7eD3sNO4MzXaAnBhRv6sW4xlB5N-nCg9DGupEF2kO3PeYbY40bJYJQ-Ouwn2jIVW1towpLARDn1Y87miulOx3zlc1QBmrl8hdidLa3fJdrgiY0S4lSQ6cQ1bVP8Fjo/s320/IMG-20130826-00140.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Doing the wiring for an additional cigarette lighter plug</td></tr>
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Firstly, I have a different bike. My trusty Wedwo has been
replaced with a slightly newer bike called Brutus! This black steed has a lower
suspension and I can actually touch the ground with the tips of my toes! Great!
Except for the lower mileage, he is in the same class as Wedwo.<br />
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The other great news is that I have (at last) got my dream
action camera. Thanks to awesome service I got the Drift HD1080 through Action
Gear <a href="http://www.actiongear.co.za/" target="_blank">http://www.actiongear.co.za/ </a> and what a sweet deal I got! Most of my
footage of the coming trip will be taken by this camera.</div>
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For this Namibian experience I am joined by Toni, my
vertically challenged Italian friend riding a very high KTM 990 and for the
first few days, my previous “co-biker” Abie. Unfortunately he has to turn back,
but we will then be met by another friend just across the border.</div>
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<o:p> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjffbW7LDoN2i0spxcrzq7eUQCR1Rn5XMBvM5Bj1fsptIYNgmQM7LA2hyQz6vaXzlYhqGKXfb3nHWGLB6a_Fn0uH9SJ95HPdozeyV-NS-Uy9Mnu_5eNPHbnAPheRdahuZ7obzP9gi03_o/s1600/IMG-20130805-00043.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjffbW7LDoN2i0spxcrzq7eUQCR1Rn5XMBvM5Bj1fsptIYNgmQM7LA2hyQz6vaXzlYhqGKXfb3nHWGLB6a_Fn0uH9SJ95HPdozeyV-NS-Uy9Mnu_5eNPHbnAPheRdahuZ7obzP9gi03_o/s320/IMG-20130805-00043.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Don't ask!!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Brutus lost a bracket of the side
stand and left me in the lurch on a previous ride. In the meantime a new
bracket has been made, he has been for his long-distance-all clear-check-up and
now packed and ready to be mounted! We will be camping or staying with friends
most of the way. I just hope the icy <st1:place w:st="on">Cape</st1:place>
weather stays behind as I don’t think freezing to death in a tent is part of
the package deal!</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Packed and ready to leave!</td></tr>
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So here’s to leaving on a new and
exciting adventure – my bike, my curiosity and my spirit of adventure!</div>
Carpe Diem!!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16890635839913008069noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-482589321936440966.post-11200053433066903822013-07-12T18:04:00.002+02:002013-10-07T00:26:11.230+02:00Last day of our West Coast trip with my dad. May<b>Redelinghuys - Piketberg - Riebeeck Kasteel - Wellington - Bainskloof - Rawsonville - Montagu</b><br />
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We were actually ready and left just after 9am as planned.
Although a cold morning, the crisp air and peering sunrays promised a lovely
day. 10 Km after leaving the farm, we turned off on a gravel road that would
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The road later snaked up over a
mountain, where we took a few turn-offs to higher grounds so to speak. From
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I was so impressed with my dad taking on new challenges and mastering the bike so well and so quickly</div>
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. He doesn't know it yet, but he will
be lined up for a few more rides in MY biking future!!</div>
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This back road was quite long, winding through farms and
Sandveld, the surface pretty good. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi28xHb-cPpTijPrmxRDqbjQGrtQo-7c0kDorxFhxA7As52Nl1RtD-Ucj6KlvbRRgIbet4Pnu7JS1LpCmWjBhWrX5IbqDXy5hR_RnyYj9CZjVBWOYyxgJOnHYM2ufvm1TPRP2ENZ0gyPPA/s1600/DSC00105.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi28xHb-cPpTijPrmxRDqbjQGrtQo-7c0kDorxFhxA7As52Nl1RtD-Ucj6KlvbRRgIbet4Pnu7JS1LpCmWjBhWrX5IbqDXy5hR_RnyYj9CZjVBWOYyxgJOnHYM2ufvm1TPRP2ENZ0gyPPA/s320/DSC00105.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb1p_sJcPVNZzeU_eiU7_5sAQUHzvGbCQiqGDpYsofov6esOD1iju9tjvGHD-zH5zea41sy_HVonT_OMTlEeDP_8XddvycxduWzU96hXBWP4BNrA53ZZv3unmwlM-KyFeJu62U-IRZw9s/s1600/IMG-20130520-05513.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb1p_sJcPVNZzeU_eiU7_5sAQUHzvGbCQiqGDpYsofov6esOD1iju9tjvGHD-zH5zea41sy_HVonT_OMTlEeDP_8XddvycxduWzU96hXBWP4BNrA53ZZv3unmwlM-KyFeJu62U-IRZw9s/s320/IMG-20130520-05513.jpg" width="320" /></a> We found a nice spot to stop for lunch of
sandwiches, naartjies and water – no flask to speak of! </div>
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Once we hit the tar, we
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Cannas growing in all their glory looked beautiful just before the
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We stopped just outside the town for a drink and something to
eat. I wanted to go through a ditch – to show my dad what a smart and skilled
rider I was – forgot the suspension had been lowered and got stuck! Needed my
dad to help me out there! Sometimes best not to brag!! </div>
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I was glad to go through <st1:city w:st="on">Wellington</st1:city>,
the town where I studied more than 20 years ago – it has expanded enormously,
as probably most of <st1:country-region w:st="on">South
Africa</st1:country-region>?! </div>
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Bainskloof was awesome as only a
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We stopped at the top for some pics and halfway down
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From there we turned off the <st1:city w:st="on">Worcester</st1:city> road to go via the beautiful
Slanghoek valley before passing Rawsonville. Home James! </div>
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We got home late afternoon, tired but happy and content. </div>
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I
am soo proud of my dad who was not only willing to take on such a trip with me,
but also managed it so well. </div>
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<b>I love you dad, thanks for being my inspiration in
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And thanks to my Lord who kept us safe and brought us home
to our loved ones. We are blessed!</div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16890635839913008069noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-482589321936440966.post-69171489632753032192013-07-11T14:32:00.004+02:002013-10-07T00:26:32.108+02:00Day 2 of our West Coast trip - MayDay 2<br />
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The cold air took my breath away as I hit the road at 7.45am. Dawn was breaking and birds of all kinds were accompanying me as I passed. Or would they just be scattering away due to the noisy bike?! Most of the way was dusty gravel, paved with corrugated patches, potholes and deep, loose sand. <br />
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Yet the concentration could not dampen my spirits. I was on my way to meet a great friend I had not seen for ages. We were going to meet at the foot of a mountain (where I would leave my bike) and then have a picnic up in the mountains.<br />
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Once at the meeting point, I discovered I could not leave my bike there and made my way up the steep rocky little road. Thankfully my dad did not come along, as the road became severely technical and the first part might have had him down already. <br />
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The road turned and twisted around the hillside, climbing fast. At some places there were openings in the rocks only large enough for a vehicle to go through. </div>
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Right at the top we reached the private nature reserve that could also accommodate guests in wooden huts scattered around.<br />
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But the views and company was well worth the ride out!<br />
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By now the sun was baking and I made my way back much faster than I came. I noticed an awesome mural passing the town again. Done in the form of a little house, the painted windows were actually the real windows! </div>
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I got home sweaty, dusty and… happy! And the evening was closed off with a lovely sunset.<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16890635839913008069noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-482589321936440966.post-58184290409433081952013-05-22T13:23:00.000+02:002013-10-07T00:26:54.277+02:00West Coast trip with my dad<br />
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Day 1</div>
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Montagu – Ceres – Prince Alfred Hamlet – Op die berg –
Citrusdal - Redelinghuys</div>
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<o:p> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoOL2Jxc9-0m_NdOW7mEfQ9wrQkbjodvy-RUNGnWoj7d-bFv-WcjxZt5fMgH3q4H2wzZF4UCubZfDOuSegV2Hovqgso17wG-03jraEsiVPXRsa0IAljNBxcmylq_y65ywbqUQjLo4Z4NY/s1600/IMG-20130517-05357.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoOL2Jxc9-0m_NdOW7mEfQ9wrQkbjodvy-RUNGnWoj7d-bFv-WcjxZt5fMgH3q4H2wzZF4UCubZfDOuSegV2Hovqgso17wG-03jraEsiVPXRsa0IAljNBxcmylq_y65ywbqUQjLo4Z4NY/s640/IMG-20130517-05357.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ready to leave!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</o:p></div>
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Although cold and overcast, I woke with a feeling of
anticipation and a well know buzz. Due to excitement I did not get to sleep
till well after 2am, yet I felt rejuvenated and ready for this trip. The reason
for all the anticipation was because I was going to do a trip with my dad! He
has just turned 71 and never been on a bike trip in his life. Yet he is willing
to take to the roads on my trusty steed, prepared to learn why his eldest has
fallen in love with bike riding! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcOuh5Ekk9GRax1TleS_quvZ2f02BCN1UwGXD9S-gByDFLUbVzKMPRZXF0cySf0T8Ro7ZbobZSMtK1yuxL91ldDE43L81nfW1kSNDwzq50YRuWltnOWBpPslnLCYQaS98rPFBcRd1ZBhQ/s1600/IMG-20130517-05361.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcOuh5Ekk9GRax1TleS_quvZ2f02BCN1UwGXD9S-gByDFLUbVzKMPRZXF0cySf0T8Ro7ZbobZSMtK1yuxL91ldDE43L81nfW1kSNDwzq50YRuWltnOWBpPslnLCYQaS98rPFBcRd1ZBhQ/s320/IMG-20130517-05361.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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I got a slightly newer bike and bought it for the lower
suspension, since I cannot reach the ground. Just before selling the first one
(to pay for the second one), my dad suggests I hang on to it for a moment so
that we can do a trip together before it’s sold. What?! Hell yeahhh! I’M IN!!
So our trip will take us close to the West Cost where we will be staying with
his sister and husband and make our way back on Monday. The bikes: 2 x BMW
650GS. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1piTs_-KEiXVipDzPl9XL0EUCppmZ2VpKS9r3WobKVBN4jCOLEuWz5nD-RWtzQTopmpLu1_1Z5S64i5s5yNF4aKjGsdQQkw8tk9DRbD2MJppwtT6VNBtNeg7oBdyOcLpVLimvp6MITF0/s1600/DSC00028.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="270" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1piTs_-KEiXVipDzPl9XL0EUCppmZ2VpKS9r3WobKVBN4jCOLEuWz5nD-RWtzQTopmpLu1_1Z5S64i5s5yNF4aKjGsdQQkw8tk9DRbD2MJppwtT6VNBtNeg7oBdyOcLpVLimvp6MITF0/s320/DSC00028.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="text-align: center;"> </span><br />
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Since he does not have as much natural extra padding like me,
he got dressed in enough clothes to dress an army. A very nice but cold day was
forecast and I did not want him getting cold. He also has osteoporosis and
problems with his back. I put a Trans Act plaster on his back and after fitting
a cushion in the side pocket, tied my tog bag in such a manner that he had a
“back rest”. My sister let him use her safety gear and came to see us off.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjRbowKAnO0wz7aKJAqceUTbNLR9qBiGGO-cm6KZxeYoIlZpmBsVNSsX4eoSRqM5tBOR-M4gtRcxTpsWeW1ZETWyRfvOXjhzP5jfIexJ_c4rSYlH8KANPlP7aXUWPsjHlnpu1zIr1J3mg/s1600/IMG-20130517-05377.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjRbowKAnO0wz7aKJAqceUTbNLR9qBiGGO-cm6KZxeYoIlZpmBsVNSsX4eoSRqM5tBOR-M4gtRcxTpsWeW1ZETWyRfvOXjhzP5jfIexJ_c4rSYlH8KANPlP7aXUWPsjHlnpu1zIr1J3mg/s400/IMG-20130517-05377.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dad enjoying the view</td></tr>
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<o:p> </o:p>After dressing and re-dressing, packing and repacking we
got away an hour and half later than planned. A picnic of boiled eggs,
sandwiches and a flask for coffee was in the top box with me, and we left,
waving my mom and sister off with cheerful excitement. It lasted for all of 30
seconds….</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI09zTmoO2AZsJJrKC0PJh_c1rkdDUfK5XzDSx5BnZssNUrCcidePCJT4dd9B-Is_A8sSou8sPZPFEj_pJAGzyIc3FmtHGrmrZKzWlvv6x-DKMPo-3wJaT1a0kLNDUyUfRiavsTmPewX8/s1600/DSC00022.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI09zTmoO2AZsJJrKC0PJh_c1rkdDUfK5XzDSx5BnZssNUrCcidePCJT4dd9B-Is_A8sSou8sPZPFEj_pJAGzyIc3FmtHGrmrZKzWlvv6x-DKMPo-3wJaT1a0kLNDUyUfRiavsTmPewX8/s400/DSC00022.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Keisie valley above Montagu</td></tr>
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My bike died on me!! After several attempts to restart it, I
phoned the mechanic who always fixes my bike. He had recently serviced it.
After explaining the symptoms, he surmised the problem was with the petrol pump
and it needed to be removed. It should take us less than 2 hours to fix – yeah
right, just what we need! My sister took the bike down to the farm’s workshop –
thankfully this did not happen in the middle of nowhere, with no cell
reception!! After off-loading the luggage and removing the seat, my dad tugged
some wires and removed a few switches without taking the petrol pump out and
suddenly the bike started. Not knowing if it will wait till we cannot afford it
and cut out again, I took it for a short, but rough spin. Letting it hit a few
potholes and bumpy bits, making sure it did not give any problems.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG4lxqgVNhn0VmrwBGGZUlrqthjkeOujEet0p3Y7_xiY6sqznFsjl9lDerbvxBPNltJ1Nd4wyjIA6PnNkHrkFadKnigHaI4l9BuRwmHFIJlgm8Y_G-QPSyD5NzOMBTgfc90B3uu8NPyl4/s1600/DSC00029.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG4lxqgVNhn0VmrwBGGZUlrqthjkeOujEet0p3Y7_xiY6sqznFsjl9lDerbvxBPNltJ1Nd4wyjIA6PnNkHrkFadKnigHaI4l9BuRwmHFIJlgm8Y_G-QPSyD5NzOMBTgfc90B3uu8NPyl4/s320/DSC00029.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Finally back after fetching the phone!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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It seemed fine so I got the seat and luggage back on. I had
left all our gear in my dad’s office and when we went round to fetch it, my mom
offered us a sandwich. I gratefully took it, since I had not had breakfast
(meant to eat along the way) and it was almost noon. After refuelling in town,
at last we got to leave via the Koo and Keisie valley over the beautiful
Burgers pass. At the lookout point I went for my cell phone, which serves as my
camera. Not only is it small, takes good pics and (relatively) handy to come by
from the biking gear, but our camera was stolen in a spate of robberies we
recently had.</div>
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I went ice cold! I had forgotten the phone/camera in the
office!! So we made arrangements where to meet up again and I tuned back and
raced for town. Phoned my mom and asked her to meet me there to save time and
had to go and fuel again, as I would not make the next stop. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFO2FJ4ESnz8uWcQe5SPyAgVcDg4gIU2Wv8E95Yn_GyLLk9_lhwKpSQngTeJHJ88nJcPZZeeYml3Iz6GvLmPJ6t5oH3dh0aLkTZxk24iqZ7-E7hoXUmYh7jBJeQ3OulRVgu8lDWGbO4ZA/s1600/IMG-20130517-05362.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFO2FJ4ESnz8uWcQe5SPyAgVcDg4gIU2Wv8E95Yn_GyLLk9_lhwKpSQngTeJHJ88nJcPZZeeYml3Iz6GvLmPJ6t5oH3dh0aLkTZxk24iqZ7-E7hoXUmYh7jBJeQ3OulRVgu8lDWGbO4ZA/s320/IMG-20130517-05362.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Picnic</td></tr>
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Going a bit fast and hoping my dad much slower, I met him at
the arranged spot just off the N1 close to Touws River where we turn off on the
Ceres road. At last all our problems and dramas were over and we could now
concentrate on the trip! A few kilometres from there we stopped at a nice spot
to (at last!) have our picnic. Low and behold! The flask had broken and a
million shards of glass was everywhere - and everything in the top box was drenched!
I am just sooo glad that I decided against putting coffee in the flask and it
was only water!</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Trying to get our stuff to dry</td></tr>
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Yet we enjoyed our whole-wheat cheese sandwiches and boiled
eggs. We had to decide whether we would go the safer route, or the longer but
prettier route. With hours into our day, but only a third of the distance
covered, I was worried about riding in the dark. Also worried how my dad and
his back would cope, not to mention parts was on off-road! Although he has a
small scrambler, he has never done long distances with such a heavy bike on
gravel! We decided to get to the turnoff and then decide. So far he was coping
really well. The Theron's pass was great and about 10 kms before Ceres was the
turn-off to Prince Alfred Hamlet. We have an intercom set between us and as we
were approaching, dad said he was fine to do the longer distance and turned
off, right onto a very rocky, loose piece of gravel road.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-_MPPC4Ka1WWGhcuEAQepxq1FzAwvpngAvzgCRjFB-5KJrJ80kocmkNJ94r8qybGF5D-IbtNKToZ3r0VnjDqtVVVbV57KrEeVZKtf_TLwiUCrTW3xtZo3crO_1SoCIqnRvoszGcHGEUY/s1600/DSC00039.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="217" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-_MPPC4Ka1WWGhcuEAQepxq1FzAwvpngAvzgCRjFB-5KJrJ80kocmkNJ94r8qybGF5D-IbtNKToZ3r0VnjDqtVVVbV57KrEeVZKtf_TLwiUCrTW3xtZo3crO_1SoCIqnRvoszGcHGEUY/s400/DSC00039.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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My heart skipped a beat and I was so worried for him, worried
he would come down soon! Yet he was a true champ, stood up in the saddle as I
had explained and did the piece of gravel like a piece of cake! Coming into the
small town of <st1:city w:st="on">Prince Alfred Hamlet</st1:city>
I was struck by the lovely yellowing fruit trees and surroundings. The scenery
had changed from a more arid, shrub-growing area to fruit trees and autumn
colours!</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTgOiow18v3K-NRHfLl6gz7qEGSUiriflgkO5HPkBKV-RAOa4xZ4XxJXUOtaaSxwjRjKfTrCxiFZFlKi_DNfYfpLJfkGmJIvigM8H7XP3zJEjp1dagiXN4h4L3Hm8yTMD-tQd4KziO_yU/s1600/IMG-20130517-05379.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="476" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTgOiow18v3K-NRHfLl6gz7qEGSUiriflgkO5HPkBKV-RAOa4xZ4XxJXUOtaaSxwjRjKfTrCxiFZFlKi_DNfYfpLJfkGmJIvigM8H7XP3zJEjp1dagiXN4h4L3Hm8yTMD-tQd4KziO_yU/s640/IMG-20130517-05379.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Prince Alfred Hamlet </td></tr>
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As you leave the town, one starts climbing the awesome Gydo pass, looking down on orchards and dams as far as the eye can see. No sorry,
till you see more mountains in the distance! By now the sun was quite low,
causing beautiful lighting over the whole valley. After a quick stop for some
pics, we headed further up the mountain and then hit a plateau, covered in
grass lands and fruit trees. The Du Toit family seemed very prominent there and
apparently has of the largest deciduous fruit farms in the country. All well
kept and glowing in the soft afternoon sun. Patches with animals, other trees
or dams kept the scenery alive.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIxy75ucConWpgEHNsqBAOujbegNZF10hR9MLqoEW9xfxNzfenI5aQ88yYYS-vNM2n1AgAdzlcUQDylSGd9XTIUiLVU4HLfSB3ipPs4HleF1ta1jKbzeFzwICEauYpT8q0X0IX2cYTKCs/s1600/IMG-20130517-05380.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="238" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIxy75ucConWpgEHNsqBAOujbegNZF10hR9MLqoEW9xfxNzfenI5aQ88yYYS-vNM2n1AgAdzlcUQDylSGd9XTIUiLVU4HLfSB3ipPs4HleF1ta1jKbzeFzwICEauYpT8q0X0IX2cYTKCs/s320/IMG-20130517-05380.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdcfT1es-G2-LEXcsGBNc-y6lYDj41d9_Inc-sot1PPA0eFI9mBo4f0ite7-woEzZP42K3IzzstW7AFGQdRTIQi-enzDrwbI5V9ImPzJ3JyD5YW5oBsj66F35kbMdUCZ7cfw4z5KE8oB8/s1600/DSC00050.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdcfT1es-G2-LEXcsGBNc-y6lYDj41d9_Inc-sot1PPA0eFI9mBo4f0ite7-woEzZP42K3IzzstW7AFGQdRTIQi-enzDrwbI5V9ImPzJ3JyD5YW5oBsj66F35kbMdUCZ7cfw4z5KE8oB8/s640/DSC00050.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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We thought we had gone right passed and missed the town of <st1:city w:st="on">Op</st1:city> die Berg (On the
Mountain). </div>
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We had to refuel there. After riding several kilometres on this plateau,
we suddenly hit the very small place that had the most spectacular display of
Autumn I had ever seen! From reds, to orange and yellows, this little place was
“lit up” like a neon sign! The sun was setting behind the high mountain back
drop, causing the trees to light up like only nature can!</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8B3QLyeTj3do_ilyzCBWa35wB6a5hvlzNR5e5jWDA0glWE1dk0WwAKNBdWEVHx0nghOpdgK4Oi_OzcQupdYp-zKZAmMJZ8OJuuU31jPeMF1bCSksjCyhcXYdTx3GhA29hizMQIv-c4Mg/s1600/IMG-20130517-05382.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="238" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8B3QLyeTj3do_ilyzCBWa35wB6a5hvlzNR5e5jWDA0glWE1dk0WwAKNBdWEVHx0nghOpdgK4Oi_OzcQupdYp-zKZAmMJZ8OJuuU31jPeMF1bCSksjCyhcXYdTx3GhA29hizMQIv-c4Mg/s320/IMG-20130517-05382.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Just refueled </td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvK1Ue2XKrs1UP9ndKBixjEiuFj898d2AHYoF1WdnYXUYRGrl9dUgPgKFMoSapV0Fqme33j_VsZ-3wa7PO1Vu6tHkh5iTAX8M-dQXBimWmDkYvALISHgJ5LgWMUHgc5Pe0Z3BsSUIxTxw/s1600/IMG-20130517-05389.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvK1Ue2XKrs1UP9ndKBixjEiuFj898d2AHYoF1WdnYXUYRGrl9dUgPgKFMoSapV0Fqme33j_VsZ-3wa7PO1Vu6tHkh5iTAX8M-dQXBimWmDkYvALISHgJ5LgWMUHgc5Pe0Z3BsSUIxTxw/s400/IMG-20130517-05389.jpg" width="300" /></a><o:p> </o:p></div>
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We refuelled and had to get a move on, as we had done less
than two thirds of the way and the main gravel road and pass was still ahead of
us – and the sun was setting! But alas! …. We hit such bad potholes that we had
to go fairly slow! The next we were in the narrowest of narrow valleys! High
mountains rose on either side with orchards on the left. The last rays of the setting sun lit up
strips of light that would squeeze through crevices, enhancing the pink of the
mountain on the opposite side! I felt so alive and such a sense of wellbeing as
I realised once again the privilege I had to absorb all of this from my bike! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieS5xXaKy8s_793gYDB4CijkKd_WSyokCNIVNYCN7vIseETgON2_oSuN0ToVVe9OL3cfHVfiCupkIUlcK2YDyyIAMwLEwvm4Rm4ZaIyNH0ujnxfF3HfrBucsDBDph2rEgIgv8ID8SxFq4/s1600/DSC00060.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieS5xXaKy8s_793gYDB4CijkKd_WSyokCNIVNYCN7vIseETgON2_oSuN0ToVVe9OL3cfHVfiCupkIUlcK2YDyyIAMwLEwvm4Rm4ZaIyNH0ujnxfF3HfrBucsDBDph2rEgIgv8ID8SxFq4/s320/DSC00060.JPG" width="320" /></a>As we came out of this valley, we hit the sun right from the
front – or should I say the sun hit us?! The shiny, (very) old, well ridden
road threw up glaring rays as the last of the sun tried to make an impression
on us. We did not have much time to worry about that, as the next we hit the
gravel road! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7hw58eOgTaRDWjEAcI75UNEkqu7bZqWnlNj34bM6Ld1txbDqBoz3Dl01Ht160fzICV8SgnbwhFTH-TWZBuIa2Y3HgU4dJzkvgh6R1KuhOEsevP47WUGpKpFMG_Fj_W0MXGn17UD43i6I/s1600/IMG-20130517-05392.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7hw58eOgTaRDWjEAcI75UNEkqu7bZqWnlNj34bM6Ld1txbDqBoz3Dl01Ht160fzICV8SgnbwhFTH-TWZBuIa2Y3HgU4dJzkvgh6R1KuhOEsevP47WUGpKpFMG_Fj_W0MXGn17UD43i6I/s320/IMG-20130517-05392.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifVXt1RVrBen7XTnmyXIQSgrwjSHDdQ2OOSwGZk8EVmq5vY0n_HEpDpghFcgz4cIDtuGHn_RqUN3ZIgDuQI-9xmE4MXzfYKYzc1EFnQD8D3_-6wZiEgiNpwW-84VNF85LsT_M8IOg-efg/s1600/IMG-20130517-05400.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="238" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifVXt1RVrBen7XTnmyXIQSgrwjSHDdQ2OOSwGZk8EVmq5vY0n_HEpDpghFcgz4cIDtuGHn_RqUN3ZIgDuQI-9xmE4MXzfYKYzc1EFnQD8D3_-6wZiEgiNpwW-84VNF85LsT_M8IOg-efg/s320/IMG-20130517-05400.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
It was after 5pm and every farmer and buss in the area had
somewhere to go, causing us to ride in a cloud of dust for most of the next 30 kms
It was not long before there were places we could hardly see the road. The sun
was so low, that we had no where to look but directly into it. Due to the dust
on the visor, it was throwing spears of blindness our way. At least they had
just graded the road – obviously especially for us, as we could see it was
freshly done!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtBpOaP12PQUNn-89VIQQuHFCgowGq_PwRwFj1XSSLQt_djfr5I-hn1yMdzW9i_qE5Mfjzu0PQcJ9-piRrHDmg9daLDRPs6G703NaCnvaQNusMp9mEwcrcXRv4PCBEloP5xXUHIkl7nZI/s1600/IMG-20130517-05395.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtBpOaP12PQUNn-89VIQQuHFCgowGq_PwRwFj1XSSLQt_djfr5I-hn1yMdzW9i_qE5Mfjzu0PQcJ9-piRrHDmg9daLDRPs6G703NaCnvaQNusMp9mEwcrcXRv4PCBEloP5xXUHIkl7nZI/s640/IMG-20130517-05395.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<o:p> </o:p>The winding road became a beautiful winding pass – the
Middelberg pass. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgelqdX_0vpRsQjVfTqRK7WzPJ4bSV1gpQD4sn5gc5TuhJhkfJ4qaKd8l9qNI5alJhhMjJU0KKZQY0GBcVq6SYLYiGSyxgnddMUG3cTn8_WLw_bO84BELwyMasdeC4MzYk6ttlf80S6BY/s1600/IMG-20130517-05401.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="295" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgelqdX_0vpRsQjVfTqRK7WzPJ4bSV1gpQD4sn5gc5TuhJhkfJ4qaKd8l9qNI5alJhhMjJU0KKZQY0GBcVq6SYLYiGSyxgnddMUG3cTn8_WLw_bO84BELwyMasdeC4MzYk6ttlf80S6BY/s400/IMG-20130517-05401.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Although some loose or rocky gravel, most of the road was in a
really good state – guess the grading caused all the dust, but we could not
complain. Parts of it reminded me of the Swartberg pass and some of the Prince Alfred’s
pass between Knysna and <st1:place w:st="on">Uniondale</st1:place>. My dad was
doing so well and just kept going as if he had been riding dirt roads all his
life! Some sharp turns, deep slopes and lovely views made this a memorable
pass. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPK_MQAkanYaIDbuCFXRL_iNx9OWp0GFK4-_vtpXDFdil9z6zAvDPoF4mUZRO-4mEQnVTXFGxKAnv3taXllHcgjIqJNQ7botNw3dDzU5shMGsa95_XGdL9oDqB27zTpGEpBGSNS5XXVak/s1600/IMG-20130517-05402.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="236" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPK_MQAkanYaIDbuCFXRL_iNx9OWp0GFK4-_vtpXDFdil9z6zAvDPoF4mUZRO-4mEQnVTXFGxKAnv3taXllHcgjIqJNQ7botNw3dDzU5shMGsa95_XGdL9oDqB27zTpGEpBGSNS5XXVak/s320/IMG-20130517-05402.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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After hitting the tar, we were still high above Citrusdal
and had a wondrous view of the (once again) setting sun over the valley below.
The last rays of sun reflected from the water on the dams like little mirrors
dotted all around. The nice turns in the pass coming down is a Twisties-lover
like my self’s dream come true! The entire town was surrounded by a pink haze, even
brighter on the mountains to our left as we neared Piekenierskloof. Little
traffic and a broad road made it possible to keep looking down on the Citrusdal
valley from the opposite side from where we were less than 10 minutes earlier.
The soft glow of a busy day quieting down for the night touched me and I could
not stop absorbing the way the disappearing sun managed to change the scenes
over and over again!</div>
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As we drove over the neck of Piekenierskloof, we just saw
the last sunrays dipping one final time behind the next mountains across the
plain to the West. Looking down we had our first glimpse of the beginning of
the Swartland. We were almost there…</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzoKWTVqlTk-QQe7WA5TbswdROQHs1mI8Xvls6bViuvJRtaF4-EUQiFYmcJW6oAerBZDjKTsw1zKMomXTbqX7_bVNGjVm_X817Y0JLvxOHY6MsCnfymMGd079WdsYlGMU0IKu3DWDnFdc/s1600/IMG-20130517-05407.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzoKWTVqlTk-QQe7WA5TbswdROQHs1mI8Xvls6bViuvJRtaF4-EUQiFYmcJW6oAerBZDjKTsw1zKMomXTbqX7_bVNGjVm_X817Y0JLvxOHY6MsCnfymMGd079WdsYlGMU0IKu3DWDnFdc/s320/IMG-20130517-05407.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Just before the bottom of the pass we turned off – direction
where the sun had recently dropped in behind the mountain. As it got darker I
experienced a calmness enveloping me. Although the sun had set, the sky was
still beautiful and the air fairly warm. Once it was dark, we came down with
our speed as there were small deer that could cause big trouble if hit. In
spite of getting darker, for at least another 20 minutes we could see trees and
objects silhouetted against the night sky. I have never noticed things like
this from a car! Once again – viva for being on a bike!!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5F0hn6okIJlCOBFuHaU5dO8uDv3gkZgsWFtBC0UKgs_pxOmZMaZiOhkWUuxy-JoPFT4ghqXM4efMet8W1mQBu1FVnH3ZedMlLSagZpbHr-jxk8FpDc22KTNgBA7-XemLvzNqS3ytWHpM/s1600/IMG-20130517-05409.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="297" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5F0hn6okIJlCOBFuHaU5dO8uDv3gkZgsWFtBC0UKgs_pxOmZMaZiOhkWUuxy-JoPFT4ghqXM4efMet8W1mQBu1FVnH3ZedMlLSagZpbHr-jxk8FpDc22KTNgBA7-XemLvzNqS3ytWHpM/s400/IMG-20130517-05409.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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We arrived safely - tired but happy! Good to see family we
love! My dad did well and his back never gave trouble. I got to see new places
and experience 3 sunsets in one evening! I feel complete!!</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16890635839913008069noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-482589321936440966.post-88525083056412378492013-03-05T17:21:00.002+02:002013-10-07T00:27:15.986+02:00A hidden treasure<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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This post comes a bit late (OK, OK, a few months late!!). I
have been meaning to share this for ages and life just goes by and when you
wake up, summer has almost gone!!
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Hubby and I invited a girlfriend (well, we invited two, only
one could make it) along on a Sunday outing, not too far from us. We left on
the Route 62, direction Barrydale. The winter was at an end and it was a quiet,
balmy Sunday morning. The previous week we had some severe rain, but now
everything looked lush, green and fresh.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It was deep into spring and summer was just poking its nose around the
corner, yet the temps were still mild and ideal for riding.</div>
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Just as you hit the town of Barrydale, we took the turn-off to the
Tradows pass, one of the more spectacular passes I have been on. Covered in
yellow-bush, a kind of Protea that does not have a flower, but the yellow
leaves – only this time of the year - light up the mountainsides with colour
and splendour!</div>
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Looking down to the right, one sees the incredible gorge, also
winding as far as you go, with the black, icy cold river running down below.
The colour of the water is caused by tannin, which comes from the roots and
plants the water passes along its way. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The water tastes divine and is perfect for
drinking – if you don’t mind a bit of frog pipi or fish eggs, hiehie!</div>
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“detour” road of about 50 metres. As you round the bend, there is an opening in
the bushes to the left and once we had parked the bikes and walked up in there,
WHAT A SIGHT?!?</div>
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A stunning waterfall came cascading down the rock face,
nestled between what looked like Tsitsikamma forest. It made its way into a
dark pool and then spilled over into a winding little river, seeking its way
between trees and roots, disappearing into the lush green nothingness not too
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Right next to the pool was a lovely wooden picnic table with seats
and we sat there in the coolness of the overhang of the trees canopy. In the
calming sound of the dropping water and birdsong nearby we enjoyed sandwiches, hard
boiled eggs, hubby’s lovely meatballs and coffee.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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After the meal, we rode on over the pass and back again – no
twisties to be missed of course, not by me!! NO sireeee!! More spectacular
sites and a cave with water dripping out from everywhere were also seen along
the way…</div>
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Coming back on the R62 we had the stunning views of the
valleys down below. Hubby rode on while my friend and I took a detour up a dirt
road to look over another part of the valley and then we stopped at the dam on
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Full to the brim and looking so inviting!! Trips like these just
let me realise again how fortunate I am to be alive, to have the opportunity to
bike to these places and most of all, to share it with people I love! </div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16890635839913008069noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-482589321936440966.post-51690255205727727552012-11-27T23:50:00.001+02:002013-10-07T00:27:40.856+02:00Table Mountain – A forgotten wonder!<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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I lived at the foot of Table Mountain
for 7 years. In the city.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Since I was
first a tour bus driver and later a tour guide, I never worked in the city, but
was able to take to the roads and most beautiful parts of the country. In spite
of living so close to it and going up Table Mountain
at least once a week, I was still appreciative of its beauty. Now it’s been
almost 10 years since we have moved away from the city and living in the
country side. When I go to Cape Town,
I only get as far as the Northern Suburbs and it has been a while since I have
got up close and personal with the over 1000m high Sandstone and Granite
beauty.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6eLkKto_pi3XgxUosmu3P7Ju1xKu6lvuECXcVhh0Jj0l6B_dP7LHAS0mjgK45hcC5cLYJzaPJzigw9UBZNvDccChFGa0zBNc1AJvQ36mInnhtr76eIePedrTkFHHU7qDR7YCfLKpM9Lk/s1600/IMG-20121123-03560ab.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="252" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6eLkKto_pi3XgxUosmu3P7Ju1xKu6lvuECXcVhh0Jj0l6B_dP7LHAS0mjgK45hcC5cLYJzaPJzigw9UBZNvDccChFGa0zBNc1AJvQ36mInnhtr76eIePedrTkFHHU7qDR7YCfLKpM9Lk/s400/IMG-20121123-03560ab.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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This weekend I was fortunate to see it
again. I met up with friends on the other side of the bay and made my way back
to the city just as the sun started setting over the water. Absorbing all this
from my bike was more than I could have wished for! I caught a whiff of the
sticky, pungent yet fresh breeze that made it’s way over the gentle little waves.
What a sight!?! Table
Mountain rose out the
water like a 1st place Olympian to the podium! Only way more noble and majestically!
A few ships on the water in front of it rounded off the picture perfectly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I HAD to stop – a few times – to take a picture
… to capture this magnificence and stare in awe. Did I really forget how
awesome this landmark was?! Or am I just taking a look with different eyes? I
don’t have the answer, but what I do know is this… </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1C_5j-L9QCD6hPD9iChCTFy8wmtILragyRLuYUBLG6L_VJEuJTaSTwv0GbV4yh4x4kFbRjxv4Rm0FecfdPVBbMMrYf2BXR_uH3wZ78QI7uekw24fDMMMnSXJsVokHPEfCKjylXw7WP6E/s1600/IMG-20121123-03553.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1C_5j-L9QCD6hPD9iChCTFy8wmtILragyRLuYUBLG6L_VJEuJTaSTwv0GbV4yh4x4kFbRjxv4Rm0FecfdPVBbMMrYf2BXR_uH3wZ78QI7uekw24fDMMMnSXJsVokHPEfCKjylXw7WP6E/s640/IMG-20121123-03553.jpg" width="640" /></a> There's reason this piece
of rock is so well recognized by world travellers and loved by locals! It is a
sight to behold – and never to be forgotten! </div>
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<i><b> “I learned this, at least, by my experiment: that if one advances confidently in the direction of his dreams, and endeavors to live the life which he has imagined, he will meet with a success unexpected in common hours.” </b></i></div>
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<i><b>Henry David Thoreau, Walden: Or, Life in the Woods</b></i></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16890635839913008069noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-482589321936440966.post-63413806918154114082012-11-02T16:45:00.000+02:002013-10-07T00:28:25.159+02:00Another Adventure!<br />
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Oudshoorn via back roads, Seweweekspoort, Oubergpas to
Montagu</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzodj-cpKw-g8L9usxaq_ee1VqFgOsRjciKpYih_3jiygD9bS34WNCEOEU4Heb8kFr-s832QkXThNgN15VpW8peVM8pBtkkBSrdxkrJDvQCE7Q_SLvriNWoliwDYec8Qe-AmP8_nF41mE/s1600/IMG-20121030-03347.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzodj-cpKw-g8L9usxaq_ee1VqFgOsRjciKpYih_3jiygD9bS34WNCEOEU4Heb8kFr-s832QkXThNgN15VpW8peVM8pBtkkBSrdxkrJDvQCE7Q_SLvriNWoliwDYec8Qe-AmP8_nF41mE/s400/IMG-20121030-03347.jpg" width="297" /></a></div>
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Click here to see map: </div>
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<a href="https://maps.google.com/maps?saddr=Oudtshoorn,+South+Africa&daddr=-33.59919,22.16298+to:-33.42751,22.25153+to:-33.5312,21.84051+to:-33.45065,21.7647+to:-33.4814439,21.7113051+to:-33.50622,21.65757+to:-33.4739948,21.5512859+to:-33.46904,21.52156+to:-33.37677,21.17434+to:-33.49263,20.90718+to:-33.49069,21.24341+to:Warmwaterberg+Spa%2FCamping,+Brede+River+DC,+Western+Cape,+South+Africa&hl=en&sll=-33.555129,21.475525&sspn=1.187931,2.3703&geocode=FQ-B__0d6rdSASm1E7XqhsHVHTFh6wiOdEdDjQ%3BFSpR__0dJC5SASnHH18338PVHTGbyY4gWgHQ9g%3BFcrvAf4dCohTASknC_FVmpXVHTGB_CjY5zMMPA%3BFcBaAP4dfkJNASlVTiaBKUvUHTHWt-t9XOkiGA%3BFWaVAf4dXBpMASnb7E7_1k3UHTE8IEZ1UAvNdg%3BFR0dAf4dyUlLASk5thTA407UHTGzo4dR32aEJw%3BFVS8AP4d4ndKASkPoTU7-UXUHTH9KXmJCojkuw%3BFTY6Af4dtdhIASmtmRyffkPUHTGfo08o2DXp_A%3BFZBNAf4dmGRIASn3rUhxKEPUHTEPWQQZ0aWYUA%3BFf61Av4dRBhDASkb-1kicn7UHTGs2f7GdVswwQ%3BFWrxAP4drAQ_ASmTXBKBpoTTHTGwvWrUhVHbBQ%3BFf74AP4dEiZEASkhN0IUi3rUHTFiZ1EZYWqbcw%3BFaLH_P0dQuw-ASGO_mTDod7joinjrgpPYO3THTGO_mTDod7jog&via=1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10,11&t=p&z=9" target="_blank">Map of 1st day</a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP13_5E2D810O2npKsiq5Ks9noCtXIPwAX5CmXd1skyRpuYE6dmN3tc4rhK_HZulE38YtUn9r8MqWw4szyWcbHXzqHluMFD-QAsb6Dx4yKotqDhIRtW7K7GaAoxQLl56Y84yj0CXH7Ci0/s1600/IMG-20121029-03262.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="236" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP13_5E2D810O2npKsiq5Ks9noCtXIPwAX5CmXd1skyRpuYE6dmN3tc4rhK_HZulE38YtUn9r8MqWw4szyWcbHXzqHluMFD-QAsb6Dx4yKotqDhIRtW7K7GaAoxQLl56Y84yj0CXH7Ci0/s320/IMG-20121029-03262.jpg" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju7CaALUmC1gQQSjFqNqjuc3-QGtvuxtZzi168FRJwV04-QdI21ELIxGm2tOIliGYG5rOzqAj2bOpLZIsZom2dybxbGpDIXOAjyqfA9KzIlBjf5fW_w7awxEKvVmSUrvDrOgKBHr6arkM/s1600/IMG-20121029-03264.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="297" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju7CaALUmC1gQQSjFqNqjuc3-QGtvuxtZzi168FRJwV04-QdI21ELIxGm2tOIliGYG5rOzqAj2bOpLZIsZom2dybxbGpDIXOAjyqfA9KzIlBjf5fW_w7awxEKvVmSUrvDrOgKBHr6arkM/s400/IMG-20121029-03264.jpg" width="400" /></a>As I did my previous trip solo, I dared not do the back
roads which I really wanted to, because when you get stuck on a quiet road, it
can get very lonely after a few hours, not to mention unsafe!<br />
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Fortunately Abie
was on his way back from <st1:place w:st="on">East London</st1:place> and we decided
to hook up at Oudtshoorn. Although not very far for me, the
off-the-beaten-track roads can take a while to do if one really wants to
appreciate what’s around you. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHFYrhWL6ZvKYDNJs9kHFTnrrX1x5aTcNNOQBp8wVtHlI1b-Q0hoLPP4SkY_S9gXAcVfJLGS6-Nm1yKAME-i-6cjP43Ilcq_O-GoN5k84NSU4uGASkfpmRP9RUIZ7Xvr9US6-xt8om3_E/s1600/IMG-20121029-03271m.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHFYrhWL6ZvKYDNJs9kHFTnrrX1x5aTcNNOQBp8wVtHlI1b-Q0hoLPP4SkY_S9gXAcVfJLGS6-Nm1yKAME-i-6cjP43Ilcq_O-GoN5k84NSU4uGASkfpmRP9RUIZ7Xvr9US6-xt8om3_E/s320/IMG-20121029-03271m.jpg" width="320" /></a>I rode up from Montagu the previous day, with rain-laden
clouds waiting to open on me at any moment, as I took the winding tar road
through fruit farms and over mountains to Oudshoorn. Although overcast with a
misty rain right along the mountains, I never really got very wet. But the
heavens DID open up once I was safely in Oudshoorn. Abie did not hit it so lucky
and rode in pouring rain from De Rust and arrived in Oudshoorn looking like a
washed out rag – OK, not quite that bad! Only my attempt at silly humour! But
he did not need a shower that evening!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-waNFpN9Yp4KqU5_7Dgm0XMDD594Z9NSn1DsfoX-V2CuvDaY_B3NGxZBFkWdfRtpGgR4TzKQ1vgj-Y7fw8A4pEI0AiV9f4BPWG5j6NxPTuzAuZK0XJnu01rozPNZGuX1U0wD1QepKfV4/s1600/IMG-20121029-03272.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-waNFpN9Yp4KqU5_7Dgm0XMDD594Z9NSn1DsfoX-V2CuvDaY_B3NGxZBFkWdfRtpGgR4TzKQ1vgj-Y7fw8A4pEI0AiV9f4BPWG5j6NxPTuzAuZK0XJnu01rozPNZGuX1U0wD1QepKfV4/s400/IMG-20121029-03272.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Dark, heavy clouds awaited us on departure the next morning.
According to my phone’s very trustworthy weather forecast, we were going to
have 0.3 mm of rain for the day, and in my books, that is non-existent. So we
did not put on our raingear and left in the direction of the <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placename w:st="on">Swartberg</st1:placename> <st1:placetype w:st="on">Mountains</st1:placetype></st1:place>. The road we were going to take started at the
foot of that spectacular range. Less than a km and the drops were falling.
Within moments we had to pull over under some trees and get the raingear out - and
on!! WHAT a mission when you are balancing mid air, your shoes are dirty and
the clothes are unwilling! As it is,
there is barely enough room for me in the rain gear, let alone me WITH all the
riding gear and padding!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg49dCgAWoz15a1-BNSaQacN6TtRZWUaiECwD04-1Tqu20vV7Q97QJPqwxl9_4d5hThu4W-WYrQpOxEi-GRqVnIgFYQUtw_hhmKdh1t2MyjyuDbMtxGS5AozA6-8TuCEoErWKZgc9NGM7s/s1600/IMG-20121030-03278.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg49dCgAWoz15a1-BNSaQacN6TtRZWUaiECwD04-1Tqu20vV7Q97QJPqwxl9_4d5hThu4W-WYrQpOxEi-GRqVnIgFYQUtw_hhmKdh1t2MyjyuDbMtxGS5AozA6-8TuCEoErWKZgc9NGM7s/s320/IMG-20121030-03278.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2PJNCRd6tjJt0Dl8PlOgzCIFHP_uxa_uFqh6nK-BYSfMIzMi8G5R8KHLlWSjrD6s7LKhzaz2HdR4F5bZ7p9LppmTVs90FHYHQWfwIVyngZWNpu43RTB-FOsQKv9r-f2iJDOkdS8knCuc/s1600/IMG-20121030-03281.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2PJNCRd6tjJt0Dl8PlOgzCIFHP_uxa_uFqh6nK-BYSfMIzMi8G5R8KHLlWSjrD6s7LKhzaz2HdR4F5bZ7p9LppmTVs90FHYHQWfwIVyngZWNpu43RTB-FOsQKv9r-f2iJDOkdS8knCuc/s320/IMG-20121030-03281.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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We were heading in the direction that was not only dark, but
we could see the pouring rain all along the foot of the mountains. By the time
we got to the first turn off, I was salivating for a hot, milky Wimpy coffee
(and I am not even a big coffee drinker!). The rain was coming down in buckets
and there was NO way we could get onto muddy gravel in this weather. Yet Abie
turns in and says he just wants so ride in a little way, and since we are on
tar, I follow, wondering how far before he will decide that the reason we can
hardly see in front of us, is due to rain?! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqsQCFta4IsaaYDu-12oPJQ9yzjwMkA3KcRwSnzY9FyTW-1ZdB-seL-TzZKYVemmP3sYg8vXaZ9wIhVZnpShYoTAQ6cn-hpH3n55_4iw_J0B8Atd9xWiUAnRjtCU_eZ9sTaolQsoU3LTc/s1600/IMG-20121030-03287.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqsQCFta4IsaaYDu-12oPJQ9yzjwMkA3KcRwSnzY9FyTW-1ZdB-seL-TzZKYVemmP3sYg8vXaZ9wIhVZnpShYoTAQ6cn-hpH3n55_4iw_J0B8Atd9xWiUAnRjtCU_eZ9sTaolQsoU3LTc/s320/IMG-20121030-03287.jpg" width="320" /></a>At the next turn-off, I hope he has
come to his senses and that we can head back for a dry seat and hot coffee
(breakfast would also be welcome!). He
says he just wants to feel what the gravel would feel like, let’s push on a
bit. WTH?! Serious? Really?!? The rain is hammering down so hard, I was
expecting my visor to crack at any moment, and this crazy coot wants to push on
to FEEL the gravel?!? So on we go, and instead of the km or two I expected, we
rode through farms between the mountains for I guess about 15km. By now I was
having fantasies of hot chocolate and soft eggs! We get to the gravel (at last)
and what does this guy do?? He bangs with his foot on the gravel and declares
he thinks it is fit for riding!! But the choice is mine he says. If I feel we
should rather turn back, that is fine with him. </div>
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Now since I have never ridden wet muddy roads before – oh
wait, that one time in the <st1:country-region w:st="on">Transkei</st1:country-region>,
where I came off my bike TWICE in less than a km!! So yeah, my bet is it is
much safer to get back to warm coffee, dry roads and less chances of breaking
my neck! And for every fall, Abie will have to help me get my bike up, the
mirrors can break off, everything will be covered in mud and my ego can
actually also do with no falling! I am still formulating the pros of getting
the hell out of there and Abie says: Lets ride in a little way and see how it goes;
we can always turn back if it looks bad… </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzcfP2fHm-NRoBlEgXMjhV9Y15TJbeBs0ccDeGCQmHQTZ3xgNCZrYbOalvWfu_DglcKF05eISoshu_IkQn89E8CYPk_VzyP7PufoEQV0BrW_ihema1zzSJCfweRmpcr68zslyweIuWAyE/s1600/IMG-20121030-03334.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzcfP2fHm-NRoBlEgXMjhV9Y15TJbeBs0ccDeGCQmHQTZ3xgNCZrYbOalvWfu_DglcKF05eISoshu_IkQn89E8CYPk_VzyP7PufoEQV0BrW_ihema1zzSJCfweRmpcr68zslyweIuWAyE/s320/IMG-20121030-03334.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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WHAT??!!? In spite of every heartbeat racing in my throat
and my mind screaming to turn around, I nod in agreement and off we go!
Although the road is hard, I am sure it is slippery as can be and I take the
bends in absolute terror. Any coffee and cold is now forgotten. I am as
stiff as a 3 day corpse and I could not help wondering if a motorbike can sense
fear like a horse and if I would be bucked off at the next turn. I was wiping
clingy raindrops from my visor and tears down my cheeks all at the same
time. Rivers were over flowing and
lovely waterfalls were coming down the mountains. I guess my appreciation was
less than adequate at that stage, but my main aim was to stay on the bike. By
now both bikes (and riders) were covered in mud, but the rain had subsided. The
next moment I was eating dust. Literally within 30 metres, we were riding from
mud to dust! You can imagine the havoc the dust was causing on my drenched
clothes and bike. Fortunately I am crazy enough not to worry about that at the
moment - until I get home and realise I cannot clean either!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAudnzs4T7lfBgZiWQtUC7inJSRaaN8R-2ESZzerlO7R_PpUifA0H_U3rIJhIAGzHoFO6Rkrgp12qMILoXopbTDd6djmI9q2Cf1Gx96cWkpeTU13FcvCjLEv0yrjZ9NUP_SLHkxdV-L9A/s1600/IMG-20121030-03283.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAudnzs4T7lfBgZiWQtUC7inJSRaaN8R-2ESZzerlO7R_PpUifA0H_U3rIJhIAGzHoFO6Rkrgp12qMILoXopbTDd6djmI9q2Cf1Gx96cWkpeTU13FcvCjLEv0yrjZ9NUP_SLHkxdV-L9A/s400/IMG-20121030-03283.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe-YTsw2Tve9vpw4IIEqOAmEci4oEQeXmtKzK_5b1Vi9r2FB-xIUxEtrqH3Aif71vYdyPkO8Os4Sj6qbR5NVnjdtO0o-6f1bLy_8AAUpobauilqCKXdMhggdJ6ClHVsyK6OkibQdhuG9U/s1600/IMG-20121030-03291.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="472" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe-YTsw2Tve9vpw4IIEqOAmEci4oEQeXmtKzK_5b1Vi9r2FB-xIUxEtrqH3Aif71vYdyPkO8Os4Sj6qbR5NVnjdtO0o-6f1bLy_8AAUpobauilqCKXdMhggdJ6ClHVsyK6OkibQdhuG9U/s640/IMG-20121030-03291.jpg" width="640" /></a>Since the map I had and the GPS Abie had, were not too
wonderful, we rode along more on a sense of feeling than KNOWING where we were
going! We turned left at a T-junction indicating Calitzdorp and the next moment
we were riding between the most incredible red mountainous outcrops! Almost
like painted mushrooms between the lush green backdrop of newly leafed Thorn
trees and other kinds of Acacia. Sediments which are rich in an iron mineral
called Hematite which oxidized in the warm humid climate to a reddish colour,
gave Red Stone Hills its name! What a site! Unfortunately by the time I stopped
to take pics, the clouds had covered the bit of sun and taken away some of the
spectacularness (yep, my made-up word!) of the colours. Shortly after that we
hit the tar road, headed to Calitzdorp and found a place that would serve
coffee, but not breakfast. As we munched an energy bar and coffee the owner
told us we MUST take another road before we leave, as we missed some great
views by turning into the Red Hills road. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHOva1cnt6J9SVxHTfu1dHpd9fyOEH6tRLlGtefOY3Rwy9TvzUMTGAc2iqZ_S2xTnOanKm9Cj1ObpTE9HGyix_7XfZKEfPZTddLG4-A2N0_zjxx-mpw4p6BD1n96Cxj6O-Yrc9cwmvsZ8/s1600/IMG-20121030-03304.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="475" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHOva1cnt6J9SVxHTfu1dHpd9fyOEH6tRLlGtefOY3Rwy9TvzUMTGAc2iqZ_S2xTnOanKm9Cj1ObpTE9HGyix_7XfZKEfPZTddLG4-A2N0_zjxx-mpw4p6BD1n96Cxj6O-Yrc9cwmvsZ8/s640/IMG-20121030-03304.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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So we took a detour first, and saw some more stunning views,
including a huge dam overflowing. And more winding, pass-like gravel road into
the Little Karoo. We turned back after about 10km, as we wanted to do the
Seweweekspoort pass and unsure how the weather was out that way. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ4X9lwwVzXIMMK4dGtJxZBGt_b6TFoG-6xd-VWMWdpUbhS7JylaG2zK4rT12vuagKNsDlu_G98QJBM0v5JEftPO_FV-ghXExDp9oPVsKFd7ZEI1IfRyWJQPxmMxNi4bX5EeecB4UgrGE/s1600/IMG-20121030-00120.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ4X9lwwVzXIMMK4dGtJxZBGt_b6TFoG-6xd-VWMWdpUbhS7JylaG2zK4rT12vuagKNsDlu_G98QJBM0v5JEftPO_FV-ghXExDp9oPVsKFd7ZEI1IfRyWJQPxmMxNi4bX5EeecB4UgrGE/s640/IMG-20121030-00120.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIlcl_f3OOZCKoQWZ3k0sus4o9yh-gHCOdfcCJgRjoF6zvoQOfnWL9fOw65VYzPO_o46TdV-7PAcPxInkigjW-sSjHvrjYepEGxOIx_WTyzWXKTyq7FECdXMKdYGQ_ksKVfyoLju42E90/s1600/IMG-20121030-03339.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="297" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIlcl_f3OOZCKoQWZ3k0sus4o9yh-gHCOdfcCJgRjoF6zvoQOfnWL9fOw65VYzPO_o46TdV-7PAcPxInkigjW-sSjHvrjYepEGxOIx_WTyzWXKTyq7FECdXMKdYGQ_ksKVfyoLju42E90/s400/IMG-20121030-03339.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8WPh9-EBJKCi6NWKE6x-ASaSH-neK6eMOH9fp3uBZg4DueFYU3BtrZ_LlNfzS7-uMEA43y1CtzhAuhYU3NY7eYS09_2O44Gq-HmA1rPsCE8CibThPs56a2825TuGhJPWIwp0BW8EwxKo/s1600/IMG-20121030-03335.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8WPh9-EBJKCi6NWKE6x-ASaSH-neK6eMOH9fp3uBZg4DueFYU3BtrZ_LlNfzS7-uMEA43y1CtzhAuhYU3NY7eYS09_2O44Gq-HmA1rPsCE8CibThPs56a2825TuGhJPWIwp0BW8EwxKo/s320/IMG-20121030-03335.jpg" width="236" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikPPxFtO6ko7LR5kuzHBTIKQNs1bdZfON9DKZtHB3V3Qd9PwiqURviwcfHVZzSjvYVgYnl0GgHHxXcZhpQSlQzoLijFPbdKaXrwdURqYDpNJjlEpPxvnXI1tOyGnvDAk3-mph65nyEoEQ/s1600/IMG-20121030-03308.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikPPxFtO6ko7LR5kuzHBTIKQNs1bdZfON9DKZtHB3V3Qd9PwiqURviwcfHVZzSjvYVgYnl0GgHHxXcZhpQSlQzoLijFPbdKaXrwdURqYDpNJjlEpPxvnXI1tOyGnvDAk3-mph65nyEoEQ/s320/IMG-20121030-03308.jpg" width="240" /></a>It It started drizzling as we entered the winding, muddy road
through the picturesque, rocky walls of the Seweweekspoort. While having
coffee, I had asked Abie if he was scared going on the first stretch of wet
dirt road and he said no, never. One must just relax and the bike will take
care of itself. Somehow that answer had totally calmed me down and I felt if he
was not afraid, I had no reason to be. So when we hit the very wet road, I made
a mind switch. I relaxed, looked around and really enjoyed what I was seeing.
The most incredible rock formations, as high as one can look and as far as you
can see. Add beautiful flowers, greenery, waterfalls and rivers and I had just
discovered one of my new favourite destinations! I lifted my visor, and the wet
stinging of the raindrops against my cold skin was such a stark reminder that I
was alive! Invigorated actually! I could pick up several different smells as we
rode: A smell of some kind of wild flowers or shrubs (yeah right!), Jasmine at
one stage and a strong minty smell another time. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjddu1_gzJedVNe6jc0QIwTgzsUq7qMOnIBp8j0H-7TR1mTHqBhXVdjvyisC3b4BpNX3WC6kFb0y5yWqNSUV7edVINfu0L_HxLB-fvhTQXf5nY5NChjkK9Uo0vyM6zgTR3okL_DqB456P4/s1600/IMG-20121030-03344.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjddu1_gzJedVNe6jc0QIwTgzsUq7qMOnIBp8j0H-7TR1mTHqBhXVdjvyisC3b4BpNX3WC6kFb0y5yWqNSUV7edVINfu0L_HxLB-fvhTQXf5nY5NChjkK9Uo0vyM6zgTR3okL_DqB456P4/s400/IMG-20121030-03344.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Shortly after entering, we stopped for lunch consisting of
buns with ham-flavoured liver pâté (the kind you just squish out the tube
wrapping), some dried fruit and a shared apple, washed down with water. A meal
fit for a king (or his servant) – no matter, we were soaked, full and happy! </div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6RkhjyniY28TSRaSVy5Syo7bYdtwLI7ddKLKmLiBbHraQF6U3-JOnK_PY3iqaESPmgpY9j087Kj37AZhVldqX9yYuf7pysTiFpjJmU8or77R0QcO8Zmyl_l7mGCBrroLIbwoFUwxK-aM/s1600/IMG-20121030-03323.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6RkhjyniY28TSRaSVy5Syo7bYdtwLI7ddKLKmLiBbHraQF6U3-JOnK_PY3iqaESPmgpY9j087Kj37AZhVldqX9yYuf7pysTiFpjJmU8or77R0QcO8Zmyl_l7mGCBrroLIbwoFUwxK-aM/s400/IMG-20121030-03323.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvX4by7yU6V0XJbjy3-legtCZP_wdUaEYqWS6wTN7g6eEHqfbEgNO7APhmmijrjquzY-ltJZQfxhiEEkO6td5LwQW0EOAOOw3vBcES__CLiJnicPRdh5zoQkomlFrNxIcmhTUR7Fzw50Y/s1600/IMG-20121031-03402.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br /></a>I do believe this amazing “portal” through the mountains
would not have looked as intense and beautiful if it was a dry, hot and dusty
day. We had several water crossings over the two days, and places I had never
seen water in, were over flowing. Here the dust had been washed away and the
colours were bright and brilliant. Awesome!!</div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHU4lavtm8nuvOOc0t-dBHhUTI5UnPXymfWe4oIGKn76brXwmJ_X9QngeXDrCm9dBPQg3unZsu5ToiqQrdrKvT2KedSC56HxpuAh80BPbdfhuPVWvPjMZyPXHgzC1Mh5juk9vYijtQA30/s1600/IMG-20121030-03350.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHU4lavtm8nuvOOc0t-dBHhUTI5UnPXymfWe4oIGKn76brXwmJ_X9QngeXDrCm9dBPQg3unZsu5ToiqQrdrKvT2KedSC56HxpuAh80BPbdfhuPVWvPjMZyPXHgzC1Mh5juk9vYijtQA30/s400/IMG-20121030-03350.jpg" width="297" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvBci3qtibZ1mWeehwLhDsjiya6NRpj8ECN1X0VwC0Tt_FlssH29JTTwvYHEXNr5PyDEJ-FB2NSfOAmYnxfmVuYj8x79pgTQ6IlGv7z8cPMDXJmXGQf_7hjVks3Fn4VPvscLxbmt-oMOM/s1600/IMG-20121030-03338.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvBci3qtibZ1mWeehwLhDsjiya6NRpj8ECN1X0VwC0Tt_FlssH29JTTwvYHEXNr5PyDEJ-FB2NSfOAmYnxfmVuYj8x79pgTQ6IlGv7z8cPMDXJmXGQf_7hjVks3Fn4VPvscLxbmt-oMOM/s320/IMG-20121030-03338.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjse4M56u2l-x5KNScCcE0C4mu9B5kR2zPBQGHoHRP_jf6yQL_192WckSDXSs_6ihCRhNV_BICCMaA9YNmg-U0jPeFOeyrRRcU0CI0W93_-rs8sno2oC9x6sJW4m_rx-Xwx_St478VMvfM/s1600/IMG-20121030-03354.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="297" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjse4M56u2l-x5KNScCcE0C4mu9B5kR2zPBQGHoHRP_jf6yQL_192WckSDXSs_6ihCRhNV_BICCMaA9YNmg-U0jPeFOeyrRRcU0CI0W93_-rs8sno2oC9x6sJW4m_rx-Xwx_St478VMvfM/s400/IMG-20121030-03354.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Once through to the other side, the road opened up and we
were on a big, wide, well maintained gravel road. Although the road was in a
good condition, it circumvented a very long stretch of mountain range before we
could get to the Warmwaterberg <st1:city w:st="on">hot
springs</st1:city>. By now the clouds had lifted and we had a dry
road and sunny skies. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSb_ZU8VKQAUmET_mBqFP0BeUWkXMTGdchXuRxA9nocjWP5_MDTucFyQCe_0g0a108mSvsfjL0e61TmB7zuA7Qd9SDI_quC9uLPg0Do6567VpyM77d1wEAE0z1oHJmYly_FIv5bdf9qmw/s1600/IMG-20121030-03357.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSb_ZU8VKQAUmET_mBqFP0BeUWkXMTGdchXuRxA9nocjWP5_MDTucFyQCe_0g0a108mSvsfjL0e61TmB7zuA7Qd9SDI_quC9uLPg0Do6567VpyM77d1wEAE0z1oHJmYly_FIv5bdf9qmw/s640/IMG-20121030-03357.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I saw the place where I came off my bike a few years back
and severely smashed my knee. Much less intimidating from the other side. Or
might it be that I was so tuned into the danger? Or maybe just the fact that
now there were enough signs and warnings to keep World War 3 at bay?!! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaY-75PM-z6GxsI-9PATCPHdMKiL44mdpx8KuGMbK5jWA8Q9NrmWvR7J4dxgeIf-8c5GIyJXwmXSMXoA9wXapYuC-LOpJ1unvc5tHnlN0h9GkvK_V8BNEuCnHMl8q0jjIQQ-MqVRVB-L8/s1600/IMG-20121030-03363.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaY-75PM-z6GxsI-9PATCPHdMKiL44mdpx8KuGMbK5jWA8Q9NrmWvR7J4dxgeIf-8c5GIyJXwmXSMXoA9wXapYuC-LOpJ1unvc5tHnlN0h9GkvK_V8BNEuCnHMl8q0jjIQQ-MqVRVB-L8/s320/IMG-20121030-03363.jpg" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHkZJ3luI6FH08V5O83yD18wiAL3Q9NwUjOd-qFwm5m4JZ-sP5H8TLU8ya1UBsRkkWtxRxuMJ5yUSmaDVIUFg5j6-f4EVRzQ4whVYbB-vqY7MPm0Nmf8VE27kiW8FX10tvf3pJh_RySto/s1600/IMG-20121031-03366.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHkZJ3luI6FH08V5O83yD18wiAL3Q9NwUjOd-qFwm5m4JZ-sP5H8TLU8ya1UBsRkkWtxRxuMJ5yUSmaDVIUFg5j6-f4EVRzQ4whVYbB-vqY7MPm0Nmf8VE27kiW8FX10tvf3pJh_RySto/s320/IMG-20121031-03366.jpg" width="320" /></a>We opted to go and refuel in Ladismith, as the 70km distance
that was told to us by the coffee shop owner was actually a neat 180km! We could
have been stuck in the middle of nowhere! Since we were staying across the road
from Ronnie’s Sex shop, we had to go and have a drink there to wash down the
mud, dust and tiredness of the day.</div>
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<b><i>Day 2<o:p></o:p></i></b></div>
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Click here to see the map: </div>
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<a href="https://maps.google.com/maps?saddr=Warmwaterberg+Spa%2FCamping,++Western+Cape,+South+Africa&daddr=-33.6882017,20.5518071+to:Montagu,+South+Africa&hl=en&sll=-33.8483,20.52583&sspn=0.591939,1.18515&geocode=FaLH_P0dQuw-ASGO_mTDod7joinjrgpPYO3THTGO_mTDod7jog%3BFXf1_f0df5g5ASkJkzsjW7rTHTGCaP5dFCCDFg%3BFYp7_P0d5PYyASnrJ_dH4kXSHTFoIP2K65uYag&t=p&mra=mru&via=1&z=10" target="_blank">The 2nd day map</a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWIG4I4d3E53oFRvDEsvncpQGvRRgVXPXK1to_bR79x6aJJ8Wsae_2oU3fv5BD7Yggm6twYuGgAKYfKlBVNO8b0VenGeHK60CbddxtM7DrV6JZAebt-RX_oL8rAKSVV3jUZtZgym9M1BA/s1600/IMG-20121031-03367.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWIG4I4d3E53oFRvDEsvncpQGvRRgVXPXK1to_bR79x6aJJ8Wsae_2oU3fv5BD7Yggm6twYuGgAKYfKlBVNO8b0VenGeHK60CbddxtM7DrV6JZAebt-RX_oL8rAKSVV3jUZtZgym9M1BA/s320/IMG-20121031-03367.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ4hTRDI8xtXoSPeXj6fLY_UcUePsDksMDM48rmrt8k1cjhV6GWm7HBhaUY6U2Movw-cUhn5ke1PiffhRlSTcaS6PHtq3AlIDRGNd4fFtVhwzm3epl-SUjBHXxZFLs5lxNxQNBco46rrk/s1600/IMG-20121031-03375.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ4hTRDI8xtXoSPeXj6fLY_UcUePsDksMDM48rmrt8k1cjhV6GWm7HBhaUY6U2Movw-cUhn5ke1PiffhRlSTcaS6PHtq3AlIDRGNd4fFtVhwzm3epl-SUjBHXxZFLs5lxNxQNBco46rrk/s320/IMG-20121031-03375.jpg" width="320" /></a>10 Minutes from departure, we were still unsure which route
we should take the following day. We decided to go through the Sanbona Wildlife
Reserve. We had a bakkie escort us all the way through, never going over
40km/h. We hoped, but did not see any animals and we were not allowed to take
pics if we did see some. There were some Springbok and once just out of the
reserve, we saw some beautiful Gemsbok. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEVMsvoD2nhw_WC2_-1oXPFPPX84Hh7Ws0E7VDExvSN2B4BeGX7GktRJsbaYvp7aPDJi7H78DIZMniPr0QpXRbGMOFOhjX_IFjcO9WO67yrZbebS5rsUuud0tN2aYUmU8lldBn5f_cZGE/s1600/IMG-20121031-03377.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEVMsvoD2nhw_WC2_-1oXPFPPX84Hh7Ws0E7VDExvSN2B4BeGX7GktRJsbaYvp7aPDJi7H78DIZMniPr0QpXRbGMOFOhjX_IFjcO9WO67yrZbebS5rsUuud0tN2aYUmU8lldBn5f_cZGE/s320/IMG-20121031-03377.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAUbr1QJv3adQFjRwqAp_zgVMnDgw8Y60P2zcySQA1Yzp2_55fZ8NPsuzh8_7sf9gYyh6TN_ZV_4_-9nH34bkoeJfVmI2mZG87vD-5tXWgs8c8VeUUCQyLIDvh7_3B46Sm8W2XhTFUKqU/s1600/IMG-20121031-03381.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAUbr1QJv3adQFjRwqAp_zgVMnDgw8Y60P2zcySQA1Yzp2_55fZ8NPsuzh8_7sf9gYyh6TN_ZV_4_-9nH34bkoeJfVmI2mZG87vD-5tXWgs8c8VeUUCQyLIDvh7_3B46Sm8W2XhTFUKqU/s320/IMG-20121031-03381.jpg" width="238" /></a> </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyl2Mc2dyx5A1CokxdhUFp32MUKtSDFrKz6PT-47OhyphenhyphenpfNM6vEB11t1zSKU19EYG_Dn1F5w35_m0sxYt2bj1EODG2_YRtCGZXAFfuroDqsa43g3TaHgGjOITVR-c9eRvgrb-_zyBEj_RM/s1600/IMG-20121031-03384.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="475" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyl2Mc2dyx5A1CokxdhUFp32MUKtSDFrKz6PT-47OhyphenhyphenpfNM6vEB11t1zSKU19EYG_Dn1F5w35_m0sxYt2bj1EODG2_YRtCGZXAFfuroDqsa43g3TaHgGjOITVR-c9eRvgrb-_zyBEj_RM/s640/IMG-20121031-03384.jpg" width="640" /></a>From here it was a big, open (and pretty straight) road,
lined with flowers and plants stretching to the hills on either side.
Everything was still very green due to the rain of a few weeks earlier. </div>
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After stopping for pictures, I opened up a bit to catch up, only slowing down at the low water crossings, (which is an artificial bridge that allows crossing a river or stream when water is low). All were dry except the last one, which I saw too late and entered at a fairly high speed, getting everything single thing on that bike drenched – yours truly included!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVXiqoJsKsTz5ex98KzV5fkBqlmV5GRdaGh0Xvt3KEOXxZsocn_W-YCRvOsGDhC17RF2BCxsbS0IFwumotPDFl9d-O4ft8uT1Khq8dNbkNo6JbG9DfhAQDHYYQ-AI5GFc2qo86pT-ht-0/s1600/Jinx+water.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="411" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVXiqoJsKsTz5ex98KzV5fkBqlmV5GRdaGh0Xvt3KEOXxZsocn_W-YCRvOsGDhC17RF2BCxsbS0IFwumotPDFl9d-O4ft8uT1Khq8dNbkNo6JbG9DfhAQDHYYQ-AI5GFc2qo86pT-ht-0/s640/Jinx+water.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
At least I have now discovered that soaking wet clothes make for a cool ride on a hot day!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYrvYGcym0KqDxUVB65qeE6SxtE9JPXw1H-LL4-xk3UDuZ3yvuP2YBVg_ef00GfHs1I1HJdjT2qdUSTVX4vw2IwrrX_yNECMhXvtDZoUEHw8OWgHLg_Lhs_ERn5paJVAoNRI6OpSKNnmg/s1600/IMG-20121031-03394.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="background-color: #3d85c6;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYrvYGcym0KqDxUVB65qeE6SxtE9JPXw1H-LL4-xk3UDuZ3yvuP2YBVg_ef00GfHs1I1HJdjT2qdUSTVX4vw2IwrrX_yNECMhXvtDZoUEHw8OWgHLg_Lhs_ERn5paJVAoNRI6OpSKNnmg/s320/IMG-20121031-03394.jpg" width="240" /></span></a></div>
At the bottom of the spectacular Ouberg Pass, we turned off onto a rough, narrow little track heading over the mountains and via some farms into Montagu. The view from up there was beautiful! <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4CFjNV0s_ThzPRIfIVRAVFAv0n7Rh9j3wLnZlr3ctzarSAymfJRXsYz8d1jXHfE4sT16tCdedZE2c3O7v7FhAPTVSSHN14Otuh5lQwE8fqSqLVmeHQ7FLQg8erZNmtGba2lmcO3XBVXw/s1600/IMG-20121031-03397.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4CFjNV0s_ThzPRIfIVRAVFAv0n7Rh9j3wLnZlr3ctzarSAymfJRXsYz8d1jXHfE4sT16tCdedZE2c3O7v7FhAPTVSSHN14Otuh5lQwE8fqSqLVmeHQ7FLQg8erZNmtGba2lmcO3XBVXw/s640/IMG-20121031-03397.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1qISEid_plbpbo6d6b0pO7p4p8w7eZTwCvinGUeSmpBmCs4Oj3DH4ShBEMCd3ftYPkozkdzb2gsvJcxcWxcbUKd8RG-uxEhAnP1h2krY9iNG9PmRhmPfQGpquimpkyLh4c9YM8BxBp3M/s1600/IMG-20121031-03395.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1qISEid_plbpbo6d6b0pO7p4p8w7eZTwCvinGUeSmpBmCs4Oj3DH4ShBEMCd3ftYPkozkdzb2gsvJcxcWxcbUKd8RG-uxEhAnP1h2krY9iNG9PmRhmPfQGpquimpkyLh4c9YM8BxBp3M/s320/IMG-20121031-03395.jpg" width="320" /></a> </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvX4by7yU6V0XJbjy3-legtCZP_wdUaEYqWS6wTN7g6eEHqfbEgNO7APhmmijrjquzY-ltJZQfxhiEEkO6td5LwQW0EOAOOw3vBcES__CLiJnicPRdh5zoQkomlFrNxIcmhTUR7Fzw50Y/s1600/IMG-20121031-03402.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvX4by7yU6V0XJbjy3-legtCZP_wdUaEYqWS6wTN7g6eEHqfbEgNO7APhmmijrjquzY-ltJZQfxhiEEkO6td5LwQW0EOAOOw3vBcES__CLiJnicPRdh5zoQkomlFrNxIcmhTUR7Fzw50Y/s320/IMG-20121031-03402.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
We had to keep our wits about us, as it was hard work riding up and down the (technically challenging) rocky slopes. But all worth it!! My sister lives close by and we popped in for something to drink, where she went and showed us a big dam with Koi fish. In spite of not being the greatest fish-fan, I really found these fish quite stunning! <br />
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Once again I had an absolutely amazing trip, with no problems along the way, good company and breathtaking views. Abie was a pillar of strength and thanks to him, I got to overcome my fear of wet muddy roads and saw one of the most spectacular roads around!<br />
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<b><i>Mud
for make-up and gasoline for perfume – I'm a Dirt bike diva !!<o:p></o:p></i></b></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16890635839913008069noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-482589321936440966.post-13033239773860614452012-09-30T15:47:00.000+02:002013-10-07T00:29:28.647+02:00THE CONCLUSION/SUMMARY OF MY FIRST SOLO TRIP<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<span lang="EN-ZA" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-ZA;">First of
all, I must admit that this trip </span><span class="shorttext"><span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;">exceeded any expectations I had. To be honest, I
was not sure what I was hoping for other than seeing part of my country I have
not seen, having a good time on my bike and maybe meeting a few more friends at
the Wild Dog Bash. </span></span></div>
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<span class="shorttext"><span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;">I was severely impressed with my tires, not planning to, but getting all my
money’s worth – VAT included – out of them! Having a friend turn out to be a
stunning riding companion and helping make the trip unforgettable – thanks
Abie, you were awesome and I always felt safe with you! In the end, the riding
was superb, the scenes breathtaking and the experience something never be
forgotten!</span></span></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitwVtjs5-qvEbiup9fboXSI8PmsLVYLX_x_BByXDJdp4kAfoqKm0anFndwkg62IThwEzNEOdF8PasY5kaFeqjCxtg0ZwPqiJeIqXr16zQvFJFYkhbTe545sgI6bREHj5mLMYgKikenOss/s1600/IMG-20120922-02699.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitwVtjs5-qvEbiup9fboXSI8PmsLVYLX_x_BByXDJdp4kAfoqKm0anFndwkg62IThwEzNEOdF8PasY5kaFeqjCxtg0ZwPqiJeIqXr16zQvFJFYkhbTe545sgI6bREHj5mLMYgKikenOss/s640/IMG-20120922-02699.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A dream come true! Standing in Lundeans Nek Pass!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span class="shorttext"><span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;">Things I have learnt (and NOT learnt)
during my trip:</span></u></b></span></div>
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<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;"><span class="shorttext"><span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;">Riding a heavily
loaded bike on gravel is easier than when it is has no load.</span></span><span class="shorttext"><span lang="EN-ZA" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-ZA;"></span></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;"><span class="shorttext"><span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;">I enjoyed doing
the solo thing, having my own time and schedule.</span></span><span class="shorttext"><span lang="EN-ZA" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-ZA;"></span></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;"><span class="shorttext"><span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;">A “she-wee” is
an irreplaceable must for any woman in riding gear.</span></span><span class="shorttext"><span lang="EN-ZA" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-ZA;"></span></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;"><span class="shorttext"><span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;">Once you
understand the thing, a GPS can be the best traveling accessory.</span></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;"><span class="shorttext"><span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;">Panty liners can be a substitute for underwear! </span></span><span class="shorttext"><span lang="EN-ZA" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-ZA;"></span></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;"><span lang="EN-ZA" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-ZA;">The beauty of a country lies
not only in its scenery, but also in its people (and goats and cattle!)</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;"><span lang="EN-ZA" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-ZA;">Knobbly tires CAN do 20 000kms!</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;"><span lang="EN-ZA" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-ZA;">Having a friend as a good traveling companion is a HUGE bonus and can make all the difference.</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;"><span lang="EN-ZA" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-ZA;">5 Imodium’s are NOT a solution
for a tummy bug!!</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;"><span lang="EN-ZA" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-ZA;">A long hard day has nothing to
do with the distance you travel.</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;"><span lang="EN-ZA" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-ZA;">BMW surely must be the best, no
nonsense bike out there when it comes to comfortable, but rough riding!</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;"><span lang="EN-ZA" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-ZA;">Springtime is a wonderful time
to see parts of this country.</span></li>
</ol>
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<span lang="EN-ZA" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-ZA;"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span lang="EN-ZA" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-ZA;">What I did not learn:</span></u></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span lang="EN-ZA" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-ZA;"><span style="text-decoration: none;"><br /></span></span></u></b></div>
<ol start="1" style="margin-top: 0cm;" type="1">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l3 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;"><span lang="EN-ZA" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-ZA;">Why someone would still try and
hitch hike while a bike, loaded to the hilt, passes?</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l3 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;"><span lang="EN-ZA" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-ZA;">Why a GPS insists on taking the
best route, in spite of the suggested route being ignored for 60km and
then still rather taking you back 3 times further?</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l3 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;"><span lang="EN-ZA" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-ZA;">Why someone who has slept
enough, feels to wake every single other soul by revving his bike and
shouting at 6 in the morning?</span></li>
</ol>
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<span lang="EN-ZA" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-ZA;"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span lang="EN-ZA" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-ZA;">What I will do differently on the next trip:</span></u></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span lang="EN-ZA" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-ZA;"><span style="text-decoration: none;"><br /></span></span></u></b></div>
<ol start="1" style="margin-top: 0cm;" type="1">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l2 level1 lfo3; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;"><span lang="EN-ZA" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-ZA;">(Try) to get away earlier in
the mornings, for any eventuality.</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l2 level1 lfo3; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;"><span lang="EN-ZA" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-ZA;">Have anti-acids CLOSE by and
handy!</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l2 level1 lfo3; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;"><span lang="EN-ZA" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-ZA;">Find a less time-consuming way
for taking pics.</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l2 level1 lfo3; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;"><span lang="EN-ZA" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-ZA;">Try and travel without needing
the extra luggage of tent, mattress and sleeping bag. </span></li>
</ol>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span lang="EN-ZA" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-ZA;">My wish list: </span></u></b><span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-ZA" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-ZA;">(so if you have any of this 2nd hand to sell at a good price, please let me know!)</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span lang="EN-ZA" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-ZA;"><span style="text-decoration: none;"><br /></span></span></u></b></div>
<ol start="1" style="margin-top: 0cm;" type="1">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo4; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;"><span lang="EN-ZA" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-ZA;">A good (blue tooth?) GPS.</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo4; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;"><span lang="EN-ZA" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-ZA;">Legs a few inches longer (or a
bike a few inches lower – hint hint Geoff and Nolene!)</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo4; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;">The <a href="http://www.actioncameras.co.za/drift_hd.html" title="">Drift HD 1080</a>
– a super snazzy new device for taking pics and videos<span lang="EN-ZA" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-ZA;"></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo4; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;">Soft
pannier luggage – shortening the time spent tying and unfastening luggage
every day.<span lang="EN-ZA" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-ZA;"> </span></li>
</ol>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-ZA;">Experiencing
the beauty of my country from my motorbike has been one of my most
rewarding experiences yet! I want to thank my husband and folks for being
there for me and letting me go, in spite of being so worried about my safety. I
cannot wait to take on the next adventure!</span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16890635839913008069noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-482589321936440966.post-73072113407718643272012-09-29T17:23:00.001+02:002013-10-07T00:30:14.846+02:00My final day - 12<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhaGEQvxmDc5N3nT-2HterdZ0p16ah9qNSKr-EPQAFheyjF4J0MRBiZ99V_MPIXQrYPCh4MldloTZVQ_l-YmSwV-PAxeDNzov8Jj3zd9BWJPHAwnWP7SR2t6rAu3wsc4FFo7-wBB6PU3c/s1600/IMG-20120928-02996.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhaGEQvxmDc5N3nT-2HterdZ0p16ah9qNSKr-EPQAFheyjF4J0MRBiZ99V_MPIXQrYPCh4MldloTZVQ_l-YmSwV-PAxeDNzov8Jj3zd9BWJPHAwnWP7SR2t6rAu3wsc4FFo7-wBB6PU3c/s640/IMG-20120928-02996.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #eeeeee;">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-ZA;">I fell
asleep while still trying to set the alarm clock for the next day, resulting in
only waking at 8am! What a good rest and pretty sure my body was relieved to
have a little extra time on my back rather than the back side! For some reason
that part of my anatomy seems to be very sensitive and bruised?! After a lovely
breakfast of fruit, yogurt and a bit of muesli, I set of just as it started
drizzling.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #eeeeee; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhykTsS_0c3EtTLfdaCz05Brux-mAWSYfd5ce80GNfqRb2KKTd5rZQzuTl3ljJd4wBv7OWVKQKb9EJ0csMmNy1X6F_L0R2WIfZKNHA9kT5eufwwM-jsdP0mjochh09ItzuaUD2vA_noZb0/s1600/IMG-20120928-02997.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhykTsS_0c3EtTLfdaCz05Brux-mAWSYfd5ce80GNfqRb2KKTd5rZQzuTl3ljJd4wBv7OWVKQKb9EJ0csMmNy1X6F_L0R2WIfZKNHA9kT5eufwwM-jsdP0mjochh09ItzuaUD2vA_noZb0/s320/IMG-20120928-02997.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #eeeeee;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxgd0ZgqP5rZYoXahbZtkJyoyNiXIHIUn-ndryc9n-jzs8boiPy_WcQVlJ_LWNnZsPG9wojWOIjs2z3Rvdm44-pAOfcey_gC_s0bKOj-s8C7p5yPne_X2eK-h-I_N48x3tLwb5u2Ej1GI/s1600/IMG-20120928-03006.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="476" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxgd0ZgqP5rZYoXahbZtkJyoyNiXIHIUn-ndryc9n-jzs8boiPy_WcQVlJ_LWNnZsPG9wojWOIjs2z3Rvdm44-pAOfcey_gC_s0bKOj-s8C7p5yPne_X2eK-h-I_N48x3tLwb5u2Ej1GI/s640/IMG-20120928-03006.jpg" width="640" /></a><span lang="EN-ZA" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-ZA;">An
absolutely beautiful ride over the pass looking down on the Langkloof – Route
62! It is totally beyond me WHY on earth people travelling between CT to PE
would use the N2?? Route 62 must be one of not only the prettiest routes of all
routes in South Africa,
but the road is well kept and carries very little traffic. Coming back via N2,
I got soo frustrated with almost 150kms between the Stormsriver Bridge
and George having speed limits of between 60 and 100 – most of the way not
allowing you over 80km/h!! Great big wide open national road and speed cops
hiding in the bushes just wishing for you to go over 80! And in all of that
distance, you get to see the see only once when passing Wilderness!</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #eeeeee; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA2zBZ56o9EaLDARLsddVDA9OsMJaOXPAfza1nD4TxH7xcas_ptXjW9YueFPR5StNv8LZCtQQnCcwQVKpou56apZDJ9NBHfZsAEffzOwlTIAQ6KCfWEap1hMRxZcTo24kLwWRtwNc_dD0/s1600/IMG-20120928-03007.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA2zBZ56o9EaLDARLsddVDA9OsMJaOXPAfza1nD4TxH7xcas_ptXjW9YueFPR5StNv8LZCtQQnCcwQVKpou56apZDJ9NBHfZsAEffzOwlTIAQ6KCfWEap1hMRxZcTo24kLwWRtwNc_dD0/s320/IMG-20120928-03007.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #eeeeee; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjNG9nOsPpZm4MaUs3TzxumDHHy2Fy-6WPoPOndMyaEA_OU6viG_uSXC8fw6qH1PNYNkdAJszQqIZGQ7XZJt1CtiqQdBowKxrRS-O2s7zIGhoFiDBiV7B8qi_qC3-DCTS3UksrOJXItqQ/s1600/IMG-20120928-03020.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjNG9nOsPpZm4MaUs3TzxumDHHy2Fy-6WPoPOndMyaEA_OU6viG_uSXC8fw6qH1PNYNkdAJszQqIZGQ7XZJt1CtiqQdBowKxrRS-O2s7zIGhoFiDBiV7B8qi_qC3-DCTS3UksrOJXItqQ/s320/IMG-20120928-03020.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #eeeeee;">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-ZA;">The
Langkloof on the other hand has you riding between two mountain ranges, covered
in either Fynbos, grasslands or fruit trees. Everything looks green and inviting
and not an inch you can go without seeing something new and spectacular! Not to
mention any traffic official and crazy speed limits. – Worried about where you
will stop for your take-away meal? Well don’t!! – Pack a flask and sandwiches
and enjoy the beauty having a picnic at the side of the road – and it will take
you NO longer than waiting for your ready-made, greasy meal!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #eeeeee;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlvqkEP9JVeb9uaHSZtwU3CUUnH5Q0kJ7ZK2anQFpEIa8IgC7lYrbMEJM94dgPV1lc9FUpgu34KcWoGfZ9q5VZSBNuPD7fr2042nY8h79eh93bmF2rw_Gl6dboUALL0gt5IKFTXH6vLhI/s1600/IMG-20120928-03029.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlvqkEP9JVeb9uaHSZtwU3CUUnH5Q0kJ7ZK2anQFpEIa8IgC7lYrbMEJM94dgPV1lc9FUpgu34KcWoGfZ9q5VZSBNuPD7fr2042nY8h79eh93bmF2rw_Gl6dboUALL0gt5IKFTXH6vLhI/s320/IMG-20120928-03029.jpg" width="238" /></a><span lang="EN-ZA" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-ZA;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #eeeeee;">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-ZA;">Sorry for
the rant – maybe best if I don’t inform the whole world what they are missing
out on! Back to my trip!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #eeeeee;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVpBpS7VKfdTrxm2p7PyUnCmZXyqrgeUNR1a4LonjCZtWQA3aNLXx6127lOX6kWJiMBwWM87DCLavD7M-8KNUMjUv4Pg0JsFXENMjevZUvhJZ06-vzLykzYx1gGT6uDpX3zrcfGYencyQ/s1600/IMG-20120928-03017.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVpBpS7VKfdTrxm2p7PyUnCmZXyqrgeUNR1a4LonjCZtWQA3aNLXx6127lOX6kWJiMBwWM87DCLavD7M-8KNUMjUv4Pg0JsFXENMjevZUvhJZ06-vzLykzYx1gGT6uDpX3zrcfGYencyQ/s320/IMG-20120928-03017.jpg" width="320" /></a><span lang="EN-ZA" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-ZA;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #eeeeee;">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-ZA;">Shortly
after the pass I started hitting rain, getting so hard I had to go at a snails-pace!
It banged so hard on my visor, I was certain it would crack! The torrential
downpour lasted for a good 80kms. OK, maybe I am exaggerating a bit, but when
you are tired and cold and on your way home, I guess things seem to be a bit
worse than they really are! When I got to Oudshoorn, I dressed into my remaining
raingear – yes, the pants were drenched already, but I hoped the suit would
keep out some of the strong winds I had from the front. I looked like something
between the Michelin man and the little Oros guy with all that gear on! I’m
sure with that size; no one would look for any trouble with me!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1EDWV2Phhn81YXQHBC62ZUViqrw6jyhc4rvYtdCZW9uCQ-gl9sfCfcMYExcQC5iVL0e2MaUt2sa4ruRI0k6u6r2AtdymknjZ6DbxsVjA-wrKjCw7V9OGjPz252-MbNanemA9wVxoKOqA/s1600/IMG-20120928-03024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1EDWV2Phhn81YXQHBC62ZUViqrw6jyhc4rvYtdCZW9uCQ-gl9sfCfcMYExcQC5iVL0e2MaUt2sa4ruRI0k6u6r2AtdymknjZ6DbxsVjA-wrKjCw7V9OGjPz252-MbNanemA9wVxoKOqA/s320/IMG-20120928-03024.jpg" width="320" /></a><span lang="EN-ZA" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-ZA;"> </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #eeeeee; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhET7g7EZtJhRmx1by8tgSWjPaNmZFb9hJvhU3lyDicU8Jx2C9kkMOAAhGYZYdIgQJR-lzm6chNuBXMvv__kVZVHIkFt6qjuz25cHaoyk8fheRXn2rH4FS6mGxTFbKMEh4bMS5ZYBoGh00/s1600/IMG-20120928-03038.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhET7g7EZtJhRmx1by8tgSWjPaNmZFb9hJvhU3lyDicU8Jx2C9kkMOAAhGYZYdIgQJR-lzm6chNuBXMvv__kVZVHIkFt6qjuz25cHaoyk8fheRXn2rH4FS6mGxTFbKMEh4bMS5ZYBoGh00/s320/IMG-20120928-03038.jpg" width="238" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #eeeeee;">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-ZA;">I got
enticed by the smell of home-made baking and ended up gobbling a Thai-Chicken
pie. Along the way, while the heartburn was tearing through my insides, I
remembered why I NEVER buy pies! It had been ages since I had gotten so cold,
in spite of all the clothes! Fuelling in Ladismith, the clouds moved over a bit
and what do I see?!... SNOW on all the mountains!! No wonder I could not feel
my fingers! </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #eeeeee;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicNGJrZY8tyKk4sslcu7RdtJbT3SC5r5bi_Ksvy7CuIPkkq2EYm_cUt88-AQTXgPZtR_knvyF_1eufYVGt2X-uporMEnvWve2mhcC24EiiJL4D8de4s_Z6HTerrwafpBnP-N_jAMpKyUY/s1600/IMG-20120928-03031.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicNGJrZY8tyKk4sslcu7RdtJbT3SC5r5bi_Ksvy7CuIPkkq2EYm_cUt88-AQTXgPZtR_knvyF_1eufYVGt2X-uporMEnvWve2mhcC24EiiJL4D8de4s_Z6HTerrwafpBnP-N_jAMpKyUY/s320/IMG-20120928-03031.jpg" width="238" /></a><span lang="EN-ZA" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-ZA;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #eeeeee;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0ixwyTc2keOvqUb4DhJ-dw5GcwcLQqTklaDX5Yqq-aExcBOWmz0ZPT1cMejl6t9mds5qnMOvAhyphenhyphennI1Wtlf7A8M06_K-Hq-MPbJjfE5tgWPHVAClEKcqtnzKd1pbXBwwMxvWN-GpQOR6o/s1600/IMG-20120928-03022.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0ixwyTc2keOvqUb4DhJ-dw5GcwcLQqTklaDX5Yqq-aExcBOWmz0ZPT1cMejl6t9mds5qnMOvAhyphenhyphennI1Wtlf7A8M06_K-Hq-MPbJjfE5tgWPHVAClEKcqtnzKd1pbXBwwMxvWN-GpQOR6o/s320/IMG-20120928-03022.jpg" width="320" /></a><span lang="EN-ZA" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-ZA;">Rode
through a few more cloud breaks lots of rain. As I was nearing home I got very
worried about the last km on to the farm. The gravel will be muddy and super
slippery and I would hate to come to a crashing halt meters before I reach
home! 500m before home, suddenly the rain stopped and the road was dry?! I
reached my folks place just after 4pm on Friday, the 28<sup>th</sup>. 12 Days
after starting the 3102km exhilarating adventure of a life time! Bike and
myself safe and unscathed! All the thanks and glory to God!</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiohSRxsPhtmoItzTp26NbTdId8LwI2XB0DC6xYFQqUYyeAI_yS87QEW-eRNvuuzQi-bsaJCZUyGU7V9c6pipS7AmvBbnNTAMK9Er_KcwgV76JHEHTnAGBcdcoMGzHbAuPq_vx4gv_AnOA/s1600/IMG-20120928-03037.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><span lang="EN-ZA" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-ZA;"> </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #eeeeee; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSeDv9KaxPXepJhwjEDqOiPvz0mKdL_b3fMUa85zzN4KCERgFHjgxsjW4rLEnCRUgoojVkGkrOs1DhyGnv79YPTbbk4wBGb4-XJQmpp5db_UL4JgAZP7TuieY1rajYIOB1_mZXBW3hK5U/s1600/IMG-20120928-03040.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSeDv9KaxPXepJhwjEDqOiPvz0mKdL_b3fMUa85zzN4KCERgFHjgxsjW4rLEnCRUgoojVkGkrOs1DhyGnv79YPTbbk4wBGb4-XJQmpp5db_UL4JgAZP7TuieY1rajYIOB1_mZXBW3hK5U/s640/IMG-20120928-03040.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span lang="EN-ZA" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-ZA;">My trip
summery/conclusion and Gallery to follow shortly.</span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16890635839913008069noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-482589321936440966.post-81440659980755559332012-09-28T10:00:00.003+02:002013-10-07T00:30:50.606+02:00Day 11<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLkAUxSC-TFe07disMST2Sy4_GEZ3SK3e__E-bjEQFk7IAvXA_rZ9l0nwhl-PjzNtz86HpukS3b4FKs20HfAczqp7qiEKKO4gVWu6ZBURo7_5DGtALd390cPC3VBd7mbLeDnvK8Q8yczI/s1600/IMG-20120927-02913.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLkAUxSC-TFe07disMST2Sy4_GEZ3SK3e__E-bjEQFk7IAvXA_rZ9l0nwhl-PjzNtz86HpukS3b4FKs20HfAczqp7qiEKKO4gVWu6ZBURo7_5DGtALd390cPC3VBd7mbLeDnvK8Q8yczI/s640/IMG-20120927-02913.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzGCtT5ugs1hYK0_NMAJNKu9GbK2xVpNd6HcwoWLI3QdqWOJaRDWZwlLftcwyCKXrYArx-3nU9gMr2e15SaLp4hAiiJJvYNPaAecAIa5qs0orH2k_Qis9DCuDlUGbWtNzfnHCHcnw5fUI/s1600/IMG-20120927-02931.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzGCtT5ugs1hYK0_NMAJNKu9GbK2xVpNd6HcwoWLI3QdqWOJaRDWZwlLftcwyCKXrYArx-3nU9gMr2e15SaLp4hAiiJJvYNPaAecAIa5qs0orH2k_Qis9DCuDlUGbWtNzfnHCHcnw5fUI/s320/IMG-20120927-02931.jpg" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD6K25GUU5NvHUW-5TOwhoo8VsWqwjs9ZNvw_TlRCnGxFsqlMjN9dnyh-X24xacxHIgCOoTBTkpRKrzEo3uikAPrUQXG_uKNSlPuH8Zq1KmFQSIUch7GZoIVWa1pi2hG7tsEY7jZ8WF6o/s1600/IMG-20120927-02937.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD6K25GUU5NvHUW-5TOwhoo8VsWqwjs9ZNvw_TlRCnGxFsqlMjN9dnyh-X24xacxHIgCOoTBTkpRKrzEo3uikAPrUQXG_uKNSlPuH8Zq1KmFQSIUch7GZoIVWa1pi2hG7tsEY7jZ8WF6o/s320/IMG-20120927-02937.jpg" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG6poadPOYEViNkGgDTfHsChbCuJTYWKo9_3luZJSC-xyVtu-0ar2s8M9tkXAnHwmbUGxA1copFlIRtTMJytZtycd1GD-ZEwUGPP0nO5GrmlJJO8dG04JUcWwboFr2rvvscgAstwkk_yM/s1600/IMG-20120927-02940.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG6poadPOYEViNkGgDTfHsChbCuJTYWKo9_3luZJSC-xyVtu-0ar2s8M9tkXAnHwmbUGxA1copFlIRtTMJytZtycd1GD-ZEwUGPP0nO5GrmlJJO8dG04JUcWwboFr2rvvscgAstwkk_yM/s320/IMG-20120927-02940.jpg" width="320" /></a>Today was the weirdest day of my trip. I had emotions of
absolute fear and frustrations go over into euphoria and elation as the day
grew on. The tummy bug is still with me and I did not get much sleep. Just
before 5am when I came out the bathroom, I saw my friend was up and about and
went and got into her bed and chatted while she got herself ready for her
husbands return from over seas.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>With
only 150km to go, I gave myself 3 hours to do the trip, knowing it involved a
dirt road pass of over 80km. Plenty of time, so I made a late start and only
left around 11.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAbskDL3Vcr6pCejPDmDAL_s7XDpXEmJhyphenhyphenf00fVfaUvUNnJv2HnTpY8u-18BtcYJEvZ1Fs0fqYFmFXgJOpEdiU81Ehg2ZT6sAbXytV0td3ZHkynDkbwLk-7wmnFM1x0q9m5ckeAs8iKaM/s1600/IMG-20120927-02951.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAbskDL3Vcr6pCejPDmDAL_s7XDpXEmJhyphenhyphenf00fVfaUvUNnJv2HnTpY8u-18BtcYJEvZ1Fs0fqYFmFXgJOpEdiU81Ehg2ZT6sAbXytV0td3ZHkynDkbwLk-7wmnFM1x0q9m5ckeAs8iKaM/s320/IMG-20120927-02951.jpg" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEpL_bkQQgMDft6whuIRjUOjMjj_unodkiYqfaAE_BJ0hzTSBz0fTX9WJfFJ5rGNqkH4if-bRiyaGv25i9PKgdA3zAD-gef_rS9fFyu5VgNN7htKLWkLB_CO1buzKA8ZYTGFZn7BVwbq8/s1600/IMG-20120927-02952.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEpL_bkQQgMDft6whuIRjUOjMjj_unodkiYqfaAE_BJ0hzTSBz0fTX9WJfFJ5rGNqkH4if-bRiyaGv25i9PKgdA3zAD-gef_rS9fFyu5VgNN7htKLWkLB_CO1buzKA8ZYTGFZn7BVwbq8/s640/IMG-20120927-02952.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYx93yIQPpCkje_pRc7lFmoKT7OAR6tzI7Ukl1duWhkx8DqsSPtGY1d7eVDqv4O14frque6UzX4wf7qACvIP23xUV3ShC1iy80GIAyHQ0eknp2iAZmg62Q0a00w01PFA5TZCRfklH50g0/s1600/IMG-20120927-02956.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYx93yIQPpCkje_pRc7lFmoKT7OAR6tzI7Ukl1duWhkx8DqsSPtGY1d7eVDqv4O14frque6UzX4wf7qACvIP23xUV3ShC1iy80GIAyHQ0eknp2iAZmg62Q0a00w01PFA5TZCRfklH50g0/s320/IMG-20120927-02956.jpg" width="320" /></a>One of the Wild dogs had explained that I take a turn-off in
Knysna and I used Google maps the previous evening to make sure I will find the
right road. As added security, I told the GPS where I was heading and lo and
behold – was that thing not determined?!?! Kept showing me where I should
U-turn, to go back the 60km I have come from to take the route via George to Uniondale. There were also so many little forest roads
that I started loosing my bearings. After following a Digger Loader at 7 kms
per hour through the length of a squatter camp, I was fairly uneasy about my
where abouts. After traverse sing about for well over an hour, I phoned my dad
in desperation, hoping he could help me figure out how I can make the GPS take
me the next 60kms over the mountain to the next town, in stead of 160km around!
At that moment a truck came by and I could get directions – I was actually at
the right road and could leave from there. – sighhh of relief!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqYatHPh2parT1xDQnRAL1W_RclmyEmwnWBVKB8Z-R9tmBaw4Wxax0o9_WYxHyIdWnbzffkpBPoxeF1JDBB0Q91LKhZ65F_zr3iK5Jp4t3USjfwiRUeKJJP0R44BuMa-ZegpqOJMbyr6o/s1600/IMG-20120927-02959.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqYatHPh2parT1xDQnRAL1W_RclmyEmwnWBVKB8Z-R9tmBaw4Wxax0o9_WYxHyIdWnbzffkpBPoxeF1JDBB0Q91LKhZ65F_zr3iK5Jp4t3USjfwiRUeKJJP0R44BuMa-ZegpqOJMbyr6o/s400/IMG-20120927-02959.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_eUU40oJq-mh8fGbW1wFIMiChozbLaRGZUGkLjhL0Dfm12aj1JdQCCkyScOXmY_qxCssFXVDSaEZMCB6jQGS1fh9fPctG5THE_gr8DXAB1yUlFT5Xb4nFJ8Qso0k8qfsWF06a6w73ObY/s1600/IMG-20120927-02970.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_eUU40oJq-mh8fGbW1wFIMiChozbLaRGZUGkLjhL0Dfm12aj1JdQCCkyScOXmY_qxCssFXVDSaEZMCB6jQGS1fh9fPctG5THE_gr8DXAB1yUlFT5Xb4nFJ8Qso0k8qfsWF06a6w73ObY/s400/IMG-20120927-02970.jpg" width="400" /></a>Although a broad and beautifully kept road, it was wet and
dangerously slippery. After my little “put-down” a few days earlier, I was
pretty terrified of having to try and lift my bike on my own, so took it very
slowly. The most awesome and stunning road and scenery unfolded before my eyes!
Plantations of pine, indigenous forests and ferns all along my way. Till I hit
the mountain passes and what a sight to behold?! Absolutely stunning!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjer7iwuR-OmZoCw-1eWHMS4Qgnyt1nqYXxTXyb4-CONnuHHwbfhJoFUJI0db9hFTCARs-mrOHJxNxb5hH1bxGLxRMYyzPOjJ9Ul06MMvq6ZP-STfy11rM7ZeFX0iECV1drDGu4pvUzAaE/s1600/IMG-20120927-02973.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjer7iwuR-OmZoCw-1eWHMS4Qgnyt1nqYXxTXyb4-CONnuHHwbfhJoFUJI0db9hFTCARs-mrOHJxNxb5hH1bxGLxRMYyzPOjJ9Ul06MMvq6ZP-STfy11rM7ZeFX0iECV1drDGu4pvUzAaE/s320/IMG-20120927-02973.jpg" width="240" /></a>The road became a single track with a huge warning that no
heavy vehicles may pass and I soon started to understand why… But before that
reality hit home, I almost rode into a huge truck trying to go up the
mountain?!? It was barely moving, and the tyres were off the road on both
sides! It took me over 20 minutes of eating dust behind him before there was
enough space for me to get past! Some 10 minutes further I started hitting the
shortest of hairpin bends I have ever ridden – NO WAY that interlink will ever
get through there! Just further on up the pass the road had washed away a piece
of the mountain side and a small vehicle would hardly be able to pass!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYYT-cD-T0Ciai4q-gJdeuXi_2JrTCzd-ZshvUhN3bVRDnRKLBx-4lSdomJlELhXzsspNmLSud3QvctT-XHzs2LpdPiVIks55yFxK5DqsP2pRGk-icsATcHsCBOAiVoYmEtcesEhZJscY/s1600/IMG-20120927-02974.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYYT-cD-T0Ciai4q-gJdeuXi_2JrTCzd-ZshvUhN3bVRDnRKLBx-4lSdomJlELhXzsspNmLSud3QvctT-XHzs2LpdPiVIks55yFxK5DqsP2pRGk-icsATcHsCBOAiVoYmEtcesEhZJscY/s400/IMG-20120927-02974.jpg" width="400" /></a>After hitting one beautiful spot and scenery after the next,
I cam across this little place nestled into the mountains, called Angies C
Spot. I went in and had a cold glass of … ermmm… Blue Energade! We had a bit of
a chat. I told them about the interlink and they said it happens once every 6
months or so... This driver is costing his owner over 100grand in recovery
fees, as a tow-in truck must come from Humansdorp (guess about 250km?) then go around
the mountain and reverse down from the other side to get it out! Glad I passed
before it was totally stuck!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZa44mGwNjXBZBslEtpO4k3qNXGPjHmZYZ5iSSGO_rxTZxvCM72RSAEVc3JQZNiZ8YgAFZLzcuSZnYTVVQvxmGeh64s4gjUQ-pqCiuGFgTkMaTY0sS-g5KcEgyUyulPOzOGrqvPDJsqNc/s1600/IMG-20120927-02979.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZa44mGwNjXBZBslEtpO4k3qNXGPjHmZYZ5iSSGO_rxTZxvCM72RSAEVc3JQZNiZ8YgAFZLzcuSZnYTVVQvxmGeh64s4gjUQ-pqCiuGFgTkMaTY0sS-g5KcEgyUyulPOzOGrqvPDJsqNc/s320/IMG-20120927-02979.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Riding higher again, I hit the mist and what a lovely sight
that was! It was cold up there and the scenery changed to masses of yellow
protea bushes and the indigenous fynbos!</div>
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All in all, this Prins Albert’s pass is a must for any
biker! Any vehicle for that matter!! One new and exiting scene and road upon
the next!! I ended up having one of the most thrilling days of the trip and so
glad I did not just turn around and take the tar road as I almost felt like
doing at one stage in the morning! Well worth it!</div>
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Tomorrow night I see hubby!! I cannot wait!</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16890635839913008069noreply@blogger.com2