Saturday in the Klein Karoo
Ah leaving the Karoo behind, enter the Klein Karoo, she never disappoints. Departing De Rust this morning to a fresh breeze saddled up and hitting the road angst to avoid the formidable heat on the horizon. Originally being routed on the N12 a national road, and after coming down the Meiringspoort pass yesterday, it was agreed we would make a detour just 12km down the road to hit gravel and continue forth to Oudtshoorn. There after, sailing on the R62 to Calitzdorp for our night stop at Matjiesvlei Guest Farm.
A good start to the day in coolish weather but come 10am the Klein Karoo was not having it. Reaching an average of around 37 degrees in the middle of the day just as we came into camp. Nevertheless a solid 82.5km and 473m of climbing to end off the day.
The road took us past ostrich farms towards Oudtshoorn the “Struisies” capital of South Africa. Lesser known for its Brandy’s, whiskey and Port Wines but I have heard they’ve actually won awards for. Have you even seen Ostriches run!? It reminded the Badger of his Ostrich operations in Zimbabwe back in the day. A remarkable sight that brought back memories.
The bush bashing Badger continues to collect plant specimens across the Karoo. I have seen his bag, and there’s more plants in it than clothes. Is the Badger trying to take the Karoo to KZN or is he trying to fill up space for all the misplaced items, that are actually scattered in the car and trailer? 🤔
The racing snakes Dave and Deidre were at it again. Not wanting to be out run by them Struisies, they made for a good fast paced glide out of Oudsthoorn towards Calitzdorp. Well considering its tar, it made for an easier ride for the latter part. Remarkably, I don’t think I’ve ever caught up to them, and they not in deep conversations about who knows what. Probably about Garmin stats comparing kms, and elevations from the ride. Ironically they never the same. I guess it’s one way to keep sane riding the long treacherous road to Lamberts bay.
I think Matambo is shook. At first he didn’t know what was coming out of the sterio, but suddenly there’s Mapurisa, Jah Parayza and some Gemma Griffiths touching his soul. It’s like taking a road trip back home. It’s one of those wonderlust stories of travel, meating as strangers, leaving as friends. To future travel adventures. As I write this is 10pm, in the dark, the whole camp dead to the world. Matambo is tossing and turning in his sleep. Don’t know if it’s from my music or Dave teasing him about some mythical expense.
While we take in the night at a rustic old farm house in Matjiesvlei, no electricity and absolutely no signal, it’s an early night as Sunday Funday is upon us, and it’s going to be a belter. The last big climbing day. I hope they ready. I am.
