Day 2 - Luckhoff to Van Der Kloof

We started fresh and early this morning; although it did take some coaxing to get ourselves up.. With the horses fed; we quickly helped ourselves to breakfast and a big cup of coffee.. We saddled up, and then came together for prayer; Oom Jan joined in on our prayer, and blessed us in our endeavours..

As we set out, the same kids who escorted us in yesterday; was waiting just around the corner, once again escorting us out to the town border.. We started off towards Van der Kloof at a slow and steady walk, just to warm up the horses.. After a while, we started trotting, just to be halted by a very narrow and rocky roadside lush with thorn trees and karoo-bossies.. The majority of the day hence was taken at a slow and steady pace (walk)..

At about the halfway mark, we met up with Hans who has already started setting up a siesta-station for us; even with a tree or two this time.. At the entrance of the local water pumping station, but with it being Saturday we weren’t in anyone’s way.. We had lunch and rested the horses for a while..

Braveheart was starting to show signs of fatigue; and Mubarak was chaffing on the inside of his legs where his boots brushed against each other.. Luckily after the short break, both of them were looking better and we headed out again.. Fully expecting it to be at the same slow tedious pace; but luckily after a few kilometres the roadside cleared up a bit; allowing us to pick up the pace a bit; the horses thoroughly enjoying the chance to stretch out and get their blood pumping..

After a few hours (the fast pace didn’t hold up very far) we arrived at Van der Kloof dam.. And as we waited for Hans; we got the chance to fully appreciate the picturesque panorama spread out around us.. With high rocky cliffs on the one side, the river, huge fields of maize and grass, rocky outcrops; everything just adding to the beauty of the dam itself.. We crossed to river/dam on the damwall itself; and in all honesty that was one of the more memorable moments you’ll ever have on horseback.. The experience was unique in every sense.. Peering over a wall down at the waters far below; whilst on horseback is truly a thrilling experience; bordering on frightening..

Making our way down from the dam, we took up a slower pace again.. Until we reached to gravel road leading to Sandgat, the place where Tannie Lisa so very graciously offered us a place to sleep.. We passed the most beautiful wheat fields on our way down; and upon arrival was completely blown away by the place.. Green grass, lots of trees; even with a pond where the horses can cool themselves.. The horses, as can be imagined, didn’t hesitate for a moment and immediately started indulging in the lush green grass that was everywhere around them; so much so that everything else didn’t matter for the next half an hour or so..

Having settled down some; and after a nice hosing down, we put the horses in the camps we put up for them; and then stood drinking in the absolute splendour of the sunset over the endless fields of wheat.. As the darkness set in, our fires went up and we put some tjoppies on the braai; with traditional braaibroodjies as a side..

The rest of the evening we took some time to plan ahead; and discuss certain topics that needed discussing.. Early night in the bed for all of us though..

We pray that the horses will all sleep well; and feel fresh again tomorrow..

God truly is very faithful..