Day 15 - Swartbosch (Murraysburg) to Alexanderskraal (Nelspoort)

Getting up this morning was a bit more difficult than usual; and we wanted to leave early, so as to avoid the worst heat of the day.. We had a long stretch awaiting us, and wanted to finish before the sun could warm the day to an unbearable point..

Zadok was a bit stiff in the left shoulder though; so JanPaul decided to rest him today.. After a quick coffee, Gert and Marais greeted everyone and set off.. Phil and Rykie really was gracious hosts; and they even thanked us for our visit, whereas the real thanksgiving was from us for them hosting us.. The two horses was full of energy and feeling good after the abundant grazing and good rest day.. Gert and Marais though was still trying to wake up properly.. Meanwhile Rykie was baking some muffins and scones for breakfast, as Hans and JanPaul loaded our stuff; and after a hearty breakfast they also left (much later than expected though)..

The morning had an accompanying cool breeze, making the sun more bearable.. Gert and Marais kept a fast pace, as the roads were smooth and quiet.. With the first water stop at 20km, neither of the horses have even broke a sweat.. About an hour after that, they came across the first vehicle (another white Hilux) for the day; that was driven by a local farmer, who thought that our trip was a bit mental, but nevertheless wished us good fortune and blessings for the road ahead..

At this stage Gert and Marais was at the point of thinking that they will arrive at their destination for the day, before the other two; they were already riding through Stellenboschvlei, which was the neighbouring farm for Alexanderskraal, the farm where we are sleeping tonight.. And just as they passed yet another gate, the horizon at the back was broken by a big cloud of white dust; and within minutes Hans and JanPaul arrived.. They brought some reprieve in the form of freshly baked scones and muffins, compliments from Rykie; and both Gert and Marais engorged themselves, for neither of them had breakfast before leaving that morning, and by this stage have covered over 40km on horseback..

Hans and JanPaul then went ahead to prepare our place for the evening; and about an hour and a half later the two horseriders arrived at Alexanderskraal.. HP van der Merwe, the owner, greeted us; and showed us to his hunting cabin where we were to spend the night.. The horses was put in the kraal; nearby his own horses was standing staring at us, snorting, ears straight ahead; very interested in the three new arrival horses on the farm.. HP’s yard was immaculate, everything in its place and clean, with neat borders around the lawn, and objects of antiquity scattered all over the yard – indicative of the splendour of a past era.. The farm is rich in history, and that evening HP told us quite a few old tales of the Khaki’s and his ancestors and their horses.. We ate chops (once more) and “skaapstertjies”; Marais finally enjoying this delicacy of the karoo with us the locals call “Karoo Prawns”; together with baked potato.. Tannie Roanie, who stayed in the house as well, joined in for supper; and we sat at the big old table, discussing farming methods and which sheep breed was the best.. Afterwards, we made us of HP’s WiFi and had a look at the maps, planning the coming week..

After a shower, we made our way straight to bed; tired after the long day (in distance it was the furthest yet).. Thankful that we’ve made it this far.. Once again realising how miniscule we as humans really are, compared to the vast size of creation; as we lay down tonight at the foot of a mountain in the middle of nowhere, completely cut off from the rest of civilization; where our ancestors once passed on their way to the north.. It was in places like these, where the full splendour of the night sky and the deafening silence made one aware of the honour and majesty of our King; where you wonder how anyone can ever doubt in His existence, with His presence being almost tangible, His whisper clearly audible in the utter silence that engulfed us in the remote corner of the earth where we are resting tonight..