Day 16 - Alexanderskraal (Nelspoort) to Rooidam (Rietbron)

Everyone woke early this morning, feeling refreshed after a good night’s rest (more likely due to yesterday afternoon’s 3-hour nap).. After feeding the horses and having breakfast ourselves, or at least Marais and Gert did, we went to HP’s house where we drank a coffee and had some wet rusks.. He went to see us off, and all three of us on horseback set off for the day’s ride; knowing today is going to be another long stretch..

Soon after leaving his yard, we turned right into a small two-lane road that snaked between the mountains.. Luckily HP told us about this road, because it enabled us to take a shortcut through the mountains; skipping the long road that went around them.. The scenery on this shortcut was beautiful; with numerous kudu browsing on the sweet-thorns along the road; making the horses (especially Zadok) startle every now and then, as they sped off through the bushes; unseen until that very moment.. The road was very rocky, and our progress was slow.. After about 10km we arrived at a house nestled amongst the trees, at the end of the valley.. Beautiful old Chev bakkies stood adorning the one veld, all rusted and dented..

Marais decided to wait here for Hans; seeing that Mubarak was a bit uncomfortable in his gait; most probably stiff after the long ride yesterday, but not wanting to take any chances he rather waited for the horsebox.. Gert and JanPaul wasted no time, as today’s stretch was even further than that of yesterday; and already the temperature was rising to an uncomfortable heat.. From the house they crossed a small bridge, and followed an even smaller road through the farm; first through a camp with dense bush, later going through a dry river bed and into a veld, where even the karoo-bossies were sparse.. The veld here was incredibly dry, the drought’s impact here was intense.. Before reaching the road where they were headed to, they saw a small herd of horses in the veld to the east; trying to get past them without them noticing, but the one mare saw us eventually.. We then took off at a fast trot, in order to reach the road; and exit the camp; before they reached us, but they luckily never pursued us..

We passed even more kudus along the way; and stopped at a trough for the horses to rehydrate before setting off on the long road leading to Graaff Reinett.. The heat at this stage was still rising; and they kept at a trot, to try and create a small breeze for themselves.. This stretch of road went through a very arid landscape; with nothing but nothingness in sight for miles on end.. With outstretched horizons all around, even the windmills and tortoises were few and far in between in these parts.. After what felt like ages, they finally reached the road that turned off towards Rietbron.. This junction was situated at the junction of the Eastern Cape and Western Cape; the two provinces that were weaving in and out of for a few days now.. It also marked the border of the Central Karoo, which we’ve also weaved in and out of..

At this stage, both the riders and horses were starting to get thirsty again; but everywhere they saw water next to the road, the gate was locked; and they didn’t have any cell reception with which they could contact the other two.. So they kept on in the heat, until they arrived at an old windmill and dam next to the road.. Gert climbed up the windmill in order to get reception, struggling to get through to the others, whilst JanPaul took an old 2L Coke bottle, cut it open, and carried it to and fro between the water trough and the horses, in order to give them some water to quench their thirst.. It was definitely a funny sight, and a first for us, but the horses took to this new method of drinking water very quickly and drank their fill.. We stood there letting them graze on the long, green grass that grew in the overspill of the tank; before setting off again.. Before long, Hans and Marais arrived, bringing the riders some chips and cooldrink; giving them the energy they desperately needed..

The riders took off as they had still some way to go.. The road was long and endless; nothing present to break the horizon.. After an hour or two, they neared the big road between Aberdeen and Beaufort-Wes; and as they came over the last koppie, the green roof of the Rooidam Farm Stall met their eyes; as if out of a movie, a pure oasis..

Oom Erhart Grobbelaar, the owner of the farm stall (as well as the place we’re sleeping at tonight), greeted us at the door; and we each got an ice cold bottle of Lemon Twist.. From there they took on the last few kilometres to the kraal at oom Erhart’s place.. The horses drank their fill when we put them in; and soon after the horses were saddled off and groomed.. Marais arrived shortly after that (Hans already at the house we were sleeping in)..

While Gert and JanPaul was riding the last stretch from when they last saw Hans and Marais; the latter had quite an interesting afternoon.. They arrived at our overnight stop; unloaded Mubarak, as well as all our necessary gear and bags.. As they left to go meet up with us, the rear left tire burst and made them come to a quick stop.. Luckily there wasn’t any damage, and they could quickly change the wheel.. This left them more tired than usual as well; drained after the big shock..

We then all went to the small cabin (completely off the electricity grid; with sun panels and gas) for something to eat.. The afternoon was spent mostly resting; Hans busy making a leather Bible cover, JanPaul catching fish (on his phone), Gert reading and Marais sleeping (no surprise there).. As the sun went down; we went back to the horses to hose them off and feed them; and when we came back Hans already had a fire burning in the small boma outside.. We had delicious steaks, which was a welcome break from the mutton chop that predominated our diet the last couple of days.. JanPaul got out his guitar again and spoiled us with some good music as well..

Everybody showered and made their way to bed; Hans first taking the bakkie up the nearest koppie, in order to find cell reception (otherwise Simoné might just become unhappy with him).. The day turned out completely different than expected, especially the accommodation we got was a very pleasant surprise (we thought we were going to camp).. Everyone got into a soft bed with clean linen; preparing themselves for a good night’s (and day’s) rest; seeing that tomorrow is Sunday – meaning rest day for us and the horses..

At this stage we only started to realise how far we’ve come; and how near we’ve gotten to our final destination.. Time is an abstract concept; and on an endeavour like ours it becomes even more so.. One should never miss the chance to live; to really live life fully; every minute of every day.. It all passes by very quickly, and more often than not passes totally unnoticed.. Appreciate every moment; for it will become cherished memories as you get older..