It's been 6 days since we left Stellenbosch and we've travelled 2000km so far.
We left home in a bit of a rush (afraid we'll get stuck in another lock-down) so on top of being somewhat ruffled, a lekker cape winter downpour caught us unawares while loading the car and prepared us for the many unexpected twists (and the rainy season on the equator) that awaited us. Stuffed into the cruiser with wet clothes and sullen spirits, we knew there was still plenty of work, kit and car to be finished, but at least we had 'lift off' for now.
The simple drive to Windhoek proved to be more adventurous than we hoped when we encountered a closed border post at Vioolsdrift and had to take a 700km ompad to the closest border post, Nakop-Ariamsvlei. Luckily we were well stocked up on plattelandse hospitality after brief visits to Ladismith (the Basson family) and De doorns (the 'groenboontjiebredie' was amazing, thanks Carstense).
After a stay at the Okiep Hotel and fuel stops at Kakamas and Pofadder, a long day's drive to Grunau ensued, with another early morning start heading for the Louw family in Windhoek. August's last 'remote work week' proved a bit hard to maintain with the unplanned detours, but breakfast just outside Keetmans' gave us wifi and breakfast with a smile. And the folks at Capitec were great.
Windhoek is hot, dry and cold, if that makes sense, with night temperatures dropping below freezing point. But the Louw hospitality is always exceptional and with some good contacts and help from the family we managed to fit the last of the kit on the roof rack and sort out some last items (Sasol Bird Guide, free haircut, rusks and rooibos tee, some good advice on touring Namibia). Plus, having listened through our entire playlist on the first 3 days of driving, it was probably a good idea to add some more to the mix (thanks Rub and Arina for the playlist, can't go without baby shark).
We plan to spend the next two or three weeks travelling Namibia and the Caprivi, but will send updates of the beautiful places we visit as we go.
For some of Ydi's photographs you can see https://www.instagram.com/overlandtrip2021/ Also please use the link to "follow the adventure by e-mail" if you want to get updates.
No comments:
Post a Comment