Again feeling like I could sleep the day away (damn, this buy is a pain!), I slowly got started and sorted things out in order to enjoy brekkie with Massyn and his Ouma. We had a great brekkie and I then got the final things packed and said my farewells… hitting the gravel road with energy and looking forward to hopefully making some distance today.
Distance and speeds were good with my legs feeling ok and now tummy issues for the first time in a while – yay! I hit the T-junction and turned right to head back onto the tar road to Ventersdorp, and caught up with a local farm worker pushing his bicycle… a little short of sky in his rounds. After helping him out he set off at speed and I turned left towards Ventersdorp… soon arriving at Laerskool Schoonspruit.
I turned in and met all the staff, and was asked if I’d mind chatting with the kids. No problem… as long as they understand I am actually English so my Afrikaans may let me down from time to time. No worries they said… cool!
They got settled and I was introduced, and started sharing my story. One of the grades is busy with water so I took them through all the fancy equipment I have with me… Katadyn Vario Filter, Steripen and then Aquatabs… and my stove as a last resort. With a demo of everything except the stove. They asked a few questions and next thing I was swamped for website details, my phone number (!), and my autograph. Cool! The staff even packed a few sweets and a cold drink for me.
I set off again and the heat was killing me, and I could feel I was losing strength quickly… despite good hydration and nutritional intake. I made the most of a general dealer and chatted with the owners whilst enjoying some shade, hoping to return the core temperature to normal. I managed that I set off again… but it wasn’t long before I could feel my legs stumbling along. Not good! I had 20 km to Ventersdorp and this is how my legs were…
About 13 km from town I saw the sign Waweel Lodge and pulled in to see if I could get a cold drink and maybe use the pool. Well, I’m staying here tonight… camped in the garden. I’m just completely shattered and after sitting in the shade for an hour just couldn’t get myself to walk to the toilet… never mind town 13 km away.
Rustenburg is now 115 km from me, and I hope to make it there by Friday – which means some big days, considering what I’ve been averaging for the last four. Hold thumbs Wednesday is better, otherwise this is going to be a looooong week.
