NB: Correction re zebras: I was misinformed the other day as to the types of Zebra. The purely black and white zebra is found mainly in Eastern Africa. Here in Namibia, there are two types: the mountain zebra (also known as the Burchell’s zebra), has dark brown stripes against a tan background, the stripes being widely spaced and reaching down under the belly and down the legs; the plains zebra is lighter in colour and it’s dark brown/black stripes are evenly spread over the entire body. Amazing what you find out when you are not cycling!!
Sat. May 8th.
Today, the riders will be cycling to Felix Unite, a campsite on the Orange River, some 12 kms. from the border crossing at Noordoewer. There they will have a rest day before crossing into S. Africa. I was told by TDA staff as well as the staff at the Schutzenhaus, where I have spent two nights, that I would easily get a lift to the border, so I booked a room for tonight at a place in Noordoewer, intending to join the group again tomorrow. Well I waited four hours outside the petrol station on the B1, the road going south. I was ignored or, when I asked people who stopped to fill up, they had excuses not to be able to help. But finally, two young men in a lorry, said they could drop me at Grunau, which is about halfway. They were on their way to Pretoria to pick up potatoes, to take to Angola. Just past the service station at Grunau, there is a left turn which leads to a different border crossing; this is the way these two men were going. Waiting in front of the service station, not many lorries passed and those that did, were going to the left or drove straight past me. It must have been about 4.30 when I asked a driver who had pulled in if he was going to Noordoewer. Yes, he was, at 6 am tomorrow.. So I went into the service station and asked if I could sleep inside in my sleeping bag. Blow me, they had rooms and food to eat. They allowed me to ring the lodging in Noordoewer to cancel, I ate well, was allowed to use their computer and I have a lovely room, all for about 24 euros – plus a wake-up call at 5am. I shall be in Noordoewer for 8 am and at camp shortly after. Isn’t it amazing how sometimes when you can see no way out, it just presents itself ?!
Sunday, May 9th Getting to Noordoewer.
The room last night was really nice and I left a note to thank them for their kindness. I thought it would be ungracious to mention that I had managed to kill 8 mosquitoes during the night and had run out of time to finish the job. I was out the door by 5.30 – but the lorry had gone. I asked every lorry that called in for fuel. Soon, one driver said he was going to Noordoewer but how much would I pay. We agreed on 30 Namibain dollars (about 3 euros) and we were on our way. He was carrying hake from Walvis Bay, the Namibian port to the west of us. He explained that 20 lorries, each carrying 19-20 tonnes of filleted, iced hake, left Walvis Bay each month. From the ship, the lorry had 20 hours to get to Johannesburg airport, from where it was all flown to Madrid! Each consignment cost the Spaniards 300,000 euros. Hake is also coming from C. Town, P. Elizabeth and Plattenburg Bay in S. Africa to be flown to Madrid via Jo’burg. After 5 days cycling on dirt, the riders were camped by the Orange River, at Felix Unite camp. They had enjoyed the scenery and were all excited at being only six days’ cycling from C. Town. The campsite is set high on a bank, looking over the bending river to S. Africa. It is good to be back with them. I do not know whether I was right to leave for a few days or not, given the difficulty of getting back. At least I did get a good rest for two days. I am going to try getting on the bike again the day after tomorrow for a half-day. If that goes OK, I will continue with full days. Whatever happens, I intend to be on my bike for going in to Cape Town.
May 10th. Felix Unite to Springbok.
We crossed the river to go through customs on the S. African side. From here, the road winds up 1500m. onto the mountain plateau. This is desert country; there are no trees and although there are some interesting boulder formations, the landscape lacks the colour and contrasts that Namibia offers. Low bushes, on the other hand, cover the ground in yellows, greens, blues and purples. The road is straight with hardly any traffic and there is a cold wind. Springbok is the only town, as I understand it, between here and C. Town. We are camped a few kilometres out of town. I am going to cycle in to see how I do. At least I will know how I am for tomorrow. On Saturday, about 1.30pm., we will form a convoy to enter C. Town. I am hoping that my wife, Carole, and eldest son, Damien, will be there – hoping there are no flight cancellations – as well as Tia, Peter and Daphne. It is going to be an emotional time for all of us, I imagine. Never again will we be together as a group and in most cases, never again will we see each other. After four months, living cheek by jowl, it will be a hard break to make. But we will be going back to loved ones, a lengthy rest, and time to think.
Hello Eric
I feel so emotional and near to tears just reading your blog -so I cannot imagine how you must be feeling.
Having achieved so much we sincerely hope you will be fit enough to ride in on your bike with all the others.
Again – Well Done and Thanks
Kind Regards
Collette & Terryxx
Once again Eric well done Hope the icelandic ash doesn´t affect Carole and Damiens flight.
Best wishes
Betty.
Eric, Terry talked about tears and this old lady cried. It was a few hard days. I am glad you finally arrived back with the group. I really hope you will be on your bike coming in to Cape Town. The Orange River is South Afic’a longest and most important river. See u Saturday! I grew up on a farm 25 miles from the Orange river. I really stand amazed at what all happened again. Everytime I think this is the best then another story comes along.
We will be waiting for you.
Thanks
Tia
Hello Eric
Based on the spirit and determination you’ve demonstrated on the tour points to a certainty you will cycle into CT. When you reach Kreefte Bay, myself and some of our club members will also join up with the tour and cycle into the V&A Waterfronf with you. I am looking forward to meeting you. We will be wearing Suburbs Cycling Club jerseys which is mainly yellow, and then blue and red. Daphne and Peter will also be there I understand. Daphne and Peter send their love and look forward to seeing their courageous friend again.
‘Hou moed’
Keith and Cynthia
We both think you are brilliant Eric (and Carole has been great too). The blogs are so good and it is a wonderful thing you have done. John says can he borrow the bike to do the trip next year!!! (i don’t think so) take care you are so nearly there just a few more days to go. See you soon. love Shirley and John xx PS Your hedge needs cutting.
Dear Eric,
Your simple explanatory statements about Saturday’s uniting with loved ones and parting from biking companions were quite powerful; I join the other bloggers who got teary-eyed. You’ve gone through so much. For the rest of your life, you will have this treasure of experiences to enjoy the memories of – and so will we! Thank you!
Dear Eric,
Iam so full of admiration for you, you are an inspiration to us all.
Its a privilege to know you. What a guy.
Your blogs have been brilliant.
Congratulations and very best wishes from Victoria COURT.
Dearest Eric
We look forward to meeting you, Carole, Damien, your fellow cyclists! We will be looking out for you at the finish line! What an experience you and your friends have had! Thank you for all you have endured for the sake of the children – and to the other riders who have done the same for other charities. And last but not least for the journey we have travelled with you – your wonderful wonderful stories! May God bless you all!
We love you.
Dear Eric
Like all your friends, we felt tearful about you having to give up cyclying for some days. But we can’t be downhearted for long because we just need to think about ALL you have achieved! You are and will always be our hero and want to thank you once again for allowing us to share your African adventure. Life will seem downright dull when we have no bloggs from Eric! Enjoy your triumphant ride into CT. Whether it’s on your bike or in the lorry, it doesn’t matter! Nothing can possibly diminish your fantastic achievement! Congratulations and well done Eric, our very own Trailblazer! Give Carole a big hug from us, a hello to Damien, enjoy your time together and some well deserved relaxation!
love Brenda and Odd x x
Almost there Eric,
As everyone else is saying, it’s an emotional time. I’m sure after 4 months you’ll be happy to be your own boss arranging your own schedule again together with appreciating many other little pleasures.
Mate, we’re very proud of you.
God bless,
Dirk
Congratulations on achieving your goal in reaching Cape Town and hopeully meeting up with Carole (the Seville pole dancer) and your son. Your blogs have made fascinating reading which we will both miss, but look forward to seeing you back home and to hear of your experiences first hand. The last time we were together was on the beach having a picnic on New Years Day so maybe we can organise the same again on your return. Enjoy the next few days with the family.
Best wishes
Mike and Sue xxx
Fantastic trip Eric well done..Your Blog has been very entertaining and has kept us interested over a long cold winter in the UK.. Hope to see you soon in Moraira where it looks like summer may finally have come.
Lol
Pat, Nick and Brian
Hi Eric,
Well it is all over now. I hope you managed to cycle the last leg of the journey.
We are so proud of your achievement, you must be over the moon with what you have done.
Rest and enjoy yourself over the next few weeks. Have a good trip to see the children and Tia, and look forward to seeing you on your return to Moraira.
best regards
Dave & Sue