A SHORT GETAWAY -CRADOCK AREA

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DAY 2

Today’s route is 335km’s. From our camp to Cradock, then to Mortimer and then up a little pass towards Blomfontein area, down Tarka Pass which joins the Tarka-Botha pass road, down to Witmos, over the N10 onto a gravel road to Tarkastad via the Baviaans River, from Tarkastad the gravel towards Komando Drift Dam and Lake Arthur to Cradock.

We wake up to a coldish -2, we get ready and are on the road at 8:30.
Through Cradock on the gravel to Mortimer, gravel highway, we make good time, but it's freezing cold.

 

[sidetrack]

Which pannier racks are those on the Rally ?

 

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Which pannier racks are those on the Rally ?

DIY, home made.

 

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We stop and try to heat our frozen hands, I struggle to light a cigarette, I have no feeling in my fingers. At least the sun is shining and we soak in as much heat as we can.
Feeling a tad better we hit the road towards Blomfontein area.
We ride up a little no name pass.

At the top we see these Charolais, huge piece of beef. I am not a farmer but I find it strange to see these huge cattle up here in the mountains, as far as I know they are more adaptable to flat area's such as in the Free state etc. Non the less, they are beautiful.

 

[ETS]

 

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Over the no name pass we head into the valley towards Blomfontein and further to Tarka Pass. Lovely twisty roads/tracks up and down the "koppies".
Just plan bliss. We see several wild life.

 

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We enjoy the ride and scenery so much we almost don't realize we are in the Tarka Pass. Tarka is a short 15 odd km's, nothing serious, but enjoyable.

 

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Down Tarka Pass

 

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Down Tarka Pass we T the road from Tarka-Botha and head towards Witmos/N10

 

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We are back at Witmos and cross the N10 and head to Tarkastad via the Baviaans River.

We once again cross the Fish River.

Onto the Tarkastad road.

 

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On our way to Tarkastad we get this nice spot and decide it's time to stop and have some brunch.

 

[OomD]

Ai dit lyk so lekker. Mens moenie op kantoor sulke verslae lees nie, maak mens wil ry!

 

[sidetrack]

Ai dit lyk so lekker. Mens moenie op kantoor sulke verslae lees nie, maak mens wil ry!

Ek hoor jou, sommer nou my verlof dae na gegaan

 

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After brunch we are refueled and head towards Tarkastad, crossing the Baviaans River several times.

 

[Chrisl]

the Baviaans River

Waantoe gaan daai rivier VA? Mensig dis liplek lekker paadjies daai!!!

 

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Still on route to Tarkastad

 

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Sorry for all the phodies, I just can't help myself.

 

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As we leave the Baviaans River and get closer to Tarkastad the scenery changes, it becomes more dull and less scenic, but still nice to ride and to see.

 

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A few keys out from Tarkastad, almost there.

 

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Last few before Tarkastad