Brandon Bosch Memorial Ride - Africa 2021

[DASKOP]

I arrived at Rainbow River Lodge, parked at reception and met Gideon, son of Deon, the owner, who has been expecting me.

Due to the generosity of Johan Burger, Jean Du Plessis and Jorine Edwards, who I mentioned before, I was shown to my chalet, overlooking the Okavango River, I did not have to put up my tent, just move in.

The road down from the reception area is a bit of a 4x4 situation. I first took some of the external baggage off Matilda and there was no other way, just go for it. So, I did. Went down the hill and parked Matilda and the staff were there to move the rest of my stuff into the chalet.

It was time for a beer on the deck and enjoy the view.

 

[DASKOP]

I spent some time with Gideon and his two doctor guests, they were obviously in for a party night, and enjoyed the beautiful sunset.

We had some musical accompaniment.

Supper and bed.

 

[OomD]

Only really noticed this ride report now. Started reading in all eagerness, and now I'm sitting with a moerse knop in my keel and blurry vision. You are a very brave soul, firstly tackling such a trip and also being willing to share your pain. And we appreciate it. I know the trip is already over, I sincerely hope it has helped however miniscule the help may have been. Strongs, keeping you in my thoughts. :'(

I could not help but notice your weight loss as the trip progresses, or is it just the angle of the photos? Either way, take care, and know there are lots of people following here and appreciating your sharing.

 

[DASKOP]

28 May 2021

Breakfast on the deck and I had some visitors. What a way to start the day.

 

[DASKOP]

Only really noticed this ride report now. Started reading in all eagerness, and now I'm sitting with a moerse knop in my keel and blurry vision. You are a very brave soul, firstly tackling such a trip and also being willing to share your pain. And we appreciate it. I know the trip is already over, I sincerely hope it has helped however miniscule the help may have been. Strongs, keeping you in my thoughts. :'(

I could not help but notice your weight loss as the trip progresses, or is it just the angle of the photos? Either way, take care, and know there are lots of people following here and appreciating your sharing.

Thank you for your message. It means a helluva lot to me when people actually respond to my posts in this way.

I did lose a lot of weight and the trip was some sort of escape, trying to find my sanity again and not just give up. But, I eventually had to return to reality and I know that I have a hard struggle ahead of me. One day at a time.

I still have a lot to cover in this RR, but as I share, you will realise that my experiences were bigger than just me and the situation I am in.

Thank you again for taking the time to talk to me. I really appreciate it.

 

[DASKOP]

I was truly grateful and thankful, that through the generosity and kindness of people, who I had met, on this journey, for the first time in my life, some of them for mere minutes, that I did not have to camp, but was experiencing luxury accommodation at Rainbow River Lodge, on the Okavango River, at their expense. How blessed was I to have met these amazing people?

 

[DASKOP]

Our musical accompaniment, the previous night was provided by Paul Siedow and his wife, Dr. Ina de Lange, owners of Okonguarri Psychotherapeutic Centre, between Outjo and Khorixas. I had met them then, and well, that is also another story.

They were going on a sightseeing trip up the river on the Lodge's boat and I was invited along. They had another German couple visiting them, who would also be on the trip. Gideon asked me if I would mind doing the braai for them on the boat as he had to take the two doctors Tiger fishing and I agreed.

The boat was stocked and we set off.

We soon saw our first Hippo on the river bank. And then a crocodile.

 

[DASKOP]

And then there were Hippos and Crocs everywhere.

 

[RobD]

Eish Daskop! I so enjoy your posts but they sadden me at the same time, I see the sadness in your eyes.

You are one brave dude to have taken on this journey but I am glad you did so I can pillion with you.

I think you have strength you are not even aware of, not that it makes this any easier at all, but it may, how are we to know.......

Anyway, I look forward to my next catch up here and seeing how people have (are) been so good to you (and deservedly so!)


Ride on!!!!

 

[DASKOP]

Eish Daskop! I so enjoy your posts but they sadden me at the same time, I see the sadness in your eyes.

You are one brave dude to have taken on this journey but I am glad you did so I can pillion with you.

I think you have strength you are not even aware of, not that it makes this any easier at all, but it may, how are we to know.......

Anyway, I look forward to my next catch up here and seeing how people have (are) been so good to you (and deservedly so!)


Ride on!!!!

Thank you for your kind words and it lifts my spirit when I know someone is enjoying the RR.

 

[DASKOP]

There are some amazing lodges on this stretch of the Okavango River.

 

[DASKOP]

Gideon's canine companion obviously got bored of the sightseeing.

 

[DASKOP]

Birds.

Some nests in the river bank wall and others hanging over the water.

Cormorants basking in the sun.

Some flying over the hippos.

And some riding on Hippos.

 

[wooly bugger]

Great RR!  :thumleft:

 

[DASKOP]

On the southern river bank, we saw the village of Bagani.

The history of the village was explained to us by the boat captain, but I cannot remember much of that. I know that there is a very old church of significance and an airfield, that was was linked to the then existence of the (32 Bat?) military base on the northern bank.

We saw remnants of the old military base and where, I think, a ferry was used to transport supplies across the river to the base.

In 2013, we went to the old base, on our bikes, but it now falls within a nature reserve, where bikes are not allowed, due to the presence of the dangerous members of wildlife population.

 

[DASKOP]

Despite the ever present threat of Hippos and Crocs, normal life continues, both on the river banks ......................

 

[DASKOP]

............. and on the river.

 

[DASKOP]

A Crocodile trap set up on the river's edge, and a youngster playing in the sand mere meters away from it.

 

[DASKOP]

There were Hippos everywhere, Crocs more scarce.

 

[DASKOP]

Then we saw buck (antelope).