Brandon Bosch Memorial Ride - Africa 2021

[DASKOP]

I posted the Viljoen family photos previously in this RR, so not again.

I was heading to the Spyron Farm, about 50 km before Lusaka. I met Andrew at Ndole Bay Lodge and he invited me to come and spend some time on his family farm.

Along the way, I ended up behind this bus traveling at 120 km/h, so I just stuck behind it. The speed limit is 100 km/h.

And there were more of the obligatory truck accident scenes.

 

[DASKOP]

Imagine trying to take your kit out of the farm house to pack the bike and you have a bad tempered sheep to deal with, just looking for a opportunity to head butt you.

:laughing4: :laughing4: :laughing4:

Thanks RobD, I kinda felt sheepish trying to lurk around the sheep to get to Matilda  :lurk:

 

[DASKOP]

Bed on a bicycle.

 

[DASKOP]

29 June 2021

The Spyron farm, beans.

 

[DASKOP]

A tractor with a huge cooler box on the front. So cool, bean farming with cold beer.

 

[DASKOP]

Based on my experience, having owned 2 of them, this is where a Land Rover Discovery ends up, well most of them.

 

[DASKOP]

So Andrew's dad found out what my profession is, and I was quickly whisked off to a section of the farm where they had road problems during the rainy season and he wanted an opinion from a Civil Engineering point of view.

A quick survey of the area, some design sketches and he was a happy man. Will see on my next visit if it worked.

 

[DASKOP]

Sunset on Spyron Farm.

 

[DASKOP]

30 June 2021

At Ndole Bay, Andrew had told me about a couple who farm down the road from them, who had lost their 7 year old son 2 years previously. He asked me, if they were willing, if I would consider spending some time with them and I obviously said yes.

I was invited to visit them, Andrew gave me directions and his farm bike to use, and I set off.

 

[DASKOP]

I met Doug and Donna and we spent a long time talking. For anyone, it is very difficult to understand what a parent goes through after losing a child, and unless you have been in that unfortunate position, you CANNOT really relate. We could.

Doug then took me on a drive around the farm. Just a farm drive, no it was not and I will tell you why later.

I am going to share all the photos, it may have to be a few posts, but is important to me.

 

[DASKOP]

Some more.

 

[DASKOP]

The lodge they are building.

 

[DASKOP]

Doug took me to the site of a 700 year old iron ore smelter. The location was odd as the closest iron ore quarry was a long way from there.

 

[DASKOP]

I learnt something that day about the Mahogany tree.

Local tradition prohibits the felling of these trees unless the whole tribe is in consensus. If they agree to fell the tree, they all have to be there and hold the axe handle together, in turns, when starting the felling process, or they will be subjected to bad Juju. You know, like Julius.

And there was an Eagle's nest in the tree.

 

[DASKOP]

My hosts, Doug and Donna. It was such a privilege to meet them, see the farm and have a late lunch with them.

Then it was back to the Spyron Farm.

 

[DASKOP]

It was only when I got back to the Spyron Farm, and Andrew and myself were having a sun-downer, that I came to the realisation of the significance of this day.

Andrew was very surprised that Doug had taken me on a tour of his farm, very, very few people are ever given that privilege. That really humbled me and made me realise the real extent of my encounter with this special couple.

Once again, I had been blessed.

 

[DASKOP]

01 July 2021

I just spent the day chilling. I needed some time out after the previous day.

Andrew had some friends around and we had a braai.

 

[DASKOP]

02 July 2021

I was heading to Lusaka to spend a night with the Meikle family again.

Africa is not for sissies.

Andrew's Land Cruiser is bullet hole riddled, the result of a poacher attack, where one of the guys on the Cruiser was killed. there is a reality part of life in Africa which most people are totally oblivious about.

I was off to Lusaka. The Meikle family were on their way to attend a funeral in Mazabuka, I saw them briefly and then I had the house to myself.

Supper and an early night.

 

[DASKOP]

03 July 2021

I got up, took a mug out of the cupboard, made coffee and went onto the verandah.

And then I saw this.

 

[Elmer Fudd]

Imagine trying to take your kit out of the farm house to pack the bike and you have a bad tempered sheep to deal with, just looking for a opportunity to head butt you.

That fella needs to know he is rapidly moving up to the front of the line for the mutton curry menu  ot: :biggrin: