Escape to Kalkfontein

[TVB]

As I was standing looking at this river in flood, a bakkie crossed over from the other side.

The driver stopped and asked me if he could be of help in crossing this major obstacle

Nice looking Isuzu that, the D-Max
https://www.cars.co.za/motoring-news/new-isuzu-d-max-sa-range-confirmed/106971/

Indeed a good looking truck and topping my list of favourite rides

 

[DASKOP]

As I was standing looking at this river in flood, a bakkie crossed over from the other side.

The driver stopped and asked me if he could be of help in crossing this major obstacle

Nice looking Isuzu that, the D-Max
https://www.cars.co.za/motoring-news/new-isuzu-d-max-sa-range-confirmed/106971/

I agree, a very good looking capable vehicle, but under the circumstances, Thando is what made it for Isuzu.

I will forever be grateful for what is in his heart.

 

[DASKOP]

As I was standing looking at this river in flood, a bakkie crossed over from the other side.

The driver stopped and asked me if he could be of help in crossing this major obstacle

Nice looking Isuzu that, the D-Max
https://www.cars.co.za/motoring-news/new-isuzu-d-max-sa-range-confirmed/106971/

Indeed a good looking truck and topping my list of favourite rides

Absolutely, but what was most important to me was the interaction with the people at management level at Isuzu, I just got the perception that they are on a mission, the general rules and regulations were flaunted in the favour of an employee who showed his humanity and caring nature, and they embraced it.

That means more to me than any corporate image.

 

[DASKOP]

From Leeu-Gamka, it was tar, the green flag indicated the turn-off onto Kalkfontein Guest Farm as all the signs had been taken down to be re-done.

Through the gate, then I saw that the road had recently been graded, great under normal circumstances, but, and I know, I build roads for a living, a grader merely levels, without the rest of the compaction team, you end up with a level, but loose mess. And this was now my challenge.

And I was up here and had to get down there.

I did not take any photos along the way, it was getting dark, I had some really sketchy downhills to slide down, and I knew that there were some sandy patches in my future, so it was go as fast as you can, without getting into shit. Because there is no cellphone reception in that area at all.

 

[droffarc]

Enjoyable and interesting story, thanks for posting  :thumleft:

 

[DASKOP]

I mentioned the sand which was still to come, and in the dark I missed the cattle grid turn and then saw the gate which had no reflective material on it, too late.

The inevitable happened, but I was so pissed off, I just picked her up and got her on the side stand. Amazing how much strength you get from anger adrenaline.

Eventually got to the main farmhouse, around 20h00 and spent some time with my hosts. It had been a long day, the 530 km took me 12 hours, I was tired and it was too late to make supper, so Julia made me some toasted sandwiches.

The moon reflecting on the water in the dam, which was empty the last time I was here, was great to see.

I got to my accommodation around 21h00, a cold beer, the Hattinghs had stocked the fridge for me, a shower and bed.

 

[DASKOP]

18 Feb 2022

Early morning at Kalkfontein Guest farm. Coffee with a view.

 

[DASKOP]

The Hattinghs had built a new secluded chalet up into the mountains, and I was keen to go and have a look. Just a leisurely little exploration trip. Slow and steady and enjoy the views.

 

[Black_Hawk]

I'm so sorry to hear about your great loss.

What a wonderful and heartwarming story this is. It's good to see that there are still some good people out there.

Thanks for sharing this with us.

 

[DASKOP]

I got the bottom of this hill and decided to walk it first. Loose gravel, I was on my own, there is no cellphone reception and I was not kitted for a risky incline attempt. The road past the incline was fine, but I had no idea how it would change as I went further up the mountain.

So I found a place to sit on a ridge, have a beer and enjoy the view.

 

[DASKOP]

The clouds were gathering and the weather can change in seconds. You do not want to ride these roads when wet, so I headed back.

At the house it hot, time to cool down a bit. The sun was baking down, umbrella time.

The clouds stayed away, but made for beautiful views.

 

[Puls0nic]

A great story, a great route I have now added on my to ride list. Thank you for sharing!

 

[DASKOP]

Fire time at my place of seclusion. Nothing beats a bush TV.

 

[DASKOP]

The fire is ready, my feast for the night, courtesy of my hosts and a spectacular sunset.