Rain in the Richtersveld and refloating the SAS Wildehond

[51Mobile]

As the mist cleared, the harsh desert was starting to make way for nature at its artistic best. This was a mere appetiser for what was to come.

 

[Adriaan.theron]

We arrived in Port Nolloth around 15h30, fully expecting the balance of our crew to be well settled, fed watered, massaged – you get the idea. They had split off from us earlier in the day and should have arrived at least 3 hours ago. But no sight nor sound of them.

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Naturally we figured something had gone wrong. Plans were being hatched, search parties arranged, and then after much frantic phoning, texting whatsapping we receive this….

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WTF!

It must be typos – should the message read “Pikkie hurt” “Send help”. ……



I am getting ahead of myself.

What a way to start a RR, anxiously waiting for the rest!!!

 

[Chrisl]

Sub!!

 

[Mev Vis Arend]

Sub!!

Ek ook.

 

[Noneking]

Looking forward to this Boris!!

 

[Black_Hawk]

Looks like a epic trip. I can't wait to see the rest.

 

[Noneking]

Quartermaster and purveyor of abused bikes* Henry “Muffin Man”, 990,

* A side bar is required for this story.

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Legend @Muffin Man !

 

[Moridin]

After successfully navigating all the impediments and crisis that would stop us riding, we set off.

On a Saturday morning at 02h30 – if anyone thought the Headmaster just Blip It was stern, we had to recalibrate our expectations for the rule of Gus. The plan trailer to Klein Pella, leave the cars there and circle back 7 days later.

The required Wimpy breakfast in Vryburg and snatch and on the run lunch snack in Upington.

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Henry holding court imparting his words of wisdom.

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Trailer loads of treasure

Watse bike op trailers vervoer stront is die?

 

[RobLH]

Sub, we did a fair bit of your route early June so looking to see how much the vegetation has change.

 

[Kamanya]

Holy *****! Doing the Namakwa Eco Trail in this years flowers has to be something that will seldom be repeated! That is a coup of note!

Outstanding!

Skryf aan!

 

[51Mobile]

Ring Master Gus had warned us today would be about distance - a gravel highway. This it was, but there were a few sights along the way.

The clear skies are a little misleading - it was downright chilly.

 

[51Mobile]

 

[51Mobile]

We were permitted a grab and dash food stop in Loeriesfontein. What we had not taken into account was that it was Sunday and the only place that was partially open with the ability to provide us with by now much needed nourishment, Neptune Take Aways, was staffed with very punctual staff, who informed us that they closed promptly at 13h00 and as it was now 12h15 they could not start making food.

Lohan was as persuasive with the ladies behind the counter as he was coxing his bike through impossible terrain. They relented - though only partially. We would get toasted sandwiches but NO chips! Simba would have to fill the gap. I for one was grateful for whatever we could find to eat. The cold had given me a hunger that required attention.

 

[51Mobile]

 

[51Mobile]

Hunger satiated, heart burn on the rise we rolled out of Loeriesfontein. Fuel stop in Calvinia and then into the Tankwa-Karoo National Park.

 

[51Mobile]

On arrival, the weather started to turn nasty. High wind and rain. Things had got slippery towards the end of the day, with a number of good saves from most of us – except Lohan.

We unpacked, had hot showers and a hearty meal. I had serious menu envy when the food was delivered to the table – the Roasted Lamb’s Neck is the right choice, which I had thought of but decided against. Bugger!

The lodge had kindly arranged fuel for us to get us to the Tankwa Tented Camp and eventually the next fuel stop two days away at Clanwilliam – on condition that we were able to ford the Doring River! (This would turn out to be a significant condition!)

We fuelled up, hiding from the driving rain and wind.

 

[51Mobile]

My GPS was running Tracks4Africa, which kept on showing encouraging signs such as "Don't attempt after rain?" - I suppose it said nothing about during rain, "4x4 Required", "Avoid after Rain".

When we left, it was raining with thick mist before descending the Gannaga Pass. Made for interesting going, a sheer drop on the left, cliff on the right and soap under the wheels, with a number of tricky wash aways across the road.

 

[adamktm]

That slow roasted lamb neck is out if this world especially on a cold evening July 2021

 

[DustySprocket]

Thank You Boris (51Mobile) for the initiative to start this RR to share with fellow dogs on this forum.

Gus really did a splendid job in doing required research, hours on Basecamp / Google Earth, learning from the likes of NoneKing, our previous Klein Pella / Richtersveld trip as well others whom shared some good advise (like crossing the river with the pontoon float) to cut out a major detour.

To coincide with riding through the Namakwaland and all the flowers in bloom really made this a bucket-list trip of note.

9 days (7 on the bike) resulted in building great camaraderie, lots of wisdom shared, lots of jokes and banter - as well as the patience with my slower pace riding within my comfort zone and admiring the beautiful landscapes we encountered.

Being saved from spending the night out in the dunes @ 8pm on a Friday evening with a recovery done with the help of some friendly Port Nolloth locals with their Colt 4x4 bakkie when I overcooked the clutch, is a testament of the spirit within our group. I owe all of you another round or 3 of real Russian Vodka!

 

[woody1]

11 to 25 August we did about the same routes in 4x4 vehicles.
Saw the SAS Wildehond waiting and heard about a group of rowwe bliksem bikers that came from the Tankwa side. Recovered the Willehond and swam across the river.