The Karoo is not flat, hot or dry!

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As we leave Middelpos, we take notice of the brewing weather.

Thunder and lightning very very frightening...
 

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We try and outrun the weather, but it changes course and we see and feel the first drops. Although we are tough cookies from Brackenfell and have no qualms in getting people to EFF off, we wimp out and put on our hazmat suits.

Turns out, we would miss most of the storm, but the small hail and wet roads made it a good decision in the end. About 1 km from the tar turnoff, the road is washed away and we and a person in a Hilux slip and slide our way out of the abyss.
 

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Phew! Made it. At least the rain cleaned us and Thomas just a smidgen.

I walk over to my wife as she points out the impending doom...
 

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We decide that if the storm hits, we will take shelter next to the bike and use the bike cover as temporary shelter. 3 minutes later we are back on Thomas and heading to Calvinia. The wind changed direction and the storm kept behind us, moving east away from us.

As luck would have it, we get to Calvinia to book in, the other guest are walking around in their beach clothes and sandals. We look like old gold miners covered in dust and mud. Eyebrows were raised. 
 

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When in Rome...

We had time to get into our civvies to explore the town. The sound of generators running was not a good noise. We bought some goods at SPAR and made our way back to the Blou Nartjie - our home for the night. Upon arrival we find that there is no power. We found out later that the storm we were running from sent a bolt of lightning to end Eskom's attempt at power delivery.
 

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Lekker RR, keep it comin :thumleft:.
 
After a very nice breakfast (had the dining room all to ourselves) we headed out. We were heading to Kenhardt.

Nobody else on the road.

Wilson toffees and selfies not a good combination  :biggrin:
 

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We had more than enough time and took it very leisurely.

Nothing like homemade marshmallows at a pit stop.
 

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Extended pit stop.

Taking in as much of the smells and sounds as we could.

Really enjoying the trip!
 

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We understand now how the Dinosaurs met their demise. Those rocks are huge!

Disaster. We came across a high rise communal/social weaver apartment block where building regulations were not followed. Must say, some of them are seriously impressive.

 

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The beast just wants to ride!

Welcome in Kenhardt.

The Oude Herberg was a lovely surprise!
 

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The only dorp on our route that looked and smelled like the Karoo we were told about.

It was very dry. But lovely at the same time.
 

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Old world charm.

Good food. We were the only patrons at the Kenhardt Hotel dining room. The waitress did mention that bar area get's busy later in the afternoons.
 

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Wife had an early morning...

We made a new friend!
 

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Fueled up and ready to go. The garage shop is fully stocked and a bit of a surprise if you are used to "normal" garage forecourt amenities.

We made another friend - made sure he crossed the road before we took off.

Next stop - Ghost Town!
 

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Just before Putsonderwater there is a fascinating rock formation.

We felt that we had to make our own contribution - add to it or make your own when you go past.
 

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