Whispers of the Wind: A Tale of Adventure on Two Wheels

[Schulla]

Once upon a time, not too long ago, Schulla, his daughter Chandrè, and their friend Bob embarked on a motorcycle adventure. They set off from their small village of Oudtshoorn, each astride their respective steeds: an Africa Twin and a CRF250 Rally. With minimal planning, their road trip quickly morphed into an unexpected and thrilling journey, leading them to mystical destinations far and wide. Along the way, they would encounter a hidden dimension, the Turkana Safari Challenge, a grueling test of their skills and resilience.

Loaded with camping gear and a meager emergency food supply, the trio planned to forage for sustenance and sleep under the stars, protected only by their tents. Their initial route took them from their home village of Oudtshoorn, to George in the Garden Route, where a mandatory stop at the "motorbike elders" for a blessing was required before they could venture further. The infamous Prince Alfred's Pass awaited them next, where they paid homage to the Vuvuzela Gods before descending towards the Baviaans region. A much-needed rest and a hearty meal of fresh meat cooked over an open fire awaited them at the Uitspan Guest Farm.

Figure 1 - Prince Alfred's Pass

Figure 2 - Catching a breather into Baviaans

Figure 3 - Bob arrives in Baviaans

Figure 4 - Uitspan Guest Farm Bush Camp

Figure 5 - Roosterkoek and Curry Chicken Kebabs

To be continued......

 

[Chrisl]

Sub!!

 

[Schulla]

The following morning, December 28th, they resumed their journey, aiming for the tribal lands of the Owls. However, hunting for provisions remained a priority. Just as Schulla was about to depart, he discovered a loose handlebar on his Africa Twin.

Figure 6 - Tightening a loose bolt

After a quick repair, they continued towards Willowmore, where Schulla successfully bagged his first "kill" of the day: two roosterkoek, jam, and cheese for their evening meal. The day grew increasingly hot, with temperatures soaring to 40 degrees Celsius. They persevered, traveling along a concrete route built by their ancestors towards Graaff Reinet.

Figure 7 - Willowmore stop for morning coffee

Figure 8 - AG Visser House; Steytlerville. The house is most noted as the former home of the South Africa poet, Dr Andries Gerhardus Visser. He worked as a doctor and lived here between the years 1909 and 1916.

Figure 9 - Lady De Waal Bridge; Steytlerville. The Lady De Waal Bridge was built in 1911/12 and inaugurated in October 1913 by first administrator of the Union, Sir Frederick de Waal who named it after his wife, Lady De Waal.

Figure 10 - St. Pieter's Church; Klipplaat

Figure 11 - Old Steam Train Relic; Klipplaat

At Jansenville, they veered northwest, following the Sundays River to stay near a water source. Their GPS crystal ball, however, proved unreliable.

The well-traveled route depicted on the device soon deteriorated into a treacherous two-track path, riddled with rocks, mud, and washed-out river crossings, remnants of a past biblical storm. Undeterred, the adventurers pressed on, their eyes fixed on the horizon, searching for signs of cooler weather and potential hunting grounds.

Figure 12 - Following the Sunday's River from Jansenville

Figure 13 - Taking a break from the heat

Figure 14 - Washed away low-water crossing

After crossing another mountain north of Graaff Reinet and descending into the valley below, they finally reached the Land of the Owls. They found a secluded spot at Zonnenstrahl Camping, pitched their tents, and enjoyed an evening feast of roosterkoek and steak, the fruits of their hunting efforts.

Figure 15 - Descending to Nieu Bethesda

Figure 16 - Zonnenstrahl Campground

To be continued.....

 

[petri oosthuizen]

Nice
Ek ry lekker saam
Thanks

 

[Schulla]

Day 3, December 29th, began with a cacophony of sounds – birdsong, bleating sheep, crowing roosters, and barking dogs, all vying for attention. After a hearty breakfast of oats and fresh coffee, they ventured further north into the uncharted Land of the Free. As they unknowingly entered the Turkana Safari Challenge, their ultimate goal became reaching the sacred Lake Xhariep. Legend claimed that only those who bathed in its waters could attain true freedom.

Figure 17 - Preparing Breakfast

Before leaving the Land of the Owls, however, they made a detour to the Owl House, the shrine of the revered Owl Lady of Nieu Bethesda. Unfortunately, it was too early to pay their respects, so they snapped a quick photo and continued their journey.

Figure 18 - The Owl House is a museum in Nieu-Bethesda, Eastern Cape, South Africa. The owner, Helen Martins, turned her house and the area around it into a visionary environment, elaborately decorated with ground glass and containing more than 300 sculptures.

As they approached Lake Xhariep, an eerie feeling washed over them. They were inexplicably drawn to the fields of Norvalspont and the burial grounds of innocent women and children.

Figure 19 - Norvalspont Bridge; Constructed in 1889 This was the first bridge over the Orange River, to accommodate the British soldiers to cross the Orange River with their horses on their first campaign against the Voortrekkers.

Figure 20 - Norvalspont Concentration Camp; The Norvalspont concentration camp was established in November 1900 to relieve the Bloemfontein concentration camp after it experienced a water shortage.

After paying their respects, they continued their journey, their spirits solemn, towards the gates of the sacred lake. That night, they camped alongside hundreds of other travelers, all seeking eternal freedom.

Figure 21 - Aventura Gariep

To be continued.....

 

[Schulla]

Having reached their destination, they decided to alter their return route. Instead of heading northwest, they opted for an eastward and southward direction on December 30th, venturing into the unknown. This marked the true beginning of their unexpected adventure.

Without a clear plan, they meandered along rural roads, passing through farmlands and villages, crossing towering mountain ranges, and marveling at the lush green landscapes. Consulting the GPS crystal ball, they selected a seemingly promising route to a distant location. However, the gods of nature soon intervened. Ominous dark clouds gathered, and a strong wind whipped across the land, forcing them to stay on course. They spotted a distant forest, a beacon of hope, and pressed on, determined to reach their destination. But Thor, the god of thunder, unleashed his fury, striking the land with lightning and unleashing a torrential downpour.

Figure 22 - Moments before the storm broke on route to Hogsback

Finally, drenched to the bone, they reached a secluded forest camp, where they were unexpectedly welcomed by the whimsical fairies of Hogsback. The fairies, taking pity on the weary travelers, treated them to a much-deserved pizza feast. The rain continued throughout the night, but their tents held strong, ensuring a dry and restful sleep.

Figure 23 - Away with the Fairies Backpackers - Hogsback

Figure 24 - A Bath with a view.

Figure 25 - Camping at Hogsback - Away with the Fairies.

To be continued.....

 

[Schulla]

December 31st, New Year's Eve, dawned with a sense of anticipation. The roads were wet and slippery, shrouded in a thick fog. Proceeding with caution, they navigated the treacherous terrain until the sun finally broke through, dispelling the fog. Their goal for the day was to encounter elephants, known to roam the vicinity of Addo.

Figure 26 - Starting the day in misty conditions.

The route was breathtaking, leading them through the Valley of Wind, where the air was constantly in motion. Fortunately, most of the "wind fans" were inactive, allowing for smoother travel.

Figure 27 - Windfarms

They continued their journey, pausing at memorials dedicated to past heroes, before the road narrowed into a rocky track that ascended a steep mountain. They had truly been captured by the spirit of this unplanned adventure. Reaching the summit, they realized they had conquered the infamous Zuurberg Pass, a place feared by many.

Figure 28 - Martello Tower; Boer War. The Fort Beaufort Martello is the only one in the world that was not built near the sea.

Figure 29 - Slagtersnek Monument. On 20 Jan 1816 five of the rebels were sentenced to death while the remaining rebels were acquitted. The executions took place on 9 March 1816. When being hanged four of the five nooses broke. The public pleaded for the lives of the 4 men but they were hanged a second time, one by one. On 9 March 1916, 100 years after the executions, this monument was unveiled on the spot where the hanging took place.

Figure 30 - Zuurberg Pass

Figure 31 - Zuurberg Pass

After a day filled with exhilarating experiences, they arrived at the welcoming DeMist campsite, ready to celebrate the arrival of 2025. The night was spent around a crackling fire, feasting on freshly baked bread and meat, accompanied by the distant rhythm of tribal drums and the enchanting tune of "Hop Hop Spinnekop."

Figure 32 - DeMist Guest Farm; Patensie

Figure 33 - Waiting in the New Year

To be continued.....

 

[Schulla]

Day 6, January 1st, dawned bright and promising. They packed their bikes and prepared to depart, eager to return home. This would be their final day on the road. They began with coffee, breakfast, and more coffee at a local Padstal, where the friendly villagers warmly welcomed them. It was a truly enriching experience, but they needed to press on to reach home before nightfall.

Figure 34 - Sunrise; 01 January 2025

Figure 35 - Padstal; Patensie

Their path led them to the Bloukrans Pass, a gateway to the past, a place slowly being reclaimed by nature, a poignant reminder of the fleeting nature of time.

Figure 36 - Bloukrans Pass

That afternoon, Schulla, Chandrè, and Bob finally returned to their village of Oudtshoorn. They shared their incredible adventures with the tribe, stories of courage, friendship, and unforgettable experiences that would be passed down through generations around countless campfires.

Total distance traveled: 2,287km.