I'm looking forward to seeing ChrisL again and it is still a long way to go. I take a direct route over Stanford to the N1 from where I will hoink it. There's an edgy feeling in me and its spoiling my ride. I'm cruising through the beautiful Overberg countryside, which I had looked forward to, and not allowing myself to enjoy it. Don't sweat... sit back and let it figure itself out !
As I approach Napier I realise what it is. I've done a lot of visiting over the past couple of days and socialising is not something that comes naturally to me. I'm getting closterphobic and need time by myself. I'm in a quandry though. I'm looking forward to seeing Chris and meet Amanda and will be staying over tonight. It would be unkind to cancell. On the other hand, I push it there, I'm not good company and it spoils the visit. That won't do either. Maybe if I just carry on riding the feeling will go away.
Always time though for my favourite pics. Napier.
L'agulhas. It would be nice to camp on my own, stoksielalleen at that spot by the see. Subconscioiusly I turn towards Bredasdorp instead of direct to the N1. Give me more time to sort it.
'jupiter'... my forum name was choosen for a reason. I'm facinated by and an ardent Ted Simon follower. He had much to do with shaping my adventure riding life.
I was a Roadie for many years until my self-enforced sleeper period to raise our family. In that time I cut biking totally out my life. It just hurt too much to talk about it, or even look at a magazine. Five years ago we got back into it with the AT. I started reading adventure travel books and the first one was 'Dreaming of Jupiter' , then followed 'Jupiter's Travels' I was hooked and totally facinated by this man who, at the age of 42, just upped, got on a bike and rode around the world. I needed to know why ? I started reading everything I could find about TS and finally got the answers in 'The Gypsy in Me"
The part that really stuck in my head was where he talks about solo riding(not being a loner though) and I quote from the book :
"Solitary travel has a peculiar power for those of us who are suited to it. Along with the discovery of one's own true nature and the opportunities to express it comes a corresponding freedom to think thoughts that may be considered odd, threatening, even reprehensible and lunatic, by ones familiar acqaintances. It is perfectly natural that prophets should come out the wildernis bearing revelations, but all prophets are not created equal. Some are giants, some are mediocre, some are of piddling stature, and some are nuts. The difficulty is that neither they nor those that receive there proclamations can really tell untill much later.
Mine is not pure asceticism of a single-handed yachtsman or a Saint-Exupery.There is no lack of people in my journeys, and they are my principal interest. Nor am I a dispassionate voyeur peering into other peoples lives. Strong connections are formed rapidly, and they nourish me. What distinguishes them from my relationships with friends and family at home is the absence of those expectations which I find burdensome and restrctive, demanding that I behave in certain predictable ways. These emotionable transactions trade too heavily on guilt and obligation for my taste. When I travel alone, I experience a sence of freedom that occasionally comes close to ecstacy.
The physical freedom is an important element - the abilty to stay or go as one pleases, to follow whatever the inner voice suggests, is a rare luxury in most lives, and there must be many who have never allowed themselves to experience that inner-directedness -- the compass in the heart. More valuable to me even than that is the freedom to be whoever and whatever you feel youself to be rather than having to conform to the patterns that others are accustomed to expect. "
Its good to be around people when you've had a long day on your own, but sometimes its nice to be alone.
In Bredasdorp I had a cup of coffee, made up my mind and phoned Chris. It was still 250km to go, I was tired and won't make it before dark without putting myself at risk. I told him how I felt and that I needed to be on my own a bit. He's a gentleman and an experienced biker. He understands : " Take a bit of time out and go and enjoy it by the see. We talk tomorrow. " Thanks Chris. :thumleft:
On our Overberg trip two years ago Lyn and I camped by that spot by the see and I wanted to go there again. Serenity.
I have to tell the story first though. We arrive late, the wind is howling and pull into the campsite. A well-to-do Coloured gentle man approaches and I ask him if this is the only camping spot and how it works.
"Meneer moet daar by die kantoor in die dorp gaan boek. Daar's ook 'n plek om te kamp."
He gives us a long look, not with disdain, but calculating interest.
"Meneer gaan dit nie daar laaik nie"
Off we go. While I'm talking to the tannie Lyn goes and has a look at the site, which is now in town. There's one little dingy spot and the place is packed wall to wall with caravans. She comes back and does not have to say a word... her face says it all - no chance are we camping among all these Dutchmen. We pay and head back to the other spot. That gentleman is waiting for us:
"Ek het meneer mos gese ! Slaan sommer die tentjie hier agter my karavaan op dan is dit darem bietjie beskerm teen die wind."
We had a great evening in their company.
I get to Agulhas and that spot is closed off with a chain and lock. Agge-nee ! I go to the office and phone. I beg, promice and plead. I don't need anything, just unlock the chain for me. No, the place is closed, season over, you have to camp here in town. Severe and utter disappointment. It would really have rounded off a good day. Its late, I don't have too many choices and pull into the campsite.
What a shitty, impersonal place
But, I'm here and I'll make the best of it. There's one other family still camping and I go to introduce myself. The Tannie immediatly concerns herself over me and wants to know if I have everything I need.
"Nee wat Tannie, moenie worry nie, ek is OK"
They nevertheless bring me their braai, a chair, plate and some utensils. Do I need anything alse ? Nee wat. The tannie won't believe I can have it all packed on the bike, until I start unpacking and her eyes just get bigger and bigger.
"Jitte Boetie, maar jy's omtrent ge-organise ne" Ja-nee.
I pitch, make the fire, get another cold one, sit down and reflect. Its not so bad and good to be on my own.
The braai goes down well, my inner piece returns and I sleep like a baby.
