SWAZILAND - PIGGS PEAK - ORION HOTEL

Slept like babies in this lovely hotel, overlooking the breathtaking valley below. We are headed in the general direction of Big Bend today. I am so exited to explore this awesome country.

SUNSHINE AT LONG LAST

Outside Dullstroom. Beautiful day!

BEAUTIFUL DAY, BEAUTIFUL PEOPLE

MIDDELBURG, STERKFONTEIN COUNTRY LODGE

We spend much time in Middelburg yesterday. We stayed at Sterkfontein, the most beautful setting in the heart of Middelburg. Our hosts were awesome! We had a tremendous time

STATE VET, HEALTH CERTIFICATES AND THE WAITING GAME.

We have been running around Pretoria for two days, trying to sort out export and import permits. Thanx to Dr. Beke Maphosa, our export permits are minutes away from being signed sealed and delivered.

PLAYTIME

Outside Winterton, doggies stretching their legs. Its cloudy + hot.

BACK ON TRACK

Ferreira Yamaha in Bethlehem helped us customise the bikes a little. We are on our way to Clarens today. The doggies are still not used to their bags, but no worries, we will fix the problem.

BREAKFAST AT VAAL-1 ULTRA CITY

Beautiful day. Met some of the guys that were at the XT rally. Seems we weren't the only ones who got heavy rains. So sorry we missed it. Theres always next year...

STUCK IN A THUNDERSTORM

Left Johannesburg this morning. We didn't go very far before we got caught in a storm. It's been 3 hrs and still waiting. We might carry on regardless...

THE WORLD OCEANS DAY

The concept for World Oceans Day was proposed in 1992 by the Government of Canada at the Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro and it had been unofficially celebrated every year since then. Official designation by the U.N. is a significant step in conserving and protecting our world's ocean.

World Oceans Day provides an opportunity each year to celebrate our world ocean and our personal connection to the sea. The Ocean Project, working closely with the World Ocean Network each year, helps to coordinate events and activities with aquariums, zoos, museums, conservation organizations, universities, schools, businesses.

Why Should I Celebrate World Oceans Day?

• The world's ocean: Generates most of the oxygen we breathe
• Helps feed us
• Regulates our climate
• Cleans the water we drink
• Offers us a pharmacopoeia of potential medicines
• Provides limitless inspiration!

Yet for too long, human society has taken the world's ocean for granted.

Now we can give back! Take part in World Oceans Day events and activities this year and help protect our ocean for the future!

It's up to each one of us to help ensure that our ocean is protected and conserved for future generations. World Oceans Day allows us to:

Change perspective - encourage individuals to think about what the ocean means to them and what it has to offer all of us with hopes of conserving it for present and the future generations.

Learn - discover the wealth of diverse and beautiful ocean creatures and habitats, how our daily actions affect them, and how we are all interconnected.

Change our ways - we are all connected to the ocean! By taking care of your backyard, you are acting as a caretaker of our ocean. Making small modifications to your everyday habits will greatly benefit our blue planet.

Celebrate - whether you live inland or on the coast we are all connected to the ocean; take the time to think about how the ocean affects you, and how you affect the ocean, and then organize or participate in activities that celebrate our world ocean.

BEAUTIFUL MEMORIES

As we slowly progressed along the river bank we met so many wonderful people, some of which are especially awesome. Thank you everyone for your support, friendship and inspiration.

CAMPING IN LUXURY

We met Janes Coetzee on the riverbank, and he had heard about our journey downstream. He invited us to stay with them, but they have 4 rather BIG dogs, so we opted to camp next to the river. The Coetzees are very hospitable people however, and fetched us to join them for meals and hot showers. We spent a couple of days here, and it was rather difficult to leave eventually. We had the best camping spot ever. It beats finding a suitable place in between shrubs and tall grass with a likkewaan as your next door neighbour. The mosquitoes are relentless though, doesn't matter where you decide to camp.

ORKNEY - FROM BOAT CLUB TO GOLF CLUB

Orkney was an absolute blast. Shortly after departing from Kleinparadys, we arrived at the Vaal River Boat Club desperate for internet connectivity. Karel Mini and a couple of other guys we met through referrals, was so kind to offer us work space and a room for the night, should we need to stay.





















Spent a night at the Orkney Golf Club after a grueling hot day on the river. We suffered against serious head winds earlier in the day, but the water was beautifully calm in the late afternoon. This part of the Vaal offers a variety of water activities and is especially great for kayak enthusiasts.

KLEINPARADYS, COENIE & HIS PRINCESS PETRO & A WEEKEND OF FUN...

We arrived at Kleinparadys later than expected, and we were completely finished at this point. Petro's uncle owns this little paradise outside Orkney, and they were all there to welcome us.
It was an absolute treat, and we spent the weekend hanging out, reviving our aching bodies and having a good time, thanks to Petro and her stunning family.

ANDRE, LIESI & THE DEEP WATERS HOTEL

We were supposed to meet a friend, Andre, at the Scandinaviadrift Bridge around lunchtime, and according to some, it was almost 17kms along the river. We had an early start, and started paddling like animals. The river once again changed a bit, and we met some people fishing on the banks, but eventually all I could think was to paddle and not feel, or think. We had a head wind, which was slightly bothersome, and very few rapids, which made for intensive paddling.

Eventually, I asked everyone we came across, how far it still was towards this bridge, and the first group said 2kms, the second person said 8, and the third said 2. Confusing if you ask me and never ask anyone who hasn't actually paddled the distance, how far it is. Anyhow, it turned out to be all of the above, so the third was spot on.It was the happiest face, to see Liesi and Andre waiting on the banks, just before the bridge. I still had another 500m to go, but it felt like I couldn't bridge the gap. It is always brilliant to see old friends.

We sat for hours catching up, we almost forgot about dinner. We had a barbeque and for us there was the most delicious butterfish, salads, sweet potato and garlic bread. It has been a long time since I ate so much, but the food was so good, I had to go back for more.
Liesi helped Maria set up camp, as we were going to camp on the riverbank. There was going to be a party with the band M2 performing tonight, but since I have never heard of this band, and we were having a good time on our own, we decided to enjoy each others company until it was time for bed. This was a truly magical evening.

ELGRO RIVER LODGE

It turns out, the most amazing couple runs Eerstegeluk, and a pity we only really met and spoke on the day that we left. They are Pieter and Linda Gericke, and they have lived here almost all of their married life. Linda used to be an airhostess, until she married Pieter, and they seemed to have lived here happily with their 3 sons of whom the eldest is almost 40. If you want privacy, simplicity, a fabulous fishing spot and beautiful, romantic evenings, this is the place to visit.
I was sad to leave, as they were a wonderful inspiration, and very easy to get along with. We headed out a bit late, and had our first weir to jump. This one was fairly high, and once we considered all the warnings about drowning, we transported our kayaks safely to the other side, and tried like hell to break free from the hyacinths and get back in the main stream. The rest of the way, we had continuous rapids, but nothing serious. The only trick was not to get stuck on the rocks, of which there are many.

We passed a couple on holiday, and chatted as we drifted forward. There were many islands, an abundance of wildlife and rapid moving water. It was lovely. It was clear that we were outside of the dome area now, because the mountains became smaller, till they virtually disappeared and made way for dense bushes on the river banks. It was late afternoon when we saw what looked like a lodge on the right-hand side of the river. The Elgro Riverlodge was a very welcome stop, 'cause I was tired and thirsty. Gerhardus welcomes us, and immediately offered us something to drink. Later on we met Riaan, also a manager and some of the guests, Hennie and Marc, who were delightful company. Seems Hennie is a regular here at the Elgro, which is a fishing hot spot, and a stunning getaway from city life. Not too far from Johannesburg either.

We slept in a beautifully decorated, comfortable room, of which the bed was sent straight from heaven. Lucky me! A hot shower remedied all other ailments, and I barely ate dinner before I fell asleep.

EERSTEGELUK

Up bright and early, but we only had to be ready by 10am, when Francious was going to take us back to the water. Smittie came by to finish off the seats he had built for the kayaks. They are very primitive, but will do the trick, I'm sure. It was 11:58am when we got to the water, and we chatted for a little while before saying our good-byes. This was our last familiar stop before embarking on completely unknown terrain. It was amazing to spend time with these individuals. They all went out of their way for us, and I appreciate it more than you know. I will always remember you fondly, and hope our paths will cross again. Francious, Smittie, Leane and Tabs, thanks for sharing...

Once in the water, I felt at home. I love being out here, love the water, love every single thing that surrounds me, love this moment...
A breeze was making ripples in the water, and it soon picked up into a rather strong head wind. I had to put my everything behind each stroke, or else the wind would get the better of me. Most of all, I had to prevent turning sideways when a vicious gust came rushing through, because it would surely tip the boat over. I was getting hungry and Katryn asked nicely to be grounded for a bit, so I suggested we find a place to stop for lunch. We saw some people at a house on the right hand side, and called out to them, to ask where we were allowed to stop, and they suggested we get out right there and take our time, till we are ready to get back on the water. Joyce even offered to make us some coffee. It was magic, to be sure.

After about 30mins, we were back on the water. Smittie, your seat is lovely, but my ass was starting to hurt. Ag, it's all good, I'll just shift positions every so often, even though that didn't help much. I kept to my right, because the wind seemed less fierce closer to the banks. I am continued to be amazed by the bustling activity in the water and on the banks. The lizards are rather big, and we saw one walking Hyacinths. It was such a kodac moment, but due to poor and wet conditions on the raft, I missed it...
At around 4am, I was getting tired, although the colors and reflections on the water were so beautiful, it was a pleasure to paddle some more. We were on the lookout for a place on the left hand side of the river, called Eerstegeluk, and we were to recognize it by the wooden deck built amongst some eucalyptus trees. It was 6.30pm when we finally found it. We've only paddled 11kms today, but it sure felt like 50 to me.
Eerstegeluk is the most idyllic little place next to the river, rustic and somewhat primitive with a romantic feel to it. Love it!!! Francious had suggested this place, and said he would make arrangement for us to sleep over, so we could literally just unpack when we get there. I was so hungry and tired; I almost didn't spend time to appreciate my surroundings. I made a quick pasta and pesto, which tasted like heaven to the hungry.
Too tired to do anything, but we had a quick wash, coffee, and off to bed. Sweet, sweet dreams and I hope that tomorrow is as beautiful as today was. Thank you everyone for a beautiful adventure....

VENTERSKROON, GHOST TRAILS & FABULOUS PEOPLE

Today was a day off the water for us. A lot of catching up to do, and blogging, blogging, blogging. I am so far behind, but with a little effort, I'm sure I'll catch up soon enough. Francious and Leane invited us to dinner tonight and Smittie offered to make us special seats to go on the canoe's which would elevate us a little. He quickly went to town to get the materials, and to get us some fresh supplies. These guys are quite amazing to say the least.
A very nice surprise when Christo joined us for dinner at the Tea room. I had such a good time. Francious and Leane were the perfect hosts, and made a phenomenal feast for dinner. We had good wine, and exceptional company. Christo Meyer entertained us with stories of times gone by, of Venterskroon back in the day, of ghosts that walk here, and so many more fascinating stories. It is rare to find someone who knows so much about the community he lives in, and who actually cares enough to make a constant contribution towards making it possible for others to enjoy its wonders.
We were exchanging ghost stories until we all went our separate ways. Francious and Leane invited us for a quick coffee at their place before we walked home. Walking home was quite the experience. We had to walk by the old hotel, which is supposedly haunted, because a lot of killing took place here, executions, etc. Dante walked in front and Katryn behind us, all the way home, like two little angels, keeping the evil at bay.
I think they also had a fabulous time, because Francious' Boerbull, Sheila and Dante took a liking to each other. Odd combination, but cute as ever! Katryn was growling for a long time, sitting underneath the table, wanting to attack any dog that came close. Their Jack Russel, Seun, tried desperately to get Katryn's attention, but it was only towards the end of our evening that she warmed up to him a little.
The minute we got back, I hit the sack!!!
Thank you so much guys for a wonderful, wonderful time spent here...

A LONG DAY

We packed up and immediately headed for the water, because we wanted to reach Venterskroon today, and had no idea how far it was. We just knew it was within our reach. One bigger rapid at Ben Joe which we knew about, and it wasn't that bad at all. The water cascades down a mini waterfall, and into a little gorge. We had to carry our kayaks around the fall to the gorge. There was a rope that came across the river at the end of the rapid, which is a bit irresponsible, I'd say, but we maneuvered around it. This was such a pretty sight, and we hung out for a bit before paddling on. There were a couple of guys standing in the middle of the river, fly-fishing. The river is quite shallow in places, and this is the spot where the yellow fish spawn, but nobody had caught anything yet. Some of the properties along the riverbanks are just gorgeous. There are many resorts, campsites, guest lodges and guest farms.

We drifted some stretches and paddled others, the river slowly moving us along. The next rapid had quite a steep fall, but was easy enough. Then we came to a part in the river where we could hear the rapid, but couldn't make out what it looked like from the water, so we got out on the right hand side, and walked up the hill to get a better view. I couldn't see too much from up there, but we decided to gun it anyway.

Halfway down the rapid, I lost my paddle trying to loosen myself from a rock. I paddled like a maniac with my hands, trying to catch up. Happy days! Found my paddle, all is well... The stretch of water following the rapid was very flat, but once again, it is BEAUTIFUL out here. I would recommend everybody does this at some point in their lives.
It was getting late when we saw some familiar spots, indicating that we have reached Venterskroon. We got out at the Coetzee's property who didn't mind our intrusion. We unloaded the kayaks and Rika offered to take us to the house we were supposed to stay tonight. Francious from Dome Adventures weren't quite expecting us today, he thought we had passed days ago, but he sorted us out in a flash anyway. We were two chiki's tired and sunburnt, so a long hot bath, dinner and bed pretty much summed up our evening.

HMMM, THOSE SUNSETS