My Incredible Journey: ELGRO RIVER LODGE

AN EPIC JOURNEY

We are Liani Broodryk, Maria Botha, Dante and Katryn, the Ripples for Good team. Before we called ourselves anything we were just 2 girls and 2 Jack Russels who, in the spur of the moment, decided to pack up a life that did not seem to make sense and trade it in for the road less travelled. In October 2004, we started our journey by cycling out of St Lucia, with heavy laden bicycles and a dog in each basket, making our way to Cape Town.

The spontaneous nature of our very first expedition left us with no definite route, no backup vehicles, and no support or sponsorships. We were merely equipped with a fierce desire to make a difference and a dream of purpose. We thought that if we let go of our fears, our need for security and our opinions, we might experience life differently and become in sync with our DESTINY.

Thus far we have managed to cycle, hike and kayak over 15 000 kms through South Africa solely on this fierce desire and dream of purpose. Along the way we have learned to sketch out rough "guideline" routes, managed to find support and sponsorship in the most amazing people that believed in what we do and have been even further inspired by many people and organizations who do so much for the conservation and preservation of all life. We have been actively involved with awareness campaigns with great emphasis on child abuse and anti-animal cruelty.

In continuing on the next chapter of our journey we seriosly want to help make a difference in the water crisis that is plaguing the world we live in at an alarming rate. Today, water pollution and water scarcity, is one of the greatest threats to humanity. We want you to join us on our next big adventure - circumnavigating South Africa, parts of Namibia and Mozambique, unaided and using various different means of transport in our passionate mission to motivate change in the waterways.

It Starts With You...

Sunday 25 January 2009

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.