DAY 19:
We woke up early, and packed up as the sun showed its glorious face. I was somewhat stiff, but felt quite amazing considering. We had a long hike before we reached the foot of the mountain, and then quite a way before Omaramba. We found a jeep track which was such a fresh change from the rough terrain of previous days.
We hiked like two girls on a serious mission, and what more serious than a hot shower. Cleanliness, there is much to say about that. The dogs also seemed livelier than yesterday, as if they knew what was waiting. I think they were also gagging to get washed up and groomed. We hiked past a couple of farm houses, all the time hoping and preying that somebody would drive by and give us a lift to our dreams. Like Maria said earlier, ‘the road to your dreams always seem a little harder’ is so true.
No luck however, and we walked, and walked, till we couldn’t walk no more. So close and yet so far away. We eventually reached the Barnardsvlei road, a gravel road, and knew we were not so far anymore, when a guy named Steff Papendorf stopped and offered us a ride. He had an airplane, or parts of one on the back of his truck, which left very little room for all of us. Dante and Katryn kept stepping on the wings of said airplane. Needless to say, that our lift didn’t take us much further than at least 1.5kms. Steff dropped us off at a short cut, or at least it presented itself to look like one, and we headed towards Omaramba.
Our short cut however, just never seemed to end. Eventually, we found the main road, and didn’t exactly know which direction to hike from there, but we were just too tired to think at this point. We turned right, and walked over a hill when we saw the glorious sign post leading towards our dream, on the left hand of the road, about another 500m further. I think we must’ve looked like something out of fright night when we stumbled into the reception area. The ladies just gave us one look, and saw that we needed our room without delay. I want to say thank you to everyone at Omaramba, and especially to Ernst Kleinhans for our fantastic rooms, and a wonderful stay. It’s gorgeous!
It took us a while before we could collect ourselves enough to take that long awaited shower. Another added bonus today is the Super 14 Final, and it’s the Bulls against the Sharks. The atmosphere was amazing, only we were so tired, that we could hardly sit up straight.
Natasha went to pick up more supplies at the Tuscany Spar in Rustenburg, once again, thank you Gerhard and Emile, you guys thought of everything, even some extra treats for the dogs. You guys are the greatest! She came round just before the rugby started and my mom came along which was a huge surprise. There’s something about having your mother around when you need some pampering. We went to the pool area to join in the festivities, but not for long though, decided to prepare something to eat, and just have a quiet evening. The Bulls won! They scored the most beautiful try in the last 5 minutes, and so well done! It was great!
Irrie and Tash left early evening, and so me and Maria just watched some tele, a novelty at this point, and caught up on emails. Maria and the dogs fell asleep shortly after, but I was suddenly wide eyed, and wondered around, till I found some great company, and sat around chatting till 1am. I didn’t realize it was that late though, and when it started drizzling, I came back in.
We’ve had a busy, eventful day, and I am just glad that tomorrow we’ll take a day off hiking. Need the break. I think my babies didn’t know what hit them with all the meaty treats and soft bed that they get to sleep on tonight.
Sweet dreams all
