Day 03: Orania to Melton Wold

Date: 2024-01-27

Departure From: Orania

Departure Time: 07h20

Destination Name:  Melton Wold Guest Farm

Arrival Time: 17h15

Total Travel time: 9:55 hours

Trip Summary:

Light rain fell during the night so I packed up a wet tent.  My 1st thoughts was to change the route and take the N12 South to Britstown and then continue along the gravel roads.  As I drove out of Orania, I saw the gravel roads were already water free and driveable.  As I reach higher ground I  could see further along the horizon.  I could see rain clouds (rain falling) to the South West and clear blue sky to the South East.  I decided to stick to my original plans and headed South East.

I turned off the R369 onto a gravel road and it abruply turned to go South West heading directly for the rainfall.

As I reach Kraankuil, I noticed a gravel road that follows the railway line South to De Aar.  This would direct me away from the rain.  I followed the line for about 60km before turning West.  I had dodged the rain.  I passed the huge Kalkbult solar farm along the De Aar railway route.

Since Orania, I have seen a lot more wild life than further North.  Two warthogs appeared out of the bush and nearly took me out.  I missed the 2nd warthog by about 10 cm.

The road from Kranskuil to Victoria West was very enjoyable because of the wild life.  The road had it's standard mix of sand, gravel, rocky with some steep ascents and descents.  There was a section where the mud pools littered the road.  I had to slow down and look for the driest patch to pass.  In same cases, I drove through the bush to avoid the wet mud.

About 50km from Victoria West I approached a farm gate/cattle grid and the Farmer was standing at the grid with his 5 dogs.  I slowed down and stopped.  His name is Pieter.  We chatted for about 15 minutes and then I continue my journey.

About 30km from Victoria West, a mud pool got the better of me.  Gravity did it's thing and the bike was again on it's side.  I removed the luggage and took it down the road to a dry section.  I walked back about 300m to a barn to see if there was anyone around.  It was empty without any signs of human activity.  I was about to look at Google maps to see the nearest house when I heard a van coming down the road.  I waved them down and asked for help. They were only too happy to assist.  The two young ladies (Van Heerden sisters) and a guy (De Wet) got out and we got the bike back on it's wheels and to dry ground.  We chatted for a while before they continued their journey.  De Wet was engaged to one of the sisters.  It appears the sisters run their family farm which appears to be huge as we were standing on their farm and their farmhouse was 15km away.

I came accross two tortoises that had visited the local drinking hole for their annual drink.