Day 06: Grootvadersbosch Nature Reserve to Bonniedale Holiday Farm

Trip Summary:

I got up at 05h00 to pack as much as possible before the sun came out. By 05h35 there was enough light and time to do the 1.4km to the Redwood Forest and the Bird Hide (2.8km round trip)  The forest is indigenous except for the Redwood trees that were planted aroung 1907 and stand about 40m high.  The forest is magnificant with a lot of baboons foraging in the trees - they barked at me as I walked past them.

After the walk, I packed the remaining items and by 07h05, I was on my way to Riversdale for fuel and breakfast.

Today was next level stand ups.  More ruts, tight turns, passes, dry and wet river crossings.  It took 2 hours to do the 60km distance.  Lots more traffic that bellowed dust which hung thickly in the air as there was no wind.  

I stopped at Riversdale to have breakfast,at the Squirrel, get dinner for tonight and top up the fuel tank. I then headed North along the R323.  Soon after Garcia's Pass, I turned left onto the gravel road to Bonniedale Holiday Farm.  The first 52km was fair gravel road with many tight turns.  At this point the road turns onto a private farm and the road becomes a 2-track with gates that had to be opened and closed.  The road was not in great shape and should be classified as a pass.  I passed through deep narrow valleys and sometimes the road needs to be navigated with caution due to washaways, gravel, rocks and dry river bed crossings.

The last 20km of farm road is not maintained. It took me 2hrs to cover the distance, however this did include stops to cool down and take a break as the temperature was 32C.  I stopped along the road to eat the sausage roll I had bought in Riversdale.  It was dry and had mould on the underside - Not edible.  

What a welcome sight as I turned the last corner to see Bonniedale Holiday Farm.

I checked in and setup camp.

Camping is a great rustic setup or bush campers would call it luxury.  The ablusion includes hot and cold water.  There is no mobile reception on the property and no electricity at the camp sites.  You can go to the main house to connect to their WiFi.  This was the first day of riding where I felt physically tired.