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Rest Day in Namibia along the Orange River

Namibia,
Felix River Camp
Amanzi River Trails Camp

Day 114 – May 6 – Rest Day


This was our last Rest Day of the Tour, after today it would be a straight seven day push to the finish in Cape Town. Unreal to think that the end is in sight, after such a long trip, I don’t think we fully comprehended the significance of the “Last Rest Day”.

Had a late breakfast at Felix Unite Camp Restaurant, I was very wary of having breakfast there, especially after last night’s pathetic service and experience, however the Camp Management gave us a good breakfast on the house, so they redeemed themselves, and I suppose all’s well that ends well!

I treated the day as an Admin Day, while Judith did some major laundry, to ensure we had enough clean clothes to get us to the finish. Later in the afternoon, Colleen from Amanzi arrived in her Amanzi Cruiser and kindly transported us and a select few to their Camp for the pre-arranged early evening braai (barbeque).

At one of the picturesque camping spots alongside the Orange River, Mike vd Berg and I organised the braai fire and we both braaied the meat, while everyone relaxed and enjoyed the peace and quiet, and contemplated the meaning of life, ably assisted by some liquid refreshments.  A great time was had by all, and the overseas riders agreed that their Southern African “Braai” experience was one to remember.

Our thanks go out to Colleen and Johan who kindly hosted us, supplied the wood, meat, salads and other delights and ensured that we lacked nothing, so ensuring the group had a very relaxing and enjoyable afternoon/evening.  Colleen then dropped us off back at Felix Unite, where it was back to TDA reality again for us all.

The reality sinking in... this was our last Rest Day of the Tour, and only one more 7 Day Section into Cape Town to be cycled, which will not be an easy one.  

Instead of taking the Coastal Road down South, the Organizers have ensured that we will be travelling on the dirt roads of Namaqualand, then climbing up and traversing parts of the Cederberg Mountain Range, before reaching the environs of Malmesbury, then on to Cape Town through the Koeberg Region. The last Section is definitely going to be a difficult ride.
Cheers,

Mike T



Team 'Amanzi Braai' enjoying their Rest Day alongside the Orange River

Mike vd Berg, Johan, Mike T, Liz and Colleen relaxing around the braai


The two Braai Masters (the two Mike's)


Waiting in anticipation for the food to arrive
Happy Campers enjoying the liquid refreshments at Amanzi

Distinctive folding of the sedimentary rock strata

View of the folding on the South African side of the Orange River


Felix Unite (Namibia) to Springbok (South Africa)




The last 7 Day Section before reaching our final destination in Cape Town




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