Day 2 (Tues, 09/12/14): Southbound & Sizzling!

Last night I had the privilege of sleeping on the couch of my friend, The Good Doctor, Kwesi Prah. The Good Doctor owns the apartment next door to mine, and I was lucky enough to formulate a solid friendship with him before he took up a post in Pretoria.

Stop 1, Constantia Hills - This morning we departed around 7am, and were about to duck South on to the N1 when I decided to make a slight detour, heading East to Roodepoort instead. My earliest childhood memories start at our house at 7 Bristow street, Florida Park, and I badly wanted to check it out. So much has changed in the area, but there's still some parts that ring a bell. I was simply going to get a snapshot of the place, but upon arrival the door opened and a gentleman came out to greet me; Big Red's guttural idling clearly piquing his interest. 

I introduced myself and to my surprise he knew exactly who I was. Brian Stone is presently the pastor at Emmanuel Baptist church, a position my father, Jim Harris, used to hold in the mid-80's. Brian and his wife Judy welcomed me in to their home and gave me a cup of coffee whilst telling me all about the changes since I was there. It's been a remarkable journey for them, and I was grateful for their warmth and hospitality. It's amazing how little detours turn in to great memories...

Stop 2, Ventersburg - from the humid, wet and darkly overcast conditions of Gauteng to the overwhelmingly dry heat of the Free State, it's been quite a stretch so far. Heat and exhaustion are not on my list of favourite conditions, but we trundle on. 
Armed with Play energy drinks, fine tobacco and a full tank, Big Red and I are determined to cover a fair amount of distance before turning in for the night. We both miss The Goose terribly, her energy always gives us strength. It's officially our 1 year anniversary today, and I'm saddened not to be spending the day with her. Thankfully, she's only a pair of thumbs away, constantly checking in on us to ensure we're safe and on fine form. With 1 x Play downed, 2 x smokes puffed, and a cold splash of dry water on the face, it's time to push on... (p.s. we've covered 2175km's on this trip so far!) — at Ventersburg Caltex Garage

Stop 3, Bloemfontein, Free State - Whew, feeling way better than I did earlier, thanks to the Play energy drinks and a far cooler jacket. Think I need to get the Play crowd to sponsor me!

300+km's later and things are looking good. The landscape continues to surprise me, whilst the clouds help keep the suns harsh rays at bay (so I keep telling myself). I've pulled over for a brief stretch, a Play, a puff, and possibly a banana, just to keep the energy levels in the black. I've been invited to spend the night in Barrydale with our good friends, fellow bikers, Arachnid MCC members, and world-class Scottish dance champions, Darryn and Pat Fisher. It's 900km's from here, so it's heartbreakingly unlikely that I'll make it. They're also on a little road trip, and it appears that they're having a fantastic time! Let's crack on, shall we...

 — at Engen 1-Stop Bloemfontein

Stop 4, Colesberg, Northern Cape - making good distance here, in an attempt to avoid the impending storm that's trying to catch me. Every flipping time I come this way, a storm tracks me! Let's see who wins this climatic dual... — at Engen 1 Stop Colesberg

Stop 5, Brandfontein Guest Farm, De Aar, Northern Cape - After dodging 3 storm pockets, a couple trucks overtaking at the worst time, a number of Play energy drinks, a brief spot of rain and some superb visuals, I arrived at the gorgeous Brandfontein Guest Farm. 
I'd heard so many positive words about this place from both Timothy King and Karen King that I simply had to see it for myself. I had met the owner, Ian Strauss, at Tim's wedding, so thought it a good time to pop round and see what all the fuss is about.

The timing was indeed perfect - with the deep amber sun setting gently on the horizon; the clouds, mixed in their emotions, keeping the sky on its toes; the rocky hills swimming through the arid landscape like a lazy crocodile; and the Strauss family preparing a traditional farm-style dinner. I was greeted by Ian, his daughter, his son, and Marius, a permanent guest on the farm. 

We sat in the lounge for a bit, discussing various topics whilst sipping on coffee, after which we sat down at the dinner table to eat a hearty home-cooked meal of pap (maize meal), mince (from sheep reared on the farm) and salads, finished up with another cuppa jo. I was then treated to a piano recital, which was fantastic.

I was feeling absolutely buggered after such a hard day on the road, so I said my 'good-nights', went about removing the panniers from Big Red and got ready for a well deserved kip.The final stretch of this trip is tomorrow, and there will be plenty more pics and info to come, so keep this channel on...