After two very long days on the road, getting up for Day 4's journey required some serious mental gymnastics. At least the realisation that this was going to be one of the shorter days helped to get us on the road.
Due to arriving after the shops had closed the previous night, we were forced to do some early morning shopping before the start of the day. I jogged (well, almost) the 2km back to town, got what I could in terms of supplies, and we eventually got underway at 9:30 - our latest start yet.
Physically the day was fairly uneventful, except for Wouna's niggling blisters that required some severe interventions in the form of excrutiatingly painful Friar's Balsam injections - not something I'd wish on my worst enemy!
The scenery remained incredible, with apple and pear orchards stretching out on each side, bordered by magnificant mountains. Even the drought and veld fires couldn't blemish the beauty of the region.
Being a Saturday, the level of social activity en route was quite high. Party revellers were speeding in every direction, obviously under the influence. This was a bit nerve-wrecking from roadside, but luckily there were no insidents that we were aware of. There also appeared to be a soccer game underway somewhere, as loads of supporters, on foot and in cars, passed us in the direction of Joubertina.
People's roadside reactions remained friendly and supportive, with everyone hooting and waving, and two people stopping to commend our efforts and promising to pray for our wellbeing on the road.
After passing Louterwater station, we were suprised to reach Louterwater Estate sooner than anticipated. What a lovely suprise! Owner Janine came and fetched us at the entrance and drove us 5km into the farm to the most magnificant setting - 4 log cabins set amidst the mountains!
The area had no cellphone reception, so we were unable to inform our families of our safe arrival. Just as we were about to go to bed for the night, we were suprised by the arrival of a police van - sent by worried family to come check if we were OK! More suprisingly, one of the officers turned out to be the same guy who stopped next to us earlier in the day to wish us well on our travels! Small world!
Our overnight spot at Louterwater Estate was absolutely breathtaking - thanks so much to Janine for the opportunity to recharge body and soul!
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