Mpumalanga 17 June 2022

Day 2- Pilgrim’s Rest to Kaapsehoop

137km

Seems like the prospectors of old were all very short people if the length of the bed is anything to go by. I had to spend the night curled up in the fetus position. As it turned out I was right about the heater, it produced about as much heat as a candle flame. All these things made for a rather long night. There is not much cellular coverage and although the hotel offers free WiFi the speed and stability reminded me of the 128lKb dial-up lines of the late 90s.

I found this out when I wanted to get a weather forecast at 2 am. It eventually decide that the minimum for the day would be 4C, which was great news. I have no idea where that came from. When I opened the door it was like opening the freezer door. I soon learned that it was -1C again and this was supported by the icon that covered everything that was left outside.

I was dreading this and we lingered in the dining hall having breakfast with Dave, Alwin, and Leor until almost 9 am. To my surprise, and joy, the sun quickly heated things and by the time we said our goodbyes the weather was quite pleasant.

We planned to visit some of the many little shops on the way out but just as we were getting ready to go down the road I realized that my phone went missing. I knew for a fact that I had it just seconds ago but could not find it anywhere. So to find a lost phone you get somebody to phone you. The ringing came from me but I still could not find it as all my pockets were empty. After quite some time I eventually found that it fell in between the lining of my pants and was stuck near the bottom of my ankle.

We left Pilgrims Rest via Bonnet Pass on our way to Kaapsehoop via Sabie. Along the way, we stopped at the Mac Mac Falls. This national monument plunges 65m down the ravine and it is a real pity that the view of it is restricted by palisade fencing.

We make a quick stop in Sabie to stock up on some wine before riding over Koffiehoogte and Hendriksdal passes. We turn west toward Sudwala and take the gravel road to Mount Carmel before reaching Sudwala. It is the highlight of the day.

This beautiful road spits us out just before Nelspruit where we stop for a late lunch. From here it is just 33km to Kaapsehoop and our bed for the next two days.