Azure

Middelberg had an electrical power outage, so 60 people getting going at 6am was our first challenge we overcame. The day dawned, still and clear with an amazingly clear blue sky. We were blessed by Pastor Fred of the Alcapaye Church and wished a warm farewell by Carol, Bertus and the children. Rob Southey and Rhett escorted us out of town and into the golden countryside for our first 37km to the first water point. Brent, magic made sure some early tech issues were sorted out and it was more or less plain sailing, with an incredible array of delicious treats set up by Caroline at the stop. The NW wind had picked up, but that just pushed us up past Suurfontein and a heard of 20 Eland, past Gordonville and herds of Wildebeest and Blessbok, up and over the watershed down to The Rest where our second water point was stationed after 60km. The last 20km was a mad dash for the showers for some. It was a most welcoming sight seeing the village appear around the corner and the tennis club with its campsite and hot showers. 2pm and everyone was in, with the remainder of the day spent relaxing in the village. The evening was a very special occasion, a gorgeous Braai provided by the farming community, renown artist Albert Reedlinghuis sharing his artistic talents, Charl playing the violin over supper, Peet giving us facts about the village, Low doing the Braai, Ansie and Darleen spending ages preparing the food and Martin and Charmaine Haines moving mountains to make our stay a most memorable one indeed. Thank you NIEU Bethesda for a wonderful evening and helping us to touch Emmanuel!