Today took me from the stopover in Solitaire , the tiny town that has slightly more inhabitants than letters in its name , through two magnificent passes – the Guab and Kuiseb . Over the tropic of Capricorn, through the widest of nothingness , then blown through Walvis, only to deliver me to a very beautiful , very civilised Swakopmund .
My view while scootering
My stressing over the road conditions was more than what was warranted as the road was far better than many of my previous tracks. So the scooter and I covered the 280 odd kilometres by mid afternoon . The ride took me through many different landscapes – almost as many as a woman deciding what to wear to an important gala event , but it did keep my eyes interested .
Guab Pass
It was just a little further and we came across a fantastic photo opportunity , and had to pull over to cross over .
No caption required
The Solo stickers I had made have come in handy.
The landscape changed again for the fourth or fifth time that morning as we entered the Kuiseb pass. Really lush and green in comparison to where I had come from, there were beautiful weathered rock formations , and a serpent- like road to navigate through. It was loads of fun .
Kuiseb Pass
The landscape changed again and this time just the vastness and nothingness of the desert as far as the eye could see. This was the chosen outfit that would see me through to Walvis Bay.
Yip not a curve to enjoy
Suddenly the gravel is gone and smooth asphalt guides you into Walvis . The wind here was very strong and I decided while riding this section , that the reason this area is called the skeleton coast is because if you stand out here long enough you will be lucky to be left with a skeleton .
From here it is a quick ride up to Swakopmund. This is the part of my trip I have been looking very forward to for some rest and relaxation with time off the bike . As luck would have it, a lovely couple I met way down South , Steven and Nicky offered me their amazing holiday apartment in Swakopmund . Just a spectacular place and position. I walk everywhere.
When one takes on a trip like this , there is one big issue that plays havoc with your emotions. It is road fatigue. You are just not able to find peace in one place for a while, to wash the road from you.
When I walked into the apartment I was overcome by emotion. I had seen many beautiful sights , met interesting people , but the most spectacular gift was the kindness and generosity that Nicky and Steven bestowed on this very exhausted traveller. I will forever cherish what you guys have done by allowing me the use of your home – a stranger you met just 10 days ago at Felix, sipping wine next to the Orange river. Your gift of kindness is so appreciated. A thousand thanks from my heart.
Home from Home
I am going to enjoy Swakop for all she has to offer and on Monday Victoria is off for some TLC. I found found a car wash and a motorcycle dealership , so a clean filter and new oil shall be!
For now I am off to stroll the promenade , sip a coffee in a café and reflect on the days gone and those to come.
Until we meet again.
