Day 9 - Tsumeb to Rundu [ 360km , 60% gravel]
We started off early and took the road to Grootfontein for 13km then hooked a left onto a D road towards Abenab. We wanted to go see one of the big tree's - this one being a Boabab. On the way we saw our first elephant crossing the road....it turned out to be a horse and a donkey with luggage on...man we felt stupid! The roads were nice with small bridges to cross and nice corners.The landscape has changed completely and even have palm tree's amongst the forestry. The spot where the tree is,is completely fenced off and you have to walk 100 meter or so to get there,but man what an awesome sight - trees that size demand respect. 60km further we joint the tar road we were trying to miss ,but there are very few confirmed dirt roads going north,so we pumped the tyre's hard and off we went. While taking it easy on the tar to save tread Roadkill noticed a dirt road parallel to us....awesome....and that is where I had my second flat. Again in respect of the Desert it was my 'ducktape quick solution' around the inside of the rim to cover the spokes that came loose because of the heat and has now shaved through the tube and not a puncture through the tyre. Anyway-never fun to fix a wheel on the side of the road in the heat. The last stretch of tar to Rundu is the most boring,strait road I have ever seen! At least the people are friendly and forever waving. There where we stopped,people would come to inspect the bikes and take photo's[thouse we had phones]. We decided on a lodge just outside Rundu called Kaisosi Lodge - definitely worth the visit and budget friendly. The bar has themost amazing wood finishes and the staff really friendly. The workshop helped me to weld my crash bar that has taken too much punishment - due to a fall or just vibration....hmm,who knows. Mozzi's are also a reality here and it was time to start covering up at night.