We finally arrived at some buildings which I thought must be close to the exit. Being after 19:00 understandably there was nobody in attention at the office. A teenager came cycling to us and told us that the man to talk to is up at the chalets. I followed him there hoping to quickly get directions on the road to Koedoeskloof. Upon stopping there, their first words: "Waar kom julle nou vandaan?" They thought we came from the Touwsrivier entrance and could barely believe it when I told them we came from Montagu. These people have all been stuck in the reserve for a week already with several people having been flown out already by helicopter. The one gentleman, Niel, made it clear that we are not leaving. I was still in "get on with it"-mode and was asking about the road ahead. "No way" was the response. Apparently the water was waste deep at the next crossing and that kinda sealed it for me. Secondly it became apparent that we are only halfway through the reserve, considering that it took us 5 hours to cover about 85 Km, I realised it was time to call it a day. The first good call I made all day!
These people were so generous to us. Marius (the park ranger) immediately fetched one of the chalet's keys for us, brought coffee, milk etc. They offered us some food (boerewors and potjiekos!!!!). We unpacked, showered and reflected on the day's events. They were keen to see the pictures, since they tried to get through with the Land Cruiser earlier, but could only make it 18 Km out and then turned back.
Telling everyone about the trials of the day served as a good debriefing. Martin and Niel were very assertive in telling me that I should not try to get out with my son on the back and that I should let my son fly out with the helicopter that was due to come and get all the rest of the women and children out the next day. My son did not think twice and insisted with me to take the helicopter out. Now I was not sure whether it was the tough trip or just the excitement of flying in a helicopter (hoping it was the latter) that made him so adamant. I gave in, despite not being comfortable letting my son travel with unknown people.
I discussed some options with the guys on how to get out, but there really was only one: Go back the way you came! They told me that I could wait a couple of days if I wanted to, but I remembered checking the weather report before leaving and there was more rain coming. I knew I had to track back and make it across all the same obstacles yet again. I lie awake most of the night worrying about that cement section where I would have to get that fat pig up.
Topic: Father & son ride to Anysberg - extreme adventure (Read 28511 times)
