Day 3 Vanzyls Rus - Loch Maree 334KM
Woke up nice and early to a cool morning, had time to lube my chain and do a quick check of the bike. Not a drop of oil used thus far bike still running like a dream. Tyre’s needed a bit of air including the Tubeliss inner tube. I had a chilled breakfast and hit the road. The road to Askam was scenic with hints of the red dunes either side. I made quick work of the ride, refueled and headed out towards Klein Mier and Groot Mier and hopefully the large pan. After Groot Mier I headed left on my track which was set to take me straight across Hakskeenpan. I approached the first pan and followed tracks across through a gate that a local farmer had erected. I proceded up and got my first taste of dunes and put the bike down at the crest, I suppose the right was is to make sure you have enough momentum to get over the crest, lesson learned. Got a bit lost behind the fence then headed back through the gate. Carried a bit further on along the track only to find a locked gate. A few KM on was the Hakskeenpan. I had no choice but to head back to Klein Mier and hit the road around. I ended up heading towards Rietfontein as I knew would find fuel there. After the refuel I managed to cut back into my original planned loop taking me to Philandersbron, across the Koppieskraal pan and eventually to Loch Maree Camp. I just rocked up unannounced but the hosts were welcoming and soon got me settled. I had a nap and then headed out to a lookout point for sunset passing eland, zebra and giraffe on the way. The view was breathtaking ontop of a dune overlooking Sout Pan. The lodge is another beautiful find, would highly recommend it.