It really was a lekker kuier, two words now firmly etched in Ben's vocabulary
I rocked up at about 6pm and Vaalbaas and Vaalnooi graciously offered me a lovely gin.
The next hour or proved me a true Dog. Every time I heard what sounded like a motorbike, I was up and running for the gate, camera in hand, ready to drool over Roderick the chicken
First time was a clapped out old Mazda with a holey, droning exhaust.
Next up was a Hardly Dangerous with very tall monkey bars and leathery (both in age and outfit) bikers.
Finally we heard the soft snore of the Honday 250 L as it whispered around the block and entered the yard. Vaalbaas pointed Ben into the bike show room where the bike could feel at home.
There, we all stood around waiting to welcome Ben and for Roderick to appear.
He is only about 6 months old, and by this time quite tame. Ben was touring around and in a village in Ivory Coast he was presented with a young chicken, presumably as dinner along the way. Instead, he became Ben's traveling companion. At first he was tied upside down to the bike, and although Roderick took it in his stride, he ended up covered in dust. Ben then started putting him in a small box, then a bigger box, until at a market, a basket was woven for him and he entered South Africa, traveling in style.
Very laissez-faire for a chicken
Vaalbaas introduced Roderick to his three Border Collies, who appeared very sceptical of this white feathered thing walking fearlessly amongst them, and settled down to observe him. Roderick quickly snagged a earth worm, and then walked around clucking and looking around as if asking, "what now"? Eventually nature kicked in and he smashed it against the concrete and ate it, bit by bit, with me cheering him on
We inhaled some of Vaalbaas' most excellent chilli bites, and then there was a braai. I was surprised that the Meat Master prefers Grade C meat - a bit more chewy, but much more flavourful.
Vaalbaas, a good host checking up on his guests, came to report that Roderick had great taste... he had elected to roost on the wheel of an HP2 for the night
Great dinner, great atmosphere and great conversation all around, ending of with lovely coffee to see me through my hour-long drive home.
Roderick is on his way to Chicken Heaven - someone near Houtbay apparently has a chicken sanctuary, where Roderick can spend his days crowing about his adventurous life and chasing young chicks.
And Ben has to start work on Monday...
@Ben Cape Town , it was great to meet you and Roderick, and hope to see you before you leave
Topic: Riding to Cape Town! (Read 3312 times)
