RI7ER JOURNAL POSTS

Finally moved on from Oranje Rus campsite to Upington; drew cash, filled up with diesel and got a few shots on drive through.

Cruizy day in the car checking out small towns along the N10 motorway, Groblershoop, Karos, Boegoeberg Farms and the bridge at Grootdrink.

The old-fashioned Grootdrink `Mall´ - algemende handelaar - with glass fronted wooden draws displaying anything from stripy underwear to rope, lamp-oil and sugar coated sweeeties. Was busy with the off-load of a fresh stock of beer from the breweries who were on time. The fresh bread delivery was not on time and resulted in a steady collection of folk waiting patiently.

The drive along the canal into Boegoeberg Dam was tranquil and helped keep the world relative with the soaring temperatures. We stopped at the new measuring wall below the old wall completed in 1932. An old bridge just below the new wall backs up the flow and creates an uber-nasty recirculating white mess, it is topped off with a syphon under the old bridge.

Arriving at the Boegoeberg campsite we were heartily welcomed and told it was exrtemely busy and they could maybe find us a spot close to the river. We drove slowly down through the campsite as not to dust out the campsite residents. Not a soul in sight. Nada, nothing.

We picked ourselves a grand spot in the shade, the joke for the next few days was, “ phew, it is busy”.

We dozed and wandered aimlessly when moving in the 43 degree heat for the afternoon. expectantly glancing around occasionally for the masses of tourists to arrive.  A lone vehicle arrived early evening with 4 campers who set up camp about 400 meters away in their own world.

Busy place for sure...... would not like to see it quiet.....

By Rob Wilson