29 June, Saturday: A day in Mkushi

It was so great to wake up in a bed, all snug and warm without any rush to get up and going. Mom and Lieva went for a lovely long walk around the farm, through the woods and past the dam, wondering around all the livestock. After breakfast, Kirst, Carls, Mom and myself missioned off to town to check out the local Saturday market. Lieva stayed on the farm with the boys, taking time to relax and catch up on her book. The market was pumping with local music vibrating off the old speakers outside the stalls. We all managed to find some item of clothing that we purchased as well as gorgeous chitenge material. It was a special morning spending time together, just us 4 girls. We have a very special bond with the Venter girls, just missing Michi (the girls mom).

We got back to the farm just in time for lunch and a little afternoon rest. Chris and I got ready for a long cycle, but we had an eager Todd ready on his bike to show us the way. We went out the gate, through the thick sandy road, past the abandoned airstrip and into the bush. Todd, confident he knows the way took us through a non-existant path, we went bundu-bashing through the dry bush veld, getting to the bottom of a koptjie. The view was absolutely stunning. The massive boulders on the hill stood out in the sun shine and the trees glistening a stunning colour. The view was breath-taking. Todd leading the way, zooming through the thick bush, turned off into a forest of tall, green trees, canopying over an animal path we continued to cycle on. He is such a strong little guy, peddling at great speed, leaving Chris and I in the dust ;). We eventually exited the woods and came across a beautiful dam where herders were taking their sheep and cattle home. The dust storm from the trampling in the dusk light created this incredible scene. We cycled through the livestock, zig-zagging our way through the erosion and the dust. We rode past the compound where the children waved us by and only 11 km later, as the sun was setting over the farm, we reached the house. Even though it took us an hour making our way through the bush, it was an amazing cycle and having a young, strong boy with us, making it all the more exciting. It was such a beautiful ride, seeing and discovering new places in the Mkushi farmland.

We got back just in time to join the others for a sundowner at the dam. What an amazing way to end the day with a GnT, watching the night creep in and the stars come out, with the sounds of livestock and loved ones around. We made our way back to the house where Gregg braai'd us a delicious meal and we sat around the table enjoying our evening. Carls had gone to great efforts and made the most amazing malva pudding and hot custard, just to fatten us up before going to sleep.

Cycled: 11 km

Time: 1 hr

Ave speed: 10 km/hr