The day started off well, with good banter in the morning and loads of smiles and laughter. With my tummy full and a quick turn at the shops to collect some essentials, I set off from Johan and Adele and headed east towards Klerksdorp.
Progress came fairly quickly and I had a few people stop to chat along the one. One of them was a guy who offered to arrange a place for me to stay – although it was a little short for my day. The next person who stopped was the owner of Bona Bona Game Reserve, and then gave Tootsie a rose before wishing me well.
I reached 20 km without too much hassle and took a break at the farmstall after chomping some fudge and rusks. Oom Cass from Boskuil drove past with the family and handed me a cold energy drink which went down like a homesick mole…
Soon, however, progressed slowed and I was struggling. My legs were fine, but something just didn’t seem to be 100%. After a few extra breaks and then a slightly longer rest, my stomach starting playing up and I realised there was going to be trouble. Eish! It started cramping – BADLY! Something was seriously wrong…
I was confronted by a young guy who appeared out of the bush, and he asked me to find him a job. My stomach was ready to explode and he just wouldn’t leave, so I made the move and hoped he’d go in the other direction. Fortunately he left and I ventured in…
Feeling slightly better I emerged… only to head right back again… and again… and once more… not cool!
I staggered on but knew I needed to find camp soon and settle, as my body was going backwards and fast!
Relief came again… and again… and then I found camp for the night. It was a side road to a farmhouse… but it was so dark by now I couldn’t see far enough down the road to worry. I pitched camp right at the gate, literally 20 m from the road.
I cooked and got into the tent, slowly stomach pills and painkillers like they were Smarties and JellyTots, but they just weren’t helping.
Eventually my body found peace and I got some sleep.
