After setting off as early as the kettle would boil and the hairdryer finished its work, the thrill of the car fully-packed and cruising down the road towards Durban to only return in some two weeks’ time was a special feeling.
The chatter in the car was all about being so excited to be able to do this together but how sad it felt to leave our little fur-kids at home. That was soon forgotten when the usual “did you pack that…” comment was bandied about. We decided to leave it right there and enjoy the ride…
Our first stop was Kimberley. Just a gentle 8 hour ride. That turned out to be almost 11 hours! Why you may wonder. Well stopping 7 times on the way doesn’t speed up the journey. Especially when I am not the best picture-taker on a Samsung.
Stop one was at the Steers just outside Pietermaritzburg. Who can resist a Steers burger and chips when on holiday? Not us!
Stop two was to capture the beautiful sunflowers in blossom close to Harrismith. Then it went downhill from there. Three stops to take pics of the Cosmos in full bloom. Of course some of the pics never quite came out as Estelle would have liked so the second and third stops were non-negotiable. 
The next stop (number 6) was to top up with fuel and to drop in at a Game store to buy a bean bag for using as a pillow for a camera in Kgalagadi. Of course they wouldn’t have one but we tried at least. (I should say Estelle did whilst I played car guard). Being in our branded RE/MAX vehicle, a lovely Lady pulled up and said, “my dogter werk vir RE/MAX in Centurion…ek Like julle” and off she drove. How nice.
Oh my word… I have just remembered another stop we had in between the ones above. It was to buy biltong. Peach jam and ice cold drinks were added too. Lifesavers after the chilli biltong I might add!
The next stop was good ol’ Kimberley town. My home town and one that whose appearance has gone backwards dramatically. Straight to The Half was the order and no sparing the horses I think was what Estelle was thinking.
Arriving there and checking in was a breeze and thanks to a dear friend Brian Doherty the Spiced Gold and coke had loads of ice and was just perfect. How nice to catch up on the town “skinner”. Nothing seems to change in the place. Except of course the magnificent new wing that has been added to The Half. It really is a place to see and experience. What a beautiful pool setting around the rooms.
Karoo Lamb chops for two were ordered and the taste of “proper meat” was so good.
A long first day behind us and the prospect of another awaits us… its goodnight from Kimberley town.
Flirting with time! 