Rosh Pinah to Aussenkehr - 111km

Day 12: 7th September2014

The road from Rosh Pinah to Assenkehr

We start up early as usual but with a less hurried pace as our maps indicate 80km. That was not to be so - yet again. We drive out of the farm for  14km to the main road to Aussenkehr, but not before we have our fill of the kokerbome that litter this piece of heaven. The road starts out being tar but soon switches to gravel albeit smooth and fast. The landscape changes very quickly to a parched, burnt and blackened lunar landscape, called the Richtersveld. The leeching of the manganese from the rocks left an impression of a sunbaked landscape overheating in the African sun. The road follows the river course but then swings through the mountains to a height of 450m without warning and runs steadily upwards like a British Red Arrows plane pilot reaching for new heights. This is tough. I feel it for Eugene as I know he needs replenishment. Finally at the top I find a tree no higher than my waist but it is as good an excuse to stop, if any. Lunch is smoked sardines on biscuits with earl grey tea, even the queen would approve.

I go ahead to search out digs for the night which is uncertain as our "Tracks4Africa" book has run out of Namibia. Aussenkehr has become one big grape producing co-op with a resort 8km further on being our only option. The old charm has to come out once more as the place is fully booked. A mecca for all travellers to the north with everything brand spanking new. Wall to wall grass with restaurants, pub and swimming pool. We cannot contain ourselves in amazement at all this luxury. We finally settle in for a braai with custard and tinned fruit cocktail celebrating a day well travelled.