The one year on the road blog!
We can't say that we were unaware of the climb ahead of us to the Swaziland border. Everyone we had spoken to had told us how steep it was and we had checked bikeroutetoaster.com to get some idea of what was ahead of us. After a short climb and then a nice descent, we were straight into the hills and that is where we stayed for the remainder of the day.
Fortunately the pleasure/pain principle was in full effect, as while the climbing was undoubtedly painful, the views along the road were truly spectacular. We have cycled through a lot of beautiful areas to get here, but we would have to rate today's route as one of most beautiful.
Debs excelled herself today. She may have had to push occasionally and I gave the odd helping hand, but she made it through a tough day mainly under her own steam. She even managed to keep a pretty brave face on as well, despite her knees being under considerable strain. Two new knee supports have obviously helped, that and her continual positive attitude. Over the past year on the road, she has constantly amazed me with her ability to carry on, even when she is clearly struggling.
The signpost informing us that the border post was only 1km away came as a relief as it signalled the end of what had been yet another tough climb. A climb that hadn't been made any easier when we encountered a large bull in the middle of the road. Ringing our bells to get it to move seemed like a good idea, until it stopped and stared at us with a slightly worrying look in its eye. Concerned that we were about to be charged, we peddled past as nonchalantly as we could manage!
Despite having left at 7:30am, our progress in the hills had been so slow that I had been concerned that we wouldn't get to the border before it closed at 4pm. As it turned out we arrived at about 2pm and quickly went through the formalities of leaving and entering a country. I should just mention that the Swaziland border post is incredibly quaint, consisting of just one small immigration building and a barrier.
Arriving at Bulembu Country Lodge, we got checked in and have been shown to a very institutional looking dorm building. Bulembu used to be an asbestos mining town until the pits closed in 2001 and the dorm was clearly built as miners housing. Being the only ones staying in it and the buildings size, I am finding it a bit creepy. As long as I don't start seeing spooky ghost children at the end of dark corridors as in the 'Shining' it will be fine. Fortunately Halloween has passed!
The dorm may leave a bit to be desired, the restaurant food however does not. We have been fed until our stomachs could take no more, which is saying a lot for a cycle tourist. Tomorrow we have a transfer booked to take us to Pigg's Peak. We have decided against trying to ride the 18km dirt road, partly because of recent rains, but mainly because of the very steep climb up to the town. Steep climbs on sealed roads are fine, but a steep climb on a dirt road with a fully laden bicycle is a step too far.
What a day, with stunning views too! Well done Debbie.
ReplyDeleteLove from Mum and Dad xx