Day 44: A rough day from Wolmaransstad

Posted on 19 February 2010

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.






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