Day four of Ray Chaplin’s solo walk to Beit Bridge.

Posted on 11 November 2009

Despite pitching the tent behind some trees to provide a little wind protection, I was battered the whole night by strong winds and pouring rain.

But all in all I had a good night’s rest and ended up sleeping through my alarm, so only got going a little late – and as a result the night shift at the cop shop had already left so I had to re-explain and then answer 20 questons as to why I was camping in the grounds.

The going was tough from the start, with a driving headwind and constant soaking rain. Walking just off the road, each stride took a little more effort than expected as the ground become muddier and muddier. But to walk in the yellow line was lethal as people were speeding and swerving all over the place despite the horrible weather, so I moved across to the railway line as soon as I could. Problem is that there is very little rhythm, but at least it’s safe from motorists.

A white Merc came roaring past and came to a stop in the mud on the other side of the road, and out jumped a gentleman saying “Hey Ray!”. What? How did who know?

Well, Peter was his name and he’d seen my co-ordinates (thanks to SportsTrack) and noticed I was in the area, so had made me some coffee and came to visit. After a brief chat he was off again and I continued my slooooow trudge to Paarl. And then it happened: I slipped on the railway sleepers.

Darting pain through an already tender knee was not what I needed!

After a few seconds to compose myself, I pushed forth as the weather resisted. But, light at the end of the, well, tunnel – I could see Paarl Rock in a clearing in the sky. I was gonna make it to Paarl!

With lifted spirits and a new lease on life, I walked 500m… took 30sec break… walked 500m… took another 30sec… and so it continued for the next two hours.

Leg weary and drenched, I pulled in at the Paarl Mall to find a charging solution for my phone, as something was not right with what I had in place. A good experience with Winston at Cape Union Mart (and R350) later, I now have a Zartek powerpack that I will be abusing along with all the other kit I have with me. Here’s hoping this works!

I believe the GPS tracking went dead earlier than I expected, and that is as a result of it getting soaked (despite a ‘dry bag’). Now dried and charging, it seems to be working. Hold thumbs…

My departure from Paarl seemed attract another front of horrendous weather, as it came through in waves. It was like waiting for the big sets to roll through!

I got to the toll plaza to discuss my passage to the other side, and with visibility as bad as it was there was no chance they were going to allow me to walk to the tunnel And, considering the volume of calls today regarding accidents and safety on the pass, it wasn’t looking good.

Catch 22 presented itself: wait for weather to clear (2 or 3 days) and go over the pass, catch a ride across the bridge and through the tunnel or re-route altogether and add almost a week to the journey.

With time pressure and commitments in Worcester on Friday, I was left with no choice really but to hitch a ride. Now I know that doesn’t agree with the walking all the way idea, but when it comes down to my safety and this not strictly being a full human-powered expedition (lost that on Monday with the cops on Baden Powell drive) I wasn’t going to take the risk.

Out on the other side, the weather was worse… scary to say the least. The only thing more than this could be snow… but I’d enjoy that a whole lot more so bring on the snow!

I’ve taken refuge at the Du Toitskloof Lodge, right next to the river with an awesome view of the mountain and the countless waterfalls.

Status update:
Feet: top of my right foot & right baby toe are sore
Ankles: fine
Knees: right knee not happy with life
Hips: right one is unhappy at times. both are a little bruised on the front
Back: ok
Shoulders: both tended, and after two or more hours with the pack it’s not fun
Head: nice sunglasses tan

Gear item of the day:
Suunto T6c & Foot POD
By the time I am back from this journey it’ll be two years that I’ve been supported by Suunto, and the products are incredible! My T6c goes with me all the time, allowing me to keep a close eye of just what I’m putting my body and ensuring that I fuel it correctly. Together with the Foot POD I know my progress and can better judge how things are going.






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