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

Posted on 9 November 2009

Having woken a little later than hoped this morning, things started on the back foot as it was… so having to back track was not what I needed in my mental state.

Already pushed for time to make it to Somerset West today, an hour could well be the make or break!

I slowly made it to Muizenberg which is probably where yesterday should’ve ended and experienced pretty warm weather till there. Sweating my bean off and already running behind schedule, I didn’t like being called aside by motorists to discuss safety on Baden Powell Drive, but I understand where they were coming from, as it was at the back of my mind the whole night last night.

At the first opportunity I got, I ducked off the road and headed for the beach: a welcome relief from the traffic noise and mayhem of ‘the gauntlet’. Although slightly slower going and a little harder on the legs, the ‘out of city’ experience was awesome and I couldn’t have asked for a better place to be travelling.

Gulls, otters and all kinds of sea life came into the picture, as well as disgusting sewerage outlets which I sadly needed to cross. Worst part is, the one I would’ve had to back track about a kilometre before turning towards the road, so easily 45min detour. So, I trudged across and am now sad I didn’t take the long way round.

My right baby toe, already under pressure and sensitive, is a little red & swollen so I will be turning to the anti-bacterial cream to try prevent anything serious.

After a Red Bull delivery from my folks (thanks M&D), I pushed forth and made some good time but decided to pull inland towards the road as things were getting a little tight between the cliffs & sea, and safetly was becoming an issue.

About 100 m along the road, John (a driver from ChemSpec) pulled over and discussed my safety. He left, concerned for my safety but understanding why I wouldn’t accept a lift. Not 10 min later the police arrived, instructing me to climb into the car or get arrrested. What a battle: holding cell in a township cop shop or getting a lift with the cops.

Catch 22!

After a little negotiation and them describing just how dangerous the two km to the N2 was [including stories of the cops having guns stolen from them, bulletproof vests being stolen from the cop shop, cop cars being broken into], I gave in an climbed in.

Having given in to motorised transport, I was completely gutted and now feel like I have failed. WRONG! Such a minor thing, like the risk of being mugged or killed or having all my stuff stolen.

I got an SMS from my dear friend Kelly and decided to call in a driver, resorting to collection and calling it a day. She soon arrived with Toby, a friend visiting from Qatar.

I was whisked off the soon found myself in a swimming pool, a great way to end a day that started off rough and ended in disappointment. Thank goodness for the cool stretch in the middle, otherwise it would’ve been altogether terrible.

Kelly, Toby & I headed out for dinner in Gordon’s Bay before retiring for the night, as I lie in a great apartment after a nice shower. Both cases the last of which I am likely to see for quite some time. So thanks to Kelly and her folks for the use of their amazing pad.

My body is showing signs of trauma already, including: bruised hips, bruised shoulders, sunburnt face & neck, bruises on my feet, chafe on my thighs, and a sore back. Day two… not too bad hey?

Featured Gear of the Day:
Komperdell Explorer Poles
Komperdell were among the first to develop poles and have an incredible range. I am using the Explorer, a 3-piece telescoping pole with a built in shock. I dislike the screwlock mechanism and it can be pretty sensitive to adjust with over/under-tightening. The lockout for the shock works with tightening too, so you have to be careful on that front. Handle is ok, although I suspect that not having padding on the straps could lead to problems over time.

Suunto stats for the day:
Time walked: 6h41min
Training effect: 2.6
Max HR: 157bpm
Avg HR: 132bpm
Energy consumption: 4558kcal
Distance: 45.77km
Avg Speed: 4.2km/h
Ascent: 207m
Descent: 206m






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