Day 2 ...

Day 2 will start with a nice 500m ascent on a jeeptrack that I viewed from a distance. See it was raining and with The Pretty One being a nervous 4x4 passenger we did the wise thing and drove around the mountain. So then it is on to Tate Vondo (Sacret Forrest), then into the Entabeni Forrest to cross the imposing Soutpansberg. Then into the farming community of Levubu and some more Vendaland before stopping at Madyisa Lodge (community run) for the second night (92 odd kms). Again it will be self catering, so I hope that the nearest Spaza shop is not to far.

Day 3. The target is Haenertsberg and it starts with a continuing of the Vendaland theme until the scenery changes suddenly and you are confronted with deproclamated roads, game fences and "no entry trespassers will be shot" signs. Suddenly it is difficult to miss the horrible tar roads and some big "S" curves must be ridden. But it should all be worth it considering how pretty Haenertsberg is, if I can appreciate it after a hard 128km day!

Day 1 starts at 450m above sea level.
Day 2 starts at 760m above sea level.
Day 3 starts at 560m above sea level.

Haenersberg is at 1400m a.s.l. Mmmmmm...

Day 4 starts with a mean climb to the Iron Crown at 2127m. Then into the Mohilapitse river gorge and from what I have heard it must be one of the highlights of the "northern" leg. The Orrie Baragwanath pass awaits and the splendour of the Mekgalameetsi reserve will not dissapoint before bunking down at another community run lodge at Mafefe (83km at a height of 1180m). This is on the Ivory Trail and the 2 roads that it can be reached with is described as bad 4x4 and very bad serious 4x4. So it can only be fun on day 5...

Day 5: After the fun it is a bit of carefull breathing as the asbestos mine community of Penge is negotiated. After Penge I will try and find my way South to emerge at the small village called Ohrigstad (94km at a height of 1100m)

Day 6 will be a easy rest day as the road to Pelgrim's Rest is enjoyed (64km, 1280m asl). But now I must train and eat and sleep...