The big day arrived: On schedule we were taking delivery of our new ‘home’. The date was 20th Feb 2013. There was much excitement and emotion. This was a big investment but even bigger was the lifestyle change that we were embarking on.
After lots of photos, instructions, hugs and thanks, we finally started the truck and pulled out of the AC Motorhomes yard. We were taking the slow route back to Jo’burg, going via the Peninsula then up the West Coast up to Springbok, Kuruman and back home.
We spent the first 3 days visiting friends and family to ensure everything worked as expected. During these visits we slept in Ufudu parked in their driveways and pavements because there was no way that we were not sleeping in our own ‘home’.
We spent Saturday morning at Isuzu sorting out a noise in the diff that we picked up from the outset and that got worse as the days passed. Then we had shopping to do because we could not bring much with us on the flight down to Cape Town. We were going to spend 8 days driving back home and needed to stock up. Eventually we were on our way to Yzerfontein, and what a wonderful feeling it was!
We were up early the next day and after breakfast started the leisurely drive to Lambert’s Bay. En route we pulled off the road at least 3 times to remove road kill off the road surface. At one of these occasions we got stuck in the sand. Now was the time to try out the 4×4 functionality and thankfully it worked. After a few tense moments we were on our way again. We were unfortunately not able to have a meal at Muisbosskerm because they were not open that day but we had a nice long walk on the beach and an early braai.
The next day we went to Bird Island at Lamberts Bay and spent a long time watching the Gannets’ antics. Roger (a pilot) could not get enough of watching their take-off and landings. As we got back to our vehicle the manager of the restaurant came over and asked if we wouldn’t mind waiting so her husband can come and have a look at our motorhome. That ended up in a really long inspection and discussion. It looked like Hein had another client! They were most impressed and we eventually stayed and had lunch at the restaurant before heading out again.
Next stop: Strandfontein. This is probably the most beautiful camp site we have ever been to. No fence between us and the sea. Each stand grassed and with its own ablution. We had also run out of clean clothes so we did some washing in our little washing machine which worked really well. Then there was the sunset, wow! A braai and some good wine and a good night’s sleep followed. Here again, as at most places where we stopped, our neighbours came to have a look at the vehicle and were most impressed with the build and the finishes.
We were up early again to start the long trek to the Namaqua National Park. There are no camping facilities at Skilpad gate but the farm adjacent was able to accommodate us and this is where we spent the night. It was HOT.
The next morning early we were fortunate to be able to go with the NNP staff to look at and learn about the Anatolian sheep dog project which is run by the National Parks. This was really most interesting and enlightening. What a wonderful project and worth checking out if you do not yet know anything out it.
At Springbok we spent the night at a private camping facility before setting sail to our next stop at Kuruman. This was a most disappointing experience. The place is run down and the ablutions are in dire need of maintenance. We were not too fussed because now we had our own facilities. What a treat!
After a Wimpy breakfast we headed for Rustenburg where we spent a wonderful night with family on their plot. Inspecting and admiring everything and again lots of praise for AC Motorhomes and their attention to detail.
Our last stop was at Nylsvley where we had a reunion with friends. Again, there was much admiration and congratulations from all. Sadly the next afternoon we had to start out on our last leg home. Back to work again on the Monday, but counting the days until we start our real adventure of being location independent!