As the night drew closer, we retreated to our tents and prepared for
the cold April night. However, we were not prepared for just how
freezing it got. Despite the chilly weather, excitement and memories
of the day kept us warm as we drifted off to sleep, eagerly
anticipating the adventures that awaited us on the next day of our
journey.
Middelton - Farm outside Cradock - 83 km
We left earlier than usual, planning to stop for a hearty breakfast
along the way. Our first stop was the tiny settlement of Cookhouse,
which, despite being smaller than our previous stop in Paterson, still
offered us a much-needed meal. However, a strong headwind
hindered our progress, making our journey painfully slow. As we
made our way up the challenging terrain of Daggaboersnek, our pace
slowed even further.
Fortunately, we stumbled upon a charming farm stall at the top of the
pass, where we met a friendly couple from Cradock who
recommended a cosy farm guest cottage roughly 25 kilometres
before our final destination. With renewed energy and excitement, we
set out towards our new resting spot, arriving just before the sun
began to set.
The cabin was remarkably comfortable, and our host, Elza went
above and beyond to make us feel welcome. As soon as we had
settled in, she surprised us with a delicious spread of fresh milk,
bread, cheese, and fruit. It was an ideal way to end a long,
exhausting day on the road.