Verlorenvlei

November 2, 2025

Back on the road today but we're taking it slowly because Leigh isn't quite 100% yet.

We had planned to head directly inland to Graafwater and Clanwilliam. Unfortunately the hotel in Graafwater, its only accomodation option, was fully booked and the distance and big climb needed to get to Clanwilliam wouldn't be prudent given Leigh's condition.

So our only option was to continue down the coast to Elands Bay and then head inland from there. This meant we were back on the railway road again for most of the way but somehow it didn't seem to bad today.

About a third of the way down the railway road is a nice pan at which we have stopped in the past. Lots of waders and both species of flamingo that occur in South Africa. They were a long way away but Leigh wanted some pictures so here they are.

Greater Flamingo (Phoenicopterus roseus).

Around the halfway mark we passed where a derailment has occurred some years ago. When we cycled this way four years ago wagons were strewn everywhere. Now only two irrecoverable wagons remain. Amazingly, a train came past at the same time.

Apart a short patch of deep sand, the road was rideable tge whole way.

We're spending the night at the Vensterklip campsite on the Velorenvlei, just inland from Elands Bay. There's not much pleasant to say about it but options are limited. Not sure where we will be tomorrow night but we're heading towards Citrusdal which we hope to reach the day after.

Today's ride: 32 km (20 miles)
Total: 922 km (573 miles)

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