Today we were going to follow the advice of our host regarding our sightseeing activities. But first we wanted to see the falls again. We knew we would not see them as high as they were two years ago, but we heard that the flood damaged view points were repaired at last and wanted to explore these. We were also able to see further upstream this time and see the remnants of a bridge which used to span the gorge. I think the bridge was destroyed in the floods of 1986 as there are photos showing the bridge still there during that flood but looking very vulnerable. Hard to imagine that the water got as high as where we were standing taking photos into the gorge which looked so far away. But then there is still debris sitting high up on the rocks. L: I took a photo of Steve with the debris at the highest point.
The advice we got was to just go and see the viewpoints over the gorge and not to do the whole park. There are three of these along the gorge and all offered spectacular views.
L: The views were amazing, and not quite as hot as yesterday so we spent quite a bit of time in the park and saw springbok, baboon and monkeys as well as quite a few birds as well as some colourful lizards.
We then left the park to travel to Riemvasmaak Hot Springs. We had to cross the bridge over the Orange River to get there and wow, what a journey, a real 4 by 4 track, which did not have much done to it.
We eventually stopped on the top of the mountain under a little “afdakkie” (shelter – for those who can’t understand Afrikaans) to have a very basic “on the road” lunch of tinned tuna and Provita, with a dash of mayo. It was over 40 degrees and we still had a way to go.
S: We decided to drop the tyre pressures down to 2,2 Bar at this point as the road was very corrugated and the ride had been quite jarring.
We arrived at the office for the campsite of Riemvasmaak hot springs and paid for the car and us to get in and climbed down a short distance to the Hot Pools and then the Not-so-Hot Pools, which we really enjoyed, along with a whole bunch of Vaalies – all out on a 4 by 4 holiday with all the bells and whistles and a lot of bragging besides….”I have 4 cars, and I have the best camera”…..It was a lovely dip, though.
We then had the drive back to our overnight spot, Augrabies Falls B + B again. We had a little rest, showered and went off to supper at Augrabies Falls Restaurant, which was really lovely. The spot-lights over the falls are switched on between 8 and 10pm, which was great to witness, along with a spectacular lightning show, with a peppering of rain and thunder.
S: We are off to Pella tomorrow to start our Namaqua 4x4 Eco Trail along the Orange River.
L: Lovely day with such beautiful sights, off to bed now zzzzzz – night all.
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