#2: [14-Dec-02]

30-Nov-2002 -- Using a road atlas of the area I could see that the confluence point was approximately 5 km from the main road linking the cities of Wolmaransstad and Ottosdal.

I left early in the morning from Roodepoort and packed a hiking bag for in case I could not get close enough to the confluence point. My GPS showed the waypoint to the Confluence as 259 km. While approaching the Confluence I was somewhat concerned that I might encounter wild animals in my anticipated hike but I got really worried when I drove past a Lion Park with just 50 km to go.

In the end it was very easy to find. I turned off the main road using a small farm dirt road that lead me to within 500 meters of the Confluence. The Confluence was situated in an open veld and I could easily reach it.

Picture #6 shows the turnoff from the main road onto the dirt road that takes you close to the confluence point. In the background you can see the SuidWes grain corporations signboard. This corporation is one of the largest three in South Africa. Farming is the main activity in the area and is primarily focused on planting grain such as mealies, sunflower and monkeynuts. Secondary activities are cattle, sheep, pigs, dairy and chicken farming. If you are interested in more information about this area visit Suidwes's website.

Picture #2 shows a view from the confluence point facing back towards the main road. In the distance you can see the large silos used by the SuidWes corporation.

Picture #8 shows the dirt road that led me close to the confluence point. This is where I parked my bike before I had to do the last 500 meters on foot.

Needless to say, this day trip on my bike turned out to be the best breakfast runs ever.