Day 17
We woke up to the sound of gumboots and shouting at 4:45 am and got up out of guilt of others working and us still sleeping. Two cups of coffee later and we were on the road to Mokhotlong. We travelled via Menoaneng Pass (4x4 ONLY) and stopped to take photos of the fields of Red Heart Pokers. Once through the pass the condition of the road improved as well.
In Mokhotlong we hit the jackpot – SHOPRITE (and a bottle store) – “Yippy we could shop”. We stocked up on supplies and diesel, visited the Mokhotlong Hotel for a cold Maluti and hunted for some info on about fishing in the area. On the map we see a town called Soetsa but the bar lady said it is Phahameng, which we found on the Garmin. And so, the adventure continued about 40km from Mokhotlong to another impromptu campsite. Fishing was unfortunately disappointing and the night turned out to be freezing.
Day 18
We slept in until about 7:30am and attempted some fishing downstream. Unfortunately, some washing had to be done by the locals and so back to Mokhotlong we went.
We again booked into the Hotel and having a full supper (trout fried in margarine and some pizzas) along with some wine cost about R400. Accommodation was R760 for the night.
Having the first good rest in some time we gave in our laundry and headed back into town for some more supplies. We stocked up on beers and some gifts (Maluti blankets). By now the cruiser looked like an over full storage unit.
We took the road towards Letseng mine from Mokhotlong, and headed to the "Chalet in the sky" more or less 50km from Mokhotlong and braved the 4x4 road to the lodge which is serviced, but not looked after. Rates were R150 for camping (on any flat piece of ground on the property) or R300 pppn for the chalet with hot water but no electricity. We unpacked and took a drive down the river...4x4 and 5 river crossings. We also met a local that just got back from fishing and he had 3 rainbow trout – Hopes were high.
Day 19