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surprised . We were not sure what to expect and were just happy to get a plate of gruel to fill our stomachs , but this place is totally gourmet with an impressive commercial kitchen that echoed all the flavours of a five star eatery anywhere in the world .
Dinner was a set menu and with a roaring fire to our sides , we ate like kings . Big Mike chose the roasted cauliflower soup as his starter , while I went for a Parma ham and blue cheese salad with melon . There was delicious home baked seed bread and proper farm butter on the table .
For our mains we both chose a rare fillet of beef , Mike chose to pair his with a mushroom risotto , while I went for some pomme frites . On the plates was a selection of seasonal vegetables that had travelled mere metres from the garden to the table . Patti pans , crispy green beans and more . The meal was good and such a pleasant surprise . Here we were in the middle of nowhere eating food that would not be lost if served on the plate of king Chuck . We rushed back to our rooms in between the downpours that were coming in squalls , but not before tucking into another masterpiece on the dessert plates . Fresh fruit meringue with a homemade passion fruit curd . A mind-blowing meal .
Once more , our luxury rooms and beds were appreciated . We were booked to join on a tour of the park after breakfast if the weather allowed . Mike mentioned so many animals as we rode in . Ostriches , bontebok , blesbok , gemsbok and many more antelope . Also , a lot of baboons . I was not sure if the big man knew all the right buck names but was certain that the guide would clarify in the morning . There was only one thing to do at that point . Sleep beautiful sleep . That night I dreamed of giant fig trees that seemed to come out of a Lord of the Rings story , antelope , fresh vegetables , a gourmet meal , and the missing cooler . I hope that whoever found it , got to enjoy a satisfying meal .
The bike stood waiting , not complaining about the passing storms . Just ready for whatever we could throw its way . After a good night ’ s rest , we would certainly be up for the challenge . The team at Husqvarna had told us to see if we could break it . Thus far , just one broken shoe sole , one missing brake lever end , one lost cooler bag and two tired adventurers fast asleep in their luxury suites , dreaming and snoring away .
I always say that I am most happy in places where sounds made by humans are absent . Standing outside the front door of my suite at dawn , I took some time to build a picture . Now I am not saying that those annoying human-made sounds are heard much at DeHoop any time of the day , but as the sun was just hanging below the horizon , the moment was something incredibly special indeed .
I could smell the distinctive stench of antelope , a musky sweat odor like a pile of old dirty clothing
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