GRAAFF-REINET | NIEU-BETHESDA NEWS - 'In every walk with nature, one gains far more than one seeks' - John Muir.
Early last Saturday morning a tenacious group of hikers, cyclists, runners and a dog set off in the dark, from the top of the chilly Ouberg Pass outside Graaff-Reinet, intent on making their way to Nieu-Bethesda, 50km away, in one day.
It is few people who have the privilege of walking the Karoo backroads in the indigo of the dawn, with the sickle moon and starry skies above. Spirits were high as the group set off, backlit by head torches and backup vehicles.
In order to participate in the event, each trekker had to raise a minimum of R1000 in aid of the incredible work that Hospice does for our community. As they progressed, heads and hearts were mindful and reflective of those who had been or are affected by cancer.
'Hike and Hobble for Hospice' is grateful to Bush Transport, Union High and 'Boundless' who transported participants and supplies to the top of Ouberg and along the route.
Legs were still strong and strides long and the first pit-stop came quickly.
Warm muffins and piping hot coffee seemed too good to be true, and one of the cyclists discarded a bike, saying that input would exceed output unless he too started walking.
Traditionally a women's only event, men were also welcome to participate this year.
There were pit-stops every 7km kindly sponsored and wo/manned by Pick n Pay, Wolf & Johnstone, Caltex, Hyundai Graaff-Reinet, Moonshadow (Nommerpas), Oasis and Lions International.
Bananas, nougat, energy drinks, condensed milk coffee, delicious sandwiches and so much more were much appreciated at each stop - not to mention friendly faces and welcome encouragement throughout the route.
Pick n Pay were incredibly generous in their donations of energy drinks and t-shirts - their support for this project was remarkable.
The backup teams, namely Bradley Dodds, Jason Marais, Beaver and Dalene Hobson and Inge Verheul were incredible. Laden with water, coffee, deep heat, a welcome leg rub and cheerful children who egged the group on every step of the way, their support was what truly got some over the finish line.
Grateful thanks also go to Nantie and Lindie Stols whose first aid service along the route was incredible!
A snaking line of blue t-shirts traversed the beautiful route passing 'Rietpoort' and 'Riverdene'.
Grateful thanks must go to Montego Pet Nutrition, Merino Pharmacy, Reinet Studios for their contributions to the goodie bags that were received and which sustained trekkers en-route.
Walking/running 50km in one day is not for the faint of heart! Around 30km legs, toes, knees and hips started to object quite adamantly and started behaving in mysterious ways. It was at this stage that the body's strength became secondary to that of the mind.
At 'Riverdene', the flattish meandering course changed to an extremely steep 6km ascent. To get to the top of this mountain took great courage and mental tenacity - not to mention pushing through the physical pain that bodies were experiencing.
The crest, overlooking the beautiful Nieu-Bethesda valley, brought many a participant to tears! Going downhill towards "Marette se Bankie" proved no less painful, and everyone enjoyed a welcome break, some schnapps and a stretch as they waited for everyone to walk into the village as one.
At the Nieu-Bethesda Sports Club (who generously donated their facilities), delicious wors rolls provided by Klaas Zandberg and Carmon Bakery were enjoyed by all.
This experience was one that had the remarkable effect of bringing people together as they hiked and hobbled towards a common goal.
Stopping to take a photo or tie one's shoelaces, meant leaving behind those you had come into stride with, leaving one walking in meditative solitude for a while, and then being joined by someone new to walk alongside. This walk was a beautiful metaphor for life.
Henry David Thoreau said, "Pursue some path, however narrow and crooked, in which you can walk with love and reverence."This amazing journey epitomised love and reverence. Grateful thanks must be expressed to Sharon Shell and Suzanne Marais who worked with such passion to make it happen.
A dinner of gratitude will take place this week where donated lucky draw prizes will be handed out. Sharon's goal for the next 'Hike Hobble for Hospice' is to get many more people participating in this life-changing journey.
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