Dina and Dirk invited me to spend Christmas in Maarmanshoek.

‘It will be a quiet affair as all kids have fled the burrows and spend the holidays with family in-laws. Your bed is already made in the familiar bungalow where you always stay.’ Dina said.

Fantastic, just the kind of Christmas I was looking forward to.

I arrived with a large metal mixing-bowl placed on Zimba’s passenger seat. A rather slobbery ciabatta dough had fermented since my departure and reached perfect maturity. 100 percent hydration means one liter of water to mix with one kilogram of flour. The best presents are handmade.

And so we did.

All sorts of breads and flavors were shaped and baked in Dina’s alu-foil oven. It works surprisingly well.

The bread complemented grilled meats and healthy salads perfectly as a few Gins incorporated a festive chatty atmosphere in a small circle. ‘Times have changed’ as all children had grown to raise their own families, the pair agreed.

The weather forecast was perfect once more after heavy rains had eased and was replaced with sunshine once more. This can only mean one thing. Adventure and exploring. Right on top of the mountain. It was Zimba’s first adventure and it’s our last adventure on this tour. It’s important to close the circle and tie off loose ends if you have the option.

What comes around, goes around in my world.

And we did as the cattle shared the exit gates.

With me are all my toys of course. I feel like the lonesome cowboy riding on this ridge.

Just like Lucky Luke, exploring the higher altitude and the elevated meadows.

This was yet another opportunity to take Rick to the skies and have him follow us in viewpoint. It still isn’t easy to concentrate on both tasks, flying and driving.

It is a multi-level challenge on multitasking levels. I wouldn’t want it any other way.

But what a scenic opportunity not to be missed. It felt like opening the gate to another world.

Endless views over valleys near and far as the sunny rays penetrated cumulus clouds, creating a bizarre visual effect.

The feeling of freedom and tranquility is simply outstanding as the serenity was pure bliss.

Our sun appeared and disappeared behind those fascinating clouds and casted surreal rays over the valley.

A perfect scenario for you know who. It still fascinates me how this flying saucer captivates my mood from above.

Over and over he cruised by in various heights to capture a different view and a different angle. Time after time.

This time I stayed and camped on top of the mountain.

Even though in the height of summer, a chilly breeze over the high plateau chilled us to the bone.

Clear skies set a perfect Christmas under the roof. The temperature drop over nighttime isn’t as severe as it was 6 months ago but still cold enough to chill. And so we did with a hot cuppa tea.

I believe I heard some jingle bells through low lying misty clouds.

Zimba’s body dripped like a tap the next morning as the tent cover released its moisture.

Low clouds were creeping over the plateau floor like ghosts in a castle. I felt an eerie touch of coldness inhaling the elevated air.

Flying through the fog appeared like gliding in a mystical world.

Only until the sun burnt its presence over the valley. What a view.

Glaring at the world below always brings a feeling of importance.

As if nothing else matters. There is no one else anywhere near and that’s not nearly enough.

Dam you look good.

Those black and white stripes reflect perfectly on the clear surface reflections. A perfect place for a perfect picture I might add.

I couldn’t resist to visit the large dam on the property. Calm sunny weather conditions always attract my selective and reflective personality.

‘Hi Ben!’ Dina and the dogs passed me on an early morning walkies.

What stunning surroundings.

What a perfect playground.

What an ideal spot for a cuppa. How lucky am I?

Dina and Dirk have always welcomed me with open arms and treated me as part of their family.

Without Dina and Dirk, I wouldn’t have been able to buy and register Zimba.

Without them, I wouldn’t have met Pieter and the Adendorffs.

So, without them, my adventures in Africa would have turned out completely different. Most likely not better.

But I did.

Thank you.