‘Let’s go fishing’ Pieter said.

‘There’s a place where we can camp and fish all day. Braai, Brannewein, and Coke will be available, after morning coffee.

Wouldn’t that be an excellent ending for this rollercoaster year and a great start to the next?’

Yes, it would.

I remember my Opa going carp-fishing in a dam near Windhoek, back in the day. He always used a sweet smelly dough to lure the biggest carp onto his line. One day, we even had two fish swimming in our swimming pool. Not to the amusement of my mother.

Some years later, we used to practice similar fishing techniques in and around Hamburgs River Elbe in our teenage years. Crazy amounts of kilometers were covered on bikes between two fanatic fishermen.

Nowadays, I mostly chase the big ones from my Kayak.

Ruhan was excited and included me in his special carp-catching secret techniques. ‘Distinctive flavors in bright shining colours would send the fish into a trance and leave it with no other option than to jump on the hook’ he reckons.

‘I love fishing’ he added. ‘There is always a big competition between the three of us.’

Even Pieter had his special rods and reels ready to go weeks before we left. One reel was an Australian Alvey fishing reel. ‘These are the best and hardiest reels you can imagine. The reel fits perfectly on my newly stringed carp-rod.’ Pieter’s euphoria sounded. Let’s do it.

We were up before sunrise on another fresh but amazing morning. Early morning low clouds pushed through the valley of Ingogo. The gates opened just after sunrise and we were on our way.

Reghardt would join us at ‘Rondevlei’ with his newlywedded wife Jessica for three nights camping, fishing and fun. They traverse their journey from Bloemfontein at their own leisure. Once behind the wheel, leisure is overtaken by frenzy, I’ve been told.

I was behind the wheel as Zimba and I carried a passenger. Ruhan is making sure that we don’t get lost on our journey. More importantly, I won’t get bored. We were following Pieter and Mariette as they zoomed out of sight quickly.

The foggy pastures past ‘Spitskop Mountain’ were too mesmerizing to leave unphotographed. We are not Russian after all.

Our travels went smoothly as we stopped regularly to recharge.

Reghard and Jessica had already set up camp as the fishing rods were already baited and cast.

Ruhan eagerly watched the action on Reghardt’s lines as he patiently helped to set up Camp Pieter.

Only one thing on his mind; Carp.

While the three of them sat by the water’s edge and glared at the policemen in action, or not, Mariette and her daughter-in-law Jessica shared the latest news.

Mariette is about to become a grandmother. Exciting news for the newly weds and family.

I had other ideas, of course.

My eyes were set on the tranquil setting of this slow-flowing river, which could easily be mistaken for a lake.

Countless water birds call this slow-flowing river a lifeline.

A large waterbody like this needs exploring. You never know what you may find.

I found some dead baitfish and freshwater cockles. Local bait is always the best bait.

The atmosphere among the three boys was competitive to friendly fire.

All had caught their carp meanwhile, but the lines could zip off at any time again.

Should I stay or should I go now? It was after 4 pm already and clearly time for Brannewein and Coke.

This is the life. I settled for a less active area, right next to my camp.

Left at the waters edge.

Gee, I love this setup.

The last light had already faded when I caught my first and only fish. And the biggest.

Barba is the nickname for the numerous catfish species here in Africa. This one took a freshwater mussel rather gently.

It wasn’t long until Pieter caught a barba on the dead baitfish I gave him earlier. This one was bigger again.

Ruhan topped the effort later on the other baitfish.

The biggest barba was caught by Reghard the following day. The spoils were evenly distributed.

By then, I had more interest in exploring these vast tranquil waters.

Calm early mornings were a perfect time for a cuppa coffee by the Mirror Lake.

Osmo was out on ‘Timelapse’ duty whilst Rick explored the aerial space.

Increasing weather patterns resulted in remarkable reflections.

The ricocheting colours of the sky were simply breathtaking. A broadened fiery sky mirrored in double vision.

Just wow. A natural firework to welcome the new year. What a fabulous end to this exciting year.

Compliments to the chefs for another South African delicacy.

We had a few good laughs sipping on our Brannewein in a familiar atmosphere every night. No-one needed to be or go anywhere. Just what the doctor ordered.

No one stayed up until midnight.

I was the last one sitting at the water’s edge wondering what the new year brings.

Happy New Year to all.