Rocky's Ride Detailed Travel Log Day 18: 20/08/24 Bethanie B&B - Seeheim hotel 104 Km A fresh early start once. Well rested and ready to ride, I greeted the sunrise with a vocal: “Good morning Namibia”. I was on my first real stretch of tar for the entire trip. I did the 104 km in record time. I bumped into a tight-knit trio of adventure cyclists —Adrien, Viktor and Lucien —originally from Switzerland, who were riding the renowned Cape to Cairo route. After covering roughly 12,000 km in 10 months, I was eager to hear their stories. To my surprise, they had encountered virtually no major issues, despite the challenges of the route. Having read books and blogs about the journey, I specifically asked about the notorious stone-throwing children in Ethiopia. They reassured me that most kids were simply trying to get attention, and as long as you waved hello, there wasn’t much trouble. However, they did face a significant challenge between the Kenyan and Ethiopian border. Hordes of children, numbering in the hundreds, swarmed them while they were still on their bikes, stripping their camping equipment clean off their bikes. Despite this unfortunate incident, it didn’t dampen their spirits or enthusiasm for the journey. Naturally, I was curious about the gear they used. Ortlieb panniers were their bags of choice, as with many seasoned tourers. Though pricey in South Africa, they remain the gold standard for long-distance adventures, built to handle the rigours of the road. Alte Kalkofen was my original target for the day, but with the tar in perfect condition, and having such a good time, I couldn’t pass up the chance to push further. However, I did make a stop to enjoy a much-needed break, treating myself to a toastie and some delicious apple pie. From the patio of the restaurant I could watch springbok at the water hole . Luckily Rocky didn't notice them so I could eat in peace. Karl the proprietor explained that the name "Alte Kalkofen" means "Old Lime Kiln" in German, reflecting the site's history as a lime production area. The remains of old lime kilns can still be seen around the property, adding to its historical value. Lime kilns were used to extract lime from limestone, which was essential for cement production and the rapidly developing town of Luderitz. Once we hit Fish River Bridge, I paused to congratulate Rocky on his first century ride and our first 100km in one go for the trip. Built in 1911 during the German colonial era, the Seeheim Hotel was originally constructed to serve as a stopover for travellers and railway workers during the development of the railway line connecting Lüderitz to Keetmanshoop. The hotel has witnessed the rise and decline of the settlement of Seeheim, once a bustling stop for passengers and freight. My room was dated but served my needs. I ended up spending two nights here as my body desperately required another rest day. Rocky's Ride Detailed Travel Log Day 19: 21/08/24 Seeheim Hotel - Rest Day Rocky made the executive decision that we needed a rest day, and who was I to argue? Over breakfast, I chatted with Theuns and Charlie, who were temporarily managing the hotel. Both from South Africa, they were friends of the late owner, stepping in to help while the estate was being finalised. The Seeheim Hotel still holds much of its original charm, with its rustic, colonial-style architecture reflecting the history of the area. Its stone walls and desert surroundings evoke a sense of nostalgia, transporting visitors back in time. Mounted trophy heads gaze down from the walls, adding to the timeless atmosphere. Though Seeheim’s days as a railway junction have passed, its proximity to the historical Lüderitz-Keetmanshoop railway line adds a layer of significance. While passenger trains no longer stop here, the remnants of the old railway infrastructure stand as a testament to the region’s isolation and historic allure.