Rocky's Ride Detailed Travel Log Day 20: 22/08/24 Seeheim Hotel - Canyon Road House 118.7 km A beautiful start to the day as the moon set behind me and the first slivers of gold and red stretched across the horizon, gradually growing into a breathtaking sunrise. I savoured the last few kilometres of tar, clocking an impressive 118 km today in record time. The tailwind and smooth gravel road provided excellent cycling conditions. My pit-stops were perfectly spaced, with the first about 30 km in at Naute Kristall Cellar and Distillery near the Naute Dam. This distillery is renowned for its high-quality spirits and fruit-based products, utilising the semi-arid climate to cultivate fruits like prickly pears, dates, and pomegranates. Just before reaching the distillery, I had to cross a weer with flowing water—the first encounter with water and greenery on the trip. I had been warned that the slippery cement crossing had caused many motorcyclists to fall, so I took it incredibly slow. A troop of baboons waited on the opposite side, and to prevent Rocky from attempting any Superman moves, I held his leash tightly in one hand while gripping the bike with the other, all while trying to record the crossing and the baboons. Thankfully, it was a successful mission! The Naute Dam is one of the country’s largest reservoirs. It was built on the Löwen River in the 1970s primarily to supply water for irrigation and domestic use. The dam plays a vital role in transforming the surrounding semi-arid landscape into fertile land, supporting large-scale fruit farming in the region. The dam’s vast waters also create a striking contrast to the desert surroundings, making it a unique and scenic landmark in Namibia I declined the gin tasting and instead enjoyed multiple cups of coffee and two toasties before heading on my way. Next up was the quirky Canyon Farm, 67 km from Seeheim—a charming farm full of character. Vintage tractors, an old windmill, and quirky signs scattered around gave the place a unique vibe. It’s a peaceful spot offering camping, accommodation, and a café where I refuelled before continuing the ride. I stocked up on 1 kg of delicious drywors—strictly for Rocky, of course! I also met some incredibly friendly travellers who generously paid for my meal and drinks. They were smitten with Rocky and his affectionate nature, making the stop even more memorable. Our next stretch had minimal fencing, and we encountered several ostriches crossing the road—no idea why! I made sure to keep Rocky's leash short to prevent him from chasing after them. A kick from an ostrich wouldn’t end well for him, Canyon Roadhouse, a true oasis of vintage charm, is just a short drive from the epic Fish River Canyon. Situated about 20 km from the canyon, it offers a unique blend of vintage automotive nostalgia, rustic desert ambiance, and comfortable accommodations, making it a favourite stop for travellers exploring southern Namibia. I wasn’t in the mood to set up our tent, so I managed to negotiate a cheaper rate for a room. I jokingly told Rocky, “People will think we’re getting soft with all this luxury.” With its cosy rooms, inviting swimming pool, and ideal location for canyon adventures, Canyon Roadhouse is the kind of place that tempts you to stay a little longer. I had dinner with a French cyclist, Jerome, who was spending a month touring and exploring on his bike. We enjoyed our meal together, talking about his plans to explore the Fish River Canyon, a major tourist attraction in Namibia. It was great to share the evening with a fellow cyclist, exchanging stories and experiences on the road.