Rocky's Ride Detailed Travel Log Day 17: 19/08/24 Goias camp - Bethanie B&B 71.54 It was another chilly morning start. Rocky was shaking uncontrollably, despite being snug in his bomber jacket, wrapped in my towel, and sitting in the tipped-over trailer box to shield him from the wind while I packed up the tent and gear. Breaking camp still took me close to an hour each time. Once on the road, the gravel was sublime, allowing me to clock some of my fastest kilometres of the trip so far. What a fantastic ride it turned out to be! The gravel felt as smooth as a tennis court compared to the rough terrain I’d been navigating recently. Even Rocky seemed to appreciate the faster speed, keeping his head low and ears back as we both tried to make ourselves more aerodynamic. It was a classic cycling trick to reduce drag, and we were in sync, embracing the thrill of the ride together. The rails of his pet carrier acted like tri-bars, and with the smooth road beneath us, he would occasionally rest his head on my forearm as we made excellent progress. I If sitting were an Olympic sport, Rocky would bring home the gold! He truly embraced the cycling life, lounging comfortably as he took in the scenery all day. On easier days like this, I found myself taking fewer rest stops, and I’d occasionally catch sight of Rocky’s head drooping, signalling his need for a nap. Bethanie, established in 1876 by German missionaries, serves as a significant historical landmark in Namibia. Originally named "Bethanien," the village was created as a mission station for the Nama people, reflecting the broader missionary movement aimed at spreading Christianity and providing education. During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Bethanie became a focal point for German colonial efforts, showcasing the influence of German culture in southern Namibia. As I rolled into town, I indulged in some comfort food, carbo-loading on pies and sausage rolls at the small supermarket before checking into the Betanie B&B along the main road. It was here that I had my first encounter with a beggar since entering Namibia. As I rolled into town, I indulged in some comfort food, carbo-loading on pies and sausage rolls at the small supermarket before checking into the Betanie B&B along the main road. It was here that I had my first encounter with a beggar since entering Namibia. While I have empathy for those less fortunate, I also find myself frustrated by the constant begging at traffic lights back in South Africa. I try to acknowledge each person and treat them with respect, and to be brutally honest with myself, not always successfully, but this particular encounter gave me pause for reflection. In a twist of fate, I found myself forced to beg for water on a daily basis while in Namibia and this experience weighed heavily on my mind for many miles and several days. I contemplated the philosophical implications of our societal structures and the thin line that separates us from those in desperate situations. As Nelson Mandela once said, “... the first thing is to be honest with yourself. You can never have an impact on society if you have not changed yourself." This sentiment resonated deeply with me as I pondered what I would do if the roles were reversed. I even shared these musings with friends back home, delving into the complexities of empathy, the instinct to help, and the uncomfortable reality of our shared humanity. It’s a humbling reminder that, at any moment, circumstances can shift, and we might find ourselves in a similar position, grappling with the very same questions. Once I checked in, I went through my usual routine of washing my cycling kit in the basin and rinsing it while I I showered. Afterward, I needed to find a local workshop to fix my trailer spare hitch….. Again! Raymond's workshop did a great job, tapping a new thread to secure the locking pin and welding the cup attachment back in position.