How does the Outreach get out there?

How does the Outreach get out there?

Gerhard is our front man. That you already know. Klipbokkop Mountain Resort near Worcester is the base where he and his wife Elmarie plan everything. Most people also know that. What al lot of people don’t realize is that Klipbokkop is the backbone of the Outreach.

In association with Toyota South Africa and all our other generous sponsors, the planning and preparation start there. Gerhard and the Goodyear 4x4 Academy has refined 4x4 driving to an art. The approach is not to bundu bash and see how high, far and fast you can burn your beast, it is to be able to drive responsibly to get to places you need to get to for a reason, without leaving bleeding gaps in mother earth. Gerhard, Elmarie and all their people at Klipbokkop are nature lovers and offer a service to help and support conservation and the environment.

Gerhard’s outreach has started long ago. Over the years he worked hard to qualify himself to understand the bush, how to get in and out and with the aim of helping to make life and the earth a better place for all.

To really explain it I want to introduce you to Hendrik Melk. It sounds like a character from some literary novel, but this character is real. Originally from Kimberley, he ended up in Worcester by chance, but liked the place so much, he stayed. His paths crossed Gerhard’s and Gerhard saw someone that he liked.

At that stage Hendrik only had a learner’s licence, but today he is a 4x4 instructor at Klipbokkop. He is also in charge of the maintenance team. More importantly, he is the backbone of the Outreach when it comes to making things happen. He knows where everything is and he knows how to make everything work. He is really a watchdog, and that’s why I like him so much. He’s a lot like me.

When one of the trailer’s wheels gave a jiggle, who was there first? Hendrik. When someone got stuck in a river bed, who got him out? Hendrik. Who is always laughing and enjoying the Outreach the most? Hendrik.

But the reason I like him the most, is because, although he never stands still, he always has time for me. He makes sure I get the best bones before the hyenas get it.

Today we travelled a quick 550 kilometres to Masvingo where we also camped the first night. It’s like home from home being back here. Time has gone so quick, but somehow it feels like months ago since we’ve been here.

Actually I’m really a worried dog right now. I’ve realized that there are only a few days of the Outreach left. How on earth am I going to say goodbye to all these great people when the trip ends?

This is Buddy barking off, wondering if anybody’s got a suggestion for a good therapist?

Download GPS Tracks for today: Google Earth Format & GPX Format