Day 167 - another Lekker day on the Wild Coast Ultra Trail run

Day four on the Wild Coast Ultra Trail run. 33 kms from Mazeppa Bay to Seagulls.

Staggered start today to try and get finishing times closer together. Desmond was the first off, a few minutes later than planned at about ten past six (but the he was out for 15 hrs yesterday and lights out wasn't until about 11pm. I know because I was sharing a room!).

He was then followed by Chris and Charmaine 15 mins later with the rest of us off at 6.40., except racing snakes Ray and Fillippo who went off at 7.10.

Certainly by the 20km ferry crossing this plan seemed to be working as by the time the Magnificent Seven set off after cold Cokes, Stoney's and a general rest, everyone, including Desmond was at the crossing. See photo for view from the ferry stop.

The run itself was nearly all beach. There were a few sections on sandy jeep tracks behind the coastal bush, but it was generally flat and easy going. That is, except for the wind! Although cooling (and it was certainly a cooler day today) it was straight in our faces and nearly knocking us off our legs! Some of the open beach sections were certainly made much tougher and towards the end of the stage we were being sand blasted as the dry, white dune sand got ripped along the beach.

A few river crossings today, mostly wadeable, the ferry seemed a bit more professional, though four in the little rowing boat plus ferryman looked very dodgy, but luckily the water was flat and I wasn't in it!

There was one swim in deep cool water, which was really nice and there were no signs of the electric rays that inhabit the river.

Big plus today though was finishing by lunchtime, ordering ice cool Stoney's ginger beer and eating calamari and chips with a view of the Indian Ocean. Yum!

Another shorter day tomorrow, about 30 kms, so plenty of opportunity to rest before the big run on Saturday to East London.