Photograph: Farmlands between Zoar and Ladismith

Midday struck not far beyond Zoar. I pressed on, looking for the ideal tree to rest under but that was like looking for ice in the Sahara. However, within minutes an animal instinct kicked in that I should immediately dive for the nearest shade, whatever that would be, and not emerge until it became significantly cooler.

I dived towards under a low bush, crawled under its branches and put my helmet in the pillow position.

When I awoke from a deep, dream-filled sleep I was totally confused. I saw a curtain of leaves and branches all around me and through it I saw the light blue shape of Towerkop. I was awake but it seemed as if I was still dreaming.

I was most comfortable under my bush. My back fitted perfectly into the sandy soil. I was happy to stay there a lot longer and I did so, drifting between sleeping and waking.

Further on I had two choices of how to get to Ladismith: twelve kilometres along the main road, or fifteen kilometres along a scenic drive.

I was feeling lazy and I pressed on in the direction of the twelve-kilometre option. But after about a kilometre or two I heard Aunty Connie’s voice telling me the importance of “going the extra mile”.

I turned back and took the fifteen-kilometre road, past several vineyards and eventually close to the base of Towerkop. A group of people I presumed to be farm labourers greeted me as I passed them. Their dog wasn’t that friendly. It darted towards me with a growl but was stopped in its tracks with a reprimand from its master.

COMMENT: What do you think of Aunty Connie’s message about “going the extra mile”?