The church at Pella

The post brunch walk was brutal.

The winter temperatures here in Bushmanland are hotter than Johannesburg in summer and in summer here, it is not unusual to experience temperatures in the high 40's. So very hot and 16km of walking on soft sand back road tracks.

We headed from Klein Pella to Pella over a vast veld of stubby grasses and the odd scrubby plant. Then up and over a couple of passes in the mountain range up here on the border of the Orange River.

Midges buzzed constantly, sand in my shoes worsening the state of my heels. I was too weary, in need of a shower and rest to really take in the strangeness of this beautiful Catholic Church at the centre of life in Pella. It was built in 1895 by Bishop Simon.

Bushmanland walking

We were hosted in a kind and thoughtful way by the two remaining nuns, tea and homemade scones, a table set with all their best things before visiting the church. Some of the children sang, we were asked to make 3 wishes, a service was held which moved some of the group.

I am conflicted, the phrase godforsaken describes this extremely isolated community of 2000 souls but this church is their heart and their lifeblood along with the date palms dotted around the small town. A place run by women, raising children as men find whatever work they can in the greater area.

• Walking log: 17th August

Second leg of the walk, 15km. Slow, as mindful as I could be, encouragement by Fred, my body holding up ok, my feet a constant discomfort though. A little tension in the group as we are all weary and have different needs to get through each day.

Just had my feet carefully lanced and doctored and plastered by Frik ready for tomorrow.

Total kilometres to date: 62 of 301km