December 2016.
This month sees the painful, confusing and tragic loss of my mentor and recently acquired friend, Craig Duffield.
| Craig helped me to make a life for myself in the tourism industry. He introduced me to so much knowledge and so many people. I could call on him at any time to ask questions. He allowed me a freedom to operate in his business as I saw fit. He allowed me to make mistakes and to sink or swim. His passing is a great loss to so many people. But personally I feel a deep sense of confusion. | |
Blessed assurance, Jesus is mine!
Oh, what a foretaste of glory divine!
Heir of salvation, purchase of God,
Born of His Spirit, washed in His blood.
This is my story, this is my song,
Praising my Savior all the day long;
This is my story, this is my song,
Praising my Savior all the day long.
Perfect submission, perfect delight,
Visions of rapture now burst on my sight;
Angels, descending, bring from above
Echoes of mercy, whispers of love.
Perfect submission, all is at rest,
I in my Savior am happy and blest,
Watching and waiting, looking above,
Filled with His goodness, lost in His love.
December 2016
Ally Returns from Australia after a year stooging
Craig remains in Hospital in a critical condition.
Running in the mornings
Busy month of tours including Cape Town.
Watching a couple of Cricket Matches. T20 which the Warriors lose in the final.
Cape Town with Barbara and time with Nicky.
8th December 2016 -- Craig Duffield Dies in Hospital
15th December -- I have to go for a Colonoscopy.
16th December - Dingaans day. Beachfront Christmas run; Supper with Ron and Lyn.
Drive to Cape Town for a Touring Assignment and visiting Nicky for Christmas.
Bethany Farm stay over at Twee Rivier near to Joubertina.
Bains Kloof Hiking Trail.
SA play Sri Lanka at St Georges park. I am busy the whole week so don't get to watch. But we win convincingly.
Cruise Liner tours in PE and EL.
Tours for Tourism that Cares; Mosaic; Ilios and Mark Heck. And a couple of my own tours. Barbara and I apply for PDP and Barbara begins to do transfers for me.
New Years Eve -- Ally at Cape St Francis and we area at the PE Yacht Club.
Philippians 4;7
Be anxious for nothing, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honourable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think on these things.…
Numbers 6;24
The Lord bless you and keep you;
The Lord make His face shine upon you,
And be gracious to you;
The Lord lift up His countenance upon you,
And give you peace
Thursday 1st . Morning run with MPRG through Target Kloof. For me about 8km with Chris; Lindi; Pat and Kelly. We pass the bottom of Target where a motor accident has just taken place. A car rounded the corner too fast and ended up on the other side of the road and down the ditch after ramping the guard rail. Kelly and I must have just missed it.
Thursday 1st is a busy day for me as I have a Lalibela pick up in Mark's bus with Luba. We do a Township and then City Tour with 16 people. Then drop off at the airport where their flight is delayed. Fortunately for us Lizl and Shirley are there to handle the problems.
Friday morning. Ally arrives home after a year in Australia. She started off in Toowoomba but the school was totally unsuitable so she transferred to St Mary's in Perth. Here she had to perform a number of duties with the girls of the school. During the year she visited family in Sydney; holidayed in Bali with a friend and visited Cathy in New Zealand.
Saturday Morning. 10k race from Lorraine. We have a little group from MPRG. I run with Maria (Maria joined the group recently. Her husband is at VW on Contract for a year). This is her first ever race. She does not speak much English and so stays pretty much quite during the run. But afterwards she comments "No Stopping"! This was a huge surprise to her that we ran start to finish with no stops to rest. She tells us how she talks to her friends back home about the group and starting so early and the runs.
Later this morning I fetch three people for an Addo Tour. It is a really hot day at 42 Degrees in Jacks. Dust permeates everything. The place is a desert. Not pleasant at all to do a tour. We see not one antelope. Few Warthogs. BUT huge herds of Elephant.
Sunday. An Addo Tour with Craig's Landrover with 5 people: A much more successful tour as we see Elephant up close to the car, Lion at Domkrag and generally a successful day.
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| Eagles Crag in Shamwari. |
Kolrant
Trek Leader - Karel Pieter Landman (5.3.1976 - 2.4.1875) was forced to leave his farm at Olifantshoek Ward (in the eastern part of the present Alexander District) after he suffered heavy losses in the 6th Frontier war. In October 1837 after a long waiting period for the circumstances to improve, he led a party of 39 families and individuals totalling almost 200 people in the same district, to a trek to Natal where he eventually settled close to the mouth of the Umgeni River near Port Natal.
He was second in command in the battle of Blood River (16.12.1838) and later became the chairman of the Volksraad and Landrost of Pietermaritzburg. After Natalia was annexed by the British, he settled on the farm Uithoek (Near Colenso) where he died and was buried.
When the Organisers of the symbolic trek in 1938 did not manage to include the trek in their planning, two leaders of the Sand Vlakte Ward (present Patterson in the western part of the Alexandria District) decided in September 1938 to seek support for the building of a local monument. Very soon that was done on the Kolrant, The site symbolises Landman because of its prominent and central position in the area from which the group trekked. It was also donated by JA Scheepers whose mother (Landman) was the granddaughter of the Trek Leader's brother Willem Adolf.
The Globe was placed in such a way that it gives prominence to the Wagon and Team of oxen spanning Southern Africa, once again symbolizing the settlement of the Voortrekkers there.
In 2012 ownership of the site was transferred to the Heritage Foundation who manages it in cooperation with the local Vow Committee.
Monday 5th. A Full day addo tour -- Collect at Eagles Crag; Shamwari. We had an excellent tour with great sightings. Particularly we had a "Road Block" of elephant at Ghwarrie.
The Red Location Museum remains closed and this is a bit of a problem as it would be a major attraction for Township Tours
In his Mayoral 100 day report; Trollip has stated that the DA remains committed to opening the Red Location Museum, and have engaged with the community on three separate occasions.
Wednesday -- Run 5k around the park. Dole; Visit Desiree and Nicky; Water; Recycle; Enter Herald Bike events; Supplies; Pick up at the Radisson Blu for a township tour.
Thursday 8th December 2016. A fateful day for me. I visit Dr Paddy Carolin for Barbara and my PDP doctors Certificate. He books me in for a Colonoscopy with Dr Frederiks. Barbara and I go to Greenacres Hospital to confirm the booking. We also take a few minutes to visit Craig who has been in Hospital for about two weeks after collapsing at Addo during a Tour. He had been airlifted to the Hospital and had remained; firstly in terrible pain and then completely sedated and under a respirator with a ruptured pancreas. This had filled his body with poison and finally, at about 13.00 today he passed on. Craig had been such an amazing influence in my life since October 2015 when he gave me my first assignment. He leaves his wife Carryn and Daughter Sarah 12 and Son; Luke 13. It has left me feeling empty, confused and upset. He was so full of life, knowledge and influence in the tourism business of Port Elizabeth. His passing will leave a void in the life of many people.
Dole has reactivated my services and I do some work for them this week.
Later this afternoon I collect Joseph and Pnina Gustadt from Israel at the airport. They are spending two days at Kwandwe near to Grahamstown.
Coffee at Urban after the short tour.
Friday 9th.
Retha Taylor is doing the University Walk at Rethas trail for me this morning. Barbara is taking the Gustadt couple to Kwandwe. Later I meet Marius and his two people for a few hours.
This evening is Cricket with Basil and Peter Mc Ewan. Rained out.
Saturday Morning beach run with Adrienne; Maria; Lindi; Chris and Kelly. About 10k in a misty cool morning. Followed by a swim. Great start to the day. Later I fetch Ally from Plett.
Sunday... Making rusks; Barbara and Ally go to Delene for a Braai. I have a township tour with Peter MacEwan as observer and Sarah from Germany.
Monday. Short 5k run in the morning and then cycle to Recife later. We don't have water due to a burst pipe so I shower at Chris' house. Frustrated with Telkom the way that they are handling my account and listed me as an Adverse Payer due to their incompetence.
Tuesday. Start the morning with a run. This morning there are 31 of us on the run. Chris; Lindi; Elmarie; Pat; Ronel; Angela; John; Rodney; Johan; Lisa; Helen; Joan; Joan; Laura; Lynne; Riana; Kobus; Andy; Stian; Adrienne; Adele; Andrea; Kelly; Ingrid; Liesl; Almarie; Claire; Melissa; Nicky; Maria;
I have an Addo tour in the 22 seater with Pieter as Driver and guests: Leslie (French); Sarah; Julia; Marie; Katherine; Vitali and Kirstin. We have a reasonable day but the highlight is when Leslie; Sarah and Julia come to cricket with Peter and myself. Our team is doing well this season and wins the game to be in the final on Friday this week.
Wednesday -- Run on my own around Grey -- as I thought I was the only part of the slow group running this morning.
This morning -- Nothing to eat and taking medicine. Yuk! Strangely, as soon as I resigned myself to no food, it was not as difficult as I thought it would be to fast for a day. But I become a bit dehydrated. Must drink water regularly.
Thursday.... No chance of running (except to the toilet). 8am at the doctor (Frederiks). I was last with him in Jan 2015. Again as soon as he gives me the pinprick I am under. Have no recollection or memory of anything until I wake up 90 minutes later. And while I may feel a bit groggy, I am quite okay.
It is Craig's Funeral today. We make it just in time. And sit upstairs. The church is full which is an indicator how Craig's life crossed so many pathways and how he impacted on so many people. Many family and friends tributes. Unfortunately not one from the Tourism people. Barbara and I had to leave immediately as I was still to see the doctor. Then off to the Computer Shop to purchase a new computer for Ally. And then DAFF,, Lastly I take the Dole Stuff to the FedEx and do some shopping for supplies. By midday I am starting to feel discomfort in my tummy.
Friday 16th December.
Now remembered as the day of Reconciliation. Previously known as Dingane's Day.
I start the morning with a run at the beach front. Meet up with the group and do a slow 5k run. Then we have our traditional pre-Christmas champagne and cookies on the beach.
After this I have an Addo Tour.
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| Mike leads the group of runners from our traditional starting place of Millers Beach. |
My Addo tour with Anja, a researcher Social Anthropology ; Marcio a Brazilian who looks like a Drug Lord but is actually a Lawyer in Labour Law; Francesca - A flight attendant for Lufthansa, Travel Journalist and Product Promoter and Sylvia who is also an Austrian working in Sociology in Vienna.
Friday 16th December.
Now remembered as the day of Reconciliation. Previously known as Dingane's Day.
A brief history of the Zulu nation begins with Shaka who was born late 1700's and schooled in war tactics. Shaka assumed leadership over the Zulu tribes from around 1817. He introduced unquestionable loyalty and discipline, consolidating the various tribes into one Zulu Nation. The death of his mother Nandi led to thousands of killings as he demanded that people felt the pain that she had felt. Finally Shaka was assassinated in 1828 by Dingaan.
Dingaan ruled for 12 years and was the initiator of the death of Piet Retief who, after leaving farming in Port Elizabeth and Wagon Making in Grahamstown, had trekked to the foot hills of the Drakensberg and met with Dingaan. Dingaan had agreed to their settling in the area but in February of 1838, invited Piet Retief and his men to the Kraal in Gungundlovu where he had set upon the group and killed every one of them. Dingaan had followed this up with attacking many small settlements and killing a further 500 settlers. Piet (Italianer) Uys had left the area of Cape St Francis after negotiating with Dingaan to settle in Natal but after the slaughter of Retief he had attacked the Zulu forces only to be overwhelmed. Two of his men, the Malan brothers, were surrounded and when Piet Uys tried to rescue them he was fatally wounded. Piet's son Dirk Uys (15) was also killed as he joined the rescue attempt.
This was followed by Andries Pretorius and Karel Landman (See Karel Landman Monument near to Alexandria) who, between 27th November and 16th December 1838 set up successive laagers (Circle of wagons) until on 15th December he realised that the Zulu Impi attack was imminent. His laager was set up with the Ncome River on one side, A hippo Wallow on another and below there were open plains with clear sight of any possible attacks. The following morning the Voortrekkers began to fire upon the Zulu who were unprotected. On this day an estimated force of over 10 000 Zulu were defeated by a force of about 470 trekkers. 3000 Zulu died causing the river to turn red and hence the name "Battle of Blood River".
Dingaan was defeated at his kraal of Gungundlovu in Ulundi. Following his defeat, his half Brother, Mpande, ruled for the next 30 years. He was succeeded by Cetswayo who was instrumental in the defeat of the British (Chelmsford) in the battle of Insandlwana in 1879 where 1700 British Soldiers were killed.
It was shortly after this when 5000 Impi attempted to attack the stores at Rourkes Drift. The men and women of Rourke's Drift managed to fend off the attackers and 12 Victoria Crosses were awarded including storeman; James Dalton who is buried in the Russell Road Cemetery in Port Elizabeth.
Saturday 17th.
Morning run with Andrea; Adrienne; Maria; Lindi and Inga; Chris; Elmarie and Pat. Then I was supposed to have a morning pick up but the pax missed their flight so Barbara and I fetch Ally from Cape St Francis where she had spent the night with Laura. Then I met the 9 people at the airport -- We left at 6pm for Pumba and arrived in the fading light. I then had a long drive back home amid some idiots who were in such a rush, overtaking on a blind rise and single headlights. Not a fun drive. Finally home by 10pm.
Sunday 19th. Ally and I shop for a phone for her. This is a basic phone that allows her to communicate but does not have the capabilities of the Samsung nor the I phone that she was hoping to buy. Afternoon Meeting with Carryn about past business. Evening Church duty.
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| PUMBA LODGE PICK UP -- OFF THE ROAD TO ALICEDALE. |
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| TWEE RIVIER NEAR TO JOUBERTINA OFF THE R62: BETHANY FARM COTTAGE. TWO COMFORTABLE ROOMS. BATH. LARGE KITCHEN AND LOUNGE. NO INTERNET; NO TV; ELECTRICITY OFF AT 8PM THEN USE SOLAR LIGHTING. VERY RUSTIC BUT QUITE ADEQUATE FOR A SHORT BREAK AWAY. |
The first European to discover the Langkloof was Izaak Schriever in 1689.
The Uys family of Koos Bybel Uys who moved from the Overberg and onwards to Swellendam across the Breede River. Here he settled but after a while became dissatisfied with the pressures of British Rule so he upped and left 4 of his sons in the area and trekked eastwards. He could not cross the gorges of the Groot, Bobbejaans, Storms and Blaukraans rivers so he would have had to cross over into the Langkloof and surely would have stopped in Twee Rivier before continuing on to Brakfontein Farm near to the Kromme River where he settled for the third time. With him was his son Piet Italianer Uys who was later killed in a battle with the Zulu Impis in 1837 / 1838 together with his 15 year old son, Dirk and the Malan brothers in what became known as the Flug Kommando. The rest of his troops had fled for their lives.
Twee Rivier is situated 4km East of Joubertina and seems to have survived building progress as the cottages appear to be of the original construction and methods.
Presently this is the home of the Heritage and Conservation college. A post Graduate college offering research and study opportunity to 12 students. The Belfry is the coffee shop with History and artefacts as its drawcard.
The owner of our overnight B & B is Jakes. He settled in this area about 14 years ago after leaving the city life of Cape Town. He bought this property of about 2 hectares and tells us he had two really tough years to start off. However he prevailed and now has a further 7 hectares and conducts what appears to be subsistence farming. He started the self catering unit this year and operates through various websites. The cottage is simple with solar lighting in the night and 220volt electricity operating until 8pm. The accommodation was clean and comfortable. It is rustic living and secluded. On first look we thought we were in the wrong place as it appeared dilapidated. But our night was comfortable and we slept well having had a wholesome dinner at the local pub and grub on the R62.
Tuesday 20th.
Barbara and I drive to Cape Town from Twee Rivier. Leaving at 6am we take the Langkloof R62. Slower than the N2 but an interesting drive. Stop at Oudtshoorn for breakfast and then straight through to Riebeek Kasteel.
From here I drive to the Airport where I meet Adrian. We meet the 53 French touring group and take them to Somerset West where they stay at the NH Lord Nelson Hotel.
Wednesday 21st. I am in one bus with 25 of the group. We go to the Waterfront where we take a helicopter ride around the Peninsular. Later we take the Cable Car up Table Mountain. Very misty on top. Cold too. So nothing to see. I hide away in the restaurant to warm up and get a bite to eat.
After Table Mountain some go to the Jewish Museum, some to the Waterfront and others to Camps Bay. We collect one after another and finally drop off at about 6pm. I still have to drive 100k to Riebeek.
Thursday morning. Late start and we all go to Bettys Bay. Here we see the Penguin Sanctuary. I was not aware that Comorants are also an endangered bird. Back to the hotel for a lunch and then on to the Waterfront where I am again able to go up on the Helicopter -- Simply amazing and a must for all tourists to this city. Gives you a great perspective and understanding of the layout. And for cyclists and Runners you are able to see the route that you have run and cycled so many times.
Later we struggle to get the group onto the bus and so only leave the Waterfront at about 7pm and I am home by about 10pm.
Friday. Barbara; Ally and I drive to Somerset West. We meet the group. I go in the bus with them to the airport where we say our goodbyes. Then Barbara, Ally and I do some shopping at the Canal Walk.
Later this afternoon we relax at home with Nicky and her family.
O come all ye faithful
Joyful and triumphant
O come ye o come ye
To Bethlehem
Come and behold Him
Born the King of angels
O come let us adore Him
O come let us adore Him
O come let us adore Him
Christ the Lord
Sing choirs of angels
Sing in exultation
Sing all ye citizens
Of heaven above
Glory to God
All glory in the highest
Oh sing hallelujah
Come let us adore Him
Oh sing hallelujah
Come let us adore Him
Yes Lord, we greet Thee
Born this happy morning
Jesus to Thee be all
Glory given
Word of the Father
Now in flesh appearing
Boulder hopping
Crossing the river
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| Group walking the trail at Bains Kloof |
Saturday 24th.
We all go hiking in the Bains Kloof Mountain Pass. This is a first for Barbara, Ally and Myself. Barbara's knee gives her trouble so we turn back after about an hour. The others continue to the Waterfall. Alltogether they had hiked about 7 hours. They report that the waterfall was simply breathtaking.
Later we have supper with Nicky, Werner. Mia, Zara, Aaron, Chris, Estelle, Chris and John. A lovely evening in Riebeek Kasteel.
This evening is a great Christmas Eve -- Family style. John makes the Chicken; Werner makes the Nachos with Cheese coating; the salads and sauces; Ally makes the Pumpkin Fritters; Ally makes the Choc Brownies.
A great way to have supper with everyone at the table.
Then Ally plays Mother Christmas. A lot of fun and happiness. Too much to eat and drink. We receive messages from across the globe as to how it is going with family -- New Zealand; Ireland and Israel. And Canada.
Sunday Morning 25th. A relaxed breakfast -- Some had leftovers and others a breakfast; Werner has a Gig so they are all off to this fancy restaurant. Barbara; Ally and I leave at about 8.30am. Three stops: Worcester; Heidelberg and Storms River. Roads are relatively quiet. We arrive home by 5pm.
Monday morning. I love routine. Adrienne picks me up. We run an 8km from Hobie Beach to Admiralty and back down 2nd Ave. With Chris; Elmarie; Lindi; Adrienne; Stefany. Then a swim which I eventually reluctantly leave.
Spend the morning trying to sort out tours and activities for the next few weeks. It is just such a busy time.
This afternoon I have a short Township Tour with Busisiwe and child who are from Betlehem; Free State.
Tuesday morning -- Beach front Run.
Afternoon -- Barbara does a shuttle of Christina and Andi, who are on a cruise liner, to Addo and back.
I do a City Walking Tour with a group from the same cruise liner and then, later, with Mark Heck and his vehicle, drive to East London where I stay overnight and on Wednesday morning meet the ship to take a group for a Canoeing adventure tour. Then back home Wednesday evening
I forget my Tog Bag so have no phone. But I am able to do some Canoeing with my group. I get a lift back with the Blunden Driver, Siya.
Thursday. I have an Addo Tour with Eric and Yvonne from the Nautica.
Friday -- Natalia Venter (Spanish Guide) takes a group from Colombia and France to Addo for me.
Saturday 31st December. The last day of 2016.
I start the morning with a Transfer from Kariega to the Airport with V Rensburg Bus company. Driver is Zukisi. I meet him at St Georges Cricket ground where Bojangles give us the packed meals for the guests. I forget my microphone and so we go back to fetch it. We are in plenty of time but about 30kays out we have a blowout. We phone the depot and they send a team to repair the tyre.
We had left about 7.00am and were ready to go again by about 9.30. We collected our people and got them to the airport in plenty of time.
Zukisi and I had some great chats about our family and values. He is a solid man who was a good companion on the road.
As soon as we get back, Barbara and I take Ally to Cape St Francis where she stays over with Lara Odendaal. They go to a party at Billy's Beach.
Barbara and I stop over at Matthew and Delene for a coffee. And later at the Yacht Club where we have a Bring and Braai supper. Great chatting and sharing stories with friends. But by 9pm we are all tired and that is the end of 2016 for us.
Family activities in other parts of the world
Cathy visits this house for a Christmas Carols.
Let the king of my heart
Be the mountain where I run
The fountain I drink from
He is my song
Let the king of my heart
Be the shadow where I hide
The ransom for my life
He is my song
You are good, good, ô ô
Let the king of my heart
Be the wind inside my sails
The anchor in the waves
He is my song
Let the king of my heart
Be the fire inside my veins
The echo of my days
He is my song
You are good, good, ô ô
You're never gonna let
Never gonna let me down
When the night
Is holding on to me
God is holding on
Cath; Saul and Blake -- living a good life in NZ.
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