WOODRIDGE 10 KAY TRAIL RUN 2011

PETER LOOKS TIRED AFTER A LONG SLIPPERY HILL CLIMB










PETER STRONG HERE -- MUST BE A DOWN HILL!







ANDY LOOKING STRONG AS HE RUSHES PAST



ANDRE REACHES THE TOP OF THE MUDDY HILL.


ANDRE AND PETER FINISH THE 10KAY WOODRIDGE TRAIL RUN IN THE RAIN




COLIN MCALL WITH BACKPACK















WOODRIDGE TRAIL RUNNING ORGANISED BY CHRISTOFF AND KAREN OPPERMAN


Sunday 24TH JULY 2011 morning.
Andre walked over and we left for Woodridge at around 07.30am. It looked like it had been raining in the night. I had packed for a wet run but was not prepared for what was to come. As we approached Woodridge it began to rain in earnest. Then we arrived at the school and the rain became quite serious. We made a dash to the registration room. Made our presence known and dashed back to the car. Not for long as we heard it was time to "line up".



STARTING THE RACE IN THE RAIN


We stood at the start. Just for that short moment the rain fell a little softer. Christoff tried to explain about the slippery areas and the route in general but the only thing that we really heard was the starting gun.



THE START OF THE TRAIL RUN IN THE RAIN -- IT RAINED NON STOP --- START TO FINISH








Off we run. Along the tar for a short while and then the group bunches up. We were pleased to see a good turn out of around 100 runners. This despite the rain. We recognised a group of the MPRG there: Gerald Scheepers after his trip to the UK for John's wedding. Ronel was the one who had forwarded Christoff's email originally. Ronel and her mother had run the race last year and had encouraged the rest of us to be there this morning. We had pre-entered otherwise I am not sure if we would have started.





ELMARIE LOOKS GOOD WHEN SHE SMILES; CLEARLY SHE IS VERY TIRED HERE









MICHELLE ELFICK LOOKING STRONG




Adrienne and Sjani were both unable to run; Adrienne who had just returned from a trip to Canada to visit her family in Vancouver, had a FINA meeting and Sjani was trying to recover from Flu. This morning before leaving, Barbara had scolded me for going to the event as I was still coughing from the cold that I had picked up in Israel.


RONEL, ELMARIE AND MICHELL STILL SMILING AT THE START OF THE RACE



LOOKS LIKE ANDY BOLTON AND BENITA BARTON IN THE BACKGROUND?

Also running with us were the Lady MPRG of: Elmarie, Ronel, Michelle. They looked very strong and chirpy as they headed down in to the forest. That was the last we saw of them. Such a good group. Nice to see friendships like this developing from our little group of runners.



RONEL AND COLIN MOVING UP THE HILL


Also there this morning was Suzanne Gendal and Colin McAll who had driven down together. Andy Bolton and Benita Barton. Trevor Hawkins who I had last seen up in the Addo Mountains. Andre who seems to be at every trail run. Mike Kingston as always looking so fit and strong. Davera Magson; this talented lady takes on any and every challenge that comes her way.



After a short stretch we thought we were at the slippery section. We were wrong. This was a pre-curser of the real slippery section. We passed the main entrance gate and then headed along the fence for a while before moving back into the forest. So far we had been enjoying the run. We saw an arrow down to the right with a sign saying "Slippery Section".


RONEL, PETER AND ANDRE HAVING A STUNNING DAY ON THE TRAIL


TREVOR HAWKINS -- AS IT ANYONE COULD MISS THIS SMILING MAN!

This was really the slippery section as we had to do everything that we could to avoid "bum sliding" to the bottom. It took a long time for us to reach the bottom. Every step was an effort. Chookree joined our little group. I would have thought that this younger man would have wanted to pass us but he seemed content to stay with Andre and myself. Then came the up hill. This was heart thumping stuff. I was concerned that if I died Barbara would be really irritated after she had told me not to go this morning. We had to use the branches and vines to help us climbing and to stop us from slipping backwards.



MICHELLE AND ELMARIE ALWAYS LOOKING GOOD -- IT MUST BE THE TRAINING AND COACHING THAT I GIVE THEM

We worked our way back up and had a short respite before having to go all the way back down hill again. The soil for the first up and down had been black leafy soil that is typical of forest. Now we were running in a clay soil that we just as slippery. Chookree pointed out the view that we could enjoy looking across the valley. I had a quick look but had to concentrate so hard to stop myself from slipping and sliding that all I could think of was my immediate footing.



ELMARIE -- WHAT A GIRL!

I remember commenting to Andre that I felt a deep sense of priveledge to be able to be here this morning; running on trails, in the rain, with good company and really enjoying the morning's adventure. Priveledged that we have the health and ability as well as the resources to be able to do this.


TREVOR TIES A SHOELACE

The second major climb was in a stream. It seems that this may have been a contructed pathway sometime in the past as there was a number of concrete sections and blocks. The water was running strongly down this clay / rocky stream. Most of the sharp downhill and steep uphills we had walked and climbed. Finally we reached the top of the second major hill. Anja joined our little group. As we ran we had to constantly check the pathway. You tend to look at your feet and could easily have missed an arrow indicating a turn off.

We had to cross a field which was saturated with water. Any runner who had been avoiding the puddles would now feel the futility of that exersize. We ran past the labourers cottages and back past the main school entrance. We had been running now for quite a while. I so enjoy running and splashing in the puddles. I know that I am getting sand and soil into my shoes but I have so much fun doing this that I ignore any discomfort. At one time I remember feeling that my toes were begining to get cold as we ran. After all the walking and climbing it was a pleasure to be able to run again.



HAVE YOU EVER SEEN A HAPPIER RONEL?

With around one kay to go we ran the final section and onto the field at the finish. It had rained hard the whole way. At no stage could we even think of drying out. In fact as we would run and grab hold of a sapling to steady ourselves, we would find the rain that had gathered on the tree cascading onto us. But when you are saturated wet you cant really get much wetter.


PETER HAPPY TO HAVE DONE THIS EVENT

Andre, Chokree, Anja and I finished in around 1 Hour 40 minutes. 10 minutes a kay.
Gerald finished a short while later.


GERALD AND CHRISTOFF FINISHING IN THE RAIN.


TREVOR FINISHES

We found the car key and changed lnto dry togs behind the car. Then Andre bought us a coffee and hot chocolate. This was quite welcome. Although it had been raining I was still thirsty and enjoyed the chocolate. We moved into the school Library where Christoff had the Prize Giving. He had a good selection of Lucky Dip Prizes. I was fortunate to win the Klipdrift hamper. I am a loyal customer of theirs and felt good that I was a winner.


PETER HAPPY TO RECEIVE A KLIPDRIFF HAMPER -- FEELS HE IS A LOYAL CUSTOMER AND SHOULD HAVE WON THIS ANYWAY!



CHRISTOFF WENT TO A HUGE AMOUNT OF TROUBLE TO MAKE THIS A SUCCESS -- SPONSORS, PRIZES, ORGANISATION -- ALL TAKES TIME AND WORK. WELL DONE TO HIM AND HIS TEAM.


PETER AND ANDRE -- ANDRE STAYED WITH ME THE WHOLE RACE.

Thanks to Andre for keeping me company. Well done to Christoff, Karen and it seems that Martin and Lynn Molenaar were also part of the organising. Discovery had sponsored the event but Christoff had gone to a lot of trouble to find the lucky dip prizes as well.

We had an easy drive home. I collected Ally from her friend. Took her to buy a Hockey top and then made a roast Chicken lunch. We were all starving by the time lunch was cooked. It rained the whole day and into the evening. Ally and her two friends; Kerry and Gina came to church with me.


COLIN FINISHING

COCKSCOMB JULY 2011

AGIES AGONY

COCKSCOMB JULY 2011

Fred Kohler & Penny
Mike and Barbie Perks and Mandy.

Having just returned from Israel I was not sure if I would be able to climb the Cockscomb with Fred this weekend. I had picked up a cold while in Israel and was still not 100% cured. We arrive from Israel on Thursday 14th at 18.00. I was at work all day on Friday 16th -- trying to catch up. Barbara left for Cape Town on Friday afternoon. Ally stayed over at Lara O. Michael and family were at home.


LOOKING UPWARDS

Friday 15th.
I really did not have much time to do the phoning that I should have done to confirm; Ron and Ben had both said that they were keen to climb but I only contacted them later in the afternoon and by that time both had previous committments. I went home and after talking to Ally and to Michael I decided that I would continue with my plans for the climb. Our hiking kit had been put away and I did not have time to look for all our stuff so I used the first bag that I could find which was Barbara's bag. I could not find the gas cooker nor the Dixies. But I had a sleeping bag, Pillow and my hiking boots and could put together the rest of the stuff.


MANDY ON AGIES AGONY

I dropped Ally off and stopped at the Spar for provisions. Not sure what to take: I am not used to catering for just myself. Met up with Nicky Roote who gave me some advice: take a bit of everything and leave at home what you dont want.


PENNY AND BARBIE FIGHT THEIR WAY UP

I made ready at home; I was sure that I was overcatering for just one person but it still seemed so little stuff. My bag was so light. I packed in additional charcoal. There is no firewood and you have to take your own charcoal. I slept well and was up early to get ready. Michael had a bit of bad luck; I had put some fencing to stop the ducks from sleeping on the stoep. They make a huge mess if they are on the back stoep. He went out in the night to see what was going on when some police came to our neighbours and tripped on the fence and took a nasty fall.


YELLOW FLOWERS MAKE JULY LOOK LIKE SPRING TIME AFTER THE RAINS

I did the final packing and left for Fred at 7am. It was Penny's very first hike ever. we loaded their stuff into my car. Mike, Barbie and Mandy went in his car. Having experienced a flat tyre the last time that we went i decided to drive reasonably slowly. I think that the group may have been a little frustrated. We left from Fred's home at 7.30am and arrived at Hannes Rudman's farm at 9.30. Parked the cars. Paid the R20 each and set off on our hike.


MAUVE FLOWERS -- IT WAS VERY COLOURFUL AND MORE GRASS THAN PREVIOUS HIKE

While we were in Israel there had been really very heavy rains. This after a two year drought. The rains must have come down the valley as we found a marked difference in the trail. The rains had brought debris down and had moved the pathways. The first section of the trail takes the climber through the valley along the stream. We pass the overnight huts, the windmill and then cross the stream twice before coming to the pipes lying on the side. From here it is a short walk to the Big Rock.


LOOKS EASY FROM HERE

Here walk straight up what is known as Aggies Agony. This first section of the hike is tough. Fortunately for us we walked most of it in shade. Mike and Fred went on ahead, got to the top and then came back to help. As I came to the first (False) top I saw a buck run across the track. I climbed on upwards to where the chaps had left their packs. This was our first of many stops. It took all of us 90 minutes to reach this point. We all took a bit of a breather of around 30 minutes each time we stopped.


LOOTS CAVE - TABLE -- A HAVEN AFTER A LONG CLIMB

From here the trail is not as tough; we walked another hour and regrouped again. At this stage we had seen a number of hikers behind us. It turned out that the Voetsek Hiking Club were also climbing and would be sleeping at the mountain club cave. As they caught up with us I recognised Tom Proudlock, Trevor Lloyd and Ruth. Trevor and Ruth had been with us on the Whale Trail with the late Bill Corkhill many years ago. I used to Walk/run with Tom at 6th avenue. Tony was the leader of this group.


ON THE WAY DOWN

The third section was also a toughie with a number of climbs. We again stopped for something to eat and a bit of a recovery. Then pressed on for the final ascent. From below it does not look as tough as it turned out to be. I had forgotten how difficult and tiring the rock climbing up to the fence would be. It is a long trek and requires a lot of stamina and strength. Mike passed me on the way up. He would leave his pack at the gate / fence and go back to give a hand to Barbie.


LOOKING DOWN TO AGIES AGONY

I followed him up and was exhausted when we reached the gate. I offered to guard the packs while he went back to give assistance. But shortly after he left Tony and the front runners of his group came up. I followed them around the rocks to the cave. I am not sure that I would have found the trail if it had not been for them. I off loaded my pack and went back to see if I could be of help. Fred had doubled up as he climbed the rocks and I think that he was glad that I was able to help over the final section. I also gave a hand to Barbie as we rounded the rocky part of the climb.

Finally it was 3pm and we were all settled in our cave. It had taken us around five and a half hours of steady walking; we were tired but had made it. I felt really sorry for the Voetsek Group as they still had at least an hour of hiking.

Mike, Fred and I had brought up three matresses donated by Anthony (who was overseas at the time -- Fred told me he was surfing at some remote Island). These matresses would stay up here for future hikers. We made ourselves comfortable and then the shower brigade started. The shower is just below the cave and is located under a rock and overlooking the valley and mountains on the other side. The icy cold water is so refreshing. A bar of soap and a good clean makes you feel fantastic after a hard climb like this afternoon.


STREAM AT THE BOTTOM

I had not brought a book or any other reading matter. Everyone else was either reading or doing crosswords. Mike said that I looked quite lost. It was too early for the fire so I ended up having an afternoon nap. Later I started the fire, took out my lonesome beer and we sat at Anthony's table for evening snacks provided by Barbie. I am not sure why, but I had even forgotten to bring any pre-dinner snacks.

BAT
Can you believe that we saw a bat in the cave? I dont remember any other time where a bat had been mentioned. We saw no droppings or any sign of this being a bat cave.

As the sun set it became chilly. I was glad that I had brought an extra tracksuite top. The coals were soon ready and we braaied our supper. Barbie had precooked porkers and had this with some Kus Kus. Fred had his porkers with pre cooked rice mix which I know is a really tasty meal. I had some wors with veg and braai rolls. We sat at the candle lit table for supper.

As soon as supper was over I climbed into my sleeping back, put on my Eye Pads and fell asleep. The matresses were worth the effort. You never sleep through the night when camping but overall I had a good sleep. The cave is so cosy and the moon on the rock face across the valley made a perfect setting.

Sunday 17th morning.
I decided to stay in the sleeping bag later than I would normally. I did not have a cooker to make myself coffee and waited for Fred to heat up some water. So there was really nothing for me to do when I was up. So this morning I had a late lie in.

A little later when everyone was up; Fred boiled some water and I had coffee, rusks and oats for breakfast. I was stiff and a little sore but not too bad. Mike and Fred had decided to climb the adjacent mountain. Mandy had made the comment: I can climb the mountain or climb back down to the cars but not both. I agreed with this statement and stayed to "guard the packs".


ROCKY CLIMBS

Mike and Fred left and shortly after that we were ready to set off. I climbed around the rock face up to the gate and left my pack there. I walked back to the cave intending to assist anyone who needed help. I was surprised to see that Mandy was already over the rocky section and on her way. From here I could see that Mike and Fred were already nearing the top of the mountain.


PENNY, MANDY AND BARBIE ON ONE OF OUR MANY RESTS ON THE WAY DOWN; Barbies words: "Peter's Hareem"

As I reached the cave, Barbie was setting off and it was only Penny who needed help around the rocks. We all reached the gate together and set off down the tough rocky section. We climbed slowly but still it is a really tough climb and our legs and limbs were quite shakey by the time we had completed this section of the descent.


GORGE AT THE BOTTOM OF THE CLIMB

We wanted to have done a reasonable amount of walking by the time that Fred and Mike caught us up. But we could already see them coming down the mountain at a rapid rate. We stopped for a rest to recover some strength and then pressed on again. But we were hardly over the next rocky ridge when we heard their voices. They had come fast and had caught us up within an hour of us going through the fence. We had two more stops on the way down. Descending is very tiring on the legs, knees and thighs. We took it slowly and finally found ourselves down at the stream.


REACHED THE STREAM

LOOKING DOWN

As I reached the bottom, Mike had passed me and was preparing to go back up to assist where required. I was exhausted and decided that a swim and a wash in the cold stream would do me good. There is a little pool as you reach the bottom which I used to cool down and to wash all over. Incredibly refreshing. When the rest of the team came down it was time for a quick snack / soup / tea before we left for the final short stretch to the where we had parked the cars. We took a slow drive home.

As Fred says: "Mission Accomplished". It had been a stunning weekend. Perfect weather for hiking. The mountain was looking fantastic after all of the recent rains. Penny says never again but I remember saying that after my first attempt to finish a Comrades.

Thanks Fred for arranging the climb. Thanks to Anthony for the Matresses. They will stand us all in good stead for the future.

JULY 2011

GERALD AND CHRISTOFF FINISHING IN THE RAIN.



TRIP TO ISRAEL FROM 22ND JUNE TO 14TH JULY. SEE SEPARATE POST.
BACK TO PORT ELIZABETH AND HOME.
BARBARA OFF TO CAPE TOWN TO TAKE CARE OF GRANDCHILDREN
NICCI AND STEFAN OFF TO GREECE FOR A WEDDING SHOOT
MICHAEL BACK IN PE AFTER A SHORT STAY IN CAPE TOWN
COCKSCOMB CLIMB
JESSICA AND JOSHUA BACK TO CLARENDON AND DANIEL BACK TO JACQUI ZEELIE'S SCHOOL
ALLY BACK AT COLLEGIATE
HOCKEY AT WOODRIDGE
BARBARA AT CAPETOWN
NICKY AND STEFAN RETURN FROM GREECE
MICHAEL STARTS RADIUM TREATMENT
WOODRIDGE TRAIL RUNNING
JULIA RETURNS FROM HER MOCAMBIQUE TRIP AND MOVES TO A NEW FLAT IN HUMEWOOD.
SUPPER AND BRIDGE WITH CHARLES AND INGRID
ALLY HOCKEY IN BLOEMFONTEIN

We are in Israel for the first two weeks of July. We arrive back in PE on 14th. The next morning I go to work, Barbara goes to Cape Town for the week to help Babysit while Nicky and Stefan are in Greece for a wedding shoot.

Saturday 16
Ally has slept over with her friend Lara O. I have arranged to climb the Cockscomb with Fred Kohler. Michael and his family are staying with us while he is undergoing treatment.



Sunday 17th. I return from the Cockscomb hike and Ally, Gina and Kerry go to church.


HARD AT WORK CROSS WORD PUZZLES IN THE LOOTS CAVE



THE COCKSCOMB CAVE



Monday 18th. Back to work and back to school.

Wednesday this week I am off to Port Alfred with FSAM's and FSM;s for IR training with ROsita Botha. THis evening I have Alpha. I am a leader again for those nights that I am in town.

Thursday 21st. I am lazy to run and have not got out of bed this week. THis afternoon I fly to JHB for meetings and stay in WIllow Park near to the airport.

Friday 22nd: Barbara returns from CT. Nicky and Stefan return from Greece. I fly home from JHB.

Saturday 23rd. Adrienne has sms'd and we have a run planned for this morning. It rained in the night and I felt really snug in bed. As I had felt every morning this week. But I HAD to pick Adrienne up and so ended up at Hobie Beach at 6am for a run. It was slow for me. I had to battle to stay with the group. Andre and I got to talking and he decided that he was keen to do the Woodridge Trail run the following morning. It was great to be on the road again and chatting to the people who I love so much. And the swim after the run. I was expecting a freezing cold surf but was pleasantly surprised to find the water mild. We had a great swim.

Ally had a Collegiate Hockey match at Woodridge. It was a good game for many of the players but Woodridge were "nowhere' and Ally (playing defence) hardly touched the ball and so did not feel good about the game which her team won 6;0.

I had to go to the office after which Michael and I strolled down to Grey where we watched some rugby. Grey played Daniel Pienaar. We watched the 3rds; Seconds and the First team. Grey won all three matches. A bit scrappy with a whole lot of grabbing of jerseys and chest to chest stuff which is a complete waste of energy and time. But boys at this age have to show that they are the toughest. Barbara and Jessica joined me a little later. Aiden Boyd plays for the second team and Heidi had seen me at Appha earlier in the week so I had promised to be there. The Front Ranker for Grey is a huge boy; Jan Enslin who is a real play maker. He is the designated Place Kicker and is fast on his feet and scored a try. It looks like he could go far with SA rugby if he choses to do so. Ally and her friends; Lara and Kerry were there.

Sunday morning.
This morning Andre Muller and I did the 10kay Woodridge trail run in the pouring rain. It was a stunning event that both of us enjoyed.


RONEL, ELMARIE AND MICHELL STILL SMILING AT THE START OF THE RACE



RONEL AND COLIN MOVING UP THE HILL


PETER AND ANDRE -- ANDRE STAYED WITH ME THE WHOLE RACE.

Monday; Running in the morning; Cell Group leaders meeting
Tuesday; Running in the morning
Wednesday; Running in the morning; Aron birthday; Alpha in the evening.
Thursday; Training and meeting in East London; Supper at Charles and Ingrid; they gave us a real treat of Prawns that Ingrid had bought at the harbour; Huge king prawns with a special Portugese braizing sauce. To die for! And some interesting bridge thereafter.
Friday; rained all night. Cold morning. Ally leaves at 05.30am for Bloemfontein. She packs a full bag, hockey bag, snack backpack, Pookey, blankie; she looks well prepared for this trip. I have two days leave and stay in bed a little later than I would normally.


DANIELLE WILSON IN COLLEGIATE FIRST TEAM

We leave for Bloemfontein at around 11am. Cradock. Middelburg, Colesburg and then Bloem. It is a 7 hour drive of over 650kays. Many stop go's and a long way. We arrive in Bloem at around 6pm and book into the B & B that Terry Billson has found us.

Saturday morning we leave after a quick breakfast to find the school -- Oranje -- where Collegiate is playing hockey. Ally is in the U14 A team. It is surprisingly warm in the sun. Yesterday we saw snow on the side of the road and were expecting very cold.


ORANJE WEEKEND


A SHORT CORNER AND COLLEGIATE U14 TRIES TO DEFEND THEIR 3-2 LEAD



Ally's team has to work hard to win with a 3-2 lead. It could have gone either way but our team takes advantage of confusion around the goal and sneak in a few goals.

The rest of the Collegiate teams do not do as well. Peter Wilson sits with us as Danielle is playing in the Collegiate first team. They stay for Grey Rugby which Grey Pe lose 71-21.
We leave after the first team hockey game and arrive at home at 7.30pm.



COLLEGIATE PLAY ORANJE IN BLOEM


ALLY IN COLLEGIATE U14 FIRST TEAM



Sunday morning I am up early for another Woodridge trail run. I drive out with Tommy, Andre and Adrienne.

As we return from our outing Julia is busy loading the trailer to move to Humewood. Tommy helps us and we soon are ready to leave. At her new flat, Julia moves the meagre furniture into the flat. We are fortunate as there are a couple of chaps to help us move the big table.

Later that afternoon Ally (Old Grey Acadamey) has a hockey match against NMMU. Ally plays at her best showing that she really is a capable hockey player given the right circumstances. She defends and attacks with skill and nerve. We join Terry Billson and the group of parents on this chilly Sunday afternoon. Dedicated Parents!