Sunday, April 30, 2017

Two Oceans Half Marathon 2017 Touring of the Garden Route; Safari in Port Elizabeth; Guided tours of Cape Town. Addo Safari.

Peter Giddy Guided Tours.
I specialise in the following where I provide personal service and transport.

Garden Route Tours;;  Addo Safari;  Guided Tours of Cape Town.  Port Elizabeth Guided Tours.
Transfers; City and Township Tours; Hikes and Canoeing; Ocean Safari; Kragga Kamma Wildlife Reserve; Elephant Back and encounters; Plettenbergbay; Knysna; Oudtshoorn;


TWO OCEANS HALF MARATHON 2017

Thursday morning 13th April --Leave PE at 7.30am.  Drive through the day and stop off at Stellenbosch to fetch some of Ally's Stuff. Then to CTICC to register for Oceans.  Then to Nicky's house in Durbanville.  Then drop Ally off at a friend for the night.  Finally back to Nicky's house for a well earned sleep.

Friday.  I am so glad that I have completed registration.  We spend a lazy morning at Nicky's house. Then drive to fetch Ally from her friend Claudia, who she met in Toowoomba.
We spend the next two hours at the Cape Town airport waiting for Nicky and Werner who are on a flight home from Israel.
Back at their home I pack up and leave for Patrick's house.  They have a delicious supper of Beetroot Soup and Pizza.  I am in bed early and ready for the run in the morning.
 Start of Oceans 21k this year.
I am not far from the start banner

 Ronel, Chris and Elmarie in Cape Town for the Two Oceans Marathon
 Start of the 56km about to happen
 Elmarie had a good run at about 6.30
Ronel did great for her 56.  She just pipped (by 30 seconds) Kobus and Andy with a 6.43 ultra.

Two Oceans half marathon 2017
Saturday 15th April.
I have stayed over at Patrick and Marianne.  Sleeping in St John's Room.
Up with my alarm clock at 4.20, wash and get myself read.
At 5am I start walking to the start of the event.  I soon get caught up in the crowds and so don't have to worry if I am on the right route.  I have brought a Tog Bag so find the DHL tog bag trucks.  Leave my bag and walk to the start.  Patrick had said he would see me at the finish but I thought it best to take a change in case there is a problem.  Walking back to his house in cold wet clothing is not fun.

I find Seeding C and let myself in.  It is already crowded. I work my way to the front and find myself about 30 meters from the start banner.  It is about 30minutes to the start and the announcers talk too much. Finally they count down from 30 seconds to go and the cannon is fired.  At one time there used to be a Fishermans Horn.
We jog down main road for a short while and then right at the Engen Garage.  Up to the M3 and then we have a long hill to climb.  I am running steadily.  Lots of people passing me but I am fine with that.  At the top we reach the double carriage way and start descending.  The sun has still not risen and we are running in the half light.  Over the subway and then at about 6km we make a right turn over the freeway. 
At this point there is a switchback where I am able to see runners in front and then behind us.  Occasionally I chat to people but this is brief.  I only chat to One PE runner (Patrick from Crusaders who is doing his 10th 21k). 
The band on Southern Cross Drive -- 12km done and 9 to go.
We reach the 10km mark and soon after that we start the long climb up Southern Cross Drive.  This hill is nearly 3km.  I am nice and relaxed and jogging at a slow pace.  Past the Green outfits of the music band.  There are three of these bands on the route.  Activity like this makes such a difference to the runner and is so encouraging. 
Up to the top of the hill where we see the 8km to go signs.  The next few km are a bit rough due to the uneven camber.  I have experienced this so many times but still find it hard on the ankles and legs. 
At 5km to go we start a sharp descent and I send a message to the family to explain where I am.  I need to do this to keep myself motivated.  Now it is a short count down of km to the finish.  17km and we are still on a bit of a flat section.  18km and soon we turn left and up to the University.  I continue to jog but am starting to tire.
19km.  Just 2k to go.  I have to work hard to stay focussed and push the pace.
Last k to go.... I run as hard as I am able.  But my legs are really getting quite tired now and as I enter the stadium on the soft grass I am feeling so happy to be there.  I run under the finish banner in 2.10. Not my best time but for me, I am quite satisfied.  I have achieved my primary goal which is to run all the way with no walking.  Patrick, Marianne and Thomas were sitting on the stadium looking out for me; but somehow did not see me in the sea of runners coming across the finish line.

Some of the 2017 results.
3ELMARIE BOTHA Female 501 4 Ultra 23427 00:05:2501:51:2103:11:4604:53:4005:50:4706:28:48
2CHRIS BOTHA Male 601 Half 62555  01:55:42   02:45:56
1ANDY BOLTON Male 6333 Ultra 455 00:03:5301:43:1902:59:5704:42:0405:53:3406:43:54
1KOBUS GERBER Male 7322 1 Ultra 1747 00:03:5401:43:2002:59:5704:42:0505:53:3306:43:54
30TREMAINE WESSON Male 5625 Ultra 854 00:03:2601:50:2103:14:1005:04:4006:08:3306:52:03
24TOMMY SATCHWELL Male 579 Ultra 10115 00:03:1801:35:2202:55:0504:52:3706:06:1506:56:28
13GARRETH JACOBSON Male 4113 Ultra 4103  01:19:0502:19:3804:18:1405:18:0005:55:30
10PETER GIDDY Male 6619 8 Half 60283  01:35:34   02:10:46
5GRAHAM CHANNON Male 6736 Ultra 243 00:03:1301:36:5502:50:5104:35:5305:51:5606:48:01
4MICHAEL BOTHA Male 6110 5 Half 60054 00:01:3301:57:00   02:38:00
15NATALIE STEWART Female 44Ultra 31218 00:03:5401:35:3702:46:1904:09:4405:01:3805:39:10
14DUNCAN STEWART Male 4510 Ultra 4948 00:03:5401:35:3702:46:2004:09:44 05:50:57
12RONEL SCHEEPERS Female 423 2 Ultra 23363 00:05:2501:51:2103:11:5004:56:5406:01:3106:43:21
ANDY BOLTON Male   6333 Ultra 455 00:03:5301:43:1902:59:5704:42:0405:53:3406:43:54  
2CHRIS BOTHA Male 601 Half 62555  01:55:42   02:45:56  
3ELMARIE BOTHA Female 501 4 Ultra 23427 00:05:2501:51:2103:11:4604:53:4005:50:4706:28:48
Sat 15 Apr 2017 Half ACH 01:35:34   02:10:46
 
 Patrick, Thomas, St John and Marianne are off to Muizenberg.  St John is going to a concert with some friends.  Thomas has his wetsuite and plans to do some surfing.
I am well fed after breakfast, had a shower and now feeling refreshed for the rest of the day.
Looked up the results later and found my position was 3826 of 14190 finishers. Cut off seems to be 3.30 hours. And I was placed 115 of 755 finishers in the age category 60 to 69.

After I have finally crossed the finish line I look for the tog bag area and am directed incorrectly over the bridge.  Here I phone Patrick and they meet me at the top of the subway.  We realise that the directions were wrong and have to retrace our steps and back over the bridge to the Sports Centre.  Jock and Liz are there.  I find my stuff and change to dry clothes. 
Patrick, Thomas and I walk over the bridge again and down to where Marianne is waiting in the car.  So good to have a car to drive home in.  A shower and Breakfast and then they are all off to the beach so I drive back to Nicky's house in Durbanville. 
Running the 56km -- Ronel; Andy and Kobus finished in about 6.43 while Elmarie did about 6.30.

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Monday, April 10, 2017

PORT ELIZABETH ACTIVITIES -- GUIDED TOURS WITH PETER GIDDY -- LADYS SLIPPER HIKING TRAIL

PORT ELIZABETH ACTIVITIES -- GUIDED TOURS WITH PETER GIDDY -- LADYS SLIPPER HIKING TRAIL

Peter Giddy is a qualified guide who takes people for walks and trails.  He also does Safaris and Wildlife Reserves.  His speciality is the Garden Route from Port Elizabeth to Cape Town
peter.giddy@gmail.com


It is a cool morning and I take Lene; Joshua and Daniel for a walk up the Ladys Slipper Mountain. This is a relatively easy hike with little fitness required.

We leave from Falcon Rock and are soon on the trail. The trail is well marked and there is no chance of losing your way. 
I have packed sufficient water and a small snack for each participant.
The start of the hike gives some details of what to expect.

Stopping off for regular breathers is important

As we reach the top of the mountain we see Protea coming into bloom

The walk starts off through tall bush.  We make our way up the hill. We take short, frequent stops to catch our breath.  At each of the Look Out rocks we stop to enjoy the views and take pictures.
Finally we reach the "Neck" where the path levels out. 
We make a left turn to complete the walk to the top of the mountain.
The walk up has taken us just one hour and we stop to enjoy the views and a snack.
 At the top of the Lady's Slipper the views are quite spectacular.  We enjoy a short break and a snack before starting to return walk.
We find this magnificent King Protea (South African National Flower)
Once we have all recovered and fed, we begin our descent back down to the Restaurant.  It has rained recently so the pathway is slippery and we need to take care to avoid sliding.  We make use of the many branches and grasses to assist our descent.
Back to the parking lot we have taken 45 minutes for the climb down and two hours for the whole outing.

We drive back to Port Elizabeth with a stop for an ice cream.
To be part of a hike such as this one or any other hike in the Port Elizabeth area -- Contact Peter Giddy at peter.giddy@gmail.com

Also available are Coastal Hikes; Walking City Tours; Township Tours; Wildlife Safaris; Ocean Safaris & Garden Route adventures;  Speciality is the Addo Elephant National Park Safari

As we make our way up the Ladys Slipper I find this beautiful specimen of Leucadendron Conicum (Garden Route Cone Bush).
 Boys having fun on a bit of rock face on Lady's Slipper.
 Peter with Daniel and Joshua at the highest point of the mountain
 Views down into the fields below.  It is a bit overcast but it continues to take my breath away
 Boys seem to have endless energy
From the mountain -- looking over the Protea in bloom -- we could see across to Jeffreys Bay if the weather was clear.





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Sunday, April 2, 2017

IRONMAN APRIL 2017

Sunrises on IRONMAN day at Hobie Beach in Port Elizabeth; People gathering on the beach to watch the start of the swim leg. The pier in the background was crowded with spectators, many of whom were still watching 12 hours later when the sun set.

Peter Giddy is a Registered Tour Guide for Port Elizabeth; Garden Route and Cape Town.  He is an active sportsman and enjoys outdoor activities.  He specialises in the Addo Elephant Park Safari for small groups;  He will also take you for a tour of Port Elizabeth (City and Townships). He has experience in the Garden Route and Cape Areas.
For more information regarding your planned trip to South Africa contact Peter -- peter.giddy@gmail.com


 IRONMAN 2017
Ironman is for everyone.  Here Joshua is finishing his Ironkids event and giving it his all.


APRIL 2017
 Ironman; Ironkids and Corporate Ironman

Saturday 1st April 2017
At the Boardwalk by 6.30am.  Walk down to the start with all my stuff.  I had made double sure that I did not leave anything at home this time. Unpack and get ready for the event.  The weather is perfect.  I test the water and it seems warm so no wet suite required.
On the beach this morning: Megan Holden who I don't see but who has been training swim with me recently.  Andrea and Shara and Ron; Kevin Campbell; Simon; Warren and Lee; Bernd as a supporter who has tuned my bike to perfection; Sharon Wilson; Paul; Big Dave; Lee Anne from T D A; Allan and Elaine Verryne;
Barbara; Lene and family come down to watch. .
Meet up with Andrea; Warren and Lee at the start
Andrea and Shara.  They have done a number of these Corp IM. Both of them have a great day
My bike --- I am so proud of this bike now.  It just looks and feels like a real racing bike. I had a wonderful ride as the gears and everything just worked.  Thanks to Bernd!!!
Triathlons are amazing events.  So much activity. Busy areas and things happening all around you.  The Corp Triathlon is a prime example as thousands of competitors and spectators are there --- creating this wonderful vibe of sporting happenings.
2017 results. Positions are overall individual Results
1      Keegan Cooke   .46
5      Jarryd Cooke     .50
8      Michael Kingston   .51
68    Rodney Dold Chapman  1.06
122  Simon Clark  1.10     (Last Year  1.10)
111  Warren Collier  1.10  
137  Allan Verreyne  1.11   (Last year 1.07)
179  Peter Giddy   1.15   Swim 8.24.  Cycle 43.0  Transition  2min.  Run  21min.  (Last year 1.10)
284  Kevin Campbell  1.25   (Last year  1.23)
333  Imraan Moosagie  1.29 
403  Bilue Moolman   1.40
Total number of individuals  448

Ladies results (Position in the ladies)
4      Liza Kingston  56
34    Kathleen Flanagan  1.12
66    Andrea Dyer  1.17  (Last Year  1.16)  (2015  Shara and Andrea 1.38)
75    Shara Cape   1.20
103  Kelly Mortimer  1.25
116  Elaine Verrynne  1.27  (Last year  1.27)
138  Lee Kemp  1.32
134  Sharon Wilson   1.34  (Last year 1.29)
148  Sandy Stock   1.36   (Last year  1.32)
190  Elsabe Boschoff   1.58

This is what I wrote last year Corporate Triathlon 2016
Splits and Transition times are very complicated.  I did around 6 minutes for the swim; 37 for the cycle and 20 minutes for the run. 7 minutes in total for the transition. = 70 minutes.  Overall position in the men was 176

I am in the third Wave. Our time comes to start and I have a great swim. Not fast but it is over in just a few minutes and the water is perfect.
Run up the ramp and am about to start the bike section when someone points out that I don't have an ankle strap with the timer.  I have to wait while this man fiddles with his phone but am saved by another man who found my timer. I think in the water.
Then kit up for the bike and off I go.  There is a slight Westerly.  My bike running amazing.  I am able to keep up and do some drafting.  We turn and then fly back with the wind on our backs. I push as hard as I am able -- as respect to Bernd who spent a week on the bike.
The run is a bit slow at first but then I get into a stride and able to push hard over the last two of the four kay run.
I come out of the swim position 381 overall and make up 202 positions in the cycle and run to end up at 179.
 Joshua at full tilt on the finish line


Daniel has a great morning at Ironkids
After the triathlon event I see the family. They go off home to rest before the Ironkids events.
Later Joshua and Daniel take part in Ironkids.  They love the event and the generous Pritt Package in their bags. 
Liz and Jock have been organising the T1 transition for the past 10 years. Here they are at 4.30am trying to sort out volunteers; Registers; T Shirts; Caps and wrist bands.  They must still arrange duties, Security, Athletes, the afternoon shift and meal vouchers.  It will be a long day for them.  
Sunday 2nd.  Ironman.
I leave at 4.30 for my shift of Transition Volunteering.  Jock and Liz are the controllers of this area.  Brian is the overall Transition Controller.  Rob also works in Bike Transition as a Referee. This morning I am put onto a kind of Security Duty at the bottom of the steps as the athletes come out of the water. Just to keep this area clear.  I realise how few of the SA athletes I know.
After this I assist with racking of Bike Bags and then walk across to Chris who has a tent at Third Ave.  I spend the rest of the day here -- Watching cyclists and runners.  At 6 Jessica and her friend Mieke want to go home so that is the end of my Ironman day.
People who I saw today:  Ironmen; Salli Baisley; Nic Chapman; Shoaib Abrahams; Mark Cooper; Mark Alderman; Paddy Cloete.
 Herman and the two ladies I asked to control this access area.  Herman would be a bike rider out on the course today.
Chris had a tent near to 3rd ave.  Pat; Elmarie; Joubert and Marina enjoying the shade.
 Bernd is standing on the top of the stadium when he sees Kathleen and I finishing.  Kathleen was the quickest of our group today
 Sunset at the end of Ironman day.
At the end of the Run Leg.  I am concentrating to try and catch this girl.  She looks so cheerful; not interested in whether I catch her or not.
Josh sprints to the finish on the red carpet
Sharon Wilson is a regular at the Corporate Ironman.

                              










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Saturday, April 1, 2017

MARCH 2017 David Giddy dies in Perth Australia; SA Guided Tours; Garden Route Tour; Sportsmans Warehouse 15k;

Tours and Safaris in Port Elizabeth; Addo Elephant park; Wildlife safari; Ocean Safari; City and Township Tours; Garden Route and Cape Areas; 
Planned trips to South Africa; Port Elizabeth; Garden Route; Cape Town
To book Peter as your Guide contact him -- peter.giddy@gmail.com.


MARCH 2017
Officially become an associate of SA Guided Tours with my name on the Leaflets and handouts
Mosaic Tourism closes doors.
Barbara and I continue to do Tours and Transfers
Barbara flys to Cape Town to see Nicky's new home and Ally in University
I have a Garden Route Tour.
Cape Town Cycle tour is cancelled due to strong winds and protests
Sportsmans Warehouse 15kay
David Giddy dies in Perth Australia.



Emily 12th birthday Party in Israel.

Come, now is the time to worship.
Come, now is the time to give your heart.
Come, just as you are, to worship.
Come, just as you are, before your God.
Come.

One day every tongue will confess
You are God.
One day every knee will bow.
Still the greatest treasure remains for those
Who gladly choose you now.

Come, now is the time to worship.
Come, now is the time to give your heart.
Oh, come. Just as you are to worship.
Come just as you are before your God.
Come.

One day every tongue will confess
You are God.
One day every knee will bow.
Still the greatest treasure remains for those
who gladly choose you now.

A Longclaw in Addo.  Poor image as it is in the shadow at Peasland. Wednesday 1st March
I start the day dropping off boys and Jessica at School at 7am. Pick up Rebecca and Madelein at the Radisson for a Raggy Charters at the Yacht Club. 
Then receive a call to do a City Tour for the Silver Cloud.  Rush off to Nissan to drop the car for a service.  Rush home to wash and shave. Rush to the harbour to meet the bus and the 23 passengers.  Take them for a 2.5hour city tour. Back to the Harbour.
Then rush to Villiers Road to pick up a Pembury Fortuner. Rush to the Airport to meet clients.  Arrive just in time to meet them. 
Drive to Kwandwe, Thankfully a stop at Nanaga for a Pie and toilet break. The drive to Kwandwe is about 130km to Grahamstown. Turn left towards Fort Beaufort. 20km along this road. See the sign for Kwandwe and then its a 10km dirt road to the lodge.
Back to PE; drop off the vehicle; collect my car and eventually home by 7pm.
 Regina from the Silver Cloud and Mark who called me to do the City Tour
This is where you turn off to Kwandwe.  20km from the N2 on the road to Fort Beaufort. From here it is 10km of rough dirt roads to the Kwandwe Reception.
Thursday
Pick up the Qashqai at Nissan; Drive to Addo Village for a Citrus business meeting at Africanos, at 13.30 I leave to pick up documents in PE, Supakwik for a puncture and to buy a Compressor Pump, Rush home to print documents and deliver in time before DAFF closes, Qashqai does not start so after a couple of attempts to push, we start it by pulling with a rope on the Landrover, Rush to Battery Centre where I have a new battery fitted.

 Blood lily at Domkrag dam look out
Donna and Brad Burt -- Canadians on the Addo Tour with me today
Friday 3rd.  Full day Addo Tour; An excellent day -- Elephant up close. Barry also does an Addo Tour for me.
 Saturday morning running group with Adel; Mike; Sjani; Chris and Lindi
 Annie and Adrienne ran a bit longer so Adel and I did some fetching
Adel, Mike -- New meaning to Blue Suede Shoes!
 John and Lisa are here for a visit.  Proud Pat loves having her family together.  Adrienne being Adrienne.
 Lindi; Chris and Mike with a Hobie beach pier background.
Beautiful morning for a run. Gerald being charmed by Adrienne and Sjani who love being with this legend.
Saturday 4th.
Beach front run with Adrienne; Maria; Lindi; Adel; Mike; Anne; Chris; Elmarie; Ronel and Sjani.
Barbara has a Shamwari Transfer. Tim van der Gugten.  Dutch father and Australian living in Wales where he plays professional Cricket. Watch this space!
Sunday morning.  SOOOO funny! Alarm goes off.  Wash and shave. Running clothes on. Jog to the start of the run. No one there? Chris is always there before me! Oh No! It is Sunday.  I thought it was Monday. So do a short run on my own. Home and awake so I make crunchies.
 Melanie; Sandra and Hamza at Domkrag.
Frank and Gill were also on tour today.
Sunday 5th
I have an Addo Tour today.  Melanie; Sandra and Hamza have a good day with excellent viewing.
Monday 6th.  I have a day of admin planned.  Take the landrover to have the window winding mechanism fixed, fetch the Qashqai from Lene but on the way receive a call for a full day tour.  I collect Joanne and John (Canadians) from Beachwalk and we do a city; Township and end up at African Dawn which turns out to be a great success.
We stop at Urban for lunch.  With John and Joanne
Tuesday.  A big group running this morning. Somehow Tuesdays seem to attract the biggest groups.
After a bit of back and forth on both tours -- I start the morning with collecting the Landrover and then have a City Tour. The City tour is with Ralph whose wife is in Greenacres Hospital after a motor accident; Nompie from Kroonstad; Robbie and Eddie from Brazil.  We do the City, Donkin Reserve, Lighthouse; Drill Hall; Castle Hill and Fort. Here we see Tracey taking Collegiate Grade 4's for a tour.  Moms -- Maria and Xavier; Michelle; Lisa and Sonja all from running groups are there.  My group seem to love this tour.
Rhyno (Renier); Lungi and Fritz in Ayanda's pottery Business.
 Later today I have a Township Tour with Fritz and Rhyno (Renier) who are in a group touring from Germany with Zerlina from Kuoni Private Safaris. I am able to take them for a reasonably successful Township tour where Rhyno has fun looking at the Street Butcheries as he is a Master Butcher in Germany.

Wednesday..  Up early drive to Knysna; Pick up Ilan and Zvia Shay at Kanonkop and then back to PE and Kichaka reserve.  About 720km drive today.  This evening have a Rugby Meeting at Clarendon Park.
 Stephanie Buckler.  A nurse at a hospital in Zurich.  Today was an excellent day with close up of Elephant; Buffalo; Lions on a Zebra kill; Giraffe and Rhino.
Cheetah seen from the Monkey Walk at Kragga Kamma.
Thursday.  Had a hard run through target kloof and then drop off some stuff with Mike before running home.  Then the back door of the Landrover would not close so that was extra stress. Then the Bakkie has a flat so more stuff to do. Lene gets if fixed later and I have new shocks fitted to the Qashqai during the day.  Meanwhile I have an Addo Tour with Hans (who makes battery operated bicycles in Germany) and Stephanie. Stephanie is a nurse in a Hospital in Zurich. It is a half day tour but Stephanie wants to do Kragga Kamma to see the Giraffe and Rhino. 
Friday. Start the morning with a Swim with Megan Holden.  I collect Ilan and Zvia Shay from Kichaka and take them to the airport.  I seem to have a whole pile of stuff to do and busy myself for the rest of the afternoon.  Lene and family go to the Clarendon Camp out but are blown apart by strong winds so are home by 9pm
Addo tour with Thomas; Susan; Travis; Valeria and Vittoria.
Vittoria found me on Trip Advisor. She and Thomas and Travis are in PE to visit the Shatterprufe factory for Mercedes Benz. Susan was volunteering at a clinic in Missionvale while Valeria is Brazillian and is purely on holiday.
Thomas; Vittoria; Valeria; Susan; Peter and Travis  -- Pic sent to me by Susan.
Saturday 11th.
Great run at the beach front with Mike, Adrienne, Maria, Annie, Andrea and Kelly
Later I fetch from Ibahyi town lodge, Lungile and Marshall road.  We end up having a wonderful tour with two lionesses at the end of the day.  Valeria stays over as she was booked in at Redhouse and that is simply too far for an early morning flight on Sunday..
Guili and Maya with their two children -- Zuurkop lookout point.  They are from Bershebah in Southern Israel.  He has recently qualified as a doctor.
Sunday morning.  I am up early and leave for Addo at 5.10am.  It takes me 70 minutes at a slow pace.  Meet Guili and Maya at the main camp and take them for a 3 hour game drive.  This was my first at a Sunrise Addo tour. 
 Tsitsikamma Falls Adventures at the Kruis River
Nicholas; Tania; Danielle and Thomas enjoyed the Ziplining.
Leopard at Tenikwa.  Worthwhile!
Monday.  Run with Adrienne; Anne; Maria and Michelle.  Lene drops me off and I collect an Ilios Quantum.  Meet the Lasalle family at the airport and we drive to Plett where they stay at the Hunters Lodge Hotel.  Along the way we stop for Zip Lining, Storms river bridge; bungy jump watching and Tenikwa Wildlife sanctuary.  It turns out to be a full day and we only get to the hotel at 6pm.  I stay over at Hill House in Plett.
 I have been into these caves a number of times.  But the Cango Caves never cease to amaze me.
 Danielle; Tania and Nicholas took a ride on a Camel
 Danielle and Nicholas feeding the giraffe.  After this they rode Ostriches.
Clover truck that overtook us on the way from Oudtshoorn to George on an uphill with oncoming car.
Tuesday -- Another full day.  Pick up at 8.30.  Breakfast at Hunters Lodge; N2 to Wilderness, Stop for viewing then on to George and the Oudtshoorn.  Arrive at the caves for the 12.00 standard tour. Then lunch at the place where they have the Camel Back Riding, Zip Line, Plenty of games and activities for children. Then back to Oudtshoorn and the Chandelier Ostrich Farm where we feed Giraffe and they do some Ostrich Riding.  Then back to Hunters by 7.30pm.  I stay in Plett again.
Wednesday 15th.  The trouble with being an early morning runner is that I cannot sleep much past 4.30 or 5.00am.  I collect from Hunters at 9am.  My guests do the Monkeyland Tour and then straight through to PE Airport.   Later I collect the Landrover which has been in for service, Buy a new jack and fill up with Diesel.  Money Money Money.
This Morning (Thursday) start the day with the 8km Target Kloof Run.
Then an Addo Tour with Flor and Laura; Judith and Arslan.
 Friday swim 1200m with Megan at the Newton Park Pool. And then the Landrover battery does not work.  Another expense for a new battery.  Then I drive to Walmer and the accelerator fails.  So I have the vehicle towed to Savoy Motors ... And have to use my Nissan to do the next Addo Tour. More expense for this vehicle.  I will have to decide on what to do with it as I simply cannot afford to have a vehicle that gives trouble.
Then the vehicle is returned but has the same problem again.  So the Landrover has to stay in the workshop for the weekend.  Meanwhile I have an Addo Tour for four people so I borrow Franks Toyota Condor for the Addo / Schotia tour.  This evening I am with tour guide Dale.
Sunday morning I am back with Ruth and Philip from Scotland in Kragga Kamma.
 Thursday Addo Group on THursday
 Saturday 18th.  Addo Schotia tour.  Here is a Hippo with four baby Crocs
 Mother Croc sleeping next to the dam
 Candelabra Lily
Ruth and Philip Imrie at Kragga Kamma on Sunday
Monday morning ..
Suzanne joins us for the morning run.  She is now living in London where she has a job as a receptionist. Both Jessica and Emma are happy in their lives in the UK at present. Star joins the slow group until the faster group catches us. We cut short towards Collegiate.
Back into Addo.  Pick up Victor and Vandera (Sweden) and we start off with a successful Addo Tour in Frank's Condor. We then go to Kragga Kamma for the second half where I jam the underside of the vehicle and the Fan and Radiator are all damaged.  I have the car towed and Frank meets us.  This ends up in disaster as the repairs are going to be over R16 000.
 Tobias; Magdalena and Jeanette at Addo on Tuesday 21st
The heat and dust in Addo today was unbearable. 42 Degrees.
Tuesday 21st.  Addo Tour with Tobias; Magadalena & Jeanette (Policewoman from Germany).  The heat got to me a bit today.  I was exhausted at the end of the day.
Wednesday.... Swimming with Megan Holden.  1200m. This morning was a great swim for me.  Everything seemed to work and I felt refreshed afterwards.
Needle Bush / Beesting Bush.  When the berries are white you can eat them. Very Sweet. Fiscal Shrike seen plucking insects off the bush. Azima Tetracantha.
Another hot day in Addo .  Sweta and Charlotte at Spekboom.  Overall a good day.  They are off to work on a farm at Nobini in the Transkei.
Thursday.  Run Target Kloof.  Cycle to Cape Recife with Chris. Take my road bike to Bernt and Catherine's house. He does bike repairs and is a huge bike enthusiast with a whole array of bikes.
Friday.  I hire a Hyundai H1 from Budget.  6 people in the vehicle. Bill and Jody from Cayman Islands. Jody is here to take part in Ironman. Nina; Sophie and Louisa from Germany and Pablo is a Spanish Wine Maker. It has been colder over night and plenty of rain.  So we don't see the same Elephant Sightings as we would expect but we have a great Lion Sighting which makes the day.
 Lion Sightings near to Kadouw lookout point at Addo
Maria and Peter at the end of Sportsmans Warehouse 15k.
Arm and Elbow took a nasty grazing.
Saturday morning I pick up Maria and we run the Sportsmans Warehouse 15k.  We run with Chris; Robin and then Chris and Maria go ahead.  In the final Kay Maria takes a tumble and ends up with a scratched arm. Despite this on a tough hilly course, Maria is ecstatic after the run feeling that this is her best run.  She enjoyed the hills.  1.23 with Chris.  I was 3minutes behind at 1.25.
407 572 1116 PETER GIDDY ACH M 66 65-69M 1.25.34 1
364 64 1064 MARIA BENITO TEMP F 44 40-44F 1.23.12 0 Later Barbara and I transfer Hartmut and Burgett to Kuzuko Lodge.  My first time to drive there.  165km from the airport.  40km (one hour) of tough dirt road.

This evening.  Barbara does some sailing in the harbour with a wishy washy fireworks display and I attend a Rugby Evening with Joshua and Daniel at Clarendon.  (Chris and Natalie; Andrew and Cindy Porter; Adrian).
 Barbara is at a Harbour Festival with Lyn Pask and friends
I am at Clarendon Park Rugby day.  Boys having an amazing time while parents Braai. The Coach gives some updates on the day's activities.
Sunday 26th...  The month seems to be rushing by.
Trinity;  Had a really good time at Homleigh Farms
I have a morning City Tour.  Joseph from France and Piwe Makaula; Thobeka and Trinity from JHB.  Piwe and I had such good conversations -- he used to work in JDG in Hifi and Incredible as a CA. Thobeka is a lawyer with Coke. Later I take them to the Harbour where there is a festival and to Homleigh Farms. Then finally to the airport for their 6pm flight.
Monday.  Run with the group.  Addo Tour with Joseph;  Glen and Cathy. 

Tuesday 28th.  Half day tour for Mark Heck -- Pumba game drive and lunch at Pumba. Lindile is our driver and we have 15 guests.
 Lindile -- Driver for Mark Heck
 Guides and Drivers sitting in the Pumba Library while the guests do a game drive.  Here is Pieter; Lizl; Luc and others.
PONANT Cruise liner in PE harbour for two days. 
 Lizl; >>> Lindile and Allan
Group of Guides and Drivers at Pumba.  Allan; >>>: Alice who works on the ship; Lizl;  Luc from Western Cape; >>> Ponant and Lindile.
Wednesday 29th.  I have a brief meeting with Sarah and Sean who are taking over Mosaic Tourism. Luvo does the Kuzuko transfer for me.  I do a Ponant Cruise Ship Addo tour in Marks Quantum.  I am on the game drive and then later I do a whirlwind city tour with Ken and Sandra from Australia.
Thursday.  Half day Addo Tour for 41 Westview Village (Claire) with Fabian and Eugenia. And Natalie and Leen from Belgium.  The heat is almost unbearable.  Fetch Jessica from School and then we collect my bike with has been with Bernd.  He completely stripped the bike and it looks amazing. I take it for a short ride and feel that I am now ready for the corporate Ironman.
Friday 31st.  Tom's birthday party in Israel.  Jacqui does all kinds of baking and preparations -- She is such a wonderful Mom.   Have a number of Admin Duties.  Meet with Carryn Duffield and then with Leigh from AfroAdventures.  Later I meet with Peter Joseph and then a Volunteers Meeting for IM at the beach.
Ally completes her first term at Stellenbosch with good results.
History 87%
Psychology  60%
Sociology  70%
Ancient Cultures  70%
English  60%
Information Skills  82%

Overall (from a financial aspect) I had my best Tour Guiding Month ever.
Trying to sell the Landrover but no luck yet.

BERND STRIPS THE BIKE COMPLETELY
And he puts it together again looking better than mew.

 Rob Ermes has bought this business -- Sign O Rama.
 Nicky busy with an event.
 Werner and some men are completely stripping the Montreux Flat and will rebuild with new tiles and cupboards.
 
Tom's five year birthday party.


David Giddy.  Brother to Puck and Allan Giddy.
Passed away on 24.3.2017
Dear All,

I am writing to so many because my failing heart might cause my death before I am able to thank you for keeping in touch for all the time we have been in Australia. My heart problem seems lIkely     to cause my death. It seems likely that the excess fluid around my heart is going to cause me to die at any time. In particular I owe Hermine and Polly letters in reply.
Having gone for a year with improved health, I had another spell of intense fluid on my heart which has caused excessive blood pressure  around my heart. Which has caused dizziness and loss of appetite resulting in an inability to stand or mobilise. So I'm unable to carry on with my bridge games.
I have trouble reading and writing. I have great trouble writing individual emails and want to send you all thank yous and want you to know how grateful I am for keeping in contact and for the interesting letters from Polly and Hermine. I wish I could send more details of  my failing health and how much fitter Zoe  is than I am.
I wish I had more strength and appetite and hope that I'll be able to regain more ability to email.
Alison has been a marvellous help in keeping in touch and assisting in all my problems and the sale of property, which has been a great problem. This has now been achieved successfully.
I will try to keep in contact with you whenever I can
With love
David
This is Mark writing from my dad's email to take advantage of his addresses.

As most of you know, his health has deteriorated since Christmas and after a major systemic infection that he sensed with his last email, he sadly passed away last night. He was very well cared for and the hospital and nursing staff were wonderfully attentive and ensured he suffered little until the end.

Thank you for all the support and friendship you have provided him over the years. He always appreciated the news and shared it with me. He was most fortunate to remain so sharp that he kept up with his bridge up to a couple of weeks ago, still able to report reasonable success in the competition.

Kind regards,

Mark
CRICKET SOUTH AFRICA
The Proteas are presently in New Zealand.  They started off with a T20 series and then a 3 match Test Series.  Two of the games were abandoned due to rain. The Proteas won the second test and so won the series 1-0.  The Proteas were lucky in that the third test was abandoned on the final day when the Proteas were facing  a probable defeat.

South Africa started the test series against New Zealand in South Africa in August last year ranked seventh in the world. In April 2017, they will receive $500 000 as they finished the season as the runners-up to the No 1-ranked India in whites.
They beat Australia 2-1 Down Under in a sensational series in November 2016, accounted for the Black Caps by 1-0 in March 2017, and whitewashed an inexperienced Sri Lanka 3-0 in South Africa after also beating the Kiwi’s 1-0 at home in August.
In one-day internationals, the Proteas, expertly captained by Du Plessis and AB de Villiers, romped to a 5-0 series win against Australia and Sri Lanka and finished the season as the numero uno team in world cricket.




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