The Bay Ultra February 2008.
Friday 8th February 2008.
This afternoon Barbara, Ally, Cheryl Kotze and Greg headed off for East London where the two youngsters would be representing their school (Clarendon) and EP at an interprovincial Gala at the Joan Harrison pool. John & I were not able to accompany them due to business commitments. By all account both of them did well in their events both on Friday afternoon and on Saturday.
I phoned Gerald to find out what run we would be doing on Saturday morning. He told me that he would be running the Bay Ultra 50kay and why don’t I join him? Since our return from Canada I have been out of town (travelling) for two of the three weeks and have not been able to train but thought that this would be a good tester for Two Oceans. I was able to purchase some of the energy sachets by kind favour of Earl who dropped them off at my house. I thought that at least I should have some kind of help on the way.
At my first Comrades of about 20years ago, there was a competition where you had to predict your time. I had no idea what my time would be but guessed at 10 hours. I finished in 9.59 and was about third in the competition and won a gift pack from Lepin including an Energy Belt. This morning I opened the belt for the first time. I put my sachets & toilet paper in the pouches and headed off to Hobie beach. I paid my R70.00 and entered the run.
I met up with some of the usual crowd: Hennie and Gesina, Pietie, Graham Elborne, Gerald Scheepers (who has done every one of these events from the early 52kay Marina Salt to the present day run), Kobus Gerber, Benita Barton, Percy, Mark H.S., Mof and others. Davera was there in her new colours looking quite red. Frans had some good advice for runners: In an ultra like this start off slowly and when you really get tired; put on the breaks! I liked the sound of this and followed it from start to finish.
We jogged up the beach road in a westerly direction and then up through Walmer. At this stage we had the East wind behind. This was a day for cyclists to be out training. We saw small and big bunches. The only problem with cyclists that when they ride past and greet you, you have no idea who they are. The speed and “camouflage” is just too confusing. We recognised Margie Saunders, Mike Kingston, Baron Naude and other Ironman contenders on the road.
For me this would be a new course. The last time I did a Bay Ultra was out along Marine Drive and back down Buffelsfontein road. Today it was the other way around. I had started out with Gerald and then met up with Mof and young Bently from GM, but from about 10kays out Johan & I stuck it out together to the finish.
The course takes the runner all the way up Buffelsfontein road, right at the old Seaview road and up to Longbarn. Then we went right again to the top of the Chelsea tea garden road. The Chelsea tea garden is now known as The Estate Deo Volente (God willing). This is where our daughter Jacqui had her wedding reception. From there we headed east and into the wind. The route goes down to the new Seaview road and towards Sardinia bay. Then we head along the Sardinia bay road and eventually head down to Schoenmakerskop. Finally the last twenty kays is along the Marine Drive and ends at Hobie Beach.
Johan was quite concerned that he had over trained. He had been reading Bruce Fordyce’s book where the advice was lots of rest. Johan was also worried about a hip injury, his diet the night before as well as that morning, Suntan Lotion, and his son who should have been at the 30kay but we finally found him at the 39kay marker. Interestingly, Johan had been reading about something that Bruce used to use called FRN. This was a product made by Lepin and was well known to runners of the 1980’s and 1990’s.
Johan is an interesting running partner as he has all kind of experiences to relate: his motor Biking trips, his hiking in the berg and his previous runs all make for interesting listening. Johan even gave me some cooking lessons. I think that I may have persuaded him to start doing what I do and recording these activities in writing.
In particular Johan related a story of being assisted by famous rugby player, Ian McCullum when he got into trouble with his motor bike in the Baviaans Kloof. Dr. Ian McCullum (Rondebosch boys high) played rugby for the Springboks in the 1970’s with players like Morne DuPlessis, Gerrie Germishuys, Hannes Marais, Piston van Wyk, Robert Cockrell and Boland Coetzee to name a few. Ian is now a medical doctor, psychiatrist, naturalist, author and poet. He wrote the book Ecological Intelligence. In April of 2006 he stated that he is of the opinion that the psychological well being of mankind is largely dependant on how we interact with nature.
It is amazing how many people are out there to support runners. Pierre Bester and family represent Brian Bands, Total sports were there. Pam Golding and Ann Carol Hyam assisted with seconding. Bob, Tremaine, Graham and his daughter gave us encouragement on the old Seaview Road. Cliff McKenzie was out on the Sardinia Bay road. The Crusaders team were keen seconders at the 30kay mark. Neil Calder drove past to encourage the stragglers. There were a few seconding tables provided by both Clarendon and Alexander Road schools. Bruce and Paulette came past us at Willows to announce that the Trailer would be at the finish. I was unfortunately not able to stay at the end as I still had to go to work.
This event is huge for a small club like Body Concept. They have just over 30 members and people like Eckart and Paul coordinated an excellent run. When we turned at the top of Seaview we headed into the easterly wind. It was reasonably strong but it was only when we reached the Marine Drive that we started to feel the force of the wind. Johan and I were at this stage almost last in the field with just 5 runners behind us.
We teamed up with Krish Pillay on urging from his wife who was driving the course. She was worried that he would not finish but he seemed determined and eventually finished just ahead of us. We also met up with young Lindy who had only run a 21kay previous to this. As we approached the 42.2kay mark we realised that we would not make the 5 hour cut off. To qualify for Oceans or for Comrades you must have run as standard marathon in 5 hours. The cut off time for today’s run was 6.30hours. We thought we could make this but while this would qualify Johan for Two Oceans it would not be a qualifier for Comrades. Johan was considering going to Kango for a Comrades qualifier. I think that Kango is an easier run.
It was a tough section of about 16kays along the Marine Drive from Schoenmakerskop to the University but when we hit the last four kays we had the wind behind us. It was about here that I started to cramp. I had hoped that the energy sachets would help me but so far I am not sure if they were doing any good as I was becoming extremely tired. Johan had a Red Bull and he seemed to think that this was the magic juice.
As we approached Summerstrand we passed a group of cyclists who were doing a fun event leading up to the Herald Cycle tour that would be taking place the following day. Johan could have finished earlier but stayed with me to the bitter end where we completed the event in just under 6.30hours.
This had been a learning curve for Johan who had never really walked in a run before. It had also been a lesson to myself: firstly a bit of training would have helped and secondly I had better enter the Oceans Half marathon and run with my daughter, as there is no way that I will finish a 56kay at this pace. Johan had spoken quite a bit about “Frosties”.
When I phoned him that afternoon his daughter answered the phone and told me that Dad was sleeping. I am not sure if it was the exertion or the Frosties that had caused him to pass out. The Biggest Loser: I had weighed myself that morning just before leaving and did so again when I returned home. I had lost three kays.
Friday, February 8, 2008
Saturday, February 2, 2008
BIATHLON INTERPROVINCIAL OUDTSHOORN 2 FEBRUARY 2008
Biathlon interprovincial in Oudtshoorn. Saturday 2nd February 2008.
Friday afternoon Barbara, Ally & I left for Oudtshoorn. IN separate cars were; Debby & Meghan Derry & Jacqui and Amber Zeelie. John & Cheryl Kotze followed with Mike and Greg. Rianna Green was also due to be travelling to the Biathlon as her daughter Wendy had qualified for the interprovincial, but had developed a Cyst on the Brain and had been operated on that week. Markus and Susan Burri brought their two children MC and Emilio.
It was the Interprovincial Biathlon Meeting in Oudtshoorn. The drive from PE was not fun as we left PE in traffic all the way to Humansdorp. There were road works and we had foolishly failed to take the alternative route. From the Langkloof road turnoff it was easy going. We had made bookings at B&B’s and arrived at Attakwas in Van Riebeek road to find the Derry’s and Zeelie’s were already there.
The following morning we chat to the host of the cottage. Katot is a colourful man who appears to be a 4X4 enthusiast. He tells us that Katot translates into English as “Billycan”. He tells us how the name Attakwas came to be:
The Attakwa people are the remnants of a tribe of Khoi/San people who lived near the beaches of Cape Town when the first Dutch Sailors landed in the 1600s. The Khoi/San were a pastoral people who used oxen as pack animals and for the transportation of women and children.
Their dome shaped houses were made out of reed mats laid over a framework of sticks.
The Attakwas were well known for showing early settlers the passes over the Outeniqua Mountains to Cannaland (Oudtshoorn) as many of them dwelt and harvested honey along Attakwas Kloof, now a famous hiking trail.
It turned out to be an excellent house with a view over a green valley and park below. It was early evening and time for a sundowner as we waited for the Kotze’s to arrive. What a wonderful evening it turned out to be. It was warm and breathless and we had plenty to chat about as Ally, Amber and Meghan played in the park below.
When John and Cheryl arrived they joined us for an evening drink. Their two sons soon mixed in with the three girls and when we went to supper at a road side restaurant called Headlines they youngsters all sat together and had a wonderful evening as old friends. The Adults also had a stunning evening chatting and enjoying Ostrich Steaks, Calamari and Lasagne. The children had huge Pizza’s which they could not finish and were used to feed them on the way home the following day.
When we finished our meal it was already 20.00 and our bed was calling. Barbara, Ally and I shared a King-sized bed and watched the end of the ODI against the West Indies. It was Shaun Pollock’s last game in front of his home crowd in Durban. Quite emotional as he hit the winning runs!
We were up early the following morning and made our way to the athletic track.
The biathlon starts with a parade of the athletes in their uniforms. It was already hot and a tracksuit was not the coolest of outfits. After the parade (Optog), we all sit in the sun while speeches are made to welcome us. First it is the organiser, then the Dominee, then the organiser again, then the Burgermeester who is a lady, Mrs. De Jager who is the wife of the late Mr. De Jager after whom the sports stadium is named.
Then Chris Jansen makes a speech. Chris is Die Voorsitter of Biathlon SA. Finally we are dismissed and the running begins with the U9’s. Emilio is our representative and he does not do as well as he did in the trials but finishes strongly. Then in the U11’s we first have Amber who has a good run. These children have to run twice around the track (800m).
The competition is fierce but they all have fun and are trying hard. In the next U11 heat we have Ally and Meghan. These two are great friends but also strong rivals. Barbara bought Ally a pair of spikes just before we left PE and this will be her first time to run in them. At first they seemed uncomfortable but then she loosened the laces and she was fine. Their heat starts at a strong pace and the two girls are soon a way back from the front runners. Meghan is able to pick up the pace in the second lap and does fairly well. Ally chases her and also has a good finish.
The U11 boys start their run and Greg & MC are in the same heat. They start off together and stay that way throughout the run. MC is stays just behind Greg until he sees the finish line when he makes a break and just manages to beat Greg to the tape. There are not many competitors in the masters Ladies and it is soon the turn of the Senior Vets (that is us) and the Masters (Chris and Herman). We have to run 1000m.
I have done a bit of warming up in the sun and am feeling good so when the gun goes off I make a break for the front of the group. This is not like me as I normally fool around at the back. However I find my self as front runner of the EP team and wonder how long I will be able to keep up this pace. There is a Western Province athlete ahead of me and I try to focus on him and to stay with his pace.
We come to the end of the first lap and I hear 1.31 being called out and I know that I am running faster than I normally do and again wonder when I am going to start fading. Then the bell rings for the last lap. I have been hearing heavy puffing behind me and Chris passes me. They only do 800m and I know he is surging to his finish so while I try to keep up with him he is not my focus. I remain just behind the WP runner. Chris pulls off.
We reach the final 100m and I decide to try to pass the WP runner. I can hear the cheers from our group in the stands including the youngsters who are all very supportive. He hears me coming and surges. But I stay focussed and push as hard as I can and pass him in the final few meters. He had a watch and announces that we did a 3.53. This is my best time for the distance and I am delighted.
It is a very hot sun and our little group decides to pack up and find a café for breakfast. After driving around we discover a restaurant with shade and umbrellas. Here we all sit and order a small feast. Again there is a great deal of laughter from both the children’s and the adult’s tables. We try to get the children to behave but when they start throwing chips across the table we decide to let them have fun.
After breakfast we head for the swimming pool where there are already a number of people. The runners were still taking part on the track as we drove past so we are able to have a bit of a swim. The water is a bit green, not surprising as the temperature is 29 degrees and almost bath warm. There is not a breath of wind and the sun bakes down on us. We have found a nice shady spot and the Burri’s join us. I am able to have a short nap in my beach armchair.
Mike decides he has had enough of his cast and John cuts it off with a wire cutter. Mike had broken his arm in a fall from a horse. The swim goes off well enough. Emilio is first off, then Amber, Ally and Meghan. All of them do well and we are proud of our group. Greg and MC compete again but it is MC who steals the show with a 34 second 50m which is one of his best times ever. Markus has a good swim of 66seconds while I look like a dredger in the water arms flailing about, splash splash, gasp gasp and finally end up with 1min52.
After the adults have swum we head off home. The Burris will stay for the weekend and do some sight seeing on Sunday. John and family head off to Calitzdorp to visit Boplaas wine farm. I ask John to buy me a case. I am not a connoisseur of wines but will enjoy whatever he buys for us.
As we leave town we buy ourselves an ice cream & a Curry Bunny. We still have some grapes and cold drink in the car so we have plenty of sustenance for the drive home. The road is fairly clear and after 100kays we are on the Langkloof road.
We pass Krakeel where the heavy rains of December has washed to bridge away and the road has been filled in with Gravel. A sign announces Diesel at R7.42. There is a stall selling Biltong and Dry Wors. We pass other stalls selling fresh produce. Local people walk along the road with big smiles as they enjoy each other’s company and the weekend activities. Krakeel is the name of a village where I took part in a run many years ago.
We drive through Louterwater where the local industry is apple farming and pack houses. Then we come to Joubertina. We recall that a year ago, Ian had phoned to tell us about a farm near to Uniondale, he was considering buying, high up in a mountain called Mannetjiesberg. In the end he did not buy that farm but a 100hectare property now known as Wildcliff near to Heidelberg.
I glance down towards the village of Joubertina and see that they have some kind of activity on a field. They are having as much fun and sporting activity as we have just left in Oudtshoorn. There are apple orchards all along the road. Thousands of trees laden with fruit which will be harvested and used for export as well as sold to juice companies.
We make a pit stop in Kareedow. From there it is less than 150kays home. We remember to take the alternative route across the Gamtoos River and avoid the road works and traffic. We arrive safely in PE. I phone John and he tells me that he has a case of wine for us. Half red and half white.
I receive and SMS from Adrienne to say that Rianna is out of intensive care. I phone Rianna and she says that while she still has headaches she is on the mend.
That afternoon was the start of the Six Nations Rugby in Europe. Ireland beat a strong Italian team coached by Nick Mallet. And in a real upset, Wales beat England in Twykenham for the first time in 20years. The English had led 16;3 at half time and had really dominated the game with lineouts, turnovers and possession. Then there was a short period in the second half where they lost concentration altogether and Wales took over with a couple of breaks and some excellent defence that won the game for them.
Friday afternoon Barbara, Ally & I left for Oudtshoorn. IN separate cars were; Debby & Meghan Derry & Jacqui and Amber Zeelie. John & Cheryl Kotze followed with Mike and Greg. Rianna Green was also due to be travelling to the Biathlon as her daughter Wendy had qualified for the interprovincial, but had developed a Cyst on the Brain and had been operated on that week. Markus and Susan Burri brought their two children MC and Emilio.
It was the Interprovincial Biathlon Meeting in Oudtshoorn. The drive from PE was not fun as we left PE in traffic all the way to Humansdorp. There were road works and we had foolishly failed to take the alternative route. From the Langkloof road turnoff it was easy going. We had made bookings at B&B’s and arrived at Attakwas in Van Riebeek road to find the Derry’s and Zeelie’s were already there.
The following morning we chat to the host of the cottage. Katot is a colourful man who appears to be a 4X4 enthusiast. He tells us that Katot translates into English as “Billycan”. He tells us how the name Attakwas came to be:
The Attakwa people are the remnants of a tribe of Khoi/San people who lived near the beaches of Cape Town when the first Dutch Sailors landed in the 1600s. The Khoi/San were a pastoral people who used oxen as pack animals and for the transportation of women and children.
Their dome shaped houses were made out of reed mats laid over a framework of sticks.
The Attakwas were well known for showing early settlers the passes over the Outeniqua Mountains to Cannaland (Oudtshoorn) as many of them dwelt and harvested honey along Attakwas Kloof, now a famous hiking trail.
It turned out to be an excellent house with a view over a green valley and park below. It was early evening and time for a sundowner as we waited for the Kotze’s to arrive. What a wonderful evening it turned out to be. It was warm and breathless and we had plenty to chat about as Ally, Amber and Meghan played in the park below.
When John and Cheryl arrived they joined us for an evening drink. Their two sons soon mixed in with the three girls and when we went to supper at a road side restaurant called Headlines they youngsters all sat together and had a wonderful evening as old friends. The Adults also had a stunning evening chatting and enjoying Ostrich Steaks, Calamari and Lasagne. The children had huge Pizza’s which they could not finish and were used to feed them on the way home the following day.
When we finished our meal it was already 20.00 and our bed was calling. Barbara, Ally and I shared a King-sized bed and watched the end of the ODI against the West Indies. It was Shaun Pollock’s last game in front of his home crowd in Durban. Quite emotional as he hit the winning runs!
We were up early the following morning and made our way to the athletic track.
The biathlon starts with a parade of the athletes in their uniforms. It was already hot and a tracksuit was not the coolest of outfits. After the parade (Optog), we all sit in the sun while speeches are made to welcome us. First it is the organiser, then the Dominee, then the organiser again, then the Burgermeester who is a lady, Mrs. De Jager who is the wife of the late Mr. De Jager after whom the sports stadium is named.
Then Chris Jansen makes a speech. Chris is Die Voorsitter of Biathlon SA. Finally we are dismissed and the running begins with the U9’s. Emilio is our representative and he does not do as well as he did in the trials but finishes strongly. Then in the U11’s we first have Amber who has a good run. These children have to run twice around the track (800m).
The competition is fierce but they all have fun and are trying hard. In the next U11 heat we have Ally and Meghan. These two are great friends but also strong rivals. Barbara bought Ally a pair of spikes just before we left PE and this will be her first time to run in them. At first they seemed uncomfortable but then she loosened the laces and she was fine. Their heat starts at a strong pace and the two girls are soon a way back from the front runners. Meghan is able to pick up the pace in the second lap and does fairly well. Ally chases her and also has a good finish.
The U11 boys start their run and Greg & MC are in the same heat. They start off together and stay that way throughout the run. MC is stays just behind Greg until he sees the finish line when he makes a break and just manages to beat Greg to the tape. There are not many competitors in the masters Ladies and it is soon the turn of the Senior Vets (that is us) and the Masters (Chris and Herman). We have to run 1000m.
I have done a bit of warming up in the sun and am feeling good so when the gun goes off I make a break for the front of the group. This is not like me as I normally fool around at the back. However I find my self as front runner of the EP team and wonder how long I will be able to keep up this pace. There is a Western Province athlete ahead of me and I try to focus on him and to stay with his pace.
We come to the end of the first lap and I hear 1.31 being called out and I know that I am running faster than I normally do and again wonder when I am going to start fading. Then the bell rings for the last lap. I have been hearing heavy puffing behind me and Chris passes me. They only do 800m and I know he is surging to his finish so while I try to keep up with him he is not my focus. I remain just behind the WP runner. Chris pulls off.
We reach the final 100m and I decide to try to pass the WP runner. I can hear the cheers from our group in the stands including the youngsters who are all very supportive. He hears me coming and surges. But I stay focussed and push as hard as I can and pass him in the final few meters. He had a watch and announces that we did a 3.53. This is my best time for the distance and I am delighted.
It is a very hot sun and our little group decides to pack up and find a café for breakfast. After driving around we discover a restaurant with shade and umbrellas. Here we all sit and order a small feast. Again there is a great deal of laughter from both the children’s and the adult’s tables. We try to get the children to behave but when they start throwing chips across the table we decide to let them have fun.
After breakfast we head for the swimming pool where there are already a number of people. The runners were still taking part on the track as we drove past so we are able to have a bit of a swim. The water is a bit green, not surprising as the temperature is 29 degrees and almost bath warm. There is not a breath of wind and the sun bakes down on us. We have found a nice shady spot and the Burri’s join us. I am able to have a short nap in my beach armchair.
Mike decides he has had enough of his cast and John cuts it off with a wire cutter. Mike had broken his arm in a fall from a horse. The swim goes off well enough. Emilio is first off, then Amber, Ally and Meghan. All of them do well and we are proud of our group. Greg and MC compete again but it is MC who steals the show with a 34 second 50m which is one of his best times ever. Markus has a good swim of 66seconds while I look like a dredger in the water arms flailing about, splash splash, gasp gasp and finally end up with 1min52.
After the adults have swum we head off home. The Burris will stay for the weekend and do some sight seeing on Sunday. John and family head off to Calitzdorp to visit Boplaas wine farm. I ask John to buy me a case. I am not a connoisseur of wines but will enjoy whatever he buys for us.
As we leave town we buy ourselves an ice cream & a Curry Bunny. We still have some grapes and cold drink in the car so we have plenty of sustenance for the drive home. The road is fairly clear and after 100kays we are on the Langkloof road.
We pass Krakeel where the heavy rains of December has washed to bridge away and the road has been filled in with Gravel. A sign announces Diesel at R7.42. There is a stall selling Biltong and Dry Wors. We pass other stalls selling fresh produce. Local people walk along the road with big smiles as they enjoy each other’s company and the weekend activities. Krakeel is the name of a village where I took part in a run many years ago.
We drive through Louterwater where the local industry is apple farming and pack houses. Then we come to Joubertina. We recall that a year ago, Ian had phoned to tell us about a farm near to Uniondale, he was considering buying, high up in a mountain called Mannetjiesberg. In the end he did not buy that farm but a 100hectare property now known as Wildcliff near to Heidelberg.
I glance down towards the village of Joubertina and see that they have some kind of activity on a field. They are having as much fun and sporting activity as we have just left in Oudtshoorn. There are apple orchards all along the road. Thousands of trees laden with fruit which will be harvested and used for export as well as sold to juice companies.
We make a pit stop in Kareedow. From there it is less than 150kays home. We remember to take the alternative route across the Gamtoos River and avoid the road works and traffic. We arrive safely in PE. I phone John and he tells me that he has a case of wine for us. Half red and half white.
I receive and SMS from Adrienne to say that Rianna is out of intensive care. I phone Rianna and she says that while she still has headaches she is on the mend.
That afternoon was the start of the Six Nations Rugby in Europe. Ireland beat a strong Italian team coached by Nick Mallet. And in a real upset, Wales beat England in Twykenham for the first time in 20years. The English had led 16;3 at half time and had really dominated the game with lineouts, turnovers and possession. Then there was a short period in the second half where they lost concentration altogether and Wales took over with a couple of breaks and some excellent defence that won the game for them.
Friday, February 1, 2008
CANADIAN HOLIDAY PETER, BARBARA & ALLY GIDDY JANUARY 2008.
Peter, Barbara & Ally: Canadian Holiday: January 2008.
26th December 2007: Boxing Day. That evening Cathy and Saul dropped us off at the Cape Town airport and we flew to London. The following morning a friend and work colleague of Stefan, Reinard, collected us from the airport. We had a really interesting chat on the way to Jacqui’s house. Reinard told me all about their photographic business, photo-video, and about his own life in London. It makes a huge difference to be met at the airport rather than having to take the underground especially if you have a pile of luggage to cart along.
Reinard is married to Lisa who is the sister of Clinton Van Buuren. Some of the Port Elizabeth people may remember Clinton. Clinton is an Old Grey boy who made quite an impression when he played rugby for Grey about 6 years ago.
We spent two days at Jacqui’s house. They have bought a flat in the East of London. The East side of London is where Afrikaans South Africans tend to live, while many of the English Speaking South Africans tend to migrate to the West of London. That afternoon Barbara, Ally, Jacqui, Michael, Emily and I had a walk in the Epping Forrest. I will recommend some kind of exercise as soon as possible after Jet Travel. This helped us to get our circulation going again and we had two good days with Jacqui.
Emily is now two years old and a real delight. Jacqui is devoted to this child and they have rarely been separated in the two years. Jacqui is pregnant and is due to have a girl in May 2008. Michael was in the process of buying a Sony LCD flat screen TV. We did quite a bit of searching from shop to shop for a good product at a good price. Within the Sony brand we found a selection and the choice was not easy. Finally Michael made his choice after we had left for Canada. Being in the retail trade I enjoy this kind of comparative shopping. I also enjoy wandering through supermarkets. Both in London and in Calgary I was fascinated by the different selection on offer.
We left for Canada on the 29th of December and flew Air Canada from Heathrow to Calgary. It was a strange flight as we left at 10.00am, Flew for 9 hours and arrived in Calgary at Midday. We had flown Northwards from London until we reached the southern tip of Greenland. At this time it was as dark as midnight outside. We then flew south East and back into the light. We landed in Calgary and were quickly cleared through customs and were met by Dawn, Richard, Tracey, Asher, Cale and Raylene. They had come in three cars and I drove with Raylene.
They took us to Tracey’s house. This house is South West of Calgary near to a village called Priddis. The house is on a small holding. They were in the process of completing renovations and we were the first to sleep in a new room that they had built. Dawn and Richard have moved into the basement where they have a very comfortable flat with a stunning south facing view. Our room faced south west and we had a view of the Rockies covered in snow. We would get both Morning and Evening sunshine.
New Years Eve was an interesting experience. I had developed a sore in my mouth and needed to purchase some anti-biotics. In PE I would have walked over to the local pharmacy which is run by a running friend and he would have assisted me in an emergency case. No such luck in Calgary. We visited a local clinic where we were informed that the wait would be 5 hours to see a doctor who would then prescribe the Muti and then I would have to find a pharmacist who would open for us. I decided to follow a remedy offered by one of our family: wash your mouth out in salt water. I did this a few times and took a few “Panado” and was soon fit to enjoy the evening.
New years evening was spent at Raylene and Steven’s home where they served us a delicious combination of sushi, sea foods and a variety of salads. All washed down with some ice wine. Steven runs a business that offers energy savings consultations. He has two smaller operations doing air conditioning installations as well as cabinet fittings. At one time we visited his offices and then met up for lunch at a Japanese restaurant.
The weather was good for us. Temperatures would be between an early morning -30 degrees Centigrade to about -5 degrees in the middle of the day. The houses have central heating and the sun is low on the horizon. So a house that has south facing windows can become quite hot during the day. The days were clear and we were able to ski on a number of occasions.
The first time we attempted skiing we drove to the Rockies to a ski resort called Kananaskis. Ally & I hired skis and all the equipment. We spent about three hours finding our feet. Ally was able to take a ski lesson with a young man called Adam. The class for adults would have been too late and I had to muddle through on my own. I had skied once before when I was about 16 when my parents had taken us to a ski resort in Switzerland called Wengen.
We stayed on what I refer to as the Nursery slopes but is known to Canadians as the Bunny Slopes. They have a kind of Travelator (Called the Magic Carpet) similar to those found in airports that take you up the gentle slope. You stand on the carpet with your skis attached and slide off as you reach the top. This was good practice for both of us and we were quite exhausted when we finished this session.
What I found to be a particularly good experience was being on the same level as Ally. It was not as though I was an experienced coach or was better at skiing through experience. We had started off at the same level and were progressing together. Our next attempt at skiing was to be at the Canadian Olympic Park (COP). This was specially built for the Winter Olympics of 1999.
Ally & I again hired all the equipment needed and off we headed for the Bunny Slopes again. At this venue there are a variety of Magic carpets from the very basic to a little more adventurous. After a while I decided to be even more daredevil and took the chair lift up to the top. As I headed up I think that I realised that I had made a mistake. But when I reached to top I was certain that this was actually beyond my novice capabilities. The slope was quite steep and there were a number of experienced skiers whizzing down with confidence.
Anyway there was only one thing to do and that was to try to make my way down without breaking my neck. I decided the way to go would be to Zig and Zag from side to side rather than zoom headlong down with no way of stopping. This worked quite well as I managed a few Zig and Zags without incident. However after about four of these I was heading in a Zig direction when a snowboarder decided to stop in front of me. I am quite sure that a skilful skier would have been able to avoid a collision but BANG I collided with this young boy.
Skis snowboard and people went flying. I collected my right shoulder on the hard snow and while the snowboarder was quickly up and off, it took me quite a while before I could compose myself and headed downhill again. I finally reached the bottom where Barbara & Dawn were waiting. I was quite shaken but nothing a hot chocolate could not cure.
I did not venture up the chair lift again that day but after four hours of skiing was very glad to head off home. For me it is the tension in the leg muscles and generally the work required that exhausted me. Ally was by now making real progress and would take the magic carpet up and zoom down, coming to a skilful stop at the start of the magic carpet.
The next time we went to the COP it was the turn of Dawn and Barbara to try skiing. They had decided to try cross country. The boots and skis are quite different as are the skills required. They took a lesson and Barbara was soon able to control the skis and have a fall-free down hill run. It looked quite fun but was also exhausting. Barbara had a final down section that the instructor took them down but was unable to stop herself and came to an undignified and painful stop on her rear end.
Our final attempt at skiing was back at the Kananaskis ski resort. Ally & I again hired all the necessary equipment but this time I took a helmet as well as I was determined to venture up the chair lift and up to the more daring slopes. After a short while on the bunny slopes I managed to convince Ally to come with me and the two of us ventured over to the Bronze Slopes. For many skiers this would be too tame but for us it looked just right.
We lined up for the lift and when it came to our turn we took off with a bit of a jerk and I gave Ally a knock on the head. Soon we were way above the skiers below. Mark and Cale had also decided to use this ski lift. They were on snowboards and it would be Cale’s first time up to this height. As we reached the top both Ally & I tried to ski off but ended up in a heap of skis and limbs. Falling down with skis on is most undignified and I was happy when I was offered a hand up and we were able to recover some of our composure.
Now I don’t want to make out that this would qualify for a Sylvester Stallone movie but the descent looked quite scary as we started down. But after a bit of a shaky start we started the Zigging and Zagging and made our way safely to the bottom. And were elated! We took up our position in the queue for the chair lift again and off we went. This time we were ready when we reached the top and alighted gracefully as we skied off. We were soon whizzing down as though we were used to this and not two Hill Billies from sunny South Africa. After the first two times we began to develop confidence and went up and down again a number of times before we realised that this was really tiring and headed back to the café for a drink.
I was extatic at how Ally had grasped the basic skill so quickly and was also happy with my own progress. We had planned to have one more attempt but time ran out and we determined that we would do some skiing as soon as an opportunity presented itself again.
While we were in Canada it was my 57th birthday. That evening my family took us out for supper where we had a delightful evening and as excellent meal. They presented me with a book voucher for a shop called Chapters where we would sit in the mornings and enjoy a Starbucks coffee and browse through the shop.
With this voucher I was able to purchase: a book telling the story of a man tried for teaching evolution in the “Bible Belt of America; a book telling the inside story of Michael Schumacher; another one called from Lance to Landis. After reading this book I am totally convinced that both these riders used performance enhancing dope while cycling I bought a fascinating novel telling the story of a Palestinian in Bethlehem. I bought two “books on Disc” and finally I bought two fiction novels. I had a huge amount of fun choosing the books and being assisted by the store staff.
We spent an evening at the Calgary Zoo. This was not to see any animals but so see the “Zoo Lights”. The Calgary Zoo decorates the pathways, trees and various exhibits with the most amazing Christmas lights and people come from all over to see this spectacle. Another tourist destination was the Science Centre. We enjoyed experimenting with the interactive exhibits.
One evening we went to watch Asher and Cale as they attempted to take part in the Ice Hockey. As you are aware this is one of the major sports of Canada. The Canadian children grow up skating and were quite a way ahead of the two South African Children. Nevertheless our two brave nephews acquitted themselves quite well and were keen to go again after their first try out. Standing out in the snow it was freezing for us adults and we had to take it in turns to be supporters while the others would thaw out indoors.
We were able to buy a second-hand pair of skates and Ally did some ice skating with Asher and Cale at the local rink in Priddis. While they were skating we visited the little library there. What really fascinated me was the way that Dawn took out a couple of books. There were no people in attendance. The Library operates on trust; you are expected to return books when finished and donate books as often as you can.
Living in Canada is a very ordered life. They do not have the pressing issues and problems that we have. People obey traffic laws. The police do not have the volume or complexity of crime & investigations that we have. When people do break the law there are consequences and there is enforcement. We examined a police vehicle which had an on-board computer that was linked to police headquarters and provided a complete history of previous offenders or of any vehicle on the road.
We saw little or no evidence of security. Homes open to the street without walls, spikes or electric barricades. Generally we found the Canadian people to be very friendly. But our family tells us that this is superficial and Canadians rarely visit or invite friends to their homes. There is a large South African community in Calgary.
Ally had been doing a lot of swim training before we left and so as often as we could we would get down to the YMCA gym where we would spend as much time as we could both swimming and running. The gym has a runner’s track where you can do a kilometre in 8 laps.
Canada operates a vast Volunteer system. People volunteer for all kinds of work. There are sections of highways that are regularly cleaned by a local school or other organisation. When we arrived at Calgary airport we were welcomed by a lady in a smart red Mounties outfit. She was a volunteer. At the Gym the reception clerks were volunteers. Many of the people we encountered at the Zoo were volunteers.
Our return trip consisted of a 9 hour flight to London, a day with Jacqui in London, a 12 hour flight to Cape Town and the day with Nicci & family in CT. then the following morning we left CT at 02.00am and had an 8 hour drive home. Barbara & Ally slept most of the way and I was able to listen to one of the books on disk that I had purchased.
26th December 2007: Boxing Day. That evening Cathy and Saul dropped us off at the Cape Town airport and we flew to London. The following morning a friend and work colleague of Stefan, Reinard, collected us from the airport. We had a really interesting chat on the way to Jacqui’s house. Reinard told me all about their photographic business, photo-video, and about his own life in London. It makes a huge difference to be met at the airport rather than having to take the underground especially if you have a pile of luggage to cart along.
Reinard is married to Lisa who is the sister of Clinton Van Buuren. Some of the Port Elizabeth people may remember Clinton. Clinton is an Old Grey boy who made quite an impression when he played rugby for Grey about 6 years ago.
We spent two days at Jacqui’s house. They have bought a flat in the East of London. The East side of London is where Afrikaans South Africans tend to live, while many of the English Speaking South Africans tend to migrate to the West of London. That afternoon Barbara, Ally, Jacqui, Michael, Emily and I had a walk in the Epping Forrest. I will recommend some kind of exercise as soon as possible after Jet Travel. This helped us to get our circulation going again and we had two good days with Jacqui.
Emily is now two years old and a real delight. Jacqui is devoted to this child and they have rarely been separated in the two years. Jacqui is pregnant and is due to have a girl in May 2008. Michael was in the process of buying a Sony LCD flat screen TV. We did quite a bit of searching from shop to shop for a good product at a good price. Within the Sony brand we found a selection and the choice was not easy. Finally Michael made his choice after we had left for Canada. Being in the retail trade I enjoy this kind of comparative shopping. I also enjoy wandering through supermarkets. Both in London and in Calgary I was fascinated by the different selection on offer.
We left for Canada on the 29th of December and flew Air Canada from Heathrow to Calgary. It was a strange flight as we left at 10.00am, Flew for 9 hours and arrived in Calgary at Midday. We had flown Northwards from London until we reached the southern tip of Greenland. At this time it was as dark as midnight outside. We then flew south East and back into the light. We landed in Calgary and were quickly cleared through customs and were met by Dawn, Richard, Tracey, Asher, Cale and Raylene. They had come in three cars and I drove with Raylene.
They took us to Tracey’s house. This house is South West of Calgary near to a village called Priddis. The house is on a small holding. They were in the process of completing renovations and we were the first to sleep in a new room that they had built. Dawn and Richard have moved into the basement where they have a very comfortable flat with a stunning south facing view. Our room faced south west and we had a view of the Rockies covered in snow. We would get both Morning and Evening sunshine.
New Years Eve was an interesting experience. I had developed a sore in my mouth and needed to purchase some anti-biotics. In PE I would have walked over to the local pharmacy which is run by a running friend and he would have assisted me in an emergency case. No such luck in Calgary. We visited a local clinic where we were informed that the wait would be 5 hours to see a doctor who would then prescribe the Muti and then I would have to find a pharmacist who would open for us. I decided to follow a remedy offered by one of our family: wash your mouth out in salt water. I did this a few times and took a few “Panado” and was soon fit to enjoy the evening.
New years evening was spent at Raylene and Steven’s home where they served us a delicious combination of sushi, sea foods and a variety of salads. All washed down with some ice wine. Steven runs a business that offers energy savings consultations. He has two smaller operations doing air conditioning installations as well as cabinet fittings. At one time we visited his offices and then met up for lunch at a Japanese restaurant.
The weather was good for us. Temperatures would be between an early morning -30 degrees Centigrade to about -5 degrees in the middle of the day. The houses have central heating and the sun is low on the horizon. So a house that has south facing windows can become quite hot during the day. The days were clear and we were able to ski on a number of occasions.
The first time we attempted skiing we drove to the Rockies to a ski resort called Kananaskis. Ally & I hired skis and all the equipment. We spent about three hours finding our feet. Ally was able to take a ski lesson with a young man called Adam. The class for adults would have been too late and I had to muddle through on my own. I had skied once before when I was about 16 when my parents had taken us to a ski resort in Switzerland called Wengen.
We stayed on what I refer to as the Nursery slopes but is known to Canadians as the Bunny Slopes. They have a kind of Travelator (Called the Magic Carpet) similar to those found in airports that take you up the gentle slope. You stand on the carpet with your skis attached and slide off as you reach the top. This was good practice for both of us and we were quite exhausted when we finished this session.
What I found to be a particularly good experience was being on the same level as Ally. It was not as though I was an experienced coach or was better at skiing through experience. We had started off at the same level and were progressing together. Our next attempt at skiing was to be at the Canadian Olympic Park (COP). This was specially built for the Winter Olympics of 1999.
Ally & I again hired all the equipment needed and off we headed for the Bunny Slopes again. At this venue there are a variety of Magic carpets from the very basic to a little more adventurous. After a while I decided to be even more daredevil and took the chair lift up to the top. As I headed up I think that I realised that I had made a mistake. But when I reached to top I was certain that this was actually beyond my novice capabilities. The slope was quite steep and there were a number of experienced skiers whizzing down with confidence.
Anyway there was only one thing to do and that was to try to make my way down without breaking my neck. I decided the way to go would be to Zig and Zag from side to side rather than zoom headlong down with no way of stopping. This worked quite well as I managed a few Zig and Zags without incident. However after about four of these I was heading in a Zig direction when a snowboarder decided to stop in front of me. I am quite sure that a skilful skier would have been able to avoid a collision but BANG I collided with this young boy.
Skis snowboard and people went flying. I collected my right shoulder on the hard snow and while the snowboarder was quickly up and off, it took me quite a while before I could compose myself and headed downhill again. I finally reached the bottom where Barbara & Dawn were waiting. I was quite shaken but nothing a hot chocolate could not cure.
I did not venture up the chair lift again that day but after four hours of skiing was very glad to head off home. For me it is the tension in the leg muscles and generally the work required that exhausted me. Ally was by now making real progress and would take the magic carpet up and zoom down, coming to a skilful stop at the start of the magic carpet.
The next time we went to the COP it was the turn of Dawn and Barbara to try skiing. They had decided to try cross country. The boots and skis are quite different as are the skills required. They took a lesson and Barbara was soon able to control the skis and have a fall-free down hill run. It looked quite fun but was also exhausting. Barbara had a final down section that the instructor took them down but was unable to stop herself and came to an undignified and painful stop on her rear end.
Our final attempt at skiing was back at the Kananaskis ski resort. Ally & I again hired all the necessary equipment but this time I took a helmet as well as I was determined to venture up the chair lift and up to the more daring slopes. After a short while on the bunny slopes I managed to convince Ally to come with me and the two of us ventured over to the Bronze Slopes. For many skiers this would be too tame but for us it looked just right.
We lined up for the lift and when it came to our turn we took off with a bit of a jerk and I gave Ally a knock on the head. Soon we were way above the skiers below. Mark and Cale had also decided to use this ski lift. They were on snowboards and it would be Cale’s first time up to this height. As we reached the top both Ally & I tried to ski off but ended up in a heap of skis and limbs. Falling down with skis on is most undignified and I was happy when I was offered a hand up and we were able to recover some of our composure.
Now I don’t want to make out that this would qualify for a Sylvester Stallone movie but the descent looked quite scary as we started down. But after a bit of a shaky start we started the Zigging and Zagging and made our way safely to the bottom. And were elated! We took up our position in the queue for the chair lift again and off we went. This time we were ready when we reached the top and alighted gracefully as we skied off. We were soon whizzing down as though we were used to this and not two Hill Billies from sunny South Africa. After the first two times we began to develop confidence and went up and down again a number of times before we realised that this was really tiring and headed back to the café for a drink.
I was extatic at how Ally had grasped the basic skill so quickly and was also happy with my own progress. We had planned to have one more attempt but time ran out and we determined that we would do some skiing as soon as an opportunity presented itself again.
While we were in Canada it was my 57th birthday. That evening my family took us out for supper where we had a delightful evening and as excellent meal. They presented me with a book voucher for a shop called Chapters where we would sit in the mornings and enjoy a Starbucks coffee and browse through the shop.
With this voucher I was able to purchase: a book telling the story of a man tried for teaching evolution in the “Bible Belt of America; a book telling the inside story of Michael Schumacher; another one called from Lance to Landis. After reading this book I am totally convinced that both these riders used performance enhancing dope while cycling I bought a fascinating novel telling the story of a Palestinian in Bethlehem. I bought two “books on Disc” and finally I bought two fiction novels. I had a huge amount of fun choosing the books and being assisted by the store staff.
We spent an evening at the Calgary Zoo. This was not to see any animals but so see the “Zoo Lights”. The Calgary Zoo decorates the pathways, trees and various exhibits with the most amazing Christmas lights and people come from all over to see this spectacle. Another tourist destination was the Science Centre. We enjoyed experimenting with the interactive exhibits.
One evening we went to watch Asher and Cale as they attempted to take part in the Ice Hockey. As you are aware this is one of the major sports of Canada. The Canadian children grow up skating and were quite a way ahead of the two South African Children. Nevertheless our two brave nephews acquitted themselves quite well and were keen to go again after their first try out. Standing out in the snow it was freezing for us adults and we had to take it in turns to be supporters while the others would thaw out indoors.
We were able to buy a second-hand pair of skates and Ally did some ice skating with Asher and Cale at the local rink in Priddis. While they were skating we visited the little library there. What really fascinated me was the way that Dawn took out a couple of books. There were no people in attendance. The Library operates on trust; you are expected to return books when finished and donate books as often as you can.
Living in Canada is a very ordered life. They do not have the pressing issues and problems that we have. People obey traffic laws. The police do not have the volume or complexity of crime & investigations that we have. When people do break the law there are consequences and there is enforcement. We examined a police vehicle which had an on-board computer that was linked to police headquarters and provided a complete history of previous offenders or of any vehicle on the road.
We saw little or no evidence of security. Homes open to the street without walls, spikes or electric barricades. Generally we found the Canadian people to be very friendly. But our family tells us that this is superficial and Canadians rarely visit or invite friends to their homes. There is a large South African community in Calgary.
Ally had been doing a lot of swim training before we left and so as often as we could we would get down to the YMCA gym where we would spend as much time as we could both swimming and running. The gym has a runner’s track where you can do a kilometre in 8 laps.
Canada operates a vast Volunteer system. People volunteer for all kinds of work. There are sections of highways that are regularly cleaned by a local school or other organisation. When we arrived at Calgary airport we were welcomed by a lady in a smart red Mounties outfit. She was a volunteer. At the Gym the reception clerks were volunteers. Many of the people we encountered at the Zoo were volunteers.
Our return trip consisted of a 9 hour flight to London, a day with Jacqui in London, a 12 hour flight to Cape Town and the day with Nicci & family in CT. then the following morning we left CT at 02.00am and had an 8 hour drive home. Barbara & Ally slept most of the way and I was able to listen to one of the books on disk that I had purchased.
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