SUMMER SERIES TRIATHLON IN PE. SUNDAY 20 DECEMBER 2009
MICHAEL ZIVOR (thirty something)
ALLY GIDDY (12)
PETER GIDDY (58)
Before I start this blog; may I say that my favourite swim style is "doggie paddle"? And the three of us came last in this event.
Sunday morning 20.12.2009.
Michael Z, Ally and I entered for the local summer series triathlon. We left home late with children and organising to do. A sport like triathlon is quite fussy and requires more organising than running does. It is not too bad when you are on your own but with a family there is a lot to set up.
We loaded the three bikes into the back of Barbara's opel bakkie and she left first; finding parking and reserving a place for us. Jacqui had to organise the children and we arrived a little later. We were just in time for registration and too late for race briefing. We racked up the bikes and rushed down to the beach. Both Ally and Michael had recently bought wet suites.
I could have borrowed a wet suite from Michael Dean but was not sure if I would be up to a Triathlon this morning after Saturday's disatrous run. I again borrowed goggles from Rob Ermes. Whe I felt the water temperature it was not too cold and I felt that I would be able to do this swim. The Buoys looked to be far out. I cannot think that I have ever swum so far out before.
Gary started the race and we started the swim. I had told Ally to go ahead as I would try to catch her on the Bike Ride. She headed off with all these huge triathletes. I kind of muddled my way out. Past the end of the pier and I was not even half way to the first Buoy. I thought that I was last when a person passed me. As it turned out I later realised that there was one young lady behind me. We must have finished almost together as I saw her setting up her bike later.
Back to the swim. This was a long way out. Finally I rounded the first buoy. The second buoy was not far off. What I do is to swim a little and then look where I am going. Most times I find that I have wandered off course. Then I try a little breast stroke to catch my breath. And start the process again. I so enjoy swimming in the ocean but am more of a Bobber than a Swimmer.
I rounded the second buoy and headed back to the beach. It seemed a very long way. And with my criss cross way of swiming it probably took longer than it should. One of the life guards on a board kept on telling me that I was off course. The water was quite choppy and I seemed to be swallowing a lot of sea water.
I looked up to see how far the beach was away from where I was. And saw the last of the stragglers of the swimmers runing up the stairs to the transition area. And I still had not reached the end of the pier. This was a very long swim. (maybe I mentioned that before?). Finally I was able to stand. I made my way up to the transition. Passing Bian Saunders. And our family of supporters.
Sharon Oakley told me that I had come in on the wrong side but allowed this minor infraction of the rules to be overlooked. Putting on the Cycling shoes seemed to take forever. I wanted to see if I could start before the yound lady who was the only other person in transition. I managed to get going after nearly falling off the bike at the start.
Now I had to try to catch Michael and Ally. Barbara had told me that they were between 8 to 10 minutes ahead of me. As I cycled out I greeted Craig Wilson who was on a training run. Rounding University Corner into the wind I changed down to the easiest gear. I heard this young lady (Megan) come up behind me and she asked if I would work with her. It was a "Draft Legal" event. So the two of us took turns in the wind until I saw Michael ahead and let Megan go.
People were coming in the opposite direction at a fast pace and I was looking forward to cycling back with the wind. Finally Michael and I reached the turn. Peter Marriot was the marshall. Mike and I headed back with the help of the wind at out backs. We had seen Ally heading home and when I saw her ahead with a police escort I decided to try to catch her.
While I had my Road Bike, Michael had the disadvantage of riding my mountain bike and battled to keep the pace. But we regrouped close to the golf club and cycled back together. Once we were in the transition, Ally seemed to become all energetic and started the run just ahead of us. Just as we were leaving the transition we saw Jacqui Zeelie jogging on the promenade.
From here we kind of jogged and walked to the turn where Shane Norris and Peter Marriot were marshalling. On the way back we were now exteremely relaxed and when we reached the finish I was surprised to see that the organisers had waited for us. Barbara, Jacqui and the two children had been in the sun for the past two hours and when the prize giving seemed to be taking a long time we headed off home. We were all pretty frazzled after Saturday afternoon in the sun and then again this morning.
This was Ally's second attempt at a Triathlon. In November she had entered the Energade Triathlon and had a fall on the bike and was not able to finish. Today she went the whole way. And this was a tougher event. And it was Michael's first ever triathlon as well. I have not been doing triathlon for some time now and was glad to be back into it even if it meant a slow day. For us doing this as a family was a really special day for me. As Michael said: Dont mess with the Giddy/Zivor family!" when we passed a man who was rude to us.
Sunday, December 20, 2009
Saturday, December 5, 2009
DECEMBER 2009.
DECEMBER 2009
Introduction of Blaze to JDG
Lee Collier takes over as Nippers Chairman
Zeelie cell group Braai
Mill Park Play School year end function.
Running at Sardinia Bay with Ron Pask and group.
Michael Z joins the Beach Running Group on Wednesday morning for a run, Swim and Breakfast.
Nippers join juniors and seniors for a special event at Kings Beach.
Summer series Triathlon. Family event.
CHRISTMAS WEEKEND AT WILDCLIFF
Daily visits to the beach promenade
Champagne and orange juice with the beach running group.
NEW YEAR'S EVE: CHARLES & INGRID PLUS FAMILY AROUND THE WORLD.
After the Energade Triathlon last week I was a bit stiff and not really up to a hard run on Monday morning. We did the Mount Road route at a slow pace with Gerald hanging back a bit. He and Ronel had run the 15kay race on Saturday. Seems like he enjoys being with Alf Zemke as the two of them keep each other company at the back of the field.
This week I spent the week in East London and Transkei. At work we have this new electronic Application for credit form called Blaze. And this is being introduced throughout the company in stages. On my return on Thursday evening I went to visit Lee Collier who has agreed to stand in as Chairman for our Nippers club for the rest of the season after Dianne Nelson has left for Johannesburg with her husband (John) and family (Bradley and Megan).
Friday evening Hannes and Jacqui invited the Cell Group to their home for a Braai. It would be the last session for the year. ROb Ermes, Owen and Patti Biggs were there as well. It was a really good evening: relaxed and easy. ALly had gone to movies with her friends and was dropped off a little later.
Saturday morning I collected Adrienne and met up with Pat and Annie DuRand and we had our normal Saturday morning run from Hobie beach to Walmer boulevard, Strandfontein and down Admiralty way. I had started off feeling very flat but ended up with a good run. Afterwards we enjoyed a swim at Hobie. We had met up with Brian Brunette, Mike and ___ Roote who have a Saturday morning walk and coffee on the beach.
Also the Morning Swimmers had their Christmas Breakfast on the beach. Ron joined us for a swim. Saturday afternoon, Barbara and I did some shopping: HTH, Locks for the school; 24 series 7 dvd and Shield Series 6 & 7 DVD's. It was a relaxed afternoon as we drove around. We stopped off at Dianne Nelson to collect the last of the Nippers stuff as she is moving to JHB with husband John who has taken a job transfer.
Sunday morning Barbara and I did some of the fixing up in the school then I cycled to the beach for Nippers. An east wind had been blowing for some time. The water was warm and I spent most of the morning in the sea fooling around with the children. Catching waves on the Body Board. After the training we had a short Committee meeting standing in the Nippers Cage. Bruce Bailey, Hannes and Jacqui Zeelie, Andrew Jonas, Dianne Nelson, Varrin Karp and I voted Lee Collier to the position of Chairman for the balance of the 2010 season.
Barbara collected me and later that afternoon we took a drive to the Theescombe area where we ahd a look at some properties that are for sale. We saw this huge mountain tortoise at the entrance to Garnet Cantor's game park. As we were wondering what to do with the tortoise (it was in the middle of the road) David Cantor came out of the park and we picked up this Heavy creature and put it into the park. It turns out that Gavin Billson was there recently for his fathers funeral.
Ally was at a Gala in Uitenhage. She had done well on Saturday but reported later that her Sunday swims were not as good as they should have been.
Monday 7th December: Jacqui, Michael, Emily and annabelle arrived in Cape Town. They stayed with Nicci for the week before driving through to PE the following Sunday.
Wednesday 9th: Barbara had her year end function for the school children and parents. It went down very well with the children who are leaving receiving certificates and doing some songs etc that Barbara had taught them. There were probably over 70 parents plus the nearly thirty children makes about 100 people in the garden on that morning. Parents bring some eats and between them and the grandparents they seemed to love the morning.
The following weekend ALly had a Gala in Uitenhage again. The Kotze's took her out each day. It was a three day event. Ally seems to be okay without her parents.
Sunday morning I had a wonderful run with the Ron group at Sardinia Bay. We ran in a Westerly direction up the beach and back. Lynne cycles next to the runners.
Sunday afternoon Ally and I drove down and met Ron and his gang for a short cycle. Ally was preparing the welcome for Jacqui's family and wanted to be home when they arrived. We just made it in time.
Monday I was in Kingwilliamstown, Tuesday I managed to get to some of the shops and Wednesday was a public holiday. Michael & I started off with a Run and Swim and then a Breakfast with a whole group (Adrienne, Jennifer & friend, Jacqui, Michael, EMily and Annabelle, Ron & Lynne, Pat & Ronelle, Barbara & myself; at a restaurant overlooking the beach. There was a triathlon in progress and we watched the runners as they passed below us. This was a really wonderful morning.
I had somehow caught a cold over the past few days and my trip to Grahamstown the following morning was quite miserable. I was home early and slept for hours. Friday 18th was Rons birthday but I was simply not up to going out.
Saturday morning I was not able to do teh run and after about 2kays turned around and walked the rest of the way. We had a swim afterwards. I am sure that this plus the pills that I had bought made me feel a whole lot better. Unfortunately I lost a tooth in the sea. I am fortunate that I met a runner called Divan who is a dentist. He was able to fix me up with a temporary filling so that I did not look quite as terrible.
That afternoon Ally had a Nippers event at Kings beach. The event is for seniors and juniors and by invitation a small group of Nippers were included. From Summerstrand we had Luke Hepburn, Luke Stevenson, Daniel Jones, Tristan Jonas, Anke Spies, Kyla Naude and Ally. They all did very well throughout the morning.
Ally started off with a long surf swim in which she came second in the girls section, then she did the Malibu Board and Body board and in both she was in the top five. Although she was not chosen for Flags, Varrin put her in and she was placed fifth out of 12 starters while Anke was placed 4th.
Ally & I have done a small amount of cycling and she is gaining in confidence. She is now happy to cycle to the shops or for short training around in Mill Park. Michael Z took her for a longer ride up to Newton Park. This week one of Ally's friends, Lara Swanepoel, had an accident at the Bumper Carts at the Boardwalk. She had an accident and cut her leg at the thigh. Barbara thought that she may have severed an artery but it turned out that, while there was a huge blood loss it was not an artery and she will heal with stiches and a skin graft.
Sunday morning 20.12.2009.
Michael Z, Ally and I entered for the local summer series triathlon. We left home late with children and organising to do. A sport like triathlon is quite fussy and requires more organising than running does. It is not too bad when you are on your own but with a family there is a lot to set up.
We loaded the three bikes into the back pf Barbara's opel bakkie and she left first finding parking and reserving a place for us. Jacqui had to organise the children and we arrived a little later. We were just in time for registration and too late for race briefing. We racked up the bikes and rushed down to the beach. Both Ally and Michael had recently bought wet suites.
I could have borrowed a wet suite from Michael Dean but was not sure if I would be up to a Triathlon this morning after Saturday's disatrous run. I again borrowed goggles from Rob Ermes. Whe I felt the water temperature it was not too cold and I felt that I would be able to do this swim. The Buoys looked to be far out. I cannot think that I have ever swum so far out before.
Gary started the race and we started the swim. I had told Ally to go ahead as I would try to catch her on the Bike Ride. She headed off with all these huge triathletes. I kind of muddled my way out. Past the end of the pier and I was not even half way to the first Buouy. I thought that I was last when a person passed me. As it turned out I later realised that there was one young lady behind me. We must have finished almost together as I saw her setting up her bike later.
Back to the swim. This was a long way out. Finally I rounded the first buoy. The second buoy was not far off. What I do is to swim a little and then look where I am going. Most times I find that I have wandered off course. Then I try a little breast stroke to catch my breath. And start the process again. I so enjoy swimming in the ocean but am more of a Bobber than a Swimmer.
I rounded the second buoy and headed back to the beach. It seemed a very long way. And with my criss cross way of swiming it probably took longer than it should. One of the life guards on a board kept on telling me that I was off course. The water was quite choppy and I seemed to be swallowing a lot of sea water.
I looked up to see how far the beach was away from where I was. And saw the last of the stragglers of the swimmers runing up the stairs to the transition area. And I still had not reached the end of the pier. This was a very long swim. (maybe I mentioned that before?). Finally I was able to stand. I made my way up to the transition. Passing Bian Saunders. And our family of supporters.
Sharon Oakley told me that I had come in on the wrong side but allowed this minor infraction of the rules to be overlooked. Putting on the Cycling shoes seemed to take forever. I wanted to see if I could start before the yound lady who was the only other person in transition. I managed to get going after nearly falling off the bike at the start.
Now I had to try to catch Michael and Ally. Barbara had told me that they were between 8 to 10 minutes ahead of me. As I cycled out I greeted Craig Wilson who was on a training run. Rounding University Corner into the wind I changed down to the easyest gear. I heard this young lady (Megan) come up behind me and she asked if I would work with her. It was a "Draft Legal" event. So the two of us took turns in the wind until I saw Michael ahead and let Megan go.
People were coming in the opposite direction at a fast pace and I was looking forward to cycling back with the wind. Finally Michael and I reached the turn. Peter Marriot was the marshall. Mike and I headed back with the help of the wind at out backs. We had seen Ally heading home and when I saw her ahead with a police escort I decided to try to catch her.
While I had my Road Bike, Michael had the disadvantage of riding my mountain bike and battled to keep the pace. But we regrouped close to the golf club and cycled back together. Once we were in the transition, Ally seemed to become all energetic and started the run just ahead of us. Just as we were leaving the transition we saw Jacqui Zeelie jogging on the promenade.
From here we kind of jogged and walked to the turn where Shane Norris and Peter Marriot were marshalling. On the way back we were now exteremely relaxed and when we reached the finish I was surprised to see that the organisers had waited for us. Barbara, Jacqui and the two children had been in the sun for the past two hours and when the prize giving seemed to be taking a long time we headed off home. We were all pretty frazzled after Saturday afternoon in the sun and then again this morning.
This was Ally's second attempt at a Triathlon. In November she had entered the Energade Triathlon and had a fall on the bike and was not able to finish. Today she went the whole way. And this was a tougher event. And it was Michael's first ever triathlon as well. I have not been doing triathlon for some time now and was glad to be back into it even if it meant a slow day. For us doing this as a family was a really special day for me. As Michael said: Dont mess with the Giddy/Zivor family!" when we passed a man who was rude to us.
Sunday afternoon Barbara packed up the Opel Bakkie for the children to sleep and travel the following morning. We did some shopping for their trip. It would be Michael and his three plus Ally in the bakkie. Jacqui and her Michael would be travelling in the Passat which they had brought from CT.
The house looked like a tornado had hit it. With the three families, Barbara's school becoming a playground and every room having a constant flow of people, children, food etc.
Monday Morning 21.12.2009. Nicci and Stefan had been at Bredasdorp at a friend. Barbara, Ally and Michaels Family with Jacqui's family travelled together to Wildcliff. Lene and I would follow on Thursday as neither of us had been able to get leave at this time.
Patrick, Marianne, St John and Isobell passed through Port Elizabeth on their way to Plett and then Bredasdorp. They stayed over in Plett and then made their way to Bredasdorp to the family home of Marianne.
Knysna has had sever water shortages and restrictions. This week was particularly hot and a raging fire started near to Belvedere. This makes me worry about Wildcliff and the possibility of Fires starting there.
Finally Thursday morning arrived. For me it started with a run and swim at the beach. On Wednesday morning we had run along the promenade all the way to Flat Rock. THis was a first for me as the last time I had tried this the walkway had been washed away. Adrienne is always a little nervous of this area as it is a little isolated. We had Liz from Jhb (Providence) running with us. Thursday morning we ran to the Mc Arthur baths and then along Kings Beach to the Harbour wall. The swim after the run is very theraputic and part of our little ritual.
Thursday morning we had completely packed the car and when Lene was able to get off from work we left and were able to leave PE close to 12pm. For us it was not a dificult drive. Stefan phoned us on the road and asked us to purchase some groceries and beers. Stefan sounded quite desperate as the food they had was disppearing fast with usch a big family to feed. Our car was so fully packed up with presents that we had to phone Cathy to fetch the stuff that we purchased. We arrived in Heidleberg and had to stock up at the Spar. We made some purchases and Cathy loaded the stuff up as our car was completely full both in the boot and the back seat with presents.
That evening we were the whole family together for the first time since Cathy's Wedding earlier this year. Friday morning - Christmas day - Barbara, Ally and I slept in the Study, Cathy and Saul stayed at the Weavers Nest and the rest of the gang were at Talari. The house was total Chaos. Children and babies all over the house. They leave a mess wherever they go. Crying, laughing, scolding, eating, playing. What an active house this was.
We started off with the Christmas stockings. The tree had been cut earlier in the week and was nicely decorated. There was a HUGE pile of presents under the tree. Ally had phoned me to remind me of the stocking for Mom. On our way down, Lene and I had found an African Arts and Crafts shop where we had purchased these two figurines made of hard and heavy wood. Made in Zimbabwe. They would make and Ideal christmas stocking for Barbara. The stocking fillers were too big for the old traditional stockings and so we used the big ones that Barbara had bought and had embroidered last year.
Then it was the traditional tea and mince pies before the present opening finally began. Ally and Jessica took charge of handing out the presents. There were so many presents, so many children and a huge amount of fun in the watching of the presents being opened. Barbara and Ally had bought these Blue and White board shorts for me. They looked truly funky (with matching t-shirt) on this 59 year old grandad.
The handing out of gifts does not take long. An hour later and probably about five bags of wrapping paper plus loads of boxes etc took us close to lunch time. Before lunch we went up to Rain Frog Dam. Stefan had bought two inflatable boats. This meant that we had to have a Wildcliff Olympics. Racing up and down the dam in teams dunking each other and children squirting us with their water guns. Although it was mid summer the water was not that warm. But swimming was defintely the best sport of the day.
Lunch called us all back to Talari. Stefan had brought a Gammon while I had supplied a Turkey. Barbara and Cathy made a potato bake and someone else made some green salads. This made a perfect Christmas lunch with minimal fuss. We placed three tables together in the lounge and all 19 of us sat down for lunch. Jessica and Ally read us stories from their Bibles. We did not have much in the way of speeches but Michael Z expressed his feelings about his family and of being part of this supportive group.
After lunch we had our Christmas Pagents: Nicci had arranged that each couple would present a small revue. Michael Giddy started with the Christmas story. He placed a popular song interspered and this was very successful. Barbara Ally and I were next with our rendition of "on the first day of Christmas my true love gave to me". THis too went down well. Next up was Michael and Jacqui who sang their own version of "you say potato and I say potato, you say tomato and I say tomato". This was improvised at the last minute and was a cleverly put together set of words.
Cathy and Saul had dressed for the part. Poor Saul had to wear a Nighty of Cathy's and Cathy came with her nose painted red. This was their Little Red Riding hood story. They had also arranged this at the last minute and were given a solid applause for an entertaining piece.
Nicci and family were last. They had a whole set of pieces including Christian's magic show, Stefan's juggling and their special set of songs.
Everyone so enjoyed this afternoon that it was determined there and then that this would become an annual event.
Stefan was keen to sleep a night out at Barafu so he, Christian and Aaron packed up for a boys night out. Barafu is a really small hut and could not sllep more than this. We loaded up the Bushpig and, while it was still light, drove up the hill to Ena's falls. We passed a fire break that was new. We later learned from Keith that this had been built by hand by Cape Nature. Probably clever to do this by hand as a bull dozer would have taken roots and all out and would have created the possibility of a huge washaway if a heavy rain should fall.
Up at Barafu we unpacked our goodies: Drinks and Chips. Chris Aaron and I filled up the water bottle. Stefan set up the sleeping arrangement for the night. I had brought some mattresses here the last time that Ron & I has slept here. But now there was a thick foam mattress on the top bunk where I would be sleeping. This turned out to be a really comfi sleep for me. We found one or two unwelcome guests in the hut and had to remove them. The Flatties we left alone.
Chris and Aaron took the two chairs while Stefan and I sat on the rocks. A deck here would be perfect as one would like to be able to lie outside of the hut to look up at the stars. This evening was overcast and all that we could see was the half moon. We sat outside chatting for a while before Aaron declared it to be his bedtime and that was the cue for all of us to retire. We boiled up some water for hot chocolate and were soon all fast asleep.
Patrick had phoned from Bredasdorp where he and his family were staying to say that there were some devestating fires raging and heading towards their homes. The women and children had to evacuate the house and the men were called to fight fires. He later told me that they had used every possible method to put out the fires including spades, wet sacks and swiming pool water on the thatch roofs.
Dominic had remained on the thach roof wetting it with swiming pool water in an attempt to save the house. One of the houses that was set a little way off to the side had been burnt down. The area where Marianne has this holiday home is called Springfield and is a National Heritage sight.
The family is compelled to have thatch roofing. The fire had created a huge mess all around. As far off as Arniston where they had spent the night on Saturday night the sky was filled with black ashes. Patrick tells me that the house where they were staying was full of ash. They had no power and no water.
The following day: Sunday, once they had inspected and cleaned up what they could, they all left for Wellington. It would take a long time, with some badly needed rain, to clean up the black ash and fields. Later this week I phoned Patrick and he again spoke of the Mess of the ash. Everything is covered in ash. They have no electricity and no water to assist in a clean up project. His family went to Wellington for the rest of the holiday.
Stefan had the bottom bunk which is too short for an adult and did not sleep as well as the rest of us. He had made a bed for Chris and Aaron on the middle bunk and they seemed very comfortable. It rained that evening but not enough to make any real impact. We slept till about 5am when it was already quite light. Without any breakfast except for a cup of black coffee we packed up and drove back down to Talari. Everything that we had left in the back of the Bushpig was saturated. This had been a good little experience for the four of us.
Back at Talari we found out that Joshua had not had a good night and Michael and Lene would be driving home today. Stefan Saul, Michael and I had decided to do a hike. Michael was on Call and had to have Cell Phone reception so we cancelled plans to walk the WIlderkrans and instead we walked up Fynbos road to the Protea trail. Here we turned left and after a short while made a right turn.
Stefan and I were surprised to see how both the Black Wattle and the Protea had grown where there had been a wide trail. There is a section of the field that Tom Ambrose had completely cleared of Wattle that now has overgrown back and if not sorted out will soon be forrested with this invasive again.
We were able to find the Leopard Trap that we were looking for. We made our way down a little and then back up to the top of the Kloof. I think that Stefan was feeling particularly energetic and would have liked to climb down to see if we can enter the Kloof from here. The rest of us were not quite as strong. We looked up and saw the top of the mountain bekoning us. Michael suggested that we explore this.
We carried on back up to the Fynbos road and then up to Ena's Falls. At the top we turned left into the Hidden Valley and after a short while went up the mountain. The Fynbos is thick and tough to penetrate. Once through the Protea field we had to do some rock climbing which I found quite exhausting and had to ask for a stop to recover some strength.
We enjoyed the sandwiches and snacks that we had brought. Fortunately it was still overcast and the soft West wind kept the day cool for us. Still it was hard work and when we reached the top of the mountain but not the Summit, by vote we decided to turn around and head back home. I think that Stefan would have happily continued up to the very top but I did not have the energy today. A lesson that I have learned today and before is that I should not take on too many hikes at one time. When we again decide to attempt to reach the top I must make this a single task otherwise I become too tired.
Michael phoned Talari and asked the people there to look out for us. We waved. They waved. But niether group could see the other. The climb down was not easy. I descend slowly. eventually Michael and I caught up to Saul and Stefan. And we hiked back down. We stopped off at rain frog dam for a cool off and swim. This would be the last visit to the dam and we carried the inflatable boats back down. Michael and Lene had already left and phoned to say that they were safe home. They had brought the Daewoo home and I had let Cathy & Saul take the Toyota. I wanted to have the Daewoo fixed up of the rust.
We had hiked for about 5 hours and needed a bit of a break. This did not seem possible as there was packing and other stuff to be done. Only at about 8pm was I able to put my feet up and read. I say read but within minutes I was asleep as I could not keep my eyes open. Some of the group played cards till late. I could hear them in the lounge but did not have the strength to join in.
Next morning I was up at 05.00am and spent the next 4 or so hours cleaning. Firstly the dishes then sweeping and finally we cleaned the floors and walls. Everyone did some cleaning and finally at about 9am the house was again looking reasonable. This is not a house that will ever look spotless but at least the next group (Jill) could move in on Monday.
One by one we left. Ally, Jessica and I were last to leave. We would drive to Swellendam where we met up with Patrick, Ena and Isabel. Ena would be going home to Plett and Isabel would spend the night there before continuning with friends on to Coffee bay where she would do some surfing.
Isabel looks the part. Floppy pants, barefoot or sandals, loose fitting top and funny pockets. Braided hair completes the picture. However it is not suprising to hear that underneath this is a really smart person who has achieved distinctions in the subjects that she studies towards her Marine Biology degree. Isabel is going into her third year at UCT in 2010.
We met at the Old Gaol, a restaurant in Swellendam, for something to eat and drink. Patrick brought Isabel and Ena, Stefan brought the Fig Jam that he had made for Ena. Ally had a curry, Jessica had a lasagne and I had Eggs on toast.
We said our goodbyes and headed off to Plett. After just a short while Ena remembered that she had again forgotten the Fig Jam. We turned around only to find that there was not Fig Jam at the table, nor in the office. A little while later we were able to phone Patrick who admitted that it was he who had taken the jam. The roads were busy but we managed an easy drive to Plett.
We would phone Barbara from time to time and realised that she was not far ahead. She had made a wrong turn in Mossel Bay and ended up in the town. From there she had driven over the Robertsons pass to Oudtshoorn. We agreed to meet at the Storms River Bridge for something to eat. It was impossible for her to go and buy something as she had the Pig, the Digby and the bird in the bakkie with her. She found a grassy area at the bridge and waited for us there.
We stopped off at Plett where we off loaded Ena and Isabel and loaded up some Apricot Jam. Isabel would meet up with her gang of friends and they all slept the night at Ena's flat before heading off to Coffee Bay for surfing and fun.
At Storms River Bridge we bought ourselves some hamburgers and coffee and then drove the final leg to PE in Convoy. Michael and family were at home waiting for us. Barbara was totally exhausted after a long day at the wheel and after unpacking we had an evening of unwinding.
Monday morning I had to go to work. I started off the morning with a run on the beach front with Adrienne, Pat and Ronel. We did the promenade run all the way to the old Flat Rock. The Boardwalk has now been repaired and one is able to jog along the beach front for an extra kilometer. That evening we started a series of Bridge evening with Michael and Lene. They have become quite proficient at bridge and Lene in particular has become bold and will call well.
Tuesday morning I had a short (early) visit to Grahamstown and stopped off at Nanaga on my way home I stopped off at the Nanaga Farm stall. This farm stall was established in 1969 as a fresh cabbage stall from the boot of a bakkie by Lynn MacKenzie and is now run by Leigh Anne at the relocated (29 November 2008)shop. As ususal the shop was very busy.
The pies, roosterbrood and bread are delicious. I enquired as to the meaning of the word Nanaga (Nanara - Xhosa) and was told it meant clover leaf or interchange. This evening we went to the beach for a walk and Jessica & ALly did their Jboarding. This is a new experience for Jess but she managed well. We did this a couple of times this week. Jessica improved her J Boarding and Ally makes it look easy despite a fall or two.
Wednesday morning we again did our beach front run and Thursday we had a special run as this was New years eve. We took some champagne and orange juice with Anne DuRand bringing some really delicious cakes. The running group was: Suzanne, Adrienne, Pat, Ronel, Gerald, Adrian, Annie and John for a short while. Adrienne's family joined us later: Jennifer from UK and friend, Danielle and Matthew.
The Hobie beach area was cordoned off so we had our little gathering opposite bird rock. I had a swim and Adrienne's group went to swim at Hobie beach. The morning runs have been a treat for me and I am going to miss them next week when everyone has to be back at work.
31 December 2009. New Year's Eve. Barbara and I spent the evening with Charles and Ingrid. Charles and Ingrid treated us to a cheese platter for starters. We sat outside on this balmy evening. It was really a stunning little get together. We had a Filet Steak braai, potato bake and a Charles famous salad. We played bridge and if Barbara had not been feeling poorly we may even have made Midnight.
Ingrid made us a delicious pudding which we enjoyed before our final coffee. We left an hour before the new year started. Nicky and Stefan had been at a Wedding and would spend the night at Ceres with their family. Michael and Lene, Ally and children spent the evening at Lene's sister Mariska. They arrived home well after Midnight.
And so ended 2009.
This has been and interesting and challenging year for all of us. Barbara had major changes at School with Xoliswa on Maternity leave and then resigning. Suzanne being retrenched and leaving earlier than expected as she found full time employment at the pharmacy where she works. Barbara has now cut her school intake to a manageable number of 18 children.
I had this new job of Financial Services GM at JDG and had a lot more travel than I previously had but have coped and adapted fine. I am now really enjoying the job and feel that I make a positive contribution. While I spent nearly 25 years at Morkels in a variety of positions including Manager, Regional operations, Regional Credit and Regional Personnell manager this move to Cross Chain has opened my eyes to new cultures and new personalities. It has been quite challenging to try to get to know people in 80 shops in the Division.
Jacqui, Michael, Emily and Anabelle spent their final day in London this week and have now moved to their new home in Israel near to Hiafa. Michael had a tough year with a work colleague who accused him of harrassment. Jacqui has had to live within the confines of her flat and the London weather. They now have the opportunity for a fresh start in Israel.
Michael and Lene have had to move from their home in Target Kloof, Walmer when Mike was not feeling that he could cope. He left his job in Russells where he was well respected and liked by the people around him. He joined Furn City and soon realised that this was not for him. He left this company and remained unemployed for the rest of the year. He starts a new job selling insurance with Liberty Life where his good friend, David, works. They will live with us for the next period until they feel that they are again ready and able to be independent.
Cathy and Saul found themselves a new place to live after living in Woodstock since they met. They new flat was much more secure and sunny. They seemed to love this home but have now bought a small house and will be moving there in the new year. The tenant that I had at Montreax left and we have had a period with no tenant and have had to fix the flat up as it had deteriorated both internal and external. Cathy has handled the whole job and has found a tenant for us.
Nicky and Stefan have had their fair share of work and home difficult situations. Christian had an operation to try to cure the drooling that is symtomatic of Distonia. Nicky now has the horse to ride and has taken part in competition. Stefan stays fit and is keen to run half marathons in the new year. The Little Pink Book is a huge project with the Western Cape and the Gauteng editions taking up a big part of their time and focus. The Wedding photography business is their core but they appear to be branching out with other ventures.
Wildcliff has been our common ground in both interest and time spent there. I have been able to visit Wildcliff a good number of times this year. I have had the pleasure of taking friends: Ron twice, Ron and Lynn, Peter and Elmarie, Fred Kohler twice and our family had the priveledge of being there as a whole family (19 people) over the Christmas weekend.
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Introduction of Blaze to JDG
Lee Collier takes over as Nippers Chairman
Zeelie cell group Braai
Mill Park Play School year end function.
Running at Sardinia Bay with Ron Pask and group.
Michael Z joins the Beach Running Group on Wednesday morning for a run, Swim and Breakfast.
Nippers join juniors and seniors for a special event at Kings Beach.
Summer series Triathlon. Family event.
CHRISTMAS WEEKEND AT WILDCLIFF
Daily visits to the beach promenade
Champagne and orange juice with the beach running group.
NEW YEAR'S EVE: CHARLES & INGRID PLUS FAMILY AROUND THE WORLD.
After the Energade Triathlon last week I was a bit stiff and not really up to a hard run on Monday morning. We did the Mount Road route at a slow pace with Gerald hanging back a bit. He and Ronel had run the 15kay race on Saturday. Seems like he enjoys being with Alf Zemke as the two of them keep each other company at the back of the field.
This week I spent the week in East London and Transkei. At work we have this new electronic Application for credit form called Blaze. And this is being introduced throughout the company in stages. On my return on Thursday evening I went to visit Lee Collier who has agreed to stand in as Chairman for our Nippers club for the rest of the season after Dianne Nelson has left for Johannesburg with her husband (John) and family (Bradley and Megan).
Friday evening Hannes and Jacqui invited the Cell Group to their home for a Braai. It would be the last session for the year. ROb Ermes, Owen and Patti Biggs were there as well. It was a really good evening: relaxed and easy. ALly had gone to movies with her friends and was dropped off a little later.
Saturday morning I collected Adrienne and met up with Pat and Annie DuRand and we had our normal Saturday morning run from Hobie beach to Walmer boulevard, Strandfontein and down Admiralty way. I had started off feeling very flat but ended up with a good run. Afterwards we enjoyed a swim at Hobie. We had met up with Brian Brunette, Mike and ___ Roote who have a Saturday morning walk and coffee on the beach.
Also the Morning Swimmers had their Christmas Breakfast on the beach. Ron joined us for a swim. Saturday afternoon, Barbara and I did some shopping: HTH, Locks for the school; 24 series 7 dvd and Shield Series 6 & 7 DVD's. It was a relaxed afternoon as we drove around. We stopped off at Dianne Nelson to collect the last of the Nippers stuff as she is moving to JHB with husband John who has taken a job transfer.
Sunday morning Barbara and I did some of the fixing up in the school then I cycled to the beach for Nippers. An east wind had been blowing for some time. The water was warm and I spent most of the morning in the sea fooling around with the children. Catching waves on the Body Board. After the training we had a short Committee meeting standing in the Nippers Cage. Bruce Bailey, Hannes and Jacqui Zeelie, Andrew Jonas, Dianne Nelson, Varrin Karp and I voted Lee Collier to the position of Chairman for the balance of the 2010 season.
Barbara collected me and later that afternoon we took a drive to the Theescombe area where we ahd a look at some properties that are for sale. We saw this huge mountain tortoise at the entrance to Garnet Cantor's game park. As we were wondering what to do with the tortoise (it was in the middle of the road) David Cantor came out of the park and we picked up this Heavy creature and put it into the park. It turns out that Gavin Billson was there recently for his fathers funeral.
Ally was at a Gala in Uitenhage. She had done well on Saturday but reported later that her Sunday swims were not as good as they should have been.
Monday 7th December: Jacqui, Michael, Emily and annabelle arrived in Cape Town. They stayed with Nicci for the week before driving through to PE the following Sunday.
Wednesday 9th: Barbara had her year end function for the school children and parents. It went down very well with the children who are leaving receiving certificates and doing some songs etc that Barbara had taught them. There were probably over 70 parents plus the nearly thirty children makes about 100 people in the garden on that morning. Parents bring some eats and between them and the grandparents they seemed to love the morning.
The following weekend ALly had a Gala in Uitenhage again. The Kotze's took her out each day. It was a three day event. Ally seems to be okay without her parents.
Sunday morning I had a wonderful run with the Ron group at Sardinia Bay. We ran in a Westerly direction up the beach and back. Lynne cycles next to the runners.
Sunday afternoon Ally and I drove down and met Ron and his gang for a short cycle. Ally was preparing the welcome for Jacqui's family and wanted to be home when they arrived. We just made it in time.
Monday I was in Kingwilliamstown, Tuesday I managed to get to some of the shops and Wednesday was a public holiday. Michael & I started off with a Run and Swim and then a Breakfast with a whole group (Adrienne, Jennifer & friend, Jacqui, Michael, EMily and Annabelle, Ron & Lynne, Pat & Ronelle, Barbara & myself; at a restaurant overlooking the beach. There was a triathlon in progress and we watched the runners as they passed below us. This was a really wonderful morning.
I had somehow caught a cold over the past few days and my trip to Grahamstown the following morning was quite miserable. I was home early and slept for hours. Friday 18th was Rons birthday but I was simply not up to going out.
Saturday morning I was not able to do teh run and after about 2kays turned around and walked the rest of the way. We had a swim afterwards. I am sure that this plus the pills that I had bought made me feel a whole lot better. Unfortunately I lost a tooth in the sea. I am fortunate that I met a runner called Divan who is a dentist. He was able to fix me up with a temporary filling so that I did not look quite as terrible.
That afternoon Ally had a Nippers event at Kings beach. The event is for seniors and juniors and by invitation a small group of Nippers were included. From Summerstrand we had Luke Hepburn, Luke Stevenson, Daniel Jones, Tristan Jonas, Anke Spies, Kyla Naude and Ally. They all did very well throughout the morning.
Ally started off with a long surf swim in which she came second in the girls section, then she did the Malibu Board and Body board and in both she was in the top five. Although she was not chosen for Flags, Varrin put her in and she was placed fifth out of 12 starters while Anke was placed 4th.
Ally & I have done a small amount of cycling and she is gaining in confidence. She is now happy to cycle to the shops or for short training around in Mill Park. Michael Z took her for a longer ride up to Newton Park. This week one of Ally's friends, Lara Swanepoel, had an accident at the Bumper Carts at the Boardwalk. She had an accident and cut her leg at the thigh. Barbara thought that she may have severed an artery but it turned out that, while there was a huge blood loss it was not an artery and she will heal with stiches and a skin graft.
Sunday morning 20.12.2009.
Michael Z, Ally and I entered for the local summer series triathlon. We left home late with children and organising to do. A sport like triathlon is quite fussy and requires more organising than running does. It is not too bad when you are on your own but with a family there is a lot to set up.
We loaded the three bikes into the back pf Barbara's opel bakkie and she left first finding parking and reserving a place for us. Jacqui had to organise the children and we arrived a little later. We were just in time for registration and too late for race briefing. We racked up the bikes and rushed down to the beach. Both Ally and Michael had recently bought wet suites.
I could have borrowed a wet suite from Michael Dean but was not sure if I would be up to a Triathlon this morning after Saturday's disatrous run. I again borrowed goggles from Rob Ermes. Whe I felt the water temperature it was not too cold and I felt that I would be able to do this swim. The Buoys looked to be far out. I cannot think that I have ever swum so far out before.
Gary started the race and we started the swim. I had told Ally to go ahead as I would try to catch her on the Bike Ride. She headed off with all these huge triathletes. I kind of muddled my way out. Past the end of the pier and I was not even half way to the first Buouy. I thought that I was last when a person passed me. As it turned out I later realised that there was one young lady behind me. We must have finished almost together as I saw her setting up her bike later.
Back to the swim. This was a long way out. Finally I rounded the first buoy. The second buoy was not far off. What I do is to swim a little and then look where I am going. Most times I find that I have wandered off course. Then I try a little breast stroke to catch my breath. And start the process again. I so enjoy swimming in the ocean but am more of a Bobber than a Swimmer.
I rounded the second buoy and headed back to the beach. It seemed a very long way. And with my criss cross way of swiming it probably took longer than it should. One of the life guards on a board kept on telling me that I was off course. The water was quite choppy and I seemed to be swallowing a lot of sea water.
I looked up to see how far the beach was away from where I was. And saw the last of the stragglers of the swimmers runing up the stairs to the transition area. And I still had not reached the end of the pier. This was a very long swim. (maybe I mentioned that before?). Finally I was able to stand. I made my way up to the transition. Passing Bian Saunders. And our family of supporters.
Sharon Oakley told me that I had come in on the wrong side but allowed this minor infraction of the rules to be overlooked. Putting on the Cycling shoes seemed to take forever. I wanted to see if I could start before the yound lady who was the only other person in transition. I managed to get going after nearly falling off the bike at the start.
Now I had to try to catch Michael and Ally. Barbara had told me that they were between 8 to 10 minutes ahead of me. As I cycled out I greeted Craig Wilson who was on a training run. Rounding University Corner into the wind I changed down to the easyest gear. I heard this young lady (Megan) come up behind me and she asked if I would work with her. It was a "Draft Legal" event. So the two of us took turns in the wind until I saw Michael ahead and let Megan go.
People were coming in the opposite direction at a fast pace and I was looking forward to cycling back with the wind. Finally Michael and I reached the turn. Peter Marriot was the marshall. Mike and I headed back with the help of the wind at out backs. We had seen Ally heading home and when I saw her ahead with a police escort I decided to try to catch her.
While I had my Road Bike, Michael had the disadvantage of riding my mountain bike and battled to keep the pace. But we regrouped close to the golf club and cycled back together. Once we were in the transition, Ally seemed to become all energetic and started the run just ahead of us. Just as we were leaving the transition we saw Jacqui Zeelie jogging on the promenade.
From here we kind of jogged and walked to the turn where Shane Norris and Peter Marriot were marshalling. On the way back we were now exteremely relaxed and when we reached the finish I was surprised to see that the organisers had waited for us. Barbara, Jacqui and the two children had been in the sun for the past two hours and when the prize giving seemed to be taking a long time we headed off home. We were all pretty frazzled after Saturday afternoon in the sun and then again this morning.
This was Ally's second attempt at a Triathlon. In November she had entered the Energade Triathlon and had a fall on the bike and was not able to finish. Today she went the whole way. And this was a tougher event. And it was Michael's first ever triathlon as well. I have not been doing triathlon for some time now and was glad to be back into it even if it meant a slow day. For us doing this as a family was a really special day for me. As Michael said: Dont mess with the Giddy/Zivor family!" when we passed a man who was rude to us.
Sunday afternoon Barbara packed up the Opel Bakkie for the children to sleep and travel the following morning. We did some shopping for their trip. It would be Michael and his three plus Ally in the bakkie. Jacqui and her Michael would be travelling in the Passat which they had brought from CT.
The house looked like a tornado had hit it. With the three families, Barbara's school becoming a playground and every room having a constant flow of people, children, food etc.
Monday Morning 21.12.2009. Nicci and Stefan had been at Bredasdorp at a friend. Barbara, Ally and Michaels Family with Jacqui's family travelled together to Wildcliff. Lene and I would follow on Thursday as neither of us had been able to get leave at this time.
Patrick, Marianne, St John and Isobell passed through Port Elizabeth on their way to Plett and then Bredasdorp. They stayed over in Plett and then made their way to Bredasdorp to the family home of Marianne.
Knysna has had sever water shortages and restrictions. This week was particularly hot and a raging fire started near to Belvedere. This makes me worry about Wildcliff and the possibility of Fires starting there.
Finally Thursday morning arrived. For me it started with a run and swim at the beach. On Wednesday morning we had run along the promenade all the way to Flat Rock. THis was a first for me as the last time I had tried this the walkway had been washed away. Adrienne is always a little nervous of this area as it is a little isolated. We had Liz from Jhb (Providence) running with us. Thursday morning we ran to the Mc Arthur baths and then along Kings Beach to the Harbour wall. The swim after the run is very theraputic and part of our little ritual.
Thursday morning we had completely packed the car and when Lene was able to get off from work we left and were able to leave PE close to 12pm. For us it was not a dificult drive. Stefan phoned us on the road and asked us to purchase some groceries and beers. Stefan sounded quite desperate as the food they had was disppearing fast with usch a big family to feed. Our car was so fully packed up with presents that we had to phone Cathy to fetch the stuff that we purchased. We arrived in Heidleberg and had to stock up at the Spar. We made some purchases and Cathy loaded the stuff up as our car was completely full both in the boot and the back seat with presents.
That evening we were the whole family together for the first time since Cathy's Wedding earlier this year. Friday morning - Christmas day - Barbara, Ally and I slept in the Study, Cathy and Saul stayed at the Weavers Nest and the rest of the gang were at Talari. The house was total Chaos. Children and babies all over the house. They leave a mess wherever they go. Crying, laughing, scolding, eating, playing. What an active house this was.
We started off with the Christmas stockings. The tree had been cut earlier in the week and was nicely decorated. There was a HUGE pile of presents under the tree. Ally had phoned me to remind me of the stocking for Mom. On our way down, Lene and I had found an African Arts and Crafts shop where we had purchased these two figurines made of hard and heavy wood. Made in Zimbabwe. They would make and Ideal christmas stocking for Barbara. The stocking fillers were too big for the old traditional stockings and so we used the big ones that Barbara had bought and had embroidered last year.
Then it was the traditional tea and mince pies before the present opening finally began. Ally and Jessica took charge of handing out the presents. There were so many presents, so many children and a huge amount of fun in the watching of the presents being opened. Barbara and Ally had bought these Blue and White board shorts for me. They looked truly funky (with matching t-shirt) on this 59 year old grandad.
The handing out of gifts does not take long. An hour later and probably about five bags of wrapping paper plus loads of boxes etc took us close to lunch time. Before lunch we went up to Rain Frog Dam. Stefan had bought two inflatable boats. This meant that we had to have a Wildcliff Olympics. Racing up and down the dam in teams dunking each other and children squirting us with their water guns. Although it was mid summer the water was not that warm. But swimming was defintely the best sport of the day.
Lunch called us all back to Talari. Stefan had brought a Gammon while I had supplied a Turkey. Barbara and Cathy made a potato bake and someone else made some green salads. This made a perfect Christmas lunch with minimal fuss. We placed three tables together in the lounge and all 19 of us sat down for lunch. Jessica and Ally read us stories from their Bibles. We did not have much in the way of speeches but Michael Z expressed his feelings about his family and of being part of this supportive group.
After lunch we had our Christmas Pagents: Nicci had arranged that each couple would present a small revue. Michael Giddy started with the Christmas story. He placed a popular song interspered and this was very successful. Barbara Ally and I were next with our rendition of "on the first day of Christmas my true love gave to me". THis too went down well. Next up was Michael and Jacqui who sang their own version of "you say potato and I say potato, you say tomato and I say tomato". This was improvised at the last minute and was a cleverly put together set of words.
Cathy and Saul had dressed for the part. Poor Saul had to wear a Nighty of Cathy's and Cathy came with her nose painted red. This was their Little Red Riding hood story. They had also arranged this at the last minute and were given a solid applause for an entertaining piece.
Nicci and family were last. They had a whole set of pieces including Christian's magic show, Stefan's juggling and their special set of songs.
Everyone so enjoyed this afternoon that it was determined there and then that this would become an annual event.
Stefan was keen to sleep a night out at Barafu so he, Christian and Aaron packed up for a boys night out. Barafu is a really small hut and could not sllep more than this. We loaded up the Bushpig and, while it was still light, drove up the hill to Ena's falls. We passed a fire break that was new. We later learned from Keith that this had been built by hand by Cape Nature. Probably clever to do this by hand as a bull dozer would have taken roots and all out and would have created the possibility of a huge washaway if a heavy rain should fall.
Up at Barafu we unpacked our goodies: Drinks and Chips. Chris Aaron and I filled up the water bottle. Stefan set up the sleeping arrangement for the night. I had brought some mattresses here the last time that Ron & I has slept here. But now there was a thick foam mattress on the top bunk where I would be sleeping. This turned out to be a really comfi sleep for me. We found one or two unwelcome guests in the hut and had to remove them. The Flatties we left alone.
Chris and Aaron took the two chairs while Stefan and I sat on the rocks. A deck here would be perfect as one would like to be able to lie outside of the hut to look up at the stars. This evening was overcast and all that we could see was the half moon. We sat outside chatting for a while before Aaron declared it to be his bedtime and that was the cue for all of us to retire. We boiled up some water for hot chocolate and were soon all fast asleep.
Patrick had phoned from Bredasdorp where he and his family were staying to say that there were some devestating fires raging and heading towards their homes. The women and children had to evacuate the house and the men were called to fight fires. He later told me that they had used every possible method to put out the fires including spades, wet sacks and swiming pool water on the thatch roofs.
Dominic had remained on the thach roof wetting it with swiming pool water in an attempt to save the house. One of the houses that was set a little way off to the side had been burnt down. The area where Marianne has this holiday home is called Springfield and is a National Heritage sight.
The family is compelled to have thatch roofing. The fire had created a huge mess all around. As far off as Arniston where they had spent the night on Saturday night the sky was filled with black ashes. Patrick tells me that the house where they were staying was full of ash. They had no power and no water.
The following day: Sunday, once they had inspected and cleaned up what they could, they all left for Wellington. It would take a long time, with some badly needed rain, to clean up the black ash and fields. Later this week I phoned Patrick and he again spoke of the Mess of the ash. Everything is covered in ash. They have no electricity and no water to assist in a clean up project. His family went to Wellington for the rest of the holiday.
Stefan had the bottom bunk which is too short for an adult and did not sleep as well as the rest of us. He had made a bed for Chris and Aaron on the middle bunk and they seemed very comfortable. It rained that evening but not enough to make any real impact. We slept till about 5am when it was already quite light. Without any breakfast except for a cup of black coffee we packed up and drove back down to Talari. Everything that we had left in the back of the Bushpig was saturated. This had been a good little experience for the four of us.
Back at Talari we found out that Joshua had not had a good night and Michael and Lene would be driving home today. Stefan Saul, Michael and I had decided to do a hike. Michael was on Call and had to have Cell Phone reception so we cancelled plans to walk the WIlderkrans and instead we walked up Fynbos road to the Protea trail. Here we turned left and after a short while made a right turn.
Stefan and I were surprised to see how both the Black Wattle and the Protea had grown where there had been a wide trail. There is a section of the field that Tom Ambrose had completely cleared of Wattle that now has overgrown back and if not sorted out will soon be forrested with this invasive again.
We were able to find the Leopard Trap that we were looking for. We made our way down a little and then back up to the top of the Kloof. I think that Stefan was feeling particularly energetic and would have liked to climb down to see if we can enter the Kloof from here. The rest of us were not quite as strong. We looked up and saw the top of the mountain bekoning us. Michael suggested that we explore this.
We carried on back up to the Fynbos road and then up to Ena's Falls. At the top we turned left into the Hidden Valley and after a short while went up the mountain. The Fynbos is thick and tough to penetrate. Once through the Protea field we had to do some rock climbing which I found quite exhausting and had to ask for a stop to recover some strength.
We enjoyed the sandwiches and snacks that we had brought. Fortunately it was still overcast and the soft West wind kept the day cool for us. Still it was hard work and when we reached the top of the mountain but not the Summit, by vote we decided to turn around and head back home. I think that Stefan would have happily continued up to the very top but I did not have the energy today. A lesson that I have learned today and before is that I should not take on too many hikes at one time. When we again decide to attempt to reach the top I must make this a single task otherwise I become too tired.
Michael phoned Talari and asked the people there to look out for us. We waved. They waved. But niether group could see the other. The climb down was not easy. I descend slowly. eventually Michael and I caught up to Saul and Stefan. And we hiked back down. We stopped off at rain frog dam for a cool off and swim. This would be the last visit to the dam and we carried the inflatable boats back down. Michael and Lene had already left and phoned to say that they were safe home. They had brought the Daewoo home and I had let Cathy & Saul take the Toyota. I wanted to have the Daewoo fixed up of the rust.
We had hiked for about 5 hours and needed a bit of a break. This did not seem possible as there was packing and other stuff to be done. Only at about 8pm was I able to put my feet up and read. I say read but within minutes I was asleep as I could not keep my eyes open. Some of the group played cards till late. I could hear them in the lounge but did not have the strength to join in.
Next morning I was up at 05.00am and spent the next 4 or so hours cleaning. Firstly the dishes then sweeping and finally we cleaned the floors and walls. Everyone did some cleaning and finally at about 9am the house was again looking reasonable. This is not a house that will ever look spotless but at least the next group (Jill) could move in on Monday.
One by one we left. Ally, Jessica and I were last to leave. We would drive to Swellendam where we met up with Patrick, Ena and Isabel. Ena would be going home to Plett and Isabel would spend the night there before continuning with friends on to Coffee bay where she would do some surfing.
Isabel looks the part. Floppy pants, barefoot or sandals, loose fitting top and funny pockets. Braided hair completes the picture. However it is not suprising to hear that underneath this is a really smart person who has achieved distinctions in the subjects that she studies towards her Marine Biology degree. Isabel is going into her third year at UCT in 2010.
We met at the Old Gaol, a restaurant in Swellendam, for something to eat and drink. Patrick brought Isabel and Ena, Stefan brought the Fig Jam that he had made for Ena. Ally had a curry, Jessica had a lasagne and I had Eggs on toast.
We said our goodbyes and headed off to Plett. After just a short while Ena remembered that she had again forgotten the Fig Jam. We turned around only to find that there was not Fig Jam at the table, nor in the office. A little while later we were able to phone Patrick who admitted that it was he who had taken the jam. The roads were busy but we managed an easy drive to Plett.
We would phone Barbara from time to time and realised that she was not far ahead. She had made a wrong turn in Mossel Bay and ended up in the town. From there she had driven over the Robertsons pass to Oudtshoorn. We agreed to meet at the Storms River Bridge for something to eat. It was impossible for her to go and buy something as she had the Pig, the Digby and the bird in the bakkie with her. She found a grassy area at the bridge and waited for us there.
We stopped off at Plett where we off loaded Ena and Isabel and loaded up some Apricot Jam. Isabel would meet up with her gang of friends and they all slept the night at Ena's flat before heading off to Coffee Bay for surfing and fun.
At Storms River Bridge we bought ourselves some hamburgers and coffee and then drove the final leg to PE in Convoy. Michael and family were at home waiting for us. Barbara was totally exhausted after a long day at the wheel and after unpacking we had an evening of unwinding.
Monday morning I had to go to work. I started off the morning with a run on the beach front with Adrienne, Pat and Ronel. We did the promenade run all the way to the old Flat Rock. The Boardwalk has now been repaired and one is able to jog along the beach front for an extra kilometer. That evening we started a series of Bridge evening with Michael and Lene. They have become quite proficient at bridge and Lene in particular has become bold and will call well.
Tuesday morning I had a short (early) visit to Grahamstown and stopped off at Nanaga on my way home I stopped off at the Nanaga Farm stall. This farm stall was established in 1969 as a fresh cabbage stall from the boot of a bakkie by Lynn MacKenzie and is now run by Leigh Anne at the relocated (29 November 2008)shop. As ususal the shop was very busy.
The pies, roosterbrood and bread are delicious. I enquired as to the meaning of the word Nanaga (Nanara - Xhosa) and was told it meant clover leaf or interchange. This evening we went to the beach for a walk and Jessica & ALly did their Jboarding. This is a new experience for Jess but she managed well. We did this a couple of times this week. Jessica improved her J Boarding and Ally makes it look easy despite a fall or two.
Wednesday morning we again did our beach front run and Thursday we had a special run as this was New years eve. We took some champagne and orange juice with Anne DuRand bringing some really delicious cakes. The running group was: Suzanne, Adrienne, Pat, Ronel, Gerald, Adrian, Annie and John for a short while. Adrienne's family joined us later: Jennifer from UK and friend, Danielle and Matthew.
The Hobie beach area was cordoned off so we had our little gathering opposite bird rock. I had a swim and Adrienne's group went to swim at Hobie beach. The morning runs have been a treat for me and I am going to miss them next week when everyone has to be back at work.
31 December 2009. New Year's Eve. Barbara and I spent the evening with Charles and Ingrid. Charles and Ingrid treated us to a cheese platter for starters. We sat outside on this balmy evening. It was really a stunning little get together. We had a Filet Steak braai, potato bake and a Charles famous salad. We played bridge and if Barbara had not been feeling poorly we may even have made Midnight.
Ingrid made us a delicious pudding which we enjoyed before our final coffee. We left an hour before the new year started. Nicky and Stefan had been at a Wedding and would spend the night at Ceres with their family. Michael and Lene, Ally and children spent the evening at Lene's sister Mariska. They arrived home well after Midnight.
And so ended 2009.
This has been and interesting and challenging year for all of us. Barbara had major changes at School with Xoliswa on Maternity leave and then resigning. Suzanne being retrenched and leaving earlier than expected as she found full time employment at the pharmacy where she works. Barbara has now cut her school intake to a manageable number of 18 children.
I had this new job of Financial Services GM at JDG and had a lot more travel than I previously had but have coped and adapted fine. I am now really enjoying the job and feel that I make a positive contribution. While I spent nearly 25 years at Morkels in a variety of positions including Manager, Regional operations, Regional Credit and Regional Personnell manager this move to Cross Chain has opened my eyes to new cultures and new personalities. It has been quite challenging to try to get to know people in 80 shops in the Division.
Jacqui, Michael, Emily and Anabelle spent their final day in London this week and have now moved to their new home in Israel near to Hiafa. Michael had a tough year with a work colleague who accused him of harrassment. Jacqui has had to live within the confines of her flat and the London weather. They now have the opportunity for a fresh start in Israel.
Michael and Lene have had to move from their home in Target Kloof, Walmer when Mike was not feeling that he could cope. He left his job in Russells where he was well respected and liked by the people around him. He joined Furn City and soon realised that this was not for him. He left this company and remained unemployed for the rest of the year. He starts a new job selling insurance with Liberty Life where his good friend, David, works. They will live with us for the next period until they feel that they are again ready and able to be independent.
Cathy and Saul found themselves a new place to live after living in Woodstock since they met. They new flat was much more secure and sunny. They seemed to love this home but have now bought a small house and will be moving there in the new year. The tenant that I had at Montreax left and we have had a period with no tenant and have had to fix the flat up as it had deteriorated both internal and external. Cathy has handled the whole job and has found a tenant for us.
Nicky and Stefan have had their fair share of work and home difficult situations. Christian had an operation to try to cure the drooling that is symtomatic of Distonia. Nicky now has the horse to ride and has taken part in competition. Stefan stays fit and is keen to run half marathons in the new year. The Little Pink Book is a huge project with the Western Cape and the Gauteng editions taking up a big part of their time and focus. The Wedding photography business is their core but they appear to be branching out with other ventures.
Wildcliff has been our common ground in both interest and time spent there. I have been able to visit Wildcliff a good number of times this year. I have had the pleasure of taking friends: Ron twice, Ron and Lynn, Peter and Elmarie, Fred Kohler twice and our family had the priveledge of being there as a whole family (19 people) over the Christmas weekend.
.
Sunday, November 8, 2009
NIPPERS PLETT CARNIVAL NOVEMBER 2009.
PLETT NIPPERS CARNIVAL 7TH AND 8TH NOVEMBER 2009
Report and results
We had the most awesome carnival at Plettenberg Bay this past weekend. As usual the organisation was excellent with the combination of Plett and the official from EPLSA. In particular people like Sean, Nick, Ant, Clint, Paul's new computerised result program, Administrators, Scorers and recorders and every coach who spends hours of their time to assist in all kinds of ways from being in the water to marshaling to supporting their teams. There is not a parent or sibling who does not participate in some positive way.
Then there are the Nippers: These are the most hardy of all children. Thomas made the comment that there is no other sport like it for the way that our children are prepared to brave the toughest of conditions, the most arduous of oversize surf conditions, the most demanding of both their physical and their mental abilities. Just imagine how they must feel when they are eliminated in the very first round of a flags heat! And yet the next time they are called upon to participate they will do so knowing that there may be a recurrence of the same emotional stress.
Imagine starting an Iron Nipper event and watching the big sets of waves as they come pounding into shore. And then as you look out to sea the distance that you are going to swim, body board and then Malibu. This would be enough to put off the strongest of wills. Well done to every Nipper who was there this weekend. This type of event for a child between the age of 8 to 14; over two days, is like the Comrades or the Ironman is to a seriously trained athlete. Every participant is a winner.
Barbara and I left PE midday on Friday and Barbara dropped me off as she and Ally headed off to Oudtshoorn for a Gala there. Joining her were John and Cheryl Kotze with their child, Greg. From our Nippers Team were Lara, Daniel, Rogan, Jamie Lee and Ally.
Saturday morning started off with a run for Jacqui, Lisle and myself. We met in Plett village and jogged down towards the beach. We crossed the Piesang River and headed towards the N2. This route, for those who don't know it, takes the runner up a really long and steep hill with three or four switchbacks. Up to Castleton and onto the N2 where we crossed the main (Shell Garage) entrance to Plett and ran downhill to the bottom entrance at the Engen garage. We found a tap and then carried on up and back to Plett village. The run had taken us just over an hour and was really worthwhile.
I later learned that Alec and Graham had run 20kays to Robberg and back while Hannes and Jacques had gone out on Mountain Bikes. Hannes had taken a tumble and had bruised his leg and arm so badly that the next day he was battling to walk.
Terry phoned to say that he was on his way into town and I met his vehicle at the beach. We off loaded the trailer and set up the tent. Once the tent was up and Nippers started arriving the Carnival started to take shape.
A couple of Nippers from Hobie Beach and Simone from Summies had to do the swim part of their level test. They were due to have done their level test on Wednesday but the high seas, white water and strong rip current made swimming impossible. So what Ant Cox did was to conduct all the theory and beach exercises, leaving the swim for the morning of the carnival. This morning everyone passed their test. It also gave me the opportunity for an early morning swim. I did not envy the children as the water was quite chilly and long swims would take some heart today.
This morning was the first time that our new sponsors, ADT would be displayed on our clothing. Jacqui had brought the new kit for the Nippers to wear. ADT would have been pleased to see their exposure. We need to have some ADT feathers and boards with their logo and branding to give real exposure to the extent of the sponsorship.
Dianne Nelson is presently our Chairman. John has been offered a job promotion in Johannesburg and they will now be moving. This is most unfortunate for Summerstrand. We will struggle to find a person who is as committed and as hard working as Dianne has been in the few months of her taking office at Summerstrand.
The running of the days events went well. Taplin Relay, Long Run, Flags, Body and Malibu Relays all took some organising. At one stage there was some fears that a shark sighting may put the event off for a while. But the shark sighting was a lot further out to sea and the fears were soon calmed. Events proceeded as planned.
By 16.30 everyone was happy to end the afternoon off with a beer on the wonderfully designed new deck that Plett has added to their club house. This deck is the simplest of structures with steel girding and wooden floors making up a stunning lookout area for the Nippers and Lifesaving clubhouse. Talking to Nick later, he told me how he had started the Plett Nippers organisation and how it had grown from just 20 Nippers to its present size and structure in just 7 years.
There was one particular event which took everyone by surprise. It was the U10 Malibu Relay event. The Summies team were placed at about 5th place when the final tag was being done. And the Nippers headed out into one of the biggest sets of the afternoon.U10 Nippers were being wiped out all over the place. Coaches rushed to the assistance of the Nippers. The only poor soul not being assisted, was Corrick, of Summerstrand. He powered out on his own getting battered but persevering. Finally he made it past the breakers and somehow kept his lead and won the event for his team. This display of courage and strength will be remembered for many years.
Sportsmanship took on new meaning as I saw, time and again Nippers staying together when out in the water with a friend, who may not have been as strong as they were. There was an instance of a Nipper who realised that she did not have the strength to carry on to the flags finals and so when they were running for a flag she “allowed” a team mate to catch the last flag. There are so many examples of team support from both parents, coaches and team mates that it almost chokes you up with emotion when you see this positive behaviour on display.
Of course there are also cases of aggression. Nippers is a tough sport and being able to deal with being “unfairly pushed aside” is what builds character that is going to be so very important in the lives of the Nippers as they grow to young adults. I think that it was Deon who described Nippers as a whole set of life skills that our children have the opportunity to learn in an environment that is healthy and has the support of parent and peer groups.
As we sat and had our first beer, after the last event of the day, we saw Barbara and Ally arrive on the beach. They had left Oudtshoorn earlier than expected and we were all pleased to have them join us.
While at the Oudtshoorn Gala Ally had managed to win two medals: A Gold medal for the Medley relay in which she swam the final leg of Freestyle and a Silver medal for the Freestyle relay.
This evening we were pretty exhausted. Walking on soft sand for a day with little to eat and lots of exercise meant for tired bodies. I am pretty sure that most of us were asleep fairly early.
Sunday morning we were down on the beach shortly after 7.15am. Ally, Daniel and Rogan did their swim for their level test. The day began with a variety of disciplines and a combination of heat and hard work had us all looking tired within a few hours. The stride of parents on the beach was decidedly less energetic than it had been the previous day. People sought out the shade and wore more clothes than yesterday, as they had clearly been sun beaten on Saturday. I am also fairly certain that there were some dads who were quietly seeking out Panado's.
The U14 and U12 Iron Nipper events were stunning to watch. I parked myself out on a Malibu board at the furthest point and watched as these brave Nippers swam, body boarded and Malibu Boarded out and around back to the shore. It was quite humbling to see what our children are prepared to put themselves through. A particular: “Well Done” must be accorded to every participant in Iron Nipper events.
Barbara & I were particularly proud of Ally who was placed fourth after a grueling event in which she overtook at least one other U14 in the final stages of the Malibu section by taking a wave to shore. This is Ally's first year in U14 and she looks like she has a great year ahead of her.
We were pleased to be able to watch Ally competing in the Run Swim Run in which she held her own. Ally had missed out on competing in the team events as these had all been held when she was in Oudtshoorn.
The final event on Sunday was the Flags. Clint started this event and had to be quite strict when it came to false starts. My opinion is that the Nippers took their defeats in good spirit and I overheard one Dad saying to his children: “See how the losers smile as broadly as the winners”. Yes, it is all about learning to be a winner in losing. There are something like 50 participants in an age group. There can only be one winner. So 49 Nippers have to have the ability to accept defeat.
Once the final Flags event had been run the scorers had the task of trying to sort out teams, age groups and individual winners. Tough but they got stuck in just allowing us enough time to pack up our trailers, grab an ice cream and soon we were gathering around to listen to the final results.
Provisional Results:
U10's
1 Kings Beach 423 points
2 Summies 242 points
3 Plett 219 points
4 East London 109 points
Nipper of the competition:
Summies Girls
3 Meg (Goosie) Nelson.
Summies boys
1 Corrick
U12's
1 Plett 317 points
2 Summies 316 Points
3 Kings Beach 252 points
4 East London 92 points
5 Hobie Beach 14 points
Nippers of the competition
Summies Girls
2 Jamie who was there for Sunday only
1 Simone who has only recently joined Nippers.
Summies Boys
3 Craig
U14
1 Kings Beach 417 points
2 Plett 297 points
3 Summies 264 Points
4 Hobie beach 17 points
Nippers of the competition
Summies Girls
1 Christie
Summies Boys
3 Luke H
Full Team results:
1 Kings Beach 1092 points
2 Plett 833 points
3 Summies 822 points
4 East London 210 points
5 Hobie 31 points
A full set of results should be available on the website of Kings Beach shortly. I will let you know when this is available. Meanwhile I apologise in advance for all of my errors. I wrote the names and results in my own particular set of shorthand and hieroglyphics.
Peter Giddy
Sunday 8.11.2009.
082 550 3174
peter@wildcliff.org
Report and results
We had the most awesome carnival at Plettenberg Bay this past weekend. As usual the organisation was excellent with the combination of Plett and the official from EPLSA. In particular people like Sean, Nick, Ant, Clint, Paul's new computerised result program, Administrators, Scorers and recorders and every coach who spends hours of their time to assist in all kinds of ways from being in the water to marshaling to supporting their teams. There is not a parent or sibling who does not participate in some positive way.
Then there are the Nippers: These are the most hardy of all children. Thomas made the comment that there is no other sport like it for the way that our children are prepared to brave the toughest of conditions, the most arduous of oversize surf conditions, the most demanding of both their physical and their mental abilities. Just imagine how they must feel when they are eliminated in the very first round of a flags heat! And yet the next time they are called upon to participate they will do so knowing that there may be a recurrence of the same emotional stress.
Imagine starting an Iron Nipper event and watching the big sets of waves as they come pounding into shore. And then as you look out to sea the distance that you are going to swim, body board and then Malibu. This would be enough to put off the strongest of wills. Well done to every Nipper who was there this weekend. This type of event for a child between the age of 8 to 14; over two days, is like the Comrades or the Ironman is to a seriously trained athlete. Every participant is a winner.
Barbara and I left PE midday on Friday and Barbara dropped me off as she and Ally headed off to Oudtshoorn for a Gala there. Joining her were John and Cheryl Kotze with their child, Greg. From our Nippers Team were Lara, Daniel, Rogan, Jamie Lee and Ally.
Saturday morning started off with a run for Jacqui, Lisle and myself. We met in Plett village and jogged down towards the beach. We crossed the Piesang River and headed towards the N2. This route, for those who don't know it, takes the runner up a really long and steep hill with three or four switchbacks. Up to Castleton and onto the N2 where we crossed the main (Shell Garage) entrance to Plett and ran downhill to the bottom entrance at the Engen garage. We found a tap and then carried on up and back to Plett village. The run had taken us just over an hour and was really worthwhile.
I later learned that Alec and Graham had run 20kays to Robberg and back while Hannes and Jacques had gone out on Mountain Bikes. Hannes had taken a tumble and had bruised his leg and arm so badly that the next day he was battling to walk.
Terry phoned to say that he was on his way into town and I met his vehicle at the beach. We off loaded the trailer and set up the tent. Once the tent was up and Nippers started arriving the Carnival started to take shape.
A couple of Nippers from Hobie Beach and Simone from Summies had to do the swim part of their level test. They were due to have done their level test on Wednesday but the high seas, white water and strong rip current made swimming impossible. So what Ant Cox did was to conduct all the theory and beach exercises, leaving the swim for the morning of the carnival. This morning everyone passed their test. It also gave me the opportunity for an early morning swim. I did not envy the children as the water was quite chilly and long swims would take some heart today.
This morning was the first time that our new sponsors, ADT would be displayed on our clothing. Jacqui had brought the new kit for the Nippers to wear. ADT would have been pleased to see their exposure. We need to have some ADT feathers and boards with their logo and branding to give real exposure to the extent of the sponsorship.
Dianne Nelson is presently our Chairman. John has been offered a job promotion in Johannesburg and they will now be moving. This is most unfortunate for Summerstrand. We will struggle to find a person who is as committed and as hard working as Dianne has been in the few months of her taking office at Summerstrand.
The running of the days events went well. Taplin Relay, Long Run, Flags, Body and Malibu Relays all took some organising. At one stage there was some fears that a shark sighting may put the event off for a while. But the shark sighting was a lot further out to sea and the fears were soon calmed. Events proceeded as planned.
By 16.30 everyone was happy to end the afternoon off with a beer on the wonderfully designed new deck that Plett has added to their club house. This deck is the simplest of structures with steel girding and wooden floors making up a stunning lookout area for the Nippers and Lifesaving clubhouse. Talking to Nick later, he told me how he had started the Plett Nippers organisation and how it had grown from just 20 Nippers to its present size and structure in just 7 years.
There was one particular event which took everyone by surprise. It was the U10 Malibu Relay event. The Summies team were placed at about 5th place when the final tag was being done. And the Nippers headed out into one of the biggest sets of the afternoon.U10 Nippers were being wiped out all over the place. Coaches rushed to the assistance of the Nippers. The only poor soul not being assisted, was Corrick, of Summerstrand. He powered out on his own getting battered but persevering. Finally he made it past the breakers and somehow kept his lead and won the event for his team. This display of courage and strength will be remembered for many years.
Sportsmanship took on new meaning as I saw, time and again Nippers staying together when out in the water with a friend, who may not have been as strong as they were. There was an instance of a Nipper who realised that she did not have the strength to carry on to the flags finals and so when they were running for a flag she “allowed” a team mate to catch the last flag. There are so many examples of team support from both parents, coaches and team mates that it almost chokes you up with emotion when you see this positive behaviour on display.
Of course there are also cases of aggression. Nippers is a tough sport and being able to deal with being “unfairly pushed aside” is what builds character that is going to be so very important in the lives of the Nippers as they grow to young adults. I think that it was Deon who described Nippers as a whole set of life skills that our children have the opportunity to learn in an environment that is healthy and has the support of parent and peer groups.
As we sat and had our first beer, after the last event of the day, we saw Barbara and Ally arrive on the beach. They had left Oudtshoorn earlier than expected and we were all pleased to have them join us.
While at the Oudtshoorn Gala Ally had managed to win two medals: A Gold medal for the Medley relay in which she swam the final leg of Freestyle and a Silver medal for the Freestyle relay.
This evening we were pretty exhausted. Walking on soft sand for a day with little to eat and lots of exercise meant for tired bodies. I am pretty sure that most of us were asleep fairly early.
Sunday morning we were down on the beach shortly after 7.15am. Ally, Daniel and Rogan did their swim for their level test. The day began with a variety of disciplines and a combination of heat and hard work had us all looking tired within a few hours. The stride of parents on the beach was decidedly less energetic than it had been the previous day. People sought out the shade and wore more clothes than yesterday, as they had clearly been sun beaten on Saturday. I am also fairly certain that there were some dads who were quietly seeking out Panado's.
The U14 and U12 Iron Nipper events were stunning to watch. I parked myself out on a Malibu board at the furthest point and watched as these brave Nippers swam, body boarded and Malibu Boarded out and around back to the shore. It was quite humbling to see what our children are prepared to put themselves through. A particular: “Well Done” must be accorded to every participant in Iron Nipper events.
Barbara & I were particularly proud of Ally who was placed fourth after a grueling event in which she overtook at least one other U14 in the final stages of the Malibu section by taking a wave to shore. This is Ally's first year in U14 and she looks like she has a great year ahead of her.
We were pleased to be able to watch Ally competing in the Run Swim Run in which she held her own. Ally had missed out on competing in the team events as these had all been held when she was in Oudtshoorn.
The final event on Sunday was the Flags. Clint started this event and had to be quite strict when it came to false starts. My opinion is that the Nippers took their defeats in good spirit and I overheard one Dad saying to his children: “See how the losers smile as broadly as the winners”. Yes, it is all about learning to be a winner in losing. There are something like 50 participants in an age group. There can only be one winner. So 49 Nippers have to have the ability to accept defeat.
Once the final Flags event had been run the scorers had the task of trying to sort out teams, age groups and individual winners. Tough but they got stuck in just allowing us enough time to pack up our trailers, grab an ice cream and soon we were gathering around to listen to the final results.
Provisional Results:
U10's
1 Kings Beach 423 points
2 Summies 242 points
3 Plett 219 points
4 East London 109 points
Nipper of the competition:
Summies Girls
3 Meg (Goosie) Nelson.
Summies boys
1 Corrick
U12's
1 Plett 317 points
2 Summies 316 Points
3 Kings Beach 252 points
4 East London 92 points
5 Hobie Beach 14 points
Nippers of the competition
Summies Girls
2 Jamie who was there for Sunday only
1 Simone who has only recently joined Nippers.
Summies Boys
3 Craig
U14
1 Kings Beach 417 points
2 Plett 297 points
3 Summies 264 Points
4 Hobie beach 17 points
Nippers of the competition
Summies Girls
1 Christie
Summies Boys
3 Luke H
Full Team results:
1 Kings Beach 1092 points
2 Plett 833 points
3 Summies 822 points
4 East London 210 points
5 Hobie 31 points
A full set of results should be available on the website of Kings Beach shortly. I will let you know when this is available. Meanwhile I apologise in advance for all of my errors. I wrote the names and results in my own particular set of shorthand and hieroglyphics.
Peter Giddy
Sunday 8.11.2009.
082 550 3174
peter@wildcliff.org
Sunday, November 1, 2009
NOVEMBER 2009.
NOVEMBER 2009.
THIS MONTH
ALLY GALA IN OUDTSHOORN
NIPPERS PLETT CARNIVAL
INCOME TAX GETS DONE
WILLOWS 10KAY MARSHALLING
TRIP TO JOHANNESBURG TO FETCH THE MERCEDES
BAFANA BAFANA PLAY JAPAN IN PE STADIUM
BRENDA GOES FLY FISHING IN CANADA: AIRPORT EXPERIENCE AND RESPONSE.
JACQUI ZIVOR ABOUT TO MOVE TO ISRAEL AFTER A HOLIDAY IN RSA.
MICHAEL GOES TO HOLLAND TO COLLECT IAN'S BICYCLE.
WILDCLIFF TRIP WITH FRED KOHLER.
CATHY FIXES UP THE MONTREUX FLAT AND PUTS A TENANT IN.
BARBARA HAS A MISS PIGGY STAYING WITH US
ALLY AND PETER DO THE ENERGADE TRIATHLON.
PAULA REPORT ON WILDCLIFF
The month started off with the Plett Nippers Carnival. And Ally had a Gala in Oudtshoorn. Her team won a Gold and SIlver medals for two events. One she swam freestyle and another she swam Butterfly.
I had a full week travelling through the Transkei to Lusikisiki, Flagstaff, Bizana and Mount Frere. It may not sound like much but these are such interesting places and the staff too are interesting. While I dislike being away from home, I try to make the most of these trips.
The following weekend the poor weather that we were to experience over the next two weeks, began. THis was not my excuse but on SUnday morning I realised that I had just one week left to submit my income tax forms. SO I sat down and got stuck into doing the neccessary efiling. I also tried to do Barbara's income tax but did not succeed and finally had to use a consultant Leon Gerber who did her tax last year. I have never met him and neither paid him.
Saturday morning: I met up with Adrienne and a small group at 05.30 at Hobie beach and we did the 10kay circuit. From there I drove to WIllows where I assisted with Marshalling at the WIldside 10kay. THis afternoon I went to watch Bafana Bafana SA soccer team playing against Japan at our new NM stadium. This was my second visit to the stadium but my first experience to watch the National Soccer team that has been playing so badly recently. THe game was slow and defensive in the first half but in the second half Bafana became more agressive and tried to score a goal. Japan were all over the place and very aggressive. Unfortunately neither team scored a goal and it ended up a draw. I had gone with three men from work. Elby, Mumbulelo and Vukile. A good experience.
Monday morning I flew to Jhb for a meeting. After the meeting I took the Mercedes Benz which had 166 000kays and drove back home to PE. I left at around 3pm. It was a long afternoon and I managed to drive for 650kays to Colesberg at 21.30. Crossing the Vaal RIver driving right through the Free State and across the Orange RIver.
Here I found a B & B (La Provence) which Barbara had prebooked for me. The next morning, after I realised that there was not water in the taps,I brushed my teeth with a dry brush and pressed on at about 04.30am. My next stop was Cradock where I was able to buy coffee and use the bathroom. i had driven the 1090kays from Jhb in around 10.30 hours. I arrived in PE at about 08.30am, had a shower and spent a busy day at work as we had a FSAM meeting in East London the following day. I was fortunate to have the Tom Tom GPRS to assist me with directions. Especially leaving Jhb.
Thursday morning I finally had a bit of normality as I met the MPRG for a run to Walmer and back. Good to be home.
Hi Barbara
I have been on line to get the new price list for various wines. The "effe soet" Colombard - slightly sweet is the one Dawn and I drank.... I suppose this is what they call semi-sweet. Any way this is R270 a case and then there is a transportation charge which last year was R60 per case. at the present time this is the unknown cost.
I would have liked to buy the Cabernet Sauvignon.... I know Peter has had some of this .... and it was very good. Ask him if he would like to share a case with me.
I shall send the wine list in a separate e-mail.
BRENDA GOES FLY FISHING IN CANADA:
NASTY AND NEGATIVE AIRPORT SECURITY.
here is the account of my travails at the hands of the security personnel in Canada. The last paragraph was suplied by Dawn and just as well as I would have been total negative and nasty.
Brenda
I am a retired 67 year old woman with white hair and a passion for fly fishing. I have spent a glorious three weeks with friends fishing, touring and viewing the wonderful natural beauty of areas relatively close to Calgary, such as fishing the Bow, Oldman's River and Livingstone Falls.
Last night when I was supposed to fly out of Calgary the gilt was taken off the ginger bread.
I was one of the first people through the boarding gate. Initially the security people after going through my hand luggage said it was illegal for me to carry fishing flies in my hand luggage and thus on to the plane. What followed can only be described as a comedy of errors:
First I was told that I could retrace my steps and go and submit the small packet of flies to Air Canada for shipping separately... which I did only to find all the counters closed and no-one there.... in fact the International side of the airport was closed; so I went back to the security area and then I was told that I could mail them to myself if I filled in a postage form.
This I started to do only to find that I could not pay for the postage with cash and anyway the postage counter was now closed. At this point I was seriously concerned about missing my plane and two connections back to my home in South Africa, so I abandoned the flies to the devices of the security crew, and tried to move through to catch my flight, but no this was not to be.
My luggage was again subjected to a second screening and physical search by a young man named Leon who then turned his back on me for several minutes. Eventually he turned back and said "Oh, you can go". This person has serious issues with megalomania.
By this time I was almost running down the passage to get to my plane - when, guess what, I was called back and my luggage was again subjected to an open case search by Leon apparently on instructions from "upstairs", whereupon he found some more flies!
Why didn't he make a good job of it the first time around? I was repeatedly told that I should have consulted the on-line regulations, which I have since done without gaining any clarity. I was then subjected to a second full body search in front of the ten or so security personnel who had collected for the show..... by that time my plane was on the runway and about to depart.
At this point several Air Canada personnel appeared to find out what was going on, and I learned I had been given the run-around for forty-five minutes. In fact my first words to the senior Air Canada official were "I have been harassed". Once he took over some semblance of normalcy returned and he and a magician named Wade were able to book me on a flight the following day (today) which would connect through to my home area.
This unpleasant incident has left me with two questions:
Firstly, with the large number of anglers arriving in Calgary every year to fish the Bow River, shouldn't there be some clear indication that trout flies (most of which measure 2 to 3 mm across the gape, and are covered with feathers, beads etc.) are not permissible in hand luggage, and,
secondly, would it not be possible to provide security staff with some training in public relations.
ND HERE IS THE RESPONSE FROM CANADIAN FLY FISHERMEN
The most incredible thing has happened. On Tuesday I had a cancellation of a school visit (teacher sick), and I was at home attending to all sorts of odds and ends, when the post office van arrived with a parcel for me.
I read on the parcel that it had come all the way from a shop caled Fish Tales in Calgary that we had patronised for flyfishing equipment, and to find and hire a guide.
Anyway I opened it there were six boxes of fishing flies with a minimum of 50 flies in each box, and a message to say they had heard about my"situation" at the airport and the flies had been collected with the hope that "this gesture helps ease the harsh memories you might have about our airport".
When I went on line to thank them this is the response that I got.
That collection of flies is from many different people from the fly fishing community from Alberta and British Columbia. Someone had seen an article on the internet about your experience and posted onto the forum and it went from there. We offered to do the collecting and shipping since you were in the shop several times and had fished with Terry.
I would like to be able to post a note from you on the local internet form that organized this. So if you could send me something that I could put on that site that would be great. Let us know which flies work.
Incredible isn't it!
Brenda
19.11.2009.
JACQUI IS IN HER LAST TWO MONTHS OF LONDON BEFORE A RSA VISIT AND A MOVE TO ISRAEL.
Hi Everyone,
The weekend is on its way!!! Yippi! Michael is off to Amsterdam this
weekend to fetch Ian's bike. Funny story really. Michael's friend is
coming from Israel and then they are flying to Germany to meet up with
another friend. They are then all driving to Amsterdam to fetch the
bike of my dearly departed uncle...not really knowing what they are
going to find, may be a gem, but probably a clapped out junk of
wheels?? :) Doesn't really matter, people of done stranger things for
stranger reasons. Anyway, so I will be home with my girls, finishing
up some final shopping, packing, saying some goodbyes. The count down
really begins, 2 weeks. Can't wait to get moving, very itchy itchy
feet.
Hope you all have a good weekend.
have a look at my blog if you want some more of my babbling on.....and
on......and on......
www.zivor.wordpress.com
lots of love
Jacs
Jacqui and Ally are on Skype and type out this message:
Jacqui askes Ally:
hmmm, sorry, typing with annabell on me...what i was trying to say is: any news for me?
Ally Responds:
haha ammmmmm we got a pig, josh has lost 2 teeth, daniel is just daniel, jessica likes 3 boys, i am full of joy and awesomness, mom is nervous for the Christmas play, michael went for an entaview, lene is at work and ya dad is giddy
Jacqui replies:
hehehehehe you are hilarious
This week Cathy has been trying to get the Cape Town Montreux flat sorted out: The previous tenant left a number of months ago and we have not been able to put a new tenant into the flat until some work was done on painting and fixing the bathroom. Cathy has been hard at work only to discover that there is no electricity in the flat. Stefan had to go to the Civic Centre where he spent an hour before finally completing all of the forms.
Later in the day the electricity man phned me to say that there was no one there to open for him. It turns out that the lady with the key only works to midday. The following day she was also not there as it was a Muslin Holiday. Cathy had workmen who were not able to compelete the work with no electricity and only on Saturday did she finally get the power switched on. Cathy is so busy at work. She has recently received a promotion and can hardly afford this kind of worry. Added to this Cathy and Saul have bought a house which they are trying to finalise and get all of the paper work and expenses sorted out.
Friday 20th November 2009.
We had a Wildcliff trip planned for this weekend. Ally had decided to stay at home. On the Friday evening she had a Guild Function with her friends and stayed over with Amber. I wanted to take the Toyota to Cape Town for Jacqui to use when they arrive next month. Fred Kohler would drive it down. We left PE at a leisurely pace at around 2.30pm with Fred following in the Toyota a little while later. We drove straight through and arrived in Heidelberg at about 20.30. Nicci and their friends Marius, Melanie and two children were already settled in. They had a fire going and had a braai for supper.
Saturday morning 21st. Fred, Stefan and I left at about 6 for a run. We ran to the main Wildcliff gate and then turned left. We jogged down to the bridge and up the other side. This is Kallie Engelbrecht's farm. He farms cattle and we saw some cows being moved around. Just then Kallie drove past and I was able to meet him for the first time. He complained about the Working for Water people and how they worked. While it is still quite dry in this area there has been some rain and the streams were flowing. We jogged up to where the T junction of the start of the Gysmanshoek pass is and then turned back. We tried a turn off that looked like it would lead us back to WC but had to turn around. When we got back to Kallies farm we cut across his fields and up along the Eskom line back to the Fynbos road of WC. we then went on a little to the Rain Frog dam where we had a cooling off swim before heading home again.
I was expecting a visit from the Overberg Water people who represent WFW in Heidelberg. Zanay and a colleague came to visit and it turned out that Zanay is a school friend of Stefan's. Keith, Zanay and I had a long conversation regarding the effectiveness of the work that has been done. Zanay tried to explain the way that they were supposed to operate with certain sections of land having been cleared three times before they finally hand over to the land owner. While I was not satisfied with their answers it appears that they are a whole lot more effective than the previous people who were there (Davie and his successor who only lasted a short while).
These two ladies say that they walk the area's before they start and before they sign an area off. The meeting ended up with us signing off a section of the reserve that they will work to finally clear. We will have to see how effective the work is and the results. One of the things that is really of concern is the fire hazzard but Zanay says that we cannot consider burning until winter - June or July. We will have to clear a fire break, buldoze a section and then get professional fire fighters to come and do the work.
Later this morning the whole gang of us went up to rain frog dam where Fred, Stefan and I tried out the Tree Poppers that we had bought. There were a number of stumps and saplings that had not been cleared and it is a really satisfying activity to clear these invasives out. Pullling a whole stump or sapling roots and all! Its a tiring activity and a swim later was quite welcome.
This evening Paula and Keith joined us for one of Stefan's famous potjie suppers. We ate quite late and flopped into bed with everyone quite exhausted. Sunday morning I woke up stiff and sore from the previous day's run and excersize. Fred seemed to be fit and headed up the Fynbos Road for a run. He ran all the way up to Barafu in 30 minutes and back down in 25 minutes.
After a slwo start to the day we took the Bushpig and drove up to Barafu. THe ride at the back of the vehicle is very bumpy. THe children do not seem to mind but it is quite uncomfortable for an adult. We walked around the area for a short while and then headed back with Stefan jogging behind us.
Back home we packed up and left at about Midday. Barbara had her Miss Piggy with us and she likes to stop for regular breaks. We bought ourselves a Sweet potato muffin at the Tsitsikamma shop where the mother and daughter owners were quite taken with our Yorkie and Porkie. Throughout our drive to WC and back, whenever we stopped the Piggy would draw attention as people would wonder if this animal on a leash was a dog or a pig? We made good time and were home by about 17.00.
Monday morning I was still too stiff to go jogging with the MPRG but the rest of the week I ran each morning. Saturday morning I collected Pat and Adrienne and we drove down to Hobie beach where we met Annie, Adrian, Suzanne, Susan, Jacqui, Mike dean and his daughter Debbie who is back from CT University where she has completed her Honours in Property Management and has now signed up for a three year Law Degree doing the first two years in one year.
We did the 10 kay circuit up Walmer Boulevard, Strandfontein Road and second ave. Adrienne and Pat did the full route down Admiralty. I wanted to swim as this would be my second swim in training for the Energade Triathlon on Sunday. The water was cold to get in but the body adapts quite quickly and I had a good, if leisurely, swim. Jonti and Jessica Daniels had Paddle Ski's and did a paddle around the Bird Rock. Looks so good to see a Father and Daughter doing this together.
After our run and swim I spent the morning at Work and then in the afternoon Ally and I cycled down to Summerstrand to register for the Triathlon. Unfortunately the SMS that we had received to say that registration would be at 14.00 was incorrect and registration was only at 16.00. Barbara had driven down and we loaded the bikes into the bakkie and drove home. I took the old bakkie to the tip to clear out some of the rubble and bushes that Barbara and her gardener, Kevin had cut. Michael was having a Braai with some of his friends: David, Chris Wilkie, Alta and Brian James.
The Springboks were playing rugby at Dublin in Ireland. It must have been freezing cold there with a mist covering the field. We did not play well despite an early try by Bryan Habana we lost the game mainly due to an inability to convert penalties while the Irish had an excellent young kicker who converted almost everything that he was given. This has been a most unsatisfactory tour by the springboks with losses to two league teams, the French and the Irish and a consolation win over the Italians who are coached by Nick Mallet.
Later Ally, Barbara and I registered for the Triathlon. It was not a pleasant afternoon as Ally was concerned that she would not be competing in the age group allowed to her. There are some age group events but Barbara likened them to Iron Kids at the Ironman event. Short events that would not do justice to Ally's ability.
ENERGADE TRIATHLON
Sunday morning: I think that both Ally and I were nervous for this event. It is a long time since I last did a Triathlon and it would be Ally's first attempt. We loaded up into Barbara's Opel Corsa Bakkie. Triathlon is a fussy sport and you have to remember a host of things. Helmets, gloves, water bottle, bathing Cap Running shoes, Goggles and of course the Bikes must have tyres pumped and be serviced to go.
I must have been really nervous as I ws feeling quite car sick by the time we arrived at Summerstrand. Gerald, Pat and Ronel were there. Hannes, Jacqui and Calvin were doing a team event as was Jonti's children Ashleigh and Jessie together with Jamie Engelke and Amber Zeelie. Ally and I had our numbers kokied onto our legs and then registered our bikes into transition.
The Kiddies triathlon was in progress. I am so glad that Ally was not part of this as it would have been "childs Play" for her. We did not see the swim but we heard that the children had not really had a swim at all. They had basically run through the water.
I asked around and Rob Ermes had a spare pair of Goggles which he was prepared to lend to me. I was really grateful as the sea looked quite rough with the East Wind blowing. The Girls event started 10 Minutes before the men. Ally had a good start. Nippers has certainly built a huge amount of confidence for her in the sea. As we stood waiting for the mens start we could clearly see Ally with a bright green cap.
As our race started I could see Ally was in the front group of the girls and she was just finishing the sea swim as I was starting. The surf was reasonably large. There was a rip pulling from East to West and the first buoy had moved considerably off course for the girls and had to be pulled back for the mens event. I felt really sorry for the back markers of the girls as they would have had to swim an extra 50 meters or so and would have been fighting to catch a moving buoy.
I had decided to take it easy. I am not a strong swimmer but was confident that I could do the swim if I did it in my own time. I thought that I was last but heard later that there were one or two men behind me. (I am not so sure about that) The team event had started 5 minutes behind us and before I rounded the first Buoy I was already overtaken by most of the team swimmers.
I am not good at my directions when I swim and found my self heading out to sea a couple of times. Finally I rounded the second buoy and the last section was quite easy with big swells pushing us in. Strangely enough the one of the toughest parts of the swim was exitting the water. There was a strong current that prevented us from running out and there were rocks in the sea that had been exposed after days of East Winds.
Into transition and finding my bike was one of the very few left. Snapped on my helmet, fitted the gloves and put the running shoes on that I would use on the mountain bike as well as for the run. You have to push the bike out of transition and then off I cycled. If I am bad at swimming, I think that I am even worse at cycling and I had hardly climbed on the bike when the first cyclist passed me. I saw Jonti walking back. Jessie had had a puncture and he had given her his bike to finish the event. I passed Ashleigh and Jessie Daniels and only one other person. The people who had been in the water with me passed me despite my best efforts to stay ahead.
I saw Ally heading in the opposite direction. I shouted that I would catch her but in fact doubted that I would be able to catch her on the Bike as I was already Bum Sore and tired. We turned and headed back into an East head wind. This lasted all the way to the University back entrance. Finally the last three kays was with the wind and I could pick up some speed. Still the few remaining people in the event seemed to pass me. I saw the runners all on their way home while I still had to complete the cycle and then start the run.
Just as I was about to finish I saw this man who I has seen all along on the swim and then who had passed me on the bike section have an accident with a car just as he was about to enter the transition area. I was not able to see the extent of his injury but it did not look good. This high lites that this event deserves ROAD Closure for the cycle section. Motorists did not behave well. I saw a number of motorists speeding and misbehaving generally.
Barbara was standing at the entrance and shouted that Ally had a fall and cut her leg. She was out of the run section and had cycled the back ten kay with a sore leg and a broken brake. I racked the bike and headed off to do the final leg of the triathlon: the five kay run. My legs felt all wobbly. I could not seem to get going. Jacqui passed me as she was finishing, Ronel was also finished her event. Rob Ermes finishing stronly. And I still had to do the full five kays with wobbly legs. But as I reached the two kay mark I started to establish a rythm and was able to pass a few chaps on the last few kays. Keith Reading, an ex Achillean was battling with the run and I was able to beat him in the dying stages. The Daniel and Zeelie teams were just behind me and finished strongly.
Ally had pulled out of the run but I am still proud of her attempts and the fact that her swim was so strong and that she had completed her first ever 20kay cycle. Jacqui Zeelie collected a prize for her team. Ally was happily sitting with her friends and I walked down to Nippers. Varrin had the U14's doing sprints and flags. I joined him for a short while. Ally and Barbara bought burgers and we loaded the bikes back into the bakkie. They went home and I stayed to help with Nippers clean up. Rob Mitchley gave me a lift home.
PAULA PEBSWORTH REPORT FROM WILDCLIFF
Hello All,
It was a short week for us as Thursday and Friday were spent in Mossel Bay for Keith's shoulder surgery. I think he filled you in, but just in case you didn't hear his news. He tore his rotator cuff some years ago and finally had to do something about it. The surgeon reattached the muscle with anchors to the bone. It will take about a month for it to heal. For some time, however, he'll have to be careful about lifting anything.
Additionally, a female juvenile from the big troop was electrocuted on the high voltage wires outside Talari (near the eucalyptus trees) on Monday morning. She died instantly, but was stuck in the wires. We called Eskom right away to come and take her down - it is considered a fire hazard. They didn't come on Monday. We called again on Tuesday - still no one by 2pm so I asked Peter to place a call for us. They were out by 4pm and after blowing the fuse, finally had her down by 5pm. Thanks again Peter - you are my hero! Needless to say, it was a sad time for me and the kids. We buried her below Xairu under the oak trees. I plan to wrap some barbed wire around the pole - perhaps this will prevent it from happening again.
The baboons were over near Nick's yesterday and have been a bit difficult to follow. It has also been quite warm this week and they have been swimming and hanging out at the kaoline mine and the Plattekloof. While I was at the KM I photographed a lovely female bushbuck, who seemed naive to humans. She was gorgeous and stood staring at me for the longest time.
The collaring project is on target. The baboons are readily coming into the trap for corn, raisins & an energy block. The challenge is getting the males out and females in. My mom is hand carrying the collar from the states and will arrive on December 3rd. I hope to have a female collared in December, but have a lot of people's schedules to work around as well as the holidays.
We celebrated Thanksgiving yesterday and were happy to introduce Marlei to a coveted American tradition. We have much to be thankful for - thanks again for the opportunity to live on Wildcliff & conduct research here! Attached are my favorite photos for the week.
Much love,
Paula
THIS MONTH
ALLY GALA IN OUDTSHOORN
NIPPERS PLETT CARNIVAL
INCOME TAX GETS DONE
WILLOWS 10KAY MARSHALLING
TRIP TO JOHANNESBURG TO FETCH THE MERCEDES
BAFANA BAFANA PLAY JAPAN IN PE STADIUM
BRENDA GOES FLY FISHING IN CANADA: AIRPORT EXPERIENCE AND RESPONSE.
JACQUI ZIVOR ABOUT TO MOVE TO ISRAEL AFTER A HOLIDAY IN RSA.
MICHAEL GOES TO HOLLAND TO COLLECT IAN'S BICYCLE.
WILDCLIFF TRIP WITH FRED KOHLER.
CATHY FIXES UP THE MONTREUX FLAT AND PUTS A TENANT IN.
BARBARA HAS A MISS PIGGY STAYING WITH US
ALLY AND PETER DO THE ENERGADE TRIATHLON.
PAULA REPORT ON WILDCLIFF
The month started off with the Plett Nippers Carnival. And Ally had a Gala in Oudtshoorn. Her team won a Gold and SIlver medals for two events. One she swam freestyle and another she swam Butterfly.
I had a full week travelling through the Transkei to Lusikisiki, Flagstaff, Bizana and Mount Frere. It may not sound like much but these are such interesting places and the staff too are interesting. While I dislike being away from home, I try to make the most of these trips.
The following weekend the poor weather that we were to experience over the next two weeks, began. THis was not my excuse but on SUnday morning I realised that I had just one week left to submit my income tax forms. SO I sat down and got stuck into doing the neccessary efiling. I also tried to do Barbara's income tax but did not succeed and finally had to use a consultant Leon Gerber who did her tax last year. I have never met him and neither paid him.
Saturday morning: I met up with Adrienne and a small group at 05.30 at Hobie beach and we did the 10kay circuit. From there I drove to WIllows where I assisted with Marshalling at the WIldside 10kay. THis afternoon I went to watch Bafana Bafana SA soccer team playing against Japan at our new NM stadium. This was my second visit to the stadium but my first experience to watch the National Soccer team that has been playing so badly recently. THe game was slow and defensive in the first half but in the second half Bafana became more agressive and tried to score a goal. Japan were all over the place and very aggressive. Unfortunately neither team scored a goal and it ended up a draw. I had gone with three men from work. Elby, Mumbulelo and Vukile. A good experience.
Monday morning I flew to Jhb for a meeting. After the meeting I took the Mercedes Benz which had 166 000kays and drove back home to PE. I left at around 3pm. It was a long afternoon and I managed to drive for 650kays to Colesberg at 21.30. Crossing the Vaal RIver driving right through the Free State and across the Orange RIver.
Here I found a B & B (La Provence) which Barbara had prebooked for me. The next morning, after I realised that there was not water in the taps,I brushed my teeth with a dry brush and pressed on at about 04.30am. My next stop was Cradock where I was able to buy coffee and use the bathroom. i had driven the 1090kays from Jhb in around 10.30 hours. I arrived in PE at about 08.30am, had a shower and spent a busy day at work as we had a FSAM meeting in East London the following day. I was fortunate to have the Tom Tom GPRS to assist me with directions. Especially leaving Jhb.
Thursday morning I finally had a bit of normality as I met the MPRG for a run to Walmer and back. Good to be home.
Hi Barbara
I have been on line to get the new price list for various wines. The "effe soet" Colombard - slightly sweet is the one Dawn and I drank.... I suppose this is what they call semi-sweet. Any way this is R270 a case and then there is a transportation charge which last year was R60 per case. at the present time this is the unknown cost.
I would have liked to buy the Cabernet Sauvignon.... I know Peter has had some of this .... and it was very good. Ask him if he would like to share a case with me.
I shall send the wine list in a separate e-mail.
BRENDA GOES FLY FISHING IN CANADA:
NASTY AND NEGATIVE AIRPORT SECURITY.
here is the account of my travails at the hands of the security personnel in Canada. The last paragraph was suplied by Dawn and just as well as I would have been total negative and nasty.
Brenda
I am a retired 67 year old woman with white hair and a passion for fly fishing. I have spent a glorious three weeks with friends fishing, touring and viewing the wonderful natural beauty of areas relatively close to Calgary, such as fishing the Bow, Oldman's River and Livingstone Falls.
Last night when I was supposed to fly out of Calgary the gilt was taken off the ginger bread.
I was one of the first people through the boarding gate. Initially the security people after going through my hand luggage said it was illegal for me to carry fishing flies in my hand luggage and thus on to the plane. What followed can only be described as a comedy of errors:
First I was told that I could retrace my steps and go and submit the small packet of flies to Air Canada for shipping separately... which I did only to find all the counters closed and no-one there.... in fact the International side of the airport was closed; so I went back to the security area and then I was told that I could mail them to myself if I filled in a postage form.
This I started to do only to find that I could not pay for the postage with cash and anyway the postage counter was now closed. At this point I was seriously concerned about missing my plane and two connections back to my home in South Africa, so I abandoned the flies to the devices of the security crew, and tried to move through to catch my flight, but no this was not to be.
My luggage was again subjected to a second screening and physical search by a young man named Leon who then turned his back on me for several minutes. Eventually he turned back and said "Oh, you can go". This person has serious issues with megalomania.
By this time I was almost running down the passage to get to my plane - when, guess what, I was called back and my luggage was again subjected to an open case search by Leon apparently on instructions from "upstairs", whereupon he found some more flies!
Why didn't he make a good job of it the first time around? I was repeatedly told that I should have consulted the on-line regulations, which I have since done without gaining any clarity. I was then subjected to a second full body search in front of the ten or so security personnel who had collected for the show..... by that time my plane was on the runway and about to depart.
At this point several Air Canada personnel appeared to find out what was going on, and I learned I had been given the run-around for forty-five minutes. In fact my first words to the senior Air Canada official were "I have been harassed". Once he took over some semblance of normalcy returned and he and a magician named Wade were able to book me on a flight the following day (today) which would connect through to my home area.
This unpleasant incident has left me with two questions:
Firstly, with the large number of anglers arriving in Calgary every year to fish the Bow River, shouldn't there be some clear indication that trout flies (most of which measure 2 to 3 mm across the gape, and are covered with feathers, beads etc.) are not permissible in hand luggage, and,
secondly, would it not be possible to provide security staff with some training in public relations.
ND HERE IS THE RESPONSE FROM CANADIAN FLY FISHERMEN
The most incredible thing has happened. On Tuesday I had a cancellation of a school visit (teacher sick), and I was at home attending to all sorts of odds and ends, when the post office van arrived with a parcel for me.
I read on the parcel that it had come all the way from a shop caled Fish Tales in Calgary that we had patronised for flyfishing equipment, and to find and hire a guide.
Anyway I opened it there were six boxes of fishing flies with a minimum of 50 flies in each box, and a message to say they had heard about my"situation" at the airport and the flies had been collected with the hope that "this gesture helps ease the harsh memories you might have about our airport".
When I went on line to thank them this is the response that I got.
That collection of flies is from many different people from the fly fishing community from Alberta and British Columbia. Someone had seen an article on the internet about your experience and posted onto the forum and it went from there. We offered to do the collecting and shipping since you were in the shop several times and had fished with Terry.
I would like to be able to post a note from you on the local internet form that organized this. So if you could send me something that I could put on that site that would be great. Let us know which flies work.
Incredible isn't it!
Brenda
19.11.2009.
JACQUI IS IN HER LAST TWO MONTHS OF LONDON BEFORE A RSA VISIT AND A MOVE TO ISRAEL.
Hi Everyone,
The weekend is on its way!!! Yippi! Michael is off to Amsterdam this
weekend to fetch Ian's bike. Funny story really. Michael's friend is
coming from Israel and then they are flying to Germany to meet up with
another friend. They are then all driving to Amsterdam to fetch the
bike of my dearly departed uncle...not really knowing what they are
going to find, may be a gem, but probably a clapped out junk of
wheels?? :) Doesn't really matter, people of done stranger things for
stranger reasons. Anyway, so I will be home with my girls, finishing
up some final shopping, packing, saying some goodbyes. The count down
really begins, 2 weeks. Can't wait to get moving, very itchy itchy
feet.
Hope you all have a good weekend.
have a look at my blog if you want some more of my babbling on.....and
on......and on......
www.zivor.wordpress.com
lots of love
Jacs
Jacqui and Ally are on Skype and type out this message:
Jacqui askes Ally:
hmmm, sorry, typing with annabell on me...what i was trying to say is: any news for me?
Ally Responds:
haha ammmmmm we got a pig, josh has lost 2 teeth, daniel is just daniel, jessica likes 3 boys, i am full of joy and awesomness, mom is nervous for the Christmas play, michael went for an entaview, lene is at work and ya dad is giddy
Jacqui replies:
hehehehehe you are hilarious
This week Cathy has been trying to get the Cape Town Montreux flat sorted out: The previous tenant left a number of months ago and we have not been able to put a new tenant into the flat until some work was done on painting and fixing the bathroom. Cathy has been hard at work only to discover that there is no electricity in the flat. Stefan had to go to the Civic Centre where he spent an hour before finally completing all of the forms.
Later in the day the electricity man phned me to say that there was no one there to open for him. It turns out that the lady with the key only works to midday. The following day she was also not there as it was a Muslin Holiday. Cathy had workmen who were not able to compelete the work with no electricity and only on Saturday did she finally get the power switched on. Cathy is so busy at work. She has recently received a promotion and can hardly afford this kind of worry. Added to this Cathy and Saul have bought a house which they are trying to finalise and get all of the paper work and expenses sorted out.
Friday 20th November 2009.
We had a Wildcliff trip planned for this weekend. Ally had decided to stay at home. On the Friday evening she had a Guild Function with her friends and stayed over with Amber. I wanted to take the Toyota to Cape Town for Jacqui to use when they arrive next month. Fred Kohler would drive it down. We left PE at a leisurely pace at around 2.30pm with Fred following in the Toyota a little while later. We drove straight through and arrived in Heidelberg at about 20.30. Nicci and their friends Marius, Melanie and two children were already settled in. They had a fire going and had a braai for supper.
Saturday morning 21st. Fred, Stefan and I left at about 6 for a run. We ran to the main Wildcliff gate and then turned left. We jogged down to the bridge and up the other side. This is Kallie Engelbrecht's farm. He farms cattle and we saw some cows being moved around. Just then Kallie drove past and I was able to meet him for the first time. He complained about the Working for Water people and how they worked. While it is still quite dry in this area there has been some rain and the streams were flowing. We jogged up to where the T junction of the start of the Gysmanshoek pass is and then turned back. We tried a turn off that looked like it would lead us back to WC but had to turn around. When we got back to Kallies farm we cut across his fields and up along the Eskom line back to the Fynbos road of WC. we then went on a little to the Rain Frog dam where we had a cooling off swim before heading home again.
I was expecting a visit from the Overberg Water people who represent WFW in Heidelberg. Zanay and a colleague came to visit and it turned out that Zanay is a school friend of Stefan's. Keith, Zanay and I had a long conversation regarding the effectiveness of the work that has been done. Zanay tried to explain the way that they were supposed to operate with certain sections of land having been cleared three times before they finally hand over to the land owner. While I was not satisfied with their answers it appears that they are a whole lot more effective than the previous people who were there (Davie and his successor who only lasted a short while).
These two ladies say that they walk the area's before they start and before they sign an area off. The meeting ended up with us signing off a section of the reserve that they will work to finally clear. We will have to see how effective the work is and the results. One of the things that is really of concern is the fire hazzard but Zanay says that we cannot consider burning until winter - June or July. We will have to clear a fire break, buldoze a section and then get professional fire fighters to come and do the work.
Later this morning the whole gang of us went up to rain frog dam where Fred, Stefan and I tried out the Tree Poppers that we had bought. There were a number of stumps and saplings that had not been cleared and it is a really satisfying activity to clear these invasives out. Pullling a whole stump or sapling roots and all! Its a tiring activity and a swim later was quite welcome.
This evening Paula and Keith joined us for one of Stefan's famous potjie suppers. We ate quite late and flopped into bed with everyone quite exhausted. Sunday morning I woke up stiff and sore from the previous day's run and excersize. Fred seemed to be fit and headed up the Fynbos Road for a run. He ran all the way up to Barafu in 30 minutes and back down in 25 minutes.
After a slwo start to the day we took the Bushpig and drove up to Barafu. THe ride at the back of the vehicle is very bumpy. THe children do not seem to mind but it is quite uncomfortable for an adult. We walked around the area for a short while and then headed back with Stefan jogging behind us.
Back home we packed up and left at about Midday. Barbara had her Miss Piggy with us and she likes to stop for regular breaks. We bought ourselves a Sweet potato muffin at the Tsitsikamma shop where the mother and daughter owners were quite taken with our Yorkie and Porkie. Throughout our drive to WC and back, whenever we stopped the Piggy would draw attention as people would wonder if this animal on a leash was a dog or a pig? We made good time and were home by about 17.00.
Monday morning I was still too stiff to go jogging with the MPRG but the rest of the week I ran each morning. Saturday morning I collected Pat and Adrienne and we drove down to Hobie beach where we met Annie, Adrian, Suzanne, Susan, Jacqui, Mike dean and his daughter Debbie who is back from CT University where she has completed her Honours in Property Management and has now signed up for a three year Law Degree doing the first two years in one year.
We did the 10 kay circuit up Walmer Boulevard, Strandfontein Road and second ave. Adrienne and Pat did the full route down Admiralty. I wanted to swim as this would be my second swim in training for the Energade Triathlon on Sunday. The water was cold to get in but the body adapts quite quickly and I had a good, if leisurely, swim. Jonti and Jessica Daniels had Paddle Ski's and did a paddle around the Bird Rock. Looks so good to see a Father and Daughter doing this together.
After our run and swim I spent the morning at Work and then in the afternoon Ally and I cycled down to Summerstrand to register for the Triathlon. Unfortunately the SMS that we had received to say that registration would be at 14.00 was incorrect and registration was only at 16.00. Barbara had driven down and we loaded the bikes into the bakkie and drove home. I took the old bakkie to the tip to clear out some of the rubble and bushes that Barbara and her gardener, Kevin had cut. Michael was having a Braai with some of his friends: David, Chris Wilkie, Alta and Brian James.
The Springboks were playing rugby at Dublin in Ireland. It must have been freezing cold there with a mist covering the field. We did not play well despite an early try by Bryan Habana we lost the game mainly due to an inability to convert penalties while the Irish had an excellent young kicker who converted almost everything that he was given. This has been a most unsatisfactory tour by the springboks with losses to two league teams, the French and the Irish and a consolation win over the Italians who are coached by Nick Mallet.
Later Ally, Barbara and I registered for the Triathlon. It was not a pleasant afternoon as Ally was concerned that she would not be competing in the age group allowed to her. There are some age group events but Barbara likened them to Iron Kids at the Ironman event. Short events that would not do justice to Ally's ability.
ENERGADE TRIATHLON
Sunday morning: I think that both Ally and I were nervous for this event. It is a long time since I last did a Triathlon and it would be Ally's first attempt. We loaded up into Barbara's Opel Corsa Bakkie. Triathlon is a fussy sport and you have to remember a host of things. Helmets, gloves, water bottle, bathing Cap Running shoes, Goggles and of course the Bikes must have tyres pumped and be serviced to go.
I must have been really nervous as I ws feeling quite car sick by the time we arrived at Summerstrand. Gerald, Pat and Ronel were there. Hannes, Jacqui and Calvin were doing a team event as was Jonti's children Ashleigh and Jessie together with Jamie Engelke and Amber Zeelie. Ally and I had our numbers kokied onto our legs and then registered our bikes into transition.
The Kiddies triathlon was in progress. I am so glad that Ally was not part of this as it would have been "childs Play" for her. We did not see the swim but we heard that the children had not really had a swim at all. They had basically run through the water.
I asked around and Rob Ermes had a spare pair of Goggles which he was prepared to lend to me. I was really grateful as the sea looked quite rough with the East Wind blowing. The Girls event started 10 Minutes before the men. Ally had a good start. Nippers has certainly built a huge amount of confidence for her in the sea. As we stood waiting for the mens start we could clearly see Ally with a bright green cap.
As our race started I could see Ally was in the front group of the girls and she was just finishing the sea swim as I was starting. The surf was reasonably large. There was a rip pulling from East to West and the first buoy had moved considerably off course for the girls and had to be pulled back for the mens event. I felt really sorry for the back markers of the girls as they would have had to swim an extra 50 meters or so and would have been fighting to catch a moving buoy.
I had decided to take it easy. I am not a strong swimmer but was confident that I could do the swim if I did it in my own time. I thought that I was last but heard later that there were one or two men behind me. (I am not so sure about that) The team event had started 5 minutes behind us and before I rounded the first Buoy I was already overtaken by most of the team swimmers.
I am not good at my directions when I swim and found my self heading out to sea a couple of times. Finally I rounded the second buoy and the last section was quite easy with big swells pushing us in. Strangely enough the one of the toughest parts of the swim was exitting the water. There was a strong current that prevented us from running out and there were rocks in the sea that had been exposed after days of East Winds.
Into transition and finding my bike was one of the very few left. Snapped on my helmet, fitted the gloves and put the running shoes on that I would use on the mountain bike as well as for the run. You have to push the bike out of transition and then off I cycled. If I am bad at swimming, I think that I am even worse at cycling and I had hardly climbed on the bike when the first cyclist passed me. I saw Jonti walking back. Jessie had had a puncture and he had given her his bike to finish the event. I passed Ashleigh and Jessie Daniels and only one other person. The people who had been in the water with me passed me despite my best efforts to stay ahead.
I saw Ally heading in the opposite direction. I shouted that I would catch her but in fact doubted that I would be able to catch her on the Bike as I was already Bum Sore and tired. We turned and headed back into an East head wind. This lasted all the way to the University back entrance. Finally the last three kays was with the wind and I could pick up some speed. Still the few remaining people in the event seemed to pass me. I saw the runners all on their way home while I still had to complete the cycle and then start the run.
Just as I was about to finish I saw this man who I has seen all along on the swim and then who had passed me on the bike section have an accident with a car just as he was about to enter the transition area. I was not able to see the extent of his injury but it did not look good. This high lites that this event deserves ROAD Closure for the cycle section. Motorists did not behave well. I saw a number of motorists speeding and misbehaving generally.
Barbara was standing at the entrance and shouted that Ally had a fall and cut her leg. She was out of the run section and had cycled the back ten kay with a sore leg and a broken brake. I racked the bike and headed off to do the final leg of the triathlon: the five kay run. My legs felt all wobbly. I could not seem to get going. Jacqui passed me as she was finishing, Ronel was also finished her event. Rob Ermes finishing stronly. And I still had to do the full five kays with wobbly legs. But as I reached the two kay mark I started to establish a rythm and was able to pass a few chaps on the last few kays. Keith Reading, an ex Achillean was battling with the run and I was able to beat him in the dying stages. The Daniel and Zeelie teams were just behind me and finished strongly.
Ally had pulled out of the run but I am still proud of her attempts and the fact that her swim was so strong and that she had completed her first ever 20kay cycle. Jacqui Zeelie collected a prize for her team. Ally was happily sitting with her friends and I walked down to Nippers. Varrin had the U14's doing sprints and flags. I joined him for a short while. Ally and Barbara bought burgers and we loaded the bikes back into the bakkie. They went home and I stayed to help with Nippers clean up. Rob Mitchley gave me a lift home.
PAULA PEBSWORTH REPORT FROM WILDCLIFF
Hello All,
It was a short week for us as Thursday and Friday were spent in Mossel Bay for Keith's shoulder surgery. I think he filled you in, but just in case you didn't hear his news. He tore his rotator cuff some years ago and finally had to do something about it. The surgeon reattached the muscle with anchors to the bone. It will take about a month for it to heal. For some time, however, he'll have to be careful about lifting anything.
Additionally, a female juvenile from the big troop was electrocuted on the high voltage wires outside Talari (near the eucalyptus trees) on Monday morning. She died instantly, but was stuck in the wires. We called Eskom right away to come and take her down - it is considered a fire hazard. They didn't come on Monday. We called again on Tuesday - still no one by 2pm so I asked Peter to place a call for us. They were out by 4pm and after blowing the fuse, finally had her down by 5pm. Thanks again Peter - you are my hero! Needless to say, it was a sad time for me and the kids. We buried her below Xairu under the oak trees. I plan to wrap some barbed wire around the pole - perhaps this will prevent it from happening again.
The baboons were over near Nick's yesterday and have been a bit difficult to follow. It has also been quite warm this week and they have been swimming and hanging out at the kaoline mine and the Plattekloof. While I was at the KM I photographed a lovely female bushbuck, who seemed naive to humans. She was gorgeous and stood staring at me for the longest time.
The collaring project is on target. The baboons are readily coming into the trap for corn, raisins & an energy block. The challenge is getting the males out and females in. My mom is hand carrying the collar from the states and will arrive on December 3rd. I hope to have a female collared in December, but have a lot of people's schedules to work around as well as the holidays.
We celebrated Thanksgiving yesterday and were happy to introduce Marlei to a coveted American tradition. We have much to be thankful for - thanks again for the opportunity to live on Wildcliff & conduct research here! Attached are my favorite photos for the week.
Much love,
Paula
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
MEIRINGSPOORT HALF MARATHON 17 OCTOBER 2009.
THE MEIRINGS POORT HALF MARATHON 17 OCTOBER 2009.
THIS IS A COMPREHENSIVE REPORT ON THE MEIRINGSPOORT HALF MARATHON.
THIS REPORT DESCRIBES THE BUILD UP, THE DRIVE TO DE RUST, THE EVENT, THE RESULTS AND THE HISTORY OF THE POORT.
Meiringspoort half (21Kay) is a race that I have long wished to do. The race falls on the same day as the Voet of Africa which we used to do when we traveled for runs. We had driven through the Meiringspoort on our way to the Orange River Canoe trail about 10years ago.
This year, Gerald told me that he would be doing the race and I decided that now is the time. I registered for the race early, thinking that I would qualify for a T-shirt as only the first 150 entrants receive the T-Shirt. I registered as number 158 and so only just missed out. Not that I need more T-shirts. I had planned to Camp and so had not been too concerned about accommodation. When I got round to making a booking I found that the camping ground and all the local accommodation was full. We ended up in a Self Catering B & B in Oudtshoorn.
Gerald, Ronel and I had been doing some longer runs on Saturdays. Starting at 05.00am, we had run to the beach where we met a group of Adrienne, Suzanne, Susan, Maryna, Pat, Anne Du Rand, Adriane Smith, Peter Mc Ewan and others who joined our group. We would run from Hobie to Walmer Boulevard, Strandfontien and back via Admiralty Road.
These runs would be at an easy pace with walking interspersed but we were able to gain confidence from the fact that we had completed a 20Kay training session.
Jacqui Zeelie had recently started running with the MPRG and had a friend (Brenda Scholtz) who was also reasonably new to running (having done her first 21kay at Knysna earlier this year) who had entered the Meiringspoort. As a result Jacqui decided to make the Meiringspoort her first race experience. They too would do longer runs over weekends but were not training with our group.
Gerald and Ronel had recently run the Hermanus Half marathon and were in good shape for this event. We had all planned to leave at around Lunch time on Friday afternoon. Brenda and Jacqui met us at our house at 13.30 and we finally left PE at around 14.00. We drove the route to Humansdorp on the N2 as far as the Langkloof Turn off.
Then the route took us to Joubertina where we had a Pit Stop. We met Barry DuPlessis who runs the Restaurant, the book store, the Pub and a farm about 25kays into the Kouga and Baviaanskloof. Barbara bought a children's book which she will use for story telling in her school. The little children love a thrilling story with animals and adventures with lots of pictures to stimulate their imagination.
As we drove the Langkloof Road, with Brenda following us, we came up to a section of road that was undergoing repair. I saw a vehicle parked on the side of the road but as it was a combi taxi I passed it. What I did not realise was that this should have been a “stop and go” and we were now on the wrong side of the road with nowhere to go. There was a lady guarding the road and directing traffic. She was not able to see the humour and also did not want us to park on the right hand side. So both cars had to back up and park behind the combi. And then a few seconds later a big truck drove in the opposite direction. While it had been quite funny at the time, if we had been a few seconds later we could have been involved in a nasty situation.
From there we drove on to the Uniondale turn off. The road winds through a narrow poort for about 10kays. The road has been damaged by the floods of 1996 and drivers have to exercise care as oncoming traffic is dangerous. It is along this road that, in 1968 a young couple had a motor accident and a 20year old girl was killed. About 10 years after this the ghost of this person was seen along the road. Since then there have been a number of sightings of a young lady hitch-hiking and tales of car doors being flung open and an apparition clinging to the back of cars. It is for this reason as well as the poor condition of the road that people avoid this road in the night.
From Uniondale we took the road to Willowmore and then turned off to De Rust. This road is quite spectacular as you drive parallel to the magnificent Swartberg range. As we reached De Rust we found parking and walked up to the Registration which is in “Die Kerk Saal”. Here we found a magnificent array of food, cakes and biscuits, meat and various goods for sale. De Rust was built on Petrus Meiring's farm in 1900 and was a resting place where wagons would out-span before tackling the long trek through the poort.
We ordered a tea and joined Pat, Ronel and Gerald. They had arrived, in their new Hyundai, a few minutes earlier. From here we split up: Jacqui and Brenda met their friends: Glen and Maura and had supper in the village before trying to find their B & B which was about an hours drive (near to the start of the race) from De Rust, along a Dirt Road. They got lost before finally phoning for directions. Jacqui described the hospitality as amazing and the room delightful in an African style and open plan bathroom which would have been great for a married couple but may have been a bit awkward for Brenda and her to share.
Gerald followed us as we drove the 35kays to Oudtshoorn. We were staying at the same B & B – Weltevreden at 80 Keyter street. While it was not luxurious, it was quite adequate as a place to sleep. Barbara & I found a restaurant where we ordered takeaways. Barbara had Fillet of Ostrich Steak and I had a Vegetable platter. We ordered a Chocolate mouse and Ice cream for desert. We returned to our B & B intending to have our supper and to watch a DVD on Ally's mini DVD player that we had brought along. Our plans were dashed however as we both fell asleep as soon as we were in bed.
Saturday morning I was up earlier that I had to be. Once I had washed and shaved, I made some hot chocolate and we left at around 5am. We filled with Petrol and joined the line of cars heading at this early hour, to De Rust. At Barbara's insistence we found a parking close to the start. We sat waiting until Jacqui's group came walking up the road. I followed them until they declared a need for the toilet.
I wandered down to where the cattle / ostrich trucks were waiting to take the runners to the start. Here I met up with Leslie and Rodney Maggot. Rodney was doing the 10kay and so Leslie and I looked for a place on a truck. I am not sure how it came that we were so lucky but we were able to board a bus. As we were about to board there were cries of “This bus is Full”. We ignored them and I pushed my way on insisting that my “wife” should be allowed to board as well. We sat on the front dashboard watching as some other poor souls froze on the back of bakkies. As we drove to the start I was again in awe of the mighty rock faces. Leslie told me that we should make time to visit the waterfall.
We firstly passed the Ten Kay start and then arrived at the end of the poort where there is a turning point for vehicles. I enjoyed a cup of sweet tea, found someone with some Vaseline, greeted Gerald and family, Jacqui and her group and then the start gun went off.
I was surprised to see everyone heading off in the wrong direction. I followed suite and soon realised that there was a One Kay run in a Westerly direction before the runners turned around and headed back to De Rust. I saw Mike and Devera Magson, Lewellan Clack and Allan Taylor all charging along at breakneck speed. I wondered at their ability to keep up such a fast speed for 21kays.
I went off too fast but was feeling good and chatting to a variety of people. Alan Howe, Carol from Humansdorp, a group of runners from Hartenbos who insisted that we had to speak Afrikaans when we are in places like De Rust. I was having fun as we crossed one drift after the next. The route takes the runners along the Groot Rivier. The sound of the water under the bridges, the magnificent sandstone cliff faces and green lichen gives the runner a sense of the wonder and beauty of the poort.
As we ran I felt this huge sense of sadness that Ian had never been into this place. Ian would have loved it and would have soon been identifying the rocks and plants. Meiringspoort is a place that every able bodied South African who has the means, should visit at some stage. Even if it is just to drive through. There are many places to pull over and to admire the views. At one stage there is a section of the old road which is built from stone with hand placed stone walls supporting the outer edge of the road still standing strong. This old road is something like 150 years old.
VASBYT.
Vasbyt is a South African term meaning to hang on when the situation is tough. In my recent running career I have forgotten how to Vasbyt. Too often I have walked whenever I felt like it. I have become lazy and use any little excuse to take it easy. I remember running the Kouga Kus half with Tim. I ran with him for the first ten kays and then faded horribly when it came to the hilly section.
This morning I had run fast (for me that is) for the first half of the distance. I asked for times from other runners and realised that I had done the first 10 or 12kays at a pace of about 5.15 a kay. I knew that I would not be able to keep this fast pace up. But I decided to take it one kay at a time and to try to not walk unless it was absolutely necessary. Leslie passed me. I had a stitch just under my ribs. But I maintained a pace that seemed to me to be sustainable for the last 7 or so kays. Liz (Grundling I think) passed me. She is an amazing runner who still holds my admiration from the night when I had bailed from a Comrades and she came in before Bruce Fordyce running in, what could be described as dusk, in Pietermaritzburg.
Towards the last 5kays the route emerges out of the poort. Up to now the gradient has been basically downhill and gives the runner a sense of well-being. From about 5kays to go there are some slight up hills. I am not good on hills but managed to keep up the running and stopped myself from walking at any stage. I knew that if I had just one walk then that would be it for me and I would get back into my bad habit of walking as soon as I felt tired in the slightest.
Nicky Roote passed me. She commented on how awful it was that runners tossed their water sachets into the river. At this stage there were a number of runners passing me. I was not concerned as I was still enjoying the morning and knew that I could hold out. We could see the first buildings of De Rust on the top of the hill. We passed the 3kay to go mark. Erna and Sonja from MPRG drove past us. Nicky thought that they may have started late or done the Ten Kay.
What I learned on Monday morning at MPRG was that Erna and Sonja had decided to go in their own vehicle to the start of the 21kay. They had done this race before and knew the course and the drill. They reached the start of the run, found a place to turn and mingled with the rest of the runners. And started with the gun. A few minutes later they reached the 9kay to go mark! Erna says to Sonja: “I have this terrible cold feeling!” Sonja says: “Yes. We are doing the Ten Kay”. Big Oooops! They had parked where the 10kay started, not even knowing that there was a 10. Ah well: Ce la vie!
The morning was becoming quite hot as the sun was on our backs and there was not much of a breeze. We reached the village. Leslie was ahead of me and walked occasionally. I passed her and forced myself to move just above a walk. The route takes a left turn into the village then a right turn up the hill. Immediately you can see the finish. One kay to go. And we turn away from the finish. Back to the main road. Up the hill. Barbara is there taking photographs.
I run past Barbara, wondering if my attempt at a smile for the camera would come out as a determined grimace. I continued up the hill, turned left again and managed to stay a the same jogging pace up the very last hill. Finally the last 20 meters down to the finish. Leslie was just behind me and we have finished in about 1H56Minuttes. Jan and Irene van Eden do the time keeping and registration.
I walked back to where Barbara was standing in the main road and watched the runners coming in. Geoff Roberts, Ronel, Brenda then Gerald and Jacqui, Marie Louise Emslie, Maura, and finally Pat came in smiling and looking like she had just started. Les and Margie Brightman were there as well as a number of Crusaders.
Today was also the running of the Port Alfred 27kay where most of the Achilleans would be found. Jacqui had completed her first half marathon in a very acceptable time of around 2H20. She had run most of the distance with Maura having met Gerald a short way before the end. Brenda had been a little in front of them and had also competed the half looking good. This was only her second 21kay after the Kynsa half earlier this year.
As a result of Leslie telling me about the Waterfall, Barbara & I left immediately and drove back through the poort. We drove right through to where the race had started and then back to the waterfall stop. Here the authorities have built a wonderful area for vehicles to stop as well as an information center. We learned that each of the crossing of the Groot Rivier has a name with a background. There are 25 crossings:
From De Rust:
1.Spookdrif: A supernatural light in the form of a ball of fire has been seen at this point.
2.Skansdrif: Stone Ramparts were built here to prevent flooding.
3.Damdrif: There was a very large water-hole here that was deceptive particularly to strangers who would often become bogged down in the mud.
4.Boesmansdrif: here there are deep clefts in the rock face where San people used to live.
5.Skelmkloof Drif: here there is a hidden ravine where water trickles into the Groot Rivier.
6.Aalwyndrif: Named after the beautiful aloes that over look this drift. Aloes are sought after for their medicinal uses.
7.Nooiensboomdrif: A Nooiensboom is a Cabbage Tree and two of these trees used to grow on either side of the road.
8.Stewelsdrif: A “stewel” is translated as a Boot. A wagoner of farmer Petrus Meiring lost his boots here and had to return home for a new pair. Here the name Dubbledrif can also be seen. This does not appear to be an official name of a drift as it does not appear on the list of Drifts in the information center.
9.Perskeboomdrif: so named from the peach trees that used to grow close to this Drift.
10.Sanddrif: Sandbanks would cause obstructions here. The first Concrete causeway was built here in 1948
11.Herrie se drif: first known as Nagas drif it later took on the name Herrie. C J Langenhoven (1873 – 1932) poet and afrikaans writer, is best known for composing the South African National Anthem: “Uit die Blou van onse hemel” which was later adapted to our present anthem incorporating Nkosi Siki Lele in 1995 when Nelson Mandela become president. Langenhoven carved out the name Herrie which was the name of his fictional Elephant in his book: “Sonde met die Bure”. This is one of the few cases of Graffiti becoming a National Heritage site. It was proclaimed in 1973 to celebrate the birth date of Langenhoven.
12.Witperdedrif: a Rabbi and his horses were washed away at this site. His remains were never found.
13.Ou Tol drif: named after the Old Toll house which has been gone for many years
14.Wadrif: Legend has it that a number of wagons were washed away here.
15.Witfonteindrif: there is a steam of crystal clear water that flows from kranses to the west of this crossing.
16.Uitspandrif: there is sufficient area for the wagoners to allow the oxen to turn and to graze in this area.
17.Waterfaldrif: so called after a nearby waterfall.
18.Ontploffingsdrif: a wagon loaded with explosives traveling along the Boer Road exploded close by here. The Anglo Boer war / South African war (1899 – 1902) saw the British Soldiers build a fort with wall so stone here.
19.Derdetoldrif: to the West of this crossing two more Toll Houses were built. The ruins of these houses can still be seen here.
20.Rooiuitspanningsdrif: here there was sufficient space for a number of ox wagons to outspan. The red comes from the red soil in the area.
21.Pereboom se drif. As you approach this drift you go through a horse shoe bend. A saffron pear tree grew here making this a popular place for wagons to outspan
22.Bloupunt drif: wagons would frequently become stuck in the loose gravel here. The name is derived from that of a nearby farm.
23.Wasgatdrif: Entering Meiringspoort from the North, travelers could fill their barrels and could wash off the Karoo dust in the first really deep pools in many miles.
24.Opmetingsdrif: in 1912 measurements were taken to decide upon building a dam in this possibly suitable position.
25.Laaste Drif: traveling from the South this would have been the last drift that you would cross.
Petrus Meiring owned the farm where De Rust is now situated. It was he who loved to explore and discovered the route through the Swartberg mountain range, we now refer to as Meirings Poort. He was the son of a Pastor Meiring who arrived in South Africa in 1743.
Back at the waterfall stop area we first examined the history of the Poort. This road which connected the Klein and the Groot Karoo took about 2 years to complete and was officially opened on 3 March 1858. The original road was called the Boer Road and cost about 5 000 pounds to build. During the great depression the road was upgraded at a cost of around 10 000 pounds. This was probably in anticipation of the visit by the Prince of Wales. At this time a walkway to the waterfall was hewn out of the rock face.
In 1948 a further reconstruction cost 14 000 pounds. After the floods of 1996 the road was rebuilt at a cost of R1,6 Million and in 2000 The premier of the Western Cape, Gerald Morkel opened the newly constructed road which had then cost R70 Million to build. The name Meirings Poort came from Petrus Johannes Meiring a nearby farmer (1799-1876).
Barbara and I walked the short way to the waterfall. This is a spectacular point of interest and should not be missed by any visitor to the area. We got talking to a family who had just run the race as well. We also chatted to a group of Bikers (our age) who were cruising the area.
I had this overwhelming sense appreciation that I was able to do things like this. Running a 21kay through this stunning poort, meeting up with a group of friends, viewing this waterfall and the poort drive with Barbara. This is a very special privilege that we enjoy and we should savour every moment. A group of Barbara's school children were at the parking area with their parents who had also run the race this morning.
While we were enjoying our day at Meiringspoort, Adrienne and Peter Wilson were in Cape Town to watch Jennifer playing Hockey. She has played for South Africa for some time and in a game earlier this week she scored a goal. By Sunday afternoon the South African girls were through to the final having drawn against NZ and beaten Spain 1-0. they were now up against NZ again in the final. I later learned that SA were beaten by NZ after a thrilling match ending up 2-1 to NZ.
We headed back to De Rust. On our way we stopped to see if we could find the stone carving of C J Langenhoven: Herrie. There it was; in bold letters. Nearly 100 year old Graffiti! Barbara spotted, what she thought could be a Black Eagle Nest on the cliff face on the east side of the kloof. And sure enough, when we looked closely at the photograph back home, the nest of an eagle could be clearly seen.
Back at De Rust, we bought ourselves a Curry & Rice which was delicious and just right. By now I was ravenous. We sat for a while with Brenda, Maura and Glen who were with Jacqui Zeelie. Jacqui traveled back home with us. On our way home we again stopped at Joubertina before completing the last leg of the drive home.
Race Results of some of the people that we know at the event:
1st person home time of 1.07
15th Michael Magson 1.18
4th Lady and 43rd Davera Magson 1.26
88th Les Brightman 1.33
92nd Lewllan Clack 1.34
108th Alan Taylor 1.36
331st Nicky Roote 1.54
359 Peter Giddy 1.56
361 Leslie Maggot 1.56
371 Alan Howe 1.57
371 Alan Howe 1.57
478 Geoff Roberts 2.02
641 Brenda Scholtz 2.12
671 Ronel Scheepers 2.14
708 Gerald Scheepers 2.19
716 Jacqui Zeelie 2.19
721 Marie Louise Emslie 2.19
724 Maura Jarvis 2.19
788 Pat Scheepers 2.28
905 Last man home 2.58
Back home, Ally had stayed over at her friend, Nicola Prinsloo. Bev and Chris are really good to Ally. They make her feel very much at home. Barbara and I had a quick wash and made our way down to Summerstrand where we caught the last few minutes of the Currie Cup Rugby semi final. Completely against the run of play and in the very final minutes, The Free State Cheetah's beat the Natal Sharks.
We then watched the Blue Bulls play against the Western Province team. It was a really tense match with a half time score of 12 nil to the Blue Bulls with Morne Steyn scoring all the points from penalties. Province came back in the second half and scored a number of penalties of their own. The game moved at a fierce pace and defense had to be perfect on both sides but finally Gio Aplon out sprinted two Bulls players after a grubber kick and scored the only try of the match. The conversion put the WP team ahead. A penalty to either side thereafter put WP in the lead again. In the final minute Morne dropped a goal for the winning three points.
Bulls will now play Cheetah's at Loftus. Clint had been making up a Pot and we ended off the evening with potjie and rice before collecting Ally from Nicola's house.
THIS IS A COMPREHENSIVE REPORT ON THE MEIRINGSPOORT HALF MARATHON.
THIS REPORT DESCRIBES THE BUILD UP, THE DRIVE TO DE RUST, THE EVENT, THE RESULTS AND THE HISTORY OF THE POORT.
Meiringspoort half (21Kay) is a race that I have long wished to do. The race falls on the same day as the Voet of Africa which we used to do when we traveled for runs. We had driven through the Meiringspoort on our way to the Orange River Canoe trail about 10years ago.
This year, Gerald told me that he would be doing the race and I decided that now is the time. I registered for the race early, thinking that I would qualify for a T-shirt as only the first 150 entrants receive the T-Shirt. I registered as number 158 and so only just missed out. Not that I need more T-shirts. I had planned to Camp and so had not been too concerned about accommodation. When I got round to making a booking I found that the camping ground and all the local accommodation was full. We ended up in a Self Catering B & B in Oudtshoorn.
Gerald, Ronel and I had been doing some longer runs on Saturdays. Starting at 05.00am, we had run to the beach where we met a group of Adrienne, Suzanne, Susan, Maryna, Pat, Anne Du Rand, Adriane Smith, Peter Mc Ewan and others who joined our group. We would run from Hobie to Walmer Boulevard, Strandfontien and back via Admiralty Road.
These runs would be at an easy pace with walking interspersed but we were able to gain confidence from the fact that we had completed a 20Kay training session.
Jacqui Zeelie had recently started running with the MPRG and had a friend (Brenda Scholtz) who was also reasonably new to running (having done her first 21kay at Knysna earlier this year) who had entered the Meiringspoort. As a result Jacqui decided to make the Meiringspoort her first race experience. They too would do longer runs over weekends but were not training with our group.
Gerald and Ronel had recently run the Hermanus Half marathon and were in good shape for this event. We had all planned to leave at around Lunch time on Friday afternoon. Brenda and Jacqui met us at our house at 13.30 and we finally left PE at around 14.00. We drove the route to Humansdorp on the N2 as far as the Langkloof Turn off.
Then the route took us to Joubertina where we had a Pit Stop. We met Barry DuPlessis who runs the Restaurant, the book store, the Pub and a farm about 25kays into the Kouga and Baviaanskloof. Barbara bought a children's book which she will use for story telling in her school. The little children love a thrilling story with animals and adventures with lots of pictures to stimulate their imagination.
As we drove the Langkloof Road, with Brenda following us, we came up to a section of road that was undergoing repair. I saw a vehicle parked on the side of the road but as it was a combi taxi I passed it. What I did not realise was that this should have been a “stop and go” and we were now on the wrong side of the road with nowhere to go. There was a lady guarding the road and directing traffic. She was not able to see the humour and also did not want us to park on the right hand side. So both cars had to back up and park behind the combi. And then a few seconds later a big truck drove in the opposite direction. While it had been quite funny at the time, if we had been a few seconds later we could have been involved in a nasty situation.
From there we drove on to the Uniondale turn off. The road winds through a narrow poort for about 10kays. The road has been damaged by the floods of 1996 and drivers have to exercise care as oncoming traffic is dangerous. It is along this road that, in 1968 a young couple had a motor accident and a 20year old girl was killed. About 10 years after this the ghost of this person was seen along the road. Since then there have been a number of sightings of a young lady hitch-hiking and tales of car doors being flung open and an apparition clinging to the back of cars. It is for this reason as well as the poor condition of the road that people avoid this road in the night.
From Uniondale we took the road to Willowmore and then turned off to De Rust. This road is quite spectacular as you drive parallel to the magnificent Swartberg range. As we reached De Rust we found parking and walked up to the Registration which is in “Die Kerk Saal”. Here we found a magnificent array of food, cakes and biscuits, meat and various goods for sale. De Rust was built on Petrus Meiring's farm in 1900 and was a resting place where wagons would out-span before tackling the long trek through the poort.
We ordered a tea and joined Pat, Ronel and Gerald. They had arrived, in their new Hyundai, a few minutes earlier. From here we split up: Jacqui and Brenda met their friends: Glen and Maura and had supper in the village before trying to find their B & B which was about an hours drive (near to the start of the race) from De Rust, along a Dirt Road. They got lost before finally phoning for directions. Jacqui described the hospitality as amazing and the room delightful in an African style and open plan bathroom which would have been great for a married couple but may have been a bit awkward for Brenda and her to share.
Gerald followed us as we drove the 35kays to Oudtshoorn. We were staying at the same B & B – Weltevreden at 80 Keyter street. While it was not luxurious, it was quite adequate as a place to sleep. Barbara & I found a restaurant where we ordered takeaways. Barbara had Fillet of Ostrich Steak and I had a Vegetable platter. We ordered a Chocolate mouse and Ice cream for desert. We returned to our B & B intending to have our supper and to watch a DVD on Ally's mini DVD player that we had brought along. Our plans were dashed however as we both fell asleep as soon as we were in bed.
Saturday morning I was up earlier that I had to be. Once I had washed and shaved, I made some hot chocolate and we left at around 5am. We filled with Petrol and joined the line of cars heading at this early hour, to De Rust. At Barbara's insistence we found a parking close to the start. We sat waiting until Jacqui's group came walking up the road. I followed them until they declared a need for the toilet.
I wandered down to where the cattle / ostrich trucks were waiting to take the runners to the start. Here I met up with Leslie and Rodney Maggot. Rodney was doing the 10kay and so Leslie and I looked for a place on a truck. I am not sure how it came that we were so lucky but we were able to board a bus. As we were about to board there were cries of “This bus is Full”. We ignored them and I pushed my way on insisting that my “wife” should be allowed to board as well. We sat on the front dashboard watching as some other poor souls froze on the back of bakkies. As we drove to the start I was again in awe of the mighty rock faces. Leslie told me that we should make time to visit the waterfall.
We firstly passed the Ten Kay start and then arrived at the end of the poort where there is a turning point for vehicles. I enjoyed a cup of sweet tea, found someone with some Vaseline, greeted Gerald and family, Jacqui and her group and then the start gun went off.
I was surprised to see everyone heading off in the wrong direction. I followed suite and soon realised that there was a One Kay run in a Westerly direction before the runners turned around and headed back to De Rust. I saw Mike and Devera Magson, Lewellan Clack and Allan Taylor all charging along at breakneck speed. I wondered at their ability to keep up such a fast speed for 21kays.
I went off too fast but was feeling good and chatting to a variety of people. Alan Howe, Carol from Humansdorp, a group of runners from Hartenbos who insisted that we had to speak Afrikaans when we are in places like De Rust. I was having fun as we crossed one drift after the next. The route takes the runners along the Groot Rivier. The sound of the water under the bridges, the magnificent sandstone cliff faces and green lichen gives the runner a sense of the wonder and beauty of the poort.
As we ran I felt this huge sense of sadness that Ian had never been into this place. Ian would have loved it and would have soon been identifying the rocks and plants. Meiringspoort is a place that every able bodied South African who has the means, should visit at some stage. Even if it is just to drive through. There are many places to pull over and to admire the views. At one stage there is a section of the old road which is built from stone with hand placed stone walls supporting the outer edge of the road still standing strong. This old road is something like 150 years old.
VASBYT.
Vasbyt is a South African term meaning to hang on when the situation is tough. In my recent running career I have forgotten how to Vasbyt. Too often I have walked whenever I felt like it. I have become lazy and use any little excuse to take it easy. I remember running the Kouga Kus half with Tim. I ran with him for the first ten kays and then faded horribly when it came to the hilly section.
This morning I had run fast (for me that is) for the first half of the distance. I asked for times from other runners and realised that I had done the first 10 or 12kays at a pace of about 5.15 a kay. I knew that I would not be able to keep this fast pace up. But I decided to take it one kay at a time and to try to not walk unless it was absolutely necessary. Leslie passed me. I had a stitch just under my ribs. But I maintained a pace that seemed to me to be sustainable for the last 7 or so kays. Liz (Grundling I think) passed me. She is an amazing runner who still holds my admiration from the night when I had bailed from a Comrades and she came in before Bruce Fordyce running in, what could be described as dusk, in Pietermaritzburg.
Towards the last 5kays the route emerges out of the poort. Up to now the gradient has been basically downhill and gives the runner a sense of well-being. From about 5kays to go there are some slight up hills. I am not good on hills but managed to keep up the running and stopped myself from walking at any stage. I knew that if I had just one walk then that would be it for me and I would get back into my bad habit of walking as soon as I felt tired in the slightest.
Nicky Roote passed me. She commented on how awful it was that runners tossed their water sachets into the river. At this stage there were a number of runners passing me. I was not concerned as I was still enjoying the morning and knew that I could hold out. We could see the first buildings of De Rust on the top of the hill. We passed the 3kay to go mark. Erna and Sonja from MPRG drove past us. Nicky thought that they may have started late or done the Ten Kay.
What I learned on Monday morning at MPRG was that Erna and Sonja had decided to go in their own vehicle to the start of the 21kay. They had done this race before and knew the course and the drill. They reached the start of the run, found a place to turn and mingled with the rest of the runners. And started with the gun. A few minutes later they reached the 9kay to go mark! Erna says to Sonja: “I have this terrible cold feeling!” Sonja says: “Yes. We are doing the Ten Kay”. Big Oooops! They had parked where the 10kay started, not even knowing that there was a 10. Ah well: Ce la vie!
The morning was becoming quite hot as the sun was on our backs and there was not much of a breeze. We reached the village. Leslie was ahead of me and walked occasionally. I passed her and forced myself to move just above a walk. The route takes a left turn into the village then a right turn up the hill. Immediately you can see the finish. One kay to go. And we turn away from the finish. Back to the main road. Up the hill. Barbara is there taking photographs.
I run past Barbara, wondering if my attempt at a smile for the camera would come out as a determined grimace. I continued up the hill, turned left again and managed to stay a the same jogging pace up the very last hill. Finally the last 20 meters down to the finish. Leslie was just behind me and we have finished in about 1H56Minuttes. Jan and Irene van Eden do the time keeping and registration.
I walked back to where Barbara was standing in the main road and watched the runners coming in. Geoff Roberts, Ronel, Brenda then Gerald and Jacqui, Marie Louise Emslie, Maura, and finally Pat came in smiling and looking like she had just started. Les and Margie Brightman were there as well as a number of Crusaders.
Today was also the running of the Port Alfred 27kay where most of the Achilleans would be found. Jacqui had completed her first half marathon in a very acceptable time of around 2H20. She had run most of the distance with Maura having met Gerald a short way before the end. Brenda had been a little in front of them and had also competed the half looking good. This was only her second 21kay after the Kynsa half earlier this year.
As a result of Leslie telling me about the Waterfall, Barbara & I left immediately and drove back through the poort. We drove right through to where the race had started and then back to the waterfall stop. Here the authorities have built a wonderful area for vehicles to stop as well as an information center. We learned that each of the crossing of the Groot Rivier has a name with a background. There are 25 crossings:
From De Rust:
1.Spookdrif: A supernatural light in the form of a ball of fire has been seen at this point.
2.Skansdrif: Stone Ramparts were built here to prevent flooding.
3.Damdrif: There was a very large water-hole here that was deceptive particularly to strangers who would often become bogged down in the mud.
4.Boesmansdrif: here there are deep clefts in the rock face where San people used to live.
5.Skelmkloof Drif: here there is a hidden ravine where water trickles into the Groot Rivier.
6.Aalwyndrif: Named after the beautiful aloes that over look this drift. Aloes are sought after for their medicinal uses.
7.Nooiensboomdrif: A Nooiensboom is a Cabbage Tree and two of these trees used to grow on either side of the road.
8.Stewelsdrif: A “stewel” is translated as a Boot. A wagoner of farmer Petrus Meiring lost his boots here and had to return home for a new pair. Here the name Dubbledrif can also be seen. This does not appear to be an official name of a drift as it does not appear on the list of Drifts in the information center.
9.Perskeboomdrif: so named from the peach trees that used to grow close to this Drift.
10.Sanddrif: Sandbanks would cause obstructions here. The first Concrete causeway was built here in 1948
11.Herrie se drif: first known as Nagas drif it later took on the name Herrie. C J Langenhoven (1873 – 1932) poet and afrikaans writer, is best known for composing the South African National Anthem: “Uit die Blou van onse hemel” which was later adapted to our present anthem incorporating Nkosi Siki Lele in 1995 when Nelson Mandela become president. Langenhoven carved out the name Herrie which was the name of his fictional Elephant in his book: “Sonde met die Bure”. This is one of the few cases of Graffiti becoming a National Heritage site. It was proclaimed in 1973 to celebrate the birth date of Langenhoven.
12.Witperdedrif: a Rabbi and his horses were washed away at this site. His remains were never found.
13.Ou Tol drif: named after the Old Toll house which has been gone for many years
14.Wadrif: Legend has it that a number of wagons were washed away here.
15.Witfonteindrif: there is a steam of crystal clear water that flows from kranses to the west of this crossing.
16.Uitspandrif: there is sufficient area for the wagoners to allow the oxen to turn and to graze in this area.
17.Waterfaldrif: so called after a nearby waterfall.
18.Ontploffingsdrif: a wagon loaded with explosives traveling along the Boer Road exploded close by here. The Anglo Boer war / South African war (1899 – 1902) saw the British Soldiers build a fort with wall so stone here.
19.Derdetoldrif: to the West of this crossing two more Toll Houses were built. The ruins of these houses can still be seen here.
20.Rooiuitspanningsdrif: here there was sufficient space for a number of ox wagons to outspan. The red comes from the red soil in the area.
21.Pereboom se drif. As you approach this drift you go through a horse shoe bend. A saffron pear tree grew here making this a popular place for wagons to outspan
22.Bloupunt drif: wagons would frequently become stuck in the loose gravel here. The name is derived from that of a nearby farm.
23.Wasgatdrif: Entering Meiringspoort from the North, travelers could fill their barrels and could wash off the Karoo dust in the first really deep pools in many miles.
24.Opmetingsdrif: in 1912 measurements were taken to decide upon building a dam in this possibly suitable position.
25.Laaste Drif: traveling from the South this would have been the last drift that you would cross.
Petrus Meiring owned the farm where De Rust is now situated. It was he who loved to explore and discovered the route through the Swartberg mountain range, we now refer to as Meirings Poort. He was the son of a Pastor Meiring who arrived in South Africa in 1743.
Back at the waterfall stop area we first examined the history of the Poort. This road which connected the Klein and the Groot Karoo took about 2 years to complete and was officially opened on 3 March 1858. The original road was called the Boer Road and cost about 5 000 pounds to build. During the great depression the road was upgraded at a cost of around 10 000 pounds. This was probably in anticipation of the visit by the Prince of Wales. At this time a walkway to the waterfall was hewn out of the rock face.
In 1948 a further reconstruction cost 14 000 pounds. After the floods of 1996 the road was rebuilt at a cost of R1,6 Million and in 2000 The premier of the Western Cape, Gerald Morkel opened the newly constructed road which had then cost R70 Million to build. The name Meirings Poort came from Petrus Johannes Meiring a nearby farmer (1799-1876).
Barbara and I walked the short way to the waterfall. This is a spectacular point of interest and should not be missed by any visitor to the area. We got talking to a family who had just run the race as well. We also chatted to a group of Bikers (our age) who were cruising the area.
I had this overwhelming sense appreciation that I was able to do things like this. Running a 21kay through this stunning poort, meeting up with a group of friends, viewing this waterfall and the poort drive with Barbara. This is a very special privilege that we enjoy and we should savour every moment. A group of Barbara's school children were at the parking area with their parents who had also run the race this morning.
While we were enjoying our day at Meiringspoort, Adrienne and Peter Wilson were in Cape Town to watch Jennifer playing Hockey. She has played for South Africa for some time and in a game earlier this week she scored a goal. By Sunday afternoon the South African girls were through to the final having drawn against NZ and beaten Spain 1-0. they were now up against NZ again in the final. I later learned that SA were beaten by NZ after a thrilling match ending up 2-1 to NZ.
We headed back to De Rust. On our way we stopped to see if we could find the stone carving of C J Langenhoven: Herrie. There it was; in bold letters. Nearly 100 year old Graffiti! Barbara spotted, what she thought could be a Black Eagle Nest on the cliff face on the east side of the kloof. And sure enough, when we looked closely at the photograph back home, the nest of an eagle could be clearly seen.
Back at De Rust, we bought ourselves a Curry & Rice which was delicious and just right. By now I was ravenous. We sat for a while with Brenda, Maura and Glen who were with Jacqui Zeelie. Jacqui traveled back home with us. On our way home we again stopped at Joubertina before completing the last leg of the drive home.
Race Results of some of the people that we know at the event:
1st person home time of 1.07
15th Michael Magson 1.18
4th Lady and 43rd Davera Magson 1.26
88th Les Brightman 1.33
92nd Lewllan Clack 1.34
108th Alan Taylor 1.36
331st Nicky Roote 1.54
359 Peter Giddy 1.56
361 Leslie Maggot 1.56
371 Alan Howe 1.57
371 Alan Howe 1.57
478 Geoff Roberts 2.02
641 Brenda Scholtz 2.12
671 Ronel Scheepers 2.14
708 Gerald Scheepers 2.19
716 Jacqui Zeelie 2.19
721 Marie Louise Emslie 2.19
724 Maura Jarvis 2.19
788 Pat Scheepers 2.28
905 Last man home 2.58
Back home, Ally had stayed over at her friend, Nicola Prinsloo. Bev and Chris are really good to Ally. They make her feel very much at home. Barbara and I had a quick wash and made our way down to Summerstrand where we caught the last few minutes of the Currie Cup Rugby semi final. Completely against the run of play and in the very final minutes, The Free State Cheetah's beat the Natal Sharks.
We then watched the Blue Bulls play against the Western Province team. It was a really tense match with a half time score of 12 nil to the Blue Bulls with Morne Steyn scoring all the points from penalties. Province came back in the second half and scored a number of penalties of their own. The game moved at a fierce pace and defense had to be perfect on both sides but finally Gio Aplon out sprinted two Bulls players after a grubber kick and scored the only try of the match. The conversion put the WP team ahead. A penalty to either side thereafter put WP in the lead again. In the final minute Morne dropped a goal for the winning three points.
Bulls will now play Cheetah's at Loftus. Clint had been making up a Pot and we ended off the evening with potjie and rice before collecting Ally from Nicola's house.
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