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
Sunday, November 8, 2009
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
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