ZIP LINING IN CERES DECEMBER 2011

ZIP LINING AT CERES


ZIP LINE




STEFAN PULLING DOWN



STEFAN HOLDS TIGHT





MICHAEL SETS OFF





MICHAEL LOOKS QUITE CONFIDENT AFTER ONE OR TWO ATTEMPTS AT ZIPLINING



MICHAEL HAS TIME TO CHECK OUT THE VIEW AS HE HURTLES DOWN.









BAFU AND CHRISTIAN




ALL RECEIVES LAST MINUTE INSTRUCTIONS



ALLY HAD A BALL DOING THE ZIPPING



NERVOUS SMILE AS WE DRIVE TO THE START



CLOSE UP OF THE STEEL WIRE

We came to Ceres to visit Stefan's sister (Lynette)'s family. Nicci and Stefan make regular stops in Ceres on their way back from Wildcliff. Gush and Lynette have a Bakery Business in Ceres. They have made this mountain village their home. We arrived in Ceres on Friday 30th with three mountain bikes loaded on the back of the car. I had made a bit of a mess of tying them on when we left PE and one of them had slipped off and the saddle had become damaged. Unfortunately the only Bike Shop in Ceres has closed down.




AS YOU DRIVE OVER MITCHELLS PASS FROM THE WORSTER OR CAPE TOWN SIDE, YOU SEE THE ZIP LINING OFFICES ON THE LEFT.




ZIPPING OFFICES

As we came into Ceres through the Mitchells Pass we saw a Helicopter with a water sling below. There was a fire just above the offices of the Zip Lining. We phoned to enquire but they assured us that this would not affect our booking for the following day.

Friday evening we had a braai at Lynette's home. Lynette introduced me to a new way of Braaiing with Grids that stand on end next to the fire that is continually burning. This is an excellent idea as you are able to start your Braaiing at any time even when the fire is at its hottest. You need no Charcoal -- only firewood.

They have a pool where Annabelle, Emily, Zara, Mia, Christian and Kyle spent time this evening. It was a warm evening light until after 8pm. Kyle is an excellent skateboarder and J- Boarder. He gave us a demonstration of his skills around the pool.

Saturday 31st morning.
We were staying in a B&B in Porter road where we had a solid breakfast before meeting Stefan and Nicky at their house. We had thought there may be some other takers but in the end it was: Nicky and Stefan; Michael Z; Christian; Barbara, Ally and myself.


Ceres is a small town and within a few minutes we were at the Office of the Zip lining. We checked in and met the owner and his staff: Gabriel (Ex PE boy who spent some time in the defence force) and two guides -- Mandy and Bafu



LONGEST ZIPLINE IN AFRICA


We were kitted out in the harness and helmets. With a bottle of Ceres Water on the side. We chatted to Gabriel who explained that this is a new business only just over one year old. It is a seasonal business. They are part of the Tsitsikamma Adventures with the Merrell sign on the roof that we pass each time we drive towards Plett. Barbara, Stefan and Nicky did a Tree Tops Tour a number of years ago but now they also have a cliff side zip lining which passes Waterfalls.


ALLY AND CHRISTIAN AT THE REGISTRATION AREA



COMBI THAT TOOK US TO THE START

But this morning we are in Ceres to do the Longest Zip Line Tour in Africa. There was a Section at Sun City which is longer than this one but tragically Arrie Neven died in a Helicopter accident when he flew into the Zip line there.



PETZEL FITTINGS MAKE US FEEL QUITE SAFE

We are driven out to the start of the adventure. We pass the power sub station and drive up a short section of tar road on the mountain side. Here we are off loaded and the rollers are attached to our harnesses. We walk a short way up, with some complaints of already being out of breath. This is the only walking of the morning. From here on it is all Zipping down.



NICKY LAUNCHES HERSELF OFF

Mandy introduces herself and Bafu. She gives us a demonstration of how to sit, hold, brake, stop and what to do in the event of stopping too early. Bafu sets off first each time. He will stand at the end and tell us when to brake and will catch us to ensure that we are safely standing on the other side.




MICHAEL HAS TIME TO CHECK OUT THE VIEW AS HE HURTLES DOWN.


MANDY IS OUR GUIDE



MANDY AND BAFU GIVE US A LESSON IN ZIPPING

Christian is a little nervous so he goes off with Bafu and is first off on the lines. One by one we follow. The pecking order is basically; Barbara; Ally; Nicky; Stefan; Michael and I follow with Mandy bringing up the rear.


PETER AND MICHAEL VIEW A VIDEO OF THE ZIPPING




NICKY ON STAGE ONE



STEFAN SIMPLY ZIPPING

When it is my turn I have checked out what must be done and can see that there is a certain technique to stopping. The rest is simple; Sit down and enjoy the ride. There is no sense of falling. The Zip line kind of eases the participant off the rocks. As I whizz down the only thing I hear is the Whining noise of the rollers on the steel cable. It is a terrific sensation. Not at all scarey. I am able to look down and enjoy being up here.




BARBARA IS FIRST OFF



BARBARA GIVES INSTRUCTIONS



BARBARA GETS ALL TANGLED UP


I am a litte unsure as I come to the end of the first section. I sort of feel that I am about to go backwards. But Bafu is there first of all to tell us when to brake (pull down on the handles) and to catch us as we reach the end of the section.

There are 8 sections; Each section is unique with it's own characteristic; First; Longest; fastest; most dangerous; pools below; double finish and last. By the time we had done our fifth section, Christian was now ready to go on his own. He was enjoying the experience -- now a little nervouse but off he went. He reached the end and found that he had braked a little early. And without any prompting he remembered the instructions and quicky turned around and pulled himself to the end.






CHRISTIAN IS ABOUT TO GO SOLO



BARBARA WATCHES AS CHRISTIAN GOES OFF ON HIS OWN


Michael and Stefan had their phones on Movie Mode and took some videos of us all. Quite interesting to see the expressions on our faces. As we came down each section we were able to wave our legs around, go one handed to allow for camera action, look down to the rocks and pools below and simply to enjoy each experience.


ALLY ZIPPING ALONG WITH POOLS BELOW



ALLY SMILING



By the time we reached the end of the last section (there are eight sections to be zipped), we had zipped for 1400 meters. The longest section was 280 meters and the shortest 130 meters. I am not sure of the speed but I think I heard that we were travelling at around 30 to 40 kays an hour.


NICKY GOES ZOOMING DOWN





MICHAEL LOOKS A LITTLE STRAINED FOR THE FIRST TIME DOWN

Probably our biggst success was Christian who had been quite apprehensive to start off with but by the end had been able to handle himself. He is a quiet young chap who does not say too much yet he has an inner strength that is not always visible. I think that each of us had a small sense of triumph that we had done something on the last day of 2011 that was a little out of the ordinary, that we had never done before and that we had overcome any fears that we have had.



CHRISTIAN SAYS: "JUST WATCH ME THIS TIME"



CHRISTIAN IS ABOUT TO ZIP DOWN WITH BARBARA, NICKY AND ALLY WATCHING


We drove back to the offices full of chatter and excitement. Here we off loaded our equipment, took the obligatory group photo's and had a bit of an information chat with Gabriel. He tells us that the guides must check the cables and settings every day. There is a more detailed check done once a week and then every four months the cables are checked by engineers. Each pin is marked so that if there is any earth movement or loosening it will be picked up. The strands of cable have to be carefull carried into place by hand to avoid any possibility of damage to cabling or any chance of unravelling. It appears that the set up and safety checks are regulated and must be carefully adhered to as an accident could hurt the industry badly. We saw that when a flash flood killed 9 PE people doing black water rafting down the Storms River.



THE FINISHING TEAM OF 7; TWO YOUNGSTERS; TWO GRANDPARENTS FROM PE; HUSBAND AND WIFE FROM CAPE TOWN; ISRAELI FROM BINYAMINA


Barbara bought herself a Fleecy Top and Runners Cap as a souvenier. Chris bought a T shirt and cap as proof that he has done this activity.




BARBARA ON HER WAY DOWN



LOOKS LIKE BARBARA HAS A NERVOUS LAUGH



BARBARA LIFTS HER LEGS


ZIP LINE CONTACT NUMBER 079 245 0354


NICKY SHOWING OFF HER PETZL HARNESS


INFO@CERESADVENTURES.CO.ZA



CERES ZIP LINE ADVENTURES


The Previous day Michael and Stefan had climbed Table Mountain. Much to my disgust as I love to do stuff like this with them. They had started early so were in the shade for most of the climb. There was a cold wind blowing so when they reached the top there was no service at the office of the cable car. They had to climb down again. Stefan tells me that it was freezing up there. They had taken just enough to keep them going but this is a good reminder to always treat a trip like this with respect and take the correct amount of clothing, Water and eats.




CAPE TOWN LOOKING DOWN FROM TABLE MOUNTAIN




MOUNTAIN MAN STEFAN





MICHAEL CLIMBED TABLE MOUNTAIN WITH STEFAN




MICHAEL REACHES THE TOP OF THE MOUNTAIN IN A BITING COLD WIND

DECEMBER 2011

HOBIE BEACH RUNNING GROUP. THIS GROUP MEETS AT 05.30 ON SATURDAYS AND DURING THE SUMMER WE MEET MOST MORNINGS. WE DO A SHORT 6 TO 10KAY RUN / WALK. NORMALLY ALONG THE PROMENADE WHERE WE CAN ENJOY THE OCEAN AND EVEN A DOLPHIN DISPLAY FROM TIME TO TIME.


PETER; BEN; LYN; RON; RONEL; ANDREW; JOHN; SUZANNE; ELMARIE AND PAT







PETER AND ANDRE PASS THE LIGHTHOUSE




















JULIA THE REFEREE




KINKELBOS POLICE STATION


DECEMBER 2011

Jacqui and her family come to visit
Annabelle and Emily Zivor
Daniel passing out parade and Christmas concert
Joshua Grade one Gala
Running and Swimming at the beach on Saturdays
Ron moves into a new house in Glendinningvale
John and Ronel finish their first ever marathon 4;15
Ron, Andre and Peter cycle the Kinkelbos Stasie route.
Sevens Rugby at the Nelson Mandela Stadium
Cape Town for Water Polo Tournament.
MTB the Norm Hudlin cycle track
Trail running the Cape Recife and NMMU reserves.
Cycling on the beach front with Grandchildren
Exploring the Fort and Donkin reserve with Grandchildren
Lighthouse exploring: Milnerton; Cape Recife and Donkin Lighthouses.
Running the Summerstrand Boardwalk
Playing in the rocks on the Recife Walk
Jacqui; Michael; Annabelle and Emily come for a visit
Stefan; Nicci, Christian; Aaron; Zara and Mia come to visit.
Mountain biking duathlon on Christmas afternoon
Ceres for zip lining and new years eve


December 1st. Thursday: I am in Queenstown for business and push to get through the work so that I can leave in time for Daniel's concert this evening.
It has rained and rained for the past two weeks that I was in Transkei as well as the week that I am in Queenstown. So I have a horrible ride home with the trucks -- no mudguards making passing worse.

But I make it back to the concert in time. Michael is still feeling terrible; pain and discomfort are with him constantly. He walks bent over and cannot really move from his bed or the lounge.


My name is Daniel and I am going to Clarendon Park next year


This is Daniels big moment as he receives a certificate and leaves Childrens World for Clarendon Park.

It is raining in PE so Jacqui Zeelie moves her concert to the Clarendon Park school hall. Daniel is a Wise Man -- We three kings of Orient -- Very sombre and serious. This is his last day at Childrens World. The hall is full of parents and Grand parents. People bring their supper and drinks. Jacqui awards the Grade R children with a certificate to show that they have graduated from Pre School and are now ready for Big School. Next year Daniel will be in school with Joshua who moves to Grade 2.


We two kings of Orient are == Bearing Gifts -- MMMM I wonder what is in this parcel? Asks Daniel as he examines the gift that he bears.




Daniel is serious about this evenings events.

The play is very cute with all the children having a part. Daniel announces his name and that he will be moving to Clarendon Park next year. The Majority of children will move to Clarendon with a few moving to Grey, one to Priory and none to Collegiate.
Ally has packed us a supper. We have this on a kind of picnic basis with Jessica and Joshua enjoying every minute of the evening.


Daniel wears his black robe for the special occasion


Daniel with his angels surrounding him

Friday morning Joshua has his Grade One Gala. He is not a swimmer but makes a real effort to take part as he kind of jumps and leaps with flailing arms in all the events. He misses none of them. Barbara and I represent the family. Having done this a few times before I do not bother with Work Clothes any more. I wear a T-shirt and shorts with Cossie under. Not even shoes.


Super Grandad leaps into the ocean deep -- Shallow end of course.


Joshua kicking and propelling Grandad forward

We sit with Eckard and Strelza and Beth. Beth has her daughter - Robyn - who seems to be a champion swimmer. We are also with Debbie Saffey who was Barbara's Main Mom when she was teaching. Debbie is now a teacher at Clarendon but has her child swimming. Also a champion Swimmer. We see Prim Mc Gillivray and her daughter in law (John's wife) Lisa who come third in the Mom and daughter event.


Grandad has a Joshua on his back


Grandad and Joshua at the Grade One Clarendon Gala 2.12.2011


Barbara and I also do the Mom and Dad and Son race where the child has to swim across and the Dad has to carry the child back on their backs. I cheat and move half way across the pool to catch Joshua so that we avoid coming last.


What Joshua may have lacked in skill he made up in enthusiasm


This is the Final Event of the day and Joshua swims his best of the day and makes it across to me in record time. We race back and have a laugh and fun doing this. It was a fun morning but as the last event starts so does the rain. And it pelts down sending all of us scattered to pack away chairs and collect our children.

Saturday morning.
I simply love the Saturday morning runs. We have fun as we run the same route each Saturday. Starting at 05.30am. This morning Adrienne declines as she had a late night. I see Ben and Ron there. Almarie is there. Susan pitches up and we leave. Andre arrives a minute late. It is a perfect morning. Still overcast with a gentle West wind. John, Andrew and Ronel are running the marathon. It is a perfect morning for them. They started at 5am.Ronel runs the distance with Kobus. Andrew and John have been training together and they stay running partners for the whole event.

Ben tells us about his epic cycle from Grahamstown to Zuurberg. He started on Saturday morning. A group of four men. Ben's brother Christian appears to have set the cycle up. They have a back up vehicle which leaves town a good while after they left.

They found a game farm where the owner offered to let them stop and see a newly born Giraffe. They had this awesome adventure of being at a waterhole with Five large and one baby Giraffe. On this day they cycled around 80 kays and camped out for the evening. Sunday morning they had to cycle up the Zuurberg pass for a further around 50 kays in the rain. Sounds like Ben had a real adventure.

I am a little slower than the rest of the group this morning. Ben and Andre turn at 2nd ave and and I run the full Admiralty route. It is a fine morning for a run. Almarie is kind to me and stays at my pace. Back at Hobie beach I find Ron and Lynne. We all go for a swim in the rain.

This afternoon I try to clean my bike and find a short period when it is not raining. I clean Barbara's bike and then Jessica and I cycle to a friend --Chloe --. I manage to clean my bike which is still dirty after last week on the Norm Hudlin cycle. Full of sand and grit. Not easy to get it out of the gears and mechanics.

I visit Ron in his new house in Morrison Road. We collect Jessica a little later and then after a visit to Peter and Elmarie we collect John's Bike. John is a little stiff and sore after the Marathon this morning and will not be cycling with us in the morning.

We start the ride at the Kinkelbos Police station. This is a good place for us as we can park our cars in the grounds and feel safe to leave the vehicle there while are out for a couple of hours. From the police station we are immediately on the gravel road.



RADIO TOWER AT KINKELBOS; WE USE THIS AS A LAND MARKER FROM A LONG WAY OFF.


THE POLICE LADY ASKS: WHAT AM I DOING? WHEN SHE SEES ME TAKING A PHOTO


Sunday morning; Andre collects Ron and myself at our house at 5.30am. He has a bike rack that really works well and carries four bikes easily. We load up the bikes and head off to Kinkelbos Stasie. This road is an excellent MTB ride for those who would like the exersize and who enjoy the smell of cow dung. There is nothing technical and the hills are moderate. The hills make me work and sweat but nowhere do I have to get off and push.


KINKELBOS POLICE STATION

Going out we have a slight Easterly wind in our faces. It is just enough to cool us down. All around we enjoy the early morning dew and fresh smell of cow dung. The sun is not yet strong and we have a slight damp chill on our faces and arms. We start off slowly on the initial downhill. Going out this is predominantly an uphill cycle. Ron tends to be in front and eventually he is out of sight as he works hard on the uphills. I realise for the first time that we cross the rail line around four or five times altogether. The rail line has not been used for many years and is so hidden under the sandy road as to be invisible.

I had phoned Graham Moolman to let him know that I would try to visit him this morning. We passed his farm; Moolie Ridge as we went out. Andre stayed with me and we enjoyed the downs and working on the up hills. We passed by this huge Bull with his ladies chewing the cud around him.

Finally we see Ron coming back to Fetch. We turn up the Steyns farm road. The soft sand has been made firm from the recent rains and it is a pleasure to cycle here. We stop at the top viewpoint for some Jub Jubes and a look at the view around. We see a couple of Red Hartebees buck grazing far off on the hills. From here you are not able to see the ocean but we can see across to Colchester and back to Kinkelbos. Back down the farm road and a right turn leads us to Springmount T junction where Concoskraal siding is. This is where we turn around and make our way back.


RON EXPLAINS ABOUT CONCOSKRAAL


THE ROAD SIGN SAYS CONGOSKRAAL WHILE THE SIDING AT THE DISUSED RAIL STATION READS CONCOSKRAAL



RON AND PETER ON THE SPRINGMOUNT TRAIL ROAD


The ride back is really easy. The east wind is on our backs and this road is predominantly downhill. A couple of Vervet Monkeys race us and beat us easily as they run through the long grass. Andre comments that he has never seen a monkey run through grass like this before. We are passed by three off road Bikers who are heading in the opposite direction. What I really enjoy about this ride is -- No Cars --.


GRAHAM MOOLMAN'S FARM MOOLIES RIDGE


RON AND ANDRE HAVE BIG DISCUSSIONS ON THE BIKE TRAIL


We find Graham's farm entrance and I phone him only to find out that he is not home this morning. From here we cycle back to the police station where I am questioned as to what I am doing taking pictures of their precious signboard. As we load our bikes there is the same gardener who is always there. While we load up the bikes he is studiously pulling weeds. Until just before we leave Andre gives him an apple and he in turn asks for money for Bread.



KINKELBOS POLICE STATION



RADIO MAST NEXT TO THE KINKELBOS POLICE STATION


As Andre drives us home I fall asleep as Ron talks about all sorts of stuff. Andre dropps us off and after a quick shower I head down to Summerstrand for Nippers. The east wind makes the water choppy and the Nippers have a ball in the white water on body boards. Trouble with the Easterly the water is warm but the Nippers are cold from the wind. One Nipper gets a Bluebottle sting.

I leave early and later on take Jessica, Joshua and Daniel for a cycle around the suburb and Grey. Yesterday I took them on this route and Joshua had a fall. Today I lose my temper as they weave from one side of the road to another and ramp off the pavement and onto the road without so much as a glance to look for passing cars. I love taking them for this afternoon ride but it is not good for my nerves. Both Joshua and Daniel stop their bikes by running their shoes on the tar. They have no brakes.


SEE THE COCKY SLANT AND TILT TO DANIEL'S HELMET?


JESSICA RIDES ALLY'S BICYLE


JESSICA AND DANIEL HAVING A BALL ON THE CYCLE AS THEY SEEK OUT THE PUDDLES TO MAKE AS MUCH MESS AS POSSIBLE


DANIEL IN FRONT AND JOSH RIGHT BEHIND HIM. BOTH BIKES HAVE NO BRAKES

Monday morning I leave early for East London
Ally practices every day for her Water Polo tournament coming up next week
Barbara knits frantically and decorates the tree
We have Clive the painter making a mess outside
Barbara has had the pool filter and the pool sorted out but there remains a pile of gunge at the bottom of the pool that has accumulated since we emptied the pool last year.
Michael is still in a huge amount of discomfort and pain. He can hardly walk and battling to recover from this last operation.

Wednesday; I rush back from EL and make in time for our family fellowship at Christine and Burt's home in Mc Lean road. They cater and braai for us all. Jessica, Joshua and Daniel ride their bikes while I walk there.


Thursday evening it is Ally's Capping Ceremony at Grey Junior School. It is a well supported event with parents and scholars both enjoying a bit of glory this evening.

Friday; Barbara and Jessica fly to Cape Town. Jacqui is there and it is her Baby Shower tomorrow. I do the family thing taking Ally around to buy her stuff for the Water Polo tournament.
Friday evening: Charles and I leave work a bit early and go to the Stadium to watch rugby. It is the 7's IRB match in PE. There are teams from the world in PE: NZ, Aus; France; Fiji; Zim; Ken; Eng; Wales; Scot; Samoa; Canada; USA and we watch them all. This is the first time that I watch this live. It is teams of 13 players with only 7 on the field at any one time. The rules are very similar to Rugby. Once there is a touch down the scoring team kick off. There are two halves of 7 minutes each. Three games an hour.


SEVENS RUGBY


PETER AND CHARLES AT 7'S RUGBY


The final game of the evening was SA vs Australia. To the delight of the local fans the score favoured the SA team with five tries to nil.
THe following day we beat France and Samoa to reach the finals against NZ but lost the final game 31 to 26. Charles and I had a wonderful evening there with the people around us and beer drinking.

Saturday morning I have packed and leave for my early morning Beach Run. We do a quick 10kay and swim. The group has a muffins and Champagne morning but I have to rush back to be home by 7am. Tania van Thiel Berghuis (Cayli's mother) is traveling to CT with me. We meet the Billsons there and then head off to CT. We stop in Mossel Bay for a snack and then press on for the final bit. Arrive at Newlands Swimpool just in time for the Photo Shoot. Ally, Cayli and Natalie had driven in the Billson's car and were on a bit of a high.



WATER POLO U14 EASTERN PROVINCE TEAM AT THE PHOTO SHOOT






HAYDEN; TANIA; PATRICK; TERRY ARRIVE AT NEWLANDS SWIM POOL FOR THE WATER POLO TOURNAMENT





HAYDEN SKINNER IS THE U14 GIRLS EP COACH



There was a bit of a goodie bag hand out and training before they all left for supper and their hotel. Barbara was at Cathy's house where we met them. After an early supper I had a good sleep.

Sunday morning Tania and I did a 10kay run on the promenade before we find our way to Wynberg Boys high. We had to do a bit of navagating before getting there for the last two Chukka's. Our girls are playing the Western Province team which is a really strong team of Polo players. They beat our Eastern Province Girls U14 team 9-1.





JESSICA RELAXES AT NICKY'S HOUSE

















JESSICA BOARDS THE AIRPLANE TO CAPE TOWN







After this Game we drive through to Nicky's house for breakfast. We then go back to the Wynberg boys High School for the second leg of the tournament. The first time around we were beaten by Western Province and now we played the Border side. Both teams are really strong and our girls had to play their hearts out to keep it to a 8-4 loss. Certainly they did not disgrace themselves as the Border side had to work hard to win this game. Ally has all her family there to support her as Jacqui and Nicky bring their children - Jessica, Christian; Aron; Zara and Mia as well as the Israeli group of Emily and Annabel. Cathy and Saul are also able to come through for this game.


WATER POLO EP GIRLS U14 PLAY BORDER







Back to Nicky for an afternoon Braai.
We have a relaxed afternoon with Saul making the braai, Stefan goes to a friend for Muscle Hunting, and Tania makes a Pumkin Pie.
















JESSICA AT NICKY'S HOUSE





















JACQUI; ANNABELL AND GRANDAD AT NICKY'S HOUSE

























JACQUI AND JESSICA

























EMILY; ZARA; ANNABELL; MIA; ARON; JESSICA WITH CHRISTIAN OUT OF PIC
























EMILY AT NICKY'S HOUSE













Later this afternoon we are back at Wynberg boys for the last match of the day. We watch Ally's team; EP U14 Girls play The Grahamstown Border Girls team. Grahamstown is about to be incorporated into PE / EP but right now form part of Border. Fortunately for our team we have the best game of the day.

This afternoon the EP girls beat the Grahamstown (Border) girls by 8 - 1. Ally has a wonderful match as she plays her heart out. For the first time this team is playing like a unit. Passing, calling, swimming with the ball, playing the moves that they have spent the past number of weeks practicing. The small group of EP parents are bursting with pride to watch our team doing so well in the water.

When I look at Ally and how she plays now compared to when she started a year ago: at that time she knew nothing of the game. Every time the whistle was blown she looked up at the referee dumfounded. Now she is aware of how to play, how to steal the ball from another player, how to defend her own and others balls, how to swim and pass efectively and her throw is getting stronger. Ally is getting stronger all the time.

There is supposed to be some kind of Ceremony at Newlands but our girls do a bit of jubilant celebrating as the fool around in the pool. We drive to Newlands but there is really not anything for our girls to attend although the stands are full and there is a great deal of cheering going on. I think that this is for the older group of youngsters.







WATERPOLO EP U14 GIRLS PLAY ZIMBABWE






Tania, Bararba and I use the GPS all the time to navigate our way around Cape Town. It makes it so easy to find anything. We drive back to Ridgeworth where Nicky lives and finish off the Braai and the Pumpkin Pie. And then it is not long before we head back to Cathy and a good night sleep.



LIGHTHOUSE ON WOODBRIDGE ISLAND








TANIA VAN THIEL BERGHYS RUNNING ON THE MILNERTON PROMENADE









TANIA AND TABLE MOUNTAIN BACKGROUND







MILNERTON LIGHTHOUSE ESTABLISHED 1960








MILNERTON LIGHTHOUSE







WOODBRIDGE ISLAND AND GOLF COURSE





Monday 12th Morning
Up early and out for a run with Tania. We jog down to the beach front and then head in a north direction along the promenade. On our way back we pass the old bridge that leads to Woodbridge Island. We jog up to Woodbridge and the Lighthouse. From here we jog back to Milnerton and have a swim on this beach. The water is icy cold and for me it is a quick in and out. All the time as we run this section we can see the Mountain across the bay. There are a number of ships in the bay with the back drop of Robin Island.

This morning Cathy has to go to work and we leave for the Water Polo.
Ally is playing against one of the strongest teams in the tournament. The first Chuka ends 0-0. The second Chuka puts the Zim team 2-o up. In the Third Chuka we manage to score two goals but in the last Chuka the Zim team score a further four goals. Our team did well to hold them off to this score while some of the other team went down heavily to this team.








ALLY FIGHTS TO RETAIN POSESSION





ALLY DEFENDING AGAINST ZIMBABWE


ALLY ABOUT TO PASS














JULIA THE REFEREE





















JULIA BRAATVEDT COACHES THE NORTHERN GAUTENG U14 GIRLS TEAM. IT COMPRISES MAINLY OF PRETORIA GIRLS HIGH. IT IS A KIND OF DEVELOPMENT TEAM THAT JULIA IS TRYING TO MOVE UP.















EP U14 TEAM















HAYDEN IS PROTECTED AGAINST THE RAIN WITH HIS GREEN PLASTIC. CAYLI IS NUMBER 4














ALLY IS NUMBER 2















WYNBERG BOYS HIGH SCHOOL WATER POLO POOL
















U14 EP GIRLS TEAM

















GIRLS TEAM


















PATRICK; TERRY; BARBARA; SHERELEEN; AND ALEX












COACH HAYDEN SKINNER
















ALLY; CAYLI AND SHANNY















ALLY IS NUMBER TWO IN THE TEAM

















This week from Sunday to Wednesday is a time for Water Polo: It rains off an on but the Water Polo goes on. Tania Van THiel Berghys stays with us at Cathy's house and we kind of move between Nicky and Cathy. It is early nights and early mornings. Tania and I are able to run on Sunday and Monday mornings. Tuesday and Wednesday we take a break. The U 14 girls team is being coached and managed by Hayden Skinner. He had to be their Mother and organiser for the four days. On Tuesday morning Barbara drives home with Jacqui and her family. Nicky and Jacqui were due to leave early but eventually got away at 11am. It was raining and a tough drive for them. Tania and I stayed to support the team through to Wednesday afternoon. After the last game had been played and the team had said their goodbyes we left Cape Town; Tania, Ally and myself, at 11am. It is around 770kays to PE and we take 8 hours.












BRIAN ROSS; ADRIENNE; MARGIE AND RONEL AS WE RUN OUR SATURDAY MORNING BEACH RUN













RONEL; ADRIENNE AND GERALD ENJOY COFFEE AFTER THE RUN





LIZZI AND MARGIE AT THE WATER POINT




JOHN TAKES A DRINK OF WATER





Friday 16th; It is a public holiday. I have cleaned up Barbara's old bike and it is now functional again. Nicky takes Christian and I for a cycle and I take Grandchildren for a ride around Grey. I am back to running at the Beach front with Adrienne, Mike Dean, Margie and son Brian, Gerald, Pat and Ronel. We run to the Kings Beach parking and then back to the Lollipop. This is a perfect PE morning with the sunrise and warm early morning. Ron, Peter and Elmarie pass us in the opposite direction. Lynn is on her bike. I take coffee for after the run. It is a holiday and opening of the season so the beach front is closed. We run from the next opening.

This afternoon I load a bevy of bikes into the Nippers trailer and take 6 of the 9 grandchildren for a cycle along the promenade. We cycle to Hobie beach where all the activities are starting to take shape and then back to the lolipop. Christian, Aaron; Jessica; Joshua; Daniel and Zara have a great cycle despite a fall for Jessica. We then go to the Pollock Rocks to meet up with Nicky and Jacqui and the rest of the children. They tease me throwing sand and I in turn throw them into the tidal pool. Great excitement and lots of fear. For the first time in many years we miss the opening of the season fireworks.

Saturday morning is the Cape Recife Trail run -- see separate post.

Saturday afternoon.
I take children for a cycle by Joshua's pedal falls off, I dont have the neccessary spanner; so we dont have the cycle we had planned.
This evening Nicky and Jacqui take the children to the beach to see Christmas lights. Cathy send me an SMS: Now I am officially a Mountain Biker. She purchased herself a MTB and hopefully will now be as keen as I am for this sport.




CATHY SENDS ME AN SMS; NOW I AM OFFICIALLY A MOUNTAIN BIKER. SHE PURCHASED HER BIKE TODAY AND PLANS AN AFTERNOON CYCLE.


Sunday morning; John and Suzanne meet for a cycle. Andre and Gerald sleep in. We meet Kevin at Norm Hudlin in Kragga Kamma. Kevin has only just discovered this trail and is now completely sold on MTBing. He has been here three times in three days -- one with his son Cameron. Last evening he did an evening cycle and ended up having a couple of beers there afterwards.



KEVIN AND SUZANNE ON THE MTB TRAIL






HORSE DUNG IS PART OF DOING THIS TRAIL

This morning we ride out at an easy pace just enjoying the morning breeze and sunshine. The trail is not technically challenging but definitely works up a sweat. We opt for a 15kay option. Kevin has a fancy Blackberry that tells us how far we have cycled and even the route. We hear of a chap who had his bike stolen in the valley and is now a convert to this track. We wind our way through the trees. It is mainly Black Wattle and pine but for what we do this is perfect trails. I am still not able to ride up the ramps or the steep hills. I dont have the strength nor the confidence. There is this one down hill which I brave through but when it comes to the ups I seem to stop as I reach the top. So right now I just dismount and push. A bit of a blow to my ego but so what? We do the 15kay loop which, according to Kevin is around 14kays. This is enough for a Sunday morning for us. I sign up for a 6 month Membership.





HOT CHOCOLATE AND MUFFINS AFTER THE CYCLE

After our cycle we stop off for a coffee / hot chocolate and muffin. Daryl Smith phones me to say that he is on his way here but we just miss him. Back home the family is swimming and relaxed at the pool.



FOUR GRANDSONS AT THE FORT



JUNGLE GYM AT THE FORT



FORT FREDERICK PORT ELIZABETH


HISTORY OF THE FORT

A permanent military outpost in the Eastern Province. Established in 1799. And named after his royal majesty the Duke of York. From this fort, the commandant, Captain Frances Evatt, Superintended the landing of the 1820 settlers. Submitted by the Historical Monuments Commission.



THIS FORT WAS BUILT AT THE END OF 1799 DURING THE WAR WITH FRANCE AS A PERMANENT MILITARY BASE OVERLOOKING THE ONLY SAFE ANCHORAGE ON THE SOUTH EAST COAST. ALTHOUGH GARRISONED UNTIL 1862 NO SHOT WAS EVER FIRED FROM ITS WALLS

Like many national monuments, Fort Frederick first appears as little more than a few brick walls, albeit old walls that seem to hold little significance or attraction for visitors. It is only in learning the history behind a building that it takes on a meaning of its own, although in the case of Fort Frederick, it is worth visiting for the views over Algoa Bay alone.

Built in 1799 to defend the mouth of the Baakens River, Fort Frederick stands overlooking the harbour in the South African ‘windy’ or ‘friendly city’ of Port Elizabeth. Fort Frederick served as protection against a possible landing of French troops in the harbour during the Napoloeonic wars when British occupation of the colony first occurred. By the time the 1820 settlers arrived, a shot had still not been fired in retribution from the fort (which remains the case today) and a few houses had grown up around Fort Frederick to house the local population of 35 people.

The fort that was named after the Duke of York was, in effect, one of the initial buildings of Port Elizabeth, which sprang up around the fort. It is rather small, when compared with similar forts in Inverness, Scotland or Calcutta, India, but it has been incredibly well preserved and is close enough to the Donkin Reserve to incorporate in the Donkin Heritage Trail.



I am able to persuade Joshua, Daniel, Christian and Aaron to go for a drive to the Fort Fredrick. The count the canons 5 in sight. And play around the park below. They appear to have boundless energy as they ask permission to run up and down the grassy hill to the jungle gym.


DANIEL CHECKS OUT THE VIEW OF THE HARBOUR FROM THE LIGHTHOUSE BALCONY



DANIEL AT THE TOP OF THE DONKIN LIGHTHOUSE



DANIEL AND AARON ABOUT TO DESCEND INSIDE THE LIGHTHOUSE - 80 STEPS AND 7 FLIGHTS OF STEPS TAKE ONE TO THE TOP.


AARON LOOKS AT ME THROUGH THE SMALL PORTAL TO THE BALCONY OF THE LIGHTHOUSE

We then move on to the Donkin Reserve where we climb the Lighthouse. Joshua and Christian are not keen to climb to the top. Daniel leads the way and is soon outside on the balcony at the top. After we have descended, Aaron decides that he wants to brave the climb. So Daniel and I climb back up again with Aaron. Aaron too climbs out onto the balcony and we all have a look around the city. It is a good panaramic view from up there. The four boys run around the area and work up a need for an Ice Cream so on the way home we stop for some Magnums. But not before we stop to climb around the War Memorial at St Georges park.



IN MEMORY OF THE MOST PERFECT HUMAN BEING WHO GAVE HER NAME TO THE CITY BELOW. ELIZABETH DONKIN


DONKIN RESERVE AND LIGHTHOUSE


DANIEL; JOSHUA; AARON AND CHRISTIAN

The amazing thing that happened this month is that in the past week I have encountered three different lighthouses. Firstly when in Cape Town for the water polo, Tania and I jog along the promenade and explore the Milnerton lighthouse on Woodbridge. Then this weekend I run the Cape Recife / Pine Lodge trail run and run past the lighthouse

Sunday morning
Suzanne joins John, Kevin and myself for a MTB cycle at the Kragga Kamma cycle park. We do a 15kay and have a good ride. Andre is a bit injured after yesterdays trail run.

This week
Nicci, Jessica and Grandad go cycling at the Norm Hudlin Park
I run each morning at the Beach front with Lizzi Gough from JHB. Lizzi is a colleague of Margie and staying at the home of Mike Neubert who also works with Margie
We run the boardwalk to Flat rock and the Beach to the Harbour Wall. And have a swim after each run. Cool mornings as we run towards the rising sun.


MARGIE; BRIAN ROSS AND LIZZI ON THE BOARDWALK


Brian; Margie and Lizzi have a break with a drink at the fountain

It gives me the idea to take the Grandchildren to the rocky pools where they can walk across in the low tide and look at all the creatures under the rocks.



CHRIS TRYING TO BALANCE AS HE WALKS ACROSS THE ROCKS



CHRIS; DANNY AND JESSICA EXAMINE THE CREATURES IN THE POOLS



CHILDREN AT PLAY

Saturday 24th.
Christmas eve.
This morning I collect Adrienne and Lizzi Hough and Ben. We meet at Hobie for our Saturday run up Walmer Boulevard and Strandfontein then down Admiralty. Margie, Colin, Pat, ELmarie, Suzanne, Ronel all join us for the run. We meet Ron and Lyn on the beach. I am the only person to swim this morning. There is an Easterly blowing and the sea is choppy. Tremaine and Andre Wesson are on the beach running and swimming as well. Ron announces that he and Tremaine will be running the Knysna 42kay next year.
Adrienne, Lizzi and Pat have made coffee and eats for after our run. It is a chilly morning and there are no family members like last year.

Stefan, Ally, Michael and I go to the Annual Brian Bands sale where we purchase running shoes. I purchase the pudding at Woolies and then I buy the chain for Barbara's old MTB. I finally work out, With Stefan's help, how to fit the new chain. I clean up the cogs and chain and am ready for the afternoon ride. Michael Z and I meet Kevin and John and map out our Duathlon for Christmas afternoon. We cycle the route -- 8 kays and Michael leads the way zooming along at a good speed. We arrange the cycle with Lex and Sharon who appear to be quite happy with our arrangements.

Jacqui and Lene are the main cooks for the evening meal. We have far too much to eat but the tables are perfectly set out and the children have a great time -- all nine of them. After supper each child choses one other child and gives that child a gift.

Nicky and Stefan are sleeping outside in the caravan Everyone appears to be okay with the sleeping and logistic arrangements. It is sad that Cathy and Saul cannot be here for Christmas this year. There are 18 people in the house but with nine of them being junior it does not seem to be too crowded.

CHRISTMAS DAY 25 DECEMBER 2011
Mill Park Rd House
Staying in the house are the following people:
Barbara, Peter and Ally
Michael, Lene, Jessica, Joshua and Daniel
Michael Z, Jacqui, Emily and Annabelle
Nicci, Stefan, Christian, Aaron, Zara and Mia

The 24th is always a long day with cooking, arranging and eating. Although we were in bed reasonable early I wake up feeling Muggy. I was awake in the night but that is no excuse. There are many Christmas Stockings that have been filled. Barabra and I have one on the door to our room. Amazing how Father Christmas finds everyone. There were a few minor mixups but nothing too serious. Chilren throughout the house cry with Glee as they discover and then emply the stockings. Some of the stockings in the family are huge affairs.

We make ready for church. Church is at 9am but we decide to be there at 8.30 to book a seat. We pass by the house where Lizzi and family are staying for the holiday and show them the way to church. We are very early but have a row to ourselves.

After Church we have the gift sharing.
I have bought Barbara a Kindle for reading books. I bought myself a pair of running shoes. Michael and Lene are very generous and give me a Bike odometer set. Barbara gives us Biltong, Shorts and Shirt as a new pair of slops. For the first time in over thirty years I own a pair of Jamas. Wow!

Presents are everywhere. I seem to be exhausted and fall asleep on the couch. THis afternoon we have a Duathlon at Norm Hudlin.
I spray medals and Nicky buys cooldrinks and sweets for all children. It is raining but we press on. THe Children do their run; cycle run with parents assisting where neccessary.
THen it is the turn of the bigger children; We have marked out our course. It is pouring with rain. I start us off; Peter; Stefan; Nicci; Ally; Ben; John; Cameron (Kevin's son); Kevin; Bradley and Michael Z all do the run of three kays; the cycle of just under 8kays and no second run as the rain kind of dampens things. Ally does well and cycles with Nicky. I bring up the rear with Cameron. Michael's chain breaks with around three kays to go so he pushes for the last bit.

I am really quite surprised how well the evening has gone, It has been raining really hard. The group had to huddle around under the small shelter area. Children and grown ups together. Lisle and Craig did not see the fun part of the afternoon and left early but the rest of us enjoyed a bit of fellowship before leaving for a well deserved shower. The bikes were a mess and I lost Gerald's trailer keys.

John in on his new bike and having a great time trying it out. '

Monday morning: We had a good jog on the promenade again this morning. Adrienne; Ronel, Pat and myself. Ron, Peter and Elmarie also run the boardwalk each morning. We pass them and then meet again in the sea for a swim. I get back in time to say good bye to Nicci and family. They stop off in Plett to visit Ena and then spend the evening in Mossel Bay with friends.



BEN CARVER



ADRIENNE WALKING TO THE WATERING POINT



ANDREW AND COLIN WALK TO THE WATERING POINT


ADRIENNE; BEN; LYN; RON; RONEL; SUZANNE; JOHN; ELMARIE; ANDREW AND PAT ENJOYING THE BEACH AFTER A GOOD MORNING RUN.


Michael; Ally; Jessica and I go back for a cycle this afternoon. I am pleased to have Ally back for second helpings. I am now doing this three days in a row. Just the 8 kay but still fun to be on the bike. Kevin meets us there and lends Michael his spare bike. We see lightning and pack up just in time before the rain pelts down onto us. I have to pack the bikes away in the rain. But have lost the keys to the trailer.

Tuesday 27th. In a moment of weakness our Vice President has declared today a holiday. Not sure why but this will cost the country many Billions of Rands in lost revenue and overtime. I have my morning run, We are treated to a Dolphin display; around 10 dolphins surfing and leaping in the sea close in to the shore. It is High tide and this makes it appear even closer to the shore line. On our way back to the beach we see the same group of Dolphins as the surf at Millers Beach. There is a westerly blowing and after a couple of days of East winds the surf is perfect for body surfing. Ron and I have a blast catching waves.

I arrive home in time to say good bye to Jaqui and Michael who will stop over in Oudtshoorn. As it turns out the arrive in Cape Town just as it is getting dark. They spent a day of being tourists in Oudsthoorn.

I go back to the cycle park but no keys so have to get a spare set from Gerald. He is so dependable. Ally goes to a friend, Megan Clarkson on the Sardinia Bay road. She stays over for the night there. Barbara and I have a relaxed day at home. Barbara does some moving around of furniture and trying to clean up some of the mess left over from a weekend of family and children. It is still raining so not easy to wash and clean. She also has a new puppy who piddles and poops where and whenever he feels like it.


Wednesday 28th; I have to be in Port Alfred this morning. I still enjoy my morning run at the beach. These morning runs are so invigorating especially as we are able to swim afterwards. They are not long swims, just taking a few waves and chatting to the people we see at the beach. Each morning Ron, Lyn, Peter and Elmarie are there as well. Lyn tends to walk while the rest of the group runs. We have also come across Andre and Tremaine Wesson. Tremaine still wants to run some more marathons. Next year he aims to run Knysna 42kay. Thank goodness I dont have this goal in sight.

On my way to Port Alfred I stop off to say hello to Charles who is in Bushmans River. He has just returned from a cycle. He tells me that he cycled through a kind of game park. Ingrid is up and comes through to say good morning.
I spend the morning at Port Alfred and Grahamstown. This afternoon I spend cleaning up and servicing the three bikes that we have been using and that have become progressively dirtier.

Thursday morning I collect Adrienne for the morning run. Later this afternoon we leave for Plett where we stay the night. We only arrive there late and go straight to bed with the Bikes all loaded on the back of the car. John lent me his bike rack.




THE BIKES PACKED ON THE BACK OF THE QASHQAI FOR THE TRIP TO CERES LOOK SECURE AT THIS STAGE.

Michael's family has one set back after the next. Lene has discovered that she has a severe neck injury. Her vertebrae have been damaged and she must have an operation to remove two vertebrae. On Friday she goes to hospital for this operation which will preclude her from work for the next two months.

Friday morning we leave at around 7am from Plett. We take the road to Sedgefield but a little later we realise that all is not right with the bikes on the back and discover one of the bikes is loose and dragging on the road behind us. We do some running repairs and load the bikes back again. Probably more securely. We thought we had done a good job the first time but it appears that we were wrong. The saddle of one of the bikes is all but destroyed. However, surprisingly, that is the only damage to the bike.

We have a slow drive to Swellendam, Ashton, Worster, and then across to Ceres. We have never been to Ceres before and this is a bit of an adventure for us. As we approach the town we see a helicopter with water bag under it. Then we see the sight of the fire which appears to be just above the place that does the Zip Lining.

Stefan's sister; Lynette lives here. She and her husband run a bakery and have made a success of this business. They have a nice home in this town. They have two Children Keanu and Kyle. Two healthy looking boys. Kyle gives us a display of his J-board and skateboard ability.

We do a little shopping and have a braai at Lynette's house. Stefan, Nicci, Jacqui and Michael all meet us in Ceres for the weekend. I learn a new way to braai with a centre fire. Everyone is tired and we call it a day at around 9pm. In fact Nicci is amazed that I have lasted so long.

Saturday 31st.
This is the last day of 2011. Michael and Jacqui fly back to Israel this afternoon. We are all staying in a B&B in Ceres. Porterhouse. Quite comfortable. The owners had a bit of a tragedy in their family as a grandchild recently died in PE. The sister of the owner comes from Worster to take care of the B&B for the weekend.

This morning we do the Ceres Zip Lining -- See separate post

A little later Cathy and Saul arrive from Cape Town. They both have new MTB's so we do a short ride around the village to get some cash and do some shopping for this evening. From there we cycle to Lynette's house.

Saturday afternoon we spend at Lynette and Gush's house in the pool and playing 30 seconds. Some other friends of theirs come for a while but it is not wild enough for them so they go back to the party from which they came earlier.

THis evening Gush makes a huge bonfire and we finally eat very late. Barbara and Ally leave and I cycle back shortly after them. Cathy and Saul also cycle back but they make it to Midnight.


SWIMPOOL AT LYNETTE


FAMILY BRAAI ON NEW YEARS EVE

Happy new year to every body -- looking forward to a 2012 that is as exciting and challenging as 2011 was.