APRIL 2012

HELOUISE ERASMUS WORKS TIRELESSLY AT THE WATERING STATION IRONMAN PE 2012. SHE ORGANISES THE PEOPLE; CARRIES SUPPLIES FROM ONE PERSON TO ANOTHER -- ALWAYS MAKING SURE THAT THE ATHLETES ARE TAKEN CARE OF DESPITE THE MISERABLE WIND AND RAIN.


JULIA AND PETER AT THE 2012 GRADUATION CEREMONY. JULIA GRADUATES HONOURS DEGREE BSC GEOGRPHIC INFORMATION SYSTEMS AT NELSON MANDELA UNIVERSITY.



ALLY TAKES THE PENALTY AGAINST SOMERSET



APRIL 2012

GEORGE FOR ALLY HOCKEY TOURNAMENT
LUNCH AT LEILA'S ARMS IN GEORGE
TWO OCEANS HALF MARATHON
TYGERBERG NATURE RESERVE WALK
BARBARA TO ISRAEL TO VISIT JACQUI AND BABY TOM BORN 31ST MARCH
NICKY IN MOSSEL BAY HOLIDAY HOME OF FRIENDS DEREK AND STEPHANIE
MICHAEL LAST DAY OF FOOD FESTIVAL
FINAL DAY OF NIPPERS NATIONALS KINGS BEACH PE
NILLS BRAADVEDT GRADUATES BCOM LAW AT RHODES. SUZANNE STAYS OVER FOR A NIGHT.
JULIA GRADUATES HONOURS GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SYSTEMS
CORPORATE IRON MAN AND IRON MAN PROPER
OUTENIQUA HIKING TRAIL ORGANISED BY FRED KOHLER
PATRICK TO PLETT AND SPRINGFIELD NEAR TO CAPE AGULAS.
EXPLORE THE TYGERBERG MOUNTAIN RESERVE
MOUNTAIN BIKE RIDE IN THE ADDO AREA NEAR TO ZUURBERG INN

We had driven from PE to Plett on the Friday afternoon while Nippers Nationals were on in PE at Kings Beach. We stayed over in Plett that evening and then on Saturday morning 31st March we watched Ally play a hockey game against DSG which the Pearson team lost 2-1. Then we went through to Mossel Bay where Nicky was staying at a friend's beach house. The evening game was against Hudson and again Pearson lost 2-1. Sunday morning 1st April we had a long morning in Bed. Barbara had been on Skype with Jacqui as her baby boy -- Tom was born on 31st and now chatting to Cathy, who is also pregnant and spending the morning in bed.


SUNDAY MORNING THE GAME IS AGAINST HOST TEAM YORK HIGH SCHOOL AT THE MYRA GREGORY ASTRO IN GEORGE: THIS ASTRO IS NAMED AFTER MYRA GREGORY BY HER SON ANDREW GREGORY WHO IS A BUSINESSMAN IN GEORGE. IT SEEMS THAT THE ASTRO CARPET WAS PURCHASED SECOND HAND FROM RANDBURG. THE PROJECT COST R2MILLION AND IT APPEARS THAT AROUND R250 000 WAS DONATED BY THE GREGORY FAMILY. THE ASTRO WAS OPENED IN MAY 2008 BY MYRA GREGORY AND IS SUPPORTED BY THE QUARRY CLUBHOUSE WHERE BARBARA AND I WERE ENTERTAINED BY THE PARENT COMMITTEE THE PREVIOUS EVENING WHILE WATCHING STORMERS AND BULLS PLAY SUPER 14 RUGBY.


THE PEARSON TEAM ARE AT THEIR BEST -- SUNDAY MORNING. GAVE ALLY EAR PLUGS WHICH SHE USED TO ENSURE A GOOD NIGHT SLEEP.


OUR TEAM PLAY A STRONG AND ATTACKING GAME THIS MORNING.


YORK HOSTEL IN THE BACKGROUND WHERE ALLY STAYS WITH HER TEAM


YORK SCHOOL IS OUR HOST AND OUR BEST GAME WHICH WE WIN 3-0


We then watched the third game of the series against the host Team York High School. The Pearson Team played well -- continuous attacking game and were rewarded with a 3-0 win. Barbara and I went back to our bungalow at the Mountain View resort. Everything in George has a mountain view. The Outeniqua range is dominant and majestic to the North West of this town.



WE STAY OVER AT THE MOUNTAIN VIEW RESORT IN A BUNGALOW WHICH IS QUITE ADEQUATE. WE SWITCH ON THE TV JUST ONCE. IT IS A TINY TV WITH A BAD PICTURE AND WE PROPTLY FALL ASLEEP. WE SPEND MOST OF OUR TIME READING: I HAVE JUST STARTED THE STIEG LARSSON SERIES. FINISH THE FIRST: GIRL WITH THE DRAGON TATTOO AND START: THE GIRL WHO PLAYED WITH FIRE.

A little later we drove around looking for a coffee shop and after a while, driving past Fancourt and Blanco on the old road to the airport we find an old ramshackle house called Feila's Arms. We are greeted by Gabriel who is making a really good looking lunch. We decide to stay for lunch.


We find a couple of benches where we can relax and read our books. The view is of the mountains. It is a beautiful autumn afternoon. We arrive at around 2 and enjoy lunch until after 4 when we have to leave for the next hockey match. Gabriel brings the menu which is on a huge blackboard. We have the Trust Me menu which Garbriel assures us is the best option. We are not dissappointed. Barbara has Oxtail and chicken with a huge array of vegetables. I have the same but without the meat as I am on a No Meat Lent diet. The bar is a help yourself fridge. I am driving so have a home made Ginger Beer.


AT THE BACK OF LEILA'S ARMS IS THIS OLD DISUSED RAIL CARRIAGE



LEILA'S ARMS IS PROTECTED BY THIS UNIQUE MUD WALL THAT HAS BOTTLES AND POLES TO SUPPORT IT.


LOOK OUT FOR THE SIGN THAT READS LEILA'S ARMS ON THE ROAD THAT RUNS PAST FANCOURT TOWARDS THE AIRPORT.


WE ARE SERVED THE MOST DELICIOUS AND HEALTHY SUNDAY LUNCH COMPRISING OX TAIL; CHICKEN COOKED IN ALMONDS; ROAST POTATO THAT IS STILL CRISPY; SAMP; VEGETABLES AND SALAD. IT TASTES EVEN BETTER THAN IT LOOKS. THERE ARE NO FRILLS. NO PLACE MATS, NO WAITER TO ASK IF ALL IS OKAY/ THIS IS MORE LIKE SITTING IN YOUR OWN BACK YARD HAVING A HOME MADE SUNDAY LUNCH. OTHER FAMILIES BRING CHILDREN WHO HAVE A BALL ON THE TRAMPOLINES AND PLAY AREA WHILE THE PARENTS ENJOY THE VIEW OF THE MOUNTAINS AND READ SUNDAY PAPERS WHILE SIPPING WHITE WINE.


THE BAR IS A SELF SERVICE OLD FRIDGE


BETWEEN WHERE WE SIT AND THE MOUNTAINS IS THIS WOODEN ARCH WHICH IS BUILT FROM COLLECTED BRANCHES AND BITS. RON PASK LOVES TO COLLECT THIS TYPE OF THING AND WOULD CONSIDER THIS TO BE AN ART FORM.


After lunch we stop at the Spar to buy Ally some provisions and Energy Drinks for her and her friends. Then we go back to the field and watch a late afternoon game in the setting sun. Paarl Gymnasium Girls is the best team in this tournament. They have not lost a goal as yet and this afternoon is no exception as they beat Pearson 5-0. Paarl completely outplays our Girls. They have a skill level that is two notches above the Pearson Girls. Our girls are overwhelmed and try to play a defensive game; they do not play the attacking game that they played this morning and feel the consequenses.


THE TWO TEAMS HAVE SIMILAR UNIFORMS AND PEARSON PLAYS IN LUMO COLOURED BIBS.


THE GAME IS PLAYED IN SHADOWS IN THE LATE AFTERNOON. THE FIRST HALF PEARSON PLAY INTO THE SETTING SUN


LARA SWANEPOEL IS IN THIS TEAM FOR PEARSON


ALLY IS OVERWHELMED AND INSTEAD OF GETTING DOWN TO THE BALL SHE ALLOWS THE BALL TO SLIP PAST HER.

This evening Barbara and I do not need a supper after our huge late lunch and are asleep by 9pm.

MONDAY 2ND APRIL
Today is the final game of Ally's tournament. It has been a real experience for both us as parents as Ally as a player. At times Ally has shown a brilliant effort and at others her play could have been a lot better. She is not as agressive as we would like to see her play. When Ally does get to the ball and runs with it then she plays well. At other times Ally has allowed the ball to slip past her.
This morning Pearson plays Somerset West. Otherwise known as College. Ally plays one of her better games and Pearson wins: 2-1.
The tournament has been a case of lost two games 2-1; Lost one game (Paarl) 5-0 and won two games 2-1. Not a bad performance but also not what they would have set out to achieve.


SOMERSET WEST IN ACTION


ALLY DEFENDS AGAINST SOMERSET COLLEGE


ALLY TAKES THE PENALTY AGAINST SOMERSET


ALLY IN ACTION AGAINST THE SOMERSET TEAM IN GEORGE


SOMERSET WEST -- THE FINAL GAME IN THE TOURNAMENT PEARSON WIN 2-1


ALLY AND THE PEARSON TEAM HAVE HAD A WONDERFUL TOURNAMENT -- STAYING IN THE YORK HOSTEL AND PLAYING KINGSWOOD; PAARL; HUDSON; YORK TEAMS HAVE GIVEN THEM REAL EXPERIENCE AND FUN.

We drive back while Ally takes the Bus. We stop off to say hello to Ena and then straight home. We collect Ally from School. I buy some CHinese for supper.
Tuesday: back to morning running. I am not feeling like pushing myself and take short cut. This evening is the Water Polo training session and lecture with Hayden.
Wednesday 4th: I drag myself out of bed and go running. After a while I feel a little stronger and enjoy the morning. I have had no alcohol for a few days and am not sure why I feel so listless.
Today Rowena and I go to Kirkwood, Uitenhage and Humansdorp sorting out a variety of issues including interviewing for new store opening.
Michael has had a tough time these past few days as he has been trying to introduce P & P to the lines that he merchandises and they seem to be a tough egg to crack.


HOLY WEEK
This week is Holy Week. It starts with Palm Sunday remembering the time when Jesus came to Jerusalem on a donkey and the crowds put palm branches onto the streets. We are not in church on Palm Sunday (1st April) as we are in George for Ally's Hockey tournament.

SPY WEDNESDAY
This may be the day when Judas conspired with the Pharisees to identify Jesus to them so that they could have him executed.

Then comes Maundy Thurdsay which celebrates the Last Supper and the time when Jesus gave his disciples the (Maundy) Command: "A new commandment I give to you: to love one another as I have loved you". Maundy Thursday is 40 days after Shrove Tuesday. Shrove Tuesday is often celebrated as the begining of Lent by eating of Pancakes which contain rich ingredients such as Egg and Butter. Lent starts on the Wednesday after Shrove Tuesday and lasts for 40 days to Midnight on Maundy Thursday. During Lent Christians may give up a luxury. This Lent; Ally gave up Fizzy Cold Drinks while I gave up Meat.

GOOD FRIDAY 6TH APRIL 2012
We have readied ourselves on Thursday evening and are able to leave at 03.30am. Ally makes herself comfortable in the back seat and Barbara and I drive through the early morning; stop at Plett; Mossel Bay; Riviersonderend where we fill up with Petrol, and then straight to UCT where we meet up with Nicky and her family for the Childrens Two Oceans running.


NICKY STEENKAMP - WHO LAST YEAR COMPLETED THE 21KM IN THE REQUIRED TIME - NOW GIVES INSTRUCTIONS TO HER CHILDREN AS THEY READY FOR THE 300M DASH.



TEAM STEENKAMP -- ZARA; ARON; MIA; CHRISTIAN. THESE FOUR WILL RUN THE 300M DASH. ARON IS THE FASTEST AND HE CHARGES PAST ZARA IN THE FINAL 100M; THEN COMES ZARA AS SHE BECOMES TOTALLY EXHAUSTED WITH A HEART BEAT TO MATCH; NICKY BRINGS MIA IN WITH A LOYAL CHRISTIAN STAYING WITH HIS MOM.


WE WERE LATE ENTRIES AND ARRIVED AT THE START LAST. WE CAME IN FROM THE FRONT AND SO HAD PRIME POSITIONS FOR A FAST RUN.


ZARA LOST HER FRONT TOOTH AND NOW THE SECOND FRONT TOOTH IS LOOSE AND SO SHE IS ABLE TO GIVE A NANNY MC FEE SMILE WITH THE FRONT TOOTH OUTSIDE OF THE MOUTH.


Easter Saturday.
Stefan collects me from Cathy's house at 4.30am and we drive through to UCT. We leave from Saul and Cathy's house at around 4;20 and arrive at the University just after 5am. It is too late! There are long queue's of cars. We should have anticipated this after the experience of Friday afternoon where we also had to wait in a long queue for registration. We stuck to our plan and took the second turn and were fortunate to find an ideal parking spot. NEXT YEAR: We must be at the University by 04.30am.

We walked down to the start and were delighted to find that the entrance to the C seeding had a special entrance. Doing a qualifying 21km has real advantages when you have to line up with 16 000 runners at an event like this one.


PAT GOING FOR HER 10TH TWO OCEANS 21KM. STEFAN AND I DOING OUR 4TH.

I am enjoying the wetness. The sweat in my eyes has washed away and now I am almost drinking the water that falls down my face. I see that we have four kays to go. The spectators are all as wet as we are even though they try to keep dry under what shelter they can find. Then we turn up hill for the final three kays. I press on. The rain drives into our faces. Not too much talking. Maybe a bit of nervous chatter but we all know that we are not far from the finish and we do our best to keep going as hard as we are able.

Now we are over the hill and only one kay to go. There is a short climb and then we enter the field. This is a quagmire of mud and slushy wet grass. I know from yesterday's Toddler Dash that we have 300meters to go. And finally under the finish banner. For me it is 2;15. I grab a cold drink and find that Stefan is waiting for me. We turn around and walk over the bridge to the car park area. At this stage we have run for just over 2 hours. The 56km runners will be approaching the FIsh Hoek Turn.

TIM NOAKES AND PETER AS WE WALK TO OUR CARS AFTER THE 21KM

As Stefam and I walk to the car we take a bit of a wrong turn and meet up with a man who looks familiar. I announce that I know him and he introduces himself: Tim Noakes. Tim has been in the news recently with a new type of diet including Meat which flies in the face of the previous popular idea that Carbohydrates are the best for runners before a long event like this.


RONEL COMPLETES 56KM TWO OCEANS 6;29


Quite a special day for many of the MPRG and the rest of the PE runners (Achilles and others)

EASTER SUNDAY
We sleep over at Nicky's house. After a couple of cups of coffee we pack up and go for a drive to the Tygerberg Nature Reserve where we walk up to the Picnic area and then I continue to the top of the hill where there are a variety of radio masts and the canon. There are a number of hiking trails;
We dont spend long here as the rain is coming and Stefan has a group coming for lunch.


CANON ON TYGERBERG


PLAQUE OF THE CANON ON THE TOP OF THE TYGERBERG NATURE RESERVE


TYGERBERG NATURE RESERVE OPEN AT 6.30AM ON EASTER SUNDAY TO ALLOW VISITORS TO SEE THE SUNRISE


RADIO MASTS AT THE TOP OF THE TYGERBERG


MORE RADIO MASTS


MISTLETOE THE PARASITE ON THE TYGERBERG MOUNTAIN


VIEW OF THE TABLE MOUNTAIN -- RAINING AND MISTY BUT STILL ABLE TO SEE ACROSS TO THE MOUNTAINS


MISTLETOE ON THE MOUNTAIN SIDE; WE SEE ANY NUMBER OF FIELD MICE AND GLASS EYED BIRDS.


FAMILY OUTING ON THE TYGERBERG


CHRISTIAN; AARON; ZARA AND MIA HAVE FUN IN THE PICNIC AREA.


CATCHING MIA


BARBARA TAKES PICS OF THE CHILDREN


TYGERBERG NATURE RESERVE OPENS AT 6-30AM TO ALLOW PUBLIC TO SEE THE SUNRISE ON EASTER SUNDAY

After a stunning lunch at Nicky's house we return to Cathy's house where we sleep over. The next morning we leave for PE at around 4;30am. Stop in Plett to say hello to Ena and then back home. It is pouring with rain and Barbara has to collect a Horse Blanket in Kragga Kamma.

Tuesday morning I am off to work and later on Ally has Water Polo practice.
Wednesday Morning I drop Barbara at the airport where she catches a flight to JHB and then after a 6 hour wait she flies to Tel Aviv where Jacqui meets her and the drive to Jacqui's new house in Binyamina.

Friday I collect Suzanne Braadvedt at the airport and we drive to Grahamstown where their son, Nills, graduates at Rhodes University. We stay for the Graduation Ceremony and listen to Thabo Mbeki's mother speak about her life.

Saturday morning Svenje Duffield; Andre Mulder and I drive to Coega and run the Coega 10km race. I go to work afterwards and then spend the afternoon at Grey Rugby. I sit with Charles, Bob Stedman, Heidi Boyd. Her son Aiden is number 3 for first team. They Play Nico Malan from Humansdorp and win convincingly.
Ally goes to a party with the Billsons. Kragga Kamma road. She later reports to me that it was a controlled party with limited access to invitees only and absolutely no access to alcohol for any of the youngsters.

Sunday morning 6am.
Andre cycles to our house and Charles collects us in his van. We load the MTB's up and drive through to Addo. The place where we are to ride today is called Bush Buck Lodge and is located at the foot of the Zuurberg mountain drive. About 10km before you get to the Zuurberg Mountain Inn. Martin has invited us and he introduces us to Trevor and Richard and a group of people who have stayed out here on Saturday Night. This is a property owned by Trevor and his brother. They are both keen MTB'ers and have set up the property specifically for MTB riding and hiking. They have a small cottage where everyone who overnights sleeps there. Visitors can also stay in Tents and there are toilet facilities as well.

They are in the process of building a cross country and a downhill track for SA Nationals competition to be held here in May this year. It seems that they are well on their way and should be able to meet the deadline. They also arrange an annual team event of 20 and 50km long.

SVNEJE AND DEVON SET THEMSELVES UP FOR THE RIDE AHEAD


BUSH BUCK LODGE. THIS IS A HOUSE WHICH IS PRETTY BASIC AND SUITED TO A GROUP OF PEOPLE WANTING TO ROUGH IT WHO WANT A BIT OF ADVENTURE.

This morning Martin, Trevor and Richard will ride with us. Svenje and her husband Devon drive through as well. We get the bikes ready. Slime, Ride Clean, Extra pump, water bottles and we set off up the dirt road as if we are going to the Zuurberg Inn. I am thinking that this is the tough section. I am totally wrong -- this is the easiest part of the ride today. I am not able to change to the small front gear so when we reach the top where road passes through a single lane between a cut away, Richard does a bit of mechanical work and I am able to change down to the Granny Gear.


GRANT THORNTON: AN ACCOUNTING FIRM THAT SPONSORS THE TRAIL. WHEN YOU SEE THE WORDS "CAUTION" WHAT IT ACTUALLY MEANS IS "SCARY SECTION AHEAD"


CHARLES CHECKS HIS BIKE


Shortly after we turn Right onto an old Jeep Track. Trevor warns us of the spiders. When I did the Addo trail run last month I noticed a huge number of spiders and webs but I had no concept of what was to come. Tevor leads the way and rides directly into the webs. We have to stop fairly often to regroup and to De-Spider Trevor. He has so many of the spiders and the Yellow Webs wrapped around his face and helmet that he literally cannot see where he is going.

From here on we have to work all the time. The steep downhills are simply too scary for me to tackle. They have loose rocks and stones and even if you brake using the back brake you skid and slide. I opt for the chicken way out and push the bike down the steep hills. I ride as much as I am able but as soon as there is a sharp uphill or loose stone on an uphill, I find myself getting stuck and have to get off and push. The Golden Orb Web Spider is not the largest spider, but makes the largest and strongest web. It gets its name from the golden colour of its silk.Like other predators, the spiders control the population of prey. They are in turn preyed upon by other creatures such as birds. In New Guinea, some tribes consider them a tasty treat. The Golden Orb Web Spider's venom is generally harmless to humans and they rarely bite even if we blunder into and destroy their webs. The bite is just a scratch. They are clumsy on the ground.

Today I learned two important lessons:
Trevor explained to me that when doing tight turns you need to keep the inside knee up.
And when doing a down hill you sit back on the saddle and push down on the handle bars. Keep your butt slightly off the saddle.


ANDRE AND DEVON REST AFTER A TOUGH UPHILL CLIMB


RICHARD AND MARTIN WAIT FOR THE SLOWER GROUP TO CATCH UP


This ride is far tougher than Charles, Andre or I anticipated. We are constantly on the edge. Working to keep up with the fit and experienced front riders. And ducking the maze of spider webs that the front rider has cleared with his face and body. Trevor seems confident that the spiders dont bite but merely the sensation of the spiders and the web clinging to you and dripping with spiders when you stop is such a horrible feeling.

The bush is amazing: we are riding through a real Eastern Cape feel with almost all the bush around us being indigenous. Spekboom; Arcacia; Aloe; cactus and thorn bush which catches us with a scratch and tear when we pass too close. I end up with a bloody knee and arm but in both cases it is a small scratch which looks far worse than it acutually is.

The ride is around 20km and we take well over two hours to finish. When we get back to the dirt road we are tempted to take the direct route home but relent and go via some more tracks. There is a Huge ramp which I am too nervous to cycle down. Trevor tries to encourage me saying the momentum of the bike is your friend but I am not friends with the steep down hills, especially when you cannot see the end. I become a little braver as the morning progresses but then become so tired that I dont have the strength to cycle hard.


TREVOR FLICKS SPIDERS AND WEBS OFF HIMSELF


SVENJE AND DEVON READY THEMSELVES FOR THE NEXT SECTION


Finally we get back to the Lodge and after a short greeting we head back to PE.
Ally was due to be at a Hockey Braai this afternoon but when we got there we saw we did not know anyone so we opted for a Woolworths Butternut soup for lunch instead.

Monday 16th morning I give myself a break and later this evening go to Cell Group. Rob tells us the horror story of his Internet theft where he lost a huge sum of money as someone cloned his cell phone and then hacked his Internet banking.

Tuesday: back to morning running. This evening Ally has water polo and we have the talk afterwards. Caley Main gives us an interesting talk about nutrition.
Wednesday I run again. This morning have a great run. Erna is back running with us. so is Sjani Human. This evening Andy has a short function at the St Georges Club where he shows us his 30 two oceans brag book.

Thursday 19th April.
An important day:
Ally is in Grade 9 at Pearson High School
Barbara is in Binyamina, Israel, to visit Jacqui who has a month old son named Tom. He had his circumscision done at a very emotional home with Michael and Jacqui and Barbara visibly upset.
Cathy is in Cape Town and is pregnant with her first child
Nicky is in JHB for the day. She organises a function for brides to be. It shows off the services and activities available in the wedding industry. The service suppliers are all keen to be there and to demonstrate to the young ladies what they can experience before, during and after the Wedding ceremony.
And at home Julia Giddy is graduating in Honours Degree BSC Geographic Information Systems.


JULIA WALKS THE RAMP AT NMMU


JULIA WAITS HER TURN TO WALK THE PLANK


JULIA AT THE GRADUATION CEREMONY


JULIA GOING UP TO RECEIVE HER DEGREE

Julia did her Undergraduate Degree in USA and then at the start of 2011 moved to PE where she enrolled at Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University. Julia lived at our home for a while and then moved to her own flat in Humewood. At the end of 2011 she went home for Christmas and has now returned to RSA where she has again enrolled at NMMU and is studying for her Masters Degree. Julia spent Easter Weekend at Agullas and then a short time in Cape Town with Nicky. She was with Isabel at that time and the two of them drove to Coffee Bay in the Transkei where Isabel teaches at a local school. Julia then drove back to PE. Next week Laura Graduates and Julia will fly to USA for the Graduation. Julia now lives in a flat in a home in Humewood.


JULIA AT THE NMMU SPORTS STADIUM

Friday Morning: I set up the Bike and stuff for the Corporate triathlon for Saturday Morning. After work I get myself completely ready and then Saturday 20th is the Ironman Corporate Challenge.
I have a good race after I shed the initial Nervousness. This afternoon I meet up with Andre and we make up our list for the Outeniqua Hike next week.

Sunday morning: It is a miserable day: raining and wind. The Ironmen must be really envying us who were in perfect weather yesterday. Ally and I have a relaxed morning.
Later this morning I drive through to the Ironman area where I am to assist with the refreshments table. Heloise is the coordinator. I try to go past Brickmakers Kloof but find traffic backed up and after a while I turn around and go to 6th avenue only to find that all roads crossing Heugh Road are backed up. I then phone Pat Scheepers who is already down there and advise her that I will be late if I am still needed.
Back home I load the MTB into the car and drive back to Walmer where I off load and cycle the rest of the way down to the beach. The wind is still very strong and is in my favour.



HELOUISE ERASMUS WORKS TIRELESSLY AT THE WATERING STATION IRONMAN PE 2012. SHE ORGANISES THE PEOPLE; CARRIES SUPPLIES FROM ONE PERSON TO ANOTHER -- ALWAYS MAKING SURE THAT THE ATHLETES ARE TAKEN CARE OF DESPITE THE MISERABLE WIND AND RAIN.


Once down at the beach I find the watering station and Helouise. She gives me a T-Shirt and a cap to wear. The wind is gusting to over 50km ph and is, at times, bitingly cold. The cyclists are mostly starting their third loop of 60km. The wind is so strong that they have to stand up even though the road is flat. This must be one of the toughest Ironman events that PE has held. Allan Taylor comments: "You know that the wind is really blowing when the disused cups are going faster than the cyclists". I see Elize (who did her first Triathlon yesterday) there with Ivana &Cloe. She is feeling good about the event of yesterday and very grateful that we had good conditions. Herman Brink is with her. I work with a couple who also assist in the Grey Tuck shop. Beth Hechter is there. Ekard and Strelza are watching. Taking part in the event are far fewer PE people who are known to me. Perhaps I am out of the group. Alec Riddle; Terry Thornton; Raynard Tissink; Fred Allebone (With a ROB Number?); Rob Ermes are some of the local athletes who I see running.

It is so cold and miserable and I have to cycle back to the car and get to church so I feel guilty when I leave my duty early at 5pm. Now I know how the cyclists feel as I cycle up LaRoche Drive. Ally is still full of a head cold and not feeling well at all. Barbara Facebooks me from Israel to tell me that she will not go to school and that Michael will take Ally to the doctor on Monday.

Monday 23rd: It has rained and the wind has been blowing all night and this morning the weather continues to be totally miserable.
Tuesday: the weather has improved. This morning I am able to get back on the road for a morning run. I start off with Ben and then when we catch up to Mike Dean I walk the rest of the way with him. This evening we have the normal Monday evening Fellowship Cell Group.

Thursday Andre and I drive to Plett and then the following morning to Diepwalle where we meet up with Mike Perks; Fred Kohlet; Matt Gibbs; Markus Herr and Ant Adler. From there we drive to Millwood. We spend the next three days hiking to Fisantehoek.
Barbara returns from Israel on Friday. Not feeling well. Probably a bit of jet lag as well as having had a bit of a hectic holiday in Binyamina with Jacqui and baby Tom.
Monday is a school holiday and Ally cleans her room. Memorable occasion.

And that ends a really busy April.