ON A WINTERS DAY IN PORT ELIZABETH. JOSHUA, JESSICA AND DANIEL DECIDE TO SWIM IN THIS SLIMEY GREEN POOL FILLED WITH ALGAE, MUCK AND CREEPY CRAWLIES.
JESSICA WAS A LITTLE APPREHENSVE BUT SOON TOOK THE PLUNGE.
AUGUST 2012
ALPHA AT CHURCH
SEAVIEW TRAINING RUN
RUGBY AT GREY
OLYMPICS IN LONDON
MICHAEL LUCKY DRAW FOR A SURF SKI AS PART OF HIS FUND RAISING
CHRISTIAN ACHIEVES A MEDAL IN HIS GYMNASTICS
ALLY 15TH BIRTHDAY
BARBARA AND I = 36TH WEDDING ANNIVERSARY
SNOWING IN JHB WHEN I GO TO THE VAAL FOR A MEETING
AWESOME RUN ALONG THE SEAVIEW ROAD
WILLIAM MOFFAT RUN ON WOMENS DAY THURSDAY 9TH
BEACH FRONT RUN SATURDAY MORNING
HOBIE BEACH TEN KAY RUN? SVENJE 57 min; AND LETITA DO PB'S.
Ally hockey against Westering.
Opening of the Pearson Astro turf.
Rugby at Pearson
Start of the 4nations rugby tournament at Newlands against Argentina.
Third of three test matches at Lords.
We win the third test match. Won the first, drew the second and won the final test in England. This puts the Proteas at number one spot in world rankings.
One of the highlights of August 2012 is going to be that Christian achieved a medal in his gymnastics. He now is allowed to participate with Western Province Colours.
CHRISTIAN SUPPORTS A GOLD MEDAL FOR GYMNASTICS
Friday evening we are at Old Grey for the lucky draw of a surfski. This was donated to Michael to raise funds for his medical treatments. His friends got together and sold off tickets at R100. This raised a substatial amount of money which will help him over the financial difficult period and his huge medical expenses.
MICHAEL AND FRIENDS AT OLD GREY. THIS SURF SKI WAS RAFFLED AND WON. MIKE WAS GIVEN THE SKI AND WILL PROBABLY SELL IF OFF HAND.
Saturday morning
I collect John and Andrew. We drive to Seaview via the N2. The Seaview road is flooded from recent heavy rains that we have had in PE. We part at the old Seaview Hotel which is now completely run down and should be demolished.
We meet up with Helouise and her brother in law Pieter. Helouise had in mind to run up to Cows Corner. But we decided to run along the coast in a westerly direction.
The weather is cold with a westerly wind blowing. I have a camel pack. John and Andrew go ahead. Pieter keeps up with them. Helouise is next and I bring up the rear. It is dark when we leave at 6;30. The full moon is setting in the west so we have enough light to run. When we reach the first real hill the rest of the group leave me when I take a bit of a walk break.
I battle with hills while I have not yet warmed up. I cannot catch Helouise even when we are going down hill. At Maitlands Mouth we turn right and start a long section of hill climbing. It is now light and sunshine is starting to warm us up. I take a couple of pics as I run. The rest of the group is gone.
Cyclists pass me as they head down in the opposite direction. Finally I reach the top of the hill and see the group coming back to fetch me. I explain to the younger men where they must run to. Helouise decides to remain at the back with me. We run to the T Junction and the rest of the chaps carry on uphill. Helouise and I turn and head back for home. We have run around 10km. The others will run around 12 or 13 to their turn.
JOHN, ANDREW, HELOUISE AND PIETER RETURN TO FETCH ME.
Much easier going back down to the mouth. I see an Aloe with Mistelto Parasite on the plant. Really interesting beach Fynbos with a particular Honey smell. It has really warmed up now and I am glad to have plenty of water.
MOTHER TRYING TO GET HER DUCKS IN A ROW
SEE THE MISTLETO; A PARASITE THAT CLINGS TO THE ALOE.
Back down to the ocean and up that long Maitlands Hill that Cyclists in particular dislike. Helouise and I worked our way up this unending hill. Walk / Run until finally we made it over the top and down the other side.
HAPPY HELOUISE
I was beginning to feal tired feet and weary legs. It is still a long way back to where we have parked the cars. We press on, checking behind us to see the men a way back. We pass the last of the houses of Beachview and enjoy the sea views. The early morning sun reflects off the sea. I do not see any dolphins but Andrew and John later tell me that they saw a pod of them.
ANDREW BACK AT THE CARS
Finally we reach the cars. John and Andrew follow us shortly afterwards. Helouise drives back to find Pieter and our group heads back home. Thanks to Helouise for setting this training run up.
This afternoon it is the final match of the 2012 season for Grey High. vs Framesby. Last week the main field was a quagmire of mud and water. I watch the U14 game which the Grey boys win against a heavier but slower team of Framesby boys. The main game starts at 15;30 on the main field. I meet up with John and Andrew. John's cousin Richard joins us. Chris Dalgliesh and Owen Biggs also form part of our little group. We are treated to a high scoring game of running rugby 30; 25 in favour of Grey.
U14 GREY BOYS PLAY FRAMESBY
Ally has her school dance at Pearson this evening. I do some late driving and collect her at 11pm. It seems that she has had a fun evening.
Sunday morning.
Barbara and I spend a lazy morning; sleeping late and drinking lots of coffee. And that is how most of the day progressed. Julia came to visit. It was a realy laid back day. Cool outside and no activity.
Monday; stiff and sore from Saturday morning run.
Tuesday and Wednesday: JOburg for meeting. Snow on the Vaal. Cold.
Thursday is a public holiday. We meet at 6am at Grey. It had been raining all night and there was a light rain this morning. But we are all there: John, Margie, Svenje, Marilyn, Ronel and Graham.
Down Target Kloof. It is still dark and chilly. Up River road and along Church Road. This is my worst part of the run as I am not warmed up and puffing and panting trying to keep up with the group. There are streams of water on the streets and in the valley. The rain is putting the whole of PE under water.
We make it to the Walmer Park shopping area and then take a right into Moffat. We stop for water at the Caltex Garage and then press on along the Moffat towards Cape Road. Now I am feeling a lot better having warmed up. I keep up with John and Margie until the last section where I fall behind.
We carry on along Westview Drive. Now starting to feel a bit tired but also energised. It is the longest distance that Svenje has ever run. When we are back at the cars she is particularly weary and looking forward to a rest on Womens day.
The rest of womens day is relaxed as we catch up on some Olympics on TV. We take the dogs for a walk. Jessie, Josh and Daniel take the little dogs. But when they get home they must have worked up a steam because they decide that they want a swim. In the icy cold pool that is green with algae and has Muggies and tadpoles they jump. What fun!
JOSHUA LEAPS INTO THE POOL
ALMOST IN WHILE JESSIE LOOKS ON
JOSH LANDS IN THE WATER WITH HIS BODY BOARD
JESSICA'S TURN TO LEAP INTO THE GREEN GRIME
MICHAEL AND LENE ARE ON THEIR WAY TO MICHIGAN. While I was waiting for my flight back to PE, Michael and Lene were in the International section waiting for their flight overseas.
Friday morning.
I drive through to Graaff Reinet for an interview. Lots of snow on the mountains. But high up and not accessible to cars. Stop at a padstal near to Steytlerville for their Kudu Biltong.
This evening John, Andrew and I go to Rugby at the stadium. I take Joshua and Daniel. They are so full of energy. Running up and down and around the stadium having boy fun. The EP Kings win by a narrow margin, A fun evening. I meet up with a small group of American Nurses who are in PE for a bit of an African Experience. Seems like they are having a huge amount of fun and a variety of experiences both in the first world and less fortunate clinics.
Kathy Allen, Michelle and Denise plus two other ladies who I cannot remember their names.
Later this evening I collect Ally from the movies at Walmer Park. Back home, Joshua and then Daniel climb into bed between Barbara and I.
Saturday Morning
Pick up Adrienne. This is her first run / Walk in many months as she has been injured. Meet up with Andre who has also been off running due to injury. Gerald braves the cold with multiple layers of clothing which would make the average man look like a Michelin Man. But Gerald seems to manage okay. Ronel and Pat look eager for a run. Marilyn runs from her home to Hobie. John and Andrew plan a longer run. John did the Moffat on Thursday and then Friday did a long run where John had a fall and hurt his arm.
Tim and Suzanne both join us. We wait for Margie who had startged a half hour earlier. Margie is strict with the starting time and gives us the go ahead at exactly 6am. It is still dark and there is a chilly West Wind blowing. We run up towards Kings Beach, up Walmer Boulevard where some of the group take a right turn to get water. The rest of us press on to the Caltex garage where we take our first water.
We then carry on along Strandfontein to the garage at Second Avenue. By now it has become ligjht. Pat and Andre run down second ave while the rest of the group continue along Strandfontein towards the University. We turn down Admiralty Way. Margie makes sure that I do not take a short cut at the Spar Complex. It is now a stunning morning with the sun looking down at us from over the ocean. We stop for water for the last time and then run the final leg along the beach front. It is such and amazing and wonderful morning.
Each one of us feels a spiritual closeness as we run the last stretch towards Hobie Beach. Here we meet up with Niel Calder and Annie who had started earlier than us. Ron and Lynn Pask are there for a morning walk. What a nice group of people we have the privilege to be with this morning. I am the only person who wants to swim. The water is chilly but not so cold that it gives me brain freeze.
On the way back home all the traffic lights are out. We spend the morning without electricity in PE. A sub Station has gone down. We find some matches and light the gas stove for coffee.
RON TAKES A SIDEWINDER LOOK AT PETER AFTER THE SWIM
MARGIE HAS A CAPTIVE AUDIENCE AS SHE INSTRUCTS ADRIENNE, PAT, RONEL AND MARILYN ON THE FINER POINTS OF RUNNING AND OTHER IMPORTANT STUFF.
Electricity remains off for the rest of the day. I am so happy that I had a wash in the Ocean before coming home. Ally goes to a friend (Kelsie) for the afternoon. Jessica is also with a friend. The two boys are, as always, happy in play amoung themselves.
Michael and Lene are in America this week.
Monday 13th.
I am able to run three days this week. Then on Thursday I catch a cold. I am so cross with myself. What an irritation! I have to miss the Friday evening Rugby match.
Saturday morning, against my own better judgement, and Barabara's good advice; I decide to carry on with the morning race. I collect John and Svenje. We arrive at Hobie, register and then sit in the car until just before the race begins.
BOB STEDMAN; BRIAN JAMES AND GRAHAM CHANNON
A couple of Achilleans are in the car park getting ready for the event to start, Bob, Brian and Graham. There is a wonderful vibe at the start, a soft west wind chills the air but the sunrise from the east makes it all worthwhile.
START ON THE BEACH FRONT AS THE SUN STARTS TO RISE
A BEAUTIFUL MORNING IN PE AT THE START OF THE RACE
Svenje stays with me for the whole run. Along Marine Drive, right up Admiralty and left into University Way. We are running at a steady pace just under 6 min a Kay. The first water table is at 3kays. Despite the chilly morning we are already warmed up and everyone takes a sachet. Bite, take a few sips and toss the sachet. Miss the rubbish box. Ooops.
Into the University and turn left towards the sports stadium. We continue at the same pace. We don't let up at all. 6 min a Kay may not sound like a tough pace to some athletes but to Svenje and I who have not been well recently, this is as fast as we can go.
At the Marine Drive exit to the university we have our second water sachet. From here there are two slight inclines which are good for the runner as it gives a bit of pace variation. We are now running into the soft west breeze. For a while I tuck in behind a bigger chap. I see Graham Nel ahead and this gives me a bit of a challenge. I am able to pick up the pace just enough that I keep him within reach. The last of the three refreshment stations is manned by Clarendon Park "Clarries Cares". Penny Kohler urges me on. Jessica is noton duty today. She is having a sleep over party with a group of her friends at home.
We turn off the cycle path and run on the road for a while before turning back to the cycle path. Now we are running with the five Kay runners and walkers. Here I catch up to Graham. See photo evidence! And we run together to the finish
BAnner. So stupid ~~ we are so competitive that, although it makes no difference, we chase each other to the line. Graham puts on a last second charge and beats me. Svenje has held on and finishes with us. Well done young lady. A personal best time of 57 minutes. Whoo wheeee!
Jane Barnardo is handing out medals. we grab a cold drink and walk back to the car where John is waiting. He has again run 44 minutes. I am sure that it will not be long before he runs a sub 40 ten Kay.
I drop them off at home and after a quick shower and bite to eat Ally and I drive to Pearson where she has a hockey match later this morning. But first of all there is a ceremony to officially declare the Astro Turf open. Andre van Staden explains the reason for building the Astro and the impact that it will have on the school. I have our deck chairs and relax while a variety of games are being played. The opposition team is Westering high and Pearson win all the games that I watch. There are some refreshments on offer so when Barbara joins me later we watch Ally's game (6-0 win) before walking down to the main field to watch the first team rugby match.
Joshua and Daniel are with us. Having a wonderful time as the play together non stop. Getting browner and browner as they romp around in the muddy areas. I buy Barbara and myself Pearson Supporter T-shirts. The rugby scores are on display and it seems that all but one of the games played today have been in favour of Pearson. The first team game is no disappointment. The game is fiercely fought even as far as a punch up between a couple of players. No one is sent off despite the fact that this is the worst off ball behavior I can ever remember seeing.
The game is won by Pearson 34-22. There is some vociferous support from both schools and parents. Barbara and I have enjoyed the morning's activities. We spend the afternoon alternating between cricket at Lords, Ruby at Newlands where the Springboks beat Argentina Puma's. Then later on it is a case of fetch and carry children back and forth from a variety of their activities.
Sunday 19th
Now I am really feeling miserable with a cold, coughing and sneezing.
Michael and Lene arrive home from their USA trip. They have had a full and interesting ten days. Totally exhausted from the travel. But looking forward to being home with children and family.
MICHAEL AND LENE PACK THEIR STUFF IN THE BOOT OF THE CAR
This afternoon we are entertained by the Protea cricket team who, on the final day of a three day series, beat the number one cricketing side in the world, England, and take first spot on the international ranking.
MICHAEL AND LENE ARE NOW BACK IN PE
a bit ofaroughweek for me. Coughing and sneezing and feeling generally miserable. Michael and Lene go for more scans and more cancer is found. Lungs, liver and bones. Not good news. Not sure if the doctors will operate?
Saturday morning 25th.
Helouise, Andre and I drive to Schoenmakers Kop. We meet up with John, Andrew, Margie and Brian. We run back in an easterly direction, up the hill back towards PE. Lots of cyclists coming from PE. Brian is on his MTB. I am extremely slow. Still not feeling strong. The group fetches me. We turn west into the wind alond the Sardinia Bay road. It is now beginning to get light but still quite chilly.
We run down towards the beach where the sand dunes have completely covered and blocked off the roads. There was an attempt a couple of years ago, to clear the dunes with a bull dozer. It was futile. The sand kept on coming. So now there is a pathway from the parking lot to the clubhouse at Sardinia bay beach.
From here we ran along the trail and beach back to Schoenies. This is the Sacremento trail. The Potugese Galeon sunk here in June 1647. 72 survivors walked to Mocambique. 9 survived the trek to Lorenco Marques wich too 6 months.
Brian battled with the bike along the trail. It consists of long stretches of soft sea sand. Back at the cars John, Margie and Andrew went back to fetch Brian. And then did nearly another hour of running. I had to be at Alpha at Sappershoek.
Later this afternoon Ally had a hockey match ay NMMU. And the we had the prize giving and AGM of Summerstrand Nippers. A successful evening.
Sunday 26th. It was the senior AGM. And Ingrid and Charles were having a braai at their home. I am not feeling very fit. Barbara and Ally go to the Summies meeting. A little later we spend the afternoon at Charles and Ingrid for lunch.
This week I spend a few days in East London. Driving there on Monday morning I am so very tired, still battling with a cold, that I nearly fall asleep at the wheel. I take two naps along the way. Still bust with Alpha during the week. Fr.iday is the Clarendon Park show for grandparents. After that I drive to KIRKWOOD to visit our shop there.
WE ARE OFF TO THE ZOO GRADE TWOS AT CLARENDON PARK GRANDPARENTS DAY WITH JOSHUA AND DANIEL
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