JULY 2013 LENE MOVES; LAURA VISITS; TOUR DE FRANCE; YELLOWWOOD TREE; DESPERATELY TRYING TO GET RUNNING FIT.

BARBARA AND LENE RELAX ON THE BEACH -- SUNDAY PICNIC LUNCH WHILE WE PLAY IN THE SAND AND SWIM



JULY 2013
SCHOOL HOLIDAYS
LENE MOVES TO 8TH AVE WALMER
ALLY TO CAPE TOWN WITH NICKY
WINTER HITS PE WITH RAIN AND COLD
LAURA GIDDY VISITS FROM MICHIGAN
STILL TRYING TO GET BACK INTO RUNNING
DARRYL IMPEY LEADS STAGE 6 AND 7 OF TDF WITH THE YELLOW JERSEY
Lene moves to 8th ave Walmer from the Flat at the back of our house.
BEACH FRONT RUN AND SWIM.
YELLOWWOOD TREE AND BENCH
ALLY VISITS SUTHERLAND WITH NICKY AND FAMILY
HOCKEY UMPIRING COURSE
RUNNING IS EXTREMELY SLOW BUT AT LEAST I AM ON THE ROAD


Bless the Lord, O my soul
O my soul
Worship His holy name
Sing like never before
O my soul
I'll worship Your holy name

The sun comes up, it's a new day dawning
It's time to sing Your song again
Whatever may pass, and whatever lies before me
Let me be singing when the evening comes


1 July 2013
Monday morning. I have a cold and am not up to running. Lene moves to a flat in 8th ave Walmer. Close to Clarendon School. Hire a trailer, Barbara's bakkie. Four men to help and we take four hours to do the move in three trips.

Boys having fun at Holiday Club

Walmer Methodist Church Holiday club

Nothing that Daniel like more than to play with friends, Joshua and mess at the July Holiday Club 2013

NOTHING QUITE LIKE A FACE FULL OF MUCK

UNDER ALL OF THIS LIES A DANIEL

This evening Ally spends with her friend Megan Clarkson. Barbara and I are home alone. Except for all the animals.
Tuesday: raining all night. So no running again. Supper and briudge with Charles and Ingrid this evening.
We love going to Charles and Ingrid for supper. Ingrid makes really good wholesome meals and they are a fun couple. We play bridge until we are starting to wobble. We collect Ally from LENE's new home where she has been watching DVD and entertaining her little cousins.
It rained again all night. Heavy down pours. So again no running on Wednesday morning. I am almost over a head cold and not keen to go out in the rain.

I am enjoying reading books loaded onto my IPad. Wake up early, make myself coffee and a rusk, finish the book. Then close my eyes again for a second sleep. The windows are open and I can hear the falling rain and feel the cool morning breeze on my face. Just how I love it.

Today Ally leaves for CT for a week of visiting Nicky. She is really looking forward to this trip. She was going to be traveling to Durban for Polo training but decided to change plans.
Wednesday evening I have a short meeting with Graham Richards to plan for next weekend hiking trail at Harkerville.

ALLY AND MIA IN CAPE TOWN.

The family spent the weekend in Sutherland. It was cold and wet but they had a fire place and kept themselves cosy

Thursday morning. I have managed to get rid of the worst of the cold that I had so go for an easy run this morning. The rain has let up but it is still quite chilly.
Friday: Laura and boyfriend Chris are in RSA. They all come over for drinks this evening. Laura teaches at a school in Michigan. She has completed her first year and is going back for a second. Today Isabelle left for Brasil.

Saturday morning.
I collect Andre; Adrienne and Sjani. Meet Stuart at the beach front and we do the Beach run. It is about 10km. Along the promenade to Walmer Boulevard; up to the top where we turn left next to the graveyard. Starting at 5;30am in winter means that the whole run is in the dark. We get water at the Caltex garage and then run along Strandfontein road to the next garage where we again get some water. Down second ave and right into Erasmus drive to 7th ave where we turn to the beach and finish along the promenade. Stuart is getting stronger; Andre has been off for weeks and is happy to be back on the road again; Sjani continues to battle with a hip injury and struggled to maintain the running.

After the run Adrienne and I had our swim before heading home. A little later I collected my credit card from the bank as I had lost my original. Then a short while in the office; Pastryworks where I buy some ciabatto bread and apple strudle for tea this morning.

THIS IS OUR SATURDAY MORNING RUNNING GROUP. STUART HAS JOINED US RECENTLY. SJANI COMES BACK FROM AN INJURY AND IS STILL HURTING. ANDRE HAS BEEN OFF INJURED FOR SOME TIME AND IS HAPPY TO BE BACK. ADRIENNE SEEMS TO BE ABLE TO HOLD THE GROUP TOGETHER. AFTER THE RUN SHE AND I HAVE A SHORT SWIM.

LAURA AND ALEX AT RUGBY. STORMERS BEAT KINGS WITH LAST MINUTE TRYS



Saturday afternoon. Rugby with Julia, Laura, Alex, Brigita, Jessica, Josh and Daniel. Kings play Stormers. The Kings play a hard game and take the lead with penalties. Stormers score a last minute try just before half time.
Children buy burgers and cold drinks which is the main reason for them being at rugby.



Second half is a battle for the Kings as they spend most of the game on defense. And again Stormers score with a minute to go in the second half. Overall a good outing for us. Happy to see Laura again after three years. The last time she was here we watched the final match at the old Boet Erasmus stadium.

Sunday morning

ANDRE AND I CYCLE AROUND THE MOFFET. HE HAS A PUNCTURE WHICH WE FIX ON THE ROAD.

Andre and I do a cycle around the Moffet. This is a nice easy ride but gets us up and out in the morning.
I have to ride my road bike to be able to stay with Andre who rides his MTB. On the way back he has a flat and we have to repair it on the road. This reminds Andre of the option of a bike mechanic course. It would be good to spend a couple of hours with a Bike Mechanic and learn how to fix a chain link. what to do with a derailer issue. basic bike maintenance. what to look for before going for a longer ride.

PURCHASE A YELLOWWOOD TREE. DONATED BY MPRG IN MEMORY OF MICHAEL

BARBARA BUYS A BENCH WHICH WILL BE A PERMANENT REMINDER OF OUR SON WHO DIED OF CANCER LAST MONTH

Barbara and I visited a Nursery where we bought a Yellowwood tree. This has been donated to us by MPRG as a memento of Michael. Barbara saw a concrete bench which she bought also to have as memory for Michael. I also stocked up on supplies needed for the Harkerville hike that I have planned for next weekend.

JOSHUA ON THE BEACH LEAPING OFF THE PIPE INTO THE WATER

BUILDING SAND CASTLES. BOYS WILL BE BOYS.



This afternoon we packed a picnic lunch and all went to the beach. Jessica, Josh and Daniel love the beach. Playing next to the water and building sand castles. I had a short swim .... not too cold. After our beach we stopped for ice creams. I had to pack up and leave for JHB meetings. I spent two days in JHB and the next two in EL. \

JOSH AND DANNY MAKE A FRIEND ON THE BEACH.

BIRD ROCK IN THE BACK GROUND. IT IS A PERFECT DAY FOR BEACH AND PLAY

JESSICA GETS INTO THE SPIRIT OF THE SAND CASTLE BUILDING AS THEY TRY TO BUILD A FORTRESS AGAINST THE INCOMING TIDE.

JULIA AND ENA IN PLETT AT LUNCH ON ENAS 97TH BIRTHDAY.

WEEKEND ON THE HARKERVILLE HIKING TRAIL.
With Graham, Fred, Maryna, Pieter, Chris and Markus.

THIS IS OUR LITTLE GROUP BEFORE WE SET OFF ON DAY TWO

PIETER, GRAHAM AND CHRIS BEFORE WE ATTACK THE KRANSHOEK CLIMB

HOLE IN THE WALL ON DAY TWO AS WE CLAMBER ACROSS ROCK FACES, WOODEN BRIDGES AND STEEP CLIMBS.


the hike was incredibly tough. I was stiff and sore for two days after the hike. But by Tuesday was able to back running. I am so fortunate to be fit and able to take part in activities like this.

Wednesday evening we start with 2013 Alpha.

ALLY IN ACTION AGAINST DSG

 PEARSON LOST TO HERSCHEL IN THE SECOND GAME IN GRAHAMSTOWN AT THE RHODES ASTRO

ALLY PLAYED THE THIRD GAME OF THE DAY AGAINST PEGS AT COLLEGIATE.

UNFORTUNATELY ALL OF THIS WEEKEND HOCKEY HURT ALLY. I TRIED THE TENS MACHINE. ELECTRIC PULSES ON HER LEGS. AND GEL ON HER ANKLE BUT ON MONDAY SHE WAS IN SUCH PAIN THAT SHE HAD TO MISS SCHOOL.

SUNDAY MORNING ALLY HAD TO WORK HARD FOR THE WIN

 ALLY GETS RIGHT INTO THE MIX. THIS MORNING SHE HAD AN EXCELLENT GAME WITH PRAISE COMING FROM THE PARENT GROUP.

 SUNDAY AFTERNOON -- 5TH GAME OF THE WEEKEND. ALLY HAS TO CHARGE DOWN THE SHORT CORNER PENALTY AND IS FIRST OUT THE BLOCKS

ALLY TAKES THE LINE SHOTS. ALWAYS MAKES SURE THAT SHE PLAYS TO HER OWN PLAYERS. A COMMON MISTAKE IS TO HIT THE BALL AS HARD AS YOU CAN AND GIVE POSSESSION AWAY.


A couple of cold and windy days. Not much running this week. And then Saturday morning we were in Grahamstown at 7am for Ally's two Pearson Hockey Matches. Then charge back home for an Academy match in the afternoon at Collegiate. Sunday morning we are at Alex for the fourth match where Ally plays for Academy with the fifth and final match of the weekend at NMMU as Ally was asked to play for Prem B. I have been studying the rules as seen by the Umpire and learning a lot about the game at the same time both from an academic as well as an on field lesson. We had a lunch time meeting with Mat and Delene and Andre regarding their new venture. later this afternoon we met the Cell Group at Pink Fig for tea and to meet the new addition to the Zeelie family.

Monday morning I planned to run but my knees were too sore so just did a short walk. Today I spent the day in Port Alfred with the FSAM team. Ally was in so much pain that she had to miss school today. Saw the doctor who will do more extensive tests.
This evening in our cell group we watched a talk by Joyce Meters. Very interesting and inspiring.

Tuesday and Wednesday, my knees are swollen and sore. Not able to walk or run. But amazingly on Thursday I woke up feeling a whole lot better and was able to run and to keep up with the slow group. This morning there was a cold west wind but despite that there were 18 of us running. At the back; Pat and Ronel (Gerald had come but gone for a short walk for the first time in many months), Stuart, Carol,

Wednesday evening I attended the Hockey Umpiring course. I had been studying the rule book for the past week and later this evening wrote the exam. Not easy with multiple choice questions with a variety of scenarios to answer. I will be surprised if I pass this test.

Thursday I spent the day in Port Alfred with Desiree. Met up with Grant Locklear for a short Nippers meeting.
Ally had a Pearson School induction dinner at St George's cricket ground this evening.

Friday morning I take an easy jog with neighbours, Georgea and Megan. Again, no pain in the knees.

This week has been full moon and I am drawn to the chorus which we sang on Sunday evening:

I see Your power in the moonlit night
Where planets are in motion and galaxies are brightWe are amazed in the light of the stars
It's all proclaiming who You are
You're beautiful, You're beautiful

Saturday we do our beach front run. Stuart is now back on track with his training and is getting more and more dedicated. We run up to third ave Walmer, left to the Airport, back to Strandfontein road to 2nd ave and then along Erasmus Dr to Admiralty. Pat and Gerald are marshaling for their 10k event, I feel guilty that I am not taking part, but until a few days ago I was not sure that I could run at all. Down Admiralty, running with Warren du Rand, Annie, Stuart and Adrienne. Mike had turned off earlier. I prefer to stay close to the beachfront as I really do not want conflict with any Achilles runners.

 STUART AND ADRIENNE AS WE COMPLETE THIS SATURDAY MORNING BEACH RUN WHICH WAS A BIT LONGER THAN OTHERS WITH A TRIP AROUND THE AIRPORT AND THEN ON TO ADMIRALTY

IT WAS A COLD MORNING AND RON WAS TRYING TO WARM UP WITH ANNIE. WARREN IS A GREAT RUNNING MATE FOR THESE SATURDAY MORNING RUNS.

As we near Hobie Beach I see Ron sitting on the wall. The sun is just rising. There is a fresh Westerly blowing, the sky is clear and the sea is flat. A beautiful PE morning. John has been watching the runners of the 5 and 10k event go by and joins us. Adrienne and I go for our swim. It always seems much colder until you are in the water. This has been a perfect start to the weekend.


RON LOVES HIS MORNING VISITS TO THE BEACH. THIS MORNING HE ARRIVED WITHOUT COSTUME BUT DECLINED A BAREBACK SWIM

I visit Pastryworks for some nice stuff for the weekend. There has been a lot of rugby on the go this weekend. EP lost to Lions on Friday evening. Grey loses to Grey Bloem this afternoon. But for me the best is to go to Pearson and watch them win against DF Malherber. I meet up with Franelee. Ally and Lara are watching together with all their school friends, cheering and making a huge fuss over their players. The west wind is cold and an indoor afternoon seems quite attractive, Later this afternoon I take Ally to her friend, Sarah and they go to the Pearson dance.

RUGBY AT PEARSON. THIS GAME WAS FOR ME THE BEST OF THE WEEKEND. GREY HAD LOST IN BLOEM, EP KINGS HAD LOST TO THE LIONS AT THE STADIUM, BULLS LOST IN LOFTUS SO WHEN PEARSON WON I FELT THAT THE WEEKEND RUGBY WAS NOT ALL LOST.

ALLY PLAYED FOR PREM B ON SUNDAY MORNING. SHE IS A FORMIDIBLE DEFENSIVE PLAYER.

Sunday Ally has a hockey match for Prem B. At Gelvandale. Against Rhodes. OC loses 3-1 but a good hard game. LENE and family are with us for lunch. Then Delene and Mat come over to talk about their farm. This afternoon I planted the Yellowwood tree given us by the MPRG.

Sunday evening we sing this wonderful chorus:
Both of these two songs remind me of my own love for life.


The sun comes up, it's a new day dawning
It's time to sing Your song again
Whatever may pass, and whatever lies before me
Let me be singing when the evening comes

Bless the Lord, O my soul
O my soul
Worship His holy name
Sing like never before
O my soul
I'll worship Your holy name

You're rich in love, and You're slow to anger
Your name is great, and Your heart is kind
For all Your goodness I will keep on singing
Ten thousand reasons for my heart to find

Bless the Lord, O my soul
O my soul
Worship His holy name
Sing like never before
O my soul
I'll worship Your holy name

And on that day when my strength is failing
The end draws near and my time has come
Still my soul will sing Your praise unending
Ten thousand years and then forevermore

Bless the Lord, O my soul
O my soul
Worship His holy name
Sing like never before
O my soul
I'll worship Your holy name

Jesus, I'll worship Your holy name
Lord, I'll worship Your holy name

Sing like never before
O my soul
I'll worship Your holy name
Jesus, I'll worship Your holy name
I'll worship Your holy name

I SEE YOUR FACE IN EVERY SUNRISE

I see Your face in every sunrise
The colors of the morning are inside Your eyes
The world awakens in the light of the day
I look up to the sky and say
You're beautiful

I see Your power in the moonlit night
Where planets are in motion and galaxies are bright
We are amazed in the light of the stars
It's all proclaiming who You are
You're beautiful, You're beautiful

I see You there hanging on a tree
You bled and then You died and then You rose again for me
Now You are sitting on Your heavenly throne
Soon we will be coming home
You're beautiful, You're beautiful

When we arrive at eternity's shore
Where death is just a memory and tears are no more
We'll enter in as the wedding bells ring
Your bride will come together and we'll sing
You're beautiful (x2)

I see Your face,
You're beautiful, You're beautiful, You're beautiful

I see Your face,
You're beautiful, You're beautiful, You're beautiful

I see Your face,
I see Your face

I see Your face,
You're beautiful, You're beautiful, You're beautiful

Monday 29th July.
I drive through to Alice for the day. Desiree and I were to have interviewed a prospective FSM but this turned out to be a bit of a washout. We had a long and tiring day but in the end it was not completely wasted.
Cell group in the evening: Joyce Meyers: quite inspiring.

Tuesday morning. Amazingly, despite a chilly west wind, we have around 24 in the group this morning. The Slow group consists of 10 of us. Some of the girls go ahead. Stuart, Mike, Viv and I try to keep up.

I am slow and battle to stay with our back of the back group. The fast group comes charging past. I try to stay and as we pass sort of half way I realise that I can stay with them. We do the full Tuesday run and I am able to stay with this group of four ladies including Cathy Nel (Julian;s Daughter and Lynn's sister Joan who has an Endomondo that tell us that we have run 9.7kays which I have always thought is the full Tuesday run distance.

I have to rush home, quick shower and take Ally to school for early morning Hockey training. This morning is the first run in a long time where I have felt able to stay with the pace. It takes me quite a while to warm up but once I feel  ready I am able to pick up the pace. Not as fast as some but fast enough for the group.

Lene:s Birthday to day

Wednesday evening is Alpha.

HARKERVILLE HIKING TRAIL JULY 2013

MEALS ON ANY TRAIL ARE SUCH A CONSIDERED AND IMPORTANT EVENT. HERE IS MY SUPPER OF VEGETABLES, BAKED POTATO WITH MELTED CHEESE, CRUMBED AND BRAAI'D CHICKEN WASHED DOWN WITH A MUG OF RED WINE.

LOOK OUT FOR THE SIGNS, THEY TAKE YOU INTO THE BUSH, DOWN CREVISES, UP MAJOR CLIMBS AND ARE REALLY YOUR LIFESAVER ON THE TRAIL.


HARKERVILLE HIKING TRAIL JULY 2013

GRAHAM RICHARDS
FRED KOHLER
MARYNA BAARD
MARKUS HERR
PIETER MARAIS
CHRIS ARNOLD


Graham set this hike up when he learned that Christ would like to try out the Hiking activity. Chris's wife was originally going to be with us but decided that a nagging injury may play up and stop the enjoyment of the hike

Fred has just returned from a trip to Austria and was keen to join us as soon as he heard about this hike.
Maryna has been on some ultra hikes and described this to us in detail. THe Eden to Addo 18 day hike from Harkerville to Addo park. THen she did the Rim of Africa 12 day hike and then last year did a hike which ended in the Kalahari park on the border of Naminia.

Chris would be doing his first hike and Pieter seems to not have hiked for some time but has done some substantial trails such as Amatola.

I was in JHB and EL for the week and when I returned on Thursday evening went directly to the supermarket and bought provisions. I spent the evening packing and making ready for the hike. Friday I was at work until midday.
I then went home, collected my stuff with the last of the fresh stuff and loaded up to leave. Ally had been in Cape Town this week so it was not that easy to say goodbye to Barbara and her as I have not been home for so long. And we were introducing a new operating system at work which made going away even more difficult.

But I left, collected Maryna and Fred; then we all met at Chris' home in Fernglen. We left PE at 2pm. stopped at Jeffreys Bay for Petrol and then the next stop was Storms Rive. From there we drove straight to Harkerville which is on the Cape Town side of Plett.

Okay; so now we are at the Harkerville hut. We put the makings of the fire together and soon have a fire on the go. Unfortunately we are not able to sit in the Boma area as the smoke is swirling around and quite unbearable.

Sunset at the Harkerville Hut. It is mid winter and I remain in a T shirt for the evening.

My supper was the same for both evenings. Crumbed chicken on the braai. Baked potato with Cheese; Roast vegetables and a full mushroom for taste. A small bottle of wine in my coffee mug makes everything so much better.

We reached the hut to find that someone had left a tap on and parts of the hut were flooded. We sorted ourselves out. Graham and Markus went to buy a grid. I got the fire going. And we had a fireside chat about lawyer stuff as we have three lawyers in the group. It was such a chilled evening. The wind had been blowing earlier on but dropped while we had the fire going. THere was almost no moon and the stare were as bright as you will ever see them.

I had packed a tin foil with potato mushroom and vegetables. And put a piece of crumbed chicken on the fire. I had a small red wine to go with this most delcious supper.

<M

day one. it is critical that the hikers are always aware and vigilant in looking out for the signs showing the way. Missing a turn like this one could add an hour or two to the day of hiking

Californian Redwoods. Here is our first tea stop. Out come the cookers and snacks. I love these stops. Gives us time to chat and to regroup. Eating on the hike is for me one of the highlights of the days activity


A cup of coffee and rusk setttled the meal.
and then soon after washing I was ready for bed. I first caught up with some emails and work stuff and then settled under my sleeping bag. I was shocked to see that it was already 10;30. this is really late for a Hiker to go to sleep.

I woke up fresh and looking forward to two days of Trail. It is some time since we last hiked this trail. I know that I was here for my 50th Birthday.... 12 years ago. And I think that we have been on this hike since then but my memories are vague.

I had an early breakfast of Oats so Easy, Banana, coffee and rusk. I packed my stuff for the trail. Again I left anything that I felt was not 100% neccessary. I remember two things about this trail: You need extra water as there is no real fill up spot before the next hut and there are long climbs where you will need to hydrate yourself. The second thing I remember about this hike is to pack as light as possible. I once did the hike thinking that I can carry every possible luxury for a one nighter and really regretted it.

So I trimmed everything possible and filled up the water bottle. Now my trimming may not be the same as another person. For example I still .think that an essential is two large cans of beer, tinned muscles and a small bottle of wine. Why else am I hiking?

We set off at 8am. During winter you cannot leave much earlier as it is still dark. Fred leads the way. I think that the group took turns in being at the back with me. Graham and Maryna had the first spel. We were walking at a cracking pace of around 15 minutes a kay. The first section is through forest pathways and all under the canopy of indigenour trees. This section gives the hiker a false sense of confidence. It is the easiest part of the two days.

The Californian Redwood trees are quite spectacular. We use this as our first tea break of day one.

Graham spotted some Whales and we take a short break to watch the whales as they "breath"

Not a good pic but this is an illustration of the tough section of rocks that must be negotiated using hands and feet while doing every thing possible to stop the backpack from dragging you over into the abyss.

Here you can see Maryna as she clambers on the rock face with the crevice below. Falling here would mean a serious injury and a set back for the hiking trail.

After about two hours we came out on a forest road. Here there is a small set of Californian Redwood Trees. Today, as we have done on previous occasions. And as most hikers who do this trail do: we stopped for a rest and some tea. Stopping for a break is one of the best parts of the hiking. You are able to chat, drink a warm beverage, eat a fruit or biscuit and just relax for a few minutes. As we sat here three lady joggers came past us. They looked like they were quite comforable in the forest, and running at an easy, kilometer eating, pace.

The next part of the hike continues through the forest until you come out at the top of the cliff face that leads to the beach below. Graham spotted some whales in the ocean below us. We stood for a while enjoying the view. We probably spotted between four and six whales. We speculated that there would have been female and calf whales grouping together with a bull slightly apart. Fred led the way down and waited for us. This descent is not an easy one and by the time I reached the bottom my legs felt quite shaky.

sitting around the fire at the Harkerville hut. This is what hiking is all about. Fellowship over supper and drinks. Stories are told and retold. Anything said on the trail stays on the trail. Unless of course I feel that society in general could benefit in which case the story is carried on to the WWW.

After a very brief rest we pressed on with the intention to stop for lunch after the chain ladder section. The tide was not high but we still had to climb up the ladder and along the looping chain. The chain was wet and slippery. I was last to make my way across this section and prefered to use the crevises in the rocks as handholds rather than the chains which may have given me some mental confidence but sticking my fingers into the rocks was what steadied me.

I had it in my mind that the worst thing possible would be to slip and fall. I may injure myself but I would definitely spoil the hike for everyone else. So I became deliberate with every step and every movement. I tested each foot and handhold before moving onwards. This section of rock climbing was testing. I was sweating from the exertion. Finally I made it around the rock to where the group was waiting. Fred kind of coached me down to the beach. We then continued up and over a number of rocks until we reached the spot that Markus had called the Green Spot. He was right.

Maryna starts the long descent to the shore line after the ten k walk through the forest

Here we take a break after the chain section of rock climbing.

I have a quick snack of Tuna and biscuits for lunch. I was feeling a bit wobbly but after a bit of protein am ready for the next few hours of rock climbing.


There was a nice lunch spot which had some green growth and was sheltered from the wind. Out came the stoves and Maryna made me some tea. I had packed myself Packet of Tuna, Processed Cheese and biscuits for the midday meals. This gives me protein and is quite filling. After lunch and a short nap I packed up ready for the next section. I left first thinking that the group will quickly catch me. I was right. It was not long before everyone passed me. Except Graham. We could see him a short way behind us. But the rocks obscure your sight of people so when I decided to wait for him. And after quite a long wait when he did not come around the rocks I went back to find him. Eventually I realised that some how he must have passed me.

So I followed the group. Today there is the first chain rock climb but after that there are a number of other sections where you have to use hands and feet to clamber across tricky sections. The first 10km had taken us around 2;30 hours. The next four kays took us about 4 hours. Finally I could see the group waiting for me at the foot of the final climb of the day. As you look up you can see the Z of the sign of Zorro. This means a long and hard climb is ahead.

I started first up the hill. One by one the group passed me. Sweat pouring off my brow. Stinging my eyes. Looking back to see the amazing vista and miles of ocean is quite a treat. Strangely enough you climb at a fast speed. Probably it is faster going up than the steep descent. For me the climb up is certainly easier. Finally reaching the top of the climb you have a kilometer of flat pathway to walk before walking into the wattle trees where the Sinclair hut is located. It was as I reached the hut that I drank the last of my 2.5 liters of water.

Not really easy to see but here I was looking at the Zorro sign ahead. I knew that it would not be too much further before I reached the base of the final climb up to the Sinclaire hut.

Markus and Graham are having sundowners before we get our supper going on the fire.

Sunday morning. The group is ready for day two of hiking. Peter, Chris. Pieter, Graham, Fred, Markus and Maryna showing off how easily she can do the splits.

We arrived at the hut at around 3pm. This is a good time to be in the hut of any hike as it allows time for washing, chatting and cooking before it is too late. Especially in Winter when the days are so much shorter.
The men all had an outdoors shower: gathering around the tap on our knees trying to soap ourselves and even receiving assitance from fellow hikers. What a site this must have made for the monkeys looking down from the trees. They were laughing a fit!
Markus found an Axe and was soon attacking the wood with a frenzy. He became quite skilled and we soon had a huge pile of firewood. Enough for ourselves and the next week of groups. Chris lit the fire.
I was strolling around the back of the hut when I thought that I heard voices: Two young Dutch boys of around 20 were touring SA and had decided to do this hike today. Uri and Mathys. They fitted into our group quite nicely.
Once 5pm had passed we decided that we had heard the Boeing flying overhead and it was time to enjoy the Alcoholic Beverages that we had lugged over the rock faces. Was it worth it: absolutely.

I hauled out my makings of supper: Tinned muscles on Ryevita; Crumbed chicken; roast potato; single large mushroom and vegetables. But first of course I had to quench my thirst with a beer. Maryna had brought some Springbok Sausage which she braaied and shared around. I decided to leave the chicken for this really delicous Wors. A little later someone boiled water and I had a Choc Brownie with coffee before slipping away quietly to "check up on the children". In the back I enjoyed the sound of voices while I eased into a good sleep for the night.

THE WATTLES ARE A GIVEAWAY FOR WHERE WE ARE ON THE HIKE. WITH JUST ONE KAY TO DO WHEN YOU REACH THE TOP OF THE HILL YOU CAN SEE THESE WATTLES AHEAD OF YOU AND HAVE THAT CONFIDENT FEELING THAT YOU ARE ALMOST HOME.

It had rained through the night. I was a little restless and had cramped in my quads. I was a bit stiff and sore when I woke in the morning but nothing that would not ease up with a bit of walking. It is always like this with me on the first day of the hike. We boiled water, made our porridge and coffee and were ready to set off in the rain by 8am. But God smiled down on us and just as we were about to leave the rain stopped falling.

Day Two
THe first part of todays hike is a Two Kay pathway. Markus kind of stayed back with me. We descended the steep cliff down to the river below. Here we have to remove our books and walk through the stream. Best to have crocs or slops for this. The water was cold. We regrouped and made our way along the rocky beach to the first chain ladder. This was going to be another tough day of rock climbing. There are a number of sections where you cling to the rockface and have to make your way across. There are also steep ladders and loose scree to walk across. Three wooden bridges made slippery by the overnight rain were not easy to walk across.

When I write this I cannot remember each of the sections of rock climbing, descents, edging across sheer rock face, clinging onto the the rocks with your fingertips and searching for handholds and places to make sure your footing is secure. each one of these took effort and concentration. I was again sweating across my brow and into my eyes. My limbs were exhausted and I was really happy to see Fred at the top of the climb ahead. Fred; Maryna and Markus reached the top way ahead of us and continued onto the Hut.

Looking ahead into the hole in the wall

Here Graham is just ahead of me before the final section leading to the base of the Kranshoek cliff climb.

Pieter, Christ and I reach where Graham is waiting for us at the foot of the climb. We trudge up in stages, looking back down to the beach is amazing. We climb quickly and then find ourselves at the Kranshoek picnic area. Here we settle down to a lunch of Tuna, cheese and biscuits. This is enough to sustain us for the last 5k to the hut. The rain starts to fall again but we are under the canopy and dont notice the rain. Finally we reach the Harkerville hut where we have a quick shower, give the two Dutch boys a lift home and Fred and I enjoy an easy drive home with just one stop at Storms river for a hot choc.

Monday morning I am still stiff and sore so dont go running but by Tuesday I am able to be back on the road and enjoy my morning running group again.

Pieter; \Graham and Chris. We are at the base of the Kranshoek climb on the Pebble beach.

 This is the view of the Hole in the Wall looking back towards the ocean

a description of how pebbles are formed.