MARCH 2015 CORPORATE TRIATHLON; HIKING THE ISLAND AND MAITLANDS TRAILS;

MARCH 2015..


WEDNESDAY HIKING GROUP WITH ROBIN HOLMES
ALLY HOCKEY TRIALS FOR EP SQUAD
NIPPERS EAST CAPE AND LIFESAVING EAST CAPE CHAMPIONSHIPS AT KINGS BEACH
COLLECT MY PDP FROM ALEXANDRIA
VISITING ENA IN PLETT -- FOR THE FIRST TIME THAT I CAN REMEMBER SHE APPEARS TO BE LONELY.
TRYING TO WORK OUT PENSION BENEFITS AND OTHER FINANCIAL MATTERS
STUDY FOR TOUR GUIDING
CORPORATE IRONMAN AND IRONKIDS
IRONMAN

BOSBOK HIKING TRAIL AT THE ISLAND
I join Robin Holmes' Wednesday Hiking group for the first time. This week I meet at his home and he, Dave Rayner and I drive to the Island picnic area near to Seaview. We meet up with 8 other hikers and walk for around two hours. Although it is not a physically taxing hike, you need a certain amount of strength and fitness. There are 5 different sections that can be hiked. Each section leads back to the start making this an easy family hike for all levels of fitness. We hike the first three sections. On the hike I meet up with Paul Roth (longbow); Jenny the leader; Ray the Biker; John the doctor and four other people whose names I still have to get to know.

THE GROUP OF 11 HIKERS AT THE ISLAND -- PAID R20 TO HIKE WHICH WAS UNACCEPTABLE TO THE HIKERS. ALL PENSIONERS. 

AFTER ABOUT 2K YOU WALK UNDER THE ROAD AND MAKE A RIGHT TURN. 

THERE ARE A TOTAL OF ABOUT 5 TRAILS. YOU CAN CHOOSE AS YOU GO ALONG THE DISTANCE YOU WOULD LIKE TO HIKE. YOU CAN EXIT AT TRAIL ONE AND IMMEDIATELY GO BACK TO THE CAMP OR YOU CAN CONTINUE AS WE DID TO TRAIL THREE WHICH IS ABOUT A TWO HOUR WALK. 

THE ROAD FROM COWS CORNER TO SEAVIEW IS ABOVE US HERE.

A BEAUTIFUL FLOWER ON THE TRAIL.

Scadoxus puniceus, commonly known as the paintbrush lily,^[1][2][3] is a species of bulbous plant native to southern and eastern Africa. It has been reported from Ethiopia, Tanzania, Malawi, Mozambique, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Swaziland, and South Africa.

Scadoxus puniceus can be found in cool, shady habitat such as ravines and forests, where it is often found in moist leaf litter. Other common names include snake lily, royal paintbrush, King-of-Candida,^[1] African blood lily (English),^[2] rooikwas (Afrikaans),isisphompho, and umgola (Zulu).^[3] There are nine species of Scadoxus of which three, S. puniceus, S. multiflorus (with 2 subspecies) and S.membranaceus, occur in South Africa.

WE EXITED AT THE END OF TRAIL THREE

This week I had three dentist appointments ending in two extractions. Not fun time in the chair. I visited Garth Slatem of Old Mutual to try to get my Pension Stuff in line for the end of the month when I am officially retired. I have a couple of hard financial and mental decisions to make as this time rushes up at me.

Saturday morning: Our normal beach front run with Suzanne; Adrian: Adrienne; Annie; Candice and Michael. Also Ronel who we somehow lost on the run. I ended up with Stuart and Brett and Kelly.  Brett had to cut short as his knee was playing up. We completed the full distance past the airport and Admiralty way. I finished off with a beach run. By now my legs were really tired and both my Achilles tendons were painful.

Adrienne and I stayed on for the Parkrun and volunteer duty. Today was my 49th. Most of the others who started with me have completed their 50th but I seem to have been quite busy over the past few months.
Ally and I had Lifeguard duty for the rest of the day. Although the sea did not appear to be rough, we had a very busy day with a strong rip pulling swimmers and surfers across to the Pollok rocks. One man was nearly badly hurt as he was washed over the small gap on the east side of the rocks. His surfboard was dinged but amazingly he suffered not even a small scratch.
Later this evening Ally had Miss Pearsonality which Barbara and Lene watched.

Sunday morning is Nippers |training. A Beautiful morning. Plenty of time in the water swimming and boarding. Sunday evening church with Barbara.

Monday morning 9th.  Barbara and I drop Ally off at Lene and drive to Oudtshoorn where I have to do some work for about two hours. Then we drive on to George and finally Plett where we stop for Tea with Ena. She is not in a good place at the moment as she becomes depressed at the fact that she is not able to move around. Although she is able to walk with the aid of the Walker.  Violet is with her during the day and Dolores comes in the night.

Tuesday after my morning run I drive to Alexandria where I collect my new drivers Licence and PDP.
I stop off on the way home at Nanaga for a Lemon Meringue pie.  It is Ronels birthday so I buy a pie for the Scheepers Family as well. Tuesday evening Ally has a Hockey match against NMMU which they draw 2=2.

MAITLANDS HIKING TRAIL WITH 16 PENSIONERS. ROBIN HOLMES AND JENNY ARE THE LEADERS OF THE GROUP.  WE START OFF ON A SHORT CLIMB UP A JEEP TRACK AND THEN TURN INTO SINGLE TRACK. THIS HIKE IS ABOUT 7K AND TOOK US 2.5 HOURS. 

 MAITLAND HIKING TRAIL... HIDDEN IF YOU DO NOT KNOW ABOUT THE TRAIL.  NO COST AND NO REGISTRATION.

 THE TRAIL MAP. WE HIKED IN AN ANTI CLOCKWISE DIRECTION.  ALTHOUGH THE FIRST PART IS UP HILL. FROM THERE ON IT IS A CONSTANT UP AND DOWN WITH SOME GREAT VIEWS OF THE MAITLANDS RIVER MOUTH DUNES.

 THE NAMES OF  THE HIKES THAT CAN BE DONE .  I am not sure of the name of our hike today

 THE GROUP WAIT FOR THE REST OF THE HIKERS TO CATCH UP. THIS IS AN ETHIC OF THE GROUP.  THERE IS NEVER MUCH OF A GAP BETWEEN THE BACK AND THE FRONT HIKERS.

WE THINK THAT THIS IS A BOERBOON TREE FLOWER.

SLOW GROUP ON THE FIRST HILL

 WE THINK THAT THIS IS A BOERBOON. THE FLOWER GROWS ON THE BRANCHES OF THE TREE.

LUNCH BREAK. I TAKE A BANANA AND WATER. THIS SEEMS TO BE ABOUT WHAT THE OTHERS TAKE AS WELL. SOME CHAPS ALSO HAVE A BEER AFTER THE WALK

PORCUPINE LAIR?
Cape porcupines are the largest rodents in southern Africa and also the world's largest porcupines.
Each pair may inhabit up to six burrows, jointly defending their shared territory,^[8] although they typically forage as individuals.^[5]

WE WERE PROBABLY ON THE DESTADES TRAIL FOR MOST OF THE TIME. BUT ONLY AROUND 7K NOT 9KM

Wednesday Morning we run the Park route and back to Mill Park. Later I meet up with Robin Holmes and Dave Rayner and we drive to Maitlands River mouth where we hike the trail. This is a 7k loop with a number of hills and narrow pathways. Low branches pose a threat to hikers and I become careless and give myself a real nasty crack on the head as I walk into an overhanging branch -- one of those with stumpy thorns on the branch. There are 16 hikers and I try to meet some of the people but it is not easy as we walk in single file and talk to someones back. Walking 7k with a light back pack is not that tough but I certainly work up a sweat and  need the water that I have brought. It is a 2.5hour walk.

Wednesday evening -- We are still at Alpha for a few more weeks.
Thursday Morning -- Target Kloof run. My shirt is saturated with sweat when we get back. I have a couple of things advertised on Gumtree which we try to sell. And we are looking our for cars. I can buy my car from the company.
Ally and I buy three packets of groceries and hand them to three people following the \Sunday evening sermon in which Tim spoke about being Blessed to be a Blessing to others. We tried to explain the concept of Pay It Forward.

Friday 13th. Patrick's birthday.
Parkrun and swim afterwards with Liesl and Andrea.
Saturday 14th and Sunday 15th.
Ally has Hockey trials for EP this weekend. And I have a full weekend of Nippers Eastern Cape Champs at Kings Beach..
Ally is in the first team Hockey for Pearson. They play 5 games over the weekend and win all five.. The game against Collegiate is probably the toughest 1;0 and the final game is against Woodridge on Sunday afternoon.  I am on Kings Beach for Nippers East Cape and miss all but one of the games.

Saturday morning we run from Hobie: Mike; Stuart; Andrienne; Adrian' Annie; Suzanne; Joan; Stephanie; Marilyn and Ronel. I cut short as I have a sore Achilles tendon. Today is my first time to be an Official at a Nippers Competition. I am still a Summies Supporter but have to wear a neutral White shirt. This is hard work as you are on your feet non stop. Summies has a small team but we do well where we have representation. We win a number of gold medals and some of our Nippers really outdo our expectations.
Sunday afternoon I leave the beach at 1.30 to be at Theodore Hertzl by 2.30 for Biathle. We run the grassy course around the field and my time is slower than the last two outings. The strong westerly does not help either.. Later that evening I am on duty at church.

Monday 16th. I run the Langenhoven route. I am able to keep up with the front group until the bottom of Mount road and then I am on my own up Dias and up Langenhoven. Some of the group cut short at Westview but I decide to continue around Linkside and so am on my own for most of the run this morning.
Tuesday -- Raining so I take a break from running. spend the morning sorting out car, computer, Ally project, and visit Ron.
Wednesday 18th. I have given Baubie back her phone so am now using the phone that Cathy gave me. It has no back and at this stage no Whats up and not able to take pics. I run with the group around park drive and back; drop Adrienne off at her home and run home.. Later is our Wednesday hiking group walk with Robin Holmes and 15 others.  We meet at Sardinia Bay where the dunes have completely overrun the road access to the lifesaving clubhouse. Climb over the dune and head in a westerly direction for an hour and then back to the car park. I take Lene's two computers in for repair.
Thursday 19th. Target Kloof run.
I drive to Plett to visit Ena. Have lunch there with Anne and Violet. Drive home. Tired and fall asleep early.

Friday 20th. Meeting with Shirley Naude regarding the tour guiding course and then start studying. Ally and Jessica have their Adventure day at school -- Willows along Marine Drive.

Saturday and Sunday -- full weekend of Lifesaving East Cape at Kings Beach. Ally does well winning the Sprint and second in the Flags. And her sprint team wins a second place as well. In total Ally comes home with five medals for the weekend.

Wednesday 23rd.
We hike the Stukens trail. Meet at the water tower at the top of Lovemore Heights.
See the Chapel; The Retreat; The Stukens grave site and the Arc of the 30th Meridian

Friday 27th. Ally leaves for East London Hockey tour. I load up Julia and Katie bikes in Barbara's bakkie for corporate ironman.
Saturday 28th  Meet up with Julia and Katie for Corporate Ironman. Race starts just after 8am. It is a PERFECT day for this event. We rack the bikes and get ourselves ready. There is a slight drizzle but nothing to put us off. We see a huge group of PE people who we know: Brett Holmes. Andrea Dyer and her friend, Debbie Dean, Kevin. 

PETER AND ANDREA AT THE START OF THE CORPORATE TRIATHLON. ANDREA HAS DONE NO TRAINING WITH BUSINESS COMITTMENTS AND I HAD TO TALK HARD TO GET HER TO TAKE PART.

NERVOUS ANTICIPATION BEFORE THE TRIATHLON

First the teams go off in two waves and then it is the Men and lastly the Ladies individual. I have a relaxed swim. Not sure how long it takes me but I am feeling good. I use a pair of goggles that were washed up at Nippers East cape. These do not have darkened lenses so I am able to see a lot better than when I use Allys Goggles.
Out the water and up the stairs to the transition. I always struggle with this change of putting on a vest and the cycling shoes. Helmet and gloves. Run out with the bike and then off we go towards Willows. I feel that I am cycling well and get into bunches and pass people. The stronger ladies come past me and I am able to jump onto the back of a small bunch. I kind of stick with this group for most of the ride. It is only 18k and seems to go quickly. One of the ladies that I am with is Yolanda who has a son at Biathle. There is virtually no wind at all and we have a great cycle.\
Back to transition and put on running shoes and set off towards Kings Beach. I am feeling good and run hard the whole way.

 JULIA COMPLETES HER FIRST TRIATHLON. AND HER FRIEND FROM AMERICA, KATIE, TAKES PART IN ANOTHER SOUTH AFRICAN ACTIVITY.

UNCLE AND NIECE. JULIA IS FEELING GOOD AFTER THIS EVENT.
Waiting at the end for Katie and Julia. Debbie Dean is just behind Katie and then Andrea and her friend and lastly Julia comes in. It is Julia's first triathlon ever and she completed it strongly. Well done Julia!.
We load up the bikes and drop them off at their houses. I go home to shower and then back to Mc Arthur baths for Ironkids. I have borrowed John's wetsuit .. So warm and comfortable. He comes later and takes over from me. In all around 1000 children have registered and around 20 lifeguards and about 50 other volunteers are there to assist the children. Some swim well but others have no ability in the water at all and it is those we have to assist.
Results
Peter   Pos 116/359.  Time 1.16..  Swim 9.27; Transition time 5.21;  Cycle 39.52; 2.25;  Run  20.27
Julia  Pos  130/162  time  1.39
Andrea  Pos  126/162   time 1.38
Peter 2014   Pos  136/399  Time 1:14  Swim  8.41;  Cycle  44.58;   Run 21.12
Peter 2013   Pos  234/ 392   Time  1.26  Swim  11.52  Cycle  47.19   Run  27.01
Seems like I will have to speed up both my swim and the time taken to change from swim to cycle gear.

Sunday 29th.
Watched the cycle leg of Ironman from 3rd Ave Walmer where I spent many hours as Traffic Cop trying to get cars to NOT have an accident with a cyclist.

Monday 30th: Monday Route Running about 8k.


THE FOLLOWING FROM THE INTERNET DETAILS THE TREE / FLOWER THAT WE FOUND ON THE MAITLANDS TRAIL.

Schotia afra

(L.) Thunb. var. afra

Family: Fabaceae subfamily: Caesalpinioideae
Common names: Karoo boer-bean, Karoohuilboerboon (Afr.)

This delightful, small, water-wise tree is a must for the home gardener who wants an attractive evergreen tree. The tree is not messy and does not have a destructive root system. It is ideal for attracting nectar-seeking birds during the hot, dry, Western Cape summers. The trees look spectacular when in full flower next to the drabness of the surrounding summer vegetation.

Description and Ecology
The tree is small in stature (max. height 5 m), evergreen, with rigid branches and has a gnarled trunk. The flowers are numerous, bright red to pink in colour and are borne in small clusters during the months of February to March. They are distributed throughout the tree.

Flowers produce copious amounts of nectar which attract birds, especially the Lesser Double-collared Sunbird and Malachite Sunbird. The butterfly Deudorix antalisbreeds in the tree.

Flowers are followed by attractive, large, lime green to pink seedpods which turn brown when ripe. The seed is dispersed through an explosive seedpod, which when dry, catapults the seeds great distances from the parent plant. Seeds are produced in May and June of each year. Under normal circumstances the seeds would germinate in moist soil in late spring after the winter rains.

Distribution
The trees often occur along the banks of dry streams and small rivers in the Little Karoo, the drier areas of Eastern Cape and the southern part of Western Cape.

Name
The genus Schotia was named in honour of Richard van der Schot, chief gardener of the Imperial Garden at Schönbrun. The name boerboon was given to certain indigenous seeds that are edible. The word huil (cry in English) is due to the nectar that drips or weeps from the flowers.

Schotia afra var. afra is in the subfamily Caesalpinioideae. All the members of this subfamily have pinnately compound, alternate leaves. Leaflets are more than three terminally. The stipules are present.

Uses
This tree can be used as a shade and ornamental tree. The leaves are browsed by stock. The seeds are edible either green, or mature. They can be used as a meal if roasted and ground. The bark, if ground and soaked in water, can be used as tannin.Schotia afra can be pruned to shape and can be grown as a bonsai specimen.

Growing Schotia afra var. afra

Schotia afra var. afra seed is easy to collect. One has only to look a few metres away from the parent plants to see the masses of flat, light brown seeds lying on top of the soil.

Use flat plastic or wooden seed pans (seed trays). Sow in a semi-shady area about 40% shade. Seeds should sown in well-drained, loamy soil. The general rule for the sowing depth is the same as the thickness of the seed (about 3-5mm). Sow the seeds in late spring, September till mid-October. Water well once a day. Make sure the seeds are not crowded in the pan (this should prevent damping off). The seeds will swell with moisture and should germinate within 7 days. The seedlings should be allowed to develop a tap root and be in their third set of leaves before they are transplanted into planting bags. If they are given enough water and are planted in a rich, well-drained soil, they will develop rapidly.

Tips for planting in the home garden: dig a good hole, 1 m wide by 1 m deep. Use plenty of well-rotted compost and good loam soil in the hole. Add a handful of agricultural lime, super phosphate and 2:3:2 to the soil. Mix it all up well. Plant the sapling. Water well once a week especially if conditions are dry. Stake the tree to stop wind damage. Under ideal conditions you should be able to sit under the tree within five years.

Pests
Watch for aphids/greenfly attacking the new foliage, especially in spring. Spray with a recommended approved aphicide, at least once a week for three weeks to break the insects life cycle, or use environmentally friendly Sunlight liquid soap, about 10 ml in 5 litres water will suffice. Spray liberally on affected parts.