Travelling to Port Elizabeth? Would you like to contact me regarding an Addo Game Drive; a hiking or cycling half day tour? I am a qualified and licenced tour guide for the Eastern Cape and would love to show you some of the Port Elizabeth activities.
portelizabethtours
I have qualified as a tour guide -- here is a website that you can use to access the kind of work that I do.
PORT ELIZABETH WALKS AND TOURS
Spring Day
Wednesday hiking group
Matric Trials start
Natties Lucky Draw for the MHG fund Bicycle
Urban Run
Achilles AGM
Biathle AGM
Clover 10k
Mia and Daniel start Nippers at Kings Beach.
Mia and Daniel horse riding lessons
Spring Walk at Clarendon Park.
Rugby -- EP Kings.
Snare Hunting at Sardinia Bay.
Rugby World Cup Lose to Japan and win against Samoa.
National Heritage day and Braai Day
Morning runs and afternoon cycling.
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| CYCLING TO RECIFE FROM KINGS BEACH. |
Tuesday 1st -- Spring Day. Rain and sunshine.
I start the month with a Tuesday run past all three churches. End up running with Marilyn and Ronel - for me about 8k. It was raining but I was so pleased to be out on the run after the cycling weekend. It is raining on and off all day and more expected.
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| CHRIS AND GERALD ON THE PROMENADE AT HUMEWOOD. |
Natties lucky draw evening for the MTB -- Evening started 7.30 and was well supported by about 50 people. Rob Ermes joined me for supper. Spent the evening chatting to Brendan and Kate North. And their friend Eugene from Mill Park Rd.. Kate was a Sephton from Mc Lear. She was happy to find someone with something in common They too have two children at Pearson. And Grant and Beth Hechter. And the group who set the whole evening up. And Greg and Angela (who runs with MPRG).
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| GRANT AND MARK DOING THE DRAW |
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| ADRIENNE OVERCAME HER FEARS THIS MORNING -- WE WENT AT THE BACK OF SUMMIES AND HOME VIA ADMIRALTY WHICH WAS FURTHER THAN SHE HAS RUN FOR QUITE SOME TIME. WELL DONE ADRIENNE.. |
Up early Saturday morning for the run. Decided to skip the airport loop but we went the whole way to Admiralty making a distance of about 13k. With Pat; Rae; Jessie; Ronel; Neil; Adrienne; Mike; Catherine; Lindie; Chris.
The draw went well with about 450 tickets sold and the bike donated; it was a successful evening. And the supper was scrumptious.  |
| TK HAD SOME NASTY STINGING NETTLE ON HIS LEGS. |
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| ONE END OF THE WIRE IS TIED AROUND THE BRANCH OR TRUNK OF A TREE. THE OTHER END IS LOOPED AS YOU WOULD A LASSOO. THE BUCK WALKS INTO THE TRAP; TRIES TO FREE ITSELF, TIGHTENING THE NOOSE; AND THEN STRANGLES ITSELF TO DEATH. |
Later this morning Barbara and I meet at the Old Cash Store and from there towards Sardinia bay where we walk a horse trail and hunt for Snares. We find 5 snares And maybe evidence of the result of a snare where the bark of the tree and the ground is scuffed as if a struggle took place.
It is days like today that I think that I am so blessed in so many ways: spiritual; family; friends; relationships; health; strength; and on top of that our financial situation is not too bad.
BLESS THE LORD O MY SOUL
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
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
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
Worship His holy name
Sing like never before
O my soul
I'll worship Your holy name
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
10,000 reasons for my heart to find
Your name is great and Your heart is kind
For all Your goodness I will keep on singing
10,000 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
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
10,000 years and then forever more
The end draws near and my time has come
Still my soul will sing Your praise unending
10,000 years and then forever more
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
Monday 7th. run 7k with Adrienne. The rest of the slow group run a short 4k so Adrienne and I run down Mount and up Dias and then up to |Collegiate and then home.
Tuesday -- This morning the group run up 1st Ave and right at Westview. Stefany and I run to the Church in Langenhoven and then around Collegiate. The fast group catches us and carries on -- we end up with about 8k.
Dole work is slowing down; I will have to find an alternative activity. Maybe back to Tour Guide study - Western Cape.
Wednesday. Received the certification from Drum Beat for Eastern cape. Now for Western Cape -- Tour Guide Planning and itinerary. And Submission of the documents to receive Government certification.
Completed Marking of Papers for the University.
Took Corsa Bakkie for knocking noises to a Mechanic in Newton Park. Just hope that the bill is not too heavy.
THE FLAT STARTS TO TAKE SHAPE WITH NEW TILES.
Thursday -- Jacqui is experiencing a tough time as workmen have invaded her home and are making a huge mess. At the same time there are huge sandstorms in the Middle East which make being outdoors impossible. This morning run is with Mike; Chris and Lindie. We do a short loop just around Linkside.
Friday -- Ally has an exam and then spends the night out with friends. I fetch her at 12.30am and only fall asleep (for the second time) about 2am. And have to be up at 5 for the run. This evening Joshua and I go to the stadium to watch rugby. We meet up with Mike Burger; Gaynor and Roy; Cliff and his son Mc Kenzie; Josh and I sit with Graham Nel and Tom D'Arcy. It is a perfect evening and the rugby is excellent. The scores keep on ticking over with EP and Free state Cheetahs changing lead. Our center is sent off in the second half (for tackling without the ball) and this seems to galvanise our team and a new energy sparks off a second half that delights the crowd as our Fly half does not miss one kicking opportunity and we win the game convincingly.
Saturday Morning -- Stefany fetches us this morning. We meet at Hobie beach at 6am and run in an Easterly direction as the wind is coming from the East. We run to the Beacon and then on to Flat Rocks. Back and up Admiralty to the University road where we turn left and then up Gomery to the top and then back to the Second Ave Garage. West along Strandfontein to LaRoche and then past the Caltex to Walmer Boulevard. We run down and then back to Hobie via the Marine Drive. We have run for about 1H50min including stops. With us today was Neil; Stefany; Liesl & Sakumzi Peter. We have run a bit more than 15k we think.
FRIDAY EVENING RUGBY AT THE STADIUM WITH JOSHUA; GRAHAM NEL AND TOM D'ARCY.
THE GAME HELD OUR ATTENTION THROUGHOUT AS THE KINGS PULLED OFF A WIN THIS EVENING.
SATURDAY MORNING RUN. FLAT ROCKS WITH STEFANY; NEIL; SAKUMZI AND LIESL.
MIA AT THE CLARENDON PARK SPRING WALK.
LENE; JOSH; JESSICA; MIA AND DANIEL AT THE CHOCOLATE PRIZE GIVING.
MIA AND HER CHOCOLATE WHICH SHE CLEANED UP IN NO TIME.
Back home and I have to do the Clarendon Park Spring run with Mia. Mia and I ride there on the bike and get there late for the start at 8.30. We are behind the Sweepers!. No trouble -- we walk and jog till we catch the last person. Mia has issues getting across the 6th Ave bridge. But we manage. Then we start to catch the back markers. Mia spots Joshua and decides to take a short cut with him. I jog on passing people along the way. The route no longer takes the walkers down into the valley. It is now about a 4k around some of the streets with just one section that goes for a short distance down and back up a single track in the valley. Then back to 5th Ave and along Water road; over the bridge - and back to the school.
I had not paid for our entry so quickly did this with Beth Hechter so that Mia and I could have a water and Bar One. Our names went into the lucky draw for later. We sat on the grass with Lene and her family waiting for all the walkers to arrive on the field and for the lucky draw to start. Allan Lones was slick with his drawing of names for Chocolates. Many families buy chocolates and donate them into the draw. This means that literally hundreds of chocs are handed out to the children. This is the best part and Daniel; Jessica and Josh are called up. Jessica gives her choc to Mia who promptly polishes the whole slab off.
I meet up with Melissa Riordan who remembers that she has pictures of a hike that they did and where they found the name E Giddy carved into the rock. The hike is the Dassieshoogte near to Graaff Reinet on the de la Harpe farm.
MELISSA AND BOYS ON THE DASSIESHOOGTE HIKING TRAIL
RORY AND HIS BOYS ON THE DE LA HARPE FARM NEAR TO GRAAFF REINET.
O my soul
Worship His holy name
Sing like never before
O my soul
I'll worship Your holy name
Monday 7th. run 7k with Adrienne. The rest of the slow group run a short 4k so Adrienne and I run down Mount and up Dias and then up to |Collegiate and then home.
Tuesday -- This morning the group run up 1st Ave and right at Westview. Stefany and I run to the Church in Langenhoven and then around Collegiate. The fast group catches us and carries on -- we end up with about 8k.
Dole work is slowing down; I will have to find an alternative activity. Maybe back to Tour Guide study - Western Cape.
Wednesday. Received the certification from Drum Beat for Eastern cape. Now for Western Cape -- Tour Guide Planning and itinerary. And Submission of the documents to receive Government certification.
Completed Marking of Papers for the University.
Took Corsa Bakkie for knocking noises to a Mechanic in Newton Park. Just hope that the bill is not too heavy.
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| JACQUI'S FLAT IN ZIHRON YAAKOV -- ISRAEL. A MESS WITH WORKERS INVADING HER LIFE, FRIDGE, MESSING ALL OVER THE PLACE. THIS GOES ON FOR ABOUT 2 WEEKS BEFORE SHE IS ABLE TO TAKE OWNERSHIP OF HER LIFE AGAIN. |
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| SAND STORM IN ISRAEL MAKES LIFE EVEN MORE DIFFICULT FOR JACQUI AND HER FAMILY. |
Friday -- Ally has an exam and then spends the night out with friends. I fetch her at 12.30am and only fall asleep (for the second time) about 2am. And have to be up at 5 for the run. This evening Joshua and I go to the stadium to watch rugby. We meet up with Mike Burger; Gaynor and Roy; Cliff and his son Mc Kenzie; Josh and I sit with Graham Nel and Tom D'Arcy. It is a perfect evening and the rugby is excellent. The scores keep on ticking over with EP and Free state Cheetahs changing lead. Our center is sent off in the second half (for tackling without the ball) and this seems to galvanise our team and a new energy sparks off a second half that delights the crowd as our Fly half does not miss one kicking opportunity and we win the game convincingly.
Saturday Morning -- Stefany fetches us this morning. We meet at Hobie beach at 6am and run in an Easterly direction as the wind is coming from the East. We run to the Beacon and then on to Flat Rocks. Back and up Admiralty to the University road where we turn left and then up Gomery to the top and then back to the Second Ave Garage. West along Strandfontein to LaRoche and then past the Caltex to Walmer Boulevard. We run down and then back to Hobie via the Marine Drive. We have run for about 1H50min including stops. With us today was Neil; Stefany; Liesl & Sakumzi Peter. We have run a bit more than 15k we think.
I had not paid for our entry so quickly did this with Beth Hechter so that Mia and I could have a water and Bar One. Our names went into the lucky draw for later. We sat on the grass with Lene and her family waiting for all the walkers to arrive on the field and for the lucky draw to start. Allan Lones was slick with his drawing of names for Chocolates. Many families buy chocolates and donate them into the draw. This means that literally hundreds of chocs are handed out to the children. This is the best part and Daniel; Jessica and Josh are called up. Jessica gives her choc to Mia who promptly polishes the whole slab off.
I meet up with Melissa Riordan who remembers that she has pictures of a hike that they did and where they found the name E Giddy carved into the rock. The hike is the Dassieshoogte near to Graaff Reinet on the de la Harpe farm.
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| E GIDDY 1946 FOUND BY MELISSA RIORDAN IN JUNE 2013 |
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| LOOKS LIKE A HIKE THAT I WILL ENJOY. |
THIS IS AMAZING GRACE
Who breaks the power of sin and darkness
Whose love is mighty and so much stronger
The King of Glory, the King above all kings
Whose love is mighty and so much stronger
The King of Glory, the King above all kings
Who shakes the whole earth with holy thunder
Who leaves us breathless in awe and wonder
The King of Glory, the King above all kings
Who leaves us breathless in awe and wonder
The King of Glory, the King above all kings
Chorus:
This is amazing grace
This is unfailing love
That You would take my place
That You would bear my cross
You lay down Your life
That I may be set freeThis is amazing grace
This is unfailing love
That You would take my place
That You would bear my cross
You lay down Your life
Jesus, I sing for
All that You've done for me
All that You've done for me
Verse 2:
Who brings our chaos back into order
Who makes the orphan a son and daughter
The King of Glory, the King of Glory
Who brings our chaos back into order
Who makes the orphan a son and daughter
The King of Glory, the King of Glory
Who rules the nations with truth and justice
Shines like the sun in all of its brilliance
The King of Glory, the King above all kings
Shines like the sun in all of its brilliance
The King of Glory, the King above all kings
Bridge:
Worthy is the Lamb who was slain
Worthy is the King who conquered the grave
Worthy is the Lamb who was slain
Worthy is the King who conquered the grave
Saturday -- Nicky has lost her dog - Star. They went out and Star did not hop into the car as he normally does. Nicky only noticed this a while later and by the time she got back -- the dog was gone. Barbara from PE and Nicky started to broadcast on social media and through "emergency services" the missing dog that has no Collar. Finally on Sunday the dog was found and reunited with the family.
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| LYNN AND RON AT OLD GREY. WITH RHODA AND KERRY. |
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| WELL DONE RONEL. THIRD BAVIAANSKLOOF TRAIL RUN COMPLETED AND THIS IS A WONDERFUL TROPHY REMINDER. |
A COLLAGE OF LYNN'S BIRTHDAY PARTY WITH THE MC EWANS; BRYANTS; KEITH AND BEV WATRUSS; THE BEACH CROWD;
Saturday evening is Lynn Pask birthday party at Old Grey. A good evening well attended by work; beach and other family friends.
Sunday morning -- Stefany, Andrea and I run from 7th ave. Down past the airport and along Strandfontein to 2nd ave. Then to the beach front and back to Walmer boulevard and then back to 7th ave. Just short of 2 hours and about 15k. It had been an amazing morning and met plenty of people on the road including Kathy Pearse (Nel) -- it was her birthday on Saturday.
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| AFTER A TENSE COUPLE OF DAYS -- STAR WAS LOST IN THE VINYARDS -- STAR IS FOUND AND REUNITED WITH HER FAMILY |
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| MIA PADDLES OUT ON A BODY BOARD FOR THE FIRST TIME EVER |
Then it is time for Nippers -- Kings Beach is an ideal venue for Mia with a flat beach and less imposing surf. The two Micro Coaches are Tracy and Lisa Meintjies. A number of Dads assist and I also do a bit of water assistance with the little ones. Mia does not like the warm up run but once the water events start she is in her element swimming and boarding around the coaches. I take her out further than any other Nipper in her group and she is happy to body board back on a wave.
At church this evening; Dion Forster talks about being a Blessing to others.
He gives some examples such as his "Shell Filling station" story from Somerset West. He explains how to:
- Bless
- Establish Relationships
- and to Preach.
Wednesday -- Run 6k with Adrienne. Struggled with sore legs. Then a quick bite before meeting the group at 5 ways Spar for the Zuurberg Hike. I drive with Bill Myburgh (His first hike); Rencia and Jenny.
We register at the office. Today is a Free entrance day. I forgot my ID and had no money. And had not eaten properly. We hike along the ridge and spot some buck. the first thought is that they are Tsesebe. But later it is agreed that they are Hartebees.
The red hartebeest is a species of even-toed ungulate in the Bovidae family found in Southern Africa. More than 130,000 individuals are left. The red hartebeest is closely related to the tsessebe and the topi.
Commonly known as the red hartebeest, it is the most colorful hartbeest, with black markings contrasting against its white abdomen and behind. It has a longer face that other subspecies, with complex curving horns joined at the base. The average weight of a male is about 150 kg, and female is 120 kg. Their average shoulder height is 135 cm, and horns are 60 cm long. The life expectancy of a red hartebeest is around 19 years. Hartebeests have an excellent sense of hearing and smell, although their sense of sight is poor. When alarmed, hartebeests elude confusion before running, by which they can reach a maximum speed of 55 km/h. Their evasion tactic is to run in a zigzag pattern, making it difficult for predators to catch them.
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| BILL; JENNY; PAUL; JOHN; FLO AND ROBIN ON THE SUURBERG HIKING TRAIL. FIRST SECTION BEFORE THE DESCENT |
I realise that I have not eaten correctly for a hike like this when we start our descent. I am not strong on the down hills but today I am really shaky on my legs. I fall behind the group on this very long and difficult downhill. I don't rush myself as I know that I will be okay as soon as I have put some "sugar" into my system. I also have sore feet, knees and hips. This is all a result of not being used to the heavy boots which I recently had repaired but the soles are not sufficient for the rocky terrain. Looks like I am in for a new pair of hiking boots soon.
With us today is Bill Myburgh who was part of the original "Secret Service" training group of which Stuart Brown was a member. Andy Bolton was also part of that group but broke away to form what eventually became known as the MPRG (Mill Park Running Group). Also in the group was Jenny who is a co leader with Robin; Rencia; Paul; Dr John and Flo.
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| ROCK POOL WHERE WE REPLENISH . I NEED TO EAT EVERYTHING THAT I HAVE AS MY RESERVES ARE FEELING LOW. |
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| RENCIA AND BILL ON THE FOREST WALK |
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| ONCE YOU ARE TIRED THESE CROSSINGS CAN BE TRICKY. SHORTLY AFTER THIS JOHN HAD A NASTY FALL. |
I eat most of the food I have brought along: energy bar; banana; crunchies. all help to fuel me for the uphill back to the top. The first part of the return journey is a longish path which meanders alongside the stream. It is a continuous gradual uphill but hardly noticeable. I think that we cross the stream about 13 times before the real uphill begins. At this stage I am feeling strong again. I no longer have the same pain in my joints which I experienced on the downhill. I maintain a steady pace with the group. I think that John is battling a bit as he slips on one river crossing and then; later as we are on the final uphill; he slips on a rock and takes a bit of a fall and knock.
We sit for a short while allowing a bit of recovery time. Paul offers some jub jubs -- something that I should have on hikes like this as they are instant sugar and help when you are feeling at all light headed.
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| LUNCH STOP AT THE POOL |
We decided to take the right hand fork half way up the hill. Both left and right are good pathways and neither are more difficult than the other. The right fork takes the hiker along a path with the cliff face on your left until the final stream crossing (Where John fell) and then it is a bit of a pathway all the way to the top. Again I feel that we are lucky with the cool weather as this section could become tough in the midday heat.
Back at the cars we have a bit of a break with something to drink and a snack for lunch. I must remember to bring hot water and a snack for next time.
Bill drives us home and I have a busy afternoon with Dole work to catch up.
Thursday morning -- Pouring with rain. No running. This evening is the Achilles AGM.
Friday evening is the Nippers Prize Giving at Summies.
And the later it is the opening game of the Rugby World Cup. England play Fiji and win
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| JOHN AND I PRESENT AN AWARD TO TINIELLE |
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| PRIZE GIVING TROPHIES AT NIPPERS |
Saturday morning. I have been feeling stiff and sore; Sore legs; sore joints; sore knees; sore feet and generally not at my best. I take two Probita in the evening but even this does not completely heal me.
Stefany fetches me in the morning. We park and do a short warm up run. just to get the lungs and blood circulation going. Then line up at the start where we meet a variety of people -- Chatting and telling stories.
The gun goes off at 7am and we run up to beach road; turn left and then start an easy jogging pace. I meet some of our pals and team mates including Steve who I so often see at these events. Steff falls back a bit but seems to be doing okay. We see Pat and Tina and Gerald marshalling. Turn right up Admiralty where we see Neil and Liesl doing their morning training run. Then up to Erasmus and right. Now we pass half way and Steff seems to be battling more than usual. Malcolm Figg passes us. It is good to see him getting back to running after a bit of a break.
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| STEVE ENJOYING THE RUNNING. WE SAW BEV GIVING SUPPORT A LITTLE WHILE LATER. |
So now we are turning right again into Second Ave. Now we should be running easily but Stefany is battling to stay with it as she puffs and pants. We pass the watering table where Ronel is working. This is a PE Club event and so the PE club members have already run a Helpers Run and are working on the route. Down to Beach Road and left where we see Annie; John and Gerald.
We press on with 2 kays to go. In the final 500m Stefany is complaining of feeling faint and weak. And then as we reach the parking lot at KB Stefany sits down on the pavement and calls for an ambulance.
Rodney runs and gets the Paramedics to attend to her. I carry on to finish and then get back to where they are putting her into the ambulance; checking her vitals and blood. Really competent people: Taryn and Akohna. They then call for a second ambulance which then takes Steff to St Georges. I have called Anton who meets us there.
I do some moving of rubbish and then shower. John fetches me and we drive to Summies where we meet Varrin and sort out some of the kit in preparation for the lifeguard training starting on Sunday.
This afternoon is spent watching World Cup Rugby: Georgia beat Tonga 17-10; Ireland beat Canada 50-7; South Africa beaten by Japan 34-32 and later in the evening. The last match of the day France beat Italy 32-10.
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| SUNDAY MORNING -- JOHN AND I ARE DOING LIFEGUARD INSTRUCTION WITH VARRIN. WE JOG DOWN TO THE BEACH |
Sunday morning -- John and I jog to Summies - I swim to wash and cool off. We then have our first Lifeguard Award (LA) training session with Connor; Benjy; Matthew and Matthew and Four girls from Pearson -- Issy; Marion; Maree and Jess. This evening is a confirmation service.
Monday -- Run with Chris and Adrienne about 5k. In the afternoon Mia has swimming lessons. I decide that I must have my first pool swim. Adrienne keeps on telling me how she is now swimming regularly at the Gym. So while Mia swims with Mandy Dean, I do a 1500m swim at a slow pace.
Tuesday again I run with Chris and Adrienne and Mike an easy 8k.
Wednesday 23rd -- Ally has all day Drama practice. Mia has Swimming with Mandy Dean -- I swim 1200m. Then Kumon Maths then fetch Ally. Then home and relax. Doesn't sound like much but I was in and out the car all day.
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| LIESL AND KELLY ON THE RUN SATURDAY MORNING. |
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| A RECENT MEMBER OF THE SATURDAY MORNING RUNS IS SAKUMZI PETER; HERE WITH KATHLEEN WHO HAS BEEN MISSING FOR MONTHS DUE TO HER STUDIES (AND WINTER) WHILE NEIL TIPS HIS CAP TO ME AS HE PASSES. |
Thursday -- National Heritage Day / Braai day. Start the morning with a 15k run from Hobie beach with Neil; Liesl; Pat; Kelly; Chris; Adrienne; Annie; Adrian; Mike; Sakumzi; Kathleen;
Ally has Drama Practice at school. Her Matric Trials are all but completed -- it is just the Drama which remains. Chris; Liesl; Pat and I cycle from KB to Cape Recife. We find Tom who lets us up into the lighthouse -- There are 6 levels and 100 steps to be climbed. Mind your head! Almost everyone who climbs up, at some stage, bumps their heads. Climbing up the lighthouse is hot and sweaty work. It was a particularly hot and sunny morning with almost no breeze. The beach front was busy with joggers; walkers; cyclists and braaing.
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| CHRIS FETCHES US FOR A CYCLE. WE MEET PAT AT THE BEACH FRONT; ELMARIE WALKS AS SHE IS RECOVERING FROM FLU. |
After fetching Ally from School she drove from school to Humewood. Not easy for her as she is still getting the hang of the starting from stop streets and traffic lights.
I have University marking to do which I complete and then ----- Wait for it! --- I light a fire and braai for supper. It is sooooo very long since I last braaied at home. David gets the fire going and then Charlotte joins us. She provides a huge pile of meat --- far too much. Barbara is still not well and joins us for a while. In the end it is Charlotte and I who have supper together after Ally and Mia go off to bed.
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| CHARLOTTE AND BARBARA AT THE BRAAI ON NATIONAL BRAAI / HERITAGE DAY. |
Friday morning -- 5k run. I have some Dole Work. I have now officially qualified as a tour guide for the Eastern Cape. I must now start the work to qualify for the Western Cape. This evening Varrin and I do some Lifeguard Training with the candidates: Benji; Tyler; Jess and Maree.
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| ANNIE; NEIL AND ADRIENNE -- LATER THIS MORNING ADRIENNE WAS PARKRUN DIRECTOR |
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| ANIKA AND KELLY -- WE MEET THEM ON THE BEACH FRONT RUN THIS MORNING |
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| ALSO ON THE BEACH THIS MORNING -- ALMARIE AND MICHELLE ADDED TO THE SUNSHINE. |
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| MIA IS IN THE MOOD FOR SPRINGBOK RUGBY TODAY. |
Saturday morning -- Beach front run with Adrienne; Annie; Neil; Pat; Ray; Liesl. I am not in the mood for a longer run so cut short at 2nd ave. I register for the Urban Run and visit Peter and Elmarie; From their home you are able to see across to the Fort where the Off Road Bikers have an obstacle course that is exciting and extremely challenging. Later this afternoon I meet Graham and Tom at rugby with Julia; Mia; Daniel and Joshua. It is a really exciting match against Griquas. We are presently lying second last on the log with Griquas at last position. The game tends to go the way of Griquas who lead at half time. However our team works exceptionally hard and with just seconds to spare we win the game 40 - 37.
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| FROM ALMARIE'S HOUSE YOU ARE ABLE TO SEE ACROSS TO THE FORT FREDERICK WHERE THE DIRT BIKES ARE ON THE OBSTABLE COURSE |
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| WE WOULD RUN UP THIS ROUTE ON SUNDAY AT THE URBAN RUN. |
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| OUR RUGBY SUPPORTER GROUP; TOM; GRAHAM; JULIA; DANIEL; MIA AND JOSHUA |
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| THE KINGS HAVE NOW WON TWO GAMES IN A ROW. TODAY THEY PLAYED THE GRIQUAS AND WON 40 - 37 IN A REAL NAIL BITING THRILLER. HERE YOU SEE RUSTY WITH HIS BINOCULARS EXAMINING THE MOVES IN DETAIL. |
Sunday morning -- I run the Urban run with Brett and Kelly Holmes. We meet at the Donkin, watch Gino Fabbri going through his routines -- very funny -- keeping us warm with laughter throughout. there is a Best Dressed Competition which he livens up with some song.
Then Mike Z calls us to the start line. If you have only raised R100 to Charity then you are at the back with the Dawdlers. That is us. Fortunately we get into the front of this group. Gino is above us on a lift and continues to sing and chat -- keeping us entertained.
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| AS WE STAND AT THE DONKIN WE SEE THE FLAG BEING RAISED. |
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| BEST DRESSED COMPETITION WITH GINO SINING AND JOKING. |
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| GINO FABBRI ENTERTAINS US FROM ABOVE |
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| MICHAEL ZOETMULDER IS THE ORGAISER OF THIS EVENT |
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| BRETT AND KELLY ZOOM DOWN THE BRIKKIES SLIPERY SLIDE |
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| TRYING TO SALVAGE MY PHONE AFTER THE SLIPERY SLIDE |
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| THIS IS FUN. |
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| START OF THE LONG CLIMB TO THE FORT |
Down Brikkies and over a couple of obstacles in Valley Road. Then we cross some logs over the Baakens River and then up a steep climb (yesterdays Off Road Bike track) and onto a ramp that takes us into Fort Frederick. Under a cargo net and out back down to Valley road going through some buildings and under a tunnel which is also a Foam Party bath. Through the harbour area.
Now we are running along Strand St then to the Station and into a train. Out the other end and over the rail line and up a long flight of stairs and finally back up to the Donkin
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This route has MANY hills. We have a second Slippery Slide and then attempt to climb over an A frame with a Rope to assist. Brett is the only one of the three of us who is successful.
Then back down to Main St via some non operational escalators. Finally we pass the Queen Victoria Statue and the Library and up the last set of steps and ramps to the finish.
The event took us about 90 minutes and was about 8k.
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| Maree; Jess; Carley; Matthew; Issy; Fritz; Tyler; Todd; Benjy and Varrin as he instructs the Candidates in Lifesaving protocols. |
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| BRIAN GIVES ADDITIONAL ADVICE WITH JESS AND CARLEY. |
I meet up with Varrin and we put the new candidates through their paces.
Start with a run; then we do Torpedo Buoy Rescue with the first stage of CPR.
Then we take the candidates into the clubhouse and continue with CPR and Box line rescue.
The weather deteriorates and when we leave it is really miserable. I end the day at the Sunday evening service . It has been a busy and active weekend.
Monday 28th. - Wednesday 30th.
Our days are filled with Ally's Matric Trials for Drama; Swimming with Mia; Mia maths; Ally's Matric Farewell party -- Dress; Shoes; Hair; Nails; Make up; Arrangements for before, during and after the party.
And so ends another busy month of family and friends activities.
I received this mail from David Giddy this morning. David is the younger brother of my Father (Allan Giddy)'s family all lived in Johannesburg. -- many years ago -- they all, in stages, moved to Australia.
Dear Family and friends,
Che sera - che sera - the future's not our's to see....
Who would have thought that I would be writing this saga of deteriorating health so soon? I suggest that you read no further.
Our way of life and living prospects have changed for the worse. During the first half of the year Alison visited a few times and arranged for professional help to make things easier for both of us. In mid June she arranged for Zoe to move into the Lady McCusker nursing home where she is well cared for by caring staff. Initially Zoe wasn't happy with the move, but being so fit and helpful she is very popular and responds well to the staff's kindness. I visited frequently, including dinner on my bridge days and lunch other times.
By the beginning of September, Zoe, although enjoying visitors, no longer recognised anyone except me. Suddenly I lost all energy and could not even walk with my 'walking frame' from the villa to the nursing home without becoming exhausted and breathless. The G.P. said I had heart failure with valve and pressure problems. After a week of blood tests, chest X-Rays etc.,and finally an e.c.g.he called an ambulance and booked me into St John of God hospital where I remain reasonably comfortable unless I try the slightest form of exertion. They give me oxygen, a puffer, an array of pills, iron and magnesium and constant blood pressure, temperature and other readings.
Unfortunately it doesn't seem that I'm getting any better and they don't want me to go home on my own. At present Mark and Jenny and also Susan Rock are in Europe. Alison is trying to arrange a place for me in the nursing home. If there's a space in one of the 'respite care homes', I qualify for 63 days during which we could start to sell the villa in the hope that a room would become available in Lady McCusker so that I would be close to Zoe and able to keep up with bridge and friends.
I would give my car to my grandson, James, and we will have to clear the house contents as quickly as possible.
What a series of problems. I can't help feeling that the best solution would be to fail to wake up one morning.
I can only hope that life is much simpler and pleasanter for all of you, my good friends.
With love
David
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| MIA AND DANIEL AT HORSE RIDING |
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| CYCLING OUT TO CAPE RECIFE WITH CHRIS |
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