Port Elizabeth City Tours; Canoe Trails; Township Tours; Addo Safaris; Elephant Back RIding Safari; Schotia Safaris; Ocean Safari on the Stampede. May 2017 21kay event and Sunridge Park 10kay run. Schoolboy Rugby'

See Port Elizabeth; the Garden Route; Addo and other wildlife Reserves or take part in a variety of activities with Peter Giddy Guided Tours or SA Guided Tours. 
peter.giddy@gmail.com

MAY 2017
Harbour Outing with Collegiate.
Canoe Trail with Chriscross
Township tour with the German Group.
Addo Safaris;  Addo Schotia Safaris;
21kay race at Forest Hill with Maria.
Addo and Zip Line combo tour
Joshua and Daniel playing good rugby for Clarendon Park.
Sunridge Park 10k with Maria and Viv.
Grave Searching with Australian Tourist Judith.
Ocean safari on the Stampede with Rod.
Southern Kings play Super Rugby at the Stadium.
Elephant Back Riding
Kragga Kamma Wildlife Reserve.
Southern Kings Rugby and Grey Rugby.... I love the season of the year.

Grey "Reunion" weekend.  Queens College are in PE on a cold, wet and windy afternoon.  Barbara and Lene brave the wet to see the match through to the end.
You're Beautiful
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

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

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

Monday 1st May.  Public Holiday.  Workers Day.

 Hobie Beach running group.  Lindi; Maria; Liesl; Amanada is hidden; Chris and Kelly

 Adrienne and Mike

And bringing up the rear is Sjani and Susan.
I think that my camera lens is a bit dirty. 
A small group of us run from Hobie Beach.  We run our normal route west along the beach front. Up Walmer Boulevard. And back along Strandfontein Road and down 7th ave back to Hobie.  After the run Adrienne, who ran the whole route, Sjani and I have a short swim.
Later I Cycle the Golf Course -- Three Loops.  I enjoy this bit of exercise on my own as I have no pressure and am able to go at my own (easy) pace.

Sardinia Bay -- Grass Roof -- Parkrun with Adrienne and Kathrine

 On the Sundays River with Cid and Jang

 Alan is our Guide. Rowena in front has a cracked rib and cannot row.  It is not really necessary as the river is flowing strong enough for very little paddling required.

 A Malachite Kingfisher.

Darter.  Recognisable with the yellowish neck which distinguishes it from the reed comorant.

 Relaxing on the Sundays River Canoe Trail.

Alan shows us the Fossils of shells that were found in the area.
And this afternoon I have a Canoe Trail Tour with Cid, Jang and Joe from Korea.  They are here on a work assignment.  We drive through to Addo and Crisscross.  Chen Greets us and Alan takes us to the river for the canoeing.  We also meet up with Rowena (Cape Town).  Cid and Jang go off together, Alan is with Rowena and I am in a Canoe on my own.  This is a gentle, downstream canoe ride with not much effort required. There are a couple of fast sections but nothing really scary.  We try to identify birds -- the Kingfisher, Reed Comorant, Darter. 
Stop off for a bit of leg stretch where Alan explains some of the vegetation and wildlife.  He shows us some fossils which were discovered by a group of university students.
Shortly after the stop we are at the end of the paddling.  Chen fetches us and we return to the Crisscross headquarters.  There are two times for this canoe trail.  The first is at 8.30am which means an early start from PE and the second is the one we did which starts at 2.30pm.  The only problem is that we get home in the dark at 6.30.  The drive from Summerstrand is just over an hour.

 Oxalis Purpurea in full bloom on the Summerstrand lawns.

 Grand Sorrel.  Oxalis purpurea.  A bulb plant -- great for pathways or gardens.  Flower during winter rainfalls in sunny areas like we see on the Summerstrand lawns. They are not weeds.

Tuesday.  Cycle with Chris.  This is a strange afternoon -- firstly I am a bit late as I was out when Chris phoned.  Then we are driving down Mount Road and onto the freeway when Chris sees my rear wheel fall off. We stop and I recover the wheel but it is damaged. So we go back home and pick up a spare wheel and the pump.
We cycle to SAMREC (now SANCOB?) and back to be in time to fetch Jessica at 2pm.  Then the school ends at 2.10 and I receive an SMS from Jessica to say she is going home with someone else. 
So I really took advantage of Chris' friendship today as the cycle was completely messed around.
This evening Barbara and Jessica go out to search for a missing man.  Left home on a bicycle. A policeman who apparently only took his pistol. There was a huge turnout of people assisting the police in the search.  Nothing was found except some stuff that did not belong to the person who they were looking for.
Wednesday afternoon I have a Township Tour with the New Mosaic. Sean comes along. It is a German Group led by Martina who is the translation guide and Michelle (Michael) who is the tour leader from Germany.  29 guests. 

German Tour Group at Red Location Backpackers with the ladies singing.
We go to Red Location Backpackers for lunch.  Good time spent here as the ladies there provide a wonderful lunch of Boerewors; Samp and Beans and Spinach.  Then they sing and dance before answering questions put by the group.  It was raining but that did not dampen the walking around Ayanda's Pottery; Nathaniels Spaza and the Street Butchery.

Thursday after the morning run Maria tells me that her daughter has an outing.   Harbour Visit. So I ask if I may come along.  Meet at Collegiate Jnr at 8am.  I drive with Catherine vd Walt.  We meet at the harbour where we are greeted by Chanel and Busi.  They take us to the West side of the Container Berth.  Unfortunately Maria's child (Lucia) bangs her hand in the car door and Maria takes her to hospital to have it checked. We later learn that there are no bones broken but she will need strapping and physiotherapy.

 Here we see the Tanker on the East Side Pier.  This tanker is loading oil and later we see the tanker leaving and after that a Gas Tanker will be docking.

Chris and I cycle to Recife.  We stop at the Patti (1976 wreck) lookout point.

A little later Chris phones and we cycle to Cape Recife.  A good workout. I see these flowers growing in a tyre along the beach promenade.

 Maria; Amanda; Adrienne and Heloise on the run this morning.  As it turned out we had no rain at all on the run.

Xavier (Maria's son) played his first Rugby Match this morning.
Saturday.  It rained a lot in the night so I was not sure who would be running. A number of the ladies were doing the Ladies Spar 5 / 10k at the beach front. So we ran from Grey.  Through Newton Park to 6th avenue and then back to Westview drive and College Drive. A bit more than 10k. 
After a shower I walked across to Grey where I joined Xavier (Snr) to watch his son play for the 8th's against Paul Roos. A good game which could have gone either way. It was Xavier's (Jnr) first ever rugby match.

 Mr S at half time chatting to the boys in C team with Daniel

 Josh had a good game with the B team at Outside Center.  Tackling; Passing and running the ball.

Grey boys celebrating a well deserved win over Paul Roos.
I then drive to Clarendon where I Watch and Linesman four matches including C team (Daniel); B team (Joshua) and U11's coached by Gareth.  They are playing St Andrews Prep which is a stronger school but none of the matches are Clarendon overwhelmed. Joshua plays a good game with lots of ball handling, running and tackling.

My last game of the day is Grey 1st team vs Paul Roos. I sit with John and Chris.  The first half is quite thrilling and ends with Grey at 8 and P Roos at 10.  In the second half P Roos are stronger and it is soon Grey 8 vs PR 20..  But in the last 10 minutes Grey comes alive and score a 7 pointer.  15;20.  And then in the final two minutes we score another converted try and the score is 22;20.  Grey holds out for the final minute and we win the game. The seconds had also won so overall a victory against a strong rugby school.
A great rugby day for me. Doing the things that I love most.

Barbara drives this Fortuner to Lalibela; Amakhala and Shamwari this weekend.
Meanwhile -- Barbara has two transfers in a Fortuner and then a Horse Events Meeting in the evening.
Sunday.  Lazy day at home.  Barbara has another transfer. Boys play touch rugby this afternoon.
Monday 8th.  Morning run -- With Chris & Elmarie; Maria; Lindi; Stephany; Ronel.  My legs are like lead.  Battling to keep up with the group.

Chen is with me.  He only provided three paddles so I am in front relaxing. At the back is Lucie a Nurse and Cathy; an Estate Agent. (French Tourists from Marseilles)

Later this afternoon I have a Canoe Trail tour with Cathy and Lucie from France. Chen is our guide at Crisscross. He is a man with a lot of knowledge of his surrounds and continues to study through UNISA.  Meanwhile around the world.  It is Annabell's Birthday and Jacqui creates a beautiful table and games for her.  Aaron and Chris having fun in Cape Town... Just being brothers and boys.

 Jacqui makes an array of goodies for the birthday table.

 Table all set for the birthday Girl.

 Not sure if Annabell is playing cricket or swan?

 Birthday Girl. Annabell with a group of friends.

 Michael having fun with Annabell on her birthday

 Mother and Daughter.  Jacqui and Annabell

 Cool Dudes.  Chris and Aaron

 Surfer Girls.  Annbell and Emily

 Annabell and Emily have taken up surfing.

 Chris and Aaron play board games with a cosy fire in the lounge

 A recent drawing created by Jacqui.
Tuesday 9th. 
After the morning run I have a couple of chores and then catch up on some overdue sleep.

Wednesday.  Swim with Megan 1000m.  Then I have a half day morning tour with Sarah.  And the day ends with Rugby == Daniel and Josh play Grey in their respective teams.  Daniel is the star of his team as he scores their only try by running halfway across the field; dodging and ducking as he dots down under the posts.  Both boys play good running and tackling rugby.

 Leo; Hugh; Bernadette and Josh make up the team of Thunderbolt Australian Adventure racers.

Zane is our Schotia Guide.
Thursday.  No running.  Two days rest before the Saturday 21k. Addo Schotia tour with a group of Australians who are here for an Adventure Trail race.  It is about 500km starting at Cape St Francis and takes the competitors into the Baviaans Kloof.  They are self Sufficient and sleep for short periods in the wild. MTB; Running; Hiking; Canoeing will eventually get them to the finish between 4 to 7 days later.
26. THUNDERBOLT AR 

1. Hugh Stodart - Australia
2. Josh Street - Australia
3. Bernadette Dornom - Australia
4. Leo Theoharis - Australia

It is a successful day with plenty of sightings both in Addo and in Schotia. The meal in Schotia is, as always, delicious.

Charlotte; Lerryn and Connell at Domkrag.  It was a perfect day for game viewing.  Not too hot with a warm sunny day. Friday morning. Addo Tour with Charlotte;  ....  And baby ONeill staying at Millbury.

Saturday -- 21k race at Forest Hill with Maria and Stephany.  It is Maria's first 21kay and she later tells me that she could not sleep thinking about the distance.  And Stephany has not run a race in about two years after she had a Heart Scare at the end of a Ten Kay event.
I fetch them at 6 and we drive to Forest Hill.  The race starts at the back of the Airport where the Maranatha homes are.  We register and line up as close to the start as we are able. With the Achilles chaps.  Graham Channon is there after his 37th Two Oceans a few weeks ago.  Also Tremaine who ran the 56. Percy; Nic Chapman; Anche; Roger.  Margie is there.  This is an EP Champs event.
Race starts at 7am.  We start with a short loop and then along the old road towards Forest Hill.  It is a bit chilly to start off and I wear my old vest.  I prefer that as it is easier to run with as little as possible. 

 Maria and Chris have only 4kay to go. Running strongly.   Kpbus is in the background.

 Robin has a good day of running today

Eckart Schuman -- His first 21k this year I think he told me.
I have my phone with me which is both a timer and a camera for me.  We turn onto Strandfontein road and then all along in an easterly direction to Gomery Road. Right for a short loop and then back the way we came.
Not as safe as it should be with cars coming both directions and runners doing the same.  So on the loop you can see the fast runners.  Graham still leading the old guys. Percy is there; Michael Botha; Graham Nel and so many Younger Achilles Men and Ladies who I don't know.  I try to keep up with Robin Coyle Downing but he and Chris are too fast for me. Maria is running with Chris and Stephany slightly behind us. 
As we reach Forest Hill on the way back it starts to rain.  Great running conditions. No wind and intermittent sunny skies to warm us up.  The route takes a back loop on the return.. Just after Forest Hill we see the 12k marker.  Then there is a  left turn for the 7 -8kay loop.  Again we see the faster runners on their way back. 

This is a fast course overall with no real hills and just perfect conditions today.  I am running with Linda Harwood for the last 5kay and we push each other to try to get a good time.  At times she is just ahead and then I have to try hard to stay with her.  Finally we run in together with a time of about 2.03 which is her best ever.  I am happy with the time which is 7 minutes faster than Oceans but then Oceans has Hills.

 Linda; Peter and Maria after a good 21kay run this morning.  Linda a PB; Maria -- first 21k ever.

Stephany is delighted to have completed a 21k after about two years of not being "allowed" to run after her heart scare at the end of a 10kay.
Total of 687 runners.  Positions below
365 203 2003 MARIA BENITO TEMP F 44 40-44F 1.57.
40422 767 1186 LINDA HARWOOD ACH F 48 45-49F 2.02.
51423 51 1116 PETER GIDDY ACH M 66 65-69M 2.02.
52547 420 21 STEFANY VAN DER WESTHUIZEN PEAAC F 51 50-54F 2.18.
13371 233 8 KOBUS GERBER PEAAC M 73 70+M 1.57.
53380 447 1144 KEN BARWOOD ACH M 61 60-64M 1.58.
29401 504 1017 ECKART SCHUMANN BODYCON M 71 70+M 2.00.
09405 513 1112 ROBIN COYLE-DOWLING ACH M 51 50-54M 2.00.
50363 301 2290 CHRISTOPHER ALLEN MADIBAZ M 44 40-44M 1.57.
38197 586 1111 GRAHAM CHANNON ACH M 67 65-69M 1.44.
10462 19 1185 CAROL-ANNE CASH ACH F 46 45-49F 2.08.07
471 525 2316 TRACEY CROMMELIN TEMP F 36 35-39F 2.09.
21501 738 4788 LETITIA STRAUSS TEMP F 37 35-39F 2.11.
47515 49 1571 DORIS GERBER NEDBANK F 46 45-49F 2.14.
11581 770 1652 KELLY-RAE MORTIMER MADIBA F 34 SF 2.23.32

I find some familiar names in the Ten Kay Results
42 36 724 ALLAN VERREYNNE CRUSADE M 70 70+M 0.52.38
48 136 2424 LIONEL NIEBURG PROFILES M 48 45-49M 0.53.54
69 61 1024 VIV MITCHELL TEMP F 53 50-54F 0.57.5095 211 2211 SHANNON BRADFORD TEMP F 20 SF 1.00.53156 38 759 ODETTE VOSLOO CRUSADE F 57 55-59F 1.08.39157 207 2207 BRIGGETTA MEY TEMP F 40 40-44F 1.09.46
166 37 727 ELAINE VERREYNNE CRUSADE F 71 70+F 1.10.39176 196 9196 SANDY STOCK TEMP F 48 45-49F 1.13.28
205 122 478 ERICA THOMPSON WALMER F 57 55-59F 1.21.10

 

Chris and Peter on the run.

Boys are at Rugby with Woodridge.  Both of them have good games.  Josh scores a try and Daniel is Kicker for his team as well as reserve for the B team. Both win their games against Woodridge.

Later we go to watch the Southern Kings play and beat the Sharks in a thrilling game which swings from up and down until the final minute when we score to take the lead by just one point. The try is converted so we end the game 35 - 32.  It could have gone either way but this evening it was the day for the Kings.

 Lioness ... Josie named after Josie Adendorf, Daughter of a Park Ranger. with one of three cubs

 Cubs hiding in the bushes

 One of the small cubs trying to catch up with Josie

 Picnic lunch with Thomas; Loc and Kristi.

 Loc and Kristi about to Zip Line.  It takes about 30 seconds and is 500m long.  To get up here there is a short ferry that is used to cross the Sundays River and then about 10 to 15 minutes to walk up the hill which you do in small stages so as to not get too out of breath.  On the way there are information boards regarding the area and Kirkwood.  Also the old water duct or sloot as well as shell fossils to be seen.

 Loc; Jason and Kristi

Kristi and Loc on the Big Swing.  The truck at the back will pull them to the highest possible elevation.  This activity also takes about 30 seconds
Sunday 14th is Mothers Day.  I have an Addo and Zip Line combo tour with Thomas (working for Luk) and Loc & Kristi from America who are volunteering as part of their South African Holiday.
Monday morning.  No running. Still a bit stiff from Saturday.  Township tour with Donna and Simon from Australia.

 Megan Holden and I cycle the Golf Course two laps this afternoon

Tuesday morning cycle with Chris and Andrea.  Unfortunately I seem to hold them up as I cannot keep up to their pace and stop for chats with people along the promenade which also adds to the delays.

Tuesday.  Running in the morning with Chris; Adrienne; Maria; John; Mike; Ingrid; Vuyo; Thozamo; Joan; Stuart; Maryka; Ingrid; Elmarie; Mike; Benita; Lisa; Susan; Kelly;
Then cycling with Chris from Kings Beach to the Lighthouse at Recife.    Later I am able to collect the Landrover which has been in for repairs for the past 5 weeks since it broke down in April while I was driving in Addo.

Pic of Daniel in the U12C team after their Woodridge win on Saturday.

 Wednesday 17th was not as successful as Clarendon were not able to score against a strong Sunridge Park side 34-0

Nicky and her family of Mia; Aaron; Christian and Mia.

The register at the South End Cemetery helps us identify where to find the grave stone of R Henderson who died at age 6 months in 1907.
I now have the Landrover Discovery back after five weeks of being in the workshop. Neither the workshop nor the Auto Electrician were able to identify the fault until the past few days when a wiring issue was identified and fixed.  I truly hope that it is now the end of vehicle trouble.
Wednesday 17th.  City tour with Judith Henderson from Australia.  We spent most of the morning looking for the grave site of Robert Henderson who died in PE at age 6months. Eventually after looking at an old pic we found the grave site in the South End Cemetery.
Josh and Daniel are no both playing for Clarendon Park B team.  Both boys have a good game today except for tackling.  And we talk about that on the way back from a real thrashing by Sunridge Park.

 Leaving PE Harbour we see a pod of Dolphins

 On the Stampeded with Rod; Charles and Terry.

 Looking at the Container Berth from outside of the PE Harbour.  A beautiful calm sea today.

 Penguins out in the bay searching for fish as they "Fatten up for winter" ... I thought to myself that its unfair that Penguins find this Fattening up acceptable while people have to continuously be on a diet to ensure that we are not fattening up.

 Shimmering sunlight on the seas around St Croix island.

 We see at Bryde's Whale.  Pronounced "Brooders" this whale weighs up to 14 000kg and reaches lengths of 15m. It eats fish and rounds them up before lunging upwards to gulp them down, sometimes swallowing penguins and other birds at the same time.

Picture of the Bryde's Whale.

 Thursday 17th.  Legs still sore from last Saturday so no running.  Stampeded boat cruise with Charles and Terry from USA.  Rod is the captain of the Stampede.  As we left the Hotel we see a pod of Dolphins swimming towards the harbour and then as we leave the breakwater we encounter them again as they swim all around the boat.  We then move out into the bay as Rod spots the Bird activity.  We see Cape Gannet diving for fish and then large numbers of Penguins in small groups known as "Rafts of Penguins".  Rod is able to see a Bryde's Whale from far off and we move in that direction.  We then see it surface close to the boat.  Quite unexpected to see a whale at this time of year.
We continue on towards Brenton and then St Croix island. On the way we see a seal sleeping in the water and then as it wakes it plays around the boat.  We pass these huge cargo ships as well as the Greek Bunkering ship that refuels ships in the bay and has taken "business" away from the harbour.
At St Croix we see just a few Dolphins and Penguins. A SAN Parks boat crew stop us and check up on us.  Then we see something quite strange.... On st Croix we see a man with a shotgun and he is shooting Gulls.  This is probably in an attempt to prevent them from eating the penguin eggs and chicks.
Today was a great outing with almost the calmest possible seas and a warm sunny day.  Charles and Terry loved the outing as did I.  This was my first time with Rod on the Stampede and was a great experience which I can recommend to future clients. The Stampede is wide with plenty of place to sit or to stand and look across the bay.  In the front is a trampoline where you are able to enjoy the warm sunshine.  Rod's wife makes him sandwiches which he offers around as well as snacks and beverages.


Friday 19th.  I have an Addo / Kragga Kamma combo Tour for Tracey -- 5th Ave Summerstrand B & B. Great day with Dixon and Marlene from America.  Dixon and his students created the idea of Vertical Farming in cities.

 Elmarie pouring drinks for thirsty finishers.  Well done to Chris; Gerald; Ronel and Pat for their hard work in making this event a success.

 Maria and Andrea at the end of a hard run. 

 Maria and Viv feeling quite satisfied with the result and their times this morning.,

 Viv at about 60min; Maria at about 52 and Peter at about 54min for this morning's 10kay.

Achilles team.  End of the Sunridge Park 10kays of hills.  Achilles runners today includes:  Peter; Kenny; Tom; Graham; Alan; Nic; Bev; linda; Tremain; Cathy; Susan; Rodney; Leslie; Bev; Xolile; Adyn; Graham Nel and Michael Botha probably also there.

Saturday.  Fetch Maria and Viv for the Sunridge Park 10k.  I think that this is my first time to run this event.  The course is similar to the 10k we used to run from Lont Park and also the 15k we ran earlier this year from Sportsmans Warehouse.  Odette has repaired my Running Vest.  It is a really old vest and is falling apart from years of use and washing. Pinning numbers onto the vest is also a cause for deterioration.  Last week Odette saw me in the vest and offered to fix it for me.  I accepted and took the smelly and tatty item of clothing off there and then.  Today Odette gives me the reconditioned vest and I am now in a vest that does not look quite as tatty.

The course takes the runners through the suburb of Sunridge Park from the Shopping Center. At about 2k Maria and I pass Viv, Andrea and Kelly.   Maria goes on ahead and I run for a bit with Dave Emslie.. Then Andrea catches us at about 4k.  The pace is fast and I have to work each uphill as much as the downs. I am trying to keep Maria in sight but she moves a bit ahead at each turn. 

I see Kenny in front of me and so that is my goal -- to keep him in sight.  The course has almost no straights so you are working all the time.  It makes it interesting but tough to maintain a steady running pace.  During the week I had had some leg pains as a result of last weeks 21k.  I took an anti inflammatory this morning to try to avoid pain during the race but every now and again I feel a stab of pain in the legs. Nothing that lasts so I am able to press on.
Only in the final kay is there a bit of a flat and then the finish is past the shopping center again. Maria ran about 52; Kenny 53 and I was about 54.  Then came Andrea; Kelly and Viv in the following five minutes. 
The Achilles team is there and everyone seems to be doing well. The weather and conditions could not be more perfect; No wind and a warm morning sun.  There is a general feeling of well being and team spirit at the end of the morning run.  Chrs; Elmarie; Pat; Gerald; Ronel were all working at Marshalling and water points.
Official Results
190 711 1111 GRAHAM CHANNON ACH M 67 65-69M 0.48.26227
165 1420 GRAEME TING CHONG NEDBANK M 48 45-49M 0.49.54287
1012 3012 MARIA BENITO TEMP F 44 40-44F 0.52.32
305 761 1144 KEN BARWOOD ACH M 62 60-64M 0.53.13320
279 1116 PETER GIDDY ACH M 66 65-69M 0.53.52376
66 1186 LINDA HARWOOD ACH F 48 45-49F 0.55.26385
574 3574 ANDREA DYER TEMP F 39 35-39F 0.55.53419
669 1090 SUSANN CHAPMAN ACH F 41 40-44F 0.56.55487
382 3382 KELLY HOLMES TEMP F 40 40-44F 0.58.33
497 695 1185 CAROL-ANNE CASH ACH F 46 45-49F 0.58.49514
57 1571 DORIS GERBER NEDBANK F 46 45-49F 0.59531
446 2445 VIVIENNE MITCHELL TEMP F 53 50-54F 0.59.42606
251 712 SIMON CLARK CRUSADE M 40 40-44M 1.02.01443
789 1074 BEVERLEY BARENDS ACH F 56 55-59F 0.57.22
354 888 745 KATHLEEN FLANAGAN CRUSADE F 31 SF 0.54.55 

  

 Josh and Daniel at the Nelson Mandela Bay stadium to watch rugby.

Once again the Kings loose possession due to the flyhalf kicking into Brumbies hands.  The flyhalf is the Captain and it is clear that he does not trust his own backline to run the ball.
This evening Josh; Daniel and I go to Rugby at the stadium.  Southern Kings Vs Brumbies who are an Australian team from Canberra which is South Eastern central Australia and situated on a lake or river. The Kings play a foolish game with the flyhalf continuously kicking away possession. They lose the game as a result. After this evening both teams have played 11 games and both won 4 of them.  We enjoy the outing although we anticipated very cold and wet weather when we saw the mist descending over PE earlier.  But it was not freezing and not at all wet. At the stadium we met up with Steve Pederson who is a Clarendon Park Teacher.

 Allesandro; Milton and Geullermo on Safari in Addo today

 We see this elephant almost as soon as we enter the park.

Last thing before we leave the park we see these lions in Harveys Loop.
Sunday 21st.  Half Day Addo Tour with Allesandro and Milton from Brazil and Guellermo from Argentina who are working for Ford South Amernica. We have great sightings including Lions at the end. After the Safari we stop for lunch at the Yacht Club. 

 Barbara 's boyfriend gives her these old photo's of her Mother (Erica) and Father (Jack)

 Zara and Aaron achieve Silver Medals at Wall Climbing.

 Barbara is at Riding

 The platform to mount an elephant

I am on the back of this Elephant with guide Chris.

In October 2017 --- I take a family to the Knysna Elephant Park where I spot this sign.  
November 2002; Duma; Mukwa and Thaba are relocated to form a bachelor herd at our sister facility Addo Elephant Back Safaris in Zuurberg outside Addo Elephant National Park.

Monday 22nd.  Running in the morning mist and then later I fetch Steve and Sally from Newcastle Australia and we go to Addo Elephant Back Safaris.

Steve has just taken part in the Adventure race in Cape st Francis where his team was placed 11th.
We leave at 8.30am and have a stop off at Nanaga for a Coffee and toilet break.  Then on to the N10 past Patterson.  10k past Patterson is the turn off to KromRiview.  Along this road for about 18km we reach the Palace where there is now a gate.  And then 8km further on we reach the Elephant Back Safaris.   The riding is now done on the west side of the road where the platform is situated.  We meet the guides and they round up the three Elephant.  My guide is Chris.  He and the others are Zimbabwean.  These three Elephant are 28 to 30 years old.  They were originally in Kruger and then at Knysna from where they were transferred here.

 Steve and Sally on their Elephant

I am on the Elephant with Chris as the guide.
We mount up and then do the short walk through the reserve where we see the 8 giraffe; Bontebok and Impala.  Sitting on these magnificent animals is a real treat although very uncomfortable and I am quite stiff and sore when I dismount. We are over 3 meters high when riding on a bony back.
We have some time to take photos as the Elephants are fed and then it is our turn to feed the animals.  Quite fun doing this as the trunk is such a versatile limb.
Finally we are served a meal of Beef stew on macaroni before we leave for Addo.
The drive from PE takes nearly 2.5 hours.  The drive from the N10 to the Elephants is about 25k and takes about 45 minutes.  It is wise to take your time as the road is shocking and if you speed there is both the chance of accidents as well as punctures.  All the way there and all the way back we see not one other vehicle and only a few labourers.
The second part of the day is Addo.  We go back to the N10 and then right at Patterson.  The Addo safari is good as we have plenty to see with Elephant and Buffalo up close.  Many other animals and then right at the end we have sighting of Lions although from a distance.
Tuesday morning run with 25 runners including: Susan; Liesl; Maria; Kelly; Maritsa; Davera; Claire; Michelle; Ellen; Mike; Kobus; Almarie; Duncan; Benita; Stian; Mike; Lisa; Lynne; Joan; Amanda; Angela; John;
Doing some admin with Vehicles; two flat tyres on the Landrover; exchange my Aisics Nimbus; Looking for a trade in on the Landrover and trying to sort out the Opel Corsa bakkie. Dole work starts again.

Afternoon Township tour with 24pax German Group. Lunch at Red Location Backpackers.

Wednesday afternoon match vs Rowallan Park. 

Josh is playing for the B team and Daniel is subbing for them.  Josh is punched in the eye and there is a whole lot of dirty play from these boys who are clearly winning without the need for punching.

Later on Daniel plays for the C team of Clarendon vs Grey.  Josh is subbing for this team.  Both boys play passionate and tough games.  Although they lose both games it is not as a result of lazy play.  Josh scores the only try for the C team and his coach names him man of the match in the B team.

Later this evening Barbara and I attend the Grey Music concert.  We were invited by Maria and Javier.  Sitting here is Elmarie; Pat; Maria and daughter Lucia.

The band in full uniform played and looked quite spectacular.

Javier JR is playing the Huge Violin called a Double Bass Cello.

The end of the music concert sees the boys receive standing ovations.  The concert is held in the Feather Market Hall.  We see a host of old Grey boys: Bob Stedman; Brian Knox; Larry Richard; John Offerman; Dave Collins; Ian Pringle; Philip Nienaber.  Both Grey high and Junior are in the concert which is a really worthwhile outing.
Thursday. Lazy and no running.  Cycle in the afternoon around the golf course.
Saturday 27th.  Run in the morning with Maria; Chris; Liesl; Lindi and Michael.  There is a chilly westerly blowing so we run to 6th ave NP and back along Westview Drive.  10k and we feel good after this solid run.  Then Barbara and I drive to Grahamstown to watch Josh and Daniel play rugby vs Kingswood.  We watch four games Josh U13b and Daniel U13c and subbing for Josh's team.  We also watch U11a and U13a.  I am Linesman for three of the games.  Clarendon Park win all four games plus the U9 game that we did not watch.  Daniel's game was a particular thriller as they were down 17 - 5 and fought back to win 24 - 17.  All teams had to play at their best level to win the games.  I enjoy being linesman as it allows me to be with the game.  But my legs were tired by the end of the morning.

 Josh is wearing knee guards since a fall in a previous game.  Makes him easy to identify in the mix of players

Daniel on the run.  When he gets the ball he is a fire on wheels.

 Josh and Daniel have to play their hearts out to win both U13b and U13C games vs Kingswood in Grahamstown this morning.

Rugby at Grey vs Queens.  A Wet, Cold and Windy afternoon.  But this is what I love to do when possible on a Saturday afternoon. 
We then drive home to watch the Grey vs Queens games.  We meet up with Wayne, Sonya and Boston.  We watch three games which are all won by Grey.  By the time the second half of the last game is in progress it is raining hard and we are getting cold. But we stay to the end.  And it is a thrilling match although Grey remain in front Queens never give up and score two quick tries in the second half to bring them to within two points of wining.  Grey hold on and defend to take the game at 24-22.. 

Sunday afternoon cycle as Daniel ramps an obstacle on the golf course trail.  Meet up with the van Zyls to decide on a suitable trail for Taegan to do in June for her Award at school.

How Great Is Our God"The splendor of a king
Clothed in majesty
Let all the earth rejoice
All the earth rejoice

He wraps Himself in light,
And darkness tries to hide
And trembles at His voice
Trembles at His voice

How great is our God
Sing with me
How great is our God
And all will see
How great, how great is our God

Age to age He stands
And time is in His hands
Beginning and the end
Beginning and the end

The Godhead Three in One
Father, Spirit and Son
The Lion and the Lamb
The Lion and the Lamb

Name above all names
Worthy of all praise
My heart will sing
How great is our God

Cycle to Recife with Chris (Blowout and had to walk back) and Stefany -- we meet up with Steve and Gerald.  They continue to the Patti while we cycle back to the vehicle where Chris and Elmarie are waiting.
Monday 29th.  Running with Chris; Maria; Mike; Lindi.  Some Dole work.  And cycle in the afternoon.  Looking at vehicles but decide to stay where we are for now.

Mia's Birthday this week... Monday 29th

 Gail is training to be able to handle this horse

 Daniel's U13C team plays Westering. 

Daniel is on his way to scoring a third try when he is tackled on the line.
Tuesday 30th ... Morning running and then Cycle to Recife.  Chris has a blow out.  Elmarie is battling with stiff and sore legs after a hard workout.  I end up with Gerald Friedman and Steve Mc Donald and Stefany.
More Dole work and University Moderation to be completed.
Daniel has a match vs Westering.  Within a short space of time he has scored two running tries.  His team play as a unit and have improved immensely since the start of the season.
Wednesday.  Cycle with Andrea -- From Grassroof to Seaview -- 27k on Road Bikes.  This is a relatively safe ride with much of the rout in the Yellow Lines. A bit of Dole work and then meeting with Peter and Frank. 
Rugby at Grey with Daniel and at Clarendon with Joshua. Neither boys have good games. 



Nicky; Werner and Chris continue to work wonders on the upgrade of the Montreux flat.

 Montreux kitchen with new shelving

 Chris is working on sanding the floors

 Bedroom floor shined up and looking amazing

 View from the lounge to the kitchen

 shelving in the kitchen taking shape

Michael died on 25th May 2013... Four years ago. 
At that time Nicky wrote this:

Mike,
The plan was to drive to PE on Sunday, after Mia's party on Saturday and Stefnie's baby shower. There was a plan and we had more time. But then I was on... a plane and then by your bed, crying, telling you to sleep. Now you are gone from us, it's over. What happened to the plans? Operation 1, 2 and 3? Michigan? Israel? Radiation? Chemo? Plans for the future? Just 5 days ago you told me that soon you would come visit us in Cape Town and you asked me about the renovations and the business. But now they already took away your body. I can't see you anymore. I don't have a brother anymore. I just need a little more time.

I don't want this new reality. It's not okay.
I saw you take your last breath. You fought so hard for 3 long years, but the end came too quickly. You told Lene 2 nights ago that you had absolutely no doubt that you were going to beat this, I believed this with you. Even though I know that you are in a better place, I'm sorry. Because for me, and I know for you too, heaven is watching my children grow and play and I'm sorry that's not going to happen. I'm also sorry that I couldn't understand what you were trying to say today. I know you could hear us. I think you were calling your children, but it was too hard for the boys Mike. Jess was amazing though, she lay with you till the end, she sang to you and prayed for you. Then she comforted Lene. Then she told me that you told her that you would tell her when to start worrying. You never did, so she said she wouldn't.
I don't know how to face the coming days. I just love you and wish this was not the path you had to walk.