Peter Giddy Guided Tours. March 2020.
Peter Giddy Guided Tours -- Shore Excursions -- Addo Elephant and other Wildlife Reserves -- Garden Route. Flowers of Namaqualand --
0027 (0) 82 55 03 714 Whatsup
peter.giddy@gmail.com
- Addo Elephant Park Day Visit and Night drive.
- Kragga Kamma Wildlife Reserve
- Daniel Cheetah Project
- Pumba; Shamwari; Amakhala; Kariega -- Day trips Private Reserves.
- Three day tour of Mountain Zebra Park. Graaff Reinet, Nieu Bethesda and Addo.
- Tours: City Historical and Cultural Tours,
- Horse riding for both experienced and inexperienced riders
- Hikes and Walks around Port Elizabeth (2 hour Nature and Coastal walks)
- Garden Route Adventure Tours (Zip Lines; Segway in the Forest; Adventure Quad Biking; Bridge Walks; Bungy Jump; Knysna Elephant Park; Monkey Land and Birds of Eden; Big Cats Sanctuary; Oudtshoorn Cango Caves and Ostrich farms)
- Shore Excursions from Passengers ships.
- Day visit -- Historical City Tour; Beach Front; Penguin Sanctuary; Sacramento; Heritage walking trail; Seafood lunch at Barnacles and end the day with a 2 hour wildlife experience.
- Transfers. Airport; Hotel and Wildlife Reserve.
- Flowers of Namaqualand. Seven days of adventure and exploring places and sights you never even knew existed. History and natural beauty of the South West of South Africa
- Karoo to Garden Route. Six days of fun and activities. Prince Albert; Swartberg Pass; Die Hell; Oudtshoorn; Prince Alfred pass; Plett and Tsitsikamma.
Website -- petergiddyguidedtours.wordpress.com
For tours and bookings.. email me at. peter.giddy@gmail.com
Contact me on Whatsup.... 0027 082 550 3174
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Tawana had a fast start and I had to work hard to stay with him. The last kay I was able to pull ahead   |
Sunday 1st March 2020.
I pick up Tawana (Botswana) and we run the myrun at the Humewood Golf Course. Tawana is training for a 21k in Gabarone. He is in PE to visit his son and nephew who are students at Woodridge. This morning I run my best time for this venue. My previous best was 29.15. This is what happens when you have a pacer.
I pick up Tawana (Botswana) and we run the myrun at the Humewood Golf Course. Tawana is training for a 21k in Gabarone. He is in PE to visit his son and nephew who are students at Woodridge. This morning I run my best time for this venue. My previous best was 29.15. This is what happens when you have a pacer.
| 4 | Humewood Golf Club | 5.00 km | 00:28:31 |
I think my plane for kili leaves at 10.30am
Night all ❤️
Barbara is in Tanzania. Preparing to climb Kilimanjaro.
Sunday afternoon. Ron, Lyn and I go to watch rugby. Southern Kings losing to the other guys. Yes.. .. The other guys. So this week I am listening to the wireless in my car. And the announcer says that I can have free tickets to watch our team lose against the other guys. And all you have to do is to phone in and say who the other guys are. +
I promptly phone in and say that the Southern Kings will be playing against the "otherguys" in my gruffest voice. And lo and behold... I receive a message to say that I was correct and that I can collect my complementary tickets.
So that is how we ended up watching our team lose again. +
We celebrated with an early supper braai at our house.
Monday morning. Running with Chris; Gaye; Mitch and Susan. Chris and I cut short. I have tired legs after two hard runs this weekend.
Monday evening I pick up Claudia and daughter Laura. They spend the night at our home before their Addo Safari tour on Monday. Frank picks them up for this.
Monday morning Barbara loads up for her Kilimanjaro Climb in Tanzania.
The chaos that precedes the first day climb.
Getting ready for our 2.5hour paddle downstream on the Sundays River.
Alison and Mike. A perfect day for the Canoe Trail. Also on the trail with us are Richard and Harriet who co incidentally live close to Mike and Alison.
Plenty of time for bird watching. The stream is in our favour. Comfortable and stable canoes. We are able to take cameras. Brutus provides beverages on the trail.
Myself and Brutus. His family lives in Plettenbergbay. He is originally Zimbabwean. He was a guide at the Knysna Elephant park before moving to Addo where he has been for the past two years.
Brutus calls a break. We do a short nature walk.
Tuesday 3rd ..... I leave at 6am and pick up Alison and Mike from Thunzi Lodge. We have a wonderful morning canoe trail with Brutus as our Guide. This is a Bird Lovers activity. Brutus is knowledgeable and identifies all the birds.... Darter; Comorant; Pied Kingfisher; Malakite Kingfisher; Giant Kingfisher; Warbler; Giant or Goliath Heron; a host of Weavers and the Red Bishop.
After our Canoe trail we visit the Daniel Cheetah Project. Here Alison and Mike are able to enjoy their final encounter with African Predators before leaving for home (England) on Wednesday afternoon.
We are able to get up close to these magnificent animals in Kragga Kamma.
The behaviour of Zebra continues to fascinate me.
A hot day today as temperatures rose to 47 degrees.
On tour today Beate and Martin out of picture. On the termite hill is Christian and Uta who made the booking with me and Doris with Wildfred who was the camera man of the day.
Zebra; Warthogs; Hartebeest; Ostrich all milling around the water hole.
+
A zebra with a wounded hoof. Looks like it may have gotten caught in wire. I reported this to Mike and Ruan who have contacts with the section rangers.
Wednesday 4th
Chaos on the harbour. Gate security being over zealous. Long lines to get in. Alan is held up. We have six of us working today... Peter; Alan; Frank; Bruce; Mike and myself. 37 guests in total.
After a hot flustered day I finally get going and take my six people to KK. A great morning for wildlife. Giraffe really close to the car. Antelope and other animals.
We then go across to Addo where we take the Vukani and Ngulube loops and have all kinds of animals close to the car. Everyone loves the day. I drop them off at the Aida Mira at about 5pm.
Alta who was on the Flower tour with us two years ago. Bennie who I have invited to come on tour with us this year. .
Our group takes a break before we walk back to Sappers and our cars.
Interesting how the Media creates panic in their search for sensational news.
Thursday starts with a good morning run of 8km with Mike; Chris; Gaye; Mitch and myself. Then I go to Sappershoek and do the walk with the SAARP group..
Friday 6th. Running with Mike; Chris; Susan; Gaye and Mitch. I continue on as they only walk. Around St Georges and down Target then back up for about 7km. I look for Masks for Cathy in NZ. There is a Corona flu virus scare around the world. Especially for frequent travelers. All sold out.
I collect my 2020 race numbers from Graham; Purchase two bright torches; Buy my supplies for Saturday's Addo. Fill the car, Wash the car. Plant the Spekboom, A busy morning but then a lazy afternoon.
Adyn; Tom; Cathy and myself. Lining up for our run.
The Achillles team. Peter; Percy; ? and Garreth; Darryl; Roger and Desmond with Alan in front.
Jess runs up behind me and greets me as 1116. and introduces herself as 1117. Tess ran her first 42 last week and has joined Achilles in 2019. We ran the first 3kay together which was good for me as I had to work hard to stay with her. She tells me that this is a slow easy run for herself. Mmmmmm? Anyway it worked for me as I then had a good start to the run.
162 377 1167 JULIE ANDREW ACH F 32 SF 1.16.35
171 461 1084 SIZINZO KAMA ACH M 68 65-69M 1.17.18
183 503 1148 PERCY DALTON ACH M 71 70+M 1.18.42
282 402 1117 JESSICA JEFFERIES ACH F 31 SF 1.25.22
284 589 1199 AYDN WILSON ACH M 55 55-59M 1.25.37
326 458 1116 PETER GIDDY ACH M 69 65-69M 1.28.06
428 890 1901 CARLA YORK BLUEBAY F 29 SF 1.32.45
My guests in Addo. Anni and Dominque at Spekboom Hide.
Saturday 7th March 2020.
Start the day with a 15k Sportsmans Warehouse run. I meet up with Aydn, Tom, Percy, Rob Button. Erika, Marie Louise Emslie, Odettte Vosloo, Tess who has the number just after me. 1117. Peter, Alan, Darryl. Garreth, Desmond, 3
After a short warm up with Rob we line up at the start line outside the Sportsmans shop. 6am the race starts. Round the shopping center and down W Moffet. I run with Tess for the first 3k. She points out that we have consecutive numbers. 1116 and 1117. Tess is too fast for me so I let her go ahead. I run fairly hard. The course has no flats. It is either up or down. My uphill climbing is not good. We run though Sundridge Park. Up and Down. Up and down. Finally we reach 10k and I ask the lady in front of me the time. She checks her watch for the second time in just 10 seconds to tell me that we have run 59 minutes for the first 10k. So I determine to run the final 5k in under 6min a kay. Running hard on the ups and pushing on the down hills .
Counting down the kay marker boards I finally get to the last kay which takes us up W Moffet to Sportsmans. At last we reach the finish line and I chat to a couple of people before leaving for home and to pick up my guests.
Last Year. I ran the Helpers Run in 1.29. 866 runners. 2018 I ran a 1.31 time. 774 runners.
I pick up at Wagtails in Summerstrand. Judy and Gerald Barker who I knew many years ago in business are running the BnB. Judy recognises me and tells me that she stayed in our house over 30 years ago.
Annie and Dominique are my guests for the day. It turns out to be quite successful despite the heat.
The temperature in Addo Elephant Park today rose to 47 degrees at one time.
This evening I light a fire and have a Home Alone. Braai Alone evening.
Saturday was a busy day for me. Running the 15k and then picking up for Addo. I have managed to do this a number of times on Saturday mornings -- fitting in a run or parkrun and then my tour of the day. This evening I felt like the relaxing effect that a Braai has on me so despite being home alone, I decided to put some vegetables on the stove and chicken pieces on a fire.
Last post for Guts2Glory group and links
Getting fetched for airport (hours drive away) at 10am. Flight from Kili to Addis Ababa 18.10 arr 20.30+-
Sleep at dodgy hotel then leave for CT 8.20am arriving 13.45
Sleep in CT and drive to Mossel Bay afternoon 10th. Sleep at backpackers and do first zipline at 9am on the 11th (spring high so should be good
)
Drive straight home afterwards. Shd arrive around 2.30pm.
Starting the run with Bertus and Christien running for a change. Craig does the honours of the timing and pics.
Bruce; Jenny and Beenzie at the Myrun
A warm morning for a run so I take my shirt off.
Sunday 8th. Up early. I wake up early on days like today when I have no tours and feel that I can have a daytime nap later on. This morning Barbara will be leaving from Kilimanjaro airport for Addis Ababa.
I run the 5k myrun at the Humewood Golf Course. I have tired legs from the past four days of running. So I take it easy. We do the course in reverse. Not my best. The soft sand and uphill in the first two kays slows me down.
Bontebok in Kragga Kamma
We had the best possible sightings of Cheetah this morning.
Right next to the vehicle
Change of light from a different angle.
Thornapple or Loco Weed?
Datura? Grows after recent rains. White tubular flower with the purple inside.
Monday 9th. Running a short one with Chris. Barbara returns from Kilimanjaro. Stay a night at Nicky and then one night in Mossel Bay. Barbara wants to do the Zip Line again.
Pick up Judith and Julia and Tina for KK and Addo. Wet, Raining and misty. But still a good day.
Tuesday. ... Day at home. Some University work and other local chores.
Marshall and Meryl house burning down.
Southern Harvester Termite. .
Philipp and Mattis.
Tini and Paulina.
An African Small White butterfly with dots on the outside of their wings
Mattis -- 5 -- co driver
Paulina -- 7 -- first driving lesson. I think that this was a real highlight for Paulina. Not possible on the busy roads of Germany.
Wednesday 11th. The day started at Midnight. Next door neighbours house was on fire. They were away. The house sitter says the electrical board exploded. No one hurt. No animals hurt. But the fire consumed the house. By morning the house had burnt down completely.
Pick up Philipp; Tini and children Paulina 7 and Mattis 5. Addo. Raining but a wonderful day. They really enjoyed the whole day. Even the children.
Daron and Fiona. From Ireland.
Another big Ellie comes close to the vehicle.
African white; Brown Veined Butterfly with Citrus Swallow tail Butterflies.
A parade of Elephants greet us as we enter the park
The poor Zebras are battling at this time as they fight for mating rights
We have been seeing this Zebra on the Harveys Loop. He has a broken right back ankle. He has been like this for about a year and seems to cope okay.
Thursday. Start the day with a run with the group.. Corona Virus is all the conversation. Convid19. Jacqui's family is in Lockdown. They stay at home for 5 weeks. Most school work done on line. Only essential business continues to operate. This is an attempt to stop the virus in its tracks. Mike Dean is off to the Caymans. Today I have Fiona and Daron with me in Addo. From the start with have amazing sightings of Elephant and the complete variety.
Friday. Running with Chris; Gaye; Antoinette and Adel. Down target and up to 8th Ave. Then to 10th and back down again. We end up going up the steps. Dole work. Cancellations due to Covid19 fears. Meet up with John Kotze and Graham Channon. We go to Lake Farm to arrange parking for Saturday morning Lake Farm runs.
This evening Brenda comes over and we enjoy an early Braai.
Start of the Grassroof (Sardinia Bay) parkrun.
Saturday 14th. Do my Achilles Parking Duty at Lake Farm. 4.45am to 6.30am. With John; Tom; Cindy and Craig; Desmond.
Parkrun at Grassroof. Meet up with Pindiwe who tells me that she has lived in a Shack for 20 years with no running water in the home. In Kwazakhele. If (When) Covid 19 hits her area it will be a complete disaster.
I had no intention of running hard..... But as things go it is a relatively small field of runners and I see someone ahead of me who may be my age group..... So I chase. And then a youngster... And I chase and so it goes on. But feeling good so running harder than planned. I will have to try to run this event in under 30 minutes at some stage. It is always the first kay where I struggle.
Sunday 16th.
I pick up Jim and Denise at the Boardwalk Hotel. Also Dorah. The three of them are here for business at Goodyear. Jim is from Ireland and Dorah from Mexico. It appears that they are all working out of Luxembourg at the present time. We have an excellent morning of game viewing.
Yonela is our guide; Wendy and Angie are from Peru and staying at Manor 38 which is owned by Bertus and Christien.
Feeding of Penguins.
Wendy; Angie and Dorah on the Marine Drive.
Schoenmakerskop; the Sacramento and Heritage trail
This afternoon I pick up Dorah again we meet up with Angie and Wendy for a Wildside tour. Penguins; Marine Drive; Schoenmakerskop; Sacramento and Retha's Heritage Trail. Dorah reminds me that Peter Joseph took her for a Hiking trail at the Storms River Mouth and Suspension Bridges and also in Settlers Park a few years ago.
Bella. Chirstoff; Juliana and Sabine At Jacks.
Algoa Lookout with Bella. Juliana. Sabine and Christoff.
Braai after the day.
Tuesday 17th. I pick up Bella who made the booking. with her family. Sister Juliana; Mother Sabine and father Christoff. From Chelsea Manor. Michael Price. We have a really successful day in Addo.
Everlasting flowers on the road up to the top of the Mountain.
Bearded Proteas
Vivid Colours.
Rob and Peter bring up the rear. Eugene was also a bit late quickly caught up with us.
A long pull up the hill to the top where the Radio Masts are situated.
Along the pathway to the top you can just make out the Heel of the Slipper.
On the footpath to the summit of the 500m high mountain.
Our group of 15 hikers included -- Rob; Flo; Ralf; Judy; Bev; Des; Gert; Debbie and Peter.
Richard is a first timer in this group. With Dave and Heather. Ian had to take a breather and followed on after he had recovered. Eugene turned around early.
Looking across to Jeffreys Bay.
Peter climbs to the top for the first time ever.
A very happy Flo.
King of the Mountain
Rob and a happy Peter ... He made it to the top and is now on the way down hill.
Looking back towards the Slipper.
Wednesday 18th. Without the Corona Virus we were going to be flat out busy with the Aida Mira in PE.. BUT. This virus has put everyone on high alert and little to no international travel is happening. All Cruises shut down. One ship near to Japan has hundreds of passengers infected. South Africa has gone from just one or two infections last week to 116 infections today.
So I join the Wednesday walking group going up the Ladys Slipper from the West Side. Peter Joseph joins me. I make a mistake on the road. I take the Elandsriver Road past Cowboy Mills farm Wide Horizon. Have to turn around and rush to try to catch up with the rest of the walkers on the Culturama Road near to Fitchets Corner.
We get there about 10 minutes late and set a fast pace to try to catch up with the group. Rob is waiting for us. Eugene also made a wrong turn and is behind us. We hike up the long tar road to the Radio Masts at the top. Exhausting for Peter who is not used to this kind of exercise. Ian is collapsed on the side of the road needing to catch his breath.
This is not an easy walk. The initial climb followed by the undulating footpath makes this a reasonably solid two hour walk. We had a good break at the top of the hill. And began our slow descent. The downhill takes it out on your legs and feet while the uphill takes strong breathing.
Both Peter and I really enjoyed this walk. Much tougher than the West Side climb. But probably a bit more rewarding.
The beautiful Thornycroft Farm. Abundant with cattle on the meadows
Our gathering point. Lynn explains that there is a Long Walk -- Karen and co. And a short meander with Lynn. Andy will be building the fire for a braai.
Grouping for Lynn's pre hike briefing.
The huts where we had hoped to find owls
Up at the Highest Point where the Water Tanks are situated. We stop for a break and snack.
Down below and into the Forest Walk.
The Long Walk group -- Reatha and sister Carin; Lynette and Lindell; Yvonne; Benny; Elsa; Karen; Shirley and Trevor.
Looking at the African White, Brownveined butterfly.
Braai time after the walk. And it is the ladies doing all the braaing.
Thursday 19th March 2020. Corona Virus (COVID - 19) dominates our lives. It is all we talk about. Jacqui is in Lockdown and self Quarantine in Israel. People who disobey and spend time outdoor are being policed. Lene and Cathy both have flu like symptoms. Lene goes to work???
I am up early and running with Chris; Mike; Adel; Gaye; Antoinette; Mitch and Kelly who fell and injured herself. We run through the Collegiate area and back. Mike went to the Caymans to meet his new grandchild. But left early as they were talking about locking down the Island. I run / walk with Mike. At the end of the run I meet up with Philip and walk him home.
I drive to Nanaga where I meet up with the SAARP group. We continue to Thornycroft (Wycombe family farm) where we are a group of 12 doing the Long Walk. Not quite 8k I think. The first section is a bit of an uphill pull and then undulating through the fields of very long grass after recent rains. We see a Kudu on the neighbouring farm. Then we walk to the abandoned homes where a Bushbuck jumps up and runs through a fence and under the trees. We are searching for owls which are sometimes seen in these houses. At this time Yvonne (one) leaves us and goes ahead. So we are now 11 walkers. In our group -- Karen is the leader; Leatha and sister Carin; Lindell and wife Lynette; Yvonne (Two); Elsa; Benny; Shirley; Trevor; Yvonne (One) and myself. We take a break at the water tanks before heading down hill and through the forests to the Open Field and back to the Braai Area. I, for the first time, stay for a Braai. Normally I am rushing back to answer emails and make bookings. But today I have nothing to think of and so relax for an extra hour before going home.
Friday 20th. Morning run with Mike. Susan; Mitch; Chris; Gaye and Antoinette keep their distance as Susan in particular is concerned about Mike returning from the Caymans. We run down Target to 6th ave and then on Church road we turn left to Upper Valley Road. Up Brickmakers Kloof. I manage to run the whole way. And back around St Georges Park. This is about a 10k loop.
Jacqui and family on the beach. A break from the Home Lockdown in Israel.
Useless bridge we found in the IDZ
Mike and I run from Hobie around to Walmer Boulevard and Strandfontein road to 2nd ave, About 10k. Followed by a swim.
After the run I continue to Schoenmakerskop where I join the Saturday hiking group on the Sacramento Trail.
We regroup from time to time.
Lucy was a bit late and I remain at the back with her. She does not like the soft sand.
Walking Schoenies beaches.
Coega IDZ outside of Port Elizabeth. Lafarge Coega Quarry.
We find the Wind Turbine. Coega Wind Farm. Consists of one turbine that is operational. There is a second but it is the tower without the blades. Set up in May 2010 the Belgium Green Energy producer -- Vestas -- completed the first wind turbine here in Coega. Completed in 104 days. Electrawinds Africa and Indian Ocean Islands (Pty) Ltd. The blades are 45m long. The total height is 140m (the Campenile is 50m high). The power produced could theoretically power 2000 homes. The investment to erect the turbine was R38 Million. The Rotor diameter is 90m. Rotational Speed is 9 to 16 rotations per minute. Reduction of CO2 is 5000 tons per year.
Dedisa is also an IPP. We find the Gas Turbines on site.
Discovery call center is here.
Saturday 21st. Mike and I start the morning at 5.30 from Hobie beach and we manage to walk run 10k. Followed by a sea swim. I then buy a Seattle Coffee and continue to Schoenmakerskop where I meet up with the Saturday hiking group. We walk the Sacramento Trail. On the trail today. Dennis and Sheila are leaders. In the group -- Val; Esther and sister Magriet; Eugene; Dave and Heather; Dave and Naomi; Debbie and friend Gigi; Rencia; Lucy arrives late and struggles with the distance and the soft sand; And three names I cannot remember.
I pick up Ron and Lyn. We drive through to Coega IDZ where discover a number of the businesses located here: Cemza is the Huge Dome building. Manufacturing Cement. MM engineering; Manufacturing LPG Gas Cylinders. Kenako Concrete; Lefarge Cement. Bosun Cement; Vestas Windturbine (Belgium). Edwin Trading manufacturing still Water; salt and pepper; Cerebos Salt and the warehouse; Aveng Steel from scrap metal it appears; PE Cold Storage. state of the art modern storage facility and accommodate greater volumes for the increasing citrus production in the Eastern Cape, Lactalis (Parmalat). CDC Training center; DCD Wind Turnines. This factory opened in 2013 but due to no new orders and limited IPP licences they closed the factory in 2019. APM Logistics storage and control of containers; BPO Park; Business Process Outsourcing park. Discovery call center is here. Vector Logistics; Coega Dairy. Product Testing Institute. designed to facilitate research and innovation in product life cycle and recycling, with a particular focus on the tyre industry. Famous Brands; BAIC motor manufacturers; Hella Motor suppliers; FAW trucks. Afrox. National Shipping chandlers' They supply ships with provisions; Technical; Deck and Engine; cabin and bonded stores. We find Izuzu Parts Distribution center; And the location of the storage of Wind Turbine parts -- Blades and the turbines are there. We find the Aldo Scribante Race Track.
This afternoon Ally arrives home. She drove through from Cape Town with her friend Hanna. The schools are off for a few more weeks so Ally will be with us until she is able to start studying again. Ally is registering with Unisa for Linguistics.
Mike; Jenny; Megan; Ally and Trevor on the walk.
Megan and Christian on the motorbike
Jenny walked the whole Maze which I dont think anyone has done before (People with me that is)
Michael; Megan; Cameron and Christian completed the whole Heritage Trail
Mike and Jenny with Trevor. Jenny was unsure of doing the whole walk but was strong throughout.
Jean Marie (Franks wife) joined Ally for this hiking trail -- Frank stayed at the cars.
Sunday morning. Ally and I set up a short hike of one hour on the Heritage trail. Mike and Jenny; Trevor; Jean Marie; Megan, Michael, Christian and Cameron all join the group. A lovely easy walk but gets us out of the house. Alethia and Carin were just a few minutes late and I did not see their message so missed them. Ally and I had breakfast at the Sacramento Restaurant after the walk where we met up with Grant Breedske.
Soon after we get home we find out that all Municipal Amenities such as beaches and parks have now been shut down. That probably puts paid to our weekly hikes. We will see as the weeks evolve.
Ally and I run at the beach front this morning.
A small purple butterfly we find in the Garden.
Monday 23rd.
Ally and I run from Hobie beach to the beacon and up Admiralty to 2nd ave and back to Hobie. About 7km. I now have Strava on my phone but have to learn how to use it. And to set it to KM and not miles.
This evening our President Cyril Ramaphosa announces Lockdown from Thursday. We will all be confined to home except for grocery shopping and essential services. Beaches and other public places are close. Business and manufacturing is closed. Leisure activities such as walking; jogging; cycling are prohibited.
Over an hour walk / run with our group. Led by Mitch and Gaye; Also in the group are Chris; Liesl; Kelly and Cindy. Both of these two are injured as they would normally be with the fast group.
Stuart Brown and I walk for over an hour in the Wedgwood Golf estate where he is working
Tuesday I join our small group for a run. They walk and I run ahead. We do about 8km down Cunningham road and suburbs to cross the bridge at Albany road and back that way.
I meet up with Stuart Brown at Wedgewood Golf Course where he is working supervising the refurbishment of a house. Chasing Cracks, cleaning and painting. We do about 90minutes of walking around the estate. Stuart tells me of an adventure he had when he went to the Great Fish River Reserve near to Peddie. He took a Short Cut and ended up in a ditch unable to move the vehicle. Climbed up a hill to get reception; finally a ranger came to assist and tow him out. Then again he took a wrong turn and only got home late that night. And during all of this he was bitten by a Tick and ended up with Tick Bite Fever.
Another of Zara's creations/
Ally and I make a lovely Chicken Soup which lasts two days in our house.
Wednesday 25th .... Our second last day before complete lockdown. Peter Joseph in action at Wedgewood Golf Estate.
Frank and Peter played as a team vs Brynn and myself. I let the team down a bit as I could hardly score less than 7 or 8 at any hole.
Frank played a reasonably good game and scored well for their team.
Wednesday 25th. We now are going into Lockdown. All SA Citizens will be required to Stay at Home. Allowed out for Grocery Shopping only. One member of the family only.
And Peter Joseph won a Golf Day. So Frank; Peter and his friend Brynn and I play a round of 18 holes. We have two caddy cars but I choose to walk. Brynn plays an excellent game. Frank has some really good shots; Peter is reasonably consistent. And I muddle along; Lost 7 balls; I used a peg to play even on the fairway where I could. And moved the ball when it was too much in the rough for a clear shot. I also had two restarts off the tee where the shot I played was too awful to call a shot. But in the end I had two really good holes with a par 3 and a par 4. Peter and Frank played as a team and beat us on the last two holes. Other than that we were neck and neck for the whole round.
This evening our workmen installing the kitchen and bedroom cupboards in the flat work till 9pm. They are trying to rush finish jobs before the total lockdown.
Our morning group starts at 5am from Grey. Antoinette; Chris; Mitch and Adel. Thank goodness for this group as it gets me going in the mornings. I tend to run and the group fast walks .... So fast in fact that I battled to keep up with them going up Albany road.
Ally and I go to the liquor shop and find this long line outside the shop as they limit the number of people allowed in an attempt to prevent close contact. Ally and I wear our Buffs.
Thursday 26th. Our final day of Freedom before total Lockdown.
We start the day with a walk / run. We do two hills -- Albany road and Mount road. In the group Antoinette; Chris; Adele; Mitch and Chris. As I run and the rest walk up Albany road, it comes to me how hard the walkers go. I struggle to keep up with them. Then up Mount road I have a bit of a lead. The west wind is cold and wet as it starts to drizzle. But thinking of three weeks of no running spurs me on despite a sore knee after three days of fairly hectic running and walking. My total distance on Tuesday would have been about 17km. Wednesday about 15km and today 13km. That is walking and running combined for the day.
At the end of the run Adel joins me for a final round of Grey.
This morning Ally and I decide to stock up on Alcohol as there is none to be sold or transported over the next three weeks. A mistake in my eyes as it almost encourages illicit sales. We do a couple of chores including Dole and shopping. There are long lines of people outside of shops as a buying frenzy has taken over.
The Cabinets in the kitchen are nearly finished. The Electrician comes in late to complete his part. The outside flat is nearing completion but has a number of finishes to be done before we can start to furnish it.
Made these with our Braai on Friday evening.
Perhaps my next effort will be this recipe.
Barbara and Ally weights and stretching after completing a 2k garden run
Ally is full of fun.
Braai time on our first evening of Lockdown. A lovely evening outdoors. Followed by a game of Rumicub.
Another bread roll recipe.
Friday 27th March 2020
Day one of South Africas Lockdown.
As a result of the Covid 19 --- A viral infection that was discovered in January this year -- In Wuhan, China -- we are now house bound for 21 days in an attempt to slow the rate of infection down. Countries such as Italy; Spain and America have an uncontrolled spread of the disease. China put the Lockdown in place about 2 months ago and have slowed the rate of infections.
I have some Dole (Fruit Export ) documents to deliver. I am stopped, by a policeman, on my way to the Fruit export Certificate place. Fortunately I have a letter from Dole. But he wanted a Government Issue Letter.
Barbara writes this sad piece on Facebook:
Slow down.
Yesterday afternoon I stood in our cul du sac. There were no cars parked in their usual spots and the three other houses were locked up. Presume owners had gone to holiday homes to sit the lock down out.
The wind was icy and had blown over a lone green bin and tipped all the litter out. The bin rolled around the road and the rubbish blew around. I stood watching thinking that this is what it must feel like being the last person on earth and all around was the junk people left behind. (I'm inclined to have deep moments)
I suddenly had an overwhelming need to keep what is familiar to me in good condition. I fetched a number of black bags and got to work in my road. Put the bin back where it should stand and secured it, then filled the bags with every bit of trash right down to a small sweet wrapper. Even branches that had blown off the trees. All went into the lone bin and after at least a freezing hour my street looked cleaner than ever before. All was good and I decided to really enjoy this time.
The quietness this morning was amazing that the birds seemed to be singing more loudly than ever.
I am so thankful to have been blessed with a positive personality. Not from me, but gifted to me
On Line Scrabble with Cathy
Health Rusks. Nearly ready for dunking.
Saturday 28th. Lockdown day two. Up early, clean up from the braai last evening, washing floors coffee and back to bed for a second sleep. Baking Rusks for our time at home; Running an hour around the garden -- about 8km. Playing Scrabble on line; More cleaning and tidying.
Barbara is running with a sore (Cracked) toe. Painful all the way.
It is Barbara who set us all going.
Ally takes a sharp turn. She sets quite a mean pace.
Ally makes a Skinny Burger for supper
I make a Cottage Pie which lasts for two days.
Rummicub to end the evenings.
Barbara and Ally run their daily challenge. Ally says it is 3km to catch up and Barbara runs a 2km with a sore toe. We think that it is cracked. They prefer the afternoon run while I prefer the morning for my run. We are running a Marathon challenge. To run at least 2k a day for 21 days. For some people that means running around in the lounge. We are fortunate to have a garden where one lap is a bit more than 50m and takes about a minute. Each of us has a mapped out run. Barbara and Ally are running back and forth in the front garden while I simply run around and around.
Monday 30th. Ally is now running 4k
And follows the run with a hard set of stretching and weights.
The evening treat is Coconut choc balls. They do not last long.
And so day three (Sunday 29th and day four Monday 30th March 2020) go on. I keep up the running. Barbara has a very sore toe and decides that rest is a good option. Ally runs 3 and then 4km in the late afternoon. We play Rummicub in the evening. Ally and I take turns in making supper. We also make some biscuits (rusks and Coconut balls), I have some Dole work to do on Monday morning. Barbara does Rhino watch on Monday evening. Bobby sets up Zoom so that we have a Video Conference for our Cell Group on Sunday evening. Achilles has a Running Challenge. Strava has a running challenge. So people stay active even in the confines of their homes.
Tuesday 31st March.
A strange month. I am sure one of many to come. As the Virus continues to implode in our and other countries around the world. It began in China. Italy was very hard hit with over 10 000 deaths already. Spain also hard hit as is Germany. The worst situation right now is North America with over 100 000 infected.
And the numbers continue to grow and grow......In Spain and Italy, people over the age of 60 are "Being left to die" as there is not enough equipment to attend to everyone. And the older you are the more likely you are to become severely ill and to die.
Back home... I have a bit of Dole work to do. I have a special certificate which I must carry with me if I leave the house. And we do some housework cleaning, I run 80 times on the Garden Route (this is my name for the track that I use). Today I manage 12km. Barbara is busy with a Painting of Nguni Cows; I start a Puzzle but discover that there are over 50 pieces missing so we decide to throw the whole thing away (Recycle bin). Relaxing day.
I run in the morning. A bit cooler with an easterly wind. Later the weather turns a bit miserable with a cold wind and then later a bit of rain. Nothing special about today. We end the day with Ally making us Wrap Pizzas. And a game of Rummicub.
Corona meter 23.3.2020
Corona Meter 31.3.2020
Corona meter 31.3.2020 -- America is hard hit
By the time I write this South Africa is at 100 infections and 5 deaths.
I promptly phone in and say that the Southern Kings will be playing against the "otherguys" in my gruffest voice. And lo and behold... I receive a message to say that I was correct and that I can collect my complementary tickets.
So that is how we ended up watching our team lose again. +
We celebrated with an early supper braai at our house.
Monday morning. Running with Chris; Gaye; Mitch and Susan. Chris and I cut short. I have tired legs after two hard runs this weekend.
Monday evening I pick up Claudia and daughter Laura. They spend the night at our home before their Addo Safari tour on Monday. Frank picks them up for this.
Tuesday 3rd ..... I leave at 6am and pick up Alison and Mike from Thunzi Lodge. We have a wonderful morning canoe trail with Brutus as our Guide. This is a Bird Lovers activity. Brutus is knowledgeable and identifies all the birds.... Darter; Comorant; Pied Kingfisher; Malakite Kingfisher; Giant Kingfisher; Warbler; Giant or Goliath Heron; a host of Weavers and the Red Bishop.
After our Canoe trail we visit the Daniel Cheetah Project. Here Alison and Mike are able to enjoy their final encounter with African Predators before leaving for home (England) on Wednesday afternoon.
+Wednesday 4th
Chaos on the harbour. Gate security being over zealous. Long lines to get in. Alan is held up. We have six of us working today... Peter; Alan; Frank; Bruce; Mike and myself. 37 guests in total.
After a hot flustered day I finally get going and take my six people to KK. A great morning for wildlife. Giraffe really close to the car. Antelope and other animals.
We then go across to Addo where we take the Vukani and Ngulube loops and have all kinds of animals close to the car. Everyone loves the day. I drop them off at the Aida Mira at about 5pm.
Thursday starts with a good morning run of 8km with Mike; Chris; Gaye; Mitch and myself. Then I go to Sappershoek and do the walk with the SAARP group..
Friday 6th. Running with Mike; Chris; Susan; Gaye and Mitch. I continue on as they only walk. Around St Georges and down Target then back up for about 7km. I look for Masks for Cathy in NZ. There is a Corona flu virus scare around the world. Especially for frequent travelers. All sold out.
I collect my 2020 race numbers from Graham; Purchase two bright torches; Buy my supplies for Saturday's Addo. Fill the car, Wash the car. Plant the Spekboom, A busy morning but then a lazy afternoon.
162 377 1167 JULIE ANDREW ACH F 32 SF 1.16.35
171 461 1084 SIZINZO KAMA ACH M 68 65-69M 1.17.18
183 503 1148 PERCY DALTON ACH M 71 70+M 1.18.42
282 402 1117 JESSICA JEFFERIES ACH F 31 SF 1.25.22
284 589 1199 AYDN WILSON ACH M 55 55-59M 1.25.37
326 458 1116 PETER GIDDY ACH M 69 65-69M 1.28.06
428 890 1901 CARLA YORK BLUEBAY F 29 SF 1.32.45
Saturday 7th March 2020.
Start the day with a 15k Sportsmans Warehouse run. I meet up with Aydn, Tom, Percy, Rob Button. Erika, Marie Louise Emslie, Odettte Vosloo, Tess who has the number just after me. 1117. Peter, Alan, Darryl. Garreth, Desmond, 3
After a short warm up with Rob we line up at the start line outside the Sportsmans shop. 6am the race starts. Round the shopping center and down W Moffet. I run with Tess for the first 3k. She points out that we have consecutive numbers. 1116 and 1117. Tess is too fast for me so I let her go ahead. I run fairly hard. The course has no flats. It is either up or down. My uphill climbing is not good. We run though Sundridge Park. Up and Down. Up and down. Finally we reach 10k and I ask the lady in front of me the time. She checks her watch for the second time in just 10 seconds to tell me that we have run 59 minutes for the first 10k. So I determine to run the final 5k in under 6min a kay. Running hard on the ups and pushing on the down hills .
Counting down the kay marker boards I finally get to the last kay which takes us up W Moffet to Sportsmans. At last we reach the finish line and I chat to a couple of people before leaving for home and to pick up my guests.
Last Year. I ran the Helpers Run in 1.29. 866 runners. 2018 I ran a 1.31 time. 774 runners.
I pick up at Wagtails in Summerstrand. Judy and Gerald Barker who I knew many years ago in business are running the BnB. Judy recognises me and tells me that she stayed in our house over 30 years ago.
Annie and Dominique are my guests for the day. It turns out to be quite successful despite the heat.
Saturday was a busy day for me. Running the 15k and then picking up for Addo. I have managed to do this a number of times on Saturday mornings -- fitting in a run or parkrun and then my tour of the day. This evening I felt like the relaxing effect that a Braai has on me so despite being home alone, I decided to put some vegetables on the stove and chicken pieces on a fire.
Last post for Guts2Glory group and links
Getting fetched for airport (hours drive away) at 10am. Flight from Kili to Addis Ababa 18.10 arr 20.30+-
Sleep at dodgy hotel then leave for CT 8.20am arriving 13.45
Sleep in CT and drive to Mossel Bay afternoon 10th. Sleep at backpackers and do first zipline at 9am on the 11th (spring high so should be good
)Drive straight home afterwards. Shd arrive around 2.30pm.
Sunday 8th. Up early. I wake up early on days like today when I have no tours and feel that I can have a daytime nap later on. This morning Barbara will be leaving from Kilimanjaro airport for Addis Ababa.
I run the 5k myrun at the Humewood Golf Course. I have tired legs from the past four days of running. So I take it easy. We do the course in reverse. Not my best. The soft sand and uphill in the first two kays slows me down.
| 3 | Humewood Golf Club | 5.00 km | 00:32:55 |
| 4 |
Monday 9th. Running a short one with Chris. Barbara returns from Kilimanjaro. Stay a night at Nicky and then one night in Mossel Bay. Barbara wants to do the Zip Line again.
Pick up Judith and Julia and Tina for KK and Addo. Wet, Raining and misty. But still a good day.
Tuesday. ... Day at home. Some University work and other local chores.
Wednesday 11th. The day started at Midnight. Next door neighbours house was on fire. They were away. The house sitter says the electrical board exploded. No one hurt. No animals hurt. But the fire consumed the house. By morning the house had burnt down completely.
Pick up Philipp; Tini and children Paulina 7 and Mattis 5. Addo. Raining but a wonderful day. They really enjoyed the whole day. Even the children.
Thursday. Start the day with a run with the group.. Corona Virus is all the conversation. Convid19. Jacqui's family is in Lockdown. They stay at home for 5 weeks. Most school work done on line. Only essential business continues to operate. This is an attempt to stop the virus in its tracks. Mike Dean is off to the Caymans. Today I have Fiona and Daron with me in Addo. From the start with have amazing sightings of Elephant and the complete variety.
Friday. Running with Chris; Gaye; Antoinette and Adel. Down target and up to 8th Ave. Then to 10th and back down again. We end up going up the steps. Dole work. Cancellations due to Covid19 fears. Meet up with John Kotze and Graham Channon. We go to Lake Farm to arrange parking for Saturday morning Lake Farm runs.
This evening Brenda comes over and we enjoy an early Braai.
Saturday 14th. Do my Achilles Parking Duty at Lake Farm. 4.45am to 6.30am. With John; Tom; Cindy and Craig; Desmond.
Parkrun at Grassroof. Meet up with Pindiwe who tells me that she has lived in a Shack for 20 years with no running water in the home. In Kwazakhele. If (When) Covid 19 hits her area it will be a complete disaster.
I had no intention of running hard..... But as things go it is a relatively small field of runners and I see someone ahead of me who may be my age group..... So I chase. And then a youngster... And I chase and so it goes on. But feeling good so running harder than planned. I will have to try to run this event in under 30 minutes at some stage. It is always the first kay where I struggle.
| Sardinia Bay parkrun results for event #154. Your time was 00:30:17. |
| Congratulations on completing your 85th parkrun and your 16th at Sardinia Bay parkrun today. You finished in 33rd place and were the 24th Male out of a field of 285 parkrunners and you came 1st in your age category VM65-69. Take a look at this week's full set of results on our website. Congratulations on setting a new Personal Best at this event! Congratulations on your fastest time this year. |
Sunday 16th.
I pick up Jim and Denise at the Boardwalk Hotel. Also Dorah. The three of them are here for business at Goodyear. Jim is from Ireland and Dorah from Mexico. It appears that they are all working out of Luxembourg at the present time. We have an excellent morning of game viewing.
This afternoon I pick up Dorah again we meet up with Angie and Wendy for a Wildside tour. Penguins; Marine Drive; Schoenmakerskop; Sacramento and Retha's Heritage Trail. Dorah reminds me that Peter Joseph took her for a Hiking trail at the Storms River Mouth and Suspension Bridges and also in Settlers Park a few years ago.
Tuesday 17th. I pick up Bella who made the booking. with her family. Sister Juliana; Mother Sabine and father Christoff. From Chelsea Manor. Michael Price. We have a really successful day in Addo.
Wednesday 18th. Without the Corona Virus we were going to be flat out busy with the Aida Mira in PE.. BUT. This virus has put everyone on high alert and little to no international travel is happening. All Cruises shut down. One ship near to Japan has hundreds of passengers infected. South Africa has gone from just one or two infections last week to 116 infections today.
So I join the Wednesday walking group going up the Ladys Slipper from the West Side. Peter Joseph joins me. I make a mistake on the road. I take the Elandsriver Road past Cowboy Mills farm Wide Horizon. Have to turn around and rush to try to catch up with the rest of the walkers on the Culturama Road near to Fitchets Corner.
We get there about 10 minutes late and set a fast pace to try to catch up with the group. Rob is waiting for us. Eugene also made a wrong turn and is behind us. We hike up the long tar road to the Radio Masts at the top. Exhausting for Peter who is not used to this kind of exercise. Ian is collapsed on the side of the road needing to catch his breath.
This is not an easy walk. The initial climb followed by the undulating footpath makes this a reasonably solid two hour walk. We had a good break at the top of the hill. And began our slow descent. The downhill takes it out on your legs and feet while the uphill takes strong breathing.
Both Peter and I really enjoyed this walk. Much tougher than the West Side climb. But probably a bit more rewarding.
Thursday 19th March 2020. Corona Virus (COVID - 19) dominates our lives. It is all we talk about. Jacqui is in Lockdown and self Quarantine in Israel. People who disobey and spend time outdoor are being policed. Lene and Cathy both have flu like symptoms. Lene goes to work???
I am up early and running with Chris; Mike; Adel; Gaye; Antoinette; Mitch and Kelly who fell and injured herself. We run through the Collegiate area and back. Mike went to the Caymans to meet his new grandchild. But left early as they were talking about locking down the Island. I run / walk with Mike. At the end of the run I meet up with Philip and walk him home.
I drive to Nanaga where I meet up with the SAARP group. We continue to Thornycroft (Wycombe family farm) where we are a group of 12 doing the Long Walk. Not quite 8k I think. The first section is a bit of an uphill pull and then undulating through the fields of very long grass after recent rains. We see a Kudu on the neighbouring farm. Then we walk to the abandoned homes where a Bushbuck jumps up and runs through a fence and under the trees. We are searching for owls which are sometimes seen in these houses. At this time Yvonne (one) leaves us and goes ahead. So we are now 11 walkers. In our group -- Karen is the leader; Leatha and sister Carin; Lindell and wife Lynette; Yvonne (Two); Elsa; Benny; Shirley; Trevor; Yvonne (One) and myself. We take a break at the water tanks before heading down hill and through the forests to the Open Field and back to the Braai Area. I, for the first time, stay for a Braai. Normally I am rushing back to answer emails and make bookings. But today I have nothing to think of and so relax for an extra hour before going home.
Friday 20th. Morning run with Mike. Susan; Mitch; Chris; Gaye and Antoinette keep their distance as Susan in particular is concerned about Mike returning from the Caymans. We run down Target to 6th ave and then on Church road we turn left to Upper Valley Road. Up Brickmakers Kloof. I manage to run the whole way. And back around St Georges Park. This is about a 10k loop.
Saturday 21st. Mike and I start the morning at 5.30 from Hobie beach and we manage to walk run 10k. Followed by a sea swim. I then buy a Seattle Coffee and continue to Schoenmakerskop where I meet up with the Saturday hiking group. We walk the Sacramento Trail. On the trail today. Dennis and Sheila are leaders. In the group -- Val; Esther and sister Magriet; Eugene; Dave and Heather; Dave and Naomi; Debbie and friend Gigi; Rencia; Lucy arrives late and struggles with the distance and the soft sand; And three names I cannot remember.
I pick up Ron and Lyn. We drive through to Coega IDZ where discover a number of the businesses located here: Cemza is the Huge Dome building. Manufacturing Cement. MM engineering; Manufacturing LPG Gas Cylinders. Kenako Concrete; Lefarge Cement. Bosun Cement; Vestas Windturbine (Belgium). Edwin Trading manufacturing still Water; salt and pepper; Cerebos Salt and the warehouse; Aveng Steel from scrap metal it appears; PE Cold Storage. state of the art modern storage facility and accommodate greater volumes for the increasing citrus production in the Eastern Cape, Lactalis (Parmalat). CDC Training center; DCD Wind Turnines. This factory opened in 2013 but due to no new orders and limited IPP licences they closed the factory in 2019. APM Logistics storage and control of containers; BPO Park; Business Process Outsourcing park. Discovery call center is here. Vector Logistics; Coega Dairy. Product Testing Institute. designed to facilitate research and innovation in product life cycle and recycling, with a particular focus on the tyre industry. Famous Brands; BAIC motor manufacturers; Hella Motor suppliers; FAW trucks. Afrox. National Shipping chandlers' They supply ships with provisions; Technical; Deck and Engine; cabin and bonded stores. We find Izuzu Parts Distribution center; And the location of the storage of Wind Turbine parts -- Blades and the turbines are there. We find the Aldo Scribante Race Track.
This afternoon Ally arrives home. She drove through from Cape Town with her friend Hanna. The schools are off for a few more weeks so Ally will be with us until she is able to start studying again. Ally is registering with Unisa for Linguistics.
Sunday morning. Ally and I set up a short hike of one hour on the Heritage trail. Mike and Jenny; Trevor; Jean Marie; Megan, Michael, Christian and Cameron all join the group. A lovely easy walk but gets us out of the house. Alethia and Carin were just a few minutes late and I did not see their message so missed them. Ally and I had breakfast at the Sacramento Restaurant after the walk where we met up with Grant Breedske.
Soon after we get home we find out that all Municipal Amenities such as beaches and parks have now been shut down. That probably puts paid to our weekly hikes. We will see as the weeks evolve.
Monday 23rd.
Ally and I run from Hobie beach to the beacon and up Admiralty to 2nd ave and back to Hobie. About 7km. I now have Strava on my phone but have to learn how to use it. And to set it to KM and not miles.
This evening our President Cyril Ramaphosa announces Lockdown from Thursday. We will all be confined to home except for grocery shopping and essential services. Beaches and other public places are close. Business and manufacturing is closed. Leisure activities such as walking; jogging; cycling are prohibited.
Tuesday I join our small group for a run. They walk and I run ahead. We do about 8km down Cunningham road and suburbs to cross the bridge at Albany road and back that way.
I meet up with Stuart Brown at Wedgewood Golf Course where he is working supervising the refurbishment of a house. Chasing Cracks, cleaning and painting. We do about 90minutes of walking around the estate. Stuart tells me of an adventure he had when he went to the Great Fish River Reserve near to Peddie. He took a Short Cut and ended up in a ditch unable to move the vehicle. Climbed up a hill to get reception; finally a ranger came to assist and tow him out. Then again he took a wrong turn and only got home late that night. And during all of this he was bitten by a Tick and ended up with Tick Bite Fever.
Wednesday 25th. We now are going into Lockdown. All SA Citizens will be required to Stay at Home. Allowed out for Grocery Shopping only. One member of the family only.
And Peter Joseph won a Golf Day. So Frank; Peter and his friend Brynn and I play a round of 18 holes. We have two caddy cars but I choose to walk. Brynn plays an excellent game. Frank has some really good shots; Peter is reasonably consistent. And I muddle along; Lost 7 balls; I used a peg to play even on the fairway where I could. And moved the ball when it was too much in the rough for a clear shot. I also had two restarts off the tee where the shot I played was too awful to call a shot. But in the end I had two really good holes with a par 3 and a par 4. Peter and Frank played as a team and beat us on the last two holes. Other than that we were neck and neck for the whole round.
This evening our workmen installing the kitchen and bedroom cupboards in the flat work till 9pm. They are trying to rush finish jobs before the total lockdown.
Thursday 26th. Our final day of Freedom before total Lockdown.
We start the day with a walk / run. We do two hills -- Albany road and Mount road. In the group Antoinette; Chris; Adele; Mitch and Chris. As I run and the rest walk up Albany road, it comes to me how hard the walkers go. I struggle to keep up with them. Then up Mount road I have a bit of a lead. The west wind is cold and wet as it starts to drizzle. But thinking of three weeks of no running spurs me on despite a sore knee after three days of fairly hectic running and walking. My total distance on Tuesday would have been about 17km. Wednesday about 15km and today 13km. That is walking and running combined for the day.
At the end of the run Adel joins me for a final round of Grey.
This morning Ally and I decide to stock up on Alcohol as there is none to be sold or transported over the next three weeks. A mistake in my eyes as it almost encourages illicit sales. We do a couple of chores including Dole and shopping. There are long lines of people outside of shops as a buying frenzy has taken over.
The Cabinets in the kitchen are nearly finished. The Electrician comes in late to complete his part. The outside flat is nearing completion but has a number of finishes to be done before we can start to furnish it.
Friday 27th March 2020
Day one of South Africas Lockdown.
As a result of the Covid 19 --- A viral infection that was discovered in January this year -- In Wuhan, China -- we are now house bound for 21 days in an attempt to slow the rate of infection down. Countries such as Italy; Spain and America have an uncontrolled spread of the disease. China put the Lockdown in place about 2 months ago and have slowed the rate of infections.
I have some Dole (Fruit Export ) documents to deliver. I am stopped, by a policeman, on my way to the Fruit export Certificate place. Fortunately I have a letter from Dole. But he wanted a Government Issue Letter.
Barbara writes this sad piece on Facebook:
Slow down.
Yesterday afternoon I stood in our cul du sac. There were no cars parked in their usual spots and the three other houses were locked up. Presume owners had gone to holiday homes to sit the lock down out.
The wind was icy and had blown over a lone green bin and tipped all the litter out. The bin rolled around the road and the rubbish blew around. I stood watching thinking that this is what it must feel like being the last person on earth and all around was the junk people left behind. (I'm inclined to have deep moments)
I suddenly had an overwhelming need to keep what is familiar to me in good condition. I fetched a number of black bags and got to work in my road. Put the bin back where it should stand and secured it, then filled the bags with every bit of trash right down to a small sweet wrapper. Even branches that had blown off the trees. All went into the lone bin and after at least a freezing hour my street looked cleaner than ever before. All was good and I decided to really enjoy this time.
The quietness this morning was amazing that the birds seemed to be singing more loudly than ever.
I am so thankful to have been blessed with a positive personality. Not from me, but gifted to me
Saturday 28th. Lockdown day two. Up early, clean up from the braai last evening, washing floors coffee and back to bed for a second sleep. Baking Rusks for our time at home; Running an hour around the garden -- about 8km. Playing Scrabble on line; More cleaning and tidying.
Barbara and Ally run their daily challenge. Ally says it is 3km to catch up and Barbara runs a 2km with a sore toe. We think that it is cracked. They prefer the afternoon run while I prefer the morning for my run. We are running a Marathon challenge. To run at least 2k a day for 21 days. For some people that means running around in the lounge. We are fortunate to have a garden where one lap is a bit more than 50m and takes about a minute. Each of us has a mapped out run. Barbara and Ally are running back and forth in the front garden while I simply run around and around.
And so day three (Sunday 29th and day four Monday 30th March 2020) go on. I keep up the running. Barbara has a very sore toe and decides that rest is a good option. Ally runs 3 and then 4km in the late afternoon. We play Rummicub in the evening. Ally and I take turns in making supper. We also make some biscuits (rusks and Coconut balls), I have some Dole work to do on Monday morning. Barbara does Rhino watch on Monday evening. Bobby sets up Zoom so that we have a Video Conference for our Cell Group on Sunday evening. Achilles has a Running Challenge. Strava has a running challenge. So people stay active even in the confines of their homes.
Tuesday 31st March.
A strange month. I am sure one of many to come. As the Virus continues to implode in our and other countries around the world. It began in China. Italy was very hard hit with over 10 000 deaths already. Spain also hard hit as is Germany. The worst situation right now is North America with over 100 000 infected.
And the numbers continue to grow and grow......In Spain and Italy, people over the age of 60 are "Being left to die" as there is not enough equipment to attend to everyone. And the older you are the more likely you are to become severely ill and to die.
Back home... I have a bit of Dole work to do. I have a special certificate which I must carry with me if I leave the house. And we do some housework cleaning, I run 80 times on the Garden Route (this is my name for the track that I use). Today I manage 12km. Barbara is busy with a Painting of Nguni Cows; I start a Puzzle but discover that there are over 50 pieces missing so we decide to throw the whole thing away (Recycle bin). Relaxing day.
I run in the morning. A bit cooler with an easterly wind. Later the weather turns a bit miserable with a cold wind and then later a bit of rain. Nothing special about today. We end the day with Ally making us Wrap Pizzas. And a game of Rummicub.
.
 |
| Barbara is with a group of paraplegics going up Kilimanjaro. |
Later Barbara writes: Hi. I am alive. No one summitted past Gilmans Peak unfortunately due to dangerous conditions. Severe snowstorms / hail / wind / and blizzards but the whole experience was amazing
. Will walk back to base camp. Spend the night and Gay Scientist and I will walk all the way back, 21kays and the rest will bus.
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