WILD COAST ADVENTURE RUN FEBRUARY 2006 PORT ST JOHNS TO EAST LONODON 250KAYS

XTREME WILD COAST ULTRA
SUNDAY 12 FEBRUARY TO SATURDAY 19 FEBRUARY 2006.
SIX DAYS TO WALK AND RUN 274 KAYS. (APPROX)
PORT ST. JOHNS TO EAST LONDON.

We had been planning this trip for a number of months. I did not change my daily training routine. Originally Graham was to be with me but he was injured. Ron & I had listed and purchased all the required provisions as if we would be away for a month. But we decided that it would be better to over cater. I also bought two storage boxes from Macro. These we filled with our provisions. I packed the two stretchers, mattresses, cooking stuff and my tog bag. Once this was all in the car I had used the boot and the back seat.

Day Pack
The way that we do these kind of events is with a daypack that has a Bladder. The Bladder is a two-liter container that has a tube running to the front where the runner can drink water without having to stop or to pull out a water bottle from the backpack. We then pack provisions and emergency stuff for the day. My daily rations consisted of:
2 X sachets of GU. A high concentrate energy supplement that I had used before.
2 X energy bars. I would keep one in my running shorts pocket so that I could eat whenever I felt the need. I prefer small bites to eating the whole bar at once. It is very easy to become suddenly depleted during the day and the energy supplements should be easily accessible so that the runner does not collapse.
2 X Fruit bars, a packet of Jelly Babies (Jube Jubes) and a packet of peanuts and raisins. These last two items were incase I was out there for longer than I had planned. For example if I became lost.
This I had packed into Ziplock bags prepared before we left.
Also in the backpack was a waterproof container where I kept the cellphone and a list of Phone numbers in case of emergency.
Next was my waterproof container with plasters, a small pair of scissors, a whistle and some paracetemol.
Then I carried a space Blanket and a running top.
I had carried a torch with spare batteries but this was not waterproofed and they all became wet and the seawater rendered them useless. This is a lesson for the future.
I would also carry an additional two 500-mil bottles. Often one contained cold drink such as Fanta and the other carried water. I felt that with three liters I would not run out of water.
The total weight of this pack was probably about 4 to 5 kilograms. It did not hinder me at all.

Sunday morning.
Port Elizabeth, East London and Port St Johns.
We left PE at 07.00 and had an easy drive through to EL where we met Martin, Polla and Johan. Francis was there to send us off. Ron immediately recognised Francis and little Joel from Amatola. We quickly packed our multitude of stuff into the back of Martin’s bakkie. The back seat of the Bakkie is not designed for tall people nor long distance and I think that Johan must have suffered. It was not long before we were in Mtatha where we stopped for coffee. The drive down to Port St. Johns is tarred all the way and by 17.00 we pulled into Cremorne where there are lovely chalets and good camping facilities. As we arrived is started to rain so we put tents up and had everything sorted out just as it stopped raining.

We announced our arrival to Dave and Chel and met some of the entrants and their seconds. Some of the group had arrived in time for the tour of the area. Dave called a meeting where he gave us a number of instructions plus laminated maps. I was happy to see that I am not the only one who makes the kind of mistake of numbering pages 1/13 to 13/13 and then realising that there are 14 pages so number the last one 14/14. He handed out the T-shirts to both seconds and runners. We also received plastic bags, which we would carry with us for river crossings. Ron & I cooked ourselves a rice dish, made coffee and I was in bed early. I think that Ron did his rounds, meeting others. Our tent is always a pleasure. We set up the stretchers, mattresses and reading table with a lamp. I had made myself a cup of coffee and fell asleep in a very short while.

Monday morning.
Port St Johns to Hluleka. 49.7kays
I had set the alarm for 04.00 as Dave had decided to leave at 05.00. We had a coffee and rusk. I folded up some of the stuff but generally Ron did all the packing once we had left. We congregated at the gate to Cremorne, posed for the photos and then 24 men and women, most of whom were strangers, set out, on foot, for East London. 274 kays away! For this first stretch of mainly tarred road we passed over the Umzimvubu River, though Port St. Johns and then up to the gate of the Sileka reserve. En route we passed what is called the washing machine. A round concrete structure where the various stages of clothes washing takes place. We had walked and jogged here without the “trippers”. Ray was at the gate to meet us and to hand us the bags.

At this stage I was more or less with Dave, Chel, Patrick, Elize (At a run in Uitenhage a few weeks later I met up with Elize and confirmed that her name is actually Alice) and Gium. I had met Patrick at Amatola. He was the sweeper for the Little Bafer. Dave and Chel were also people we had met at Amatola. We then passed the Sugarloaf rock. Now I regretted not bringing a camera, even a cheapie that could have recorded some of the special moments. We began the hill climbing and exploring. Fortunately Dave knows the area well and we were soon descending to the Umgazi mouth where we were able to walk across the river. I learned later that the “Blue Train” had taken the ferry across after buying something to drink at the hotel. Our next river crossing was at Mganzane where we paid the ferryman (Jabavu) R5.00 each to row us across the very small river, which we could quite easily have swum. In fact Dave and Patrick did swim it but still paid the R5 to have their packs ferried across.

We had caught up to some of the others here and I went across with them and then did a very foolish thing. I pressed on by myself and instantly got lost in the village. I had to jog around for a while before coming across a local who pointed out the location to the shop. The Dave group had not got here yet and I thought that we would have a sit down, buy some cool drinks and relax for a bit. Not so. I bought a pair of cold Fantas (R4.50 each) and tried to fill my bladder but in this time Dave arrived, bought a few cans and pressed on. Fortunately Patrick waited for me otherwise I would have got lost a second time. We wandered though the village and up and over to the coast line again. These village roads are very confusing and not really for cars at all. We found a tap where some of the runners filled bladders. Then it was up hills again. The second tap we found was leaking and strapped with cloth. I thought that if I do this again, I should bring a spanner and washers and show a local how to repair the tap.

As we were going up a hillside we passed Des. He was resting but seemed fine otherwise. Shortly after this section we came across Ester, a local lass who looked thirteen but claimed to be 18. Dave was able to understand the directions she gave us and we pressed on downwards to the ocean. Here we found Ziegfried swimming in a pool. This looked like a splendid idea and we soon had our shoes off and wallowed in the cool water together with the tiny Zebra fish. Ester had came across Des and had brought him down to the pool to join us. And a little while later she reappeared with Martin, Polla and Johan. Polla had told me that her real name is Ilsabet but her father had called her Polla and that this had then been angled to be Paula. She and Johan run a delicatessen in the Metlife Mall of Kingwilliamstown. Des is with us for quite a long part of the day’s walk. He seems very knowledgeable on this section of coastline. Des tells me how the Event was conceived: About 18 years ago he was chatting to some friends over a beer and had suggested that they do a hike from Port St Johns. It seems that everyone was keen until it came to “Takkie meeting tar”. Then there turned out to be only two of them that eventually put on backpacks and walked the coastline. And then last year (2005) Dave had finally put together the event that we were now doing.

We walk a beach where we see over 1000 ghost crabs. They are funny little creatures with eyes that stick up in the air and they run in the shallows on tiptoe. Sometimes we walk past their holes that they have burrowed in the sand. Then they are quite confused: do they run back to the burrow or do they head for the water?

Many hills follow this section. Fortunately we came to a river that we wade across where we again decide to have a swim and cool off. After a while we reach a river that had to be swum. Here we packed our bags into plastic bags and push these across the river. There were a number of young local boys and girls playing about at this river. They crowded around me while I was emptying my pockets and I gave them the energy bar and the fruit bar that I had. This in itself was not a problem as I had more than enough in my bag but the thing that hit me later was that I did not replenish my pockets and completely ran out of energy just before the end of the day.

The day ends at Hluleka bay. This is part of a nature reserve and we saw some Wildebeest and Zebra just before camp. The one particular Wildebeest looked straight at us in a silhouette. A classic and stunning picture! Ron had planned to camp but I was more interested in the shower and comfort of the chalets that had been reserved for us. So it worked out that Ron & I shared the chalet with Ernest, Leanna, Alan and Mark as well as Ray and Nel. For me this was great. I had already got to know Martin, Polla, Johan, Patrick, Dave, Chel and Ziegfried. So I was able to meet what I thereafter referred to as the Blue Train.

The Blue Train comprised the three from Cape Town, Mark: tall tattooed and long hair. Ernest: GPS and coupled up with Leanna. Alan: The hospital Gym man, bushy hair and determined to stay on the train. Ray: The Irishman, hill climber and restaurant man who offers Seafood and Prawns at Jimmys (which I believe is a franchise in Gauteng). Please do not ask why prawns are not considered to be part of the general offering of Seafood. And then there is Andre, Quiet unassuming and incredibly capable at this type of terrain. Ron reminded me that Andre won the Amatola that we did in October last year.

This evening I learned how Leanna had cycled across Africa last year. From Cairo to Cape Town on a Mountain bike. She was with a group of people looking for adventure supported by vehicles and living a really rough life for four months. We also found the gentle and caring nature of Nel who was always there for any of the seconds or runners. I understand that Nel is also a Provincial Hockey player. Nothing was ever too much trouble for a soul needing help. Ron and I packed out the stretchers on the veranda and it was then that we really appreciated why we were on this trip. It was a stunning evening and the cool breeze put us to sleep early. We had run and walked 49.7kays according to Ernest’ GPS. The going had been tough and the bodies were weary. We started at 05.00 and our group finished at 16.30. 11.5 hours.

Tuesday morning.
Hluleka to Xora. 61.5 kays
The BIG day. I, and many others had decided that if we could get through today we could finish the event. I heard later that Des and Ziegfried did not start and thought again of the advice that Ian Ross had given me before Amatola: What ever you do you must start. You can always reconsider later but get going with the others in the morning. This event has no defined route. The runner has to continually be on the lookout for the best possible path or track and then hope that they are heading in the right direction. It is very easy to go too far inland in an attempt to take what seems to be the easier path. Martin and I had been wandering on top of the fields. He decided that the best route for himself, Polla and Johan was inland, I wandered down to the beach and thinking that I had the lead on Dave’s group, slowed down. Mistake! I realised that I had better press on and only after a while did I catch them up.

I am now determined that I will not separate from my group again. The next river we get to is one we will have to swim. I step into the river and then realise how strong the outgoing tide is. So walk upstream a bit before getting back in to the water and ease myself across. Just as I am out on the other side I realise that Gium is in trouble and am able to assist him to safety. After a short walk on this beach we again begin the long climbs and descents over fields and though villages. Sometime during the day today we cross the Mtatha River. Brian is the Ferryman and he charges R5.00 for a crossing. We also find a backpackers resort where we are able to buy a cold drinks and top up the bladders with water.

Fortunately for me I am with Patrick and he has the common sense to ask directions and we take a short cut into Coffee Bay. Here the seconds are waiting for us and Nel rushes up to me with an Ice Cold Coke. I am also able to fill my bladder with ice before we carry on. At Coffee Bay I make my first phone call to Barbara. Today is hot and sticky. Chel decides that she has had enough for the day. Dave, Patrick and I go to the beach for a swim. I wash my shoes and socks out in the seawater. Everything is full of sea sand and burrs. Erica and Gillian pass up on a swim and carry on. For a long time they have had this dog following them from the time we left Port St Johns. I am not sure quite when they rid themselves of the dog.

We seem to be able to take a short cut past a place called Clay something or other and jog/walk over more fields and through villages on our way to Little Hole in the Wall.

We see many local children playing in the rock pools as we bound our way past them. It seems to me that since Chel is no longer with him, Dave thinks that I must have newfound ability and energy.

I am very happy to reach the Hole in the Wall River where Dave tells me the legend of the Beautiful maidens who lived in the sea. One day a local chief decided to abduct one of these maidens and take her to be his a wife. But after a while the Sea God (probably Neptune) decided to take her back to the ocean where she belonged and the only place where he could access the land was the wall of rock at the river mouth. So, in his fury and desperation to recapture the maiden, he carved a hole in the wall and was able to return her to her rightful place in the sea.

At the river mouth we find a number of local women burning rubbish. Dave says that this is a clean up campaign. We were able to wade this river and had ourselves a swim on the other side. Up and down more hills until we arrive at the Hole in the Wall village. A convoy of expensive 4X4’s pass us on their way home from what we assume to be a meeting. We see the tavern called Sally Can’t Surf and discover that only glasses of cold drink can be bought here so we go to the tin shanty Spaza shop across the street called the Tack Shop. Here Peter (blue face and shabby hat), Dave and Patrick sit themselves down on the tomato boxes and order three very large Sprite bottles (R8.50) which we sluck from thirstily and then fill our bladders much to the amazement of the locals who come into the shop.

Up and down more hills. I am exhausted. I work out that we are going at about 4kays an hour and have about 4 hours to go. We find a house with a water tank and again fill bladders and wet faces using hats. This is to be our last water fill for the day. I have three liters and feel okay about this. I am starting to become extremely tired and am dizzy from all the effort of the ups and downs. I have another GU, which seems to help. But Dave and Patrick are setting a steady pace that I battle to stay with. I ask for a break to catch my breath and fix the blister on my heel.

Patrick points out what should be the finish. But when we get to it we discover that this is another settlement. A boatman, Lindile, gets into a Mohawk canoe on the other side and paddles across to meet us. He does not want to get his feet wet so we go one at a time starting with Dave to the other side. Dave also wants to stay dry so he leaps out of the canoe and the canoe capsizes. Lindile goes one way, his sandals head downstream together with the canoe and paddle. Dave rushes in and they rescue everything. So Patrick and I were also able to use his generous services.

Now it is really the final beach before the Xora huts. On this beach we pass some rocks where the water line just meets the rocks but as the waves recede one can run between the rocks and the waves. Dave suggests that we run. Patrick says that it is Tradition so that is how we pass this rock. And from there on for the rest of the trip we set up a variety of traditions: Like sharing a decanted Sprite in this last hour of the day. It is getting dark so I try my headlamp but realise that the salt water must have destroyed it together with the spare batteries. Next time I am on the trail I must remember that the torch must be as waterproof as the cell phone. We can see a light and activity at the huts ahead.

Someone drives a Landrover to the water edge and switches on headlights to show us the river. It is flowing fast out to sea as low tide is beginning. Too fast for us to swim. We consider camping on this side of the river for a while until the tide turns again. Then we see a person swimming. No… there are two people. We later learn that both Kevin and Altus had tried to get across. Altus was not so successful and had grabbed the rope before pulling himself back to the west side of the river. Kevin had brought a rope with a torpedo buoy that the others would use to pull us across. I was first and in a flash was pulled over the fast flowing river. They did this for us and a number of others. I heard later that Kevin had lost both his expensive flippers that evening. What a pleasure it was to see Ron. It was 20.00. We had been on the go for 15 hours for a distance (GPS) of just over 61kays.

This evening we again shared with Ernest, Alan and Mark. Also in the bungalow were Jannie and Hans and Andre and his brother Stefan. Hans made the most delicious looking plate of veggies for Jannie who had absolutely no appetite. Ron made a delicious Tuna-mate and I also helped myself to some of Leanna’s cooking. I found Clint in the kitchen with piles of fresh fish that he was busy frying and he offered me a delicious sample of the Spotted Grunter that he had caught that day. I was amazed at my own state. I should have been a wreck but was able to enjoy a beer with the others, collect my bag from Dave’s cabin and pack ready for the next day.

We heard that everyone except Hendrik was in. He had reported in earlier but was now expected in after midnight, which was in fact the case as he reached the Xora cabin at half past midnight. How he managed to negotiate the fields, paths, roads, beaches and villages in the dark is still a complete mystery to myself. There was a full moon but a solid cloud cover obscured most of its light. I did not sleep well that night. I had sore and twitching muscles and tossed and turned for most of the night. Today I probably drank well over six liters and heard that some people had drank 9 liters of water during the day. Before I went to sleep Gium came and sat on my bed and held my hand. He must have got a bit of a fright and wanted to say thank you. Gium is a training Catholic Priest from Benin. He met Elize while running the Washie last year. Elize is an ex-PE medical doctor who is now training to specialize in Psychiatry at Fort England in Grahamstown. Elize is also a very experienced ultra distance runner who has now completed two of these Wild Coast events.

Wednesday morning.
Xora to Dwesa. 27 Kays
Dave is a very relaxed person. From today he basically allows everyone to start at their own time. Some like to start early to avoid the heat of the day and others start after 07.00. I get up early. I was not in a state to wash last evening so I find out where the shower is and take an early walk down to the water tank. There is a hose pipe sticking out that is used to provide a shower. It is still very early so I am able to strip down and have a wash while looking across the river mouth that we had to cross the previous evening and the Indian Ocean. And I ask myself: “can life get any better?”

Patrick and I start at 06.50. He sets a mean pace and we are soon on the beach. Mike jogs past. I first met Mike at Amatola. He certainly has ability and knows how to deal with this kind of terrain. Next comes Andrew, Ziegfried, HP (Oosie) and Jannie. We stop at the Bashe Haven Hotel where we enjoy an ice cold drink and I am able to phone Barbara for the second time. I also speak to Tim. I think that he understands how I felt the previous evening having seen me at Amatola. We ask for directions and walk down the beach to the Bashe River. It is brown and although we feel ripped off we pay the R20 for the ferryman, Desmond, to paddle us the ten strokes across the river. We have heard of the Zambezi Sharks that frequent brown river mouths. On the other side Patrick finds a good new oar and tries to bargain with Desmond for a partial refund.

Elize and Gium join us but when they take a longer route around a point we take the shorter route across some dunes to find Ziegfried and Jannie swimming. We are quite happy to join them until we see that we are being surrounded by bluebottles. On the beach we often come across local children. Normally they are accompanied by a pack of three to six dogs. The dogs bark at us but never attack. The children take great delight in stomping on the beached bluebottles as they go Pop Pop. Ziegfried seems to know the way and he tells us that we cross three ridges before reaching the Dwesa huts. It turns out to be five but as we are so close to the end we do not moan at him. The last section today consists of flat rocks and beach. We spot a heard of buck a little way inland and some tourists on the beach point us to the short cut to the huts which we reach by 12.30. An easy 5.30 hours and about 27kays today. This is wonderful as it gives everyone time to recover.

Ron has found us a chalet and tonight it is just Martin, Polla, Johan, Ron & I in the hut. I do some reading and relax. Some of the others go to the beach. We make some crackers and oysters as a treat and have a cold beer from the fridge. We are now half way and the toughest section is behind. I hear that after his ordeal of Tuesday, Hendrik did not start and find him being massaged by Nel. Today I able to meet and identify who Stefan and Hans are. Getting to know everyone is no easy task but I am determined to have at least met everyone on the trail before we finish. This afternoon it starts to rain. We assist the Cape Town group putting up their tent. Ron has by now met all of the seconds and has found common interests in most of them. So when I say 20.00 and I am in bed he walks around and chats to the various groups.

Thursday morning.
Dwesa to Cebe 48 kays
Dave has said start time is 07.00 but Polla and Johan want to get going early and they leave at 05.00. We all wake early. I have not been able to eat much in the mornings. Perhaps a coffee and breakfast bar or a rusk. Patrick, Hendrik and I leave at 06.00. It has rained during the night and our shoes are soon saturated in the wet grass. We jump over a fence and later hear from Chel that the park officials are cross with us as we did not use their gate nor did we produce our receipt for the overnight stay. We reach a river flowing quite strongly and do what we have done each day: walk a little upstream and allow ourselves to drift down to the other side. We see Elize and Gium preparing themselves for the crossing. Gium thinks that people sink and so attaches two empty Energade bottles to his waist. I am not sure if he is in serious difficulty but rather than take a chance, Patrick assists him to safety. It is now very clear to me that no one should attempt this type of event unless they are confident in the water. You don’t have to be a Mark Spitz or Ryk Neetling but you should be able to hold your own.

Today there are lots of flat beaches to run and walk. We arrive at the Cob Inn hotel. The bar facility is right on the beach and we find Ziegfried in the bar having a Juice. I order for myself and Pat who goes to the kitchen to order toasted cheese and tomato. R22 for the sandwich and cold drink. This takes quite a while so as we are sit there I am able to phone Barbara who tells me that she has started Ally with a new swimming coach and that she is now able to swim 50 meters in under 50 seconds. I also phone the office and as we have our sales month end on the 15th I am curious to hear how we did. Maruis tells me that we have done very well with 111% of budget. Enough of office stuff. I receive a multitude of messages each time I switch the phone on but do not listen to any of them in case they upset me.

We press on, Patrick & Ziegfried setting a fast pace. Crossing many streams which we wade across. Lots of soft sand that makes walking and jogging difficult. We see the stranded bluebottles that become engulfed by the 1000’s of sea snails. Unusual for me are the single OysterCatchers. I have only seen them in pairs before, and hope that their mates have not been hurt. The African Black OysterCatcher is an endangered sea bird. They have a long orange beak that is used to pry open muscles and to search for earthworms. The call is a Pweep, pweep. It is estimated that there are less than 5000 adults left. The other bird that I find fascinating is the SandPiper. They have such a fast run across the shallows. Their little legs fly as they run across the sand. One can almost always see their reflection in the water as they run in the opposite direction to our run. We go over the airfield and head back to the beach. Hendrik makes the mistake of staying on the road and has to double back later.

Today has been one of the better days for me. When the Blue Train came past I was able to fool around a bit and stay with them for a very short while. We get to a section where there are blue bins and Ziegfried says not far to go. We press on jogging and walking but Ziegfried has a competitive spirit and as we get closer and closer so do we go faster and faster until we see what we think is Cebe where we will be staying and we sprint to the village. It has been 42kays and taken us 9 hours as we get there at 15.00. This is a huge house but has one shower and toilet that has to serve 36 people. So the only way to sort this out is set up a queuing system. Put your towel on the bookrack to book (excuse the pun!) your place. Ron has organised our little section of the lounge and we are quite happy.

The vibe becomes quite mellow as everybody is thrown together tonight. I see that the closeness does not suite some of the group especially as some of the talk becomes vulgar. Some inappropriate remarks are made but this is all male testosterone combined with alcohol. I am quite happy to now have met every person on the trip with us. Des put on his compilation called the Dwesa Shuffle. There is a Braai on the go. Mark doctors his feet as he inject mercurochrome into the blisters. Various people receive the “Nel leg or back rub”. Altus sits quietly reading his Jeffry Archer. HP (also known as Oosie or Hercules) tells me he is a train driver while Des regales of the times when he had to shovel coal into boilers until the steam was ready to burst.

Mark tries to persuade me to come to do the Puffer. This is an 80kay run from the Cape Point to the Waterfront and is called the Puffer as you have to avoid the Puffadders on the trail. By his own admission this is a really tough race. Mark has done this race 8 times and always been in the top ten finishers. Andrew and Jannie confirm how tough this event is. Mark tells me that it is now time for him to run the “Tougher Puffer”. Start at the Waterfront and run there and back. Mmmmmmm? They also introduce me to the Three Peaks. This is a run that starts at Greenmarket Square, goes up to the Lions Head, back to Greenmarket, up Table Mountain, back to Greenmarket, up to Devils Peak and finally back to Greenmarket. Yeah Sure!

Liam is hobbling around but this does not stop him cleaning up at pool. What happened with Liam is that he pushed hard in the early stages of the week and he is now suffering the consequences. He has to run the balance of the event on painkillers. The table tennis is then brought out and Stefan has a go at this until, Ray, our ex Border Rugby player, pushes him off the board. We make some more snacks, biltong, Wors sticks, crackers and the evening becomes increasingly mellow. I am concerned for the next day, which I hear, is 48 kays and so am in bed early with the buzz of conversation in the background. This afternoon I also met Melody and Mariaan (Ziegfried and Oosies’ wives). Jonathan is the big man travelling with Des.

Friday morning.
Cebe to Pullens Bay next Haha Haga 42 kays
Only two more days to go. Patrick, Hendrik & I leave at 05.30. There are soft sand beaches for quite a way. As we reach the end of a beach we see what appears to be a path and I see that Ziegfried has taken this path. After four days of being on the trail we have come to recognise the variety of shoe prints as well as strides. So up and over we go. Big mistake. We should have followed the contour path around the point. We go too far inland and have to bundu bash our way out again. We can see the beach looking so inviting but can simply not get there. Finally we find a patch that takes us to the beach. What a relief. But our legs and shoes are covered with burrs and scratched to pieces. Martin saw us from a distance and followed us. So the four of us are now on a great piece of beach and can make up a bit of time.

We reach the Wavecrest Hotel where we have an easy swim across. Here Martin meets up with Polla and Johan who have frozen in their worry to cross the river. They are now delighted to have Martin assist them across. Martin walks ahead with Polla and Johan. Patrick & I press on. We cross the airfield and head seawards. Hendrik follows the road and has to double back later. We try to keep as close to the sea as possible as we don’t want to take a second wrong turn. The second swim of the day is not much further. Again an easy swim and I go up to the farm at the top to fill my bottle and wash my shoes at the water tank. I hear that Mike has had to assist Gium at Wavecrest. The Blue Train also gets to this river accompanied by Dave. I think that Dave waited here for Elize and Gium to make sure that he crossed safely. We meet up with Johan who has now lost Polla. This is so easy to do and one can become quite confused as to how to handle it. My suggestion is to press on as you are bound to meet up a little later.

Patrick and I want to see the Jacaranda. This is the wreck of a ship that ran aground some years ago. The story that Patrick tells me is that the crew were partying it up and the Captain had given navigation to a deckhand. And this man had steered the ship into the one and only sandy gully for miles around. The name Jacaranda is still clearly visible on the hull but the ship is breaking up rapidly.. We passed the carcass of a whale. Then the Trenneries hotel where the Blue Train pass us again as we all bought a cold drink. Martin had arranged to meet his Mom and Johan and so ordered some sandwiches.

It is raining and an easterly wind was pushing us from behind. After this last interest point there is a very long slog to the Kei Mouth. The group now consisted of Ziegfried, Hendrik, Pat, Jannie and myself. When we finally reached the Kei Mouth I was beginning to tire. Ziegfried paid the R5.00 for all of us to use the Pont. The seconding team were on the other side and some lucky runners were handed a sandwich. I decided that a GU should see me though to the end. We walked and jogged through the village. Erica and Gillian were enjoying a sit down cold drink at the shop. We walked up past the golf course and I was now able to make a few calls to let people know that I was still going strong. As we walked this section we passed Clint’s wife on horseback. She operates a horse trails business and was taking a couple for a ride. As we walked this hill Ziegfried pulled out a miniature flask and we all enjoyed some of the soup that he was carrying. What a marvelous idea that was. It was cold and wet and ideal for the moment.

On this road there is a gate. Go through the gate and down to Morgans Bay. Cross the beach and into the village of Morgans Bay. Keep to the road and then there is a very long pull up a hill that leads to Double Mouth. Do not take the coastal path as this is quite a bit tougher and longer. We ran down the concrete road to the caravan park at Double Mouth where we were able to use the toilets and get fresh water. Here the Blue Train passed us again. They probably took the coastal path. From Double Mouth it was a very long stretch of rocks and soft sand beach to the next village of Marshland. Just before this is the Oyster Farms. We walked though Marshland village and saw a sign saying two kays to Haga Haga.

Hans had run past us on the trail. It seems that Jannie had decided that he had enough in Kei Mouth and Hans wanted a bit of exersize. Hans also did the Surfers the next day. I was by now extremely tired and my back was aching so when Patrick suggested a cold drink at the Haga Haga Strandloper hotel I was only too happy for the stop. Here Pat had a beer and I had a cold Fanta. I was able to relieve the pain in my back by stretching and laying across a few barstools on my back. From Haga it was really a very short kay or two to Pullens Bay. Patrick’s shoes decide that they have had enough and literally fall apart.

At Pullens Bay we were treated to real luxury accommodation. The chalets consisted of three bedrooms two bathrooms and a big lounge. We shared with Kevin, Andrew, Erica & Gillian and Martin’s family. Everything was laid on such as Electric Kettle, Microwave oven etc. We sat around for a long time chatting before some of the group decided to go to the pub for supper and to watch Rugby. Ron & I were quite content to sit in the lounge and relax. I was by now on my second book. Kevin made a huge spaghetti Boglonaise. And once Erica and Gillian woke up we had dinner together. This evening Ron & I learnt that Gillian was a physiotherapist and Erica an analyst at Nedbank. I was able to phone Barbara this evening. I had thought that she would be at Nippers practice but Ally had chosen Snoops instead. As soon as Martin returned from supper I was ready for bed.

Saturday Morning.
Pullens Bay to Yellow Sands and then to Nahoon Beach 45 kays
As usual Polla and Johan were up early and ready to go by 05.00. I felt for Kevin who had slept in the lounge as the noise of us runners was bound to wake him. It was great to be able to switch a light on and make coffee using the kettle. I had not been able to contact Patrick to find out what time he would be leaving but we all started to get ready early. Martin was a hard worker throughout the trip. This morning was no exception as he packed the bakkie. I had not been nearly as diligent and Ron had to do a lot of the spadework for me as I had been leaving early with a pile of stuff still to be packed away. Liam left with Andrew who is a Masters Zoology graduate from Rhodes. He has been assisting in the Botany department on a contract basis and now needs to make a decision about his future. Liam works for the SAB beer company and seems to have a number of other interests (B & B and pool table hire) as well. I think that Liam is still suffering from his early haste in trying to keep up with the Blue Train. Erica and Gillian used his B& B while Kevin is in partnership with him supplying pool tables to taverns. Before leaving, Liam introduced us to Jess who had met him the previous night at Haga Haga.

I was able to have a leisurely second cup of coffee and was ready to leave with Patrick at 07.00. The first section today took us over a long section of rocks before moving onto the soft sandy beaches. Today we began to realise that the event was nearing its conclusion. We encountered a number of fishermen who were staying at a variety of resorts. The morning started off misty and we knew that we were in for a hot day. By the time we arrived at Cintsa West the sun was beginning to burn. I had my normal floppy hat, blue face blockout to try to avoid the worst of the sun. Patrick was a lot hardier and was getting browner by the day. We stopped at the shop for a cold drink and Pat was able to phone Colleen and children. Colleen had been out for a long run and was by now in a bit of a hurry to get to the start of Surfers as she was part of the organisers. She was also setting up the Discovery Challenge, which included the Cycle, the following weekend and a River Mile.

This morning we picked up a Buoy, which we carried back with us. Kevin had told us that he was interested in collecting this kind of thing. It needed a good wash as the muscles still clinging to it stank. But then so did we, as our clothes and shoes were wet with perspiration. This morning we passed a man carrying a large stone. Patrick mentioned that it looked like his own tombstone but he assured us that this was for his bird pond that he was building. It did not take long for us to reach the start of the Surfers. The Blue Train had passed us a little depleted as Ray must have been injured and Alan was with him. Alan tells me that he is slukking down the painkillers to stay on track. Nel was waiting for the runners to cross the river and guided us as we waded through the brown murky water.

At Yellowsands Leanna was waiting for her group. Colleen was happy to see Patrick who could now also assist her in some of the set up work. I followed Johan to the shower where we rinsed off. We then all joined Martin’s family in the only bit of shade that there is in the area. We had taken five hours to get this far and still had another two and a half to the start. Francis was there with their son Joel who kept everyone busy. I was quite happy to relax in the shade before finally starting the last leg of our journey. Colleen had arranged for a photo to be taken and I was sorry that not everyone was there for the photo. There were a number of people wearing National Battery T-shirts. I asked them if they knew Dave to which they proudly replied that Dave was on the trail from Port St. Johns.

At the start I saw very few PE people (Andrew and Andre). Stuart had told me that his son, Gordon would be paddling but I did not see him. There were thousands of starters and they all bunched through the narrow muddy road as they tried to avoid getting their feet wet. No such niceties for me as I splooshed through the puddles. The first section of the Surfers is quite tough with rocks and stones to slow the field down. Gonubie Village is about seven kays from the start and after the first swim. Then there are a few kays on tar road through the village where thousands of spectators cheer the runners on often spraying us with hoses. I saw Des and Jonathan taking photos of the Wild Coast Runners.

Then it was back to the beach. I was a little sad to see that the organisers now have some kilometer marker boards. One of the adventures of this kind of run is not knowing how far you have run. This section of beach is much easier. It was here that I saw a pair of shoes that had been abandoned then I saw a young man tossing his funny looking red shoes over his shoulder so I picked them up and carried them to the finish for him. I also found another pair, which did not have an owner and I ended up taking them home. I always find the finish of the Surfers confusing as it is usually misty and while you can see the sun glinting off the cars or houses at the end of the bay, you are never quite sure where the race actually ends until you cross the last river. At last we reached that final river crossing and the finish of the race.

Nel, whose parents live near to Yellowsands did a very credible 2.05 and I think that Melody also did the Surfers. 19 of the 24 starters of the Xtreme Wild Coast Ultra had finished the whole event. Hendrik had probably spent more time on the road than any of us but was not able to start on Wednesday after his ordeal of Tuesday. He had also picked up an ankle injury. Ziegfried had avoided Tuesday. Jannie found the comfort of driving just too tempting. Chel had wanted to go the whole way but on Tuesday had become so tired that when she saw the seconds at Coffee Bay had decided that that was enough exersize for one day. Des had been quite depleted after the first day and decided to save his energies for another race.

The seconds had a real rough time. Some days they had hours and hours of the roughest roads possible, bouncing around at painstakingly slow speeds. I know that Ron was quite exhausted on our way back home. The roads had been slippery and Kevin related how difficult it was to stay focussed on the driving at speeds of 20kays an hour. Also the drivers had to stay together as there were no road signs to follow and they would easily become lost if separated.

The T-Shirts of Surfers are much sought after and will be worn around East London with pride. We had arranged to meet in the tent afterwards and I found the group sitting together. Dave handed me a certificate for which I was very grateful. I was not able to stay for beers and the prize giving as Ron & I had decided to go straight home after the event. The organisers of Surfers hand out medals to category winners only but they had made enough for us as well. Dave posted mine to me later. I was able to greet a number of the runners before we left. Ally had an EP Nippers carnival and I wanted to be there for the second day on Sunday. Ron & I found the Milkshake shop and a Chinese restaurant where we bought takeaways. The road was very misty but we got home safely by 23.00.

Sunday morning
Back home in Port Elizabeth.
I unpacked all the smelly stuff into the spare bathroom and we left for Nippers at Kings Beach. It was another misty morning and bound to be very hot later on. The carnival was a great success. The Summerstrand U10’s did well and I was proud of their efforts. I think that Sardinia Bay won the overall carnival but when the last event was over we were simply too tired to stay. We had promised Lara and Ally time at the Supertubes before we were able to head home. I think that it was on Sunday afternoon that I realised how lucky I had been to finish the whole event. I had been bitten by umpteen bugs, had a few blisters and scratches but no real injury. I had been very careful with the sun the whole time and so that had not set me back.

Will I do it again? I think so, especially if I can find a teammate like Dave or Patrick who was so incredibly patient and loyal throughout the week. After an event of this nature it takes a while to come back to earth. I certainly felt on a bit of a high for a while after the event.

And to all those who I met and learned to know. Thanks for being there. For me it was a real adventure and a privilege to have met you. Ron. Now there is a real friend. Thanks Buddy. Barbara & Ally. Thank you for allowing me to take the time off to try something completely out of the ordinary.

And all of this for only R550 per person entry fee! Ridiculous. Okay there are any number of additional costs but still I am sure that Dave is out of pocket at the end of the event.


Peter Giddy
20 February 2006.

Hello GuysWell the dust (mud) has settled and we have to concentrate on the drudgery of work again. I hope you all enjoyed getting away from the exhaust fumes and chlorinated water, enjoyed the pure air, freedom of the environment emphasised by the total lack of restrictive fences, a little mental and physical challenge and regeneration of your spirit.Here is a report from Peter Giddy. Most of you saw him scribbling each day and got to know him as he went about meeting you all. Peter writes his report as a diary for his own records but it certainly brings back memories for me and I am sure it will for you too. I love "the blue train". How well did he get to know the Cape Town guys ?Thanks for coming and sharing with Des, Chel and me the splendour of the Wild Coast. What is it if you haven't shared it ? See you on the trails somewhere.

Hello Peter,
I am very pleased that you have written another report, I am afraid that I am not good at this sort of thing and although we are all so different we are basically similar and experience the same sort of emotions so even though those recorded are yours, we all find it reflects in some way our trip. I found reading it brought back quite a few emotions. Thank you.
I will send to all the people on the email contact list, I know they will enjoy reading it. They were amazed at your ability to know everyone and write each day about the trail.
Great to have you there. Ray and Altus are already planning for next year !
Regards.
Dave Gassner Tel 043 7068252 Fax 043 7312007 Cell 082 927 8344





Name
surname
Hluleka 46k
Xora 55k
Dwesa 40k
Cebe 41k
Pullen's bay 48k
surfers start 26k
surfers 18k
Nahoon 44k
total for whole XWCU 274k
total time spent on the trail

1
Ernest
Markwood
9.01
12.25
4.05
7.14
7.22
3.29
1.49
5.18
45.25


2
Andre
Erasmus
9.01
12.25
4.05
7.14
7.38
3.55
1.19
5.14
45.37


3
Mike
Webb
9.01
12.25
4.20
6.40
8.14
4.20
1.45
6.05
46.14


4
Mark
Spengler
9.01
12.25
4.21
7.14
8.14
3.55
1.40
5.35
46.51


5
Alan
Green
9.01
12.25
4.21
7.18
8.14
4.20
1.53
6.13
47.32


6
Ray
Cranston
9.01
12.25
4.21
7.14
8.14
4.20
2.40
7.00
48.15


7
Andrew
Slaughter
9.45
13.45
5.00
7.30
7.55
3.40
1.59
5.39
49.34


8
Hp
Oosthuizen
9.53
14.00
5.00
7.50
7.50
3.40
1.49
5.29
50.02


9
Liam
Victor
9.01
13.50
6.32
7.50
8.05
3.40
1.35
5.15
50.33


10
Dave
Gassner
11.30
15.00
6.30
9.17
7.30
3.45
2.13
5.58
55.45


11
Alice
Achermann
9.50
14.03
5.30
8.57
9.40
5.50
2.06
7.56
55.56


12
Guillame
Kambounon
9.50
14.03
5.30
8.57
9.40
5.50
2.06
7.56
55.56


13
Patrick
Elson
11.30
15.00
6.30
8.00
9.30
5.00
1.49
6.49
57.19


14
Peter
Giddy
11.30
15.00
6.30
8.00
9.30
5.00
2.15
7.15
57.45


15
Martin
Smith
12.00
16.00
4.20
7.35
11.15
5.30
1.27
6.57
58.07


16
Erica
Terblanche
9.53
17.00
8.00
9.15
9.45
5.30
2.29
7.59
61.52


17
Gillian
Banks
9.53
17.00
8.00
9.15
9.45
5.30
2.29
7.59
61.52


18
Johan
Kriel
12.00
16.00
9.00
10.30
12.30
6.50
2.15
9.05
69.05


19
Paula
Richardson
12.00
16.00
9.00
10.30
12.30
6.50
3.00
9.50
69.50


20
Hendrik
Marx
9.53
19.10

8.00
8.45

1.55


47.43

21
Siegfried
Milbert
11.30

5.37
8.20
9.40
4.40
2.09
6.49

41.56

22
Jannie
Smal
9.25
14.25
5.37

5.45

1.40


36.52

23
Chel
Gassner
11.30
6.30
6.30
9.17


2.48


36.35

24
Des
Meyer
12.00








12.00



EXTREME WILD COAST ULTRA 2006
Organised by Des Meyer, Dave and Chel Gassner,
EVENT INFORMATION.
Supported by Cremorne Estate.

Sunday 12th February 2006.

Arrive at Cremorne on the Sunday. Directions ……

Heading south from Bizana, just before the bridge over the Umzimvubu, approx 5 kms from Port St Johns, follow signs to the left to get to Cremorne Estate. About 90k from Umtata on the R61 approx 5k from Port St Johns, turn left to cross the bridge over the Umzimvubu, take the first turn to the right immediately after the bridge and follow the signs to Cremorne Estate, approx 1k.

We will be staying in the Fishermen’s Huts that will accommodate 12, the rest of us will camp. Cremorne is a beautiful resort on the banks of the river, well protected and very secure. Please ask for Barry (the manager) and inform him that you are with Des Meyer to do the Xtreme Wild Coast Ultra. A normal booking has not been made so some one else may not know what you are talking about. Be sure to speak to Barry. Bring your tents and mattresses with you; you may need them later in the week. At Cremorne there is a very good restaurant and a great pub. See the website http://www.cremorne.co.za/. Log cabins can be booked if you prefer some luxury - the last you will have for a week!! We will discuss the plan for the following day in the conference hall on Sunday evening. Des will be giving us hints on where the trading stores, taverns, vicious dogs and crossing points are situated and also give directions for the seconds to travel to Hluleka. Every evening we will have a briefing for the following day. Photocopy maps will be provided.

Monday 13th Feb.

Pack up, eat and apply all the protection materials and equipment (anti sun, insect and shark repellant). We will start at Cremorne and run along the road to Silaka Reserve, which opens at 06:00 (Des and I will pay the day visitor fee on Sunday) and then onto the trail. We will start at 05:30 but this is negotiable on Sunday evening. We will probably split up into groups, the bigger the better, according to ability or inclination. After a leisurely 46 kilometers we will arrive at Hluleka Nature Reserve (golden rule number 1, keep the sea on your left) where we have booked the Sea Facing Chalets. The chalets sleep six, have hot showers, deep freeze or fridge and gas stove and braai places outside. Here we will hopefully find our seconds with the kit unpacked and beers in the fridges. If you are able to I believe the area is very good for snorkeling and fishing although you are not allowed to collect bait. Have a look on the website. http://www.psj.co.za/links/hluleka.htm. The seconds will have driven the route from Port St Johns (fill up with fuel whenever you can) on the R61 (70k tar) and taken the turn off to Hluleka just before Libode (57k dirt - distances given on different maps conflict), produced the permit and been allowed into the reserve. You will have packed food for the evening and the following morning plus your supplies for the next day into your boxes. We will have a runners and seconds briefing for the following day in the evening. It will be very important to stay hydrated and to eat well because Tuesday is a huge day that will take anything from 9 to 15 hours, depending on hard you go.

Tuesday 14th Feb.

We pack up, eat and get an early start for day two, 57k to Xora. The previous evening we will decide what time is the best to depart. We must carry energy mix, water and food for the day and be prepared for a long day. All the necessary protection must be used, sun, insects, sunglasses, hat etc. Directions will be provided for the seconds and we will hope that they find Xora otherwise we will be a sorry bunch when we arrive there. Xora is very basic, water has to be pumped by hand, fire lit for hot water and gas connected for the fridge and the paraffin lamps filled. Des is busy getting other accommodation as well as the house, some of us may need to tent. You will need to pack darts if you want to play, there is a dartboard available. Be careful crossing the river, there are lots of electric skates in the water but that may just give you the final urge to get to the cottage. Golden rule number 2, if attacked by a shark be sure that you offer an arm or a leg to the shark as torso bites are usually fatalJ. There will be a lady to clean and a man to help with water pumping and fire making and we may need some tools to open the water tank but I will sort that out. Once again, you will rely on the seconds to have your equipment ready. They can also buy supplies in Umtata but when doing so ensure that the vehicles are guarded and be careful. We will have the briefing for the next day in the evening as usual. Snorkeling is also reported to be good here.

Wed 15th Feb.

We leave early for Dwesa, the distance should only be 26k. We have to negotiate the Bashee River, renowned for the number of locals who have been taken by shark. We will catch the ferry that operates from the Hotel. Des will inform them that we will be coming and hopefully the ferryman will be there. The charge last year was R20 per person. You must carry ferry money with you each day, no large denomination, Transkei people do not have change. Dwesa is another magic place to stay and hopefully we will survive the crossing to admire the true nature of the land in this small reserve where white rhino, zebra, wildebeest, crocodiles and a number of small and very large buck live. You may survive the sharks to become crocodile supperJ. Dwesa cabins are smart with fridges and stoves and showers. Provisions can be bought in Elliotdale. The cabins will accommodate 24, so some of us will have to tent again. Same procedure for the briefing and early start.

Thursday 16th Feb.

The section to Cebe should be 45k and if the feet are still holding out, not too blistered and the ankles not too sore, the going will be a little easier as there are not as many ups and downs but the sand will make up for that I guess. Cebe is a large cottage, see the website http://www.cyberpage.co.za/ which also comes with help for cleaning up, there is a bathroom and kitchen. The adventure is almost kaput by now but at the same time this may apply to you as well. We will have the usual briefing in the evening.

Fri. 17th Feb.

Today will only be a short jog to Kei Mouth, about 26k (to the ferry). Cross on the ferry, this is a dangerous river. Last year this was the official finish but we extended it to include Surfers. This year we continue along the coast past Morgan’s Bay, Double Mouth, Haga-Haga and about 2k further we will stop at Pullen’s Bay, a really beautiful spot on the coast, total distance 48k. http://www.hagahaga.co.za/ is the website, they have self-catering chalets.

Sat. 18th Feb.

On Saturday 19th February 2005 the famous and very popular 18 kilometer “Discovery Surfer’s Challenge” will start at 14:00 at Yellow Sands and finish at Nahoon Beach, East London. Total distance for the last day, 44k. These distances are all measured with a ruler on the map so you can expect some discrepancies, especially if you get lost! Total then - about 266k.

We can have a late sleep, swim and then take an easy jog to the start at Yellow Sands, about 26k. You will have to enter at the start. Entry fee R40. Seconds should get there early, the roads are closed at about 12:00 and you will need refreshment and maybe some cover depending on the weather. Surfers has entries for runners, walkers and paddlers, it is an easy 2 hour paddle. So we will finish our little adventure with a mass welcome at Nahoon Beach and I can tell you it is a hell of a finish with thousands of spectators at the finish and all along the way.

Other info.

Stay together in groups, this is safer incase of any emergency. Eat well to ensure that your body can re energise. Drink plenty, there are springs along the way and the occasional shop and holiday shacks. Protect yourself from the sun and insects. Plan your food requirements carefully remembering you will need food during the day on the run. Bring an abundant sense of humour. Try to keep your feet dry, this is generally the most vunerable part of your body and most likely to take you out of the run.

We have informed the East London Private Ambulance Service – Aldersons, (they have an agreement with AV8 helicopter services) of our event so that they are not unprepared in case of an emergency. For safety sake, ensure that you have your medical aid details with you,

Maps will be supplied to the seconds and Des will brief them on the roads to follow. Best to travel in convoy even though this does slow you down a bit. Seconds should leave as soon as the runners have gone as the roads meander through the region, are indirect and rough and when wet, very slippery.

Treat the locals with respect, their culture is not the same as ours and they are insulted by some of our customs. Many of the Transkei people are still primitive, RDP has not reached them yet and they are bitter because they have been promised a better life from tourism, which they have not yet seen. You are a tourist, you are part of the problem! Having said that, we have found them to be most helpful giving directions and even supplying water.


ITEMS FOR RUN
Shorts
Shirt
Socks
Shoes in good condition
Hat
Sun glasses
Sun block
Small pack
2 litres water minimum
Small 1st aid pack
Emergency blanket
Energy drink (Clifton, Game or some other high energy mix)
Energy food (some chicken and rolls or boiled potato with butter and salt)
Cell phone in waterproof container
List of emergency numbers (to be supplied)
Map (to be supplied)
Money for ferry, drinks at stores or villages, only small change, they have no change for big notes. Tips for directions
when you are lost J
Watch
Torch, tested to last at least 5 hours.
Whistle
Waterproof rain jacket to use in case of emergency
Tick repellant
Spare shirt
Warm trousers to use in case of emergency

For your trip - and don’t forget your second!

Money, there are no auto tellers.
A strong box clearly marked with your name.
Food, make out a daily menu.
Eating utensils, plates, knives forks,
Cooking utensils, pots, braai grid, gas stove etc.
Washing up things, sunlight, and cloths.
Small tent, sleeping bag, pillow, mattress
Charka, firelighters, lighter
Goggles, snorkel, weights and flippers.
Food (can be topped up at Umtata, Willowvale, Idutywa.
Beer (can be topped up)
Mosquito repellant

A first aid kit to treat allergies, rashes, blisters, cuts and bruises, sunburn. A syringe and Mercurochrome work very well for treating blisters and some good broad plaster which sticks well. I use the white elastic type. It keeps your feet together when they want to fall apart. I also recommend “IceMan” which you can get from hardware stores that cater for the farmers, magic for sore knees and ankles. Costs about R35 for a tub, use liberally after and before run.


colour block indicates group, dotted fill indicates driver of the group.

entrants
name

pay
tel
where from
email
1
gassner dave
paid
0829278344
el
daveg@battery.co.za
2
gassner chel
paid
07236997047
el

3
elson patrick
paid
0835451612
el
pat.elson@impilo.ecprov.gov.za
4
weppelman ray
paids
0833799866
el
rayicon@absamail.co.za
5
terblanche erica
paid
0834606288
pretoria
EricaT@Nedbank.co.za
6
banks gillian
paid

pretoria

7
slaughter andrew
paid
0732493810
grahamstown
a.slaughter@ru.ac.za
8
victor liam

paid
0829217587
east london
Liam.Victor@za.sabmiller.com
9
victor second
paids



10
smith martin
paid
0834636206
el
martin.smith@icontrols.co.za
11
giddy peter
paid
0825503174
pe
peterg@jdg.co.za
12
richards graham
paid
0829086989
jhb / pe
GRichards@SALGA.ORG.ZA
13
pask ron

paids

pe
ronpask@telkomsa.net
14
erasmus andre
paid
0823739311
sasolburg
andre.erasmus@sasol.com
15
erasmus second
paids



16
marx hendrik
paid
083 631 9432
vereeniging
hmarx@cew.co.za
17
marx team mate
paid



18
achermann alice
paid
0729814107
grahamstown
ACHERMANN@telkomsa.net
19
webb mike
paid
0833660933
kingwilliam'stown
renewilliams@um.co.za
20
kambounon guillame
paid
0729402969

petitguill@yahoo.fr
21
achermann second
paids



22
meyer des


cape town
desm@battery.co.za
23
grobler jonathan


el
jonathang@battery.co.za
24
muller altus

0832221279
jhb
ajmuller@icon.co.za
25
tawse john michael

0826944789
baghdad
johnmike@xsinet.co.za
26
adams ian
paid
0722335418
jhb
ian1adams@yahoo.co.uk
27
smal jannie
paid
0845266437
cape town
jannies@vibol.co.za
28
linde hans

paids
0829324916
cape town
hjl@metroweb.co.za
29
oosthuizen hp
paid


oos@absamail.co.za
30
milbert siegfried
paid
0833279582

smilbert@g5.co.za
31
milbert melody
paids
0837732710

melody@netactive.co.za
32
oosthuizen mariaan
paids



33
cranston ray
paid


rayc@wol.co.za
34
walker craig
paid



35
beckett gordon
paid



36
markwood ernest
paid
0824795154
cape town
ernest.m@telkomsa.net
37
markwood second
paids













4
have not paid but will pay tomorrow.



24
runners have paid




9
seconds have paid




33
total paid





37
entriesXTREME WILD COAST ULTRA
SUNDAY 12 FEBRUARY TO SATURDAY 19 FEBRUARY 2006.
SIX DAYS TO WALK AND RUN 274 KAYS. (APPROX)
PORT ST. JOHNS TO EAST LONDON.

We had been planning this trip for a number of months. I did not change my daily training routine. Originally Graham was to be with me but he was injured. Ron & I had listed and purchased all the required provisions as if we would be away for a month. But we decided that it would be better to over cater. I also bought two storage boxes from Macro. These we filled with our provisions. I packed the two stretchers, mattresses, cooking stuff and my tog bag. Once this was all in the car I had used the boot and the back seat.

Day Pack
The way that we do these kind of events is with a daypack that has a Bladder. The Bladder is a two-liter container that has a tube running to the front where the runner can drink water without having to stop or to pull out a water bottle from the backpack. We then pack provisions and emergency stuff for the day. My daily rations consisted of:
2 X sachets of GU. A high concentrate energy supplement that I had used before.
2 X energy bars. I would keep one in my running shorts pocket so that I could eat whenever I felt the need. I prefer small bites to eating the whole bar at once. It is very easy to become suddenly depleted during the day and the energy supplements should be easily accessible so that the runner does not collapse.
2 X Fruit bars, a packet of Jelly Babies (Jube Jubes) and a packet of peanuts and raisins. These last two items were incase I was out there for longer than I had planned. For example if I became lost.
This I had packed into Ziplock bags prepared before we left.
Also in the backpack was a waterproof container where I kept the cellphone and a list of Phone numbers in case of emergency.
Next was my waterproof container with plasters, a small pair of scissors, a whistle and some paracetemol.
Then I carried a space Blanket and a running top.
I had carried a torch with spare batteries but this was not waterproofed and they all became wet and the seawater rendered them useless. This is a lesson for the future.
I would also carry an additional two 500-mil bottles. Often one contained cold drink such as Fanta and the other carried water. I felt that with three liters I would not run out of water.
The total weight of this pack was probably about 4 to 5 kilograms. It did not hinder me at all.

Sunday morning.
Port Elizabeth, East London and Port St Johns.
We left PE at 07.00 and had an easy drive through to EL where we met Martin, Polla and Johan. Francis was there to send us off. Ron immediately recognised Francis and little Joel from Amatola. We quickly packed our multitude of stuff into the back of Martin’s bakkie. The back seat of the Bakkie is not designed for tall people nor long distance and I think that Johan must have suffered. It was not long before we were in Mtatha where we stopped for coffee. The drive down to Port St. Johns is tarred all the way and by 17.00 we pulled into Cremorne where there are lovely chalets and good camping facilities. As we arrived is started to rain so we put tents up and had everything sorted out just as it stopped raining.

We announced our arrival to Dave and Chel and met some of the entrants and their seconds. Some of the group had arrived in time for the tour of the area. Dave called a meeting where he gave us a number of instructions plus laminated maps. I was happy to see that I am not the only one who makes the kind of mistake of numbering pages 1/13 to 13/13 and then realising that there are 14 pages so number the last one 14/14. He handed out the T-shirts to both seconds and runners. We also received plastic bags, which we would carry with us for river crossings. Ron & I cooked ourselves a rice dish, made coffee and I was in bed early. I think that Ron did his rounds, meeting others. Our tent is always a pleasure. We set up the stretchers, mattresses and reading table with a lamp. I had made myself a cup of coffee and fell asleep in a very short while.

Monday morning.
Port St Johns to Hluleka. 49.7kays
I had set the alarm for 04.00 as Dave had decided to leave at 05.00. We had a coffee and rusk. I folded up some of the stuff but generally Ron did all the packing once we had left. We congregated at the gate to Cremorne, posed for the photos and then 24 men and women, most of whom were strangers, set out, on foot, for East London. 274 kays away! For this first stretch of mainly tarred road we passed over the Umzimvubu River, though Port St. Johns and then up to the gate of the Sileka reserve. En route we passed what is called the washing machine. A round concrete structure where the various stages of clothes washing takes place. We had walked and jogged here without the “trippers”. Ray was at the gate to meet us and to hand us the bags.

At this stage I was more or less with Dave, Chel, Patrick, Elize (At a run in Uitenhage a few weeks later I met up with Elize and confirmed that her name is actually Alice) and Gium. I had met Patrick at Amatola. He was the sweeper for the Little Bafer. Dave and Chel were also people we had met at Amatola. We then passed the Sugarloaf rock. Now I regretted not bringing a camera, even a cheapie that could have recorded some of the special moments. We began the hill climbing and exploring. Fortunately Dave knows the area well and we were soon descending to the Umgazi mouth where we were able to walk across the river. I learned later that the “Blue Train” had taken the ferry across after buying something to drink at the hotel. Our next river crossing was at Mganzane where we paid the ferryman (Jabavu) R5.00 each to row us across the very small river, which we could quite easily have swum. In fact Dave and Patrick did swim it but still paid the R5 to have their packs ferried across.

We had caught up to some of the others here and I went across with them and then did a very foolish thing. I pressed on by myself and instantly got lost in the village. I had to jog around for a while before coming across a local who pointed out the location to the shop. The Dave group had not got here yet and I thought that we would have a sit down, buy some cool drinks and relax for a bit. Not so. I bought a pair of cold Fantas (R4.50 each) and tried to fill my bladder but in this time Dave arrived, bought a few cans and pressed on. Fortunately Patrick waited for me otherwise I would have got lost a second time. We wandered though the village and up and over to the coast line again. These village roads are very confusing and not really for cars at all. We found a tap where some of the runners filled bladders. Then it was up hills again. The second tap we found was leaking and strapped with cloth. I thought that if I do this again, I should bring a spanner and washers and show a local how to repair the tap.

As we were going up a hillside we passed Des. He was resting but seemed fine otherwise. Shortly after this section we came across Ester, a local lass who looked thirteen but claimed to be 18. Dave was able to understand the directions she gave us and we pressed on downwards to the ocean. Here we found Ziegfried swimming in a pool. This looked like a splendid idea and we soon had our shoes off and wallowed in the cool water together with the tiny Zebra fish. Ester had came across Des and had brought him down to the pool to join us. And a little while later she reappeared with Martin, Polla and Johan. Polla had told me that her real name is Ilsabet but her father had called her Polla and that this had then been angled to be Paula. She and Johan run a delicatessen in the Metlife Mall of Kingwilliamstown. Des is with us for quite a long part of the day’s walk. He seems very knowledgeable on this section of coastline. Des tells me how the Event was conceived: About 18 years ago he was chatting to some friends over a beer and had suggested that they do a hike from Port St Johns. It seems that everyone was keen until it came to “Takkie meeting tar”. Then there turned out to be only two of them that eventually put on backpacks and walked the coastline. And then last year (2005) Dave had finally put together the event that we were now doing.

We walk a beach where we see over 1000 ghost crabs. They are funny little creatures with eyes that stick up in the air and they run in the shallows on tiptoe. Sometimes we walk past their holes that they have burrowed in the sand. Then they are quite confused: do they run back to the burrow or do they head for the water?

Many hills follow this section. Fortunately we came to a river that we wade across where we again decide to have a swim and cool off. After a while we reach a river that had to be swum. Here we packed our bags into plastic bags and push these across the river. There were a number of young local boys and girls playing about at this river. They crowded around me while I was emptying my pockets and I gave them the energy bar and the fruit bar that I had. This in itself was not a problem as I had more than enough in my bag but the thing that hit me later was that I did not replenish my pockets and completely ran out of energy just before the end of the day.

The day ends at Hluleka bay. This is part of a nature reserve and we saw some Wildebeest and Zebra just before camp. The one particular Wildebeest looked straight at us in a silhouette. A classic and stunning picture! Ron had planned to camp but I was more interested in the shower and comfort of the chalets that had been reserved for us. So it worked out that Ron & I shared the chalet with Ernest, Leanna, Alan and Mark as well as Ray and Nel. For me this was great. I had already got to know Martin, Polla, Johan, Patrick, Dave, Chel and Ziegfried. So I was able to meet what I thereafter referred to as the Blue Train.

The Blue Train comprised the three from Cape Town, Mark: tall tattooed and long hair. Ernest: GPS and coupled up with Leanna. Alan: The hospital Gym man, bushy hair and determined to stay on the train. Ray: The Irishman, hill climber and restaurant man who offers Seafood and Prawns at Jimmys (which I believe is a franchise in Gauteng). Please do not ask why prawns are not considered to be part of the general offering of Seafood. And then there is Andre, Quiet unassuming and incredibly capable at this type of terrain. Ron reminded me that Andre won the Amatola that we did in October last year.

This evening I learned how Leanna had cycled across Africa last year. From Cairo to Cape Town on a Mountain bike. She was with a group of people looking for adventure supported by vehicles and living a really rough life for four months. We also found the gentle and caring nature of Nel who was always there for any of the seconds or runners. I understand that Nel is also a Provincial Hockey player. Nothing was ever too much trouble for a soul needing help. Ron and I packed out the stretchers on the veranda and it was then that we really appreciated why we were on this trip. It was a stunning evening and the cool breeze put us to sleep early. We had run and walked 49.7kays according to Ernest’ GPS. The going had been tough and the bodies were weary. We started at 05.00 and our group finished at 16.30. 11.5 hours.

Tuesday morning.
Hluleka to Xora. 61.5 kays
The BIG day. I, and many others had decided that if we could get through today we could finish the event. I heard later that Des and Ziegfried did not start and thought again of the advice that Ian Ross had given me before Amatola: What ever you do you must start. You can always reconsider later but get going with the others in the morning. This event has no defined route. The runner has to continually be on the lookout for the best possible path or track and then hope that they are heading in the right direction. It is very easy to go too far inland in an attempt to take what seems to be the easier path. Martin and I had been wandering on top of the fields. He decided that the best route for himself, Polla and Johan was inland, I wandered down to the beach and thinking that I had the lead on Dave’s group, slowed down. Mistake! I realised that I had better press on and only after a while did I catch them up.

I am now determined that I will not separate from my group again. The next river we get to is one we will have to swim. I step into the river and then realise how strong the outgoing tide is. So walk upstream a bit before getting back in to the water and ease myself across. Just as I am out on the other side I realise that Gium is in trouble and am able to assist him to safety. After a short walk on this beach we again begin the long climbs and descents over fields and though villages. Sometime during the day today we cross the Mtatha River. Brian is the Ferryman and he charges R5.00 for a crossing. We also find a backpackers resort where we are able to buy a cold drinks and top up the bladders with water.

Fortunately for me I am with Patrick and he has the common sense to ask directions and we take a short cut into Coffee Bay. Here the seconds are waiting for us and Nel rushes up to me with an Ice Cold Coke. I am also able to fill my bladder with ice before we carry on. At Coffee Bay I make my first phone call to Barbara. Today is hot and sticky. Chel decides that she has had enough for the day. Dave, Patrick and I go to the beach for a swim. I wash my shoes and socks out in the seawater. Everything is full of sea sand and burrs. Erica and Gillian pass up on a swim and carry on. For a long time they have had this dog following them from the time we left Port St Johns. I am not sure quite when they rid themselves of the dog.

We seem to be able to take a short cut past a place called Clay something or other and jog/walk over more fields and through villages on our way to Little Hole in the Wall.

We see many local children playing in the rock pools as we bound our way past them. It seems to me that since Chel is no longer with him, Dave thinks that I must have newfound ability and energy.

I am very happy to reach the Hole in the Wall River where Dave tells me the legend of the Beautiful maidens who lived in the sea. One day a local chief decided to abduct one of these maidens and take her to be his a wife. But after a while the Sea God (probably Neptune) decided to take her back to the ocean where she belonged and the only place where he could access the land was the wall of rock at the river mouth. So, in his fury and desperation to recapture the maiden, he carved a hole in the wall and was able to return her to her rightful place in the sea.

At the river mouth we find a number of local women burning rubbish. Dave says that this is a clean up campaign. We were able to wade this river and had ourselves a swim on the other side. Up and down more hills until we arrive at the Hole in the Wall village. A convoy of expensive 4X4’s pass us on their way home from what we assume to be a meeting. We see the tavern called Sally Can’t Surf and discover that only glasses of cold drink can be bought here so we go to the tin shanty Spaza shop across the street called the Tack Shop. Here Peter (blue face and shabby hat), Dave and Patrick sit themselves down on the tomato boxes and order three very large Sprite bottles (R8.50) which we sluck from thirstily and then fill our bladders much to the amazement of the locals who come into the shop.

Up and down more hills. I am exhausted. I work out that we are going at about 4kays an hour and have about 4 hours to go. We find a house with a water tank and again fill bladders and wet faces using hats. This is to be our last water fill for the day. I have three liters and feel okay about this. I am starting to become extremely tired and am dizzy from all the effort of the ups and downs. I have another GU, which seems to help. But Dave and Patrick are setting a steady pace that I battle to stay with. I ask for a break to catch my breath and fix the blister on my heel.

Patrick points out what should be the finish. But when we get to it we discover that this is another settlement. A boatman, Lindile, gets into a Mohawk canoe on the other side and paddles across to meet us. He does not want to get his feet wet so we go one at a time starting with Dave to the other side. Dave also wants to stay dry so he leaps out of the canoe and the canoe capsizes. Lindile goes one way, his sandals head downstream together with the canoe and paddle. Dave rushes in and they rescue everything. So Patrick and I were also able to use his generous services.

Now it is really the final beach before the Xora huts. On this beach we pass some rocks where the water line just meets the rocks but as the waves recede one can run between the rocks and the waves. Dave suggests that we run. Patrick says that it is Tradition so that is how we pass this rock. And from there on for the rest of the trip we set up a variety of traditions: Like sharing a decanted Sprite in this last hour of the day. It is getting dark so I try my headlamp but realise that the salt water must have destroyed it together with the spare batteries. Next time I am on the trail I must remember that the torch must be as waterproof as the cell phone. We can see a light and activity at the huts ahead.

Someone drives a Landrover to the water edge and switches on headlights to show us the river. It is flowing fast out to sea as low tide is beginning. Too fast for us to swim. We consider camping on this side of the river for a while until the tide turns again. Then we see a person swimming. No… there are two people. We later learn that both Kevin and Altus had tried to get across. Altus was not so successful and had grabbed the rope before pulling himself back to the west side of the river. Kevin had brought a rope with a torpedo buoy that the others would use to pull us across. I was first and in a flash was pulled over the fast flowing river. They did this for us and a number of others. I heard later that Kevin had lost both his expensive flippers that evening. What a pleasure it was to see Ron. It was 20.00. We had been on the go for 15 hours for a distance (GPS) of just over 61kays.

This evening we again shared with Ernest, Alan and Mark. Also in the bungalow were Jannie and Hans and Andre and his brother Stefan. Hans made the most delicious looking plate of veggies for Jannie who had absolutely no appetite. Ron made a delicious Tuna-mate and I also helped myself to some of Leanna’s cooking. I found Clint in the kitchen with piles of fresh fish that he was busy frying and he offered me a delicious sample of the Spotted Grunter that he had caught that day. I was amazed at my own state. I should have been a wreck but was able to enjoy a beer with the others, collect my bag from Dave’s cabin and pack ready for the next day.

We heard that everyone except Hendrik was in. He had reported in earlier but was now expected in after midnight, which was in fact the case as he reached the Xora cabin at half past midnight. How he managed to negotiate the fields, paths, roads, beaches and villages in the dark is still a complete mystery to myself. There was a full moon but a solid cloud cover obscured most of its light. I did not sleep well that night. I had sore and twitching muscles and tossed and turned for most of the night. Today I probably drank well over six liters and heard that some people had drank 9 liters of water during the day. Before I went to sleep Gium came and sat on my bed and held my hand. He must have got a bit of a fright and wanted to say thank you. Gium is a training Catholic Priest from Benin. He met Elize while running the Washie last year. Elize is an ex-PE medical doctor who is now training to specialize in Psychiatry at Fort England in Grahamstown. Elize is also a very experienced ultra distance runner who has now completed two of these Wild Coast events.

Wednesday morning.
Xora to Dwesa. 27 Kays
Dave is a very relaxed person. From today he basically allows everyone to start at their own time. Some like to start early to avoid the heat of the day and others start after 07.00. I get up early. I was not in a state to wash last evening so I find out where the shower is and take an early walk down to the water tank. There is a hose pipe sticking out that is used to provide a shower. It is still very early so I am able to strip down and have a wash while looking across the river mouth that we had to cross the previous evening and the Indian Ocean. And I ask myself: “can life get any better?”

Patrick and I start at 06.50. He sets a mean pace and we are soon on the beach. Mike jogs past. I first met Mike at Amatola. He certainly has ability and knows how to deal with this kind of terrain. Next comes Andrew, Ziegfried, HP (Oosie) and Jannie. We stop at the Bashe Haven Hotel where we enjoy an ice cold drink and I am able to phone Barbara for the second time. I also speak to Tim. I think that he understands how I felt the previous evening having seen me at Amatola. We ask for directions and walk down the beach to the Bashe River. It is brown and although we feel ripped off we pay the R20 for the ferryman, Desmond, to paddle us the ten strokes across the river. We have heard of the Zambezi Sharks that frequent brown river mouths. On the other side Patrick finds a good new oar and tries to bargain with Desmond for a partial refund.

Elize and Gium join us but when they take a longer route around a point we take the shorter route across some dunes to find Ziegfried and Jannie swimming. We are quite happy to join them until we see that we are being surrounded by bluebottles. On the beach we often come across local children. Normally they are accompanied by a pack of three to six dogs. The dogs bark at us but never attack. The children take great delight in stomping on the beached bluebottles as they go Pop Pop. Ziegfried seems to know the way and he tells us that we cross three ridges before reaching the Dwesa huts. It turns out to be five but as we are so close to the end we do not moan at him. The last section today consists of flat rocks and beach. We spot a heard of buck a little way inland and some tourists on the beach point us to the short cut to the huts which we reach by 12.30. An easy 5.30 hours and about 27kays today. This is wonderful as it gives everyone time to recover.

Ron has found us a chalet and tonight it is just Martin, Polla, Johan, Ron & I in the hut. I do some reading and relax. Some of the others go to the beach. We make some crackers and oysters as a treat and have a cold beer from the fridge. We are now half way and the toughest section is behind. I hear that after his ordeal of Tuesday, Hendrik did not start and find him being massaged by Nel. Today I able to meet and identify who Stefan and Hans are. Getting to know everyone is no easy task but I am determined to have at least met everyone on the trail before we finish. This afternoon it starts to rain. We assist the Cape Town group putting up their tent. Ron has by now met all of the seconds and has found common interests in most of them. So when I say 20.00 and I am in bed he walks around and chats to the various groups.

Thursday morning.
Dwesa to Cebe 48 kays
Dave has said start time is 07.00 but Polla and Johan want to get going early and they leave at 05.00. We all wake early. I have not been able to eat much in the mornings. Perhaps a coffee and breakfast bar or a rusk. Patrick, Hendrik and I leave at 06.00. It has rained during the night and our shoes are soon saturated in the wet grass. We jump over a fence and later hear from Chel that the park officials are cross with us as we did not use their gate nor did we produce our receipt for the overnight stay. We reach a river flowing quite strongly and do what we have done each day: walk a little upstream and allow ourselves to drift down to the other side. We see Elize and Gium preparing themselves for the crossing. Gium thinks that people sink and so attaches two empty Energade bottles to his waist. I am not sure if he is in serious difficulty but rather than take a chance, Patrick assists him to safety. It is now very clear to me that no one should attempt this type of event unless they are confident in the water. You don’t have to be a Mark Spitz or Ryk Neetling but you should be able to hold your own.

Today there are lots of flat beaches to run and walk. We arrive at the Cob Inn hotel. The bar facility is right on the beach and we find Ziegfried in the bar having a Juice. I order for myself and Pat who goes to the kitchen to order toasted cheese and tomato. R22 for the sandwich and cold drink. This takes quite a while so as we are sit there I am able to phone Barbara who tells me that she has started Ally with a new swimming coach and that she is now able to swim 50 meters in under 50 seconds. I also phone the office and as we have our sales month end on the 15th I am curious to hear how we did. Maruis tells me that we have done very well with 111% of budget. Enough of office stuff. I receive a multitude of messages each time I switch the phone on but do not listen to any of them in case they upset me.

We press on, Patrick & Ziegfried setting a fast pace. Crossing many streams which we wade across. Lots of soft sand that makes walking and jogging difficult. We see the stranded bluebottles that become engulfed by the 1000’s of sea snails. Unusual for me are the single OysterCatchers. I have only seen them in pairs before, and hope that their mates have not been hurt. The African Black OysterCatcher is an endangered sea bird. They have a long orange beak that is used to pry open muscles and to search for earthworms. The call is a Pweep, pweep. It is estimated that there are less than 5000 adults left. The other bird that I find fascinating is the SandPiper. They have such a fast run across the shallows. Their little legs fly as they run across the sand. One can almost always see their reflection in the water as they run in the opposite direction to our run. We go over the airfield and head back to the beach. Hendrik makes the mistake of staying on the road and has to double back later.

Today has been one of the better days for me. When the Blue Train came past I was able to fool around a bit and stay with them for a very short while. We get to a section where there are blue bins and Ziegfried says not far to go. We press on jogging and walking but Ziegfried has a competitive spirit and as we get closer and closer so do we go faster and faster until we see what we think is Cebe where we will be staying and we sprint to the village. It has been 42kays and taken us 9 hours as we get there at 15.00. This is a huge house but has one shower and toilet that has to serve 36 people. So the only way to sort this out is set up a queuing system. Put your towel on the bookrack to book (excuse the pun!) your place. Ron has organised our little section of the lounge and we are quite happy.

The vibe becomes quite mellow as everybody is thrown together tonight. I see that the closeness does not suite some of the group especially as some of the talk becomes vulgar. Some inappropriate remarks are made but this is all male testosterone combined with alcohol. I am quite happy to now have met every person on the trip with us. Des put on his compilation called the Dwesa Shuffle. There is a Braai on the go. Mark doctors his feet as he inject mercurochrome into the blisters. Various people receive the “Nel leg or back rub”. Altus sits quietly reading his Jeffry Archer. HP (also known as Oosie or Hercules) tells me he is a train driver while Des regales of the times when he had to shovel coal into boilers until the steam was ready to burst.

Mark tries to persuade me to come to do the Puffer. This is an 80kay run from the Cape Point to the Waterfront and is called the Puffer as you have to avoid the Puffadders on the trail. By his own admission this is a really tough race. Mark has done this race 8 times and always been in the top ten finishers. Andrew and Jannie confirm how tough this event is. Mark tells me that it is now time for him to run the “Tougher Puffer”. Start at the Waterfront and run there and back. Mmmmmmm? They also introduce me to the Three Peaks. This is a run that starts at Greenmarket Square, goes up to the Lions Head, back to Greenmarket, up Table Mountain, back to Greenmarket, up to Devils Peak and finally back to Greenmarket. Yeah Sure!

Liam is hobbling around but this does not stop him cleaning up at pool. What happened with Liam is that he pushed hard in the early stages of the week and he is now suffering the consequences. He has to run the balance of the event on painkillers. The table tennis is then brought out and Stefan has a go at this until, Ray, our ex Border Rugby player, pushes him off the board. We make some more snacks, biltong, Wors sticks, crackers and the evening becomes increasingly mellow. I am concerned for the next day, which I hear, is 48 kays and so am in bed early with the buzz of conversation in the background. This afternoon I also met Melody and Mariaan (Ziegfried and Oosies’ wives). Jonathan is the big man travelling with Des.

Friday morning.
Cebe to Pullens Bay next Haha Haga 42 kays
Only two more days to go. Patrick, Hendrik & I leave at 05.30. There are soft sand beaches for quite a way. As we reach the end of a beach we see what appears to be a path and I see that Ziegfried has taken this path. After four days of being on the trail we have come to recognise the variety of shoe prints as well as strides. So up and over we go. Big mistake. We should have followed the contour path around the point. We go too far inland and have to bundu bash our way out again. We can see the beach looking so inviting but can simply not get there. Finally we find a patch that takes us to the beach. What a relief. But our legs and shoes are covered with burrs and scratched to pieces. Martin saw us from a distance and followed us. So the four of us are now on a great piece of beach and can make up a bit of time.

We reach the Wavecrest Hotel where we have an easy swim across. Here Martin meets up with Polla and Johan who have frozen in their worry to cross the river. They are now delighted to have Martin assist them across. Martin walks ahead with Polla and Johan. Patrick & I press on. We cross the airfield and head seawards. Hendrik follows the road and has to double back later. We try to keep as close to the sea as possible as we don’t want to take a second wrong turn. The second swim of the day is not much further. Again an easy swim and I go up to the farm at the top to fill my bottle and wash my shoes at the water tank. I hear that Mike has had to assist Gium at Wavecrest. The Blue Train also gets to this river accompanied by Dave. I think that Dave waited here for Elize and Gium to make sure that he crossed safely. We meet up with Johan who has now lost Polla. This is so easy to do and one can become quite confused as to how to handle it. My suggestion is to press on as you are bound to meet up a little later.

Patrick and I want to see the Jacaranda. This is the wreck of a ship that ran aground some years ago. The story that Patrick tells me is that the crew were partying it up and the Captain had given navigation to a deckhand. And this man had steered the ship into the one and only sandy gully for miles around. The name Jacaranda is still clearly visible on the hull but the ship is breaking up rapidly.. We passed the carcass of a whale. Then the Trenneries hotel where the Blue Train pass us again as we all bought a cold drink. Martin had arranged to meet his Mom and Johan and so ordered some sandwiches.

It is raining and an easterly wind was pushing us from behind. After this last interest point there is a very long slog to the Kei Mouth. The group now consisted of Ziegfried, Hendrik, Pat, Jannie and myself. When we finally reached the Kei Mouth I was beginning to tire. Ziegfried paid the R5.00 for all of us to use the Pont. The seconding team were on the other side and some lucky runners were handed a sandwich. I decided that a GU should see me though to the end. We walked and jogged through the village. Erica and Gillian were enjoying a sit down cold drink at the shop. We walked up past the golf course and I was now able to make a few calls to let people know that I was still going strong. As we walked this section we passed Clint’s wife on horseback. She operates a horse trails business and was taking a couple for a ride. As we walked this hill Ziegfried pulled out a miniature flask and we all enjoyed some of the soup that he was carrying. What a marvelous idea that was. It was cold and wet and ideal for the moment.

On this road there is a gate. Go through the gate and down to Morgans Bay. Cross the beach and into the village of Morgans Bay. Keep to the road and then there is a very long pull up a hill that leads to Double Mouth. Do not take the coastal path as this is quite a bit tougher and longer. We ran down the concrete road to the caravan park at Double Mouth where we were able to use the toilets and get fresh water. Here the Blue Train passed us again. They probably took the coastal path. From Double Mouth it was a very long stretch of rocks and soft sand beach to the next village of Marshland. Just before this is the Oyster Farms. We walked though Marshland village and saw a sign saying two kays to Haga Haga.

Hans had run past us on the trail. It seems that Jannie had decided that he had enough in Kei Mouth and Hans wanted a bit of exersize. Hans also did the Surfers the next day. I was by now extremely tired and my back was aching so when Patrick suggested a cold drink at the Haga Haga Strandloper hotel I was only too happy for the stop. Here Pat had a beer and I had a cold Fanta. I was able to relieve the pain in my back by stretching and laying across a few barstools on my back. From Haga it was really a very short kay or two to Pullens Bay. Patrick’s shoes decide that they have had enough and literally fall apart.

At Pullens Bay we were treated to real luxury accommodation. The chalets consisted of three bedrooms two bathrooms and a big lounge. We shared with Kevin, Andrew, Erica & Gillian and Martin’s family. Everything was laid on such as Electric Kettle, Microwave oven etc. We sat around for a long time chatting before some of the group decided to go to the pub for supper and to watch Rugby. Ron & I were quite content to sit in the lounge and relax. I was by now on my second book. Kevin made a huge spaghetti Boglonaise. And once Erica and Gillian woke up we had dinner together. This evening Ron & I learnt that Gillian was a physiotherapist and Erica an analyst at Nedbank. I was able to phone Barbara this evening. I had thought that she would be at Nippers practice but Ally had chosen Snoops instead. As soon as Martin returned from supper I was ready for bed.

Saturday Morning.
Pullens Bay to Yellow Sands and then to Nahoon Beach 45 kays
As usual Polla and Johan were up early and ready to go by 05.00. I felt for Kevin who had slept in the lounge as the noise of us runners was bound to wake him. It was great to be able to switch a light on and make coffee using the kettle. I had not been able to contact Patrick to find out what time he would be leaving but we all started to get ready early. Martin was a hard worker throughout the trip. This morning was no exception as he packed the bakkie. I had not been nearly as diligent and Ron had to do a lot of the spadework for me as I had been leaving early with a pile of stuff still to be packed away. Liam left with Andrew who is a Masters Zoology graduate from Rhodes. He has been assisting in the Botany department on a contract basis and now needs to make a decision about his future. Liam works for the SAB beer company and seems to have a number of other interests (B & B and pool table hire) as well. I think that Liam is still suffering from his early haste in trying to keep up with the Blue Train. Erica and Gillian used his B& B while Kevin is in partnership with him supplying pool tables to taverns. Before leaving, Liam introduced us to Jess who had met him the previous night at Haga Haga.

I was able to have a leisurely second cup of coffee and was ready to leave with Patrick at 07.00. The first section today took us over a long section of rocks before moving onto the soft sandy beaches. Today we began to realise that the event was nearing its conclusion. We encountered a number of fishermen who were staying at a variety of resorts. The morning started off misty and we knew that we were in for a hot day. By the time we arrived at Cintsa West the sun was beginning to burn. I had my normal floppy hat, blue face blockout to try to avoid the worst of the sun. Patrick was a lot hardier and was getting browner by the day. We stopped at the shop for a cold drink and Pat was able to phone Colleen and children. Colleen had been out for a long run and was by now in a bit of a hurry to get to the start of Surfers as she was part of the organisers. She was also setting up the Discovery Challenge, which included the Cycle, the following weekend and a River Mile.

This morning we picked up a Buoy, which we carried back with us. Kevin had told us that he was interested in collecting this kind of thing. It needed a good wash as the muscles still clinging to it stank. But then so did we, as our clothes and shoes were wet with perspiration. This morning we passed a man carrying a large stone. Patrick mentioned that it looked like his own tombstone but he assured us that this was for his bird pond that he was building. It did not take long for us to reach the start of the Surfers. The Blue Train had passed us a little depleted as Ray must have been injured and Alan was with him. Alan tells me that he is slukking down the painkillers to stay on track. Nel was waiting for the runners to cross the river and guided us as we waded through the brown murky water.

At Yellowsands Leanna was waiting for her group. Colleen was happy to see Patrick who could now also assist her in some of the set up work. I followed Johan to the shower where we rinsed off. We then all joined Martin’s family in the only bit of shade that there is in the area. We had taken five hours to get this far and still had another two and a half to the start. Francis was there with their son Joel who kept everyone busy. I was quite happy to relax in the shade before finally starting the last leg of our journey. Colleen had arranged for a photo to be taken and I was sorry that not everyone was there for the photo. There were a number of people wearing National Battery T-shirts. I asked them if they knew Dave to which they proudly replied that Dave was on the trail from Port St. Johns.

At the start I saw very few PE people (Andrew and Andre). Stuart had told me that his son, Gordon would be paddling but I did not see him. There were thousands of starters and they all bunched through the narrow muddy road as they tried to avoid getting their feet wet. No such niceties for me as I splooshed through the puddles. The first section of the Surfers is quite tough with rocks and stones to slow the field down. Gonubie Village is about seven kays from the start and after the first swim. Then there are a few kays on tar road through the village where thousands of spectators cheer the runners on often spraying us with hoses. I saw Des and Jonathan taking photos of the Wild Coast Runners.

Then it was back to the beach. I was a little sad to see that the organisers now have some kilometer marker boards. One of the adventures of this kind of run is not knowing how far you have run. This section of beach is much easier. It was here that I saw a pair of shoes that had been abandoned then I saw a young man tossing his funny looking red shoes over his shoulder so I picked them up and carried them to the finish for him. I also found another pair, which did not have an owner and I ended up taking them home. I always find the finish of the Surfers confusing as it is usually misty and while you can see the sun glinting off the cars or houses at the end of the bay, you are never quite sure where the race actually ends until you cross the last river. At last we reached that final river crossing and the finish of the race.

Nel, whose parents live near to Yellowsands did a very credible 2.05 and I think that Melody also did the Surfers. 19 of the 24 starters of the Xtreme Wild Coast Ultra had finished the whole event. Hendrik had probably spent more time on the road than any of us but was not able to start on Wednesday after his ordeal of Tuesday. He had also picked up an ankle injury. Ziegfried had avoided Tuesday. Jannie found the comfort of driving just too tempting. Chel had wanted to go the whole way but on Tuesday had become so tired that when she saw the seconds at Coffee Bay had decided that that was enough exersize for one day. Des had been quite depleted after the first day and decided to save his energies for another race.

The seconds had a real rough time. Some days they had hours and hours of the roughest roads possible, bouncing around at painstakingly slow speeds. I know that Ron was quite exhausted on our way back home. The roads had been slippery and Kevin related how difficult it was to stay focussed on the driving at speeds of 20kays an hour. Also the drivers had to stay together as there were no road signs to follow and they would easily become lost if separated.

The T-Shirts of Surfers are much sought after and will be worn around East London with pride. We had arranged to meet in the tent afterwards and I found the group sitting together. Dave handed me a certificate for which I was very grateful. I was not able to stay for beers and the prize giving as Ron & I had decided to go straight home after the event. The organisers of Surfers hand out medals to category winners only but they had made enough for us as well. Dave posted mine to me later. I was able to greet a number of the runners before we left. Ally had an EP Nippers carnival and I wanted to be there for the second day on Sunday. Ron & I found the Milkshake shop and a Chinese restaurant where we bought takeaways. The road was very misty but we got home safely by 23.00.

Sunday morning
Back home in Port Elizabeth.
I unpacked all the smelly stuff into the spare bathroom and we left for Nippers at Kings Beach. It was another misty morning and bound to be very hot later on. The carnival was a great success. The Summerstrand U10’s did well and I was proud of their efforts. I think that Sardinia Bay won the overall carnival but when the last event was over we were simply too tired to stay. We had promised Lara and Ally time at the Supertubes before we were able to head home. I think that it was on Sunday afternoon that I realised how lucky I had been to finish the whole event. I had been bitten by umpteen bugs, had a few blisters and scratches but no real injury. I had been very careful with the sun the whole time and so that had not set me back.

Will I do it again? I think so, especially if I can find a teammate like Dave or Patrick who was so incredibly patient and loyal throughout the week. After an event of this nature it takes a while to come back to earth. I certainly felt on a bit of a high for a while after the event.

And to all those who I met and learned to know. Thanks for being there. For me it was a real adventure and a privilege to have met you. Ron. Now there is a real friend. Thanks Buddy. Barbara & Ally. Thank you for allowing me to take the time off to try something completely out of the ordinary.

And all of this for only R550 per person entry fee! Ridiculous. Okay there are any number of additional costs but still I am sure that Dave is out of pocket at the end of the event.


Peter Giddy
20 February 2006.

Hello GuysWell the dust (mud) has settled and we have to concentrate on the drudgery of work again. I hope you all enjoyed getting away from the exhaust fumes and chlorinated water, enjoyed the pure air, freedom of the environment emphasised by the total lack of restrictive fences, a little mental and physical challenge and regeneration of your spirit.Here is a report from Peter Giddy. Most of you saw him scribbling each day and got to know him as he went about meeting you all. Peter writes his report as a diary for his own records but it certainly brings back memories for me and I am sure it will for you too. I love "the blue train". How well did he get to know the Cape Town guys ?Thanks for coming and sharing with Des, Chel and me the splendour of the Wild Coast. What is it if you haven't shared it ? See you on the trails somewhere.

Hello Peter,
I am very pleased that you have written another report, I am afraid that I am not good at this sort of thing and although we are all so different we are basically similar and experience the same sort of emotions so even though those recorded are yours, we all find it reflects in some way our trip. I found reading it brought back quite a few emotions. Thank you.
I will send to all the people on the email contact list, I know they will enjoy reading it. They were amazed at your ability to know everyone and write each day about the trail.
Great to have you there. Ray and Altus are already planning for next year !
Regards.
Dave Gassner Tel 043 7068252 Fax 043 7312007 Cell 082 927 8344





Name
surname
Hluleka 46k
Xora 55k
Dwesa 40k
Cebe 41k
Pullen's bay 48k
surfers start 26k
surfers 18k
Nahoon 44k
total for whole XWCU 274k
total time spent on the trail

1
Ernest
Markwood
9.01
12.25
4.05
7.14
7.22
3.29
1.49
5.18
45.25


2
Andre
Erasmus
9.01
12.25
4.05
7.14
7.38
3.55
1.19
5.14
45.37


3
Mike
Webb
9.01
12.25
4.20
6.40
8.14
4.20
1.45
6.05
46.14


4
Mark
Spengler
9.01
12.25
4.21
7.14
8.14
3.55
1.40
5.35
46.51


5
Alan
Green
9.01
12.25
4.21
7.18
8.14
4.20
1.53
6.13
47.32


6
Ray
Cranston
9.01
12.25
4.21
7.14
8.14
4.20
2.40
7.00
48.15


7
Andrew
Slaughter
9.45
13.45
5.00
7.30
7.55
3.40
1.59
5.39
49.34


8
Hp
Oosthuizen
9.53
14.00
5.00
7.50
7.50
3.40
1.49
5.29
50.02


9
Liam
Victor
9.01
13.50
6.32
7.50
8.05
3.40
1.35
5.15
50.33


10
Dave
Gassner
11.30
15.00
6.30
9.17
7.30
3.45
2.13
5.58
55.45


11
Alice
Achermann
9.50
14.03
5.30
8.57
9.40
5.50
2.06
7.56
55.56


12
Guillame
Kambounon
9.50
14.03
5.30
8.57
9.40
5.50
2.06
7.56
55.56


13
Patrick
Elson
11.30
15.00
6.30
8.00
9.30
5.00
1.49
6.49
57.19


14
Peter
Giddy
11.30
15.00
6.30
8.00
9.30
5.00
2.15
7.15
57.45


15
Martin
Smith
12.00
16.00
4.20
7.35
11.15
5.30
1.27
6.57
58.07


16
Erica
Terblanche
9.53
17.00
8.00
9.15
9.45
5.30
2.29
7.59
61.52


17
Gillian
Banks
9.53
17.00
8.00
9.15
9.45
5.30
2.29
7.59
61.52


18
Johan
Kriel
12.00
16.00
9.00
10.30
12.30
6.50
2.15
9.05
69.05


19
Paula
Richardson
12.00
16.00
9.00
10.30
12.30
6.50
3.00
9.50
69.50


20
Hendrik
Marx
9.53
19.10

8.00
8.45

1.55


47.43

21
Siegfried
Milbert
11.30

5.37
8.20
9.40
4.40
2.09
6.49

41.56

22
Jannie
Smal
9.25
14.25
5.37

5.45

1.40


36.52

23
Chel
Gassner
11.30
6.30
6.30
9.17


2.48


36.35

24
Des
Meyer
12.00








12.00



EXTREME WILD COAST ULTRA 2006
Organised by Des Meyer, Dave and Chel Gassner,
EVENT INFORMATION.
Supported by Cremorne Estate.

Sunday 12th February 2006.

Arrive at Cremorne on the Sunday. Directions ……

Heading south from Bizana, just before the bridge over the Umzimvubu, approx 5 kms from Port St Johns, follow signs to the left to get to Cremorne Estate. About 90k from Umtata on the R61 approx 5k from Port St Johns, turn left to cross the bridge over the Umzimvubu, take the first turn to the right immediately after the bridge and follow the signs to Cremorne Estate, approx 1k.

We will be staying in the Fishermen’s Huts that will accommodate 12, the rest of us will camp. Cremorne is a beautiful resort on the banks of the river, well protected and very secure. Please ask for Barry (the manager) and inform him that you are with Des Meyer to do the Xtreme Wild Coast Ultra. A normal booking has not been made so some one else may not know what you are talking about. Be sure to speak to Barry. Bring your tents and mattresses with you; you may need them later in the week. At Cremorne there is a very good restaurant and a great pub. See the website http://www.cremorne.co.za/. Log cabins can be booked if you prefer some luxury - the last you will have for a week!! We will discuss the plan for the following day in the conference hall on Sunday evening. Des will be giving us hints on where the trading stores, taverns, vicious dogs and crossing points are situated and also give directions for the seconds to travel to Hluleka. Every evening we will have a briefing for the following day. Photocopy maps will be provided.

Monday 13th Feb.

Pack up, eat and apply all the protection materials and equipment (anti sun, insect and shark repellant). We will start at Cremorne and run along the road to Silaka Reserve, which opens at 06:00 (Des and I will pay the day visitor fee on Sunday) and then onto the trail. We will start at 05:30 but this is negotiable on Sunday evening. We will probably split up into groups, the bigger the better, according to ability or inclination. After a leisurely 46 kilometers we will arrive at Hluleka Nature Reserve (golden rule number 1, keep the sea on your left) where we have booked the Sea Facing Chalets. The chalets sleep six, have hot showers, deep freeze or fridge and gas stove and braai places outside. Here we will hopefully find our seconds with the kit unpacked and beers in the fridges. If you are able to I believe the area is very good for snorkeling and fishing although you are not allowed to collect bait. Have a look on the website. http://www.psj.co.za/links/hluleka.htm. The seconds will have driven the route from Port St Johns (fill up with fuel whenever you can) on the R61 (70k tar) and taken the turn off to Hluleka just before Libode (57k dirt - distances given on different maps conflict), produced the permit and been allowed into the reserve. You will have packed food for the evening and the following morning plus your supplies for the next day into your boxes. We will have a runners and seconds briefing for the following day in the evening. It will be very important to stay hydrated and to eat well because Tuesday is a huge day that will take anything from 9 to 15 hours, depending on hard you go.

Tuesday 14th Feb.

We pack up, eat and get an early start for day two, 57k to Xora. The previous evening we will decide what time is the best to depart. We must carry energy mix, water and food for the day and be prepared for a long day. All the necessary protection must be used, sun, insects, sunglasses, hat etc. Directions will be provided for the seconds and we will hope that they find Xora otherwise we will be a sorry bunch when we arrive there. Xora is very basic, water has to be pumped by hand, fire lit for hot water and gas connected for the fridge and the paraffin lamps filled. Des is busy getting other accommodation as well as the house, some of us may need to tent. You will need to pack darts if you want to play, there is a dartboard available. Be careful crossing the river, there are lots of electric skates in the water but that may just give you the final urge to get to the cottage. Golden rule number 2, if attacked by a shark be sure that you offer an arm or a leg to the shark as torso bites are usually fatalJ. There will be a lady to clean and a man to help with water pumping and fire making and we may need some tools to open the water tank but I will sort that out. Once again, you will rely on the seconds to have your equipment ready. They can also buy supplies in Umtata but when doing so ensure that the vehicles are guarded and be careful. We will have the briefing for the next day in the evening as usual. Snorkeling is also reported to be good here.

Wed 15th Feb.

We leave early for Dwesa, the distance should only be 26k. We have to negotiate the Bashee River, renowned for the number of locals who have been taken by shark. We will catch the ferry that operates from the Hotel. Des will inform them that we will be coming and hopefully the ferryman will be there. The charge last year was R20 per person. You must carry ferry money with you each day, no large denomination, Transkei people do not have change. Dwesa is another magic place to stay and hopefully we will survive the crossing to admire the true nature of the land in this small reserve where white rhino, zebra, wildebeest, crocodiles and a number of small and very large buck live. You may survive the sharks to become crocodile supperJ. Dwesa cabins are smart with fridges and stoves and showers. Provisions can be bought in Elliotdale. The cabins will accommodate 24, so some of us will have to tent again. Same procedure for the briefing and early start.

Thursday 16th Feb.

The section to Cebe should be 45k and if the feet are still holding out, not too blistered and the ankles not too sore, the going will be a little easier as there are not as many ups and downs but the sand will make up for that I guess. Cebe is a large cottage, see the website http://www.cyberpage.co.za/ which also comes with help for cleaning up, there is a bathroom and kitchen. The adventure is almost kaput by now but at the same time this may apply to you as well. We will have the usual briefing in the evening.

Fri. 17th Feb.

Today will only be a short jog to Kei Mouth, about 26k (to the ferry). Cross on the ferry, this is a dangerous river. Last year this was the official finish but we extended it to include Surfers. This year we continue along the coast past Morgan’s Bay, Double Mouth, Haga-Haga and about 2k further we will stop at Pullen’s Bay, a really beautiful spot on the coast, total distance 48k. http://www.hagahaga.co.za/ is the website, they have self-catering chalets.

Sat. 18th Feb.

On Saturday 19th February 2005 the famous and very popular 18 kilometer “Discovery Surfer’s Challenge” will start at 14:00 at Yellow Sands and finish at Nahoon Beach, East London. Total distance for the last day, 44k. These distances are all measured with a ruler on the map so you can expect some discrepancies, especially if you get lost! Total then - about 266k.

We can have a late sleep, swim and then take an easy jog to the start at Yellow Sands, about 26k. You will have to enter at the start. Entry fee R40. Seconds should get there early, the roads are closed at about 12:00 and you will need refreshment and maybe some cover depending on the weather. Surfers has entries for runners, walkers and paddlers, it is an easy 2 hour paddle. So we will finish our little adventure with a mass welcome at Nahoon Beach and I can tell you it is a hell of a finish with thousands of spectators at the finish and all along the way.

Other info.

Stay together in groups, this is safer incase of any emergency. Eat well to ensure that your body can re energise. Drink plenty, there are springs along the way and the occasional shop and holiday shacks. Protect yourself from the sun and insects. Plan your food requirements carefully remembering you will need food during the day on the run. Bring an abundant sense of humour. Try to keep your feet dry, this is generally the most vunerable part of your body and most likely to take you out of the run.

We have informed the East London Private Ambulance Service – Aldersons, (they have an agreement with AV8 helicopter services) of our event so that they are not unprepared in case of an emergency. For safety sake, ensure that you have your medical aid details with you,

Maps will be supplied to the seconds and Des will brief them on the roads to follow. Best to travel in convoy even though this does slow you down a bit. Seconds should leave as soon as the runners have gone as the roads meander through the region, are indirect and rough and when wet, very slippery.

Treat the locals with respect, their culture is not the same as ours and they are insulted by some of our customs. Many of the Transkei people are still primitive, RDP has not reached them yet and they are bitter because they have been promised a better life from tourism, which they have not yet seen. You are a tourist, you are part of the problem! Having said that, we have found them to be most helpful giving directions and even supplying water.


ITEMS FOR RUN
Shorts
Shirt
Socks
Shoes in good condition
Hat
Sun glasses
Sun block
Small pack
2 litres water minimum
Small 1st aid pack
Emergency blanket
Energy drink (Clifton, Game or some other high energy mix)
Energy food (some chicken and rolls or boiled potato with butter and salt)
Cell phone in waterproof container
List of emergency numbers (to be supplied)
Map (to be supplied)
Money for ferry, drinks at stores or villages, only small change, they have no change for big notes. Tips for directions
when you are lost J
Watch
Torch, tested to last at least 5 hours.
Whistle
Waterproof rain jacket to use in case of emergency
Tick repellant
Spare shirt
Warm trousers to use in case of emergency

For your trip - and don’t forget your second!

Money, there are no auto tellers.
A strong box clearly marked with your name.
Food, make out a daily menu.
Eating utensils, plates, knives forks,
Cooking utensils, pots, braai grid, gas stove etc.
Washing up things, sunlight, and cloths.
Small tent, sleeping bag, pillow, mattress
Charka, firelighters, lighter
Goggles, snorkel, weights and flippers.
Food (can be topped up at Umtata, Willowvale, Idutywa.
Beer (can be topped up)
Mosquito repellant

A first aid kit to treat allergies, rashes, blisters, cuts and bruises, sunburn. A syringe and Mercurochrome work very well for treating blisters and some good broad plaster which sticks well. I use the white elastic type. It keeps your feet together when they want to fall apart. I also recommend “IceMan” which you can get from hardware stores that cater for the farmers, magic for sore knees and ankles. Costs about R35 for a tub, use liberally after and before run.


colour block indicates group, dotted fill indicates driver of the group.

entrants
name

pay
tel
where from
email
1
gassner dave
paid
0829278344
el
daveg@battery.co.za
2
gassner chel
paid
07236997047
el

3
elson patrick
paid
0835451612
el
pat.elson@impilo.ecprov.gov.za
4
weppelman ray
paids
0833799866
el
rayicon@absamail.co.za
5
terblanche erica
paid
0834606288
pretoria
EricaT@Nedbank.co.za
6
banks gillian
paid

pretoria

7
slaughter andrew
paid
0732493810
grahamstown
a.slaughter@ru.ac.za
8
victor liam

paid
0829217587
east london
Liam.Victor@za.sabmiller.com
9
victor second
paids



10
smith martin
paid
0834636206
el
martin.smith@icontrols.co.za
11
giddy peter
paid
0825503174
pe
peterg@jdg.co.za
12
richards graham
paid
0829086989
jhb / pe
GRichards@SALGA.ORG.ZA
13
pask ron

paids

pe
ronpask@telkomsa.net
14
erasmus andre
paid
0823739311
sasolburg
andre.erasmus@sasol.com
15
erasmus second
paids



16
marx hendrik
paid
083 631 9432
vereeniging
hmarx@cew.co.za
17
marx team mate
paid



18
achermann alice
paid
0729814107
grahamstown
ACHERMANN@telkomsa.net
19
webb mike
paid
0833660933
kingwilliam'stown
renewilliams@um.co.za
20
kambounon guillame
paid
0729402969

petitguill@yahoo.fr
21
achermann second
paids



22
meyer des


cape town
desm@battery.co.za
23
grobler jonathan


el
jonathang@battery.co.za
24
muller altus

0832221279
jhb
ajmuller@icon.co.za
25
tawse john michael

0826944789
baghdad
johnmike@xsinet.co.za
26
adams ian
paid
0722335418
jhb
ian1adams@yahoo.co.uk
27
smal jannie
paid
0845266437
cape town
jannies@vibol.co.za
28
linde hans

paids
0829324916
cape town
hjl@metroweb.co.za
29
oosthuizen hp
paid


oos@absamail.co.za
30
milbert siegfried
paid
0833279582

smilbert@g5.co.za
31
milbert melody
paids
0837732710

melody@netactive.co.za
32
oosthuizen mariaan
paids



33
cranston ray
paid


rayc@wol.co.za
34
walker craig
paid



35
beckett gordon
paid



36
markwood ernest
paid
0824795154
cape town
ernest.m@telkomsa.net
37
markwood second
paids













4
have not paid but will pay tomorrow.



24
runners have paid




9
seconds have paid




33
total paid





37
entries

GIDDY FAMILY DECEMBER 2005.

Christmas and New Year December 2005.

Over the past few months we have had visits from Nicci and her two children, Christian (2) and Aaron 18mts. Christian is starting to talk and Aaron is just full of action. They spent about a month with us before going to Cape Town where they met up with Stefan. At this stage Stefan is very busy at work and struggled to take the time off to come from London. It seems that, if all works out according to plan, that they will move back to RSA next year. During the time that Nicci spent with us she took Christian to Doctors and therapists who have diagnosed him with low muscle tone. He walks awkwardly but has excellent coordination, which indicates that he has learnt to cope with the muscle tone problem. We also discovered that he has flat feet, which adds to his discomfort. Nicci will have to work with therapists in London when she returns.

Nicci is expecting her third child in February 2006. We understand that it is a girl and that she is to be named Zara. (Ironically the South African Rand is know as the ZAR). Nicci was able to visit Ena in Plett with the two boys. Ena gave then T-shirts with animal motifs. Ena sees very poorly at this stage and this helped her to identify the children. We spent some time on the beach with them.

Shortly after Nicci left for Cape Town, Jacqui spent a few weeks visiting us from her home in London. Her husband Michael was also visiting his home in Israel at the time. Jacqui is also expecting her first child in March 2006 and has had a very difficult pregnancy with being sick constantly. We were worried that she would be too thin but she seems to have maintained her weight. Jacqui’s child to be is also a girl and her planned name is Emily. Barbara plans to visit London during April of 2006 while Ally & I will be on the Orange River. During Jacqui’s stay with us Barbara and her drove through to Cape Town where they met up with Nicci and had their baby party at the Stoneys. She also managed a trip to Plett to visit Ena who turns 90 in 2006.

Then Jacqui had hardly left when Cathy, who is presently staying in CT came to visit us for the Christmas weekend. That was quite and interesting event as she was due to come through with an ex boy friend but this chap let her down again and so she came through by bus. Cathy has spent the past three months working in a travel agency called Flight Center. It seems that she is making a success of this.

During December we attended the “opening of the season” which is something that we have been doing for many years since Nicci was a baby. We would walk down Happy Valley with 4 children in one push car pram with our eats and beers slung onto the back. This year we went to the Boardwalk at about 18.00 and sat down at the Dulce Café (as we had done last year) where we ordered a light meal. And, Just like last year Malcolm and Jasmine came past and we sat with them for a while. We also greeted Wayne, Sonja, Jean and Boston as they too were on their way to enjoy the festivities. Malcolm has just completed his Ph.D. And Wayne has a successful career at Fruit and Veg City where he is presently the manager at the Uitenhage branch.

After our meal and chatting we walked down to Hobie beach where we played games on the sand with Michael and his family joining us. Michael has also started a new career at Furn City (a division of Ellerines) where he is an assistant manager. Michael seems to be making a success of this new position and works very hard at what he does. He has been employed off and on by the Ten Pin for some years but now hardly visits that institution. Lene ends her maternity leave and will be back at work from early January. It seems that Barbara will continue to assist with looking after their children as she starts her Play School for in the middle of January 2006. Suzanne will be a partner in this venture.

The firework display started late as it always does but was magnificent as we lay on the beach that perfect evening and enjoyed the spectacle. There was a stage and band that was a bit intrusive but they certainly catered for many of the people there. We left immediately afterwards to get back to the car as soon as possible. Michael was a little slower and suffered the consequences. We managed to leave the parking area within about 30 minutes but Mike was still parked there an hour later when we got home. The traffic was backed up in all directions.

Christmas Eve was a fairly low-key affair with the small family of Cathy, Michael and family and the three of us. But we had a lovely meal together and made the best of what we had. While we were enjoying a balmy South African summer, Nicci and Jacqui had taken their famil9ies to the South of England to Devon and Cornwall where they were spending their Christmas this year. On Christmas morning Ally and Cathy had compared Christmas Stockings. Ally gloated, as her stocking was a very long and full stocking. Cathy was not able to find her own stocking and so had used Jacqui’s. We attended the 9am service where I had been asked to read a passage from Matthew. As we got to church early we were approached by Robin: the plan had changed and I had to read a complicated passage from Romans. Barbara & I lit the 5th advent candle.

After that it was back home to the traditional opening of presents which Barbara had piled up under the tree. Again it was our small group and the two younger ones, Ally and Jessica, received the lions share of attention. They were both the recipients of roller skating toy dolls. Barbara gave me a set of folding camp chairs. Cathy & I had bought her a Cranium game set. We managed to give both Cathy and Michael a few useful gifts.

At work I had had a very good sales Month for December and was number one region for that month. Our January month was by now also well under way and we seemed to be having an equally good month. At JDG we have what is called the 100-day period November to January. This is a crucial time of year because if we make it over this time we should be able to carry through to the end of the financial year in September. The company is quite generous and there is a possibility that I could earn a substantial bonus. This is, however dependant on the chain making the set target.

On Boxing Day morning Cathy left for CT and we drove thorough to Plett where my two brothers, Ian & Jenny plus Ian’s children, Julia (17) and Laura (15) were holidaying. Patrick and Patti with Dominic 17 and doing his Matric year in 2006, then Isabel who is now about 15 and lastly St John who is a really sturdy looking young man at 8 years old. I think that Ally is a week or two his senior. The younger set seemed to have a great time bonding after the Tsitsikamma hike where they had got to know each other well.

Ena had put us in the back flat for the night but this room had cockroaches and we could not sleep there. So instead Dominic gave us his room and he slept on the couch. Ena insisted on sleeping on the stoep on the couch. This evening we played cranium with all the family. We had half planned for a long walk the next day but is was not easy to get everyone going so ended up with an early morning walk on the beach where we met up with Peter and Anna Spence with their two children. Alexander is a two-year-old shy chap; the baby is a lovely child of about 8 months. After breakfast we did some shopping for cleansing stuff and did a bit of a roach spray in the kitchen and spare room. We decided to have a second spell of beaching before we headed home. Ian loves to play with Ally in particular on the body board. He had purchased one that morning after a bit of drama of firstly not having enough money and then trying to pay in Swiss Francs. The water was perfect for swimming at the Lookout beach.

Barbara and I managed to fit in a visit to the Spence's where Nicci, Mark and their three boys Chester, Daniel and Reggie were staying for the holiday. Alice spent some time with Barbara catching up with family news, which in our case is very difficult with the size of the family and the way it is spread out. On Boxing Day evening in Plett there was a concert at the Craggs (Kurland Polo). This show was reported by everyone who was there, to be a stunning evening. I am sure that we should make the trip next year if it is again on show. It was a classical evening which all age groups enjoyed and very reasonably priced at R100 per car plus a bag of goodies given to each visitor. Tim and his family were also there.

While we were in Plett we heard the tragic news that Barbara’s former boss from Blasting & Excavating; Basil Bartlett had drowned while swimming at Haga Haga on the East Coast. The funeral was held the following Friday in Port Elizabeth.

The next week was for me very busy at work. Barbara and I seemed to have caught ourselves a cold and were feeling in poor spirits. I tried to continue with running but felt low. Tim had been working in Stutterheim and had a bike accident where he buckled the front wheel. On the morning of the 31st I was running to the beacon and back when I heard my name being called. Suzanne had gone to the beach for a walk and an all night reveler had backed into her stationary car. It seems that the Gendalls were not going to have a lucky end to the year. On the run I also met up with a friend of Jacqui and Michael called Nicole. She had been at their wedding and I had seen her a number of time running but knew that she had moved to Ireland. It seems that Nicole was on holiday in PE and was still practising psychology in Ireland. I asked her to let me have her contact details so that I can forward them to Jacqui.

We had planned a New Year’s eve braai at our house and so on Saturday evening we fixed up a few things and got ready for the evening. Barbara made her traditional and delicious potato bake. I went shopping and without really telling Barbara what I had planned & bought a whole lot of goodies. That evening we went to a 18.00 church service, which was sparsely attended, but for us just set the tone for the evening. The weather had been a bit of a worry but it turned out to be a stunning evening and we were all able to sit outside.

Once we were back home we put the fire (Weber) on in the front on the stoep and settled down to wait for our visitors. Tim, Suzanne and Emma, Ron and Lynne and Stuart and Rianna. Michael & Family was also due to be there but was not able to make it. This evening I did something that could well become a pattern for the following years. I singled out each person, starting with Little Jessica and gave them awards for the person that they are as well as for any achievements that I was aware of. This seemed to go down well with everyone. Once I had had a little say then I opened up for others to say something positive. Barbara & I had noticed how easily tensions run high at this time of year as expectations from each other can be over estimated and so saying and hearing something positive seemed to have a great effect on the success of the evening.

Later we again played our new Cranium game. Even Ally and Jessica were there to welcome the New Year at Midnight. I was up early this morning and did some cleaning up and getting ready for church at 09.00. I was sorry to read Nicci’s email that their evening had not been that much fun as little Aaron was not well with Conjunctivitis. Patrick phoned me from Plett to say that they had spent the evening on the beach in Plett watching the Fireworks. Ian and Family had left for the US on Sunday morning. Peter Spence had driven to Cape Town and then realised that he had forgotten his tickets and passports. So Patrick had to drive to George to hand them to the courier company which had to drive them down to CT.

Barbara took full advantage of the holiday and slept till well after 9am on the first day of the new year. So we took a drive down to the beach at 10 where we spent an hour swimming. I was proud of Ally as she and I swam to the outer buoys twice. She was nervous but overcame the fear and did the swim. Later in the day Michael came to collect Jessica and for a visit and again we played our Cranium game.

The following morning was a Monday and also a public holiday so we started our run a little later at 05.30. We decided to run to Sunridge park for a change and time joined us but as he was not feeling well cut short. The rest of the day was spent relaxing at home. Barbara met Suzanne for coffee and purchased a new set of garden clippers. We have recently employed a new gardener Makulu which means big. He is a particularly tall man. Barbara had him cutting and cleaning the yard. Later in the day I met Tim and we all went down to Summerstrand where we had a good long surf swim. Ally again swam past the breakers just to where she reached a level of discomfort. She is gaining in confidence on the water every time we go out. On our way home Tim spoke about the Summerstrand Spar and this has stimulated Barbara to do some investigation into going into business for ourselves.

The next day (Tuesday 3 Jan2006) it was back to work for me. It was also back to disciplined running routine. In the evening I again took Ally to the beach where we did our swim past the buoys, she was nervous but hung in and did the whole swim. Later in the evening we went to Kerry & Rhoda to celebrate their 30th wedding anniversary.

Peter Giddy
4 January 2006.

Ps. The word Practise is used in South Africa to describe the activity of a professional person such as a Doctor or Lawyer. That is why I spell the word this way even though my spell check tells me I have it wrong.

Peter Giddy
2 January 2006.

NIPPERS 2006

Nippers Carnival. Hosted by Sardinia Bay at Kings Beach. Sunday 29.10.2006.
The Under Ten Nippers had basically two training sessions leading up to the Sardinia Bay Carnival. The Coaches I tried to record some times and positions in practice sessions prior to the Carnival. We had little information to go on but decided to do the best we could with what we had. Once Hannes & I had selected the teams I emailed our selections to the various parents. As Sunday dawned I think that there were a number of concerned parents. The sea had been quite choppy on the Saturday due to an Easterly that had been blowing. The West wind was blowing and the morning started off overcast. Barbara & I even packed jackets for the day. But this was to be the most amazing morning.
Warren & Keith had brought the tent and all the boards and we soon set up for a day on the beach. This Sunday morning we had a full house of Nippers at Kings Beach for the Under Ten team. Hannes was not able to be there due to a Christian commitment. The Under Ten coaches and safety officers consisted of Roger Fraser, Donald Mc Gillivray, Peter Wilson, Alex Odendal, Gavin Rogers, Clint Meintjies, Patrick Billson, Craig van Greunen and a variety of other people doing all kinds of tasks from recording results, catching the finishers and aiding the Nippers in the sea. They had a busy morning with a Long Run; Beach Sprints, a Surf Swim; Run/Swim/Run; Body Boards; Malibu Boards; Flags and ended off with the Taplin Relay. Our Under Ten team had been Awesome in how they competed.
The Coaches were particularly impressed with the Nippers who competed out of their Comfort Zone. Nadia is by no means a front runner or swimmer but she was prepared to take part over her fears. The Burrell twins: Amber and Astrid competed in the full spirit of the Nippers Under Ten Team and will be competitive as soon as they have developed confidence and ability. Even Maurice who has a tough time with the Huge Waves that sometimes appear on the beaches was prepared to swim out and around the Buoys. I recall one time when Donald & I were waiting for the Nippers to swim out to us; we saw a wave that was breaking beyond the Yellow Buoys and must have been about 2 meters high. Matthew Hepburn and Kei were willing competitors and added to the team effort. It was a first for Marie and she did very well. Connor is now a real contender for points in the under tens. “Flags” is an event which really builds character. Every Nipper knows that elimination means having to sit out. Yet they still line up and risk the anguish of missing a flag. And those who do reach the final ten have to run up and down over and over in an attempt to grab the flag. This in itself is very tiring.
Of course we have a number of Nippers who excel. This is due to a combination of dedicated training and God given talent. I think that the spirit of the Under Tens came out when it came to the Taplin Relay. Christian was prepared to be in two teams, first on a Body Board and then on a Malibu. Everyone was quite exhausted by this time. The Nippers had been out in the water four times already. There were a number of big sets of waves coming through. The idea of another swim or board event was quite unattractive to many of the nippers.
Run Swim Body Board Malibu
Marie Maurice Matthew Hepburn Christian
Jamie Lee Caitlin Matthew Wilson Kim
Amber Ally Lara Connor
Tristan Christy Christian Matthew Mc Gillivray
These four teams did so well and surpassed all expectations from a first carnival. I think that all the parents and the coaches join me in congratulating the under ten Nippers in the spirit in which they took part in the Sardinia Bay Carnival. As it turned out this was to be the only team event of the day as time caught up with us and the Carnival was called to a close at 14.00 after the Taplin Relay. But by then everyone was sunburned and exhausted. I had brought water and constantly tried to stay hydrated but at the end of the day felt like a sandblasted fried chip.
Sardinia Bay can be congratulated for hosting and excellent Carnival. The day went off very well. I was happy when Anthony informed the parents of the Under Tens that they were expected to be in the water during the sea events and that they should assist where the Nipper was experiencing difficulty. It is a huge boost to the confidence of the Under Tens to know that there are lost of Dads and Safety Officers in the water to help them through the surf. Although this was an official carnival, Anthony controlled the event more like a practice session for future events. Barbara and I left before the announcement of the results. We all felt particularly proud of the Under Tens and how well they had played the game.
Peter Giddy
31.10.2006.

Nippers Plett Carnival 25 & 26 November 2006.

Under 10’s

The Build up
There had been a great deal of excitement and planning for this carnival. We had worked hard to train the Nippers at some of the more important and difficult of skills such as the Baton Hand over, The Malibu and the Body Board events as well as the team spirit. The coaches had tried to maintain some kind of record of the previous Carnival results as well as the results from the practice sessions. We met during the week to try to set out team for the four team events. It appeared that we would have sixteen u10 competitors if everyone was able to make it to the carnival. Everybody loves the Plett carnival. It is close enough for an easy drive and yet it is a mini holiday for us all.

Friday
On Friday afternoon Barbara, Ally and I took the afternoon off and drove through to Knysna where our son, Michael had recently moved. He showed us around the shop that he was managing and we had a look at the flat that he was renting. His family is still located in PE and will be moving there in a few weeks. It had not been a pleasant drive as the rain had fallen continuously and this made for tough driving conditions. There was a strong wind blowing and we were concerned for the conditions the next day.

My Mother, Ena lives in Plett and we stayed there for the night. Ena is 90 years old, struggles with eyesight and yet lives a full life on her own in a large flat in the main road of Plett. She tells me how she gets to Woolworths in the Market Square. She walks there and then when she has completed her shopping she stands at the traffic light and hitch hikes a lift up the hill. While she is doing her shopping she cannot really see what she is buying and the prices. But she tells us that everyone seems to know her and the local shopkeepers and staff are always most helpful in assisting her shopping trips. When she has to go any distance she seems to be offered lifts by her friends and so she makes a very good life for herself in Plett.

Saturday
On Saturday morning Ena made us a breakfast of Bacon & Eggs and we were early on our way to the beach. We found our tent and soon had ourselves installed for the morning. The coaches tried to do some kind of a roll call to see who was there and were delighted to find we had a full team of 16 u10 nippers. The day was due to start with a managers meeting at 11.00am sharp but somehow the time was blunted to some degree and we must have started something like a half hour late.

The Carnival
The first event for the day was the Taplin Relay. This is an event which encourages participation and binds teams together. The event has a run, swim, body board and malibu (long) board section. There are four to a team so everyone participates. We had four full teams and soon established ourselves as a force to be reckoned with, as our teams came first, third, fourth and tenth.

There was an Easterly wind blowing and while not strong, it was enough to make the surf quite rough and the Plett Central beach is known for the large beach breaks. These waves loom above the Nippers as they try to manouver their craft through the surf. Fortunately Anthony Cox “allows” us to assist this age group through the waves. Once they are through the breakers they are on their own and have to go around two buoys and then back to shore. Often their return trip is just as scary as they have these huge waves threaten to swamp them from behind.

The second event of the day was the Flags. This is an extemely tiring event as the nippers have to run up and down trying to retrieve the flag. The sand was hot and soft and hardly ideal conditions for a sprint. If a Nipper does not retreive a flag they are eliminated. If you think that being eliminated from the “Weakest Link” is tough, then just watch the dissapointment on the faces of these youngsters. And yet knowing that they have a huge probability of being eliminated they still persist and take part in the game. This takes guts and builds character.

The Coaches
One of the toughest tasks of the coach is to round up the Nippers for the next event. Understandably the Nipper must use the toilet, go for a cooling off swim, buy hamburgers, ice cream and other delectables and generally make themselves as difficult as possible to locate. Then having found them the coach has to persuade the Nipper that they should take part in the next event. There is often reluctance to participate where the event is tough and they are not likely to end up a top finisher. We hear that they are “saving their energy” for some future event. Or that they have asthma, sunburn, breathing problems etc etc. The coach must then explain that participation is everything and that often even a 20th position wins points for the team.

The coaches know that winning events requires numbers of participants. Merely having the top three does not guarantee a win in the event. We need as many participants as possible in the event to secure a win. Barbara was given the task of recording results for the u10s. She coped exceptionally well except for the Flags finals where she somehow missed the event and so we only recorded who was in the finals. We do know however that Lara won the girls event and that Tristan was placed third.

Another duty of coaches and of adults in general is that they must provide safety for the U10’s. This means that they must do a huge amount of swimming back and forth from the nippers going out through the surf to returning back with the breakers. In particular I saw Charles and Clint doing their fair share of the work. They must have been exhausted after two days of swimming.

Terry asked me how it was that I became a coach. Well if the truth be known; I am a self appointed coach with little or no experience as a lifesaver. But I love seeing both my own and other children having such incredible fun in a beach sport. Personally I enjoy being part of this group of people and am steadily getting to know which parents belong to which child as well as the names of the variety of people who I see each weekend. This weekend I was able to get to know Tristan’s mom, Tanya. I remembered that Terry’s wife is Caryn. I am now able to distinguish between Hannelie, Dianne and Charlene and know that they are married to Johnny, Chris and Craig respectively. I think that Clint finally knows my name and can now stop calling me “there”. As in: “Hello There”.

The Plett carnival is held at the same time as the Matric Plett Rave. As the Matrics of South Africa complete their exams at this time they think that they have now qualified to legally drink, smoke, Party, enter Miss Wet T-shirt competitions and that the word is at their feet. The coaches have to be vigilant as this bevy of beautiful bodies try to disrupt the carnival generally.



Courage
During the day we witnessed a number of feats of courage. Matthew H was about to start the Malibu event when he asked Hannes “Sir: what are we supposed to do with this board”. Then there was Maurice who, last year had hardly ventured into the surf past his waist and this year was taking part in every possible event. Natalie had a tough experience as she tried to get past the breaking waves but fortunately had Patrick there to assist her and she agreed that this was something that she would work on for the next carnival. Caitlin and Connor battled though the events but there was nothing that they was not keen and eager to complete.

Both Matthew W and Kim were wiped out on Malibus while trying to push through surf but persisted and finished strongly. This year Ally has improved in leaps and bounds as she was well placed in a number of events. Then there was a little girl from Mossel Bay. She had never had to go so deep into the sea. She was very scared of sharks. And yet when I swam around the buoys with her on the body board, she managed to complete the event and has set herself up for a further six years of Nippers participation.

It is wonderful for the coaches to see the way that the Nippers support their team mates. It is not all about me and my own results but just as much about cheering on and supporting the teams and club. The Nipper learns to accept defeat while striving to be part of a winning team. There was only one u10 Bluewater bay Nipper. This young chap continued to participate in the events on his own.

Should the Nipper take part in all the events of the day then they would have done seven tough events on the first day of this carnival. Taplin, Flags, Body Board Individual, Surf Swim, Beach Sprints, Malibu Relays and Body Board Relays. By the time that the last event had ben run it was about 17.00.

Saturday evening
Nippers and adults alike were all completely exhausted. On this particular afternoon the Springbok rugby team was playing in the third of a series of three games in the UK. We had lost to Ireland and then to England and today had the opportunity to redeem ourselves against the English. Barbara, Ally & I went up to Ena’s flat for tea and a shower.

We had booked for supper at the Moby Dick Restaurant at 6.00pm. By the time we got to the restaurant, the Springboks had beaten the English. Everyone seemed in a positive mood after our strong showing at Nippers as well as the good rugby results. At the Moby Dick restaurant they had a special set menu which we had. We sat with Charles, Ingrid, Hannes, Jacqui, Lynne and Alex. The adults ordered a few beverages to wash away some of the sun and sand of the day. This seemed to ease the way for some quite enthusiatic and animated discussions around a variety of unimportant subjects.

There was a little group of girls who seemed to have a ball as they discussed the days events and other important stuff. At another table there was a group of Nipper Boys. They looked like a mini street gang in the way that they related to each other. It was great to see them enjoying themselves so much. The waitress did a wonderful job with all these families and youngsters running around. We were all extemely tired and by 9.00pm headed off home to bed.

Sunday
On Sunday morning we were first at the beach and were soon setting up the tent and organising the boards which Plett had allowed us to store in their club house overnight. Again this morning the sharp time slot was a little blunted but by 9.00am the first event was under way. We started the morning with a long run. The under tens showed that we meant business at this carnival. The sun was hot overhead today. I think that a number of people must have been sunburnt.

There were six events for the under tens on Sunday. Long Run, Run-Swim-Run; Beach Relay finals; Malibu Board individual; Beach Sprint Finals and Flags Finals. If you were in an older group there was also the Iron/Diamond Nipper event where the individual has to swim, run, body board and then malibu board. We were pleased to see that there was a great deal of courage in the under 12’s in particular as some of them such as Ian and others had only recently joined Nippers and yet took part in this grueling event. Peter Wilson had been worried that there may not be sufficient activity to warrant the trip to Plett. I am certain that after a Carnival like this, there is no doubt that there is nothing but continuous activity from Start to Finish.

The u10’s had a bit of bad luck as one of our Body Board Relay teams was disqualified when we failed to touch hands at the change over point. However I was particularly proud of the beach relay teams when not one baton was dropped. Hannes noticed that we had not had a perfect change over as we had stood too far back for the relay change over.

Fortunately was had a brief photo session first thing that morning as the last event was the Flags finals. Those nippers who were not in the finals or who were eliminated packed up and left. If we are to keep interest high to the last then we need to have an event where everyone participates such as the long run as the very last event. By the time the Flags Finals was in progress we had managed to locate most of the craft and had secured the trailer so Barbara, Ally & I decided to call it a day. Our under tens had aquitted themselves above expectations. We had experienced courage, character and stamina that a sergeant major in the army would have enjoyed.

On our drive home Ally quickly passed out on the back seat while I drank a Red Bull to try to stay sharp. The drive was quick and uneventful as Barbara & I munched away at the sandwiches that Ena had prepared for us. As much as we love going to the Plett Carnival, just so much do we love getting home.

I have recorded the weekend as I saw it. If I have left out stuff that you think is important or if I have made mistakes in results etc, then just let me know please. I know that Wendy and others have a good photographic record of the weekend and look forward to seeing what they have to show us.

Below are the results. The under tens can be particularly proud of their performance. The u14s beat Plett by 50points, the u12s beat Plett by 7 Points and the u10’s beat Plett by 144 Points. At the same Carnival last year the U10’s were the only SS team that did not beat the Sardinia Bay team.

Peter
082 550 3174
pgiddy@hinet.co.za

Hi All

Well done SSLC! Thanks to the effort that so many families made to get to Plett, we won thew carnival. In fact, for the first time in my time at nippers, we won all three age groups!!!! That is fantastic! We only managed to that thanks to the support of a large away team of 48 nippers. We saw some amazing performances, not only from our awesome top nippers, but also from the hardworking group of nippers!

Before I give the complete results, please take note of the next important point. We cannot have the end-of-year party on Thursday, as originally planned. There is a clash at the club. We therefore have to move the party to Friday, 01 Dec. All the other arrangements will remain i.e. 100 club, snacks, party packs and boerie rolls for nippers and so on. I apologise for the inconvenience, but hope you can all still join us to celebrate the season so far!

Herewith the complete results:

Overall

6 Seagull
5 BWB 108
4 Mossel Bay 117
3 Sards 826
2 Plett 867,5
1 SSLC 1102,5


Age Groups

U10 U12 U14

3 Plett 227,5 Sards 326 Sards 229
2 Sards 271 Plett 357 Plett 283
1 SSLC 415 SSLC 364 SSLC 323


Victor: Matthew Mcgillivray(SSLC) CJ Velleman(SSLC)_ Cameron Neubert (SSLC)
Victrix: Christie Vaughn(SSLC) Lauren Billson (SSLC) Jessica Roux (Sards)

We will have our last practice before the holidays on Sunday 03 Dec. Hope to see you all on Friday!

Regards
Lee

Hi Peter – thank you for documenting our thoughts on the Plett Nipper Carnival – A post mortem carried out immediately after the event while everyting is still fresh in our minds is always good.

I agree with all of the points made below and will get a forum together possibly with Sards and Blue Water Bay to discuss these points and agree on the implementation of them at our next Summies Carnival.

Plett and Ant Cox have already requested that our Summerstrand carnival runs over two days like the Plett carnival. We will need to think very carefully about the beach setup if we host our carnival at Pollok – we had the most successful carnival running at Pollok 2 years ago and had two arenas running together and things went like clockwork (we were also blessed with beautiful weather – which does help considerably with the water events)

We will talk on Thursday evening at our end of year function and put in an official letter to East Cape regarding our suggestions.

Thanks a million – have a great day.

Best regards

Don

From: Peter Giddy [mailto:pgiddy@hinet.co.za] Sent: 27 November 2006 06:03 AMTo: DONALD MCGILLIVRAYSubject: A FEW NIPPERS THOUGHTS 27.11.2006.

Morning Donald
Apologies for our sudden departure on Sunday but when the u10s had completed the final event it was as if a Tsunami of exhaustion hit our family.

Our Carnival 21 January 2007.
A couple of thoughts that we had:

Scorers
The official scorers should be given triplicate A4 books in which they write the events and results. Perhaps the result sheets should be signed by the scorer and one other before being handed into the administration office.
We should have a computer set up in the Clubhouse where we have the administration and where we can enter results into a Spreadsheet for immediate access to points totals.
We could then give provisional results at stages during the day.
We should give the beach scorers chairs and a TV table at which they sit.

Numbering
The Plett officials had squares with numbers 1 to 20 to hand to the children as they completed an event. I think that we should have a number of these sets but that the numbering should continue to 30 or 40. This would mean that the slower child is not shoved aside as a non finisher. They also have the dignity of being recorded and acknowledged as having taken part.

Starting on Saturday
For our own Carnival in January; I think that it would be great if we could start on the Saturday. We could offer the Plett and other away teams “home hosting”. Realistically if we are able to start on a Sunday at 08.00am and we must finish at 14.00pm the most events we can complete is about 8. If we are only able to have our carnival on Sunday then we should set out the schedule of events that allows for a limited number of events and not one which includes the list that Plett was able to fit into the two days. Even holding three or four events on Saturday afternoon would help.

Final Event:
As we discussed on Sunday; If the final event has limited numbers then we will see a dispersing of Nippers and Parents as we did on Sunday. We should try to make the last one or two events ones where all the Nippers have the opportunity to participate. The Long Run is probably the most suitable as it does not depend on the surf conditions.

Opening Event.
The Taplin was an excellent opening event as every child was able to take part and this set the tone for the carnival and helped build the teams.

Rope and tape
We will need rope and tape to mark out the exact start and finish lines and the Flags start and finish. It was not clear at Plett where the change over line was for the Beach Relay. Perhaps this was due to our having “borrowed” the rope from Plett. We should also have a few extra lengths for our own tent in case the weather is as good as it was for Plett.

Clearing the arena
We should have some Candy Tape. During an event such as the Taplin where there are a number of people going in and out of the water; we give a length to a Person standing in the water and lead it across to another person standing near to the start or finish. This would help in controlling traffic of passers by.

See you Thursday
Peter
27.11.2006.




Hi Peter

I am impressed with your report and how soon we received it!

We had a lovely week-end, and I was pleased to have met you.

The Nipper experience is an exceptional one. So many things stand out. The parents and competitors give amazing support not only to those who achieve, but also to the last competitor that crosses the finishing line. The hugs and words of encouragement from coaches, parents and fellow competitors. The obvious love for children, the patience and support the Nipper coaches have.

I am so pleased that we joined!

Regards

Tania