MOUNTAIN ZEBRA PARK
IMPOFU HIKING TRAIL
SATURDAY 11 JULY TO MONDAY 13TH JULY 2009.
On this hike:
Peter, Barbara and Ally (11) Giddy
Hannes, Jacqui, Calvyn (16)and Jordan (14) Zeelie
Stuart Laing (16)
Gerald and Pat Scheepers
Fred Kohler.
The hike had been planned for some time to start on Saturday 27th as this was the first day after school term ended. However the Zeelies were not able to make this weekend due to paddling committments in Plett and this is how it came about that we changed the dates. It was just as well as the original weekend was one of the coldest and wettest weekends that we have had in ages.
Maryna Baard (Susan Burri's friend) was due to hike with us. On the Thursday before the hike a couple of us (Maryna, Susan, Gerald, Adrienne and I) were running through Hallack Drive in the early morning and Maryna tripped and fell. She went down hard and fractured a bone in her arm and was unable to be with us.
Adrienne was leaving later this afternoon for Rome where she would be judging international diving. Her two children, Danielle and Matthew would be traveling to England where they would meet up with elder sister, Jennifer who is a Springbok Hockey player. Jennifer has paid for them to fly over. After the Diving they are all meeting to go hiking in the Alps and this is why Adrienne has been dedicated to her running in recent weeks.
The people administering the hike and the people at reception were most obliging and helpful. Jeannie helped me when we had to change dates, Robin phoned to make certain that the arrangements were correct, Jali assisted us at the reception and there was the man who gave us a talk about the hike and safety aspects. They were all incredibly friendly and helpful.
This would be the third time that Barbara and I would do this hike. The first time we completed the hike and it must have been around summer as the days were very hot and long. We did it with our children when they were still young and at school. The second attempt we completed the first day and then on the second day we climbed the first hill before I realised that I had a Kidney Stone and was in agony. I decided to turn back and the rest of the group did the same. So our second day was a really relaxed day as we hiked along the road to the second hut.
Stuart had not hiked a trail of this nature before. He remembered us from Rhodes where his dad, Andrew, had run the Rhodes marathon with us and we had all stayed at "Die Pastorie". Ally also remembered Stuart. They had played ping pong together. This was July 2005 when Andrew had received his permanent number at Rhodes. Andrew was up at Rhodes while we were on the hike. See Blog of July 2005: Rhodes Marathon.
Ally and her friends had been at the Walmer Methodist Holiday Club the whole week. Calvyn, Jordan and Stuart had been leaders at the Holiday club. From reports, this had been a most successful week of fun and teaching. Amber was not able to come on this hike as she had Ballet Classes which cannot be missed. She kindly wrote Ally a letter, telling her how much she wished that she could have been there.
Hannes and family left on Friday night and stayed over at his sister who lives in Cradock. Gerald left about a half hour before us. Fred followed me and we left at about 5.45am on Saturday morning. We filled up with petrol at Colchester. I had set my GPS and the distance from our house to the main gate of the Park was 255kays. We took a gentle drive averaging around 100kph. It was extremely relaxing. We stopped to look at some Buck that we saw about 50kays this side of Cradock. They looked like Impala but were darker (almost Black) with a white flash on the bridge of the nose. They are not listed in our game guide.
Our next stop was at the Daggaboer Farm stall. Fred purchased a pair of Mohair Boot socks. Barbara bought herself some biltong and a filter coffee. The drive to the main gate of the Park took us about 3 hours. As we drove the 12kays to the Camp area we saw Oribi, Zebra, Springbok, Eland and Kudu. This park has more than it's full of game to see.
At the main camp we met up with the rest of the group and registered for the hike. We were given a fairly comprehensive talk on safety as we were in the open where it is entirely possible to encounter wild animals including buffalo and Rhinosourus. Hannes later commented that the talk had been devised at some head office as they advised climbing a tree or running uphill. With a loaded backpack? Up Doring Boom? Yeah Right! Another interesting fact is that, as we were readying ourselves, Andy and Bev Bolton (with daughter and friend) drove into camp. They planned to spend the weekend doing some game viewing.
Impofu is the Xhosa name for Eland. The Xhosa word used for Zebra is Ikwagga (Zulu is Idube). The Kwagga or Quagga became extinct in 1878. The mountain zebra was almost extinct when, in 1913, there were just 27 animals left. The Mountain Zebra park was established in 1937 with 5 stallions and a mare. The park was originally 1700 hectares. In 1998 a series of paintings were auctioned on the TV program 50/50. This enabled the park to be rapidly expanded from 6500 hectares to its present size of 28 000 hectares as surrounding farms were bought up.
We started to hike at about 09.30 and walked along a jeep track. We were hardly about 1kay into the hike when Barbara tripped and fell on her knee. It was a hard fall with her full backpack weighing her down. From there on she was in pain. And to add to this she had a few more falls on the trail which resulted in her twisting her ankle as well. We hiked up the road to the Big Rock. This rock slid down the side of mountain in 1974 and the thunder of the slide could be heard 20kays away in Cradock.
We stopped here for a snack before tackling the first of the hills. As we climbed this hill we were able to see a small herd of three adult and one foal Mountain Zebra. We also saw some Kudu on the Western hillside. As was the case throughout this hike; the boys went on ahead. The rest of us regrouped at the neck and then began our descent. It was not long before we realised that we were lost. The boys were ahead of us and I was prepared to follow them. Fred had also gone on ahead and realised that he was not on the correct trail. There are so many game trails that it is easy to think that you are on the hiking trail, but if you do not see the trail markings of Feet or an Arrow, then you have lost the pathway.
Finally Fred put down his pack and walked back to the rock where we had lost the trail and put us back on track. It was a fairly steep descent on tough terrain before we reached a Jeep Track. At the bottom we crossed the only stream that we saw throughout the three days of the hike. The water was not drinkable except maybe in extreme case of need.
Here the uphill began to take it's toll on Barbara's knee. She was in a lot of trouble and I helped her up the hill. Barbara had discovered that the soles of her hiking boots were coming loose and this compounded her discomfort. As we ascended this hill I looked up to see Fred on his way down. At that stage I left Barbara's backpack and gratefully let Fred take over.
It was only about 500 meters to the start of the final descent to the Olien Hut. The wind was blowing and it became quite chilly. Fred had left his pack at the crossing and Hannes took over and carried it down to the Hut. This must have been a mammoth task as the descent was extremely tough and carrying a second bag would have made the descent almost impossible. Hannes had said he wanted to use the hike as a fitness exercise but this was taking it to the limit.
The descent was very long. About a kay. It was technically difficult. I began to tire and felt shaky with low blood sugar. For me this was probably the toughest part of the three days of hiking. I ate an enery bar and felt better but still felt myself tiring fast. Barbara, Ally and I reached the hut about 30 to 45 minutes after the rest of the group. Today's hike had taken us about 5.30 to 6 hours. We were all very happy to be at the hut. Soon after we arrived a bakkie with two rangers stopped to check that we were safe. Barbara explained that she was injured and would need a ride to the next hut. The driver agreed to be at the hut early the next morning.
Fred started the fire in the "donkey" to heat up the water for a shower. I needed the shower to recover and had a luke warm shower. From there everyone went one at a time and had a wonderful hot shower. We start the evening early with sundowners, snacks, chips, vegetables and dip. We had some bad luck as the steak that we had brought for the hike was "off" and not edible. But fortunately we did not go hungry as we had more than enough food on the hike.
We had bought Ally a new backpack and a new sleeping bag. She was quite comfortable with the backpack and slept well (as she always does) in her new down sleeping bag. The mattresses on this hike are covered with linen, while we are used to mattresses covered in a plastic. They were slightly softer and more comfortable that we expect in a hiking hut. The night was quite cold but not freezing. It rained in the night and Hannes took our provisions out of the fireplace as the rain was dripping on the plastic packets.
In the night Pat woke up worrying about the fire. It seems that she had seen flickering of the fire and realised that the wind was blowing and the fire had flared up and this was potentially dangerous as the fire could easily spread. Barbara and Pat got up to put the fire out. Just at this time I had a cramp attack in both legs and had to ask Barbara to give me a leg rub to ease the pain as I was unable to stretch the pain out of my legs. I find cramping quite exhausting and did not find the strength to help her and Pat put out the fire.
These huts consist of two bedrooms with six bunk beds in each room. The rooms are small but not unbearable. It just forces us to be a little tidier than we normally are on a hike. In the centre is a kitchen area with a fireplace which could be used if it was raining or the hut needed to be heated. Flush loos are provided and hot showers by means of the Donkey. A certain amount of cups, plates, cutlery, a kettle and parafin lamps (in the first hut only) are provided. A good fireplace for a braai and plenty of wood but what is lacking is an area to sit and chat. There are some logs but these are not placed around the fire and the setting is not condusive to a long evening of "Kuiering".
We were in bed early. I had started to read the book 'Fireproof' but I find that I can only read for a short while before my eyelids become so heavy that I cannot stay awake anymore. This night we must have been in bed for about 11 to 12 hours. It is impossible to sleep that long. I would wake up frequently and turn over or lay awake. My limbs were sore and stiff but the nights rest made me feel strong for the second day's hike.
Sunday 12th.
As Barbara had arranged to be collected, I decided that I was not going to carry a backpack. I carried a small packet with a waterproof top and a few snacks for the day plus two water bottles. Barbara and Ally were to wait for the Bakkie to collect them so we packed ready for them to be collected and Fred and I set off first. As we ascended we came across fresh droppings that looked like they were only hours old. We waited at the fork at the top of the ridge for the rest of the group to arrive. First up were the three boys who carried on up the pathway.
As they walked, Fred spotted a Zebra on the path that they would take. The Zebra heard them and was alert for some time before the boys spotted him. We watched as the boys approached and then as the Zebra began to descend the hill. The Zebra would run down for a short while and then stop in a place that completely camouflaged himself. He would silhouette himself agains a bush or tree that had the effect of making him invisible. It was quite interseting for Fred and myself to watch this from a distance.
The first part of the hike took us to the fork and then up along a jeep track. At the top we regrouped and I was able to help Gerald who was battling with his breathing in the thin air. At this stage I estimate that we were about 1500m above sea level. From here we could see the boys across the valley as they had already reached the Bankenberg. This is a Buttress that looks like a bench. They were running around, playing and generally enjoying themselves. As we stood here we could see the mist coming across the mountain tops and could feel the immediate drop in temperature. Fortunately we had brought warm clothing.
Fred had to be back in PE this evening as he had an important job to complete on Monday. He had arranged to be collected from the hut at about 15.30 and decided that he would be better off to press on ahead. The five of us consisted of Hannes and Jacqui, Gerald and Pat and myself. We continued down hill and then up to the Bankberg. At the top we could hear Ally shouting below. We could see the hut but not Ally or Barbara. We did not know what Ally was saying but realised that the Bakkie that was supposed to have fetched them had not turned up. When we later walked to the hut I felt quite upset to see that Ally had scratched the word "help" in the sand next to the hut.
There was nothing that we could do. Barbara had my phone and I could not phone anyone to let them know. Also we thought that they would surely be there at any time shortly. We pressed on and up to just below the highest point in the park know as the Bankenberg. At this point we were just under 2000 meters above sea level. This is a point that is clearly visible from far distances. The range of mountain is known as the Sneuberg. It appears that there had been snow there on the weekend that we were originally planned to be on this hike.
At the top we stopped alongside the old stone wall for a snack. The whole day had been one of clear sky and then cloud cover. The wind was blowing but it was not so cold that we were in distress. Now as we sat down sheltered from the wind, the sun shone on us and we felt as if this was where we should spend the rest of our lives. The warmth, tranquility and feeling of well being was overwhelming. We could see for probably 100kays in all directions.
Finally we decided to get going again. Shortly after we left this spot we had to search for the trail. Thus began a series of lost and found. From here we determined that if we did not see the trail marking of Feet or Arrows then we would stop, backtrack and reorientate ourselves. The trail is well marked but easily lost. There are so many game tracks that can be confused as hiking trails that the hiker has to be extremely careful otherwise you could find yourself on a completely wrong pathway alltogether.
We began a long descent. It was about here that I heard Jacqui telling the story of how Hannes had presented her with this amazing birthday present: a pair of Gaiters. "What are these?" she had demanded of Hannes. "Gaiters that you can use on the hike" answered a proud Hannes. Jacqui announced that she was going to buy Hannes a Sports Bra for his next birthday as it was now him that was wearing these Gaiters! I was reminded of the one and only time that I had tried to purchase Barbara an item of clothing but had "chickened out" when I was approached by a sales lady. Jacqui's advice: 'Phone a friend'.
The descent into the valley was long and technically challenging. This cannot be rushed as it would be very easy to trip and fall or to twist an ankle. There are a number of huge round rocks that we had to walk along, trusting our boots to not slip. During the descent we saw a herd of 6 Zebra across the valley. They remain motionless even at that distance. They are not "skittish" but careful and ready to move if neccessary.
Finally we reached the saddle where we had a short ascent before the final 500m to the hut. Here we discovered that the boys were lighting the fire for the Donkey but no Barbara and Ally. The boys explained that they had arrived about 40 minutes ago and that Fred had been there when they arrived. He had walked out and would be on his way to the Rest Camp.
Hannes and I grabbed a water bottle (and not warm top as it was sunny a the time) and started the walk along the road back to the hut where Barbara and Ally would be waiting. Along the road it was an easy walk and took us about 45 minutes. Just as we approached the hut we could hear Baboons barking. At the hut Barbara told us that they had just brought all the bags and kit into the hut as the Baboons had approached them and sounded very threatening. And not five minutes later the Ranger Tom arrived in the Bakkie to fetch them. We loaded everything into the bakkie and drove back to the Karee Hut where the rest of the group were waiting.
Back at the Karee Hut we settled in for the evening. It was only about 4pm. We all enjoyed a warm shower and started the fire. Out came the sundowners and snacks. It was a little before sundown but in the words of Bill Corkhill: "On the hike there is latitude when it comes to deciding when sundowners may begin". The Donkey was fired up and everyone was able to enjoy a hot shower. Cleaned, tired but refreshed is how we now felt. Now that we were all together we were able to reflect on the day's hike.
The day had been one of the best possible day's for hiking this trail. In Summer you would cook. The weather had been very kind to us. There was a little cloud cover but not so much as to chill us to the bone. The warm rays of sun had been just enough to warm us up but not so much that we had battled with heat. In the final descent the breeze had dropped and we had excellent hiking conditions all round. This was a reasonably tough day but for me was really enjoyable with a light pack and I was feeling fit and strong. At no time did my knees bother me. Hannes had brought some sweets and I used these to 'refuel'. I must remember to takes sweets when ever I am on a hike.
The warmth of the fire, the day's hiking and early evening sundowners combined to put me into a relaxed frame of mind. This evening I was first in bed and reading my book. But as usual the book had a soothing effect and I was soon fast asleep. While I did not have a troubled sleep, I did have a fitful sleep, waking and turning often to ease an ache or stiffness.
When I went outside in the middle of the night, the moon shining so brightly it seemed like dawn. A bright moon like that seems to reflect on the soil. The stars were in full presentation and had it not been so cold it would have been an ideal opportunity for an outdoors sleep.
Monday morning I decided to make some hot chocolate and tried to be as quiet as possible but my movements soon woke the rest of the group (except Ally who has been known to sleep through an Atom Bomb). We prepared our morning drinks and eats, washed and packed ready for 08.00am when Tom the Ranger was due to collect us. And at exactly 08.00am we saw the Bakkie round the corner. It was Goodman, not Tom but that did not matter. Some of us loaded our packs onto the Bakkie, Barbara and Ally jumped on and we all set off for our final walk out.
Barbara and Ally froze on the back. There was nothing that they could do. The short trip seemed to take forever. But Finally they were back at camp where they had a wash and a proper breakfast of eggs and bacon and went for a short game drive.
Meanwhile we walked along the path, losing the trail constantly and regrouping once we found it again. It is not as though you can lose yourself alltogether. The road is always just to the left of the hiker. But it is good to know that you are on the correct hiking trail. We startled a number of buck including Kudu and Fallow Deer or bushbuck.
This morning's walk took us just over 2 hours and we were back in camp with Barbara and Ally waiting for us. Stuart and Calvyn had worn sleevless vests and must ahve been freezing cold in the morning before the sun came out to warm us up. Hannes took his group for a shower. Ally had to be back in PE as early as possible for Drama Practice and we left immediately.
As we drove out, we again spotted a variety of game, including a Black Backed Jackal as he loped alongside the road. At the main gate we saw a pair of secretary birds walking and hunting for snakes and rodents in the long grass. The drive home was a sleepy affair. I drove for a while and then let Barbara take over while I slept. Ally slept for most of the drive and was still half asleep when we dropped her off at Clarendon for Drama Practice.
That evening Fred phoned to let me know how it had gone for him. He had left us at the top of the Bankberg Butress and had walked at a brisk pace. He too had become "lost" on a number of occasions having to backtrack to find the trail. He had waited at the hut for the boys to make sure that they had found their way and then had walked out along the road. Just as he approached the Rest Camp, the bakkie met him and gave him a lift for the final Kay. He then tried to explain to Jali about the arrangement to collect Barbara and Ally. Jali was not aware of the arrangement but promptly sent the bakkie off to collect them and that is how it came about that we met them at the Olien Hut on Sunday evening.
Lessons that I learned on this hike:
While winter may not be ideal for hiking, it is certainly better than the heat of summer.
Water (one litre in winter is the minimum and two in summer) has to be carried as there is absolutely no water on the trail.
Slackpacking is possible on this hike. The rangers are most helpful and accommodating.
Stay in groups as the trail is confusing and one can become lost easily. Always look for the painted feet and arrows. If you lose sight for any time at all then you are probably off the trail.
The hike is physically demanding but if taken slowly with plenty of stops and rest breaks it is not too difficult.
The distances do not seem to be long but the nature of the trail and the terrain makes it a tough hike.
Take it slow: you can spot game while hiking, but not if you are walking to beat a time demand.
Weather descends upon you at the top of the mountain. Be prepared for the very coldest and wettest even when you start off in clear skies.
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Dawn commented as follows:
"Remember Mountain Zebra well, did it twice, both times, I think, with you guys. Remember Jacqui, head down on a hill, almost walking into a kudu and Michael in an uncontrolled down hill sprint with Jacqui on his back. Also Peter in pain on the hill tops - what was it again? Kidney stone? or something! Never been an uneventful hike and it sounds as if this one remained true to the tradition!"
Michael commented as follows:
Dad.
Sounds like you really had an adventure. I completely understand how those leg cramps can wear you out.
I also believe that if mom is going to do hiking from a bakkie - I might be quite interested to join next time.
Mike
Hi Peter
How was the Mountain zebra trail? My heart ached more than the fractured arm… Some pic’s? Haven’t blogged before ! Have done the Otter 2 years ago & would love to do it again. Planning to do the Camino De Santiago next year June- July for 14 days & not sure of dates yet, but will have to finalise asap. Wouldn’t like to loose out again.
Stay well & blessed
Maryna
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Monday, July 13, 2009
Saturday, June 20, 2009
Friday, June 12, 2009
JUNE 2009: STEFAN & NICCI; WILDCLIFF; IAN GIDDY DIES 12TH JUNE 2009; ROGER GUSH; ALPHA WEEKEND; PHUKET;
June 2009
JUNE 2009 IN THE GIDDY FAMILY
NICCI AND STEFAN TRAVEL TO PHUKET THAILAND FOR A WEDDING
THE BALCONY COLLAPSES
CHRISTIAN, AARON AND ZARA STAY WITH US FOR A MONTH.
ALPHA COURSE AT WALMER METHODIST CHURCH
IAN GIDDY DIES OF CANCER 18 JANUARY 1948 TO 12 JUNE 20029
WILDCLIFF TRIP AFTER NICCI AND STEFAN RETURN FROM PHUKET
MICHAEL GIDDY AND FAMILY DRIVE THE MERCEDES BENZ TO WILDCLIFF
CATHY AND SAUL SILBERSTEIN JOIN US AT WILDLCIFF
CATHY AND SAUL MOVE TO THE NEW FLAT ABOVE WOODSTOCK
SOUTHERN KINGS PLAY BRITISH LIONS AT THE NEW STADIUM IN PE
NIPPERS AGM AND PRIZE GIVING
MEMORIAL SERVICE FOR IAN AT THE METHODIST CHURCH IN PLETT
SPRINGBOKS PLAY BRITISH LIONS
Nicci & Stefan went to Phuket, Thailand for a Wedding photo shoot. The balcony that Nicci was standing on collapsed. They left the children with us and we had a great time looking after them. The children loved attending Barbara's school.
Ally continues to have success with her Sunday Hockey.
Ian takes a turn for the worst as the Cancer in his Pancreas has taken hold. He has Chemo and treatment and looses weight rapidly. On 11.06.2009 he is back in NY after a week at Rheincliff and working hard at a conservation project and report. He collapses in pain and from weakness and is rushed to an intensive care hospital where a "coma" is induced by reducing his temperature.
Roger Gush has Cancer as well and is in pain. The last time we saw him he was weak and uncomfortable at Wildcliff.
I am a leader at an Alpha course and we have the Holy Spirit weekend at Willows: Bev Cox; Rodney Kolbe; Moira Haupt; Cari Mc Lean; Susanna does not make the weekend as she has bad megraines; Regg Kee and THeresa make up the group. We are joined by Reg Haupt and Jennifer. Hugh joins the group discussion one evening. It is a most successful weekend but I find it very draining with all the emotion.
Michael joins us for his first trip to WIldcliff. We have a full family weekend with Cathy & Saul traveling from CT.
rugby: The British Lions are touring SA. They have beaten all the local sides so far and play at the newly built NM Stadium on 16.6.2009.
Wildcliff;
We left PE at about 05.30am on Saturday 13th. We had Gerald's trailer hitched up and stopped over in Plett. Ena is taking the Death of Ian very badly. She cries and then seems okay for a while. Then talks about how close he and I had become recently and how it should not happen that her child leaves this earth before she does. This is a sad time for all of us. Ian had become a very real person to us in the last few years. Also he had so much to contribute. So many people depended on him for their own life.
Patrick left for New York this evening. He arrived in NY at about 16.00 our time and early in the morning their time. Ian has not physically died yet but they now plan to "take him off the life support machines". Jenny says that Ian's life left him on Wednesday when he went into a coma and was taken to hospital.
We left Plett at about 09.30am and drove in convoy with Nicci and Stefan following us. Michael had left earlier and was about 90 minutes ahead of us. We arrived in Hiedelberg. Did some Biltong shopping at the Biltong factory. This biltong is not the same quality as the Albertina Biltong. After a short stop at the Spar I showed Stefan and Michael the Cottage and then we all drove up to WC. This afternoon I had again to climb onto the roof to fix the TV aerial. Finally we managed to get it going and were able to watch the Western Province team play the visiting Lions. The Lions beat the WP team but only just. It was the toughest game that the Lions had since they arrived in SA.
That afternoon we did not do any walks but it was good to be all together at Talari. Cathy and Saul arrived a little later. I felt a kind of sadness that Jacqui and Michael were so far from us. The children had a wonderful time playing in and around the house together. Stefan made us one of his famous Pootjies. And it was only just enough. Normally it feeds us for two days.
I had bought the series "Shield" and had planned to watch this series but I am not sure if it is as good as 24 at any rate everyone was soon fast asleep. I had bought some new mattresses for our strechers as the ones that we used to have I lost when Michael & I returned from MMC. They are a little narrower but thicker and quite comfortable.
Barbara, Ally and I slept in Jenny's study. We had brought our stretchers and we are always very comfortable on them.
Sunday morning: Bob Brown came for a visit. He will be leaving his farm and moving into town where he has bought a house. He will continue to farm cattle on a famr that he is renting. We went for a walk up the Tortoise Head trail. The kids started becoming tired and Cathy, Saul and I decided to press on along the side of the hill towards the Rain Frog Dam. We did some serious Bundu Bashing and so realised that we were not going to reach the dam.
We were now above the stream (Rain Frog Dam Stream) that leads to the Oak Tree Meadow. We had to do some serious Bum Sliding to reach the stream. There were some sheer drops and thick bushes so that you could not see where you were going and could step into the Abyss at any time. When we reached the stream we were at the foot of a waterfall which I immediately names Saul's Falls. The walk down to Oak tree meadow was not easy as the Wattle has fallen across the stream and this makes for a lot of crawling and scratches. Back at Talari the rest of the gang had arrived a lot earlier than us. I had to shower for the second time today as I had a hard work out this morning.
Later today we had a walk down to the Meadow where the children swung on the rope swing and the trees. They played around in the stream as well. The three horses were there and did not seem to like Digby. This had been a really full day for the children and a Bath and Jamies was the next event in their day.
Barbara phoned Jenny who said that Patrick had just arrived and they would be going for a walk in the park and then go to see Ian. Probably for the last time. They plan a memorial service for Ian at Rhinecliff on Saturday 20th.
Cathy and Saul left for Cape Town as they had to be back at work on Monday morning. The rest of us have taken an extra day of leave. I think that Saul may have been unhappy that I suggested that they take the Tradouw Pass as it took them longer than they had expected. Cathy and Saul have moved into a new flat overlooking Table Bay and the harbour. It is much more sunny and bright. Cathy no longer feels the sense of being under constant threat.
This evening we had a couple of roast chickens and vegetables for supper. We had lit a fire each evening although it really was not that cold. Again people seemed to fade early. I have started reading a book on "Spies and Secrets". Interesting stories from the second world war.
Monday morning: Ena phoned early to say that she had spoken to Patrick in NY and that they had now switched off the machines that were keeping Ian alive. THis is going to be a huge gap in all of our lives. We are going to miss him and his influence on so many aspects of our lives. Nicci had spoken to Ena in Plett when she stayed there. Ena had told Nicci of the time that we went to Europe and had stopped over in Kinshasha (Brazzaville).
It was the middle of the night, hot and clammy. there were little or no facilities in the transit lounge and the passengers hung around trying to while away the time. Ian had been led to talking in French to some of the locals, they had showed him some of the local 'secret' buildings and then the soldiers had accused him of being a spy. He and Ena had been detained and the whole airplane had been held up. Ena had screamed and shouted and told them to release him. Ian had told Ena to leave on her own and that he would follow.
Ian was just about 18 at the time. Finally the soldiers or police finished playing their games and released them. I think that was after Ena showed them her Scotish or British passport. The other passengers in the airplane seemed to be disgruntled and accused Ian of messing around with stuff that he should have left alone. Kind of "stirring the pot". That year we spent at Wengen, a ski resort in Switzerland where we learned to ski.
We started off on the nursery slopes and then slowly worked our way up to the ski lift and finally I remember one day with the ski instructor on a cold and windy day having taken the train up to the top. We all got out of the train feeling totally miserable and freezing and skiing down to a tavern type of hut where we had some hot chocolate before continuing this harrowing ski adventure down to the village. I think that was the last of the lessons and from there onwards we would go on our own.
One particular time we found a route that was not one of the "Beaten Trails" and we skied though virgin snow. This was probably the most exciting time of the holiday as we did not know where we were going. Ian was leading us and we finally did make it back to the village but we had to do quite a bit of cross country to get there. This trip must have cost my parents a fortune.
I would go out to the taverns at night, meeting other young skiers. Of course they were mostly Europeans who were able to speak French, German, Spanish and Dutch. I battled on and made shallow friendships over drinks and dance. One day we were on a train going up to the top of the ski hill when Allan met an American man who told us how important Computers would be in the future of business. Allan was impressed by this piece of information and that he would investigate this when back in Port Elizabeth.
Monday morning.
We decided to take the Bushpig up to Ena's Falls. Keith and the crew were doing their Monday Wattle Clearing job and so Keith came down with the Bushpig to fetch us. Michael, Lene, and the three children had walked on ahead. Stefan & I loaded the bakkie with cushions and blankets as it looked like it would be cold at the top. Then he and I followed Michael and caught up with them in the Pine Forest. Keith then loaded us all into the vehicle and we dropped him off where the gang was doing their work.
Stefan took over driving and we went half way up before he off loaded us and we walked the last section. The Mountain hut (Barafu) is coming on nicely. Barafu is the name of the camp that is on the Kilimajaro climb if you take the Machame Route. This was the first time that we see work being done. Jackson has built some of the wall and is in the process of fitting the Door and a window. It is not easy to see how the finished product will look as it is a steep rocky area where it is being built.
From here we walked on up and over Ena's Falls and into the Hidden Valley. We walked a little way into the Fynbos but children soon became tired and we had to return. I was thirsty and welcomed a walk down to the top of the falls for a drink and cool off. The children really enjoyed being here. in minutes they had their shoes and shirts off and were playing on the rocks. What a joy it is to see them having so much fun in the outdoors. Hopefully they will remember these weekends with their cousins.
We drove and walked back with a visit to the rain frog dam on the way down. The kids were starting to get tired and irritable. But seeing the dam seemed to revitalise them. They again took off shirts and shoes and were in the water even though it was cold.
Back at Talari we had a bite to eat and watched some cricket with our eyes closed. Some even went to bedrooms and lay down for a well earned sleep. Stefan and I walked up to Sauls Falls. It is an easy walk from Talari and you enter a little below the Mud Dam and are able to walk all the way up in the stream (this stream is known as Talari Stream). We came to the junction where the West Stream (Which I decided to name as Stefan's Stream but later Jenny told me that Ian had named this Rock Slide Stream) (Now Dry) joins the Rain Frog Dam stream. We had been up to the top of the West stream and this is an exploration for next time. There is a great deal of indigenous trees and plants in these two streams. We exitted in line with the Mud Dam and walked down from there.
A little later Stefan took the boys and Ally to the OT Meadow and started a swinging exercise. Jessie and I followed and were soon swinging back and forth under the oaks. Then came the best of all: Mom and Nicci came and did the same. Both of them seemed to get stuck on the swing which swings over the stream. It is not a good thing to fall as you will get quite wet. I am not sure how it happened but there was almost nobody who ended up wet.
We received a number of calls about Ian. I had not realised that he had actually died last night. But now it is final and there is no further hope. This is very sad for us. I am going to miss him. We all are. It will take us a long time to come to terms with the fact that we will NEVER see Ian again. He played a part in our lives that was important to us. He was able to create a lifestyle not only for us but for our families to come. As Nicci said today when we were up at Barafu: he has left a legacy and this is something that is special and that not many people are able to do.
Back to Port ELizabeth, reality, work, school.
Tuesday we arrived back in PE in time to watch the Southern Kings play rugby against the British Lions team at the new stadium. We walked to Grey school where we met up with some of the other people that we had booked seats for: Jaco Viljoen, Abe Cilliers, Charles, Ingrid, Ian and ourselves all took a Grey school bus to the stadium. We walked the last few hundred meters in a crowd of people. There was still quite a bit of construction going on around the stadium on the roads. We found our seats and then stood in a long queue to buy beers. Sitting with us were: Ron & Lyn; Peter & Elmarie; Anthony & Lana; Andrew, Tristan and Marion. The Game was exciting and while our team was beaten, they were by no means disgraced and played a tough game with a referee who did not seem to make the right decisions in many cases; both for and against us.
Wednesday: another Alpha this evening.
Thursday: we were supposed to be at the Clarendon Park 100 Club but were just too tired to go out this evening.
Friday was the Nippers AGM and Prize GIving.
It was a really successful turn out of Nippers and Parents. We hand out a huge number of prizes and awards this evening. Always quite sad as the U14's will be leaving us. The Junior Lifesavers were there to encourage our U14's to move over to Juniors.
Clint made a wonderful Beef Pootjie. It was really one of the best meals that I have had in a long time. The evening was well supported and a huge success. It looks like we are going to have a successful 2009/2010 season.
Ally won a trophy for her participation in almost every event that was possible. Previous winners of this trophy include: Jason Collier, Giovanni Falco, Quinton van Staden ande Oliver Wiehahn. This trophy acknowledges the fact that Ally participates in a highly competitive age group. The Summies U12's this year are the National Age Group Champions. They were the U10 National Age Group Champions two years ago. While Ally tries hard in every event she will not always win as her competition includes Chrisie Vaughn, Jamie Engelke and Lara Odendal who are all competitive in this age group.
Saturday morning we were joined by Edie Dore (Harris) and drove through to Plett where we held the Memorial Service for Ian. Ron & Lyn came through. The researchers from Wildcliff also joined us. Keith Riggle drove them through. Ann Thomas had told a number of Ena's friends of the Service, the result was that we had a really good support for Ena at the service. Ena has many friends and loyal supporters in Plett. ALice and Ian, Giles Butlin were also there. Keith's team brought a huge Bouquet of wild flowers and protea from Wildcliff. It looked quite stunning in the chapel.
Costa Stathakis is a minister who had come to preach at the Walmer Methodist Church in PE. Fortunately I had made contact with him at that time. He even visited Ena at her home. We attended some of his services in Plett and so had a connection. Costa conducted the service. Barbara prepared a hymn sheet with "Amazing grace" and "How great thou art". I read out a Eulogy, ROn read out a series of comments from students of his Executive Graduate Master of Business (Stern School of Business) in New York University and Edie read out an excerpt from a letter sent from Costa Rica.
After the service we met at Alice for tea. She had prepared a feast. Fortunately the volunteers were there and looked hungry. After the tea we drove home to watch the Springboks play the Lions in the first of three tests held at Kings Park Durban. I did not see much of the match as I had to take two loads of rubbish to the tip. Ron & Lyn stayed to watch. We had an early night after a draining day.
We had missed a hockey game of Ally's. they had played Union from Graaf Reinett in a Derby day. Our Clarendon second team beat Union by 4 goals to nil. I am sorry that we missed this game.
Sunday Morning: Fathers day. I received a number of calls from Nicci, Cathya dn from Jacqui in London. They had just returned from a short holiday in Barcelona. They loved the Spanish People but found the town to be ridiculously expensive. It appears that they had a good holiday overall.
Church: the Daryl, Charles, Ingrid, Vinance, Mike B and Fred Music Group p;ayed the song from the MMC: Lig jou Hande na Bo. A good number of men who were at the MMC came forward and sang the song with Lands lifted. It was a good show of support for Daryl.
A scroll with a description of a Father was handed to the men. Michael gave me a photo of the two of us at the MMC whith our headlamps on our hats. He also gave me a book with 365 things that a Dad should know. For me this morning was quite emotional as I could not stop thinking of Ian and our memories. He should not be gone. It seems absolutely crazy. He was too alive to be dead now.
The following week I kept myself as busy as possible with a trip to Transkei. I left just after 3am and spent the first day in Mthatha, the second day travelling to Flagstaff & Lusikisiki, the third day Julia and I were in Bizana and Mount Frere and the last day we spent back in Mthatha. I arrived home on Thursday evening. Average daily mileage was about 450kays. This had been a particularly cold week. We were due to hike the Mountain Zebra trail but fortunately had postponed the hike for two weeks. It was so wet and cold that it would have been a really miserable hike.
Saturday: Barbara & I did something that we have never done before. Our DVD player had broken down. I had arranged to go running but it was cold. I whimped out and got back into bed with Ally's mini DVD player. We had bought a series called "the Shield" for our trip to WC as we were concerned that it may be wet the whole weekend at our last visit. So Barbara & I settled down to watch the series. And stayed in bed until after 9.00am watching this contraversial series of tough, corrupt cops.
That afternoon we watched a stunning game of Rugby. The Lions were playing the Boks in the second of three matches. Our team were down 5:16 at half time. Just before the half time whistle a penalty was awarded to the springbok team. It was inside the Boks halfway and at an angle but Francois Steyn kicked the ball true and straight and we walked off the field 8:16.
The second half was nail biting. We scored two more tries: one sneaky try by Brian Habanna and a second one on the corner. This put us at 25 points. The British Lions scored 9 points with two penalties and one drop, putting them at 25 points as well and time was up with the score at 25 each.
The Lions kicked an Up & Under and Pietersen caught the ball in the air. One of the Lions caught him with an arm and he went down with a Penalty being awarded to the Boks: Five meters inside our half. Morne Steyn had been sent on to the field as a Substitute. Morne had played for the Super 14 Bulls who had won the 2009 competition and had become known for his prolific Kicking ability.
Morne said to John Smith, the captain: "Give it to me, I know that I can convert this one." These were very brave words. John knew that Francois had been successful with an even more difficult kick earlier on, but gave Morne the opportunity. Morne struck the ball cleanly and while it appeared to hover just before the cross bar, it was over and we won the game in extra time.
The poor Lions Fans were stunned, Shell Shocked, speechless. It was sad for them. They had been in front for almost all of the game with us leveling towards the end and they had tasted victory and a chance to level the series. This loss meant that the Springboks won the game and the series. For the Springbok fans it was an amazing game with proof once more that they really are world champions.
Sunday we again watched some of the Shield Series and I was able to catch up on the Wildcliff Cash Book which I had lost when my computer crashed earlier this year.
Monday 29.06.2009. This day is significant as I went for a run (walk) with the MPRG for the first time in over a month. My knee has been bothering me and I was loathe to test it. The run was no trouble as we went slowly and did a whole lot of walking. But later in the day I felt the pain on the outside of the left knee.
JUNE 2009 IN THE GIDDY FAMILY
NICCI AND STEFAN TRAVEL TO PHUKET THAILAND FOR A WEDDING
THE BALCONY COLLAPSES
CHRISTIAN, AARON AND ZARA STAY WITH US FOR A MONTH.
ALPHA COURSE AT WALMER METHODIST CHURCH
IAN GIDDY DIES OF CANCER 18 JANUARY 1948 TO 12 JUNE 20029
WILDCLIFF TRIP AFTER NICCI AND STEFAN RETURN FROM PHUKET
MICHAEL GIDDY AND FAMILY DRIVE THE MERCEDES BENZ TO WILDCLIFF
CATHY AND SAUL SILBERSTEIN JOIN US AT WILDLCIFF
CATHY AND SAUL MOVE TO THE NEW FLAT ABOVE WOODSTOCK
SOUTHERN KINGS PLAY BRITISH LIONS AT THE NEW STADIUM IN PE
NIPPERS AGM AND PRIZE GIVING
MEMORIAL SERVICE FOR IAN AT THE METHODIST CHURCH IN PLETT
SPRINGBOKS PLAY BRITISH LIONS
Nicci & Stefan went to Phuket, Thailand for a Wedding photo shoot. The balcony that Nicci was standing on collapsed. They left the children with us and we had a great time looking after them. The children loved attending Barbara's school.
Ally continues to have success with her Sunday Hockey.
Ian takes a turn for the worst as the Cancer in his Pancreas has taken hold. He has Chemo and treatment and looses weight rapidly. On 11.06.2009 he is back in NY after a week at Rheincliff and working hard at a conservation project and report. He collapses in pain and from weakness and is rushed to an intensive care hospital where a "coma" is induced by reducing his temperature.
Roger Gush has Cancer as well and is in pain. The last time we saw him he was weak and uncomfortable at Wildcliff.
I am a leader at an Alpha course and we have the Holy Spirit weekend at Willows: Bev Cox; Rodney Kolbe; Moira Haupt; Cari Mc Lean; Susanna does not make the weekend as she has bad megraines; Regg Kee and THeresa make up the group. We are joined by Reg Haupt and Jennifer. Hugh joins the group discussion one evening. It is a most successful weekend but I find it very draining with all the emotion.
Michael joins us for his first trip to WIldcliff. We have a full family weekend with Cathy & Saul traveling from CT.
rugby: The British Lions are touring SA. They have beaten all the local sides so far and play at the newly built NM Stadium on 16.6.2009.
Wildcliff;
We left PE at about 05.30am on Saturday 13th. We had Gerald's trailer hitched up and stopped over in Plett. Ena is taking the Death of Ian very badly. She cries and then seems okay for a while. Then talks about how close he and I had become recently and how it should not happen that her child leaves this earth before she does. This is a sad time for all of us. Ian had become a very real person to us in the last few years. Also he had so much to contribute. So many people depended on him for their own life.
Patrick left for New York this evening. He arrived in NY at about 16.00 our time and early in the morning their time. Ian has not physically died yet but they now plan to "take him off the life support machines". Jenny says that Ian's life left him on Wednesday when he went into a coma and was taken to hospital.
We left Plett at about 09.30am and drove in convoy with Nicci and Stefan following us. Michael had left earlier and was about 90 minutes ahead of us. We arrived in Hiedelberg. Did some Biltong shopping at the Biltong factory. This biltong is not the same quality as the Albertina Biltong. After a short stop at the Spar I showed Stefan and Michael the Cottage and then we all drove up to WC. This afternoon I had again to climb onto the roof to fix the TV aerial. Finally we managed to get it going and were able to watch the Western Province team play the visiting Lions. The Lions beat the WP team but only just. It was the toughest game that the Lions had since they arrived in SA.
That afternoon we did not do any walks but it was good to be all together at Talari. Cathy and Saul arrived a little later. I felt a kind of sadness that Jacqui and Michael were so far from us. The children had a wonderful time playing in and around the house together. Stefan made us one of his famous Pootjies. And it was only just enough. Normally it feeds us for two days.
I had bought the series "Shield" and had planned to watch this series but I am not sure if it is as good as 24 at any rate everyone was soon fast asleep. I had bought some new mattresses for our strechers as the ones that we used to have I lost when Michael & I returned from MMC. They are a little narrower but thicker and quite comfortable.
Barbara, Ally and I slept in Jenny's study. We had brought our stretchers and we are always very comfortable on them.
Sunday morning: Bob Brown came for a visit. He will be leaving his farm and moving into town where he has bought a house. He will continue to farm cattle on a famr that he is renting. We went for a walk up the Tortoise Head trail. The kids started becoming tired and Cathy, Saul and I decided to press on along the side of the hill towards the Rain Frog Dam. We did some serious Bundu Bashing and so realised that we were not going to reach the dam.
We were now above the stream (Rain Frog Dam Stream) that leads to the Oak Tree Meadow. We had to do some serious Bum Sliding to reach the stream. There were some sheer drops and thick bushes so that you could not see where you were going and could step into the Abyss at any time. When we reached the stream we were at the foot of a waterfall which I immediately names Saul's Falls. The walk down to Oak tree meadow was not easy as the Wattle has fallen across the stream and this makes for a lot of crawling and scratches. Back at Talari the rest of the gang had arrived a lot earlier than us. I had to shower for the second time today as I had a hard work out this morning.
Later today we had a walk down to the Meadow where the children swung on the rope swing and the trees. They played around in the stream as well. The three horses were there and did not seem to like Digby. This had been a really full day for the children and a Bath and Jamies was the next event in their day.
Barbara phoned Jenny who said that Patrick had just arrived and they would be going for a walk in the park and then go to see Ian. Probably for the last time. They plan a memorial service for Ian at Rhinecliff on Saturday 20th.
Cathy and Saul left for Cape Town as they had to be back at work on Monday morning. The rest of us have taken an extra day of leave. I think that Saul may have been unhappy that I suggested that they take the Tradouw Pass as it took them longer than they had expected. Cathy and Saul have moved into a new flat overlooking Table Bay and the harbour. It is much more sunny and bright. Cathy no longer feels the sense of being under constant threat.
This evening we had a couple of roast chickens and vegetables for supper. We had lit a fire each evening although it really was not that cold. Again people seemed to fade early. I have started reading a book on "Spies and Secrets". Interesting stories from the second world war.
Monday morning: Ena phoned early to say that she had spoken to Patrick in NY and that they had now switched off the machines that were keeping Ian alive. THis is going to be a huge gap in all of our lives. We are going to miss him and his influence on so many aspects of our lives. Nicci had spoken to Ena in Plett when she stayed there. Ena had told Nicci of the time that we went to Europe and had stopped over in Kinshasha (Brazzaville).
It was the middle of the night, hot and clammy. there were little or no facilities in the transit lounge and the passengers hung around trying to while away the time. Ian had been led to talking in French to some of the locals, they had showed him some of the local 'secret' buildings and then the soldiers had accused him of being a spy. He and Ena had been detained and the whole airplane had been held up. Ena had screamed and shouted and told them to release him. Ian had told Ena to leave on her own and that he would follow.
Ian was just about 18 at the time. Finally the soldiers or police finished playing their games and released them. I think that was after Ena showed them her Scotish or British passport. The other passengers in the airplane seemed to be disgruntled and accused Ian of messing around with stuff that he should have left alone. Kind of "stirring the pot". That year we spent at Wengen, a ski resort in Switzerland where we learned to ski.
We started off on the nursery slopes and then slowly worked our way up to the ski lift and finally I remember one day with the ski instructor on a cold and windy day having taken the train up to the top. We all got out of the train feeling totally miserable and freezing and skiing down to a tavern type of hut where we had some hot chocolate before continuing this harrowing ski adventure down to the village. I think that was the last of the lessons and from there onwards we would go on our own.
One particular time we found a route that was not one of the "Beaten Trails" and we skied though virgin snow. This was probably the most exciting time of the holiday as we did not know where we were going. Ian was leading us and we finally did make it back to the village but we had to do quite a bit of cross country to get there. This trip must have cost my parents a fortune.
I would go out to the taverns at night, meeting other young skiers. Of course they were mostly Europeans who were able to speak French, German, Spanish and Dutch. I battled on and made shallow friendships over drinks and dance. One day we were on a train going up to the top of the ski hill when Allan met an American man who told us how important Computers would be in the future of business. Allan was impressed by this piece of information and that he would investigate this when back in Port Elizabeth.
Monday morning.
We decided to take the Bushpig up to Ena's Falls. Keith and the crew were doing their Monday Wattle Clearing job and so Keith came down with the Bushpig to fetch us. Michael, Lene, and the three children had walked on ahead. Stefan & I loaded the bakkie with cushions and blankets as it looked like it would be cold at the top. Then he and I followed Michael and caught up with them in the Pine Forest. Keith then loaded us all into the vehicle and we dropped him off where the gang was doing their work.
Stefan took over driving and we went half way up before he off loaded us and we walked the last section. The Mountain hut (Barafu) is coming on nicely. Barafu is the name of the camp that is on the Kilimajaro climb if you take the Machame Route. This was the first time that we see work being done. Jackson has built some of the wall and is in the process of fitting the Door and a window. It is not easy to see how the finished product will look as it is a steep rocky area where it is being built.
From here we walked on up and over Ena's Falls and into the Hidden Valley. We walked a little way into the Fynbos but children soon became tired and we had to return. I was thirsty and welcomed a walk down to the top of the falls for a drink and cool off. The children really enjoyed being here. in minutes they had their shoes and shirts off and were playing on the rocks. What a joy it is to see them having so much fun in the outdoors. Hopefully they will remember these weekends with their cousins.
We drove and walked back with a visit to the rain frog dam on the way down. The kids were starting to get tired and irritable. But seeing the dam seemed to revitalise them. They again took off shirts and shoes and were in the water even though it was cold.
Back at Talari we had a bite to eat and watched some cricket with our eyes closed. Some even went to bedrooms and lay down for a well earned sleep. Stefan and I walked up to Sauls Falls. It is an easy walk from Talari and you enter a little below the Mud Dam and are able to walk all the way up in the stream (this stream is known as Talari Stream). We came to the junction where the West Stream (Which I decided to name as Stefan's Stream but later Jenny told me that Ian had named this Rock Slide Stream) (Now Dry) joins the Rain Frog Dam stream. We had been up to the top of the West stream and this is an exploration for next time. There is a great deal of indigenous trees and plants in these two streams. We exitted in line with the Mud Dam and walked down from there.
A little later Stefan took the boys and Ally to the OT Meadow and started a swinging exercise. Jessie and I followed and were soon swinging back and forth under the oaks. Then came the best of all: Mom and Nicci came and did the same. Both of them seemed to get stuck on the swing which swings over the stream. It is not a good thing to fall as you will get quite wet. I am not sure how it happened but there was almost nobody who ended up wet.
We received a number of calls about Ian. I had not realised that he had actually died last night. But now it is final and there is no further hope. This is very sad for us. I am going to miss him. We all are. It will take us a long time to come to terms with the fact that we will NEVER see Ian again. He played a part in our lives that was important to us. He was able to create a lifestyle not only for us but for our families to come. As Nicci said today when we were up at Barafu: he has left a legacy and this is something that is special and that not many people are able to do.
Back to Port ELizabeth, reality, work, school.
Tuesday we arrived back in PE in time to watch the Southern Kings play rugby against the British Lions team at the new stadium. We walked to Grey school where we met up with some of the other people that we had booked seats for: Jaco Viljoen, Abe Cilliers, Charles, Ingrid, Ian and ourselves all took a Grey school bus to the stadium. We walked the last few hundred meters in a crowd of people. There was still quite a bit of construction going on around the stadium on the roads. We found our seats and then stood in a long queue to buy beers. Sitting with us were: Ron & Lyn; Peter & Elmarie; Anthony & Lana; Andrew, Tristan and Marion. The Game was exciting and while our team was beaten, they were by no means disgraced and played a tough game with a referee who did not seem to make the right decisions in many cases; both for and against us.
Wednesday: another Alpha this evening.
Thursday: we were supposed to be at the Clarendon Park 100 Club but were just too tired to go out this evening.
Friday was the Nippers AGM and Prize GIving.
It was a really successful turn out of Nippers and Parents. We hand out a huge number of prizes and awards this evening. Always quite sad as the U14's will be leaving us. The Junior Lifesavers were there to encourage our U14's to move over to Juniors.
Clint made a wonderful Beef Pootjie. It was really one of the best meals that I have had in a long time. The evening was well supported and a huge success. It looks like we are going to have a successful 2009/2010 season.
Ally won a trophy for her participation in almost every event that was possible. Previous winners of this trophy include: Jason Collier, Giovanni Falco, Quinton van Staden ande Oliver Wiehahn. This trophy acknowledges the fact that Ally participates in a highly competitive age group. The Summies U12's this year are the National Age Group Champions. They were the U10 National Age Group Champions two years ago. While Ally tries hard in every event she will not always win as her competition includes Chrisie Vaughn, Jamie Engelke and Lara Odendal who are all competitive in this age group.
Saturday morning we were joined by Edie Dore (Harris) and drove through to Plett where we held the Memorial Service for Ian. Ron & Lyn came through. The researchers from Wildcliff also joined us. Keith Riggle drove them through. Ann Thomas had told a number of Ena's friends of the Service, the result was that we had a really good support for Ena at the service. Ena has many friends and loyal supporters in Plett. ALice and Ian, Giles Butlin were also there. Keith's team brought a huge Bouquet of wild flowers and protea from Wildcliff. It looked quite stunning in the chapel.
Costa Stathakis is a minister who had come to preach at the Walmer Methodist Church in PE. Fortunately I had made contact with him at that time. He even visited Ena at her home. We attended some of his services in Plett and so had a connection. Costa conducted the service. Barbara prepared a hymn sheet with "Amazing grace" and "How great thou art". I read out a Eulogy, ROn read out a series of comments from students of his Executive Graduate Master of Business (Stern School of Business) in New York University and Edie read out an excerpt from a letter sent from Costa Rica.
After the service we met at Alice for tea. She had prepared a feast. Fortunately the volunteers were there and looked hungry. After the tea we drove home to watch the Springboks play the Lions in the first of three tests held at Kings Park Durban. I did not see much of the match as I had to take two loads of rubbish to the tip. Ron & Lyn stayed to watch. We had an early night after a draining day.
We had missed a hockey game of Ally's. they had played Union from Graaf Reinett in a Derby day. Our Clarendon second team beat Union by 4 goals to nil. I am sorry that we missed this game.
Sunday Morning: Fathers day. I received a number of calls from Nicci, Cathya dn from Jacqui in London. They had just returned from a short holiday in Barcelona. They loved the Spanish People but found the town to be ridiculously expensive. It appears that they had a good holiday overall.
Church: the Daryl, Charles, Ingrid, Vinance, Mike B and Fred Music Group p;ayed the song from the MMC: Lig jou Hande na Bo. A good number of men who were at the MMC came forward and sang the song with Lands lifted. It was a good show of support for Daryl.
A scroll with a description of a Father was handed to the men. Michael gave me a photo of the two of us at the MMC whith our headlamps on our hats. He also gave me a book with 365 things that a Dad should know. For me this morning was quite emotional as I could not stop thinking of Ian and our memories. He should not be gone. It seems absolutely crazy. He was too alive to be dead now.
The following week I kept myself as busy as possible with a trip to Transkei. I left just after 3am and spent the first day in Mthatha, the second day travelling to Flagstaff & Lusikisiki, the third day Julia and I were in Bizana and Mount Frere and the last day we spent back in Mthatha. I arrived home on Thursday evening. Average daily mileage was about 450kays. This had been a particularly cold week. We were due to hike the Mountain Zebra trail but fortunately had postponed the hike for two weeks. It was so wet and cold that it would have been a really miserable hike.
Saturday: Barbara & I did something that we have never done before. Our DVD player had broken down. I had arranged to go running but it was cold. I whimped out and got back into bed with Ally's mini DVD player. We had bought a series called "the Shield" for our trip to WC as we were concerned that it may be wet the whole weekend at our last visit. So Barbara & I settled down to watch the series. And stayed in bed until after 9.00am watching this contraversial series of tough, corrupt cops.
That afternoon we watched a stunning game of Rugby. The Lions were playing the Boks in the second of three matches. Our team were down 5:16 at half time. Just before the half time whistle a penalty was awarded to the springbok team. It was inside the Boks halfway and at an angle but Francois Steyn kicked the ball true and straight and we walked off the field 8:16.
The second half was nail biting. We scored two more tries: one sneaky try by Brian Habanna and a second one on the corner. This put us at 25 points. The British Lions scored 9 points with two penalties and one drop, putting them at 25 points as well and time was up with the score at 25 each.
The Lions kicked an Up & Under and Pietersen caught the ball in the air. One of the Lions caught him with an arm and he went down with a Penalty being awarded to the Boks: Five meters inside our half. Morne Steyn had been sent on to the field as a Substitute. Morne had played for the Super 14 Bulls who had won the 2009 competition and had become known for his prolific Kicking ability.
Morne said to John Smith, the captain: "Give it to me, I know that I can convert this one." These were very brave words. John knew that Francois had been successful with an even more difficult kick earlier on, but gave Morne the opportunity. Morne struck the ball cleanly and while it appeared to hover just before the cross bar, it was over and we won the game in extra time.
The poor Lions Fans were stunned, Shell Shocked, speechless. It was sad for them. They had been in front for almost all of the game with us leveling towards the end and they had tasted victory and a chance to level the series. This loss meant that the Springboks won the game and the series. For the Springbok fans it was an amazing game with proof once more that they really are world champions.
Sunday we again watched some of the Shield Series and I was able to catch up on the Wildcliff Cash Book which I had lost when my computer crashed earlier this year.
Monday 29.06.2009. This day is significant as I went for a run (walk) with the MPRG for the first time in over a month. My knee has been bothering me and I was loathe to test it. The run was no trouble as we went slowly and did a whole lot of walking. But later in the day I felt the pain on the outside of the left knee.
Sunday, May 17, 2009
MAY 2009.
17 May 2009.
MAY 2009 IN THE GIDDY FAMILY
IAN IS DIAGNOSED WITH CANCER
MARYNA BAARD LOSES HER FIANCE IN A HIKING TRAGEDY
JACQUES DU TOIT AND ANGUS BUCHAN
I PURCHASE THE MERCEDES BENZ FROM THE SPENCES
KIM TRZEBIATOWSKY DIES IN A TRAGIC CYCLING ACCIDENT
RON AND I WATCH RUGBY AT ST ANDREWS
What a week this was: Monday morning I had a run with the MPRG and in the evening Barbara, Ally and I went to the Zeelies for a Precept course that is being hosted by the Zeelie Cell Group but that is being led by Noeleen Slatem.
Tuesday Morning another slow run and in the evening I had a Nippers Committee meeting to sort out the AGM, New committee and Prize Giving.
Wednesday morning I left early in the morning for Queenstown. I spent the day visiting shops in Queenstown and then booked into the Aloe Grove Farm B & B. I went for a short jog on the farm road. But as soon as it became too dark to see the road I returned. I did not want to injure myself and was weak and tired from a very long day. That evening I had supper at the lodge and fell asleep as early as about 8 or 9pm.
I had ordered a picnic breakfast and left Queenstown at about 5.45am. I drove on the N6 to Aliwal North. this is a stunning road. Good quality road and in a beautiful setting with Koppies and Rocky outcrops en route. The Sunrise that morning stretched from North to South and was truly amazing. Shades of Blue and Crimson, from deep reds to shadowy pinks and oranges. At Aliwal I turned right to Sterkspruit. This was part of the Transkei and is still underdeveloped and does not look as healthy as the Aliwal area just down the road.
I spent the morning at the Price & Pride and Barnetts there before driving back to Russells in Aliwal North. The drive back to Queenstown was equally stunning as I had the setting sun casting shadows on the Koppies.
I was too late to go for a run and probably too tired as well as I hardly ate any supper and was again asleep early. I will probably not stay here again as the showers are luke warm and there is no strong flow, the towels were non absorbent, the bed room lighting was poor, the heater did not work, there was no real soap, only the liquid sort of soap that I dislike. The price was good but the rooms lacked any kind of special touch and there was no warm reception from owners or any greeting from the bar staff. I met up with Lou Bricknell from our church and we chatted at breakfast. Lou is in partnership with two other men to set up proposals for land development in rural areas.
Friday morning I spent visiting shops and left for home at about 14.30. As I approached PE, I received a call from Ian to say that he had found a recourrence of the Pancreatic Cancer that had been discovered last year. At that time he had an operation and Chemotherapy and we thought that it had been cleared.
But now, after a few nights of pain this week, he went to see the doctor and they told him that the cancer was back with a vengence. I spoke to Patrick and Mom to tell them about the call. It seems that Ian plans to continue with his life as far as possible. Jenny's son gets married in August. They are off to Paris this week. And they plan to come to Wildcliff as soon as possible.
Here are some of the emails that were sent:
Peter - just had a set of tests and it seems there may be a return of the cancer. So will have to see what can be done. Need more evaluations so please don't say anything to Mom about this yet.
Ian
Thank you so much Barbara. I really appreciate hearing from you.
I know Ian tried to talk to Peter this morning, but Skype wasn't working that well, so I think he'll probably try again later.
I have been doing some research, and I'm feeling a little more optimistic that there is some chemo treatment that will help buy us more time.
Unfortunately he's having a lot of pain - very sudden onset - just a week since it started, but it hits him when he lies down, so he's not getting a lot of sleep. I just picked up a pain prescription so hope that helps.
Hard to believe, isn't it! but we are coming out of our denial phase and facing up to it. I'm keeping Rachel informed.
Love Jenny
PS By the way, we may still go to Calgary in mid-June for Ian to teach if he is still well enough to do so, and it would be great to see Dawn, so do send me her email address.
Hi Jenny
Peter has just shown me Ians sms. I am so shocked and pained for you and Ian. I dont know what to say except that my prayers are with you and Ian right now. Words cant help what you are going through but just know that you and Ian are surrounded by our love and prays and we are here for you.
Bless you both
Barbara
Hi Rog and Tory and Peter and Barbara and Patrick and Marianne,
Thank you all so much for your loving wishes. We are soldiering on here, and I thought I'd share the latest plan with you.
Love Jenny
Hi Dr Huang,
Yes, thank you. Dr Rein prescribed Vicodin but Ian thinks perhaps he should have a sleep prescription too. Actually, if you would be able to phone that through to our pharmacy, that would be wonderful.
212 721-3883 Park West Pharmacy at 82nd and Columbus
Ian spoke to Dr Chachoua tonight, and we have a plan. We'll go to France for a week, and cope with the help of Vicodin and hopefully a sleeping pill. On Monday 25th May Ian will have a echocardiogram and then start on the EAP treatment for three days, a break of four weeks, then again. Because of possible adverse effects on the heart and one little kidney, there will then be the MRI, CTscan monitoring procedures.
So, we'll see how it goes, but we both feel more positive now we have a regimen to follow.
Jenny
On Fri, May 15, 2009 at 10:52 PM, Huang, William C. wrote:
Jenny. Thanks for the email. You do have Abe's correct email address. Did Ian speak to him today on the phone? Did you get the prescription for sleep and pain?
William C. Huang, MD
Assistant Professor of Urologic Oncology
Department of Urology
New York University School of Medicine
New York, New York
Phone: 646 744 1503
To: Huang, William C.; Ian Giddy ; Stephanie Rein ; Chachoua, Abraham
Sent: Fri May 15 14:11:07 2009
recent articles on chemotherapy for ACC - re Ian Giddy
Dear Dr Chachoua, Dr Huang, and Dr Rein,
Thank you all for your kind care of Ian during this difficult time.
I would like to draw your attention to these recent articles (I am sure your are probably aware of them, but as a former medical librarian, I feel it's the least I can do to try to help, and they make me feel more hopeful that something can be done.)
I'm not sure if this is the correct email address for Dr Chachoua, so would appreciate it if Dr Huang could forward this if it's not right. Thanks.
Jenny Giddy
Citing Articles via ISI Web of Science (31)
Citation: P. Kaur, A. Chauhan, G. Singh, S. P. Kataria & S. K. Mathur : Incidentally Discovered Nonfunctioning Adrenal Cortical Carcinoma: A Case Report And Review Of Literature . The Internet Journal of Third World Medicine. 2009 Volume 7 Number 2
http://www.pubmedcentral.nih.gov/articlerender.fcgi?artid=2630932
http://www.cancer-therapy.org/CT6B/pdf/62._Guthrie_&_Jasani,_597-602.pdf
2008 review article - above
Thanks Peter. Yes, Ena phoned and they had a good chat.
It seems to me that Ian did sleep better last night, or maybe he's just adapting more quietly.
Jenny
PS Chris has just phoned. Very nice to have all this wonderful support.
I'm off to Paris now and next week (25th on) I'll start a series of
chemo treatments
I have a painkiller prescription so hopefully I'll be able to sleep.
Jenny has suggested that we try to get Julia and Laura to Wildcliff in
August and have you and Patrick (and immediate family) join us for a
get-together. What do you think?
Peter
16.5.2009.
The Southern Kings play the British Lions at the Nelson Mandela Stadium on Tuesday 16.06.2009..
The game is due to start at 15.00.
I have bought and paid for 24 tickets for the South side of the stadium on the:
Legacy Upper Tier. Block 619. Seat numbers 4-24 to 4-38. And 5-34 to 5-38
And Block 620 2.1 to 2.4
The cost of a ticket = R85
Peter, Barbara & Ally & Mark
Charles, Ingrid and Ian
Anthony & Lana
Andrew, Tristan & Marion
Michael and Lene
Jaco (Paid R100) & Abe
Ron & Lynn
Peter & Elmarie
Earl, Bailia & 2 (Paid R300)
That is 24 Tickets.
Want anymore?
Peter
24.05.2009.
Saturday morning I met up with Adrienne, Susan, Maryna and Andrew Barton for a run from Hobie. I had felt heavy and tired but once I started I felt a lot better and ran strongly. Maryna and I did the full loop along Strandfontein and down Admiralty Way. While we were jogging I asked Maryna why she had never married. She is an acceptable looking, healthy (triathlete and paddler) woman. She told me that when she was a student at Stellenbosch she had a boyfriend for four years. Philip and herself were engaged to be married.
They had a group of friends who used to hike together in the Boland. They would spend weekends together in the mountains. They planned a hike in the Drakensberg as a group. But for a variety of reasons the group never got together. SHe was doing her internship in Pretoria at First Military Hospital. Maryna works at the University and is a Biokineticist. So it turned out that Philip and his friend, Lawrence did the Drakensberg hike together.
They walked up the mountain and pitched a tent. That afternoon as they were making their Toppers and Smash, they felt stones hitting their tent. They were being stoned by some Basotho men or boys. Lawrence ran out and was hit on the Jaw with a stone and he was badly hurt and fell into some bushes. Philip was stoned and then tied up and thrown over a cliff side and died.
Lawrence woke up the next day and, with a broken jaw, walked until he met a Basotho on a horse who assisted him to reach a settlement where he was able to recover. Maryna tells me that she cried for two years. I am sure that she has had many men friends since then. Maryna is a friend of the Burri's. When Susan was due to have MC she and Markus did the Canoe paddle from PE to East London.
After the run I spent the morning at work and the afternoon was spent watching Rugby on TV and catching up on some recovery time. Sunday morning I met up with Jacques Du Toit and Andrew Jonas for the same run again. Jacques told this story as we were jogging: He had been at the MMC and was there when Angus Buchan collapsed. This is his story:
Jacques Du Toit (Heart Specialist living in Mill Park, Port Elizabeth.
I later realised that one of the doctors who attended to Angus was Jacques Du Toit. Jacques is the husband of Riana Green who is also a doctor and who runs with the MPRG. On Sunday 17.05.2009 Andrew Jonas, Jacques and I went for a run on the beachfront.
As we were running and chatting we started to talk about the MMC. And Jacques told me that he had been there (his second visit). He had heard that Angus was in trouble but was well aware that in instances like this one, there would be a number of GP's who would willingly assist. Last year he had also offered to assist where he saw medical attention would be required but found a queue of GP's who were assisting the Para-Medic's
So when we were called to prayer he did not rush to see how Angus was doing. However he received a call on his phone. But as we all know, reception was almost non existent as there were so many calls going in and out. Then a few moments later he received an SMS asking him to help. He ran over to Angus' home where he summed up the situation: they were giving Angus a Drip and Adrenalin. If Angus had suffered a heart attack, then the Adrenalin would kill him.
He told them to remove the Adrenalin and to continue with the Drip. And, as he personally knew a doctor in Pietermaritzburg, he told them to fly Angus to the hospital. His advice was to either postpone the evening session by two hours or to allow Angus on stage only the next morning. He discussed this with Angus' daughter who is a nurse and with Angus' son, Andy who was in the Music Group.
Later Jacques also told me that his father in law, Riana Green's dad, had been the mayor of Clocolan which is the place where we had stopped on our was to MMC a few weeks earlier.
Ally was playing Drums & Barbara was singing in the music group that morning in church. During this service the minister, Jonathan and Graeme Gilmour made their appeal for funds and pledges. This is for the extensions that are planned. Tim Marshall added a lighter note with his singing and actions routine. I was able to break the news to Mike & Barbie Perks that we are no longer going to hike the Fish River Canyon this year. I handed over the booking documents to Mike.
After church Ally made a number of calls and set up for Hockey at Clarendon. We fetched Mark and he told us that he plays Hockey at his school in Linkside. We met up with about 12 to 15 children and dad's who joined us for Hockey. Ally & Alli, Luke and Luke, Jess and Jessica, Brad, MC and Emelio, Amber, Jonti and another dad, Mark, Ashliegh & Joshua & Greg....
This was the first time that I have seen Mark Du Piesanie in many years. He is doing modeling and has an agent. He was in Paris for a short while doing modeling there as well. He is in Grade 11 this year.
We had a great time playing and generally having fun outdoors. We dropped Mark off and then visited Charles where I was able to give him the tune for In the stillness of who you are and Lug jou hande na bo.
Today I made a booking for the Lions Rugby match that is due to be played in Port Elizabeth on 16.06.2009. at the new Nelson Mandela stadium. This will be the opening of the stadium and the first game to be played there.
I also made an offer to purchase Ian Spence's old Mercedes Benz for R5000 plus repairs to the vehicle of about R16 000.
The next week was just as busy:
I was home on Monday and went to the precept course at the Zeelies that evening. But Tuesday I left early for Jhb where I had good Head Office Meetings then stayed over at Keith Braadvedt. Suzanne and I went to fetch Julia who was playing Water Polo with the men. SHe was the only girl and played continuously for over 90 minutes. Julia is in Goals and saves some really tough and ferocious attempts. I slept well. I am reading Spud and find this to be a really funny book about this school boy at Michaelhouse. He reminds me of me at that age.
Wednesday morning we finalised some of the issues we had discussed the previous day and then met with the ADRS people. Corrie dropped us at the airport. I landed in PE and went straight to Alpha where I had supper and stayed there until about 10pm. THen next morning, Thursday I left at 5am for Butterworth.
I met Christo, Julia, Maria and Alfred there. I was able to give them feedback from our meeting and then went to King where Ingrid Botha had asked me to assist with the documents and induction of a manager. From there I drove to EL where I met Maria and we went to a staff member's home to inspect a lounge suite. It turned out to be legitimate. That night I stayed at Chimneys with Chris Zietsman.
Friday morning I went to Josh, Price, Barnetts and Morkels in EL before driving home. Ally went to her evening guild at the church.
Saturday morning I collected Adrienne and Elmarie for a run at the beach. We met Susan Burrie, Andrew Jonas and MC Botha. We did our normal circuit. A bit too fast and I ended up with a sore knee. From there I went to the Post Office to collect forms for the purchase of a vehicle and withdrew the cash that I would have to pay the Spences.
I spent a few hours at work and then went home to do a tip run with the gardener, Kevin. Saturday afternoon I first watched Ian play rugby against Paul Roos. He did not have a good game and their team lost. To their Credit, Paul Roos simply outclassed Grey. We watched the Third, Second and First teams all get beaten by Paul Roos. I heard that the Hockey team had also been beaten the previous evening.
Paul Roos is the name of the first Springbok Rugby Captain. The story goes that he was wearing a T-Shirt with a Springbok emblem when their team went to play Scotland in 1906 and hence the name "de Springbokke".
Saturday evening Michael and his two boys and I went to a church supper at Admirals restaurant in 2nd avenue Walmer. They seemed to have a great time. We gave a lift to Jonny Pearson who told me that he was diagnosed with terminal brain cancer. It seems that it is inoperable and he is having chemotherapy as well as Radium treatment. I dropped him off at his home in Waverly drive.
Sunday morning Barbara & I dropped Ally off with Michael and then drove through to Plett. Ena made us Breakfast and then we walked to the Spences where Alice signed over the Mercedes Benz. She charged us R5000 plus the repairs that she had just had done to the car to the value of R10 000. Ena gave me a good box of Rusks. I love one or two of her rusks for breakfast.
We filled up and then drove home. It was an easy drive and once I had got used to the size and feel of the car it was not too bad. But it certainly feels like a tank to me. We collected Ally from Michaels home and after lunch went down to Clarendon where we again had an excellent afternoon of Hockey with this ad hoc group of people who seem to turn up from all corners to enjoy a game.
I had the Five Ways Garage put the car through road worthy and then licenced it at the Post office the next day. No trouble and the Merc is now officially ours. I am not sure what I will do with it but it is useful to have an additional car.
Monday evening we met at the Besters for precept. A good evening with plenty of discussion. At this precept course are: Pierre and Bronwyn Bester; Hannes & Jacqui Zeelie; Owen Biggs; Bobby Stevenson; Garth & Noelene Slatem; Rob Ermes and ourselves.
Wednesday evening Ally had a hockey game against Summerwood in the afternoon. She is now in the second team and last year they thrashed Summerwood. Today it was a different story altogether. The had a really tough match and were unlucky to not score a goal. They were beaten 1-0. Ally had a Big Band Competition at Alexander Road where she played well but Barbara commented how out of date the music was compared to the music being played by other schools. Unfortunately Ms Judd ( the music teacher) was attacked in her home and was not able to be there. It seems that she is okay but shaken up.
I had an excellent Alpha session. Fell asleep during the DVD but not noticeably. Our group sessions after the DVD are turning out to be real out pouring of heartfelt stories and problems. I am sure that this will draw people closer to God. The support that members feel from fellow group members is strong.
Hi All
No doubt you will all have heard & read about the tragic death on Sunday evening of Kim Trzebiatowsky.
Kim was an ex Achillean and was likely to shortly rejoin the club.
Kim's tragic accident happened on the Seaview Rd in the company of Chris Gedye, Peter Marriott and Shane Norris. Graham Channon explained that they had been at Van Staadens for the weekend. And that Peter and Kim had wanted to cycle while Chris and Shane were running. Peter had done a U turn to meet up with the runners and they were also doing some hill training. Kim did a U-turn without looking and a lady in a BMW hit her. The driver had no chance and to add to the hurt, Graham tells me that the driver knew Kim.
Kim was also Chris's girlfriend.
To the three of you we extend our heartfelt condolences for the loss of your very special friend. We also have you in our thoughts with regard to the trauma of immediately dealing with a loved one in those circumstances.
Fortunately Kim was not alone and opened her eyes to her loved one(s).
We pray that you will all find strength to deal with this tragedy.
Best wishes
Bruce
Saturday 30.5.2009.
Up early but no one there to meet for the morning run at the beach. So I decided to call it off. I have a sore knee and it is just as well that I dont run for a while until it starts to heal. Went to the shops with Barbara, did a tip run and then Ron & I headed off to Grahamstown to watch rugby. Unfortunately we had missed Ian du Toit's match but we watched from the U16's.
It was a really chilly day and a visit to the pavilion at St Andrews in Grahamstown was required. Ron had a traditional G & T while I had a beer. The Pavilion is really a success with a quality bar, luxury cushions, big couches and a fire place. They had organised a buffet lunch as well as the hot dogs and hamburgers on the braai. The Colliers, John Stapleton, Hennie van Eck, Lindsay Pearson, Arlene Wulfson, Hiedi were some of the parents we saw there.
The main game was closely contested and it was the Grey first team kicker (full back) who scored the first 9 points. The St Andrews boys managed one unconverted try and one 7 pointer putting them at 12 points. Grey scored a converted try and they were at 17 points. Ron & I started to walk towards the car as we wanted to get home to be able to watch the second half of the Bulls/Chiefs Super 14 final.
As we stood behind the poles the Grey team were awarded a penalty. with the track record we thought that this would be the deciding points but the strong West wind put the striker off and no points were scored. But a few seconds later the St Andrews boys played some classic passing rugby and scored from ten meters from their own try line. The try was converted and the game won by the home team. There were huge celebrations by the boys who know that beating Grey is always a significant victory.
Nicci and Stefan had left CT early and arrived in PE at 13.30 in time for Joshua's party in Kragga Kamma. Ally also had a party: Emma at the Boardwalk where they played some ten pin and dodgems.
We had a quick drive home and were in time to watch the Bulls beat the chiefs by 61 to 17. A margin of 44 points. The Bulls were in top form and the Waicato Chiefs were floundering.
Sunday morning: Church with Nicci & Stefan. Then Nicci, Stefan & I tried to find a suitable camera for them to take to THailand but we were not successful. Barbara, Ally & I went to the Bridge where we looked for some DVD's to play for the little children when Nicci and Stefan are away. I collected Mark and we headed off to Clarendon where we had another good turnout of hockey players: Jonti, Jessica, Joshua and louise. Hannes & Amber. MC, Emelio and Jason. Alli Mitchley, Rob and a few friends; Jessica Giddy. I think we had a total of about 18 people in the two teams.
Life is charging on.
Friday 12th June.
Nicci & Stefan are back from Thailand. They were in Phuket where they did a photo shoot for a wedding. At one time they were taking photo's while there was a group on a balcony and the whole balcony collapsed. People lay about in shock and injured.
The final count was one in hospital and many others with minor injuries. We had the three children: Christian, Aaron and Zara staying with us. Surprisingly not a huge effort although I can hardly speak as I was away on business a lot of the time. Also I had the Alpha Weekend last weekend. What an exhausting experience. We stayed at Willows. Yesterday Nicci & Stefan returned. We had a braai and everyone was in bed early.
Both Michael & I had the day off on Friday. I had to spend a short while in the office and then attended Jessica's sing song carnival at the school. Barbara joined me. After the show we saw Nicci and Stefan off. They drove through to Ena for the night. We will leave early on Saturday morning, meet them in Plett and then all drive through to Wildcliff.
While all of this has been going on here; Ian has been having a really tough time. He has been diagnosed with Terminal Pancreatic Cancer. Right now he is in Intensive Care in a NY hospital and has been sedated.
Some emails.
Thanks Barbara. I'll have a better idea tomorrow night as to prognosis.
They are keeping Ian in a coma for 24 hours, so I should find out by tomorrow evening what is happening.
At this stage, I would say no as he is not conscious, and I don't know if he will regain consciousness.
Jenny
Jenny please let me know if you feel Peter should be coming over to be with Ian. Peter is in meeting in East London today. You can contact me on my mobile anytime you need. Not sure how you do it internationally (0842272272 or my landline 041 3748191) the mobile is the better option.
God bless and stay strong
Barbara
Ian in intensive care will let you know
Hi peter and barbara and patrick and Marianne
We are all back at the hospital again today taking turns at ian's bedside though he is still unresppnsivr
They are now warming him up slowly so he will go from 31 to 37 at about 5am. I will go home in about am hour but will come back v early or they will call me if he shows any response.
I am so glad julia couldvfly in last night and it is a comfort having her and Rachel and laura and Jovy here
My James will come soon. He is probably still a bit in shock after yesterday when I called him for help just to help me and ellen move ian back to bed by the time he arrived ian was gray and he had to do CPR until 911 people arrived plus the policemen I'd run to call from across the street.
My brother roger had yet another biopsy and may be released for a few days with tons of morphine until they decide whether to give him chemo or radiation
it is nice to have my sister In law Tory for company
Hope all is giping well there
Take care.
Love jenny
Hi Jenny
How is Ian? Peter has phoned and told Ena and said we will keep her up todate.
I was so shocked to hear about Roger. How bad is he? Sorry all the questions,but very difficult being away from family when they are going through such a rought time. We will be going to bed in about an hour, but you have my mobile number so you can call me at any time of the night.
084 2272272.
We are all off to Wildcliff for the weekend. Cathy and Saul will join us there. This will be Michael's first visit to WC. He is taking the Merc.
Peter
12.6.2009.
MAY 2009 IN THE GIDDY FAMILY
IAN IS DIAGNOSED WITH CANCER
MARYNA BAARD LOSES HER FIANCE IN A HIKING TRAGEDY
JACQUES DU TOIT AND ANGUS BUCHAN
I PURCHASE THE MERCEDES BENZ FROM THE SPENCES
KIM TRZEBIATOWSKY DIES IN A TRAGIC CYCLING ACCIDENT
RON AND I WATCH RUGBY AT ST ANDREWS
What a week this was: Monday morning I had a run with the MPRG and in the evening Barbara, Ally and I went to the Zeelies for a Precept course that is being hosted by the Zeelie Cell Group but that is being led by Noeleen Slatem.
Tuesday Morning another slow run and in the evening I had a Nippers Committee meeting to sort out the AGM, New committee and Prize Giving.
Wednesday morning I left early in the morning for Queenstown. I spent the day visiting shops in Queenstown and then booked into the Aloe Grove Farm B & B. I went for a short jog on the farm road. But as soon as it became too dark to see the road I returned. I did not want to injure myself and was weak and tired from a very long day. That evening I had supper at the lodge and fell asleep as early as about 8 or 9pm.
I had ordered a picnic breakfast and left Queenstown at about 5.45am. I drove on the N6 to Aliwal North. this is a stunning road. Good quality road and in a beautiful setting with Koppies and Rocky outcrops en route. The Sunrise that morning stretched from North to South and was truly amazing. Shades of Blue and Crimson, from deep reds to shadowy pinks and oranges. At Aliwal I turned right to Sterkspruit. This was part of the Transkei and is still underdeveloped and does not look as healthy as the Aliwal area just down the road.
I spent the morning at the Price & Pride and Barnetts there before driving back to Russells in Aliwal North. The drive back to Queenstown was equally stunning as I had the setting sun casting shadows on the Koppies.
I was too late to go for a run and probably too tired as well as I hardly ate any supper and was again asleep early. I will probably not stay here again as the showers are luke warm and there is no strong flow, the towels were non absorbent, the bed room lighting was poor, the heater did not work, there was no real soap, only the liquid sort of soap that I dislike. The price was good but the rooms lacked any kind of special touch and there was no warm reception from owners or any greeting from the bar staff. I met up with Lou Bricknell from our church and we chatted at breakfast. Lou is in partnership with two other men to set up proposals for land development in rural areas.
Friday morning I spent visiting shops and left for home at about 14.30. As I approached PE, I received a call from Ian to say that he had found a recourrence of the Pancreatic Cancer that had been discovered last year. At that time he had an operation and Chemotherapy and we thought that it had been cleared.
But now, after a few nights of pain this week, he went to see the doctor and they told him that the cancer was back with a vengence. I spoke to Patrick and Mom to tell them about the call. It seems that Ian plans to continue with his life as far as possible. Jenny's son gets married in August. They are off to Paris this week. And they plan to come to Wildcliff as soon as possible.
Here are some of the emails that were sent:
Peter - just had a set of tests and it seems there may be a return of the cancer. So will have to see what can be done. Need more evaluations so please don't say anything to Mom about this yet.
Ian
Thank you so much Barbara. I really appreciate hearing from you.
I know Ian tried to talk to Peter this morning, but Skype wasn't working that well, so I think he'll probably try again later.
I have been doing some research, and I'm feeling a little more optimistic that there is some chemo treatment that will help buy us more time.
Unfortunately he's having a lot of pain - very sudden onset - just a week since it started, but it hits him when he lies down, so he's not getting a lot of sleep. I just picked up a pain prescription so hope that helps.
Hard to believe, isn't it! but we are coming out of our denial phase and facing up to it. I'm keeping Rachel informed.
Love Jenny
PS By the way, we may still go to Calgary in mid-June for Ian to teach if he is still well enough to do so, and it would be great to see Dawn, so do send me her email address.
Hi Jenny
Peter has just shown me Ians sms. I am so shocked and pained for you and Ian. I dont know what to say except that my prayers are with you and Ian right now. Words cant help what you are going through but just know that you and Ian are surrounded by our love and prays and we are here for you.
Bless you both
Barbara
Hi Rog and Tory and Peter and Barbara and Patrick and Marianne,
Thank you all so much for your loving wishes. We are soldiering on here, and I thought I'd share the latest plan with you.
Love Jenny
Hi Dr Huang,
Yes, thank you. Dr Rein prescribed Vicodin but Ian thinks perhaps he should have a sleep prescription too. Actually, if you would be able to phone that through to our pharmacy, that would be wonderful.
212 721-3883 Park West Pharmacy at 82nd and Columbus
Ian spoke to Dr Chachoua tonight, and we have a plan. We'll go to France for a week, and cope with the help of Vicodin and hopefully a sleeping pill. On Monday 25th May Ian will have a echocardiogram and then start on the EAP treatment for three days, a break of four weeks, then again. Because of possible adverse effects on the heart and one little kidney, there will then be the MRI, CTscan monitoring procedures.
So, we'll see how it goes, but we both feel more positive now we have a regimen to follow.
Jenny
On Fri, May 15, 2009 at 10:52 PM, Huang, William C.
Jenny. Thanks for the email. You do have Abe's correct email address. Did Ian speak to him today on the phone? Did you get the prescription for sleep and pain?
William C. Huang, MD
Assistant Professor of Urologic Oncology
Department of Urology
New York University School of Medicine
New York, New York
Phone: 646 744 1503
To: Huang, William C.; Ian Giddy ; Stephanie Rein ; Chachoua, Abraham
Sent: Fri May 15 14:11:07 2009
recent articles on chemotherapy for ACC - re Ian Giddy
Dear Dr Chachoua, Dr Huang, and Dr Rein,
Thank you all for your kind care of Ian during this difficult time.
I would like to draw your attention to these recent articles (I am sure your are probably aware of them, but as a former medical librarian, I feel it's the least I can do to try to help, and they make me feel more hopeful that something can be done.)
I'm not sure if this is the correct email address for Dr Chachoua, so would appreciate it if Dr Huang could forward this if it's not right. Thanks.
Jenny Giddy
Citing Articles via ISI Web of Science (31)
Citation: P. Kaur, A. Chauhan, G. Singh, S. P. Kataria & S. K. Mathur : Incidentally Discovered Nonfunctioning Adrenal Cortical Carcinoma: A Case Report And Review Of Literature . The Internet Journal of Third World Medicine. 2009 Volume 7 Number 2
http://www.pubmedcentral.nih.gov/articlerender.fcgi?artid=2630932
http://www.cancer-therapy.org/CT6B/pdf/62._Guthrie_&_Jasani,_597-602.pdf
2008 review article - above
Thanks Peter. Yes, Ena phoned and they had a good chat.
It seems to me that Ian did sleep better last night, or maybe he's just adapting more quietly.
Jenny
PS Chris has just phoned. Very nice to have all this wonderful support.
I'm off to Paris now and next week (25th on) I'll start a series of
chemo treatments
I have a painkiller prescription so hopefully I'll be able to sleep.
Jenny has suggested that we try to get Julia and Laura to Wildcliff in
August and have you and Patrick (and immediate family) join us for a
get-together. What do you think?
Peter
16.5.2009.
The Southern Kings play the British Lions at the Nelson Mandela Stadium on Tuesday 16.06.2009..
The game is due to start at 15.00.
I have bought and paid for 24 tickets for the South side of the stadium on the:
Legacy Upper Tier. Block 619. Seat numbers 4-24 to 4-38. And 5-34 to 5-38
And Block 620 2.1 to 2.4
The cost of a ticket = R85
Peter, Barbara & Ally & Mark
Charles, Ingrid and Ian
Anthony & Lana
Andrew, Tristan & Marion
Michael and Lene
Jaco (Paid R100) & Abe
Ron & Lynn
Peter & Elmarie
Earl, Bailia & 2 (Paid R300)
That is 24 Tickets.
Want anymore?
Peter
24.05.2009.
Saturday morning I met up with Adrienne, Susan, Maryna and Andrew Barton for a run from Hobie. I had felt heavy and tired but once I started I felt a lot better and ran strongly. Maryna and I did the full loop along Strandfontein and down Admiralty Way. While we were jogging I asked Maryna why she had never married. She is an acceptable looking, healthy (triathlete and paddler) woman. She told me that when she was a student at Stellenbosch she had a boyfriend for four years. Philip and herself were engaged to be married.
They had a group of friends who used to hike together in the Boland. They would spend weekends together in the mountains. They planned a hike in the Drakensberg as a group. But for a variety of reasons the group never got together. SHe was doing her internship in Pretoria at First Military Hospital. Maryna works at the University and is a Biokineticist. So it turned out that Philip and his friend, Lawrence did the Drakensberg hike together.
They walked up the mountain and pitched a tent. That afternoon as they were making their Toppers and Smash, they felt stones hitting their tent. They were being stoned by some Basotho men or boys. Lawrence ran out and was hit on the Jaw with a stone and he was badly hurt and fell into some bushes. Philip was stoned and then tied up and thrown over a cliff side and died.
Lawrence woke up the next day and, with a broken jaw, walked until he met a Basotho on a horse who assisted him to reach a settlement where he was able to recover. Maryna tells me that she cried for two years. I am sure that she has had many men friends since then. Maryna is a friend of the Burri's. When Susan was due to have MC she and Markus did the Canoe paddle from PE to East London.
After the run I spent the morning at work and the afternoon was spent watching Rugby on TV and catching up on some recovery time. Sunday morning I met up with Jacques Du Toit and Andrew Jonas for the same run again. Jacques told this story as we were jogging: He had been at the MMC and was there when Angus Buchan collapsed. This is his story:
Jacques Du Toit (Heart Specialist living in Mill Park, Port Elizabeth.
I later realised that one of the doctors who attended to Angus was Jacques Du Toit. Jacques is the husband of Riana Green who is also a doctor and who runs with the MPRG. On Sunday 17.05.2009 Andrew Jonas, Jacques and I went for a run on the beachfront.
As we were running and chatting we started to talk about the MMC. And Jacques told me that he had been there (his second visit). He had heard that Angus was in trouble but was well aware that in instances like this one, there would be a number of GP's who would willingly assist. Last year he had also offered to assist where he saw medical attention would be required but found a queue of GP's who were assisting the Para-Medic's
So when we were called to prayer he did not rush to see how Angus was doing. However he received a call on his phone. But as we all know, reception was almost non existent as there were so many calls going in and out. Then a few moments later he received an SMS asking him to help. He ran over to Angus' home where he summed up the situation: they were giving Angus a Drip and Adrenalin. If Angus had suffered a heart attack, then the Adrenalin would kill him.
He told them to remove the Adrenalin and to continue with the Drip. And, as he personally knew a doctor in Pietermaritzburg, he told them to fly Angus to the hospital. His advice was to either postpone the evening session by two hours or to allow Angus on stage only the next morning. He discussed this with Angus' daughter who is a nurse and with Angus' son, Andy who was in the Music Group.
Later Jacques also told me that his father in law, Riana Green's dad, had been the mayor of Clocolan which is the place where we had stopped on our was to MMC a few weeks earlier.
Ally was playing Drums & Barbara was singing in the music group that morning in church. During this service the minister, Jonathan and Graeme Gilmour made their appeal for funds and pledges. This is for the extensions that are planned. Tim Marshall added a lighter note with his singing and actions routine. I was able to break the news to Mike & Barbie Perks that we are no longer going to hike the Fish River Canyon this year. I handed over the booking documents to Mike.
After church Ally made a number of calls and set up for Hockey at Clarendon. We fetched Mark and he told us that he plays Hockey at his school in Linkside. We met up with about 12 to 15 children and dad's who joined us for Hockey. Ally & Alli, Luke and Luke, Jess and Jessica, Brad, MC and Emelio, Amber, Jonti and another dad, Mark, Ashliegh & Joshua & Greg....
This was the first time that I have seen Mark Du Piesanie in many years. He is doing modeling and has an agent. He was in Paris for a short while doing modeling there as well. He is in Grade 11 this year.
We had a great time playing and generally having fun outdoors. We dropped Mark off and then visited Charles where I was able to give him the tune for In the stillness of who you are and Lug jou hande na bo.
Today I made a booking for the Lions Rugby match that is due to be played in Port Elizabeth on 16.06.2009. at the new Nelson Mandela stadium. This will be the opening of the stadium and the first game to be played there.
I also made an offer to purchase Ian Spence's old Mercedes Benz for R5000 plus repairs to the vehicle of about R16 000.
The next week was just as busy:
I was home on Monday and went to the precept course at the Zeelies that evening. But Tuesday I left early for Jhb where I had good Head Office Meetings then stayed over at Keith Braadvedt. Suzanne and I went to fetch Julia who was playing Water Polo with the men. SHe was the only girl and played continuously for over 90 minutes. Julia is in Goals and saves some really tough and ferocious attempts. I slept well. I am reading Spud and find this to be a really funny book about this school boy at Michaelhouse. He reminds me of me at that age.
Wednesday morning we finalised some of the issues we had discussed the previous day and then met with the ADRS people. Corrie dropped us at the airport. I landed in PE and went straight to Alpha where I had supper and stayed there until about 10pm. THen next morning, Thursday I left at 5am for Butterworth.
I met Christo, Julia, Maria and Alfred there. I was able to give them feedback from our meeting and then went to King where Ingrid Botha had asked me to assist with the documents and induction of a manager. From there I drove to EL where I met Maria and we went to a staff member's home to inspect a lounge suite. It turned out to be legitimate. That night I stayed at Chimneys with Chris Zietsman.
Friday morning I went to Josh, Price, Barnetts and Morkels in EL before driving home. Ally went to her evening guild at the church.
Saturday morning I collected Adrienne and Elmarie for a run at the beach. We met Susan Burrie, Andrew Jonas and MC Botha. We did our normal circuit. A bit too fast and I ended up with a sore knee. From there I went to the Post Office to collect forms for the purchase of a vehicle and withdrew the cash that I would have to pay the Spences.
I spent a few hours at work and then went home to do a tip run with the gardener, Kevin. Saturday afternoon I first watched Ian play rugby against Paul Roos. He did not have a good game and their team lost. To their Credit, Paul Roos simply outclassed Grey. We watched the Third, Second and First teams all get beaten by Paul Roos. I heard that the Hockey team had also been beaten the previous evening.
Paul Roos is the name of the first Springbok Rugby Captain. The story goes that he was wearing a T-Shirt with a Springbok emblem when their team went to play Scotland in 1906 and hence the name "de Springbokke".
Saturday evening Michael and his two boys and I went to a church supper at Admirals restaurant in 2nd avenue Walmer. They seemed to have a great time. We gave a lift to Jonny Pearson who told me that he was diagnosed with terminal brain cancer. It seems that it is inoperable and he is having chemotherapy as well as Radium treatment. I dropped him off at his home in Waverly drive.
Sunday morning Barbara & I dropped Ally off with Michael and then drove through to Plett. Ena made us Breakfast and then we walked to the Spences where Alice signed over the Mercedes Benz. She charged us R5000 plus the repairs that she had just had done to the car to the value of R10 000. Ena gave me a good box of Rusks. I love one or two of her rusks for breakfast.
We filled up and then drove home. It was an easy drive and once I had got used to the size and feel of the car it was not too bad. But it certainly feels like a tank to me. We collected Ally from Michaels home and after lunch went down to Clarendon where we again had an excellent afternoon of Hockey with this ad hoc group of people who seem to turn up from all corners to enjoy a game.
I had the Five Ways Garage put the car through road worthy and then licenced it at the Post office the next day. No trouble and the Merc is now officially ours. I am not sure what I will do with it but it is useful to have an additional car.
Monday evening we met at the Besters for precept. A good evening with plenty of discussion. At this precept course are: Pierre and Bronwyn Bester; Hannes & Jacqui Zeelie; Owen Biggs; Bobby Stevenson; Garth & Noelene Slatem; Rob Ermes and ourselves.
Wednesday evening Ally had a hockey game against Summerwood in the afternoon. She is now in the second team and last year they thrashed Summerwood. Today it was a different story altogether. The had a really tough match and were unlucky to not score a goal. They were beaten 1-0. Ally had a Big Band Competition at Alexander Road where she played well but Barbara commented how out of date the music was compared to the music being played by other schools. Unfortunately Ms Judd ( the music teacher) was attacked in her home and was not able to be there. It seems that she is okay but shaken up.
I had an excellent Alpha session. Fell asleep during the DVD but not noticeably. Our group sessions after the DVD are turning out to be real out pouring of heartfelt stories and problems. I am sure that this will draw people closer to God. The support that members feel from fellow group members is strong.
Hi All
No doubt you will all have heard & read about the tragic death on Sunday evening of Kim Trzebiatowsky.
Kim was an ex Achillean and was likely to shortly rejoin the club.
Kim's tragic accident happened on the Seaview Rd in the company of Chris Gedye, Peter Marriott and Shane Norris. Graham Channon explained that they had been at Van Staadens for the weekend. And that Peter and Kim had wanted to cycle while Chris and Shane were running. Peter had done a U turn to meet up with the runners and they were also doing some hill training. Kim did a U-turn without looking and a lady in a BMW hit her. The driver had no chance and to add to the hurt, Graham tells me that the driver knew Kim.
Kim was also Chris's girlfriend.
To the three of you we extend our heartfelt condolences for the loss of your very special friend. We also have you in our thoughts with regard to the trauma of immediately dealing with a loved one in those circumstances.
Fortunately Kim was not alone and opened her eyes to her loved one(s).
We pray that you will all find strength to deal with this tragedy.
Best wishes
Bruce
Saturday 30.5.2009.
Up early but no one there to meet for the morning run at the beach. So I decided to call it off. I have a sore knee and it is just as well that I dont run for a while until it starts to heal. Went to the shops with Barbara, did a tip run and then Ron & I headed off to Grahamstown to watch rugby. Unfortunately we had missed Ian du Toit's match but we watched from the U16's.
It was a really chilly day and a visit to the pavilion at St Andrews in Grahamstown was required. Ron had a traditional G & T while I had a beer. The Pavilion is really a success with a quality bar, luxury cushions, big couches and a fire place. They had organised a buffet lunch as well as the hot dogs and hamburgers on the braai. The Colliers, John Stapleton, Hennie van Eck, Lindsay Pearson, Arlene Wulfson, Hiedi were some of the parents we saw there.
The main game was closely contested and it was the Grey first team kicker (full back) who scored the first 9 points. The St Andrews boys managed one unconverted try and one 7 pointer putting them at 12 points. Grey scored a converted try and they were at 17 points. Ron & I started to walk towards the car as we wanted to get home to be able to watch the second half of the Bulls/Chiefs Super 14 final.
As we stood behind the poles the Grey team were awarded a penalty. with the track record we thought that this would be the deciding points but the strong West wind put the striker off and no points were scored. But a few seconds later the St Andrews boys played some classic passing rugby and scored from ten meters from their own try line. The try was converted and the game won by the home team. There were huge celebrations by the boys who know that beating Grey is always a significant victory.
Nicci and Stefan had left CT early and arrived in PE at 13.30 in time for Joshua's party in Kragga Kamma. Ally also had a party: Emma at the Boardwalk where they played some ten pin and dodgems.
We had a quick drive home and were in time to watch the Bulls beat the chiefs by 61 to 17. A margin of 44 points. The Bulls were in top form and the Waicato Chiefs were floundering.
Sunday morning: Church with Nicci & Stefan. Then Nicci, Stefan & I tried to find a suitable camera for them to take to THailand but we were not successful. Barbara, Ally & I went to the Bridge where we looked for some DVD's to play for the little children when Nicci and Stefan are away. I collected Mark and we headed off to Clarendon where we had another good turnout of hockey players: Jonti, Jessica, Joshua and louise. Hannes & Amber. MC, Emelio and Jason. Alli Mitchley, Rob and a few friends; Jessica Giddy. I think we had a total of about 18 people in the two teams.
Life is charging on.
Friday 12th June.
Nicci & Stefan are back from Thailand. They were in Phuket where they did a photo shoot for a wedding. At one time they were taking photo's while there was a group on a balcony and the whole balcony collapsed. People lay about in shock and injured.
The final count was one in hospital and many others with minor injuries. We had the three children: Christian, Aaron and Zara staying with us. Surprisingly not a huge effort although I can hardly speak as I was away on business a lot of the time. Also I had the Alpha Weekend last weekend. What an exhausting experience. We stayed at Willows. Yesterday Nicci & Stefan returned. We had a braai and everyone was in bed early.
Both Michael & I had the day off on Friday. I had to spend a short while in the office and then attended Jessica's sing song carnival at the school. Barbara joined me. After the show we saw Nicci and Stefan off. They drove through to Ena for the night. We will leave early on Saturday morning, meet them in Plett and then all drive through to Wildcliff.
While all of this has been going on here; Ian has been having a really tough time. He has been diagnosed with Terminal Pancreatic Cancer. Right now he is in Intensive Care in a NY hospital and has been sedated.
Some emails.
Thanks Barbara. I'll have a better idea tomorrow night as to prognosis.
They are keeping Ian in a coma for 24 hours, so I should find out by tomorrow evening what is happening.
At this stage, I would say no as he is not conscious, and I don't know if he will regain consciousness.
Jenny
Jenny please let me know if you feel Peter should be coming over to be with Ian. Peter is in meeting in East London today. You can contact me on my mobile anytime you need. Not sure how you do it internationally (0842272272 or my landline 041 3748191) the mobile is the better option.
God bless and stay strong
Barbara
Ian in intensive care will let you know
Hi peter and barbara and patrick and Marianne
We are all back at the hospital again today taking turns at ian's bedside though he is still unresppnsivr
They are now warming him up slowly so he will go from 31 to 37 at about 5am. I will go home in about am hour but will come back v early or they will call me if he shows any response.
I am so glad julia couldvfly in last night and it is a comfort having her and Rachel and laura and Jovy here
My James will come soon. He is probably still a bit in shock after yesterday when I called him for help just to help me and ellen move ian back to bed by the time he arrived ian was gray and he had to do CPR until 911 people arrived plus the policemen I'd run to call from across the street.
My brother roger had yet another biopsy and may be released for a few days with tons of morphine until they decide whether to give him chemo or radiation
it is nice to have my sister In law Tory for company
Hope all is giping well there
Take care.
Love jenny
Hi Jenny
How is Ian? Peter has phoned and told Ena and said we will keep her up todate.
I was so shocked to hear about Roger. How bad is he? Sorry all the questions,but very difficult being away from family when they are going through such a rought time. We will be going to bed in about an hour, but you have my mobile number so you can call me at any time of the night.
084 2272272.
We are all off to Wildcliff for the weekend. Cathy and Saul will join us there. This will be Michael's first visit to WC. He is taking the Merc.
Peter
12.6.2009.
Saturday, May 9, 2009
FIRST WEEK IN MAY 2009.
First Week in May 2009.
ALPHA COURSE AT WALMER METHODIST
INDIAN PREMIER LEAGUE CRICKET IN PORT ELIZABETH
Monday evening the church had a man from Willow Creek Church in America come to talk about Cell Groups. It was an interesting talk but not dynamic and I did not really enjoy it that much. Tuesday there was an hour DVD of Nicky Gumble talking about how to minister to people in Alpha. A good talk.
Wednesday evening was our first Alpha of this season. I am a leader of a group together with Gail Smith. I have seen Gail in church for many years but never known who she was. Her husband is Sean and is a pilot for Airlink. The guests are: Theresa Gerber, Sipho Lucas, Rodney who was also on the MMC bus with us; Regg Kee who is the boyfriend of one of the organisers (Charmaine); Bev Cox who reminded me that we last did Alpha about 15 years ago; Cari McLean; Moira who has a husband on the course as well. The start of the evening went quite well.
We had our supper and went through for singing, the Gumble DVD and then coffee. Then we had our short group session. I did the name game ice breaker and the "what would you take on an island?" game. The idea is to relax the group and get them talking. The next question that I posed was: what brings your to Alpha? everyone had an opportunity to talk and then we were at the end of our time.
Later we discussed the evening and almost everyone said that the group session was short. Yet the Gumble DVD was to be extended to the full length (an extra 10 minutes). We will have to see how things progress.
I did two mornings of running this week. Not too good; short and slow. But better than staying in bed. I also put a challenge to the Alpha group to do a minimum of ten minutes a day (60 minutes for the week) of bible reading. Fortunately I was able to meet my own challenge and have done my one hour for the week. Saturday morning I had arranged a run with Adrienne but she pulled out. I collected Elmarie who lives in Cuyler Crescent and met Ben and Andrew for a run from Hobie at 06.00am.
We ran the Walmer Boulevard circuit which is about 10kays. I was particularly slow and heavy. I hope that I start to come right again with my running soon. After the run I dropped Elmarie off and collected Ally for her Hockey. Then back home I drove Barbara's bakkie to the tip, went to watch Ian playing rugby (he scored a try) as Charles was in JHB.
Collected Ally and friends from Hockey, bought cricket tickets for Sunday, drove another load to the tip, drove Ally & Friends to the Movies and then went off to watch Grey play Queens for the rest of the afternoon. Barbara went off horse riding. Ended up on a huge horse 17 hands but enjoyed the outing. Ron, Hannes and Barbara joined me at Rugby. The senior games were quite exciting and closely contested.
Sunday morning (Mothers Day) after church, Mom dropped me at St Georges park. There was a IPL cricket match. The Mumbai Indians playing the Royal Challengers. I had packed our stuff including chairs and food for a day at Cricket. The Challengers were handing out Tshirts and we decided to back them. We sat in the shade of the Duckpond pavillion and it was quite chilly through out the match. This side does not receive any sunshine during the day. In some ways this is an advantage as I had spent the whole of Saturday in the sun. But it can become quite chilly if you have not brought extra clothing.
Michael, Lene and their children joined us as well as Lynn and Lara O. Lynn did not last too long as this was not exactly her "Scene". We had a couple of Draught Beers and munched away ot out snacks. The IPL is a professional league event with huge sponsorships and salaries paid to the top players of the world. There were a number of South African players contracted to play in the series. Mark Boucher, Jacques Kallis and Roelof vd Merwe play for the Challengers while JP Dumminy plays for the Mumbai team.
Ally met up with a group of her friends there. It was quite a festive and action packed match. The Mumbai Indians won the game but not without a good fight from the Royal Challengers.
This is the kind of weekend that I love: mix of active sport, home activity / work and watching schoolboy rugby and then the Cricket on Sunday as a bonus.
Peter Giddy
5.05.2009.
ALPHA COURSE AT WALMER METHODIST
INDIAN PREMIER LEAGUE CRICKET IN PORT ELIZABETH
Monday evening the church had a man from Willow Creek Church in America come to talk about Cell Groups. It was an interesting talk but not dynamic and I did not really enjoy it that much. Tuesday there was an hour DVD of Nicky Gumble talking about how to minister to people in Alpha. A good talk.
Wednesday evening was our first Alpha of this season. I am a leader of a group together with Gail Smith. I have seen Gail in church for many years but never known who she was. Her husband is Sean and is a pilot for Airlink. The guests are: Theresa Gerber, Sipho Lucas, Rodney who was also on the MMC bus with us; Regg Kee who is the boyfriend of one of the organisers (Charmaine); Bev Cox who reminded me that we last did Alpha about 15 years ago; Cari McLean; Moira who has a husband on the course as well. The start of the evening went quite well.
We had our supper and went through for singing, the Gumble DVD and then coffee. Then we had our short group session. I did the name game ice breaker and the "what would you take on an island?" game. The idea is to relax the group and get them talking. The next question that I posed was: what brings your to Alpha? everyone had an opportunity to talk and then we were at the end of our time.
Later we discussed the evening and almost everyone said that the group session was short. Yet the Gumble DVD was to be extended to the full length (an extra 10 minutes). We will have to see how things progress.
I did two mornings of running this week. Not too good; short and slow. But better than staying in bed. I also put a challenge to the Alpha group to do a minimum of ten minutes a day (60 minutes for the week) of bible reading. Fortunately I was able to meet my own challenge and have done my one hour for the week. Saturday morning I had arranged a run with Adrienne but she pulled out. I collected Elmarie who lives in Cuyler Crescent and met Ben and Andrew for a run from Hobie at 06.00am.
We ran the Walmer Boulevard circuit which is about 10kays. I was particularly slow and heavy. I hope that I start to come right again with my running soon. After the run I dropped Elmarie off and collected Ally for her Hockey. Then back home I drove Barbara's bakkie to the tip, went to watch Ian playing rugby (he scored a try) as Charles was in JHB.
Collected Ally and friends from Hockey, bought cricket tickets for Sunday, drove another load to the tip, drove Ally & Friends to the Movies and then went off to watch Grey play Queens for the rest of the afternoon. Barbara went off horse riding. Ended up on a huge horse 17 hands but enjoyed the outing. Ron, Hannes and Barbara joined me at Rugby. The senior games were quite exciting and closely contested.
Sunday morning (Mothers Day) after church, Mom dropped me at St Georges park. There was a IPL cricket match. The Mumbai Indians playing the Royal Challengers. I had packed our stuff including chairs and food for a day at Cricket. The Challengers were handing out Tshirts and we decided to back them. We sat in the shade of the Duckpond pavillion and it was quite chilly through out the match. This side does not receive any sunshine during the day. In some ways this is an advantage as I had spent the whole of Saturday in the sun. But it can become quite chilly if you have not brought extra clothing.
Michael, Lene and their children joined us as well as Lynn and Lara O. Lynn did not last too long as this was not exactly her "Scene". We had a couple of Draught Beers and munched away ot out snacks. The IPL is a professional league event with huge sponsorships and salaries paid to the top players of the world. There were a number of South African players contracted to play in the series. Mark Boucher, Jacques Kallis and Roelof vd Merwe play for the Challengers while JP Dumminy plays for the Mumbai team.
Ally met up with a group of her friends there. It was quite a festive and action packed match. The Mumbai Indians won the game but not without a good fight from the Royal Challengers.
This is the kind of weekend that I love: mix of active sport, home activity / work and watching schoolboy rugby and then the Cricket on Sunday as a bonus.
Peter Giddy
5.05.2009.
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
WILDCLIFF WEEKEND 1 MAY 2009.
WILDCLIFF WEEKEND 1 MAY 2009.
Barbara and I had a busy schedule on the Thursday 30th April. Ally had sport and I was busy at work so we were only able to leave town at 17.30. We did our grocery shopping, I bought Ally a DVD series to watch in the car as we traveled. The road out of PE was not too busy but as we passed Mossel Bay the traffic became quite heavy. On the way to Wildcliff we made just one stop at the Mossel Bay garage where we bought toasted sandwiches and coffee. I ordered too much and we ended up being stuffed and having left overs which I put the the fridge for the next day.
As we approached Heidelberg we phoned Niccy and they told us that they were just approaching WC from the Tradouw pass when they came across a young man who had had an accident in his car. His car was literally wrapped around a tree. He had driven onto the dirt road at speed, lost control and that was the end of his car. Stefan helped him load his stuff in to their car and drove him the last few kays to Heidelberg. The police were quite helpful and they left him there to sort out his trip to visit his parents in Oudtshoorn.
On the dirt road approaching WC, on the section of the road that leads up to Bob Brown's farm, going past the stone wall on the right; we came across a porcupine. (see below for more information). I think that this is the first time that Barbara & I have ever seen a Porcupine in the wild. We did not have a camera. Barbara tried to photograph the animal with her phone, but the result was not good. Also it was 23.30 and we had the lights of the car to capture an image.
We arrived at WC just before midnight. Stefan and Nicci had only been there a short while. We sat chatting and then fell into bed.
Friday morning: Stefan and I had planned to go for a walk but the children also wanted to have an outing so we gathered them together and walked up to the Rain Frog Dam. Paula, Abigail and Bryce joined us. The children all became saturated as they played in the water. We had a little picnic with some biscuits and fruit. We took a variety of routes home. Stefan, Zara, Aaron and I took the road to above the houses and then took a short cut across the Fynbos. Interesting to see how well the two little ones coped with the prickly bush.
Back at the house I had arranged for the DSTV to be turned on but as the baboons had messed around with the aerial I had to climb onto the roof and try to adjust the dish. I did some back and forth for quite a while. Then I took my Leatherman and reconnected the wire leading to the LNB. Finally we managed to get it working. Stefan down in the lounge and me on the roof as he called instructions to me through the chimney. The rest of the day was a little overcast with rain and we did not do much more than read, eat and sleep. Stefan made us a pooitjie supper which turned out to be quite delicious.
Saturday morning; Stefan and I saddled up and went for a walk down to the meadow. We followed the Wilderkranz stream in a Southerly direction. The wood cutters had been working hard to clear the wattle. We followed the area that had been partially cleared. Some of the trees are cut and others have been ring barked. Unfortunately the felling of trees has, in some sections of the river, caused blockage and we are quite concerned as to what the consequences will be in the event of heavy rainfalls.
At times we had to do a bit of climbing over branches but staying with the stream we finally reached the Meadows of the neighbouring farm. I had been here once before with Ian, approaching from the Plattekloof side. We could see that the clearing of Wattle from the side of the power lines would reach the Wilderkranz stream. This will take some time. As we walked we saw two separate bushbuck.(see below for information) On the side of the Plattekloof we could see the spoor as this ram had gone down to drink and we saw him fairly close to us as he ran up and away from us. We made our way down to the Plattekloof stream and walked upstream for about an hour. We took our time looking at the spoor and surrounds. We even saw a few tiny fish in the stream. Before we reached the start of the Peter Kloof we turned up the hill and walked over to the Kaolin (See below for Kaolin information) mine and dam. We had to clamber over wattle branches to the extent that we were over a meter above the ground. As we walked up we came across some bulbous looking plants. Almost like Gladioli.
The wattle clearing on this side has been quite substantial. From here we walked back down to the house for a cup of tea. We loaded the little children and Abigail into the bushpig and took a slow drive up to the Ena's Falls. This was the first time that I had driven the vehicle and it took a little while to get used to the feel of the steering. It was a good experience to drive a 4X4 for the first time. We had a look a the site where the mountain hut is due to be built. We then went over to the top and walked along the spiky protea road. We picked ourselves a few of these unique flowers. They really do not look that good once they are a few days old. The children loved the outing and then back at Talari we all walked down to the Oak Tree Meadow where we played in the stream with the children.
As I walked up back to the house I did a little detour past the Poplar Trees and was really quite sad to see what we had thought to be the case as we looked from the house: the trees have been killed off with ring barking. They never appeared to me to be a real threat to the environment. I hope that we are going to spare the Oak Trees. That evening we watched some Rugby with Paula, Keith and Hanna. We had a bit of a marathon session of super 14 rugby watching nearly three games in succession. We had some delicious roast chicken for supper. It was late when we finally made it to bed.
Sunday morning was spent cleaning and packing and we left for home at around 10.30am. Paula was off to Barrydale to collect a Caracal (see below for more on the Caracal) that had been caught and which she later released up in the pines on the fynbos road. We had an easy drive home with just one stop in Knysna to fill up with petrol. The protea that we had cut were full of bugs and miggies. But I put them in water and left them outside for the night. Then next day the spiky protea that had new buds had opened and they looked stunning.
Email from Paula:
Dear Ian, Jenny, & Peter,
Please welcome our newest Wildcliff member, Rosa, the rooikat.
I received a call from Nola Frazer asking if we would take a large female caracal. Peter was certain you both would agree to our taking her, so Hanna, Abigail & I went to pick her up yesterday. She was taking some farmer's geese and had been trapped and taken to the Frazer's. Unfortunately, she sustained some injuries around her face/eyes from the farmer's trap, but nothing serious. Peter darted her around 3:30 pm so that she could be released at dusk. She must have been sensitive to the Ketamine as she didn't wake till almost 8:30 pm. We waited with her in the Pine Hill area and were hoping for some great video footage of her release, but it was too dark (and she was groggy). This isn't a good photo of her, but she is beautiful. We wished her well and hope she'll make Wildcliff her home.
Paula
Rosa
Peter Giddy
5.5.2009.
CARACAL
Appearance
A large, rufous-fawn Cat with tufted black ears, creamy underbelly with faded orange spots, and long legs. The face has exquisite markings. This animal must be regarded as one of the most beautiful Cats in the world. The Caracal moves with grace and a sense of confident power. It is an expert climber and regularly takes refuge in trees. Melanistic or all black Caracal have also been reported.
Diet
In hunting, the Caracal is mainly nocturnal, but will also use the twilight hours to search out its prey. Diurnal activity has also been observed, specially in the hunting of bird. For its size the Caracal is strong and fast, and as well as taking smaller prey such as Jerboas, Sand Rat, Ground Squirrel and Rock Hyrax, it can also bring down the larger Reedbuck and Duiker.This Cat is able, from a sitting position, to launch 4-5 metres in the air by using its strong hind quarters and limbs. They do this to pluck flying bird prey from the air.
Breeding
In most parts of its range the Caracal has no set breeding period and a female may often mate with up to three males. The litter size varies between 1-6 kittens, which are born after a gestation period of approximately 78 days. The kittens have a daily weight gain of approximately 21g per day and although they reach maturity at about 16-18 months of age they are often independent from about 12 months.
Behaviour
Mostly nocturnal, secretive, solitary, and an aggressive animal. Due to being hunted as a problem animal by farmers, Caracal became even more elusive and thus a sighting of one is very difficult.
Habitat
The Cat is found in dry savannah and woodland areas, scrubland and rugged terrain in mountainous regions, where it is known to live as high as up as 3000 metres. Like other Cats found in dry, arid or semi-dessert locations, the Caracal can survive for long periods without water, instead obtaining its requirement form the metabolic moisture of its prey.
Where they are found
It occurs throughout South Africa, and prefers open areas in woodland savannahs as well as rocky, hilly areas.
Vital Statistics
Latin Name : Felis Caracal
Weight (Female) : 11 kg
Weight (Male) : 15 kg
Length (Female) : 109 cm
Length (Male) : 117 cm
Gestation Period : 117 cm
No of Young : 2 - 4 (sometimes 5)
Order : Carnivora
Family : Felidae
Breeding : 2 - 4 (occasionally 5) young are born from October - March after a gestation period of ± 2 months.
Description
Compared to those of the serval, the footprints of the Caracal are broader and the indentation at the front of the intermediate pads are more prominent.
Spoor Description
Compared to those of the serval, the footprints of the Caracal are broader and the indentation at the front of the intermediate pads are more prominent.
PORCUPINE
Appearance
Both the male and female African Porcupines weigh from 18 to 30 kg (about 40 to 60 pounds) and are about two feet long. The African Porcupine is a type of Rodent that has long sharp spines, up to 50cm long, which cover its whole back and can be raised by muscles under the skin. Although it is similar in appearance to the Echidna it is not closely related.
The Echidna, also known as the spiny Anteater, is a type of Monotreme that is covered in stiff, sharp spines mixed with long, coarse hairs. Like the Echidna, the African Porcupine has a browny black coat and paler-coloured spines. The African Porcupine is twice the length of the Echidna (80.0 cm vs 47.5 cm).
African Porcupines are the largest rodent in their region. Females are, on average, about one kilogram heavier than males and both sexes are larger than half a meter long. They are also long-lived for rodents, surviving 12 to 15 years in the wild. These porcupines are covered with flat, bristly hairs and have quills and spines on the posterior back and flanks.
The difference between quills and spines is largely one of length and thickness, with spines up to 50 cm long and quills up to 30 cm long. The white and black crest of spines and quills can be erected at will to make the animal look enormous and threatening. Some spines on the tail are hollow and make a rattling sound when shaken. The very sharp spines and quills come off when touched by a predator or shaken off, but they grow back rapidly. African porcupines also have very long mobile whiskers.
Diet
African porcupines are mostly vegetarian, using their strong digging claws to get roots, tubers, and bulbs. They are also fond of fallen fruits and will sometimes gnaw on bark. Their anterior large intestine and enlarged appendix contain microorganisms that break down undigested plant fibers. They have also been reported to eat carrion in some instances. In areas deficient in phosphorous they practice osteophagia, or gnawing on bones. These porcupines will often accumulate large piles of bones in their dens.
Breeding
Male porcupines reach sexual maturity between eight and eighteen months, while females reach sexual maturity between nine and sixteen months. Because of their dangerous anatomy, females initiate copulation by presenting to the males.
Gestation lasts for three months. The young are born in litters of one to four into a grass-lined chamber in the parents' den during the wet months of August to March. The average litter size is 1 and the average newborn mass is 311g.
Young are born relatively well-developed, with their eyes open and teeth present. They have soft quills and spines at birth, most likely to ease the birthing process but they quickly harden in the air. The young grow rapidly, reaching full size in about a year. They nurse for three to four months at which point they will weigh four to five kilograms. After the weaning of their young, female porcupines can not conceive for another three to five months.
Behaviour
When the porcupine is tired, it grunts and raises it's black and white quills. There is one case of a leopard almost killed by a porcupine. Porcupines travel alone or in small family groups. They normally they sleep in the day and feed at night. The African Porcupine is primarily nocturnal, although it may be seen during the day.
They have quite acute hearing and will freeze when approached by predators, such as big cats, large predatory birds, or hyaenas. When cornered, these porcupines can be aggressive, runnning sideways or backwards to embed their sharp quills in an attacker.
Contrary to myth, they can not throw their quills, but they may become dislodged when they shake their hollow rattling quills. Another defensive behavior is to hide in their holes facing in and erect their spines so that they can not be dislodged. Specially modified quills known as rattle quills add to the noise made when shaken.
PORCUPINE
Habitat
African Porcupines are found from sea level to 2000 m above sea level in most areas with vegetation. They prefer rocky hills and outcrops, as they must have shelter during the day. They often take shelter in caves or antbear holes. They also build dens which can be up to 20m long with a 2m deep living chamber.
Where they are found
They live in North Africa, South Africa and East Africa.
Latin name
Hystrix africaeaustralis.
Vital Statistics
Latin Name : Hystrix Africaeaustralis
Weight (Female) : 10 - 24 kg
Weight (Male) : 10 - 19 kg
Length (Female) : 84 cm
Length (Male) : 84 cm
Gestation Period : 7 weeks
No of Young : 1 - 4
Birth Weight : 315 g
Order : Rodentia
Family : Hystricidae
Breeding : 1 - 3 young are born anytime during the year (summer rainfall areas, August - March) after a gestation period of about 3 months.
Description
5 toes on the front feet, the first toe being reduced to a small stump without a claw. Other toes have well developed claws. 5 toes on the hind-feet, each with a claw. The fore- and hind-feet each show 3 intermediate pads and 2 proximal pads in the spoor.
Spoor Description
5 toes on the front feet, the first toe being reduced to a small stump without a claw. Other toes have well developed claws. 5 toes on the hind-feet, each with a claw. The fore- and hind-feet each show 3 intermediate pads and 2 proximal pads in the spoor.
BUSHBUCK
Appearance
The very sharp horns render the Bushbuck very dangerous when wounded. A close relative of the Kudu and the Nyala. The rams are very elegant in appearance, sporting dark greyish-brown fur, with white spots on the flanks and prominent white socks. In height they are 700mm at the shoulders, and have a maximum mass of 54 Kg's.
Ewes are smaller and adult ewes are lighter in colour than rams, with more pronounced white spots and stripes. Both males and females have geometrically shaped white patches or spots on the most mobile parts of their body, namely the ears, chin, tail, legs and neck, as well as a band of white at the base of the neck. On males these markings become more visible during their displays when they arch their backs and slowly circle one another, walking in a tense, high-stepping gait. These highly ritualized displays usually make fighting unnecessary. Alongside this, a rigid age-based hierarchy among keeps males in check.
Diet
Bushbuck are mainly browsers, but on rare occasions will consume grass. They are selective feeders, but during hardship are able to adapt their feeding habits for the sake of survival.
Breeding
With a gestation period of 6 to 7 months some females are able to reproduce twice a year. The birth peak is generally during the rainy season in dry regions, but in high-rainfall areas there are not really any peaks. After giving birth, the mother cleans the newborn calf and eats the placenta.
The young calf does not accompany its mother for long periods during the day until it is about 4 months old and so it must leave the calf well hidden. When she visits and suckles it, she even eats its dung to remove any scent that remains which may attract predators. Ewes reach sexual maturity at 14 months. Even though rams reach sexual maturity at 11 months they generally do not mate until socially adept at the age of three years.
Behaviour
Usually most active during early morning and part of the night, Bushbucks become almost entirely nocturnal in areas where they are apt to be disturbed frequently during the day. When alarmed, individuals react in a variety of ways. Sometimes they will sink to the ground and lie flat, or they may bound away, making a series of hoarse barks.
When surprised in the open, they sometimes stand still or slowly walk to the nearest cover. The Bushbuck is primarily nocturnal, but it is also fairly active during the day. Half of a Bushbuck's day is spent standing and grazing. Around dusk bushbucks move toward their night range where they feed before moving off at dawn.
The Bushbuck is also the only non-territorial and solitary African antelope with neither males nor females defending any part of their home range. Though Bushbuck have small home ranges which may overlap with those of other bushbuck, they are solitary animals with even females prefering to keep social interactions with their young to not more than a few hours a day. Mature males usually go out of their way to avoid contact with each other.
Habitat
Bushbuck’s preferred habitat is dense bush at the base of mountains or along river courses. This antelope is always found close to permanent water courses.
Where they are found
The shy and elusive bushbuck is widely distributed over sub-Saharan Africa. In East Africa it is found in a variety of habitats, though rarely on open land. Bushbucks have a lot of individual and regional differences in their coat colours and patterns. In general, Bushbuck inhabiting deep forest have darker coats. They will live anywhere from sea level to mountaintops, from rainforests to subdesert terrain.
Predators
Bushbucks are most vulnerable to predators such as Leopard, Lions, Hyenas and Cheetah when on the run, but if cornered the male will fight bravely and if attacked may even become a dangerous foe. Even though Baboons sometimes eat the young, Bushbucks continue to associate closely with them at times, picking up fallen fruit and other foods that foraging Baboons drop.
Latin name
Tragelaphus scriptus
Vital Statistics
Latin Name : Tragelaphus Scriptus
Weight (Female) : 30 - 36 kg
Weight (Male) : 40 - 77 kg
Gestation Period : 6 months
No of Young : 1 lamb
Sexual Maturity : 11 - 14 months
Birth Weight : 4 kg
Order : Artiodactyla
Family : Bovidae
Horns : 40 cm
Breeding : A single young is born anytime during the year after a gestation period of about 6 months.
Description
4 - 5 cm long. Neater and smaller than the Impala.
Spoor Description
4 - 5 cm long. Neater and smaller than the Impala.
Kaolinite is a clay mineral with the chemical composition Al2Si2O5(OH)4. It is a layered silicate mineral, with one tetrahedral sheet linked through oxygen atoms to one octahedral sheet of alumina octahedra.[3] Rocks that are rich in kaolinite are known as china clay or kaolin.
The name is derived from Gaoling or Kao-Ling ("High Hill") in Jingdezhen, Jiangxi province, China.[4] Kaolinite was first described as a mineral species in 1867 for an occurrence in the Jari River basin of Brazil.[5]
Kaolinite has a low shrink-swell capacity and a low cation exchange capacity (1-15 meq/100g.) It is a soft, earthy, usually white mineral (dioctahedral phyllosilicate clay), produced by the chemical weathering of aluminium silicate minerals like feldspar. In many parts of the world, it is colored pink-orange-red by iron oxide, giving it a distinct rust hue. Lighter concentrations yield white, yellow or light orange colours.
Kaolin is used in ceramics, medicine, coated paper, as a food additive, in toothpaste, as a light diffusing material in white incandescent light bulbs, and in cosmetics. It is generally the main component in porcelain.
It is also used in paint to extend titanium dioxide (TiO2) and modify gloss levels; in rubber for semi-reinforcing properties and in adhesives to modify rheology.[6]
The largest use is in the production of paper, including ensuring the gloss on some grades of paper. Commercial grades of kaolin are supplied and transported as dry powder, semi-dry noodle or as liquid slurry.
A more recent, and more limited, use is as a specially formulated spray applied to especially organic fruits, vegetables, and other vegetation to repel or deter insect damage, and at least in the case of apples, to prevent sun scald. A traditional use is to soothe an upset stomach, similar to the way parrots (and later, humans) in South America originally used it.[7]
Kaolin is or has been used as the active substance in liquid anti-diarrhea medicines such as Kaomagma and Kaopectate . Such medicines were changed away from aluminium substances due to a scare over Alzheimer's disease, but have since changed back to compounds containing aluminium as they are most effective.
In April 2008, the Naval Medical Research Center announced the successful use of a Kaolinite-derived aluminosilicate nanoparticles infusion in traditional gauze known commercially as QuikClot Combat Gauze.[8] [9]
Kaolin is used in ceramics, medicine, coated paper, as a food additive, in toothpaste, as a light diffusing material in white incandescent light bulbs, and in cosmetics. It is generally the main component in porcelain.
It is also used in paint to extend titanium dioxide (TiO2) and modify gloss levels; in rubber for semi-reinforcing properties and in adhesives to modify rheology.[6]
The largest use is in the production of paper, including ensuring the gloss on some grades of paper. Commercial grades of kaolin are supplied and transported as dry powder, semi-dry noodle or as liquid slurry.
A more recent, and more limited, use is as a specially formulated spray applied to especially organic fruits, vegetables, and other vegetation to repel or deter insect damage, and at least in the case of apples, to prevent sun scald. A traditional use is to soothe an upset stomach, similar to the way parrots (and later, humans) in South America originally used it.[7]
Kaolin is or has been used as the active substance in liquid anti-diarrhea medicines such as Kaomagma and Kaopectate . Such medicines were changed away from aluminium substances due to a scare over Alzheimer's disease, but have since changed back to compounds containing aluminium as they are most effective.
In April 2008, the Naval Medical Research Center announced the successful use of a Kaolinite-derived aluminosilicate nanoparticles infusion in traditional gauze known commercially as QuikClot Combat Gauze.[8] [9]
Barbara and I had a busy schedule on the Thursday 30th April. Ally had sport and I was busy at work so we were only able to leave town at 17.30. We did our grocery shopping, I bought Ally a DVD series to watch in the car as we traveled. The road out of PE was not too busy but as we passed Mossel Bay the traffic became quite heavy. On the way to Wildcliff we made just one stop at the Mossel Bay garage where we bought toasted sandwiches and coffee. I ordered too much and we ended up being stuffed and having left overs which I put the the fridge for the next day.
As we approached Heidelberg we phoned Niccy and they told us that they were just approaching WC from the Tradouw pass when they came across a young man who had had an accident in his car. His car was literally wrapped around a tree. He had driven onto the dirt road at speed, lost control and that was the end of his car. Stefan helped him load his stuff in to their car and drove him the last few kays to Heidelberg. The police were quite helpful and they left him there to sort out his trip to visit his parents in Oudtshoorn.
On the dirt road approaching WC, on the section of the road that leads up to Bob Brown's farm, going past the stone wall on the right; we came across a porcupine. (see below for more information). I think that this is the first time that Barbara & I have ever seen a Porcupine in the wild. We did not have a camera. Barbara tried to photograph the animal with her phone, but the result was not good. Also it was 23.30 and we had the lights of the car to capture an image.
We arrived at WC just before midnight. Stefan and Nicci had only been there a short while. We sat chatting and then fell into bed.
Friday morning: Stefan and I had planned to go for a walk but the children also wanted to have an outing so we gathered them together and walked up to the Rain Frog Dam. Paula, Abigail and Bryce joined us. The children all became saturated as they played in the water. We had a little picnic with some biscuits and fruit. We took a variety of routes home. Stefan, Zara, Aaron and I took the road to above the houses and then took a short cut across the Fynbos. Interesting to see how well the two little ones coped with the prickly bush.
Back at the house I had arranged for the DSTV to be turned on but as the baboons had messed around with the aerial I had to climb onto the roof and try to adjust the dish. I did some back and forth for quite a while. Then I took my Leatherman and reconnected the wire leading to the LNB. Finally we managed to get it working. Stefan down in the lounge and me on the roof as he called instructions to me through the chimney. The rest of the day was a little overcast with rain and we did not do much more than read, eat and sleep. Stefan made us a pooitjie supper which turned out to be quite delicious.
Saturday morning; Stefan and I saddled up and went for a walk down to the meadow. We followed the Wilderkranz stream in a Southerly direction. The wood cutters had been working hard to clear the wattle. We followed the area that had been partially cleared. Some of the trees are cut and others have been ring barked. Unfortunately the felling of trees has, in some sections of the river, caused blockage and we are quite concerned as to what the consequences will be in the event of heavy rainfalls.
At times we had to do a bit of climbing over branches but staying with the stream we finally reached the Meadows of the neighbouring farm. I had been here once before with Ian, approaching from the Plattekloof side. We could see that the clearing of Wattle from the side of the power lines would reach the Wilderkranz stream. This will take some time. As we walked we saw two separate bushbuck.(see below for information) On the side of the Plattekloof we could see the spoor as this ram had gone down to drink and we saw him fairly close to us as he ran up and away from us. We made our way down to the Plattekloof stream and walked upstream for about an hour. We took our time looking at the spoor and surrounds. We even saw a few tiny fish in the stream. Before we reached the start of the Peter Kloof we turned up the hill and walked over to the Kaolin (See below for Kaolin information) mine and dam. We had to clamber over wattle branches to the extent that we were over a meter above the ground. As we walked up we came across some bulbous looking plants. Almost like Gladioli.
The wattle clearing on this side has been quite substantial. From here we walked back down to the house for a cup of tea. We loaded the little children and Abigail into the bushpig and took a slow drive up to the Ena's Falls. This was the first time that I had driven the vehicle and it took a little while to get used to the feel of the steering. It was a good experience to drive a 4X4 for the first time. We had a look a the site where the mountain hut is due to be built. We then went over to the top and walked along the spiky protea road. We picked ourselves a few of these unique flowers. They really do not look that good once they are a few days old. The children loved the outing and then back at Talari we all walked down to the Oak Tree Meadow where we played in the stream with the children.
As I walked up back to the house I did a little detour past the Poplar Trees and was really quite sad to see what we had thought to be the case as we looked from the house: the trees have been killed off with ring barking. They never appeared to me to be a real threat to the environment. I hope that we are going to spare the Oak Trees. That evening we watched some Rugby with Paula, Keith and Hanna. We had a bit of a marathon session of super 14 rugby watching nearly three games in succession. We had some delicious roast chicken for supper. It was late when we finally made it to bed.
Sunday morning was spent cleaning and packing and we left for home at around 10.30am. Paula was off to Barrydale to collect a Caracal (see below for more on the Caracal) that had been caught and which she later released up in the pines on the fynbos road. We had an easy drive home with just one stop in Knysna to fill up with petrol. The protea that we had cut were full of bugs and miggies. But I put them in water and left them outside for the night. Then next day the spiky protea that had new buds had opened and they looked stunning.
Email from Paula:
Dear Ian, Jenny, & Peter,
Please welcome our newest Wildcliff member, Rosa, the rooikat.
I received a call from Nola Frazer asking if we would take a large female caracal. Peter was certain you both would agree to our taking her, so Hanna, Abigail & I went to pick her up yesterday. She was taking some farmer's geese and had been trapped and taken to the Frazer's. Unfortunately, she sustained some injuries around her face/eyes from the farmer's trap, but nothing serious. Peter darted her around 3:30 pm so that she could be released at dusk. She must have been sensitive to the Ketamine as she didn't wake till almost 8:30 pm. We waited with her in the Pine Hill area and were hoping for some great video footage of her release, but it was too dark (and she was groggy). This isn't a good photo of her, but she is beautiful. We wished her well and hope she'll make Wildcliff her home.
Paula
Rosa
Peter Giddy
5.5.2009.
CARACAL
Appearance
A large, rufous-fawn Cat with tufted black ears, creamy underbelly with faded orange spots, and long legs. The face has exquisite markings. This animal must be regarded as one of the most beautiful Cats in the world. The Caracal moves with grace and a sense of confident power. It is an expert climber and regularly takes refuge in trees. Melanistic or all black Caracal have also been reported.
Diet
In hunting, the Caracal is mainly nocturnal, but will also use the twilight hours to search out its prey. Diurnal activity has also been observed, specially in the hunting of bird. For its size the Caracal is strong and fast, and as well as taking smaller prey such as Jerboas, Sand Rat, Ground Squirrel and Rock Hyrax, it can also bring down the larger Reedbuck and Duiker.This Cat is able, from a sitting position, to launch 4-5 metres in the air by using its strong hind quarters and limbs. They do this to pluck flying bird prey from the air.
Breeding
In most parts of its range the Caracal has no set breeding period and a female may often mate with up to three males. The litter size varies between 1-6 kittens, which are born after a gestation period of approximately 78 days. The kittens have a daily weight gain of approximately 21g per day and although they reach maturity at about 16-18 months of age they are often independent from about 12 months.
Behaviour
Mostly nocturnal, secretive, solitary, and an aggressive animal. Due to being hunted as a problem animal by farmers, Caracal became even more elusive and thus a sighting of one is very difficult.
Habitat
The Cat is found in dry savannah and woodland areas, scrubland and rugged terrain in mountainous regions, where it is known to live as high as up as 3000 metres. Like other Cats found in dry, arid or semi-dessert locations, the Caracal can survive for long periods without water, instead obtaining its requirement form the metabolic moisture of its prey.
Where they are found
It occurs throughout South Africa, and prefers open areas in woodland savannahs as well as rocky, hilly areas.
Vital Statistics
Latin Name : Felis Caracal
Weight (Female) : 11 kg
Weight (Male) : 15 kg
Length (Female) : 109 cm
Length (Male) : 117 cm
Gestation Period : 117 cm
No of Young : 2 - 4 (sometimes 5)
Order : Carnivora
Family : Felidae
Breeding : 2 - 4 (occasionally 5) young are born from October - March after a gestation period of ± 2 months.
Description
Compared to those of the serval, the footprints of the Caracal are broader and the indentation at the front of the intermediate pads are more prominent.
Spoor Description
Compared to those of the serval, the footprints of the Caracal are broader and the indentation at the front of the intermediate pads are more prominent.
PORCUPINE
Appearance
Both the male and female African Porcupines weigh from 18 to 30 kg (about 40 to 60 pounds) and are about two feet long. The African Porcupine is a type of Rodent that has long sharp spines, up to 50cm long, which cover its whole back and can be raised by muscles under the skin. Although it is similar in appearance to the Echidna it is not closely related.
The Echidna, also known as the spiny Anteater, is a type of Monotreme that is covered in stiff, sharp spines mixed with long, coarse hairs. Like the Echidna, the African Porcupine has a browny black coat and paler-coloured spines. The African Porcupine is twice the length of the Echidna (80.0 cm vs 47.5 cm).
African Porcupines are the largest rodent in their region. Females are, on average, about one kilogram heavier than males and both sexes are larger than half a meter long. They are also long-lived for rodents, surviving 12 to 15 years in the wild. These porcupines are covered with flat, bristly hairs and have quills and spines on the posterior back and flanks.
The difference between quills and spines is largely one of length and thickness, with spines up to 50 cm long and quills up to 30 cm long. The white and black crest of spines and quills can be erected at will to make the animal look enormous and threatening. Some spines on the tail are hollow and make a rattling sound when shaken. The very sharp spines and quills come off when touched by a predator or shaken off, but they grow back rapidly. African porcupines also have very long mobile whiskers.
Diet
African porcupines are mostly vegetarian, using their strong digging claws to get roots, tubers, and bulbs. They are also fond of fallen fruits and will sometimes gnaw on bark. Their anterior large intestine and enlarged appendix contain microorganisms that break down undigested plant fibers. They have also been reported to eat carrion in some instances. In areas deficient in phosphorous they practice osteophagia, or gnawing on bones. These porcupines will often accumulate large piles of bones in their dens.
Breeding
Male porcupines reach sexual maturity between eight and eighteen months, while females reach sexual maturity between nine and sixteen months. Because of their dangerous anatomy, females initiate copulation by presenting to the males.
Gestation lasts for three months. The young are born in litters of one to four into a grass-lined chamber in the parents' den during the wet months of August to March. The average litter size is 1 and the average newborn mass is 311g.
Young are born relatively well-developed, with their eyes open and teeth present. They have soft quills and spines at birth, most likely to ease the birthing process but they quickly harden in the air. The young grow rapidly, reaching full size in about a year. They nurse for three to four months at which point they will weigh four to five kilograms. After the weaning of their young, female porcupines can not conceive for another three to five months.
Behaviour
When the porcupine is tired, it grunts and raises it's black and white quills. There is one case of a leopard almost killed by a porcupine. Porcupines travel alone or in small family groups. They normally they sleep in the day and feed at night. The African Porcupine is primarily nocturnal, although it may be seen during the day.
They have quite acute hearing and will freeze when approached by predators, such as big cats, large predatory birds, or hyaenas. When cornered, these porcupines can be aggressive, runnning sideways or backwards to embed their sharp quills in an attacker.
Contrary to myth, they can not throw their quills, but they may become dislodged when they shake their hollow rattling quills. Another defensive behavior is to hide in their holes facing in and erect their spines so that they can not be dislodged. Specially modified quills known as rattle quills add to the noise made when shaken.
PORCUPINE
Habitat
African Porcupines are found from sea level to 2000 m above sea level in most areas with vegetation. They prefer rocky hills and outcrops, as they must have shelter during the day. They often take shelter in caves or antbear holes. They also build dens which can be up to 20m long with a 2m deep living chamber.
Where they are found
They live in North Africa, South Africa and East Africa.
Latin name
Hystrix africaeaustralis.
Vital Statistics
Latin Name : Hystrix Africaeaustralis
Weight (Female) : 10 - 24 kg
Weight (Male) : 10 - 19 kg
Length (Female) : 84 cm
Length (Male) : 84 cm
Gestation Period : 7 weeks
No of Young : 1 - 4
Birth Weight : 315 g
Order : Rodentia
Family : Hystricidae
Breeding : 1 - 3 young are born anytime during the year (summer rainfall areas, August - March) after a gestation period of about 3 months.
Description
5 toes on the front feet, the first toe being reduced to a small stump without a claw. Other toes have well developed claws. 5 toes on the hind-feet, each with a claw. The fore- and hind-feet each show 3 intermediate pads and 2 proximal pads in the spoor.
Spoor Description
5 toes on the front feet, the first toe being reduced to a small stump without a claw. Other toes have well developed claws. 5 toes on the hind-feet, each with a claw. The fore- and hind-feet each show 3 intermediate pads and 2 proximal pads in the spoor.
BUSHBUCK
Appearance
The very sharp horns render the Bushbuck very dangerous when wounded. A close relative of the Kudu and the Nyala. The rams are very elegant in appearance, sporting dark greyish-brown fur, with white spots on the flanks and prominent white socks. In height they are 700mm at the shoulders, and have a maximum mass of 54 Kg's.
Ewes are smaller and adult ewes are lighter in colour than rams, with more pronounced white spots and stripes. Both males and females have geometrically shaped white patches or spots on the most mobile parts of their body, namely the ears, chin, tail, legs and neck, as well as a band of white at the base of the neck. On males these markings become more visible during their displays when they arch their backs and slowly circle one another, walking in a tense, high-stepping gait. These highly ritualized displays usually make fighting unnecessary. Alongside this, a rigid age-based hierarchy among keeps males in check.
Diet
Bushbuck are mainly browsers, but on rare occasions will consume grass. They are selective feeders, but during hardship are able to adapt their feeding habits for the sake of survival.
Breeding
With a gestation period of 6 to 7 months some females are able to reproduce twice a year. The birth peak is generally during the rainy season in dry regions, but in high-rainfall areas there are not really any peaks. After giving birth, the mother cleans the newborn calf and eats the placenta.
The young calf does not accompany its mother for long periods during the day until it is about 4 months old and so it must leave the calf well hidden. When she visits and suckles it, she even eats its dung to remove any scent that remains which may attract predators. Ewes reach sexual maturity at 14 months. Even though rams reach sexual maturity at 11 months they generally do not mate until socially adept at the age of three years.
Behaviour
Usually most active during early morning and part of the night, Bushbucks become almost entirely nocturnal in areas where they are apt to be disturbed frequently during the day. When alarmed, individuals react in a variety of ways. Sometimes they will sink to the ground and lie flat, or they may bound away, making a series of hoarse barks.
When surprised in the open, they sometimes stand still or slowly walk to the nearest cover. The Bushbuck is primarily nocturnal, but it is also fairly active during the day. Half of a Bushbuck's day is spent standing and grazing. Around dusk bushbucks move toward their night range where they feed before moving off at dawn.
The Bushbuck is also the only non-territorial and solitary African antelope with neither males nor females defending any part of their home range. Though Bushbuck have small home ranges which may overlap with those of other bushbuck, they are solitary animals with even females prefering to keep social interactions with their young to not more than a few hours a day. Mature males usually go out of their way to avoid contact with each other.
Habitat
Bushbuck’s preferred habitat is dense bush at the base of mountains or along river courses. This antelope is always found close to permanent water courses.
Where they are found
The shy and elusive bushbuck is widely distributed over sub-Saharan Africa. In East Africa it is found in a variety of habitats, though rarely on open land. Bushbucks have a lot of individual and regional differences in their coat colours and patterns. In general, Bushbuck inhabiting deep forest have darker coats. They will live anywhere from sea level to mountaintops, from rainforests to subdesert terrain.
Predators
Bushbucks are most vulnerable to predators such as Leopard, Lions, Hyenas and Cheetah when on the run, but if cornered the male will fight bravely and if attacked may even become a dangerous foe. Even though Baboons sometimes eat the young, Bushbucks continue to associate closely with them at times, picking up fallen fruit and other foods that foraging Baboons drop.
Latin name
Tragelaphus scriptus
Vital Statistics
Latin Name : Tragelaphus Scriptus
Weight (Female) : 30 - 36 kg
Weight (Male) : 40 - 77 kg
Gestation Period : 6 months
No of Young : 1 lamb
Sexual Maturity : 11 - 14 months
Birth Weight : 4 kg
Order : Artiodactyla
Family : Bovidae
Horns : 40 cm
Breeding : A single young is born anytime during the year after a gestation period of about 6 months.
Description
4 - 5 cm long. Neater and smaller than the Impala.
Spoor Description
4 - 5 cm long. Neater and smaller than the Impala.
Kaolinite is a clay mineral with the chemical composition Al2Si2O5(OH)4. It is a layered silicate mineral, with one tetrahedral sheet linked through oxygen atoms to one octahedral sheet of alumina octahedra.[3] Rocks that are rich in kaolinite are known as china clay or kaolin.
The name is derived from Gaoling or Kao-Ling ("High Hill") in Jingdezhen, Jiangxi province, China.[4] Kaolinite was first described as a mineral species in 1867 for an occurrence in the Jari River basin of Brazil.[5]
Kaolinite has a low shrink-swell capacity and a low cation exchange capacity (1-15 meq/100g.) It is a soft, earthy, usually white mineral (dioctahedral phyllosilicate clay), produced by the chemical weathering of aluminium silicate minerals like feldspar. In many parts of the world, it is colored pink-orange-red by iron oxide, giving it a distinct rust hue. Lighter concentrations yield white, yellow or light orange colours.
Kaolin is used in ceramics, medicine, coated paper, as a food additive, in toothpaste, as a light diffusing material in white incandescent light bulbs, and in cosmetics. It is generally the main component in porcelain.
It is also used in paint to extend titanium dioxide (TiO2) and modify gloss levels; in rubber for semi-reinforcing properties and in adhesives to modify rheology.[6]
The largest use is in the production of paper, including ensuring the gloss on some grades of paper. Commercial grades of kaolin are supplied and transported as dry powder, semi-dry noodle or as liquid slurry.
A more recent, and more limited, use is as a specially formulated spray applied to especially organic fruits, vegetables, and other vegetation to repel or deter insect damage, and at least in the case of apples, to prevent sun scald. A traditional use is to soothe an upset stomach, similar to the way parrots (and later, humans) in South America originally used it.[7]
Kaolin is or has been used as the active substance in liquid anti-diarrhea medicines such as Kaomagma and Kaopectate . Such medicines were changed away from aluminium substances due to a scare over Alzheimer's disease, but have since changed back to compounds containing aluminium as they are most effective.
In April 2008, the Naval Medical Research Center announced the successful use of a Kaolinite-derived aluminosilicate nanoparticles infusion in traditional gauze known commercially as QuikClot Combat Gauze.[8] [9]
Kaolin is used in ceramics, medicine, coated paper, as a food additive, in toothpaste, as a light diffusing material in white incandescent light bulbs, and in cosmetics. It is generally the main component in porcelain.
It is also used in paint to extend titanium dioxide (TiO2) and modify gloss levels; in rubber for semi-reinforcing properties and in adhesives to modify rheology.[6]
The largest use is in the production of paper, including ensuring the gloss on some grades of paper. Commercial grades of kaolin are supplied and transported as dry powder, semi-dry noodle or as liquid slurry.
A more recent, and more limited, use is as a specially formulated spray applied to especially organic fruits, vegetables, and other vegetation to repel or deter insect damage, and at least in the case of apples, to prevent sun scald. A traditional use is to soothe an upset stomach, similar to the way parrots (and later, humans) in South America originally used it.[7]
Kaolin is or has been used as the active substance in liquid anti-diarrhea medicines such as Kaomagma and Kaopectate . Such medicines were changed away from aluminium substances due to a scare over Alzheimer's disease, but have since changed back to compounds containing aluminium as they are most effective.
In April 2008, the Naval Medical Research Center announced the successful use of a Kaolinite-derived aluminosilicate nanoparticles infusion in traditional gauze known commercially as QuikClot Combat Gauze.[8] [9]
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