AUGUST 2009

Saturday 1 August 2009.

THIS MONTH:
HOCKEY AT CLARENDON PARK
BARBARA, CATHY & LENE VISIT KARIEGA GAME PARK
WINNING AT TRI NATIONS RUGBY
RUNNING WITH MILL PARK RUNNING GROUP
CYCLING WITH RON PASK
WILDCLIFF WITH FRED KOHLER, THE MC EWAN'S & THE PASK'S.
DOG'S HEAD TRAIL, SLEEP OVER AT BARAFU, PLATTEKLOOF TRAIL & PETER KLOOF "WENTURE".
KAROO LOOK OUT WALK, BUMSLIDE POOLS CLIMB.
VIST TO CHRIS DAVIES NEAR ALBERTINA
ACHILLES TRIVIA EVENING
VISIT THE CHEETAH FARM ON THE GRAAF REINETT ROAD.

This morning early I met the MPRG for a run. Andy, Kobus and Riana went ahead while Gerald, Suzanne and I ran and walked behind them. We did the route known as the swimming pool route through Newton Park of about 12kays. i had started off with pain in both my left knee and my right foot. Once I had warmed up after about 3kays I started to feel a lot better and was able to enjoy the training run. At this stage we are doing a lot of walking inbetween the running. But that is fine.

As soon as I was home I had a quick shower and took Ally & Jessica to Westering for a Hockey Derby Day. We used the Merc (1974 model that I had bought from Ian Spence). The weather was cold initially but once the sun started to warm us up we were all fine. Jessy played in a mini hockey game with 6 a side. They were out played but there was nothing wrong with Jessica's game.

Ally's team was also beaten by a better team. What we lack that Westering had was a couple of strikers who could really hit a ball at speed. Right now, as far as I can see, Ally is the best at this and should be used as a striker. At the Hockey I saw Andrew Jonas (from Nippers and his two children: Marion and Tristan. The Clarries Goalie is Chloe and I am used to seeing her grand dad there (John Goode). The last time I saw John was at a game at Priory. He told me he would be leaving for the UK.

John is in England now and works in a hospital in the Laundry dept where he earns a bit of pocket money that they will be using for their travels. I also met Choe's mother: Theresa. It appears that Theresa had a "boyfriend" and fell pregnant. But the boyfriend had no interest, left Theresa to her own devices and Thersa's family moved to SA. Her mother is originally from Uitenhage and John is her stepfather.

Theresa was born in the UK but moved to SA at an early age. She plans to stay here until at least Chloe is out of school. And then maybe move to the UK for University. I also saw Russel there. Russell is a runner who I have seen on the road many time. He was there with his wife Louise. We chatted for a while about running stuff including the fact that he has done the Puffer: a run from the Cape Point to the Waterfront in Cape Town. He has also entered an Otter trail run in September where they will run the trail in a day. See: July Blog and Dave Gassner.

Barbara took my car and collected Cathy from the airport. Barbara, Cathy and Lene headed off to Kariega Game park where they had a weekend of luxury. I heard later that Barbara, Cathy and Lene had a wonderful time going for three to four game drives and a boat cruise. They stayed in a tented overnight chalet. Saw lotsa game including Rhino, Lions, Cheetah, and a whole host of buck. Two animals that are not common were the two Cape Otter and the Monitor Lizzard that they saw there.

Saturday afternoon I did four Tip Runs. Kevin our gardner loaded Barbara's Bakkie and we went back and forth to the tip offloading the Bougainvilla that he has been cutting away from behind the Wendy house.

The highlight of this afternoon was the Tri-nations Sa vs NZ. Last weekend SA had played what was arguably one of their most outstanding matches in ages. Today they would be playing in Durban and in wet conditions. The NZ team would have settled down and we would have our hands full. Morne Steyn was put into the position of Fly Half. And while he scored every one of our match winning points of 31 to 19. It was a team effort that won us the match.

This was the first time in 33 years that the Sprinboks had beaten the All Blacks two matches in a row. It was an excellent performance by our national team including some stars such as Heindrich Brussouw, Victor Matfield, Bryan Habana, Captain John Smit and in fact all of the players in the team.

Jessica had stayed over and she and Ally watched some video's that we had hired. But it did not take any of the three of us to be in bed early.

Sunday morning: Jessie was up early at 07.00 and announced that she was like her dad and liked to be up early. I woke Ally and we made it in time for church. Barbara was still at Kariega. After the service I spent some time talking to Deryck Le Roux, Fred Kohler and Barbie Perks about hiking etc. The Perks family have just returned from the Canyon hike. Barbie gave me a very brief outline.

Ally and I dropped in at Peter Mc Ewan' house to leave some money there for our trip to WC next week. We had some interesting talks about the trip and I was pleased to hear that they also plan to leave on Friday Morning rather than later in the day. Seeing Ron there, He and I arranged to cycle. I dropped Ally off at Amber and drove down to Ron's. On the way I saw Tim and found his new house in 7th Ave near to Church road. He has quite a cosy set up. I had put the bike onto the back seat of the Merc as this car's back seat does not fold down.

At Ron's house in Summerstrand we saddled up and did our routine of round the suburbs of Summerstrand. As we cycled we met up with a man on an electric wheel chair. Rob Young. He is not a young man and told me that he had a stroke and was now no longer able to take part in the sport that he had loved so much in his younger days. The electric wheel chair enabled him to enjoy the appreciate morning that Ron and I were enjoying.

We did our Summerstrand suburb circuit and then did three times through the University. Mostly flat but I am now getting back into cycling and feeling fitter for this sport. We also stopped off at Andrew Jonas' house just to greet him.

After the cycle I went home and changed for Hockey. Barbara was home by then and told me how she had enjoyed the weekend away with Cathy and Lene. Lene had a stork party at her home for one of her friends and had to rush home for that. At the Hockey at Clarendon there were the two Burri boys: MC and Emelio, Amber and her dad, Meghan, Lara O, Ally and myself. We played half a field and worked up quite a sweat in the hour or so that we played. It was great fun and good exersize on this sunny Sunday afternoon. Hannes reminded me that it was Amber who was the initiator of the Sunday Hockey league.

Back home and we all showered and had a supper of last night's leftovers before getting into bed early again. Sounds ridiculous but after a busy and sporty day like today I am ready for bed by 8pm. Barbara was already in bed.

Monday morning there was a full group at MPRG:
Jacqui Zeelie there for the first time (that I have seen her), Adrienne back from Rome, Maryna back from the arm injury that she sustained while running last month just before the Cradock hike, Suzanne, Mike Dean after a long absence, Kobus after a two week break with a cold, Claire, Steve, John, Gerald, Pat, Ronel, Andy and myself makes 14 runners.

This week I spent the next two days in Queenstown. Wednesday evening Ally had a talent show at Clarendon while I had an Alpha feedback supper at the church. THursday I took Barbara's bakkie in for 60 000 kay service. That afternoon I did some preparation work for our trip away.

Friday morning after the run I packed up Gerald's trailer and we left home and collected Fred Kohler at 08.30am and headed off to Wildcliff. Ron, Lynne, Peter and Elmarie with 4year old Grace followed us. We had short stops at Storms River and Albertina (Gekervde Biltong) and arrived at Wildcliff at around 3pm. Barbara and Ally continued to CT where they met up with Cathy. They stayed at Cathy's new house for the long weekend doing shopping and hair stuff.

Fred and I unpacked. I put up a strecher in Jenny's Study and we moved a bed to Ian's study for Fred. I suggested that we should go for a short walk down the Wilderkranz. We walked along the old aquaduct and upstream for a short while and turned around as we thought that dusk would fall shortly.

Back up at Talari, Ron and his group had arrived and were preparing for the evening. I tried to fix the Satellite Dish but could not get it to work. Unbelievably, Fred still had energy for a run up Fynbos Road. He ran up to the Bryce Canyon trail and back via Rain Frog dam. This evening Ron prepared a Pootjie together with Elmarie who had prepared all the meals for us. The meals this weekend were to be out of the top drawer. We ate very well including sandwiches and snacks on the trails. I suggested bridge and soon had Peter, Fred and Lynne playing cards. An early night saw us all in bed by about 10pm.

Saturday morning we had arranged to leave by about 8am. We packed sandwiches and snacks and headed up the water pipe to Rain Frog Dam. Baboons were there before us. They scatter when we come close. We hiked up the Fynbos road up to Ena's Falls. (Ena thinks that this was named after a fall (that cracked an arm bone) that she took when looking for the light switch at Talari one night.

This would be the first time that I saw a completed Barafu Hut. I had seen it at the foundation and the half way stage but now Jackson had just completed the roof and doors and we all walked down to see it. It is a Tiny place that looks more like a Cave Hut than a mountain hut. It consists of almost no interior area for standing or sitting.

There are two bunk beds built into the rocks with a board to serve as a bed. Then there are two counters at floor level for working. The beds all have limited storage space under them. There are three sets of windows. One looks across the gorge, one is above the wooden counter and the third is just above the top bunk. Grace was the first to step into the hut and claimed it for her own as a Magic House. This simple structure will serve as a shelter for hikers and for people wanting to do longer periods of research at the top of the trail.

From Barafu we headed up and East to the Karoo Overlook area. We walked slowly and at a steady pace. We had little Grace as an excuse for taking it easy today. But I was quite happy to walk at a little less than a brisk pace. At the Karoo overlook we stopped for a snack and headed back down again. We had a short visit to the top of Ena's Falls where we basked in the sun for a while. Grace thought that this was paradise and took off her clothes for a paddle in the water.

Our next stop was to walk down to the Rocks at the bottom of Bum Slide Pools. We used the route with the Green Webbing to assist us down and back up. It is a steep climb and Peter decided to remain up at the top with Ron and Lynne. For Fred Elmarie and I this was just additional exersize. Back up at the top we hiked along the Fynbos road back downhill. At the sign for the Dog's Head Trail, Fred suggested that we hike this trail as well. Most of the group was aready weary and decided to carry on down to Talari. Fred & I walked down hill on a trail that Ron and Stefan had created the time when I had a Jhb Meeting and had travelled back with Ian.

As we walked down this trail I remebered that this was one of the few times that I heard Ian ever being really complementary and he sung high praises on their work on this trail. Ron and Stefan had worked long hours to establish this trail and had done an excellent job of it. We worked our way down to where I, for the first time, saw what Stefan had named Dog's Head Rock. It is really an appropriate name as this rock is distinctive. It stands balancing on another rock and has the shape of a Terrier's head with the snout and two ears.

At the bottom was saw the Dog's Head waterfall. Here we planned to walk down stream to where I have been a few times before but when I came across another strapping above a small waterfall, I decided that I was already tired and did not feel that I had the strength nor the confidence to carry on. So unfortunately Fred and I split up. He had already managed to cross this section and so carried on down stream while I backtracked up again. I used the Webbing to assist myself up. I really do not think that I would have managed this climb without the webbing.

I was by now quite weary and heard in the distance the sound of what I first thought was a vehicle and then realised was an airplane. I had reached the flatter part of the horseshoe and was heading towards Fynbos road when I looked up and saw this Airforce Green airplane coming low over Laura's peak. It was an eirie sensation as there was no noise of the engines. Only after it was just above me did the engine noise catch up with the aircraft. It was a four propellor airplane and looked like it was only about 50 meters above where I was walking.

I pressed on to Fynbos Road and this time did hear a vehicle. It was Keith and Paula and Children. They were taking the Mattresses and Gas Stove up to Barafu. I heard Fred call behind me. Fred had clambered up the nearest hill after the webbing waterfall section. He did not know the kloof and was, sensibly, not prepared to head down on his own without any knowledge or sense of where he was.

We waited for Fred and then Keith went on up and Fred and I walked down to Talari. Fred spotted a Dung Beetle. This was the first live one that I have seen on Wildcliff.

Back at Talari the rest of the group had showered and even had a bit of a sleep. I decided to give the TV dish another go. But no success. Peter M also had a try but also did not succeed. There was a Tri Nations match on this afternoon and I really did not want to miss it as we would be playing the Australian Team at Newlands and had beaten the All Blacks in two successive games. So I tried again to set the Dish and this time, somehow, by sheer luck, I managed to get it right.

This afternoon we were able to watch another victory for the Springboks as Morne Steyn kicked us to a third win in a row. Victor Matfield scored our only try. Ron contends that our weak link is JP Pietersen at right wing. But overall we have an excellent team. Strange how the Press likes to creative negative thoughts. As we drove home we heard a commentator saying that the Press was reporting that it was not our coach, Peter DeVilliers, who was responsible for our run of success but it was the players themselves. However when we are losing then it is the coach who takes all the blame and is the sacrificial lamb.

After the game we had a braai supper with a potato bake and salad that basically finsished us all off and we headed for bed.

Sunday morning the wind was blowing and we were a little slower to get going. But the energy was still there and so we packed the sandwiches and snacks again. With Grace on Peter's back we headed down to the meadow. Stopped off to look at the houses and made our way along the end of the Wilderkranz river through some really thick wattle that was being cut and ring barked. The fallen wattle makes it hard going with piles of branches blocking the way. We crossed the river a few times as we searched for the confluence of the Wilderkranz and the Plattekloof. Finally we found the fence to the green fields and walked over to the Plattekloof.

The level of the river in the Plattekloof is extremely low at the moment. The water has stagnated causing a foul smell. However as we walked up stream it improved and we were able to find a picnic spot where we enjoyed the first of a number of stops. We were in no hurry as we had the whole day to walk. The low level of the stream made the rocks and boulders slippery with moss. I slipped once as did Ron. He had Grace on his shoulders but managed to avoid any damage to either of them. The fallen wattle made us have to do some bundu bashing and it seemed to be thicker than I could remember from the time that Ron and I (and Stefan & I) had done the walk.

Finally we arrived at what must be the end of the Plattekloof. I was surprised to see a solid cliff face ahead of us. Fred went on to see if there was a way forward. Elmarie announced that she had seen the ribbon but did not know that this would be the Peter Kloof. I walked back and soon found the Peter Kloof going up and out of the Plattekloof. There was a short debate as to whether we should walk back down stream or continue up the Peter Kloof.

Grace settled it when she saw that we could have a 'wenture by walking through a magic forest. The first part is not too tough. There are a number of places where you might get your feet wet but it was only when we came to the waterfall that the real 'wenture started. Some of us climbed up the strapping that was there. This is the easiest way up. But as we reached the top of the first waterfall, instead of climbing back into the kloof we climbed on the East side of the kloof almost to the top. Fred was ahead and shimmied up to the West side.

The rest of us were not nearly as agile as Fred and we clambered slowly down into the kloof and then up the other side. The sides of the kloof consist of loose sand and shale. This makes climbing extremely dangerous. At one time Peter and Grace were just ahead of us and they disloged a stone that came shooting past me and narrowly missed Lynne and Ron. At this stage we were on hands and knees easing our way up to some kind of solid platform.

Grace was quite amazing. It added a new dimension to the whole hike. This child's voice as she chatted to her dad from either the back pack or as she clambered on her own along the trail or up some really steep hills. Not once did we hear Grace moan or whine. We spent over 6 to 7 hours on the trail today and yet the child remained chirpy the whole day. Peter told me later that this was the longest drive that they had done with Grace. It was also the longest walking trail or hike they had taken her on.

Fred headed off and upwards. We all followed suite and while it was steep and tough we were soon making our way up to the pine trees. Once we reached the pines the going became a little easier but this hike is not to be under estimated. It is a tough section where people will get scratched and the chance of injury is always present. We should have taken some webbing to assist ourselves up the steeper sections. Once through the pines we were in the Protea forest and heading for Fynbos road. One has to be careful to make for the correct mountain top as if you head at all east you will be back in another kloof.

While everyone was tired and glad to be back on a pathway, I think that everyone had this sense of accomplishment. This is not like an Otter trail where there is a marked and laid out trail. There are no escape routes. There are no emergency services. You will end up with scratches and bruises and are often in danger of serious injury. So to complete this type of hike is more than a stroll in the woods, it is something that people remember as having completed a pioneering adventure.

Today had been a tough day and we were all happy to be back on the road where we made our way back to the Rain Frog Dam. I think that it was Ron who started all the nonsense but we were soon all down to shorts or underpants and in the water. Swimming in this dam is not easy. Firstly the footing is difficult as there are rocks everywhere. And the water is freezing cold and only good for a quick in and out.

Once we were all duly refreshed we walked down to Talari where a cup of tea improved spirits. I think that everyone was pleased with the day's activity. It had been a real adventure with a lot of exertion and plenty of danger. Elmarie wanted to know if Ron and I would be sleeping out. I was half expecting Ron to say: "leave it to the next visit" but he was keen for a night out. Peter and Elmarie quickly got a supper of noodles and a delicous Chicken and Veg sauce going which we shared on the stoep outside.

Ron and I packed for a night out. He organised the Ice and I took the beverages. We packed for a cold night with tracksuits and sleeping bags. We took the Bushpig and made our way slowly up to Ena's Falls and Barafu hut. I had hoped to be up at the hut before sunset but this was not to be. Fortunately this was a Sunday and there was not too much traffic so we were able to straddle the road. It was only at the very top that we really needed the Low Range Gear. And I got mixed up. But soon had it sorted out and we made it to the top in one piece.

We off loaded our stuff and carried it over to the Barafu Hut. This was to be a tribute to Ian. He had the vision to build the hut but never saw it to the end. And sad while it was for us, it was something that Ron and I felt that we had to do in honour of his thoughts. Jackson had only completed the last of the hut a week before and there was still a smell of wet concrete. We made ourselves as comfortable as we could and poured our drinks. Ooops: Ron had left the Ice at Talari. He felt so guilty that he phoned the house and asked Fred to run up with the ice. I think that Fred still had some work to do and declined.

There is not much place to sit outside the front door and we had to be careful that we did not "overstep the mark". We considered asking Jackson to construct a wooden deck. But I think that we may have lost a friend if we asked him to do this. As the sun set completely it was as though God switched on the stars for us. Suddenly the night sky went from a few constellations of the Southern Cross and Orion's Belt to a mass of bright stars that was completely awesome and a wonder to us.

This was a moment in life that we felt that we should not be so priveleged to enjoy. The weather was just perfect. In August I was able to spend most of the evening in a T-shirt and shorts as we sat outside. The feeling of being one with life was overwhelming. We watched as the shooting stars gave us a spectacular fireworks display and then as a Sattelite moved from North over Ena's Falls to the south where it dissapeared. Finally we could no longer stay awake and settled into our beds in this strange but wonderful cave hut on the edge of the top of Wilderkranz. Sometime in the night the moon shone so brightly that the opposite side of the kloof was lit up that we could see every rock and cranny with amazing clarity.

I woke at about 05.00am and made us a coffee and biscuit. I handed one to Ron and climbed back into my sleeping bag. We chatted for a while and fell asleep for the last time. The sleep after a cup of coffee is something special. It sets the tone for the day. When we felt that dawn was now really with us we packed up and made our way back down to Talari. This had been a most wonderful experience.

Back at Talari we packed up and cleaned the house. Ron left just before Barbara arrived from Cape Town at about 10.00am.

We said our goodbyes to Keith and headed for Heidelberg. I had just decided to phone Chris Davies when he phoned me. Chris has a 3000 hectare reserve that he is trying to restore to indigenous fynbos and grass. His property is infested with Wattle, Eucalyptus, Pines and Poplar trees. Chris described how to find his property. We left the trailer at Albertina and after a bit of a search we phoned him to meet us.

We had asked a couple on the road and the lady had wondered if this was possibly the man that was regularly seen in his landrover with no shirt. Well as we arrived at the meeting spot: sure enough here was a man with no shirt standing next to a Green Land rover. Chris showed us to his home where we met Theresa. Theresa lives in Cape Town and travels to Flora Land as often as possible. She was in Jodhpurs and had just finished her horse ride.

After a cup of tea Chris took us for a Bakkie ride to see the extent of his property. Barbara, Ally, Fred and I hung on as Chris drove these really rough roads. We only saw a small section but we were quite taken by the deep valleys and gorges of wonderful fynbos.

Chris has this plan to bull doze the trees and then to gather them together for burning. He spoke about fire breaks and this is something we need to consider at WC. Chris does not use poison (Garlon) but he uses manual labour to pull out the saplings, Weevils for the green seeds and a fungus to cover the stumps. Chris knows Wildcliff as they went there before deciding to move to their current property. Chris is spending a huge amount of his own money to try to eliminate the alien vegetation (mainly Black Wattle).

After this visit we left for Albertina where I again purchased some Biltong (I had left my earlier stash at Talari in the Freezer). We drove through to Mossel Bay for a Steers Burger. Here the service was particularly slow but in the end after a long wait we left with padkos. We filled up with petrol in Knysna and realised that we had a flat tyre. It did not take Fred & I long to change the tyre. Fortunately I am fussy about having a first class spare. Our next stop was in Plett where Ena was with some rusks that she had made for me. We did not go in to her house. Barbara and Ally were almost asleep in the car and we were going to be late in PE. Fred helped with the driving over the last section and we arrived home safely at just before 9pm.

Tuesday morning: Before work I called Ron and he assisted me in: Dropping my car off at SupaQuick for the flat and in fact they also changed the front two tyres, collecting Barbara's Bakkie from the Opel Dealer, dropping Barbara's Corsa Bakkie off for wheel alignment, dropping me off at work, collecting me again to fetch the vehicles and then dropping the Toyota off for a car wash.

Wednesday evening I had a short Nippers meeting with Dianne, Hannes, Dion and Cheryl. Today we had a bit of a major upset as Ally failed two tests. She had not studied for them. She is involved in her acting, drama, sport and away trips that there is simply not enough put into study. Hopefully it was a wake up call for her. Thursday we have a Family Cell Group session at the Zeelies. I ran with MPRG on Tuesday and Wednesday but Thursday the weather was just too miserable.

News letter from Peter Whatley in Doha

Doha Diaries – 13 August 2009
After a long separation, the time eventually arrived. Thursday the 30th of May saw the family say a fond farewell to Port Elizabeth amidst the general angst that goes with a major upheaval in one’s life. Without the support of friends and family, Lise would have really battled to hold it all together. In a way I was rather relieved not to have been involved in packing the house and discarding things that we have accumulated over the past 20 years.
The flight to Johannesburg went well, but there was a delay in departure time to Doha as a result of a delay on the Qatar Airways flight out of Cape Town. The plane left Johannesburg an hour behind schedule.
Friday morning, bright eyed and bushy tailed, I was off to the airport. We were in the middle of an unseasonal dust storm, but thankfully it kept the temperature down. Despite the delay, the flight was only 15 minutes behind schedule. It then took a further hour for the family to get their luggage. This was as a result of the luggage been loaded in a haphazard manner in JHB to speed up the departure. The problem was that on arrival in Doha, the bulk of the passengers are transit passengers to other destinations so all the luggage had to be sorted on this end.
As the visibility was extremely poor (around 500m), we couldn’t really go out. On Saturday we introduced Nicole to Doha. To say that she was happy was a bit of an understatement and we had a blow up on Sunday. She doesn’t do the heat thing particularly well. The family to a walk to a nearby shopping center and Nicole whinged all the way there and all the way back. I must admit that I did not envy them the walk as the temperature was in excess of 40 degrees and humidity was above 80%. When they got back, I made the mistake of asking Nicole if it was warm enough and an extremely tearful daughter stated that she “hates this place and wants to home NOW”. Since then Lise has realized that to hire a taxi is a relatively inexpensive way to get around over here.
Lise and Justin went for their medicals and a week later the whole family had to go for finger printing. For the first 2 weeks that they were here, Lise, Justin and Nicole were non entities as their passports were retained by immigration until their resident’s permits were issued. Their passports were returned this morning.
School was due to start on 25 August (Justin) and 1 September (Nicole) but the Supreme Education Council has just issued a decree applicable to all schools advising that schools are only to open after Ramadan and Eid (27 September). This means another 6 weeks as opposed to 2 weeks. Justin and Nicole will throttle each other after 6 weeks. I am awaiting confirmation from the schools regarding revised starting dates. I would imagine that to make up the time, the summer holidays will start later next year. If we do have another 6 weeks, Lise and I have discussed me taking a week’s leave and going on holiday. I suppose we will have long debates about where to go. My thoughts at this stage revolve around a trip to Greece or the Canary Islands.
I have finally bought a vehicle and took delivery last Sunday. I opted for the Nissan Xterra 4.0S. Driving a vehicle with that much power is absolutely awesome but can also be quite frightening at first. In fact, on my first pull away, I would have been commended by the “Top Gear” team for a fast start with just enough wheel spin. Thankfully I now have a better feel for the vehicle and have not spun the wheels again. I’m looking forward to Lise’s first drive in the Nissan to see how much wheel spin she manages, particularly when one considers that she is used to driving a 1.4 Polo Playa. We have been to look at some vehicles for Lise and she is quite taken with the Suzuki SX4 Crossover but unfortunately they are not in stock at the moment. She also liked the look of the short wheelbase Grand Vitara, but only time will tell what she decides on. With the price of fuel being so low over here, big engines are the order of the day.
The whole family has hit the gym. We want to avoid what is referred to as the Doha stone. This is the +-6.4kg (14lbs) that most people manage to put on when they get here. Our apartment has its own gym, pool, sauna, steam bath as well as two personal trainers.
Justin spends two hours a day tutoring his sister in mathematics. I obtained the text book from Nicole’s new school for the year that she is expected to have finished. We are looking for gaps in her knowledge where she has not yet covered certain topics or has been struggling with certain concepts. This one on one tutoring is doing her the world of good and surprisingly enough, she grasped the concepts of algebra almost immediately. In return for this tutoring, Justin will be getting a lap top computer. They are quite inexpensive over here and you can get a high spec machine for around R6 600.
Last weekend we went to buy Justin’s school uniform, but the supplier’s stock was only due in during September. A fat lot of good that did when he is due to start school in August. The school notified us of a 2nd supplier. His uniform is being made by a tailor. It was his first experience of a tailor and he got extremely nervous when the tailor loosened his belt. The cost of this is about half of what we are paying for his Grey High School uniform. I suggested to Lise that she take a taxi to the tailor during the morning (hours 9h00-12h00 and 16h00-22h00) when I knew it would be quiet but she insisted that I take them in the evening. We left at 18h30, arguably one of the busiest times on the road and went to the Souq district, arguably the busiest part of town. Combine the two and you have absolute chaos. Visiting the Souqs is quite an experience and is highly recommended. You do need to hone your negotiating skills as the vendors love to haggle. Nicole does not have a uniform but that brings with it problems of its own as we need to expand her wardrobe.
Justin and Nicole will be going to different schools, some 15km apart. To avoid having to do the school run, we have arranged for them to catch the bus to and from school. The bus service is outsourced by the schools to private operators and is a door to door service. When one sees the volume of traffic on the roads, paying for the bus is worth every cent. Getting ready for school is going to be a little different over here. Justin starts at 7h00 and Nicole at 7h15. To catch the bus, they will need to be ready by about 6h15 so it’s up at 5h00 for them. I get up at 5h30 every morning so it’s only a ½ hour inconvenience for me.
That’s all for this instalment.

Peter

Friday 14th Morning I met Jacqui Zeelie for a run. Gerald and Mike were supposed to be there but DNP. We had an easy round the park run with little walking but easy pace. Saturday morning we met at MPRG. Gerald and I went off early with Suzanne, Adrienne, Maryna, Andrew and Susan following. The main group consisting of Andy, Kobus, Riana, Brandon followed shortly afterwards. We ran to the beach. Adrienne and Suzanne had turned early and met with Andrew, Gerald and myself on the return journey. I tried to run all the way up Brickmakers kloof but did not succeed and had a few walks. Adrienne was the only one of our group that did not have a walk. She has just returned from her Rome trip and says that she was doing a big hill there as part of her training.

Work in the morning and then it was Ally's Birthday Party at Paint Ball on the Schoenies road. She had teamed up with her friend Mark who shares a birthday. There were 21 children. It took us ages to get going but as soon as they were kitted up with overalls, guns and bullets, they were ready to go. They chose "big Forrest first. The boys went into the area and proceeded to out manuever the girls. After a break for cake and eats they headed for the small forrest area with girls in first. This time it was a much tougher game with no clear winner. They all had a great time and are now experienced paint ballers.

Sunday Ally was not feeling well and spent the day in bed. I went to church and then not much else. Watched some Shield.

Sunday 23.08.2009.
Each week I try for as much running as possible. This week was just two days. One day the weather was miserable, one day I went to King for the day. Friday there was no one there to run with, Saturday I was supposed to be running the Suurberg but when the people I was to run with dumped me and I could not find anyone else from our group to go with, I kind of lost enthusiasm for the run.

Saturday morning after work I went to Tony's Appliances and bought a new Gas Hob "Swiss". R4 000 plus installation will be around R1 200. We had done a little competitive shopping and found that a price of R5500 was about the going rate for what we required: 900mm, five plates, stainless Steel, fifth cooker to be placed on the side rather than in the middle of the four burners.

I watched a bit of Rugby: NZ playing the Australians in Australia. THe All Black won 19;18 while the Aussies had led in the first half. It was a really close match with South African refs (Jonathan Kaplan) and linesmen.

Barbara went to CT for the weekend. Her cousin, Susan has terminal cancer and she had to visit her. Cathy collected her from the airport on Friday afternoon and I collect her on Sunday morning. Ally is very involved with the drama production of Alice in Wonderland: she is playing the WHite Rabbit and learns the words: "I am Late" from time to time.

Ally went to her swimming Coach: David Glover's engagement party last evening. THis morning it was a little different at church as there was no power. I learned that Carel Boshoff has also got terminal Cancer. John Kotze told me: Shocking.

Barbara & I spent a home day today. And so did ALly after collecting her from Drama practice she passed out for an hour of sleep.

Monday 24th morning. I woke to the sound of pouring rain. I thought that my run would be out of the question. But by the time I was ready to run the rain had stopped and I had a great run with Andrew B and SUzanne who was feeling on top of the world having run a sub 60 10kay on Saturday. Just over 58 Minutes. Theodore Herzl Primary Nippers Presentation with Donald Mc Gillivray today.

THis week I was in the Transkei after running on Monday and Tuesday mornings. Monday evening we enjoyed Cell Group with the Zeelies.

Thursday 27th Ally had her first introduction to the First Team of the Clarendon Hockey side. I was still away but heard about the game. Our team beat the Cambridge team from East London 1:0 and by all accounts Ally played a reasonable game. Saturday morning I ran to the beach with Suzanne, Susan, Adrienne and Gerald. I had stayed with some of the front group of Andy, Kobus, Earl and Margie for a while but then thought better of it and eased back a bit.

This morning I managed to run the whole of Brickmakers Kloof with Adrienne. I had to put my head down and vasbyt but did not walk at all. After the run I collected Jessica from their home and went to Erica where Clarendon had a Derby day. Ally had to play for the Second team as well as the first team again this morning. TOugh fro her but she managed okay. The second team won while the first team, after scoring a goal in the first few seconds, lost 3:2. The Erica team was the better of the two and deserved the win.

The Springboks were playing against Australia in Perth at 12.00 so we headed home for the game which SA managed to win 32:35. It was a 7 point win which could have been 14 points but Australia scored a try in the last seconds of the game.

Saturday evening:
Jessica had been with us for the day. She is a real pleasure to have as she is quite capable of taking care of herself. When I returned from Ally's Hockey, she went to Barbara's play school area and there she stayed for hours entertaining herself with books and games. Later on when Michael came with her two brothers she had decided to stay with me and play with the rabbits. Barbara took Ally to Drama but due to a whole group of "no show's" the drama practice was cancelled. Ally herself had almost not gone to practice as she was so tired that she had passed out in our bed.

This afternoon I did two tip runs with Kevin the gardener. He has now almost completely cleaned out the back area behind the Wendy House. The wall was rebuilt by our neighbours when the Bougainvilla that they were cutting had collapsed (almost on top of Kevin if it had not been for Barbara warning him to move away from the wall).

So this evening we dropped Ally and Jessica off with Michael (Lene and three friends had gone to Wildcliff for the weekend). Then Barbara and I drove around the Stanley street area where a lot of up grading of the homes and restaurants has taken place. The area looks quite safe and entertaining.

Saturday 29th August 2009.2
This evening it was the long awaited and anticipated Achilles Trivia evening. Charles and Ingrid were due to have joined us but as they had both been sick with flu the past few weeks they, regretfully opted out. They had been in our team last year and I know that they would hve loved to be there again this year. Rodney (from the last Alpha Group) joined our table as did Edie (a life long Giddy family friend) and David as well as John and Cheryl. The tables are made up of groups of about 8 per table. There are a wide spread of people from different Running Clubs and friends from all around PE.

Each of us had brought a little plate of eats. I went to the bar to order a couple of beverages and met up with Cathy B as I was in the process of paying. She advised me to use my membership card as the prices are lower for members. I had lost my card a number of years ago and so did not benefit from the discounted prices. But to my amazement and surprise, as I walked out of the bar area, Paulette presented me with a membership card that she had retreived in the office somewhere. So for the rest of the evening we enjoyed discounted prices for beverages.

We had a very festive little group and, while we did not win the main prize, we had a huge amount of fun. Cheryl and I each won a lucky dip of an Aisics Tog Bag. How it works is that Paulette asks as many people as possible to bring some kind of prize. People tend to be most generous and there were plenty of prizes to hand out. There were about twenty tables of around 8 per table = 160 people @R40 = R6400 is raised for Achilles. There are set up costs and prizes but this is a successful fund raiser for Achilles.

Mark Hunter-Smith is the man asking all the questions. He holds it together very nicely. Jean Stedman's two daughters do the handing out and collecting of question papers. There are six questions to each page and a total of 20 sets of questions. Paulette added in a short Cross Word Puzzle and a Picture puzzle as well. The scores are continuously updated on the overhead screen. The teams have about 2 minutes per set of questions and the papers are marked by a neighbouring team. The Questions are general knowledge: You have to be a General to know the Answers. Fortunately we had some intelligent people in our team and so we managed to not come last. During the evening I heard a chirp: "Peter. I want to see a report on this evening in the Achillean!"

Right at the end of the evening, Mark auctioned off a couple of treasures. There was a bottle of wine where Peter P was the successful bidder, a highly valued and fiercely bidded weekend at the Fish RIver Sun Resort for which Robin F made a commanding and steady bid before owning this fun activity. Finally there was a Protea Cricket shirt which was signed by the 2006 Protea Cricket team including Graeme Smith Makhaya Ntini, Mark Boucher and other famous and well known South African Cricketers. The shirt originated from the series of 2006.

It was during this series on the 12th March 2006 at the Wanderers that Ricky Ponting chose to bat. Ponting went on to score 164 runs from 105 balls, and Australia scored the highest ever ODI (50 overs) tally of 434 runs including 40 runs from the final two overs. With Dippenaar being dismissed for a single run it was now up to Smith and Herschelle Gibbs to score 90 and 175 respectively. Mark Boucher did what he is best at and famous for: he held the tail end to score a 438/9 victory in the second to last ball with a personal score of 50 not out. This match broke all kinds of records in ODI cricket and will long be remembered as one of the great sporting events in South African History. The South African Team consisted of Graeme Smith, Boeta Dippenaar, Herschelle Gibbs, AB De Villiers, Jacques Kallis, Mark Boucher, Justin Kemp, JJ van der Wath, Roger Telemachus, AJ Hall and Makhaya Ntini.

John Kotze walked away the proud owner of this memnto of a magnificent cricket team and a wonderful time in cricketing history. for a complete look at this game you should visit: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Australia_in_South_Africa,_5th_ODI,_2006#Team

Paulette makes the organisation of this event look easy. However I know, from previous experience, that putting together an activity such as this one takes a huge amount of committment and energy. Well done to Paulette and her little team. This is a really great fun evening and as soon as it was finished I had Edie asking me to include them in next year's Achilles Trivia Evening.

Sunday morning 30.08.2009. after church, Barbara and I decided to visit a Cheetah Breeding farm that Andrew Barton had told me about. We bundled Ally into the car and she promptly fell asleep. I did not really know where we were going but Andrew had said this place was on the road to Graaf Reinett past Uitenhage so I thought we would take a chance. As we drove further and further and then past the Kirkwood turn off I began to doubt that we would find the place. However at exactly 70kays we came across the Cheetah Breeding Project. We registered and paid R30 each. the guide, Jaco, took us first to see an orphan Zebra and Donkey and we fed them a slice of bread. The Zebra was quite tame and about a year old.

We then entered a locked enclosure where we were introduced to a Meercat. This is part of the Mongoose family but Jaco tells us is a smaller version and endemic to Southern Africa.

We then walked across a raised platform to where we saw the first of three Cheetah. This young male was sleeping under the walkway. We then passed an older, three year old, male in an enclosure and finally reached the female enclosure where we were able to open and go into the area where this beautiful cat was sleeping in the shade. As we approached it bagan to purr in anticipation of the fuss that we would make of it. Each of us had a time to pet and stroke this feline creature. We understand that this is the only one of the big cats that becomes completely domesticated and could be kept in the home as you would a house cat.

We felt the paws which are tough and have partially retractable claws. The claws are not sharp, it is only the "thumb" claw that remains sharp and is used by the Cheetah when catching prey. The tail is long and muscular and used like a Rudder. The tears shield the animal like sunglasses when she hunts in the early evening or early morning. She will only hunt once or twice a day even if the chase is unsuccessful as the effort and stress of the hunt is exhausting. The toung was rasp like and is used to tear the skin off the prey.

From here we went into another enclosure where we were able to pick up two young lion cubs. The one was a white lion and both were quite friendly and wanted to play. While the Cheetah as an adult could be trusted, once these 6 week old cubs reached the age of 8 to 10 months they would no longer be able to be handled by humans as they would become unpredictable and could attack even the handler. This was a wonderful experience: holding these two cubs, looking at their features and picturing them as young adults and how fierce they would soon become. At this stage they were being fed on a Milk Formula. All of these animals were being bred for conservation in game parks.

The last animal we were to see was a young Cerval Cat. This was a playful young cat that was only too happy to see us and to play for a short while.

This had been an entertaining and fun afternoon. Thanks to Andrew for recommending it to us.

Monday 31st August.
Back on the road. Our running group is now as big as it ever is: Peter, Andy, Kobus, Elmarie, Riana, Andrew B, Gerald, Pat and Ronel, Suzanne, Jacqui Z, Steven and Steven, Claire, Earl, Colin, Nicky R, Erna and Sonja, Susan B, Adrienne. This makes it easy for whatever pace you want to run or walk run at. There is always someone in the group who will be at your pace.

Today Izak VD Merwe installed the Gas Hob. What a pleasure it is that we no longer have to use the spanner to turn on a plate and the stove is instant and quality heat at exactly the temperature that you require. I will have to get used to the fact that the Hob is no longer a work surface. We will have to clean up around the hob to make some working space. This evening was Cell Group at the Zeelies. Barbara opted out as there was a Survivor that she had not yet seen. Ally went to Drama. We are working at identifying a project where we can be of service to a community need.

And that was August 2009.

Peter
1.09.2009.













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JULY 2009.

JULY 2009

THIS MONTH IN THE GIDDY FAMILY
SUZANNE LEAVES BARBARA'S SCHOOL
HEAVY RAIN FALLS AND LASHING WIND PLAY HAVOC WITH THE SCHOOL AND OUR BACK YARD
BUSHMANS RIVER WITH CHARLES AND INGRID
ADRIENNE WILSON IS IN ROME FOR FINA DIVING JUDGING
DAVE GASNER DESCRIBES DOING OTTER TRAIL MANY YEARS AGO.
I DO THE CLOVER 10KAY HELPERS RUN AND THE ACTUAL RACE AS WELL.
PETER WHATLEY (ACHILLES RUNNER) WRITES FROM DOHA
BACK ON THE BIKE, CYCLING WITH RON



Suddenly the half way mark of 2009 has past. We are now in July and heading downwards to the end of this decade. This past period has been an amazing time for South African Sport. We hosted and did reasonably well as a Soccer Team in the FIFA Confederation Cup. Unfortunately, due to some misunderstanding and due to lack of confidence, PE was not a host venue for this tournament. Brazil were ultimate winners but the Bafana team did us proud. Bafana Bafana were placed fourth behind Spain, USA and Brazil.

We have been playing Super 14 Rugby where the Blue Bulls from Pretoria (Tshwane) were placed first. The Sharks, Lions and Stormers played up to standard and we were not let down by any means. Then came the British Lions. We have been treated to some stunning Rugby over the past few weeks including a match in PE which the EP team did reasonably well. The two Springbok Matches have also turned out to be really exciting matches going down to the final few minutes before victory was given to the Boks.

The Alpha Course in which I have been leading a group ended on Wednesday 1.07.2009 and has been a real success. The group that I was fortunate enough to lead was a really special and wonderful group. We formed some real friendships and have agreed to continue for now including a meeting on Tuesday next week at Moira and Reg Haupt.

This week we played bridge with Charles and Ingrid. Ally had a Party at a friend and we used the time between dropping and collecting her to visit Charles and play some bridge. We have not played the game for ages except for Barbara who has become quite hooked on Computer Bridge. I am sure that she is honing her skills on the computer.

We will remember the last week of June 2009 for the cold spell with lashing high winds and heavy rainfalls. Our back yard was flooded as the Street Drain became blocked and this has an overflow effect on the drain which flows from our bathroom. Barbara's school also felt the effect of the heavy rainfall and was rained out. Fortunately school holidays started and Barbara only had a few days of having to mop up.

Barbara's school will go through a new phase: She has cut back to just one class. Suzanne was to be retrenched at the end of 2009 but has decided to make the break now and resigned. Barbara will run the school on her own with the two assistants. She will operate with one instead of two classes and will change the days of school to four days Monday to Thursday.

Ally started the school holidays with a Hockey Clinic. It was three days of coaching which we hope will improve her ability and skills on the field.

Friday 3.07.2009.
Cathy's Birthday.

We arranged a "Hike Discussion meeting" at our house this evening. Fred Kohler, Gerald and Pat Scheepers and Hannes Zeelie were there to talk about the Mountain Zebra hike next week. Fred has a problem that he has to be back early on Monday. The rest of us will leave on Saturday morning early to try to be at Cradock by 08.00am.

Saturday morning:
I have started running (walking) again this week.This morning we ran from Mill Park to the William Moffet and then down the third avenue dip and then back home via Linkside. This route is about 10kay. In our group was Susan Burri, Andrew Barton, Adrienne Wilson, Suzanne Gendall, Gerald and myself. We ran at an easy pace and I was able to stay with this friendly group. I thought about Sunday morning when I knew that I would be on my own at Bushmans and how I love the company and chit chat that goes with a run of this nature.

After the run I spent a little time at work, collected a Hockey stick from Brian Bands for Joshua and then did a "tip run" off loading some of the sticks and branches that our gardener, Kevin, has been cutting away. I purchased a good looking fillet steak from the Spar and then headed home to load up for our weekend at Bushmans.

We dropped Ally off at the Zeelies and drove through to Bushmans River Mouth where we were to stay with Charles and Ingrid. Once there we took a walk to the local pub where we ordered a couple of Quarts, Savanahs and a plate of slap chips. Adquately armed we settled down to watch the final in a series of three internationals against the British Lions. We had already won the first two matches.

As we sat down I recognised Carol-Anne Cash who does the promotions, amoungst other things, for the Achilles marathon and the Lake Farm 27Kay. Her husband, Niel Bissiker, does the radio sports commentary for Algoa FM. I also met up with Theo Van Wyk, who was at High School with me at St Andrews. He recognised me even though we had last seen each other about 40 years ago.

It was a great afternoon sitting and chatting in this little country pub. We lost the rugby but that did not matter to me too much as I had enjoyed the outing. We strolled back to the camp site and started the braai. We grilled the Fillet to perfection. Ingrid had brought some bottled salads which complemented the meat. After supper and a few more beverages we started an evening of Bridge. We all played better that we had done the previous time.

Bridge is a card game that requires a fair amount of concentration. As the evening progressed so did the red wine and the sherry and the quality of bridge playing began to deteriorate. It was about 10pm when we all turned in for the night.

Sunday 5.07.2009.
I started the day off with a Walk / Run up to the Build-it and Bakery in the industrial area. This is only about a 7 or 8 kay run. I never enjoy being on my own as I don't go as far or as fast as when I am in a group. But this morning I loved the solitude as I watched a Heron jump off a Power Line perch. This National bird of SA glided and looked so absolutely peaceful and content that I could not help but feel the same way. As I turned back I was treated to as beautiful a sunrise as I will ever see. The morning sun slowly crept up over the Eastern Horizon and became a fire ball as it struggled to make an impact though the morning mist and cloud.

Back at the camp site I had a shower. I love this shower as it is just short of being outdoors and gives me a sense of freedom as I washed off the braai smoke and residue of the mornings excersise. The monkeys were all over the shack and chased away the birds (Cape White eye, Cape Weaver, Heuglins Robin and Southern Boubou) feeding on the cheese and tomato that Charles had put out for them.

This morning we loaded up packed sandwiches, coffee and some warm jerseys into Charles' bakkie and drove down to the Bushmans River where we launched the boat. Charles took us far up river, past the game lodge (Amakhala). We did not spot any game until we were on our way back. We saw a few buck which I later identified as Grey Rhebok. (horns on males only, narrow vertical spikes, ears tall & narrow, brownsih grey, underparts white in small herds). We stopped for a sandwich. Ian jumped out of the boat and into a deep mud bath. The rest of us decided to stay in the boat for our breakfast. As we were sitting there we heard the distinct sound of the Fish Eagle. And sure enough there was a bird above us.

We had seen a few African Goshawk, African Pied Wagtail (which could have been the blacksmith plover except that they were is groups of more than two and plovers are normally in pairs), Egyptian Goose, Oyster Catcher, a Pelican, plenty of Comorant as they raced in front of our boat, what I think was a tern diving and catching a fish and a Redbilled Hornbill. As we were boating back we saw a small group looking uphill. They had spotted a Fish Eagle on a branch. This magnificent bird had something in its beak and was enjoying a morning snack.

Ian steered us home. This had been a really relaxing morning but Barbara & I had to leave and drove home to collect Ally.

This had been a stunning break for us. Charles, Ingrid and Ian had a few more days there.

This week went quickly with a visit to Kingwilliamstown, a stay over at the Red Valley B & B in Komga and a visit to Butterworth. Wednesday and Thursday I was up early for a run/walk with the group. Friday I had the day off and used the day to pack and ready our kit for the Mountain Zebra hike. Ally had Holiday Club. For a full report on the Mountain Zebra Hike see separate blog.

Monday the 13th: I was supposed to be in Jhb for a FS GM meeting and had missed some "customer Care" training in PE and had also missed a visit by Barry Dell in PE. While all of this was going on I was in Cradock completing the hike.

Tuesday 14th: Back to work. I was supposed to meet Gerald for a run this morning but still felt a bit stiff from the hike.

Wednesday 15th: Back on the road this morning. Cold: Adelle said she read 3Degrees in her car. None of the 'Slowies' to run with this morning. Others (Nicky Roote, Elmarie, {just back from Knysna half} etc) who used to be at the back are now part of the front group (John, Tim, Adelle etc)and me who used to be part of the front group is now at the back. Ah Well: "Ce le vie".

ADRIENNE WILSON:
Here is an email I received from Adrienne Wilson who is in Rome for FINA Diving Competition Judging.

Hello dear running friends, You think I am lucky being here, well I think you are lucky enjoying your weather. It is unbelievably hot here, and our pool is out doors. We are not allowed to put umbrellas up because of TV coverage so we are going to look like dried up prunes when we all return home.

The venue is big and beautiful with blue life size posters of all the different disciplines. The pictures are like statues, and yes the men in the pictures do have cossies on, unlike the statues all around Rome.

I arrived only yesterday, but have already taken the tube to explore. I met up with a few of the diving officials who have arrived, and we went to a quaint little place to try their pasta. I note the wine is cheaper than the water, and a coke goes for about R30 so I guess I will have to stick to wine!!.

Today was the Fina congress where I was the SA delegate - that meant I had to behave myself and have lunch with Sam Ramsamy and talk small talk.

The other judges will start arriving later tonight. There are only 5 of the 17 judges that were at Olympics and the last world championships, all the judges are new. It is great being an old girl on the block. I must say though, we never get over our nerves and our butterflies are already beginning. Tonight the initiation starts for the new ones. I am sharing with Hannah from Prague. Lovely girl, and in my mind the prettiest, sexiest etc etc - and no she will not lead me astray!!, I think I will be in bed way before her at night.

Our technical and judges meetings start tomorrow. We also write another judges exam. The days are going to be really full now. Diving starts on Friday at 9.30 in the morning, and some nights we only get home at 9,00. The mens 1m competition is scheduled for four and half hours because of the competitors. They are going to have to roll the judges, because we cannot be expected to sit out in the sun for that length of time.


Saturday night will be the opening ceremony. I am not too sure if I will be able to send any pictures, because I am using the business center to type to you.
Saying goodbye to Jen, Dani & Mat yesterday was horrible. They are going to be so spoilt. Poor Dani has a mouth full of ulcers and is a little run down. I have just spoken to Jen on the phone and they have just finished a round of golf, and are now going to Ice Age 3.

Running is going to take a back seat because our hotel is right in the center of town with tiny little streets and lots of traffic. There is a gym in the hotel but it is small and we have to queue to get the bikes or treadmill. The uniforms that we have been issued are great, but we are going to be so hot in it. Finals we will be in full pants, long shirt, and blazers, and during the day it will be long pants and T shirts.

Take care, just sending a little note to say I miss you all and wish you could share this experience with me. Sending lots of love from Rome Adrienne

Here is an interesting story from Dave Gassner who I met when doing the Amatola 100kay run with Tim Gendall. He is a real tough athlete who loves extreme sport and pushes the limits.

Dave wrote this email in response to an invitation to hike the Otter Trail with us in June 2010.

Hello Peter,

Hope you are well, thanks for the mail. We won't be joining you but thanks for the invite, I doubt you will battle to fill the spaces. I have done the Otter 5 times now, last in 2006, I really enjoy the hike and have even run it, back in 1981. A friend of mine and I were holidaying along the Garden Route and turned up at Storms River. We stayed in the hiker's huts at the mouth (long gone now, fancy log cabins have replaced them) and discovered the trail.

When we asked to go on it we were told that we have to book through Pretoria but we could start the trail if there were hikers who did not pitch. After a few days there were some no shows and we had to wait one day later until 09:00 to be sure thay didn't arrive late.

We bought some cokes, bully beef and baked beans, packed a small army canvas rucksack between the two of us, rolled our sleeping bags around our belts and at about 10:00 off we went. We had to cover two days the first day but we were going so well we just kept going and stopped at the last hut as it was getting dark and we had no idea how far we had to go.

There were very plain huts then, just a one room affair, no bunks and just enough space for 12 to sleep on the floor, as the hike was full we slept outside. The next morning we quickly got to Natures valley and hitched back to the start. In 1981 the route was not even well marked or well worn and we took wrong turns a few times, mainly on the local fishermen's paths.

Watch out for crows, the buggers know how to open the zippers on back packs and they can unpack your food !!!!!! They did it to us at Blaauwkrantz and at Blue Bay.

Keep well.

Fond regards.

Dave
16 July 2009.

CLOVER HELPERS RUN
Saturday 18.07.2009.
This morning I did the Clover 10kay helpers run with Gerald. See separate Blog.
While running a number of cyclists greeted me and this made me even more determined to haul out my Bicycle, clean it up and pump the tyres. I did this on Saturday afternoon and then on Sunday I drove down to Summerstrand where I met up with Ron. The two of us did about an hour of slow cycling around the Summerstrand suburbs and in the University.

This was exactly what I needed to regain some confidence and to get going with cycling again. It was really good to spend the time with Ron, chatting and enjoying the winter afternoon sun as we rode side by side. There was almost no traffic and this gave us the opportunity we needed to enjoy a mild cycle.

I am looking forward to getting more of this kind of excersize as we become fitter and stronger with some regular training even if it is just once a week. This afternoon Michael and Lene came over to play some bridge. I prepared a very mild Chicken Curry. They have only recently learned the rules of Bridge and already Lene in particular has become quite skilled at the game.

Michael is off to JHB this afternoon where he is joining up with the Furn City (Ellerines) people for a week of intense training before he takes over in the Pier 14 shop. I am also off to Jhb on Monday as we have the Annual Launch over the next two days. It is the first such affair for Financial Services. I purchased a new black shirt for this function.

During this week I first went off to Jhb for these meetings and then on Wednesday morning I drove through to EL for Branch Visits. I was able to catch up on some of the shops that I had never been to including Idutywa (now Dutywa).

Friday morning I had a run / walk with Gerald and Saturday morning I did the Clover 10kay event. The more I think about it the more content I am that I am still able to take part in these events. Not that I am at all competitive anymore. But it is such a pleasure and joy to be able to meet up with all of the local runners, to run the whole distance without stopping and to finish feeling totally satisfied with life.

TRI NATIONS
This afternoon was the first of the 2009 TriNations Rugby matches. Barbara and I had a relaxed afternoon in the sun reading and watching an episode of Shield. We are now into Series 3. We dropped Ally off at Drama where she is auditioning for Alice In Wonderland. The Springboks played the All Blacks in Bloemfontein.

It was a great match for the local team who have a poor overall record against the New Zealand team. Ruan Pienaar missed three penalties and the game was a very close call. But in the end we scored two tries to their one and converted enough penalties (Morne Steyn again) to set us up for a win. It was a great match for us to win and we were deserved victors.

PETER WHATLEY
.This is an email from Peter Whatley who is an Achillean who has recently moved to Doha for work:

Doha Diaries – 16 July 2009

A massive dust storm has hit the Middle East over the past few days. It originated up in Iraq. The storm was so large that warnings were issued for people to stay indoors when it arrived. To put this in perspective, it was estimated that there was 2 billion tons of dust being kicked up by the storm. The mind really boggles. When you get a really bad one, it can strip the paint off a vehicle.

Fortunately when it arrived, it wasn’t as bad as had been predicted. Visibility was reduced to about 2km which was not too bad. In a bad one, visibility can be virtually zero.

I’m still driving a pool car, but have now seriously entered the car market, not only looking for myself but also for Lise. I think that I have decided on my vehicle with the choice being between the Nissan Xterra and a Pajero. In all likelihood it is going to be the Xterra. As regards Lise, the choice is a lot wider. She will have to decide but at this stage it will probably be between the Suzuki SX4, Nissan Qashqai, Honda CRV , Rav4 or Hyundai Tucson. For what you get, the Honda and Toyota are very expensive, with the Hyundai and Suzuki being the best value.

I am now settling into work but the working hours are taking a lot of getting used to. Normal hours are 7h30 to 15h30. In summer, 7h30 to 14h30 and during Ramadan, 7h30 to 13h30. As with most expats, we still end up working longer hours.

The pace of life over here is very different and the phrase “more is nog ‘n dag” is most appropriate. After there being no real sense of urgency, all of a sudden, everything needs to be done by tomorrow morning. Even for someone like me who tends to put things off until they are needed, this is quite frustrating.

I had dinner last night with an old work colleague from PE. It was great to have a home cooked meal that I didn’t prepare. Good meal and even better company.

Whilst one doesn’t like to harp on the bad driving and lack of courtesy on the road, two incidents from last night just reinforces this. In the first one, some poor bloke was trying to enter a row of traffic. He would never be able to break into the traffic, so when the lights changed, I let a gap open in front of me to let him in.
The lights flashing and hooting from behind is hard to describe.

The second incident occurred right in front of me while I was on my way home. A vehicle was driving on the wrong side of the road, towards the car directly in front of me. Neither driver was prepared to slow down. The driver on the wrong side of the road could not get into the correct lane as the vehicles in that lane were not prepared to let him in. All that happened was an enormous amount of hooting, a near head on collision and the air around me turning rather blue as I vented my frustration, irritation and aggravation at the arrogance of all the participants in this incident.

It is now only two weeks and Lise, Justin and Nicole arrive. I am counting down the days.

I had to order some books for Justin as he has some summer reading to do before he goes to school. He writes exams on them during the 2nd week of September. The books are not available in Doha or SA so Amazon here we come. The books cost R1200 and the delivery charges were R600. At least two of the books will be used at university.

Between now and the start of the school year which for him is 26 August, Justin has to read 9 books. 6 are English literature and 3 are related to Mathematics. I suppose that’s what comes from going to a specialist school.

Nicole is also not getting off too easily. I need to make sure that her mathematics is up to scratch so we will be working through the Year 8 mathematics textbook with her to determine whether or not there are any gaps in her education. Lise and I expect that she will need to do about two hours a day for three weeks. So much for her being on holiday.

In an attempt to keep the Sheikh-i-bellie under control, I’m exercising 4 days a week. Only time will tell whether it’s working.

With me having acquired my medicine (Alcohol) license, I can now stock up my apartment. The only snag with the license is that you are only allowed to transport your purchase between the bottle store and your house, so you cannot take drinks with you when you visit friends. If you have people over, you supply all drinks and this is reciprocated when you visit. The trick is to know what all your guests drink. I must say, I was a little disappointed at the selection of SA wines available.

This weekend I’ll be introducing one of my English colleagues to “Springbokkies”. It will be interesting to see his reaction as he is quite discerning about what he pours down his throat. Like me, he is waiting for his family to arrive in Doha. His son will be at the same school and in the same year as Nicole, so she will at least know someone on her first day.

Justin already knows a few people in Doha and will be introduced to friends of his contacts when he arrives. His transition should be quite seamless. Lise has had a taste of the Souq’s already and I’m quite certain that she will spend hours exploring them.

On the work front, there seem to be many positions available for librarians so once Lise decides it’s time to start working, I don’t envisage her having a problem finding employment.

I am currently in a temporary office but a little later this year will be moving to an international award winning tower block called the “Tornado Tower”. I have to admit that the building is quite impressive, especially at night. We were going to go into the Marriott Towers but due to ongoing construction delays, we cancelled our agreement. Besides, we have just become part owners of the Tornado Tower.

With me not feeling totally comfortable on the 22nd for of my apartment block, I’m not certain what it will be like if we end up on one of the upper floors of the tower block. It goes up 52 floors. If you do a Google search, you will be able to see what the office block looks like.

In many ways, Doha is first world with a number of world class facilities, but in other ways, there a plenty of 3rd world characteristics. Education could be part of it. The Qatari’s are a Bedouin people and the discover y of natural gas and the corresponding development has only take place during the past 60 years.

There is an incredible amount of wealth here but it only in its 2nd generation so the people are not particularly sophisticated when it comes to business. In fact, locals do not really need to work. The government pays each male Qatari the equivalent of R1 200 000 per year for merely existing and when he gets married, land and accommodation is supplied free of charge.

As a result of the locals not needing to work, the work ethic amongst them is generally quite poor, but how does one break this cycle?

Next weekend I’m off to find the local Catholic Church. There is a congregation of 80-100 thousand. The church is massive and seats 7500 people. There are 4 priests and they hold 6-7 masses a day in different languages. I’m told that it is located well out of town, somewhere in the desert so I will be going with one of the congregation.

It sounds as if you are all having a cold winter, but remember this, when you are cold, you can always put something on, but when you are hot, there is only so much you can remove.

Got to do some work.
Regards
Peter Whatley
16.07.2009.

Sunday morning 26.07.2009.
This morning after church Michael and his family joined us for Breakfast at the Pink Fig which is this outdoor childrens playground / cafe near to the Riding area of PE. Seems very successful and Barbara spoke about her dream to open something similar "when" we move to CT after Ally Matriculates and I finish with JDG.

I had eaten so much that I had to have some excersize. I drove down to Summerstrand where Ron and I did about an hour of cycling around Summerstrand suburbs and the University. I am so pleased to be back on the bike even though I am so slow. Ally was doing a Drama.

Barbara and I watched her in the South African version of Pandora's Box. It had been set up by a group of Canadians who had come to SA for this reason. We thoroughly enjoyed the production. It had been a huge amount of fun for this group of young people. I think that Ally was quite sad to say goodbye to them.

ADRIENNE WILSON
Here is a letter from Adrienne in Rome:
Well my emails have been few and far between, and I do apologise. The business centre here is in the main foyer of the hotel. I have to go to reception to get a password for the day and then I can go onto the computer. If I take longer than 15 minutes to write a letter the computer loggs off and I loose everything. I found this out the other day after typing a huge letter to everyone. I wanted to take the computer and throw it out of the window.

The diving finally finished on Saturday with the men's 10m synchro. This has been a very different time judging world champs. Being a deck official as well, I am put to task and have to sweet talk my way through a competition with a VIP. Give me judging any day, especially in the heat we experienced. I also had to miss a day of competition because I was the deligate at the Fina Congress with Jace Naidoo (president of Swim South Africa). The congress happens every 4 years where new committees are formed, along with new rules etc.

I attended the Diving congress before our competition started - I am pleased to say diving was quick and easy with not too many rule changes or new dives to add to the list.

The judging side, well we still have our observers watching us judge the diving. We are given a computer print out immediately after the competition that tells us how many dives we are exclusively high or low, equaled high or low and our panel agreement, plus our percentage out of 100. Our observers then give us our exact results at the end of the 10 days. If you don't get 95% and over you do not get to judge finals. I did 3 finals, missed one with a 92% and the others I was on duty.
To get to the final we have to go through prelims (anything up to 55 divers), semi finals (top 18) and finals top 12.

I was thrilled when I was not on the panel for the mens 3m springboard, and tried to video the final. I tried to get a good place to video, but soon gave up because of the heat and found a little corner on the steps where the divers walk past after their dives. This was far more entertaining to watch the TV cameras follow them, my eyes were on their tiny little costumes. I am amazed they still have them on when they come out of the water.

Although most of the judges are new and a bit inexperienced we are having a good time. This bunch seem to want to party. We have a balcony on the 5th floor of our hotel that overlooks Rome where we all meet for drinks at night. For supper everyone goes out to the local side cafe's. My german room mate Monica, and I go to a little supermarket where we buy a salad, a bottle of wine, cheese and biscuits, take it to the roof and have a quiet supper before the others get there. We do this because at supper the bill is split by 18 of us, and most of the time we do not have steak and loads of beer like everyone else.

I originally was going to share with Hannah from Prague, but ended up with Monica. Well I could not have a better roomie. She is an English lecturer in Germany and a comentator on TV for diving. She is only 2 years younger than me, loves to go to bed early like me, and we find we have the same likes and dislikes. We have laughed so much in the room. The only thing I cannot get used to is how she walks around the room in the nude before and after her bath, plus she just sleeps in little panties. I think it must be a continental thing, because you should see all the lady judges showering after competitions. Does it sound as though I becoming an old lady!!!!!

The one night we were on the balcony we each had to sing something from back home. I tried to do a zulu dance to izga zimba. I don't know if it was my lousy singing voice or my body movements but everyone laughed so much that they made me repeat it the following day to our fina technical chaps. (I wonder what the observers gave me for the performance).

Every free minute we have we get taken to the sights of Rome. We have all had 2 free days during competition. I chose to go to the Vatican city, St Peter's Basilica and to the Trevi fountain. Today we did the Colosseum before our judges meeting. Last week Monica and I did a full day of a lot of the churches in Rome. Each one unique in its own special way. Not many of the judges wanted to do this, so unfortunately we did not have a guide.

We did however manage to buy ear phones at the entrance of each church which explained the history. Our favourite was Sana Maria. It is the most ancient and greatest among the Basilicas dedicated to the Virgin Mary. One has to dress appropriately before entering the churches and shorts, miniskirts or bare shoulders are not allowed.

I have taken so many photos of the inside of these churches and will send them to you once I am home. Another day I visited the Wax Museum and Palatino. The Palatino is a ruin with beautiful views showing the Palatine hill where Romulus killed his brother Remus and founded Rome.

There is just not enough time to explore and the heat does get to us, but to have guides on all our tours is a major advantage.

Last Wednesday night we had dinner and then a tour of Rome by night. We stopped at the Trevi fountain, for half an hour where we could wander through the streets and have an ice cream. I just could not believe that at 11.00 at night the streets were just jam packed with tourists. I wonder if Rome ever sleeps.

Our first day is finished, and tonight we will go to the swimming. On Saturday I saw the finals of the synchro swimming group finals. I could not believe what these 8 girls did in unison. Waterpolo I have not seen at all because it clashes with the diving but I hope to get to one of the matches tonight. The village here is huge with lots of different places to eat.

Every night they have a live band playing. Our shuttle bus runs from the pool on the hour every hour so it is easy to get back to our hotel. I have walked back to the hotel - it took me 40 minutes and it was uphill all the way. I have managed to get in a few runs early in the morning before traffic gets bad. It is a good way to see Rome. One of my runs goes uphill (like Brickmakers) but three times the distance, and at the top there is a look out point showing the beauty of Rome.

We saw video footage of all the dives where we were 2 points or more out of range from the rest of the panel. I did a 2 when the other judges gave 4, and I am pleased to say I was correct (what a good feeling that was), it was on a synchro dive where a ukrane girl hit the board and then bent her legs, and finally bombed into the water.

Our technical committee always advise us to use our full range of marks, but when we do, they complain that it is not good for TV. My set of results are great, but once again I mark the divers too high on highboard and only got an 89%. That means I was 6 dives higher than my panel on 60 dives and only by half a point most of the time, and when I see the video replay I still think I am right.

This afternoon after this email, I have to do some swotting because we sit our exams tomorrow morning. I look forward to the trick questions but hate to calculating the degree of difficulty of new dives. They give us a number 5271 and ask us what dive it is and what will the degree be. We know 5 is the twist group, 2 is backwards 7 is the number of sommersaults and 1 is the amount of twist that will be done.

The kids are back home, so Peter is very happy, someone to cook supper for him!!!!! Jen has phoned me since they left, and said it was great having them. I think they were spoilt rotten. I know Matthew received an early birthday and christmas present - golf clubs. They played a lot of golf here and Matt just loved it. Dani received her birthday present and Christmas present as well - guess what clothes.

Well I think this is enough to bore you with, I do understand if you don't get to read all of it and delete most of the email. Looking forward to getting back on Saturday. I hope this email finds you all fit and well. Sending lots of love from Rome xxx Adrienne


Last week of July 2009:
I have been home most of this week with just Monday in EL for a meeting. I am trying to keep up with the morning runs but am in huge pain in my left calf. And the Knee. Whoa- sounds like I am a real old crock. Which I suppose that I am. Stragely enough as I am running I have hardly any pain. It is only after sitting in the office or at home for some time that I have this pain.

Thursday 30th: Lene Birthday.
They were here for supper and bridge. Bought a new scanner / printer today. But am not able to get it to operate. Spent hours on the phone with the HP help desk but to no avail.



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CLOVER 10KAY HELPERS RUN AND ROAD RACE KINGS BEACH 18.07.2009 AND 25.07.2009.

10kay Clover Helpers Run.
Saturday 18.07.2009.

Kings Beach.


I am not quite sure how it came about that we ended up doing the Helpers Run with Gerald. I think that he has to work on the day next Saturday and he particularly wanted to get Suzanne back into running races.


A few weeks ago Geralde came across Suzanne running on the beach and insisted that she join the group. Since then she has become quite regular at MPRG. We have been doing the slowest of running and walking. But at least we are out there. Myself when I am not doing “Country Work”.


This morning we met at the Kings Beach Parking ground at about 06.30am and set off a little ahead of the main group who looked like some real serious runners. I take a little while to start breathing and running easily so was puffing and panting after just a few 100 meters. But once we steadied the pace and settled down to an easy jog, I was fine to run. This morning we had Colin McCall join us together with Gerald’s daughter, Ronel. When Ronel moved from Cape Town she started to run with MPRG until she found a job in PE. Since then we have not seen her. We put our names as participants on the clipboard list that was circulating.


This morning Ronel looked like she has stayed fit as she was able to maintain a steady pace throughout the run. Suzanne was determined to run the whole distance so it put paid to any thoughts that we had of having a nice stroll from time to time.


From Kings beach we jogged East along the Marine Drive. Andy Bolton and Michelle Elfick were returning from a run that had started at Mill Park. Cyclists passing us shouted their hello’s but when you are a runner trying to identify a cyclist it is almost impossible, as the cyclist with a helmet and dark glasses, becomes completely camouflaged. I really must remember to take out my bike and start to train cycling.


We turned up Admiralty Way. Ronel had her GPS watch on and would, on a regular basis, let us have our distance run. Suzanne and Colin had gone ahead and I was surprised to find that they were completely out of site as Gerald, Ronel and I turned the corner from Marine Drive. But a short while later I realized that they had stopped for water at the garage and that is why we could not see them. Up Admiralty Way and ahead we could see Alf Zemke standing at his Bakkie with water. This put a fire in the bonnet of Ronel who decided to start her sprint. She had been bragging about how she could outsprint her dad. So now the two of them took off up the hill with Ronel beating her dad with pure staying power.


Once we were watered we turned West along Erasmus Drive. Shortly after we had turned, the front runners came loping past us. These are the real athletes of road running. Tall, thin men with muscular legs that talk of hours of intense practice. A young lady followed close on their heels. Gerald thought that he would fool around and sprinted off with them. They did not appear amused at his attempts to be jovial and they continued at a Sub 3 minute pace. We jogged on at our six minute pace. Still we had not done any real walking. Maybe too much talking. At the Roundabout (English word for Circle) we turned back down past the University and the Casino and down towards the ocean. We had a nice relaxed kay of downhill running. Suzanne was looking strong. Colin had decided to take it easy and was keeping Ronel company.


Back into Marine Drive and Suzanne started talking of stopping at the garage for water. With no support from Gerald or myself she scrapped that idea and we ran at a steady pace to the Kings Beach Parking area. As we ran we were reminded that today was the 91st birthday of our ex president Nelson Mandela. Gerald remarked on how much Madiba had done for South Africa. How we could have ended up with a completely different scenario.

We could have had all kinds of recriminations for the way that the white South Africans had treated their Black counterparts. We could have had a dictatorship. We could have been persecuted. All kinds of possibilities exist. But as history now tells us: we had a smooth transition with forgiveness as the common thread. Instruments such as the Truth and Reconciliation, the Restructuring and Development Program, Affirmative Action and others have helped to make South Africa a prosperous country of opportunity for all South Africans.


Gerald had taken our time and Jan Van Eeden recorded us at 1.05 which is just above 6minutes a kay and quite acceptable for a group of joggers who have not run a full 10kay without walking for absolute ages. Ronel and Colin followed seconds later. Gerald and Ronel had some kind of bet and by beating his daughter he had weaseled out of paying for whatever he had to pay for.


Suzanne was quite happy with her morning’s exercise as this had been the first ten kay run in as many years. I had to be at work this morning so left as soon as we had finished.

CLOVER TEN KAY ROAD RACE AT KINGS BEACH.

The following weekend, Saturday 25th July 2009 was the "real thing". I had been out of town for the whole week and when Gerald said that he would be running on Friday I was happy to join him. Friday morning we ran around St Georges Park. Elamrie, Michelle and Claire joined us at the start and then ran away and we never saw them again. Gerald & I had an easy run and walk.

Saturday morning I left home at about 06.15 and registered for the race at Kings Beach. Chris Jansen was doing registration. Lekker Lekker Hennie was directing people as they came into the tent for registration. The PE events are far too complicated with registration. We should be able to pay the R20 and hand in a slip with our names. The orgainsers erect this huge tent which costs thousands of Rands and make a big fuss of registration.

Once I hade my number I sat in the car and pinned it to my vest and waited for the race to start. Sitting there I saw a very athletic (good looking) Paulette running past. At about 6.55 I joined the back of the runners waiting for the start. Lesley, Graham Nel, Suzanne, Colin Mc Call, Tim Gendall, Bradley Joubert, Gill, Ekardt, Lex Mitchel, Ben Carver were amoungst the people I saw at the start. Les Barnes was there. Les used to be a reporter for the local Afrikaans newspaper, Die Burger. He covered all the local runs for many years and it was quite common to see him greeting all kinds of people. At that time every one in running knew Les. Lately he has gone into the Supermarket business with his son, Peter, at the Sunridge Park Spar.

I had run the route the previous week and knew that I would be out of breath as we ran up to Marine Drive. It takes me quite a little while to settle into a race. As I ran I was greeted by a young Achillean (Ancha) who I had run the final few kays (also at Kings Beach) with some time before. I was so impressed that she remembered me. Ancha explained that she was recovering from an injury. Nicci Roote and friend Robyn greeted me as they enjoyed a Cappocino at the garage opposite the Red Wildmill. I ran for a short while with Dean who used to be a student of mine. Alf Zemke greeted runners as they passed him in Marine Drive. And then I concentrated on the run. I did not want to burn myself out but also wanted to run under 60 minutes.

For a while I was able to chat to Aletta who told me that she had run Rhodes the previous weekend. She described Mavis Bank and how tough it had been. This brought back memories for me. She desribed the thick snow that had made the race even tougher than ever. The cut off for Mavis Bank 21kay was 4.5 hours and the cut off for the Tiffendale turn off was 6 hours. Aletta described how she had battled to make these deadlines. This explains why Rhodes is one of the toughest Ultra's in SA.

As I ran up Admiralty Way I passed Colin and Suzanne and gave her a bit of a push. Then I pressed on and ran at an easy pace. I ran for a short while with a man (teacher at Grey I think) whose name I cannot remember but should. He was running with his 16 year old daughter from Collegiate. I wanted to talk to him as it sounds like he was thinking of joining Achilles but when Shoaib (Daughter Ageelah I think, in Nippers) greeted me I ran on with him. The two of us ran the last five kays together. He is training for Ironman Half in EL next year. He pushed me to a pace that was a little uncomfortable for me but I was enjoying myself.

We ran past Gerald S who was marshalling at the Circle in 2nd avenue and then down to the beach. The two of us were pushing each other and when he would slack I ran harder and vice versa. We passed Gerald Hoxley, The only Achillean that I passed today. Then ran hard into the finish area back at Kings Beach. As we approached the finish Percy and Robin shouted a greeting. They must have run really hard to have completed the 10kay and still had time to jog back to greet incoming runners.

Our time was about 57.20. Shoaib had a heart rate monitor and gave me some of his statistics. I was happy that I was still able to take part in an event like this. It had been a stunning morning for a run. The sun was shining. It was neither too cold nor windy. Later in the day I phoned Suzanne and she told me that she and Colin had run exactly 60 minutes. She explained that the last few kays were very tiring but she was quite stoked about running and feeling good that she was now back into the sport after a ten year absense. I had also spoken to Tim who had run with Bradley and done about 44 minutes.

As I walked back to the car I saw Aletta and Gaynor finishing. Gaynor appeared to be looking good and Aletta said that this would have been a PB for Gaynor. I greeted Val and Andre Erasmus from our church. They were there to support their 22 year old daughter, Helen who had run a 49 minute 10 kay. It seems that Helen had planned for a sub 40 minute but had suffered with cramps during the run. Helen is another potential Achilles Club member. I saw Margie Saunders and her son getting into their car with a group of young Grey Boys.



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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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