JANUARY 2010
NEW YEARS DAY
RUNNING AND SWIMMING AT THE BEACH.
MERCEDES IS STOLEN
MERCEDES IS RECOVERED BY FLYING SQUAD AND TRACKER.
VEGETARIAN MONTH
TEA TOTALLER MONTH
PURCHASE OF THE CARAVAN AT GAMTOOS RIVER MOUTH
SUMMERSTRAND NIPPERS CARNIVAL AT KINGS BEACH
ACHILLES MARATHON
RESTART MY BIKE RIDING: FRIDAY MORNING RIDES WITH MIKE DEAN
Finally the BIG YEAR for South Africa has arrived.
We have been waiting for this year for so many years that it seems impossible that it is finally upon us. The year that the World Cup Soccer will be played in South Africa.
Friday the First was a little lazy for us. We have been having a drought here for so long that it was really pleasant to see a little rain falling in our garden. I moved the cars just so that the rain would be able to wet the grass. I have this vegetable garden that I am trying to cultivate. Mainly unsuccessfully but recently I bought some Peat and this forms the base for the seedlings to grow. Today I did some transplanting of the Spinach (Swiss Chard). Barbara and I now have a DVD player in our bedroom and we watched some of the Shield Series. And not much else.
Saturday morning I did my morning run at the beach. THe beach is very dirty after all the New Years day revellers have made their mess. But the clean up team was there early. I had my swim after the run. I am going to miss the swimming. The swim is such a pleasant way to end the run and is so incredibly relaxing to swim out to the end of the pier to the swim buoys. The run started off with just Adrienne and myself but we took the route going up second avenue to meet up with Annie and Adrian who we had seen along the route. We ran down Admiralty and back along the promenade. Gerlad and his family had gone off to Jeffries for a 15kay race.
Barbara & I did some shopping and then I went to the office mainly to complete the application for DBA form. I had seen Charles' proposal at his house on 31st night and was energised to make certain that I am in the program for 2010.
This afternoon both Barbara and I seemed to be very sleepy and crashed at alternate times. Ally and I did a little cycling. Back and forth to the DVD shop. First to return a DVD and then home to fetch some cash as Ally wanted to rent a new DVD.
Sunday 3rd: for some reason I was feeling a little feverish and very tired with head aches today. I had to sleep most of Sunday afternoon. THe following day I was feeling awful and later thought the reason may well have been a case of Tick Bite Fever.
As a result of this and also as it is January, I decided to eat carefully: vegetables etc and to give up alcohol for the month. My little vegetable garden consisting of a few spinach and cabbage leaves are now able to be part of my daily diet. I was able to return to work on Tuesday but still felt pretty awful. Wednesday I started feeling stronger again and Thursday I was able to undertake a trip to King for the day. I had planned a trip to East London but had to cancell due to the way I felt.
Evenings this week had been spent playing bridge with Lene and Michael. They have certainly improved and regularly beat us.
Thursday evening I had an Achilles meeting at Old Grey and Friday evening I met with the Nippers Committee including Lee Collier who has agreed to stand in as the Chairman for this season until after the National Champs in April.
Regarding the Merc:
Saturday 9th January 2010;
This week should have had a great week. Tuesday was my Birthday and I had been spoilt with a set of gifts from Mom and Ally: a pair of swim goggles and a set of cycle gloves. Lene had bought me a box of chockies that others ate up, a special lunch box with knife and fork attached and a belt knife set.
But I had come down with what I thought was Tick Bite Fever: From Sunday afternoon I was woozy, Headaches, Fever, Hot and Cold flushes. No flu symptoms. This set me back for the week from running or swimming for the whole week. Even my Saturday morning run was out of the question and this is one of my high lights of the week. I was also not able to carry out my plans to travel to East London.
Saturday evening.
Michael, Lene, Mom and I had been playing bridge in the evening. Michael parked the car and I put the keys on the kitchen table.
I awoke around 6am, saw the kitchen door open and thought that one of the family had been up before me and let the animals out.
I wandered out stretching and noticed that gate was open. I broke out in a sweat. I knew that something was wrong and ran to the gate. Then I saw that the Merc was gone.
I ran to wake Michael and phoned the police. I phoned to get the tracking company number but could not remember the registration number of the car. I phoned people from the office to meet me there and to open up so that I could get all the details. I drove to the office and there met with Godfrey and Earl who opened up. Mom phoned to say the Police were at home.
I went to my office and made copies of my ID and the vehicle documents TND 766 GP. The police arrived. I had phoned the tracking company 086 150 5505 again and given the correct registration number. I began to give a statement and the Constable (Hattingh) phoned the investigating officer: Flying squad and gave him the tracking company details. From there we continued to complete the case documents and phoning to find out that the officers were after suspects. They were able to tell where the car was at any time. Before we had completed the case document the car had been recovered. I told the constable about my wallet, GPS, Drivers Licence etc that was in the car. He offered to go to the scene and to recover as much as possible and to deliver it to our house.
I left the office and went home. At this time it was about 08.00am. The vehicle had been recovered within an hour and a half of me discovering that it had been stolen. A little later the constable Hattingh, arrived at home with my wallet and ID book and some credit cards which I had already cancelled. He also handed me the set of keys that were attached to the car key all except the car key.
Then a fingerprint man arrived and dusted on the door, gate locks and window panes but did not find any usable prints. From here he went to the vehicle pound where he dusted for finger prints on the car.
Today was the first official day for Nippers training and despite the fact that we were all feeling a little shaky, we decided to go to the beach. We had a good turnout of Nippers and were able to do a number of beach and ocean exercises. Varrin, Clint and I were with the U14’s. I was having a great time in the water swimming with the youngsters. We did some In’s and Outs’. This is very good exercise for the Nippers to learn the importance of entering the water and bashing through the waves. The wind had been easterly when we arrived but by the time we left there was a strong west wind picking up. On the way home I stopped off at Spar. Here I met up with a man who we have seen a number of times on the road. He cycles with a flag with the word JESUS on the flag and a second flag flies behind the saddle. This is a star of David flag. It is an interesting combination so I started a conversation in which he told me that Jesus and Israel are intertwined and cannot be separated. He has a strong belief which is interesting to listen to and uses his bicycle to show his message.
This afternoon I received a call to say that we could obtain the full details at Mount Road Police station. Michael and I went to the station and after some searching we were able to find out the case number for Mount Road (208/01/2010) as well as for Kwazakhele (181/01/2010)which was the station nearest to where the car had been recovered.
We also went to Crawford Street Police station (Flying Squad) where we met up with Inspector Joubert who was the man who had chased down and boxed in the car in Koyana street in Kwazakhele. He described how he had been in contact with the tracker company and had followed the instructions that they gave and had finally found the car and had been able to arrest two of the three occupants: the Driver and the rear seat passenger.
The third suspect had fled and there was some shooting. Inspector Joubert thinks that he may have wounded the suspect or the suspect may have cut himself when fleeing. A household had been invaded and this was reported some time later. Blood samples were taken from the house where the suspect is thought to have sought refuge. The two suspects alleged that they had been walking when the third person had asked them to drive as he was drunk. One of the suspects had a prior conviction for armed robbery in Port Alfred.
Monday morning as we were on our morning training run Michael Dean pointed out how South Africans have this game they play called “At Least”.
· We lost about R4 to R5 000 worth of goods but “At least the vehicle was recovered”
· The inside was damaged but “at least there was not serious damage”
· The house was burgled and the key stolen but “at least we were not attacked”
· He goes on to play the game: My wife was attacked but “at least she survived”
· My wife was attacked but “at least the children were unharmed”
Quite scary when you look at it like that: we cannot be completely myopic and say that all is good but we can be realistic and look at the brighter side.
A little later as we ran up Mount Road I saw a Hadida that was hurt on the side of the road. When I got home I told Barbara and the two of us (me in Mom’s Pink Gown) drove down to see if there was anything that we could do for it. Mom picked it up and took it home where she gave it some Sugar Water. Later she took it to the 9th avenue vet where she left it in their care, all the while lamenting the fact that we don’t have a recovery farm area where we can help poor animals to recuperate.
This morning I was planned to be in East London but the car theft had made this an impossibility. For the second week in a row I had to cancel.
Monday morning I was at the Mount road Police station at 08.00am and after I had found the investigating officer: Inspector Debbie Pauls, 041 394 6112 - was out. I then went to the bank to obtain a new cash card. My cash card was in the wallet and I had cancelled it but the robbers had also stolen or destroyed the card. Back at Mount Road I waited for inspector Pauls. She arrived at about 09.15 and soon gave me release papers for the vehicle.
I went home to collect Barbara and the two of us drove to Kwazakhele where we found the police station only to be told that it was not required for us to go there. We then went to the Vehicle Pound in Struandale where we finally completed the last set of forms and were able to collect the Merc. We found the Merc at the back of the warehouse of vehicles. The centre console was damaged.
Stolen from the vehicle: My cash reserves of probably about R500; My GPRS Tom Tom that I so enjoyed (R1900); My Drivers Licence that was on the key ring; My cooler bag that I keep in the boot with some cold drinks and Power Play; My office tog bag with documents and my 2009 diary; my car Cell Phone that I had recently purchased at R600; my tow rope; a pair of spectacles and a pair of Sunglasses and a few other odds and ends. Strangely they left my two office name badges.
Having now received the vehicle back – just 31 hours after discovering its loss – I realized how lucky we all were. No one hurt, only minor expenses incurred, some time but no real problems in that I will still have to register the vehicle with the traffic dept as a recovered vehicle or else I will not be allowed to licence it again. I will have to spend a morning to stand in a queue for a new drivers licence.
And then back to work where I realized that I have the Daewoo Licence disc. Dean Moyes has just finished the repairs and I will be able to collect the car this afternoon after the Nippers Level Test at Hobie Beach. Michael collected the Daewoo and it looks a lot smarter except for the Petrol flap which still has to be replaced and the rear Windscreen wiper which was fitted incorrectly.
Tuesday 12.01.2010
I was at the Traffic Dept at 07.00. I was greeted by a Photo rep: he ushered me to a nearby shop where I had a Photo taken for a Temp Licence R20 for two photo’s. I completed the form and stood in the queue for the next 30 minutes. I was prepared with a water bottle, newspaper and lunch box. I had a little stool that Michael and Lene had given me for Christmas. I parked myself along the fence with everyone else. Finally we were allowed into the building and then began the next wait. This was a line for photo’s, eye test and Finger printing. This took probably an hour. Here I saw Elaine Braatvedt: she was also in the queue for her licence. Once this was done I had to stand for about another hour in the second queue for the cashier. Finally at about 10am I paid the R264 for a renewal and a Temporary licence.
Tuesday afternoon we had an urgent Nippers meeting at Summerstrand. We were putting on a Carnival on Sunday and had to do some urgent planning and set up. We would meet on Saturday afternoon to load the trailer and then take all of our equipment to Kings beach where we would set up for the next morning. This issue of losing the car made my week miserable. Even though we recovered the car I was upset due to the stuff lost and the broken console.
Friday morning I met up with Mike and Susan and the three of us went for a short cycle around the Moffet. This is a great little cycle. Not what a real cyclist would call a training ride but sufficient for us.
Saturday morning I collected Adrienne and we drove to the beach for our run / swim. We met up with Maryna, Susan, Mike, Ben, Suzanne, Chris, Jeff and Annie. We did our normal Strandfontein route and back along Admiralty. I was feeling good and pushed the pace a little harder than I should. The swim was great. Barbara and Ally had given me this pair of goggles which I really enjoy using.
The first part of this morning was at the Home Affairs where I applied for Jacqui’s birth Certificate. Then work and then collected Mark and we went to the beach to load the trailer and to set up as much as possible for the next morning.
Barbara had found a possible Caravan to purchase. We needed an extra room for Mark who would be coming to stay with us later this month. There was one advertised at R8 000 which was a much better price than the around R18 000 to R25 000 that we had seen so far. We drove out to Gamtoos River Mouth where we found Frikkie who runs a construction business and has a whole lot of vehicles, boats and caravans there. It appears that he makes Log Homes that are set up against the caravan as a permanent structure.
The caravan we saw had been dismantled from a kind of park home. It had no papers and would not easily pass a Road Worthy test. It is about 25 years old but the interior appears to be sound so we paid the R8000 and he promised to deliver the caravan to our home on Tuesday the following week.
Sunday morning we met at Summerstrand at 05.30am to set up the arena’s and the kitchen for the tuck shop. The carnival started at 08.00am with sea and beach events running at the same time.
As always, Ally took part in everything. She started off with a Swim, Malibu board, Taplin Relay, beach sprints, beach relay and flags. And in every event she did exceptionally well. Ally is in her first year for U14. Yet she still came in the top 5 for every event. In Flags finals she was placed 4th against all odds. In the beach sprint she got through the heats into the finals and was placed second overall with only Layla from Summies beating her.
Ally did well in the Long Run which was the last event of the day. In every event she earned the Club points. It was a pleasure to see how well she was doing and how she is liked and cheered on by the Nippers of not only Summies but other clubs as well. I had a small team of Mom’s assisting with the recording of results. Barbara did the registration as the Nippers arrived. She does the writing of names on the arms or wrist bands of the Nippers. Barbara also collects the entry fee of R10 per Nipper.
We probably finished the last event at around 13.30 and finally off loaded the last of the equipment at around 5pm. Andrew and I loaded the two gas braai’s and tables & took them back to Summerstrand. Thomas loaded the trailer with all of the boards and he dropped it off at Terry’s house. Terry and Karryn had all of the catering to sort out including the excess food. They also had their runner duck to take back home. It was so hot and sticky that everyone had left the last cleaning up to a few of us. By now Ally was finished and slept in the car as we drove home. I was also exhausted and looked forward to an hour or two of doing nothing. The sun, wind and sea had taken their toll and we were all a little burned.
The final result was that Kings Beach had beaten the Summies team by NINE points overall. One of our problems was the loss of Layla Carelse and Anke Spies who had both left early due to injury and not feeling well. Both of these two U14’s had reached the Final Flags and would have scored points even if they had just laid down on the sand and never moved. But that is Nippers.
Monday morning we did the town run returning up the back of Collegiate and finishing on the Golf Course. This afternoon I phoned Insp. Debbie Pauls and she promised to let me know if I could see the two men who were arrested for the theft of our vehicle.
Hi All
The Summies Carnival ran smoothly yesterday, and the weather behaved itself!
Many thanks to all the nippers who turned up – we know so early in the new year, with so much on, everyone is very busy! Our performance was greatly improved, as the results below show – more about that later!
To the nippers who did not turn up, we missed you. Remember we only have a small number of nippers, compared to the ‘Giant’ clubs, so we rely on the support of EVERYONE!!!! Please diarise the next competition, East Cape Champs, on 21/22 February. We need EVERYONE to participate. This one is in Plett, so it’s a good excuse for a mid-term break!
A very big thanks to all the helpers who were so willing to assist – without you, the carnival would not have run so smoothly! A VERY special thanks to the following:
- All the safety officers
- Clint Meintjes for organising the safety officers and for being an official
- Claire Meintjes for the thankless task of managing the scoring, even though she doesn’t have a nipper anymore – unselfish dedication to the club!!!!
- Charmelle Maree for bravely offering to learn how to score –a very technical job!
- The Hepburn extended family plus helpers for running the tuck shop – a huge task, well done!
- Warren Collier for giving up his weekend to help, even though he doesn’t have a nipper anymore – that’s selfless dedication!
- All the coaches for all the hard work.
To all our nipper families, please encourage your nippers to work with the coaches. There were too many cases of nippers, who were at the carnival, but wouldn’t compete! Again, we NEED THE SUPPORT AND COMMITMENT OF EVERY NIPPER AND PARENT! Please have faith in your coaches, they won’t ask you to do something you are not capable of!
The results were as follows:
U10
3 Plett 133 2 Summies 185 1 King’s Beach 360
Top Competitor Boy Corrik VD Wath
We need to work hard with our U10’s as this is where KB is killing us!
U12
3 Plett 171 2 KB 241 1 Summies 286 – well done!
Top Competitor Girl Jamie Lee Engelke Craig Dagleish was second in the boys section!
Keep up the great work, U12’s
U14
3 Plett 147 2 Summies 290 1 King’s Beach 299 – by a mere 9 points!
Top Competitor Girl Christie Vaughan
Well done, U14’s this was a much better performance. Let’s work hard in all age groups to improve our performance for EC Champs!
Regards
Lee Kemp
This week I went to Queenstown for business. Of the two evenings that I was there I was able to run with the Queenstown Harriers both evenings. The first I only just managed to make it to their time trial and asked one of the men to hold my bag while I ran. It was good for me to run hard for a change. The following evening was the opposite with a really slow group and a lot of fetching. I enjoyed both evenings. Saturday morning was our Beach Run. Another really fun activity which I love to do. Sunday was our normal Nippers training. Lots of swimming and boarding.
The last week in January I spent three days in East London. Peet Booysen (forensic Auditor) travelled with me. I had a good productive week but no running. Peet likes to take out supper so it was a very quite week in EL. We were back on Thursday morning and I was able to make the Cycle that Mike Dean has set up for Friday mornings. This evening we had the first of a set of Friday evening Nippers training. I enjoyed the evening but did not manage to get into the water.
Saturday 30th morning was the Achilles Marathon event that started at Homeleigh Farms. The parking and start area was my responsibility together with the Lucky Draw prize collection. Charles had donated some Eveready torches and some House of York products. I also managed to scrounge some stuff from Morkels. The Five Kay event was over subscribed and was the only real problem of the day. I was working with Chris Darke just as I had the previous year with John Kotze. The dust, cars, children etc is simply more than this venue can take.
The following morning I did a bike ride with Mike Dean. We cycled up Cape Road in to the wind as far as the Greenbushes hotel. Then right and past the Fire station where we expected to meet up with the Achilles Helpers Run. We met them in Butterfield Road. We stopped for a coke and then headed down Kragga Kamma Road with the wind. What a pleasure! It had turned out to be a great cycle. This morning after church we had a wonderful morning at Summerstrand with the Nippers.
The afternoon I was really busy; washing the car and then I spent the rest of the day tuning bicycles. I first put the Knobblies (Track Tyres) on to my mountain bike and then cleaned it up and generally had it going really well. Then I took the old Green Bike that had been lying in the open for some years and with not too much effort: cleaning, Lubing the chain and other parts and then changing the tyres and tubes. The bike seemed to be in great condition and is now ready to ride.
Michael and his family had been staying with us for a few months and they now moved to a house just behind Collegiate. Moving is not fun. Michael had his old friend and how work colleague, David to help him. They used the old bakkie and cars to do everything.
Monday I was able to get back into running: the slow runners did the whole of Dias road and Langenhoven. The next morning I managed to do the whole of the Susan's Route. This evening I met up with Charles and we took out his mountain bike and did the same tuning and cleaning thing that I had done on my bikes. It had a inch thick layer of dust and the chain derailer was out of line. But again with not too much effort we soon had the bike going like a charm. I arranged to meet Charles on Wednesday for an afternoon cycle. We rode down to the beach and back. It was great.
Thursday I flew to Johannesburg where Suzanne collected me from Malibongwe drive. I love this family. Suzanne fed us a Venison (Kudu) supper. We sat chatting and finally I fell into bed exhausted. Friday morning Keith and I went to their school swimming pool complex and he and I did a really healthy swim. He must have done over two kays non stop. I did about 1.3kays but with plenty of stops. I would swim four lengths (25m) and then recover. Mark moved into our house on Friday. I was still in Jhb. In fact my plane was delayed and I only arrived home after 21.30.
Mark and I got stuck into Barbara's bike. First we had to fit knobblies and then make sure the bike was perfectly tuned with no sticky points. We fitted him out with cycling gear. We loaded the bikes into the Corsa Bakkie and were set for our mountain bike ride. Saturday morning we were up at 04.00am and drove to Gerald. He picked Alf Zemkhe up and we drove too fast to Addo.
We arrived with over an hour to the start of our event. There were three races: the 85kay technical and tough event. then the 65kay which was as technical but would have been more manageable for me. But we had decided to tackle the 30kay Family Fun Ride. I was amazed at how many people were doing this event who we know: Pat, Gerald and Ronel; Alf; Bob Howlett and brother Neil; Jonathan Coffey and friend Nico from Nippers; Peter DC; Tracey Brink (Leah was there in support); Rob and Michelle Elfick and Fred Allabone; Darryl and Avril Smith. Nicky's old diving friend Cathy and husband; There were probably more that I cannot remember.
This was both my and Mark's first ever attempt at mountain biking off road. Mark was not fit for this type of exersize and I am reasonably fit for cycling but this was new territory for me. We started off reasonably slowly. I saw Ronelle ahead and tried to stay with her but I had determined that Mark and I would ride together and so let her get ahead. Pat passed us. Gerald and ALf would bring up the rear.
There were no really tough mountain climbs. Merely a gradual hill that would make Brickies look like Mount Everest. We rode through the orchards of oranges and the fruit of the area. Occasionally there was a downhill that allowed us to have some real excitement. I saw Cathy Guard having a huge amount of fun on one of the downs. THere were some speed bumps which she ramped and flew a good few feet into the air.
There were just a few sections where the track narrowed and we would have to watch where we rode. Then there were plenty of soft sand area's that made us watch our way. With Mountain biking you have to watch just ahead of you much more that you do when you are on the road. On the road you should be looking ahead to see where you are going.
This was a Family affair with lots of Dad's, Mom's and children. I would often hear a child talking to the parent and the parent advising of the route to take. It was a healthy atmosphere of people taking care of others more than themselves. I had fitted a bell to Mark's bike and he would ring it every now and again to let me know that he was right behind me.
We were fortunate to be in shade for most of our 90 odd minutes of cycling. We had a cool breeze to add to our comfort. We thought of those doing the bigger events and the heat that they would have to suffer later on this morning. We approached the half way feeding station. There was a menu that would have made a restuarant envious: Banana's; Potato; Powerade; Borrie Rolls and a willingness to help everyone as much as they could. And this was just the 30kay fun event. This made me feel embarressed as how shoddily we had treated our fun runners last weekend at the Achilles event.
We rode on with the smells of fresh manure, dusty fields, Orange trees and the sweat of fellow cyclists. There was a great cameraderie and chatting going on as we came to the end of a great first time off road on the mountain bike. Rob came up to me later and said that I was surely a convert and would not go back to road running. Not quite but certainly I will be looking out for more of these events.
Mark and I loaded up the bikes and headed home. on our way home Samantha phoned. It was her birthday the previous day. She was at a WImpy with Crystal. It appears that their dad had been released from jail and that Crystal had flown Samantha to Jhb for this event. Mark had a short conversation with Mark Snr. I was supposed to drop Mark off at his Grandparents but somehow the lines got crossed and his Grandfather locked him out of the house. I collected him and took him to the office where he met up with Michael who was doing some moving.
This afternoon Mark and I cleaned up the bikes. I had realised how good it was to ride a bike that was in good shape. Not that there was no chance of a puncture or mechanical problem but having the bikes tuned and clean meant that we reduced the chance of being caught on the side of the track fixing punctures or loose chains etc.
I dropped Mark off with a friend in Rowallan Park. And spent the afternoon at home. Barbara had been in Uitenhage the whole day with Ally at a Gala.
Friday, January 1, 2010
Sunday, December 20, 2009
SUMMER SERIES TRIATHLON IN PE SUNDAY 20 DECEMBER 2009.
SUMMER SERIES TRIATHLON IN PE. SUNDAY 20 DECEMBER 2009
MICHAEL ZIVOR (thirty something)
ALLY GIDDY (12)
PETER GIDDY (58)
Before I start this blog; may I say that my favourite swim style is "doggie paddle"? And the three of us came last in this event.
Sunday morning 20.12.2009.
Michael Z, Ally and I entered for the local summer series triathlon. We left home late with children and organising to do. A sport like triathlon is quite fussy and requires more organising than running does. It is not too bad when you are on your own but with a family there is a lot to set up.
We loaded the three bikes into the back of Barbara's opel bakkie and she left first; finding parking and reserving a place for us. Jacqui had to organise the children and we arrived a little later. We were just in time for registration and too late for race briefing. We racked up the bikes and rushed down to the beach. Both Ally and Michael had recently bought wet suites.
I could have borrowed a wet suite from Michael Dean but was not sure if I would be up to a Triathlon this morning after Saturday's disatrous run. I again borrowed goggles from Rob Ermes. Whe I felt the water temperature it was not too cold and I felt that I would be able to do this swim. The Buoys looked to be far out. I cannot think that I have ever swum so far out before.
Gary started the race and we started the swim. I had told Ally to go ahead as I would try to catch her on the Bike Ride. She headed off with all these huge triathletes. I kind of muddled my way out. Past the end of the pier and I was not even half way to the first Buoy. I thought that I was last when a person passed me. As it turned out I later realised that there was one young lady behind me. We must have finished almost together as I saw her setting up her bike later.
Back to the swim. This was a long way out. Finally I rounded the first buoy. The second buoy was not far off. What I do is to swim a little and then look where I am going. Most times I find that I have wandered off course. Then I try a little breast stroke to catch my breath. And start the process again. I so enjoy swimming in the ocean but am more of a Bobber than a Swimmer.
I rounded the second buoy and headed back to the beach. It seemed a very long way. And with my criss cross way of swiming it probably took longer than it should. One of the life guards on a board kept on telling me that I was off course. The water was quite choppy and I seemed to be swallowing a lot of sea water.
I looked up to see how far the beach was away from where I was. And saw the last of the stragglers of the swimmers runing up the stairs to the transition area. And I still had not reached the end of the pier. This was a very long swim. (maybe I mentioned that before?). Finally I was able to stand. I made my way up to the transition. Passing Bian Saunders. And our family of supporters.
Sharon Oakley told me that I had come in on the wrong side but allowed this minor infraction of the rules to be overlooked. Putting on the Cycling shoes seemed to take forever. I wanted to see if I could start before the yound lady who was the only other person in transition. I managed to get going after nearly falling off the bike at the start.
Now I had to try to catch Michael and Ally. Barbara had told me that they were between 8 to 10 minutes ahead of me. As I cycled out I greeted Craig Wilson who was on a training run. Rounding University Corner into the wind I changed down to the easiest gear. I heard this young lady (Megan) come up behind me and she asked if I would work with her. It was a "Draft Legal" event. So the two of us took turns in the wind until I saw Michael ahead and let Megan go.
People were coming in the opposite direction at a fast pace and I was looking forward to cycling back with the wind. Finally Michael and I reached the turn. Peter Marriot was the marshall. Mike and I headed back with the help of the wind at out backs. We had seen Ally heading home and when I saw her ahead with a police escort I decided to try to catch her.
While I had my Road Bike, Michael had the disadvantage of riding my mountain bike and battled to keep the pace. But we regrouped close to the golf club and cycled back together. Once we were in the transition, Ally seemed to become all energetic and started the run just ahead of us. Just as we were leaving the transition we saw Jacqui Zeelie jogging on the promenade.
From here we kind of jogged and walked to the turn where Shane Norris and Peter Marriot were marshalling. On the way back we were now exteremely relaxed and when we reached the finish I was surprised to see that the organisers had waited for us. Barbara, Jacqui and the two children had been in the sun for the past two hours and when the prize giving seemed to be taking a long time we headed off home. We were all pretty frazzled after Saturday afternoon in the sun and then again this morning.
This was Ally's second attempt at a Triathlon. In November she had entered the Energade Triathlon and had a fall on the bike and was not able to finish. Today she went the whole way. And this was a tougher event. And it was Michael's first ever triathlon as well. I have not been doing triathlon for some time now and was glad to be back into it even if it meant a slow day. For us doing this as a family was a really special day for me. As Michael said: Dont mess with the Giddy/Zivor family!" when we passed a man who was rude to us.
MICHAEL ZIVOR (thirty something)
ALLY GIDDY (12)
PETER GIDDY (58)
Before I start this blog; may I say that my favourite swim style is "doggie paddle"? And the three of us came last in this event.
Sunday morning 20.12.2009.
Michael Z, Ally and I entered for the local summer series triathlon. We left home late with children and organising to do. A sport like triathlon is quite fussy and requires more organising than running does. It is not too bad when you are on your own but with a family there is a lot to set up.
We loaded the three bikes into the back of Barbara's opel bakkie and she left first; finding parking and reserving a place for us. Jacqui had to organise the children and we arrived a little later. We were just in time for registration and too late for race briefing. We racked up the bikes and rushed down to the beach. Both Ally and Michael had recently bought wet suites.
I could have borrowed a wet suite from Michael Dean but was not sure if I would be up to a Triathlon this morning after Saturday's disatrous run. I again borrowed goggles from Rob Ermes. Whe I felt the water temperature it was not too cold and I felt that I would be able to do this swim. The Buoys looked to be far out. I cannot think that I have ever swum so far out before.
Gary started the race and we started the swim. I had told Ally to go ahead as I would try to catch her on the Bike Ride. She headed off with all these huge triathletes. I kind of muddled my way out. Past the end of the pier and I was not even half way to the first Buoy. I thought that I was last when a person passed me. As it turned out I later realised that there was one young lady behind me. We must have finished almost together as I saw her setting up her bike later.
Back to the swim. This was a long way out. Finally I rounded the first buoy. The second buoy was not far off. What I do is to swim a little and then look where I am going. Most times I find that I have wandered off course. Then I try a little breast stroke to catch my breath. And start the process again. I so enjoy swimming in the ocean but am more of a Bobber than a Swimmer.
I rounded the second buoy and headed back to the beach. It seemed a very long way. And with my criss cross way of swiming it probably took longer than it should. One of the life guards on a board kept on telling me that I was off course. The water was quite choppy and I seemed to be swallowing a lot of sea water.
I looked up to see how far the beach was away from where I was. And saw the last of the stragglers of the swimmers runing up the stairs to the transition area. And I still had not reached the end of the pier. This was a very long swim. (maybe I mentioned that before?). Finally I was able to stand. I made my way up to the transition. Passing Bian Saunders. And our family of supporters.
Sharon Oakley told me that I had come in on the wrong side but allowed this minor infraction of the rules to be overlooked. Putting on the Cycling shoes seemed to take forever. I wanted to see if I could start before the yound lady who was the only other person in transition. I managed to get going after nearly falling off the bike at the start.
Now I had to try to catch Michael and Ally. Barbara had told me that they were between 8 to 10 minutes ahead of me. As I cycled out I greeted Craig Wilson who was on a training run. Rounding University Corner into the wind I changed down to the easiest gear. I heard this young lady (Megan) come up behind me and she asked if I would work with her. It was a "Draft Legal" event. So the two of us took turns in the wind until I saw Michael ahead and let Megan go.
People were coming in the opposite direction at a fast pace and I was looking forward to cycling back with the wind. Finally Michael and I reached the turn. Peter Marriot was the marshall. Mike and I headed back with the help of the wind at out backs. We had seen Ally heading home and when I saw her ahead with a police escort I decided to try to catch her.
While I had my Road Bike, Michael had the disadvantage of riding my mountain bike and battled to keep the pace. But we regrouped close to the golf club and cycled back together. Once we were in the transition, Ally seemed to become all energetic and started the run just ahead of us. Just as we were leaving the transition we saw Jacqui Zeelie jogging on the promenade.
From here we kind of jogged and walked to the turn where Shane Norris and Peter Marriot were marshalling. On the way back we were now exteremely relaxed and when we reached the finish I was surprised to see that the organisers had waited for us. Barbara, Jacqui and the two children had been in the sun for the past two hours and when the prize giving seemed to be taking a long time we headed off home. We were all pretty frazzled after Saturday afternoon in the sun and then again this morning.
This was Ally's second attempt at a Triathlon. In November she had entered the Energade Triathlon and had a fall on the bike and was not able to finish. Today she went the whole way. And this was a tougher event. And it was Michael's first ever triathlon as well. I have not been doing triathlon for some time now and was glad to be back into it even if it meant a slow day. For us doing this as a family was a really special day for me. As Michael said: Dont mess with the Giddy/Zivor family!" when we passed a man who was rude to us.
Saturday, December 5, 2009
DECEMBER 2009.
DECEMBER 2009
Introduction of Blaze to JDG
Lee Collier takes over as Nippers Chairman
Zeelie cell group Braai
Mill Park Play School year end function.
Running at Sardinia Bay with Ron Pask and group.
Michael Z joins the Beach Running Group on Wednesday morning for a run, Swim and Breakfast.
Nippers join juniors and seniors for a special event at Kings Beach.
Summer series Triathlon. Family event.
CHRISTMAS WEEKEND AT WILDCLIFF
Daily visits to the beach promenade
Champagne and orange juice with the beach running group.
NEW YEAR'S EVE: CHARLES & INGRID PLUS FAMILY AROUND THE WORLD.
After the Energade Triathlon last week I was a bit stiff and not really up to a hard run on Monday morning. We did the Mount Road route at a slow pace with Gerald hanging back a bit. He and Ronel had run the 15kay race on Saturday. Seems like he enjoys being with Alf Zemke as the two of them keep each other company at the back of the field.
This week I spent the week in East London and Transkei. At work we have this new electronic Application for credit form called Blaze. And this is being introduced throughout the company in stages. On my return on Thursday evening I went to visit Lee Collier who has agreed to stand in as Chairman for our Nippers club for the rest of the season after Dianne Nelson has left for Johannesburg with her husband (John) and family (Bradley and Megan).
Friday evening Hannes and Jacqui invited the Cell Group to their home for a Braai. It would be the last session for the year. ROb Ermes, Owen and Patti Biggs were there as well. It was a really good evening: relaxed and easy. ALly had gone to movies with her friends and was dropped off a little later.
Saturday morning I collected Adrienne and met up with Pat and Annie DuRand and we had our normal Saturday morning run from Hobie beach to Walmer boulevard, Strandfontein and down Admiralty way. I had started off feeling very flat but ended up with a good run. Afterwards we enjoyed a swim at Hobie. We had met up with Brian Brunette, Mike and ___ Roote who have a Saturday morning walk and coffee on the beach.
Also the Morning Swimmers had their Christmas Breakfast on the beach. Ron joined us for a swim. Saturday afternoon, Barbara and I did some shopping: HTH, Locks for the school; 24 series 7 dvd and Shield Series 6 & 7 DVD's. It was a relaxed afternoon as we drove around. We stopped off at Dianne Nelson to collect the last of the Nippers stuff as she is moving to JHB with husband John who has taken a job transfer.
Sunday morning Barbara and I did some of the fixing up in the school then I cycled to the beach for Nippers. An east wind had been blowing for some time. The water was warm and I spent most of the morning in the sea fooling around with the children. Catching waves on the Body Board. After the training we had a short Committee meeting standing in the Nippers Cage. Bruce Bailey, Hannes and Jacqui Zeelie, Andrew Jonas, Dianne Nelson, Varrin Karp and I voted Lee Collier to the position of Chairman for the balance of the 2010 season.
Barbara collected me and later that afternoon we took a drive to the Theescombe area where we ahd a look at some properties that are for sale. We saw this huge mountain tortoise at the entrance to Garnet Cantor's game park. As we were wondering what to do with the tortoise (it was in the middle of the road) David Cantor came out of the park and we picked up this Heavy creature and put it into the park. It turns out that Gavin Billson was there recently for his fathers funeral.
Ally was at a Gala in Uitenhage. She had done well on Saturday but reported later that her Sunday swims were not as good as they should have been.
Monday 7th December: Jacqui, Michael, Emily and annabelle arrived in Cape Town. They stayed with Nicci for the week before driving through to PE the following Sunday.
Wednesday 9th: Barbara had her year end function for the school children and parents. It went down very well with the children who are leaving receiving certificates and doing some songs etc that Barbara had taught them. There were probably over 70 parents plus the nearly thirty children makes about 100 people in the garden on that morning. Parents bring some eats and between them and the grandparents they seemed to love the morning.
The following weekend ALly had a Gala in Uitenhage again. The Kotze's took her out each day. It was a three day event. Ally seems to be okay without her parents.
Sunday morning I had a wonderful run with the Ron group at Sardinia Bay. We ran in a Westerly direction up the beach and back. Lynne cycles next to the runners.
Sunday afternoon Ally and I drove down and met Ron and his gang for a short cycle. Ally was preparing the welcome for Jacqui's family and wanted to be home when they arrived. We just made it in time.
Monday I was in Kingwilliamstown, Tuesday I managed to get to some of the shops and Wednesday was a public holiday. Michael & I started off with a Run and Swim and then a Breakfast with a whole group (Adrienne, Jennifer & friend, Jacqui, Michael, EMily and Annabelle, Ron & Lynne, Pat & Ronelle, Barbara & myself; at a restaurant overlooking the beach. There was a triathlon in progress and we watched the runners as they passed below us. This was a really wonderful morning.
I had somehow caught a cold over the past few days and my trip to Grahamstown the following morning was quite miserable. I was home early and slept for hours. Friday 18th was Rons birthday but I was simply not up to going out.
Saturday morning I was not able to do teh run and after about 2kays turned around and walked the rest of the way. We had a swim afterwards. I am sure that this plus the pills that I had bought made me feel a whole lot better. Unfortunately I lost a tooth in the sea. I am fortunate that I met a runner called Divan who is a dentist. He was able to fix me up with a temporary filling so that I did not look quite as terrible.
That afternoon Ally had a Nippers event at Kings beach. The event is for seniors and juniors and by invitation a small group of Nippers were included. From Summerstrand we had Luke Hepburn, Luke Stevenson, Daniel Jones, Tristan Jonas, Anke Spies, Kyla Naude and Ally. They all did very well throughout the morning.
Ally started off with a long surf swim in which she came second in the girls section, then she did the Malibu Board and Body board and in both she was in the top five. Although she was not chosen for Flags, Varrin put her in and she was placed fifth out of 12 starters while Anke was placed 4th.
Ally & I have done a small amount of cycling and she is gaining in confidence. She is now happy to cycle to the shops or for short training around in Mill Park. Michael Z took her for a longer ride up to Newton Park. This week one of Ally's friends, Lara Swanepoel, had an accident at the Bumper Carts at the Boardwalk. She had an accident and cut her leg at the thigh. Barbara thought that she may have severed an artery but it turned out that, while there was a huge blood loss it was not an artery and she will heal with stiches and a skin graft.
Sunday morning 20.12.2009.
Michael Z, Ally and I entered for the local summer series triathlon. We left home late with children and organising to do. A sport like triathlon is quite fussy and requires more organising than running does. It is not too bad when you are on your own but with a family there is a lot to set up.
We loaded the three bikes into the back pf Barbara's opel bakkie and she left first finding parking and reserving a place for us. Jacqui had to organise the children and we arrived a little later. We were just in time for registration and too late for race briefing. We racked up the bikes and rushed down to the beach. Both Ally and Michael had recently bought wet suites.
I could have borrowed a wet suite from Michael Dean but was not sure if I would be up to a Triathlon this morning after Saturday's disatrous run. I again borrowed goggles from Rob Ermes. Whe I felt the water temperature it was not too cold and I felt that I would be able to do this swim. The Buoys looked to be far out. I cannot think that I have ever swum so far out before.
Gary started the race and we started the swim. I had told Ally to go ahead as I would try to catch her on the Bike Ride. She headed off with all these huge triathletes. I kind of muddled my way out. Past the end of the pier and I was not even half way to the first Buouy. I thought that I was last when a person passed me. As it turned out I later realised that there was one young lady behind me. We must have finished almost together as I saw her setting up her bike later.
Back to the swim. This was a long way out. Finally I rounded the first buoy. The second buoy was not far off. What I do is to swim a little and then look where I am going. Most times I find that I have wandered off course. Then I try a little breast stroke to catch my breath. And start the process again. I so enjoy swimming in the ocean but am more of a Bobber than a Swimmer.
I rounded the second buoy and headed back to the beach. It seemed a very long way. And with my criss cross way of swiming it probably took longer than it should. One of the life guards on a board kept on telling me that I was off course. The water was quite choppy and I seemed to be swallowing a lot of sea water.
I looked up to see how far the beach was away from where I was. And saw the last of the stragglers of the swimmers runing up the stairs to the transition area. And I still had not reached the end of the pier. This was a very long swim. (maybe I mentioned that before?). Finally I was able to stand. I made my way up to the transition. Passing Bian Saunders. And our family of supporters.
Sharon Oakley told me that I had come in on the wrong side but allowed this minor infraction of the rules to be overlooked. Putting on the Cycling shoes seemed to take forever. I wanted to see if I could start before the yound lady who was the only other person in transition. I managed to get going after nearly falling off the bike at the start.
Now I had to try to catch Michael and Ally. Barbara had told me that they were between 8 to 10 minutes ahead of me. As I cycled out I greeted Craig Wilson who was on a training run. Rounding University Corner into the wind I changed down to the easyest gear. I heard this young lady (Megan) come up behind me and she asked if I would work with her. It was a "Draft Legal" event. So the two of us took turns in the wind until I saw Michael ahead and let Megan go.
People were coming in the opposite direction at a fast pace and I was looking forward to cycling back with the wind. Finally Michael and I reached the turn. Peter Marriot was the marshall. Mike and I headed back with the help of the wind at out backs. We had seen Ally heading home and when I saw her ahead with a police escort I decided to try to catch her.
While I had my Road Bike, Michael had the disadvantage of riding my mountain bike and battled to keep the pace. But we regrouped close to the golf club and cycled back together. Once we were in the transition, Ally seemed to become all energetic and started the run just ahead of us. Just as we were leaving the transition we saw Jacqui Zeelie jogging on the promenade.
From here we kind of jogged and walked to the turn where Shane Norris and Peter Marriot were marshalling. On the way back we were now exteremely relaxed and when we reached the finish I was surprised to see that the organisers had waited for us. Barbara, Jacqui and the two children had been in the sun for the past two hours and when the prize giving seemed to be taking a long time we headed off home. We were all pretty frazzled after Saturday afternoon in the sun and then again this morning.
This was Ally's second attempt at a Triathlon. In November she had entered the Energade Triathlon and had a fall on the bike and was not able to finish. Today she went the whole way. And this was a tougher event. And it was Michael's first ever triathlon as well. I have not been doing triathlon for some time now and was glad to be back into it even if it meant a slow day. For us doing this as a family was a really special day for me. As Michael said: Dont mess with the Giddy/Zivor family!" when we passed a man who was rude to us.
Sunday afternoon Barbara packed up the Opel Bakkie for the children to sleep and travel the following morning. We did some shopping for their trip. It would be Michael and his three plus Ally in the bakkie. Jacqui and her Michael would be travelling in the Passat which they had brought from CT.
The house looked like a tornado had hit it. With the three families, Barbara's school becoming a playground and every room having a constant flow of people, children, food etc.
Monday Morning 21.12.2009. Nicci and Stefan had been at Bredasdorp at a friend. Barbara, Ally and Michaels Family with Jacqui's family travelled together to Wildcliff. Lene and I would follow on Thursday as neither of us had been able to get leave at this time.
Patrick, Marianne, St John and Isobell passed through Port Elizabeth on their way to Plett and then Bredasdorp. They stayed over in Plett and then made their way to Bredasdorp to the family home of Marianne.
Knysna has had sever water shortages and restrictions. This week was particularly hot and a raging fire started near to Belvedere. This makes me worry about Wildcliff and the possibility of Fires starting there.
Finally Thursday morning arrived. For me it started with a run and swim at the beach. On Wednesday morning we had run along the promenade all the way to Flat Rock. THis was a first for me as the last time I had tried this the walkway had been washed away. Adrienne is always a little nervous of this area as it is a little isolated. We had Liz from Jhb (Providence) running with us. Thursday morning we ran to the Mc Arthur baths and then along Kings Beach to the Harbour wall. The swim after the run is very theraputic and part of our little ritual.
Thursday morning we had completely packed the car and when Lene was able to get off from work we left and were able to leave PE close to 12pm. For us it was not a dificult drive. Stefan phoned us on the road and asked us to purchase some groceries and beers. Stefan sounded quite desperate as the food they had was disppearing fast with usch a big family to feed. Our car was so fully packed up with presents that we had to phone Cathy to fetch the stuff that we purchased. We arrived in Heidleberg and had to stock up at the Spar. We made some purchases and Cathy loaded the stuff up as our car was completely full both in the boot and the back seat with presents.
That evening we were the whole family together for the first time since Cathy's Wedding earlier this year. Friday morning - Christmas day - Barbara, Ally and I slept in the Study, Cathy and Saul stayed at the Weavers Nest and the rest of the gang were at Talari. The house was total Chaos. Children and babies all over the house. They leave a mess wherever they go. Crying, laughing, scolding, eating, playing. What an active house this was.
We started off with the Christmas stockings. The tree had been cut earlier in the week and was nicely decorated. There was a HUGE pile of presents under the tree. Ally had phoned me to remind me of the stocking for Mom. On our way down, Lene and I had found an African Arts and Crafts shop where we had purchased these two figurines made of hard and heavy wood. Made in Zimbabwe. They would make and Ideal christmas stocking for Barbara. The stocking fillers were too big for the old traditional stockings and so we used the big ones that Barbara had bought and had embroidered last year.
Then it was the traditional tea and mince pies before the present opening finally began. Ally and Jessica took charge of handing out the presents. There were so many presents, so many children and a huge amount of fun in the watching of the presents being opened. Barbara and Ally had bought these Blue and White board shorts for me. They looked truly funky (with matching t-shirt) on this 59 year old grandad.
The handing out of gifts does not take long. An hour later and probably about five bags of wrapping paper plus loads of boxes etc took us close to lunch time. Before lunch we went up to Rain Frog Dam. Stefan had bought two inflatable boats. This meant that we had to have a Wildcliff Olympics. Racing up and down the dam in teams dunking each other and children squirting us with their water guns. Although it was mid summer the water was not that warm. But swimming was defintely the best sport of the day.
Lunch called us all back to Talari. Stefan had brought a Gammon while I had supplied a Turkey. Barbara and Cathy made a potato bake and someone else made some green salads. This made a perfect Christmas lunch with minimal fuss. We placed three tables together in the lounge and all 19 of us sat down for lunch. Jessica and Ally read us stories from their Bibles. We did not have much in the way of speeches but Michael Z expressed his feelings about his family and of being part of this supportive group.
After lunch we had our Christmas Pagents: Nicci had arranged that each couple would present a small revue. Michael Giddy started with the Christmas story. He placed a popular song interspered and this was very successful. Barbara Ally and I were next with our rendition of "on the first day of Christmas my true love gave to me". THis too went down well. Next up was Michael and Jacqui who sang their own version of "you say potato and I say potato, you say tomato and I say tomato". This was improvised at the last minute and was a cleverly put together set of words.
Cathy and Saul had dressed for the part. Poor Saul had to wear a Nighty of Cathy's and Cathy came with her nose painted red. This was their Little Red Riding hood story. They had also arranged this at the last minute and were given a solid applause for an entertaining piece.
Nicci and family were last. They had a whole set of pieces including Christian's magic show, Stefan's juggling and their special set of songs.
Everyone so enjoyed this afternoon that it was determined there and then that this would become an annual event.
Stefan was keen to sleep a night out at Barafu so he, Christian and Aaron packed up for a boys night out. Barafu is a really small hut and could not sllep more than this. We loaded up the Bushpig and, while it was still light, drove up the hill to Ena's falls. We passed a fire break that was new. We later learned from Keith that this had been built by hand by Cape Nature. Probably clever to do this by hand as a bull dozer would have taken roots and all out and would have created the possibility of a huge washaway if a heavy rain should fall.
Up at Barafu we unpacked our goodies: Drinks and Chips. Chris Aaron and I filled up the water bottle. Stefan set up the sleeping arrangement for the night. I had brought some mattresses here the last time that Ron & I has slept here. But now there was a thick foam mattress on the top bunk where I would be sleeping. This turned out to be a really comfi sleep for me. We found one or two unwelcome guests in the hut and had to remove them. The Flatties we left alone.
Chris and Aaron took the two chairs while Stefan and I sat on the rocks. A deck here would be perfect as one would like to be able to lie outside of the hut to look up at the stars. This evening was overcast and all that we could see was the half moon. We sat outside chatting for a while before Aaron declared it to be his bedtime and that was the cue for all of us to retire. We boiled up some water for hot chocolate and were soon all fast asleep.
Patrick had phoned from Bredasdorp where he and his family were staying to say that there were some devestating fires raging and heading towards their homes. The women and children had to evacuate the house and the men were called to fight fires. He later told me that they had used every possible method to put out the fires including spades, wet sacks and swiming pool water on the thatch roofs.
Dominic had remained on the thach roof wetting it with swiming pool water in an attempt to save the house. One of the houses that was set a little way off to the side had been burnt down. The area where Marianne has this holiday home is called Springfield and is a National Heritage sight.
The family is compelled to have thatch roofing. The fire had created a huge mess all around. As far off as Arniston where they had spent the night on Saturday night the sky was filled with black ashes. Patrick tells me that the house where they were staying was full of ash. They had no power and no water.
The following day: Sunday, once they had inspected and cleaned up what they could, they all left for Wellington. It would take a long time, with some badly needed rain, to clean up the black ash and fields. Later this week I phoned Patrick and he again spoke of the Mess of the ash. Everything is covered in ash. They have no electricity and no water to assist in a clean up project. His family went to Wellington for the rest of the holiday.
Stefan had the bottom bunk which is too short for an adult and did not sleep as well as the rest of us. He had made a bed for Chris and Aaron on the middle bunk and they seemed very comfortable. It rained that evening but not enough to make any real impact. We slept till about 5am when it was already quite light. Without any breakfast except for a cup of black coffee we packed up and drove back down to Talari. Everything that we had left in the back of the Bushpig was saturated. This had been a good little experience for the four of us.
Back at Talari we found out that Joshua had not had a good night and Michael and Lene would be driving home today. Stefan Saul, Michael and I had decided to do a hike. Michael was on Call and had to have Cell Phone reception so we cancelled plans to walk the WIlderkrans and instead we walked up Fynbos road to the Protea trail. Here we turned left and after a short while made a right turn.
Stefan and I were surprised to see how both the Black Wattle and the Protea had grown where there had been a wide trail. There is a section of the field that Tom Ambrose had completely cleared of Wattle that now has overgrown back and if not sorted out will soon be forrested with this invasive again.
We were able to find the Leopard Trap that we were looking for. We made our way down a little and then back up to the top of the Kloof. I think that Stefan was feeling particularly energetic and would have liked to climb down to see if we can enter the Kloof from here. The rest of us were not quite as strong. We looked up and saw the top of the mountain bekoning us. Michael suggested that we explore this.
We carried on back up to the Fynbos road and then up to Ena's Falls. At the top we turned left into the Hidden Valley and after a short while went up the mountain. The Fynbos is thick and tough to penetrate. Once through the Protea field we had to do some rock climbing which I found quite exhausting and had to ask for a stop to recover some strength.
We enjoyed the sandwiches and snacks that we had brought. Fortunately it was still overcast and the soft West wind kept the day cool for us. Still it was hard work and when we reached the top of the mountain but not the Summit, by vote we decided to turn around and head back home. I think that Stefan would have happily continued up to the very top but I did not have the energy today. A lesson that I have learned today and before is that I should not take on too many hikes at one time. When we again decide to attempt to reach the top I must make this a single task otherwise I become too tired.
Michael phoned Talari and asked the people there to look out for us. We waved. They waved. But niether group could see the other. The climb down was not easy. I descend slowly. eventually Michael and I caught up to Saul and Stefan. And we hiked back down. We stopped off at rain frog dam for a cool off and swim. This would be the last visit to the dam and we carried the inflatable boats back down. Michael and Lene had already left and phoned to say that they were safe home. They had brought the Daewoo home and I had let Cathy & Saul take the Toyota. I wanted to have the Daewoo fixed up of the rust.
We had hiked for about 5 hours and needed a bit of a break. This did not seem possible as there was packing and other stuff to be done. Only at about 8pm was I able to put my feet up and read. I say read but within minutes I was asleep as I could not keep my eyes open. Some of the group played cards till late. I could hear them in the lounge but did not have the strength to join in.
Next morning I was up at 05.00am and spent the next 4 or so hours cleaning. Firstly the dishes then sweeping and finally we cleaned the floors and walls. Everyone did some cleaning and finally at about 9am the house was again looking reasonable. This is not a house that will ever look spotless but at least the next group (Jill) could move in on Monday.
One by one we left. Ally, Jessica and I were last to leave. We would drive to Swellendam where we met up with Patrick, Ena and Isabel. Ena would be going home to Plett and Isabel would spend the night there before continuning with friends on to Coffee bay where she would do some surfing.
Isabel looks the part. Floppy pants, barefoot or sandals, loose fitting top and funny pockets. Braided hair completes the picture. However it is not suprising to hear that underneath this is a really smart person who has achieved distinctions in the subjects that she studies towards her Marine Biology degree. Isabel is going into her third year at UCT in 2010.
We met at the Old Gaol, a restaurant in Swellendam, for something to eat and drink. Patrick brought Isabel and Ena, Stefan brought the Fig Jam that he had made for Ena. Ally had a curry, Jessica had a lasagne and I had Eggs on toast.
We said our goodbyes and headed off to Plett. After just a short while Ena remembered that she had again forgotten the Fig Jam. We turned around only to find that there was not Fig Jam at the table, nor in the office. A little while later we were able to phone Patrick who admitted that it was he who had taken the jam. The roads were busy but we managed an easy drive to Plett.
We would phone Barbara from time to time and realised that she was not far ahead. She had made a wrong turn in Mossel Bay and ended up in the town. From there she had driven over the Robertsons pass to Oudtshoorn. We agreed to meet at the Storms River Bridge for something to eat. It was impossible for her to go and buy something as she had the Pig, the Digby and the bird in the bakkie with her. She found a grassy area at the bridge and waited for us there.
We stopped off at Plett where we off loaded Ena and Isabel and loaded up some Apricot Jam. Isabel would meet up with her gang of friends and they all slept the night at Ena's flat before heading off to Coffee Bay for surfing and fun.
At Storms River Bridge we bought ourselves some hamburgers and coffee and then drove the final leg to PE in Convoy. Michael and family were at home waiting for us. Barbara was totally exhausted after a long day at the wheel and after unpacking we had an evening of unwinding.
Monday morning I had to go to work. I started off the morning with a run on the beach front with Adrienne, Pat and Ronel. We did the promenade run all the way to the old Flat Rock. The Boardwalk has now been repaired and one is able to jog along the beach front for an extra kilometer. That evening we started a series of Bridge evening with Michael and Lene. They have become quite proficient at bridge and Lene in particular has become bold and will call well.
Tuesday morning I had a short (early) visit to Grahamstown and stopped off at Nanaga on my way home I stopped off at the Nanaga Farm stall. This farm stall was established in 1969 as a fresh cabbage stall from the boot of a bakkie by Lynn MacKenzie and is now run by Leigh Anne at the relocated (29 November 2008)shop. As ususal the shop was very busy.
The pies, roosterbrood and bread are delicious. I enquired as to the meaning of the word Nanaga (Nanara - Xhosa) and was told it meant clover leaf or interchange. This evening we went to the beach for a walk and Jessica & ALly did their Jboarding. This is a new experience for Jess but she managed well. We did this a couple of times this week. Jessica improved her J Boarding and Ally makes it look easy despite a fall or two.
Wednesday morning we again did our beach front run and Thursday we had a special run as this was New years eve. We took some champagne and orange juice with Anne DuRand bringing some really delicious cakes. The running group was: Suzanne, Adrienne, Pat, Ronel, Gerald, Adrian, Annie and John for a short while. Adrienne's family joined us later: Jennifer from UK and friend, Danielle and Matthew.
The Hobie beach area was cordoned off so we had our little gathering opposite bird rock. I had a swim and Adrienne's group went to swim at Hobie beach. The morning runs have been a treat for me and I am going to miss them next week when everyone has to be back at work.
31 December 2009. New Year's Eve. Barbara and I spent the evening with Charles and Ingrid. Charles and Ingrid treated us to a cheese platter for starters. We sat outside on this balmy evening. It was really a stunning little get together. We had a Filet Steak braai, potato bake and a Charles famous salad. We played bridge and if Barbara had not been feeling poorly we may even have made Midnight.
Ingrid made us a delicious pudding which we enjoyed before our final coffee. We left an hour before the new year started. Nicky and Stefan had been at a Wedding and would spend the night at Ceres with their family. Michael and Lene, Ally and children spent the evening at Lene's sister Mariska. They arrived home well after Midnight.
And so ended 2009.
This has been and interesting and challenging year for all of us. Barbara had major changes at School with Xoliswa on Maternity leave and then resigning. Suzanne being retrenched and leaving earlier than expected as she found full time employment at the pharmacy where she works. Barbara has now cut her school intake to a manageable number of 18 children.
I had this new job of Financial Services GM at JDG and had a lot more travel than I previously had but have coped and adapted fine. I am now really enjoying the job and feel that I make a positive contribution. While I spent nearly 25 years at Morkels in a variety of positions including Manager, Regional operations, Regional Credit and Regional Personnell manager this move to Cross Chain has opened my eyes to new cultures and new personalities. It has been quite challenging to try to get to know people in 80 shops in the Division.
Jacqui, Michael, Emily and Anabelle spent their final day in London this week and have now moved to their new home in Israel near to Hiafa. Michael had a tough year with a work colleague who accused him of harrassment. Jacqui has had to live within the confines of her flat and the London weather. They now have the opportunity for a fresh start in Israel.
Michael and Lene have had to move from their home in Target Kloof, Walmer when Mike was not feeling that he could cope. He left his job in Russells where he was well respected and liked by the people around him. He joined Furn City and soon realised that this was not for him. He left this company and remained unemployed for the rest of the year. He starts a new job selling insurance with Liberty Life where his good friend, David, works. They will live with us for the next period until they feel that they are again ready and able to be independent.
Cathy and Saul found themselves a new place to live after living in Woodstock since they met. They new flat was much more secure and sunny. They seemed to love this home but have now bought a small house and will be moving there in the new year. The tenant that I had at Montreax left and we have had a period with no tenant and have had to fix the flat up as it had deteriorated both internal and external. Cathy has handled the whole job and has found a tenant for us.
Nicky and Stefan have had their fair share of work and home difficult situations. Christian had an operation to try to cure the drooling that is symtomatic of Distonia. Nicky now has the horse to ride and has taken part in competition. Stefan stays fit and is keen to run half marathons in the new year. The Little Pink Book is a huge project with the Western Cape and the Gauteng editions taking up a big part of their time and focus. The Wedding photography business is their core but they appear to be branching out with other ventures.
Wildcliff has been our common ground in both interest and time spent there. I have been able to visit Wildcliff a good number of times this year. I have had the pleasure of taking friends: Ron twice, Ron and Lynn, Peter and Elmarie, Fred Kohler twice and our family had the priveledge of being there as a whole family (19 people) over the Christmas weekend.
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Introduction of Blaze to JDG
Lee Collier takes over as Nippers Chairman
Zeelie cell group Braai
Mill Park Play School year end function.
Running at Sardinia Bay with Ron Pask and group.
Michael Z joins the Beach Running Group on Wednesday morning for a run, Swim and Breakfast.
Nippers join juniors and seniors for a special event at Kings Beach.
Summer series Triathlon. Family event.
CHRISTMAS WEEKEND AT WILDCLIFF
Daily visits to the beach promenade
Champagne and orange juice with the beach running group.
NEW YEAR'S EVE: CHARLES & INGRID PLUS FAMILY AROUND THE WORLD.
After the Energade Triathlon last week I was a bit stiff and not really up to a hard run on Monday morning. We did the Mount Road route at a slow pace with Gerald hanging back a bit. He and Ronel had run the 15kay race on Saturday. Seems like he enjoys being with Alf Zemke as the two of them keep each other company at the back of the field.
This week I spent the week in East London and Transkei. At work we have this new electronic Application for credit form called Blaze. And this is being introduced throughout the company in stages. On my return on Thursday evening I went to visit Lee Collier who has agreed to stand in as Chairman for our Nippers club for the rest of the season after Dianne Nelson has left for Johannesburg with her husband (John) and family (Bradley and Megan).
Friday evening Hannes and Jacqui invited the Cell Group to their home for a Braai. It would be the last session for the year. ROb Ermes, Owen and Patti Biggs were there as well. It was a really good evening: relaxed and easy. ALly had gone to movies with her friends and was dropped off a little later.
Saturday morning I collected Adrienne and met up with Pat and Annie DuRand and we had our normal Saturday morning run from Hobie beach to Walmer boulevard, Strandfontein and down Admiralty way. I had started off feeling very flat but ended up with a good run. Afterwards we enjoyed a swim at Hobie. We had met up with Brian Brunette, Mike and ___ Roote who have a Saturday morning walk and coffee on the beach.
Also the Morning Swimmers had their Christmas Breakfast on the beach. Ron joined us for a swim. Saturday afternoon, Barbara and I did some shopping: HTH, Locks for the school; 24 series 7 dvd and Shield Series 6 & 7 DVD's. It was a relaxed afternoon as we drove around. We stopped off at Dianne Nelson to collect the last of the Nippers stuff as she is moving to JHB with husband John who has taken a job transfer.
Sunday morning Barbara and I did some of the fixing up in the school then I cycled to the beach for Nippers. An east wind had been blowing for some time. The water was warm and I spent most of the morning in the sea fooling around with the children. Catching waves on the Body Board. After the training we had a short Committee meeting standing in the Nippers Cage. Bruce Bailey, Hannes and Jacqui Zeelie, Andrew Jonas, Dianne Nelson, Varrin Karp and I voted Lee Collier to the position of Chairman for the balance of the 2010 season.
Barbara collected me and later that afternoon we took a drive to the Theescombe area where we ahd a look at some properties that are for sale. We saw this huge mountain tortoise at the entrance to Garnet Cantor's game park. As we were wondering what to do with the tortoise (it was in the middle of the road) David Cantor came out of the park and we picked up this Heavy creature and put it into the park. It turns out that Gavin Billson was there recently for his fathers funeral.
Ally was at a Gala in Uitenhage. She had done well on Saturday but reported later that her Sunday swims were not as good as they should have been.
Monday 7th December: Jacqui, Michael, Emily and annabelle arrived in Cape Town. They stayed with Nicci for the week before driving through to PE the following Sunday.
Wednesday 9th: Barbara had her year end function for the school children and parents. It went down very well with the children who are leaving receiving certificates and doing some songs etc that Barbara had taught them. There were probably over 70 parents plus the nearly thirty children makes about 100 people in the garden on that morning. Parents bring some eats and between them and the grandparents they seemed to love the morning.
The following weekend ALly had a Gala in Uitenhage again. The Kotze's took her out each day. It was a three day event. Ally seems to be okay without her parents.
Sunday morning I had a wonderful run with the Ron group at Sardinia Bay. We ran in a Westerly direction up the beach and back. Lynne cycles next to the runners.
Sunday afternoon Ally and I drove down and met Ron and his gang for a short cycle. Ally was preparing the welcome for Jacqui's family and wanted to be home when they arrived. We just made it in time.
Monday I was in Kingwilliamstown, Tuesday I managed to get to some of the shops and Wednesday was a public holiday. Michael & I started off with a Run and Swim and then a Breakfast with a whole group (Adrienne, Jennifer & friend, Jacqui, Michael, EMily and Annabelle, Ron & Lynne, Pat & Ronelle, Barbara & myself; at a restaurant overlooking the beach. There was a triathlon in progress and we watched the runners as they passed below us. This was a really wonderful morning.
I had somehow caught a cold over the past few days and my trip to Grahamstown the following morning was quite miserable. I was home early and slept for hours. Friday 18th was Rons birthday but I was simply not up to going out.
Saturday morning I was not able to do teh run and after about 2kays turned around and walked the rest of the way. We had a swim afterwards. I am sure that this plus the pills that I had bought made me feel a whole lot better. Unfortunately I lost a tooth in the sea. I am fortunate that I met a runner called Divan who is a dentist. He was able to fix me up with a temporary filling so that I did not look quite as terrible.
That afternoon Ally had a Nippers event at Kings beach. The event is for seniors and juniors and by invitation a small group of Nippers were included. From Summerstrand we had Luke Hepburn, Luke Stevenson, Daniel Jones, Tristan Jonas, Anke Spies, Kyla Naude and Ally. They all did very well throughout the morning.
Ally started off with a long surf swim in which she came second in the girls section, then she did the Malibu Board and Body board and in both she was in the top five. Although she was not chosen for Flags, Varrin put her in and she was placed fifth out of 12 starters while Anke was placed 4th.
Ally & I have done a small amount of cycling and she is gaining in confidence. She is now happy to cycle to the shops or for short training around in Mill Park. Michael Z took her for a longer ride up to Newton Park. This week one of Ally's friends, Lara Swanepoel, had an accident at the Bumper Carts at the Boardwalk. She had an accident and cut her leg at the thigh. Barbara thought that she may have severed an artery but it turned out that, while there was a huge blood loss it was not an artery and she will heal with stiches and a skin graft.
Sunday morning 20.12.2009.
Michael Z, Ally and I entered for the local summer series triathlon. We left home late with children and organising to do. A sport like triathlon is quite fussy and requires more organising than running does. It is not too bad when you are on your own but with a family there is a lot to set up.
We loaded the three bikes into the back pf Barbara's opel bakkie and she left first finding parking and reserving a place for us. Jacqui had to organise the children and we arrived a little later. We were just in time for registration and too late for race briefing. We racked up the bikes and rushed down to the beach. Both Ally and Michael had recently bought wet suites.
I could have borrowed a wet suite from Michael Dean but was not sure if I would be up to a Triathlon this morning after Saturday's disatrous run. I again borrowed goggles from Rob Ermes. Whe I felt the water temperature it was not too cold and I felt that I would be able to do this swim. The Buoys looked to be far out. I cannot think that I have ever swum so far out before.
Gary started the race and we started the swim. I had told Ally to go ahead as I would try to catch her on the Bike Ride. She headed off with all these huge triathletes. I kind of muddled my way out. Past the end of the pier and I was not even half way to the first Buouy. I thought that I was last when a person passed me. As it turned out I later realised that there was one young lady behind me. We must have finished almost together as I saw her setting up her bike later.
Back to the swim. This was a long way out. Finally I rounded the first buoy. The second buoy was not far off. What I do is to swim a little and then look where I am going. Most times I find that I have wandered off course. Then I try a little breast stroke to catch my breath. And start the process again. I so enjoy swimming in the ocean but am more of a Bobber than a Swimmer.
I rounded the second buoy and headed back to the beach. It seemed a very long way. And with my criss cross way of swiming it probably took longer than it should. One of the life guards on a board kept on telling me that I was off course. The water was quite choppy and I seemed to be swallowing a lot of sea water.
I looked up to see how far the beach was away from where I was. And saw the last of the stragglers of the swimmers runing up the stairs to the transition area. And I still had not reached the end of the pier. This was a very long swim. (maybe I mentioned that before?). Finally I was able to stand. I made my way up to the transition. Passing Bian Saunders. And our family of supporters.
Sharon Oakley told me that I had come in on the wrong side but allowed this minor infraction of the rules to be overlooked. Putting on the Cycling shoes seemed to take forever. I wanted to see if I could start before the yound lady who was the only other person in transition. I managed to get going after nearly falling off the bike at the start.
Now I had to try to catch Michael and Ally. Barbara had told me that they were between 8 to 10 minutes ahead of me. As I cycled out I greeted Craig Wilson who was on a training run. Rounding University Corner into the wind I changed down to the easyest gear. I heard this young lady (Megan) come up behind me and she asked if I would work with her. It was a "Draft Legal" event. So the two of us took turns in the wind until I saw Michael ahead and let Megan go.
People were coming in the opposite direction at a fast pace and I was looking forward to cycling back with the wind. Finally Michael and I reached the turn. Peter Marriot was the marshall. Mike and I headed back with the help of the wind at out backs. We had seen Ally heading home and when I saw her ahead with a police escort I decided to try to catch her.
While I had my Road Bike, Michael had the disadvantage of riding my mountain bike and battled to keep the pace. But we regrouped close to the golf club and cycled back together. Once we were in the transition, Ally seemed to become all energetic and started the run just ahead of us. Just as we were leaving the transition we saw Jacqui Zeelie jogging on the promenade.
From here we kind of jogged and walked to the turn where Shane Norris and Peter Marriot were marshalling. On the way back we were now exteremely relaxed and when we reached the finish I was surprised to see that the organisers had waited for us. Barbara, Jacqui and the two children had been in the sun for the past two hours and when the prize giving seemed to be taking a long time we headed off home. We were all pretty frazzled after Saturday afternoon in the sun and then again this morning.
This was Ally's second attempt at a Triathlon. In November she had entered the Energade Triathlon and had a fall on the bike and was not able to finish. Today she went the whole way. And this was a tougher event. And it was Michael's first ever triathlon as well. I have not been doing triathlon for some time now and was glad to be back into it even if it meant a slow day. For us doing this as a family was a really special day for me. As Michael said: Dont mess with the Giddy/Zivor family!" when we passed a man who was rude to us.
Sunday afternoon Barbara packed up the Opel Bakkie for the children to sleep and travel the following morning. We did some shopping for their trip. It would be Michael and his three plus Ally in the bakkie. Jacqui and her Michael would be travelling in the Passat which they had brought from CT.
The house looked like a tornado had hit it. With the three families, Barbara's school becoming a playground and every room having a constant flow of people, children, food etc.
Monday Morning 21.12.2009. Nicci and Stefan had been at Bredasdorp at a friend. Barbara, Ally and Michaels Family with Jacqui's family travelled together to Wildcliff. Lene and I would follow on Thursday as neither of us had been able to get leave at this time.
Patrick, Marianne, St John and Isobell passed through Port Elizabeth on their way to Plett and then Bredasdorp. They stayed over in Plett and then made their way to Bredasdorp to the family home of Marianne.
Knysna has had sever water shortages and restrictions. This week was particularly hot and a raging fire started near to Belvedere. This makes me worry about Wildcliff and the possibility of Fires starting there.
Finally Thursday morning arrived. For me it started with a run and swim at the beach. On Wednesday morning we had run along the promenade all the way to Flat Rock. THis was a first for me as the last time I had tried this the walkway had been washed away. Adrienne is always a little nervous of this area as it is a little isolated. We had Liz from Jhb (Providence) running with us. Thursday morning we ran to the Mc Arthur baths and then along Kings Beach to the Harbour wall. The swim after the run is very theraputic and part of our little ritual.
Thursday morning we had completely packed the car and when Lene was able to get off from work we left and were able to leave PE close to 12pm. For us it was not a dificult drive. Stefan phoned us on the road and asked us to purchase some groceries and beers. Stefan sounded quite desperate as the food they had was disppearing fast with usch a big family to feed. Our car was so fully packed up with presents that we had to phone Cathy to fetch the stuff that we purchased. We arrived in Heidleberg and had to stock up at the Spar. We made some purchases and Cathy loaded the stuff up as our car was completely full both in the boot and the back seat with presents.
That evening we were the whole family together for the first time since Cathy's Wedding earlier this year. Friday morning - Christmas day - Barbara, Ally and I slept in the Study, Cathy and Saul stayed at the Weavers Nest and the rest of the gang were at Talari. The house was total Chaos. Children and babies all over the house. They leave a mess wherever they go. Crying, laughing, scolding, eating, playing. What an active house this was.
We started off with the Christmas stockings. The tree had been cut earlier in the week and was nicely decorated. There was a HUGE pile of presents under the tree. Ally had phoned me to remind me of the stocking for Mom. On our way down, Lene and I had found an African Arts and Crafts shop where we had purchased these two figurines made of hard and heavy wood. Made in Zimbabwe. They would make and Ideal christmas stocking for Barbara. The stocking fillers were too big for the old traditional stockings and so we used the big ones that Barbara had bought and had embroidered last year.
Then it was the traditional tea and mince pies before the present opening finally began. Ally and Jessica took charge of handing out the presents. There were so many presents, so many children and a huge amount of fun in the watching of the presents being opened. Barbara and Ally had bought these Blue and White board shorts for me. They looked truly funky (with matching t-shirt) on this 59 year old grandad.
The handing out of gifts does not take long. An hour later and probably about five bags of wrapping paper plus loads of boxes etc took us close to lunch time. Before lunch we went up to Rain Frog Dam. Stefan had bought two inflatable boats. This meant that we had to have a Wildcliff Olympics. Racing up and down the dam in teams dunking each other and children squirting us with their water guns. Although it was mid summer the water was not that warm. But swimming was defintely the best sport of the day.
Lunch called us all back to Talari. Stefan had brought a Gammon while I had supplied a Turkey. Barbara and Cathy made a potato bake and someone else made some green salads. This made a perfect Christmas lunch with minimal fuss. We placed three tables together in the lounge and all 19 of us sat down for lunch. Jessica and Ally read us stories from their Bibles. We did not have much in the way of speeches but Michael Z expressed his feelings about his family and of being part of this supportive group.
After lunch we had our Christmas Pagents: Nicci had arranged that each couple would present a small revue. Michael Giddy started with the Christmas story. He placed a popular song interspered and this was very successful. Barbara Ally and I were next with our rendition of "on the first day of Christmas my true love gave to me". THis too went down well. Next up was Michael and Jacqui who sang their own version of "you say potato and I say potato, you say tomato and I say tomato". This was improvised at the last minute and was a cleverly put together set of words.
Cathy and Saul had dressed for the part. Poor Saul had to wear a Nighty of Cathy's and Cathy came with her nose painted red. This was their Little Red Riding hood story. They had also arranged this at the last minute and were given a solid applause for an entertaining piece.
Nicci and family were last. They had a whole set of pieces including Christian's magic show, Stefan's juggling and their special set of songs.
Everyone so enjoyed this afternoon that it was determined there and then that this would become an annual event.
Stefan was keen to sleep a night out at Barafu so he, Christian and Aaron packed up for a boys night out. Barafu is a really small hut and could not sllep more than this. We loaded up the Bushpig and, while it was still light, drove up the hill to Ena's falls. We passed a fire break that was new. We later learned from Keith that this had been built by hand by Cape Nature. Probably clever to do this by hand as a bull dozer would have taken roots and all out and would have created the possibility of a huge washaway if a heavy rain should fall.
Up at Barafu we unpacked our goodies: Drinks and Chips. Chris Aaron and I filled up the water bottle. Stefan set up the sleeping arrangement for the night. I had brought some mattresses here the last time that Ron & I has slept here. But now there was a thick foam mattress on the top bunk where I would be sleeping. This turned out to be a really comfi sleep for me. We found one or two unwelcome guests in the hut and had to remove them. The Flatties we left alone.
Chris and Aaron took the two chairs while Stefan and I sat on the rocks. A deck here would be perfect as one would like to be able to lie outside of the hut to look up at the stars. This evening was overcast and all that we could see was the half moon. We sat outside chatting for a while before Aaron declared it to be his bedtime and that was the cue for all of us to retire. We boiled up some water for hot chocolate and were soon all fast asleep.
Patrick had phoned from Bredasdorp where he and his family were staying to say that there were some devestating fires raging and heading towards their homes. The women and children had to evacuate the house and the men were called to fight fires. He later told me that they had used every possible method to put out the fires including spades, wet sacks and swiming pool water on the thatch roofs.
Dominic had remained on the thach roof wetting it with swiming pool water in an attempt to save the house. One of the houses that was set a little way off to the side had been burnt down. The area where Marianne has this holiday home is called Springfield and is a National Heritage sight.
The family is compelled to have thatch roofing. The fire had created a huge mess all around. As far off as Arniston where they had spent the night on Saturday night the sky was filled with black ashes. Patrick tells me that the house where they were staying was full of ash. They had no power and no water.
The following day: Sunday, once they had inspected and cleaned up what they could, they all left for Wellington. It would take a long time, with some badly needed rain, to clean up the black ash and fields. Later this week I phoned Patrick and he again spoke of the Mess of the ash. Everything is covered in ash. They have no electricity and no water to assist in a clean up project. His family went to Wellington for the rest of the holiday.
Stefan had the bottom bunk which is too short for an adult and did not sleep as well as the rest of us. He had made a bed for Chris and Aaron on the middle bunk and they seemed very comfortable. It rained that evening but not enough to make any real impact. We slept till about 5am when it was already quite light. Without any breakfast except for a cup of black coffee we packed up and drove back down to Talari. Everything that we had left in the back of the Bushpig was saturated. This had been a good little experience for the four of us.
Back at Talari we found out that Joshua had not had a good night and Michael and Lene would be driving home today. Stefan Saul, Michael and I had decided to do a hike. Michael was on Call and had to have Cell Phone reception so we cancelled plans to walk the WIlderkrans and instead we walked up Fynbos road to the Protea trail. Here we turned left and after a short while made a right turn.
Stefan and I were surprised to see how both the Black Wattle and the Protea had grown where there had been a wide trail. There is a section of the field that Tom Ambrose had completely cleared of Wattle that now has overgrown back and if not sorted out will soon be forrested with this invasive again.
We were able to find the Leopard Trap that we were looking for. We made our way down a little and then back up to the top of the Kloof. I think that Stefan was feeling particularly energetic and would have liked to climb down to see if we can enter the Kloof from here. The rest of us were not quite as strong. We looked up and saw the top of the mountain bekoning us. Michael suggested that we explore this.
We carried on back up to the Fynbos road and then up to Ena's Falls. At the top we turned left into the Hidden Valley and after a short while went up the mountain. The Fynbos is thick and tough to penetrate. Once through the Protea field we had to do some rock climbing which I found quite exhausting and had to ask for a stop to recover some strength.
We enjoyed the sandwiches and snacks that we had brought. Fortunately it was still overcast and the soft West wind kept the day cool for us. Still it was hard work and when we reached the top of the mountain but not the Summit, by vote we decided to turn around and head back home. I think that Stefan would have happily continued up to the very top but I did not have the energy today. A lesson that I have learned today and before is that I should not take on too many hikes at one time. When we again decide to attempt to reach the top I must make this a single task otherwise I become too tired.
Michael phoned Talari and asked the people there to look out for us. We waved. They waved. But niether group could see the other. The climb down was not easy. I descend slowly. eventually Michael and I caught up to Saul and Stefan. And we hiked back down. We stopped off at rain frog dam for a cool off and swim. This would be the last visit to the dam and we carried the inflatable boats back down. Michael and Lene had already left and phoned to say that they were safe home. They had brought the Daewoo home and I had let Cathy & Saul take the Toyota. I wanted to have the Daewoo fixed up of the rust.
We had hiked for about 5 hours and needed a bit of a break. This did not seem possible as there was packing and other stuff to be done. Only at about 8pm was I able to put my feet up and read. I say read but within minutes I was asleep as I could not keep my eyes open. Some of the group played cards till late. I could hear them in the lounge but did not have the strength to join in.
Next morning I was up at 05.00am and spent the next 4 or so hours cleaning. Firstly the dishes then sweeping and finally we cleaned the floors and walls. Everyone did some cleaning and finally at about 9am the house was again looking reasonable. This is not a house that will ever look spotless but at least the next group (Jill) could move in on Monday.
One by one we left. Ally, Jessica and I were last to leave. We would drive to Swellendam where we met up with Patrick, Ena and Isabel. Ena would be going home to Plett and Isabel would spend the night there before continuning with friends on to Coffee bay where she would do some surfing.
Isabel looks the part. Floppy pants, barefoot or sandals, loose fitting top and funny pockets. Braided hair completes the picture. However it is not suprising to hear that underneath this is a really smart person who has achieved distinctions in the subjects that she studies towards her Marine Biology degree. Isabel is going into her third year at UCT in 2010.
We met at the Old Gaol, a restaurant in Swellendam, for something to eat and drink. Patrick brought Isabel and Ena, Stefan brought the Fig Jam that he had made for Ena. Ally had a curry, Jessica had a lasagne and I had Eggs on toast.
We said our goodbyes and headed off to Plett. After just a short while Ena remembered that she had again forgotten the Fig Jam. We turned around only to find that there was not Fig Jam at the table, nor in the office. A little while later we were able to phone Patrick who admitted that it was he who had taken the jam. The roads were busy but we managed an easy drive to Plett.
We would phone Barbara from time to time and realised that she was not far ahead. She had made a wrong turn in Mossel Bay and ended up in the town. From there she had driven over the Robertsons pass to Oudtshoorn. We agreed to meet at the Storms River Bridge for something to eat. It was impossible for her to go and buy something as she had the Pig, the Digby and the bird in the bakkie with her. She found a grassy area at the bridge and waited for us there.
We stopped off at Plett where we off loaded Ena and Isabel and loaded up some Apricot Jam. Isabel would meet up with her gang of friends and they all slept the night at Ena's flat before heading off to Coffee Bay for surfing and fun.
At Storms River Bridge we bought ourselves some hamburgers and coffee and then drove the final leg to PE in Convoy. Michael and family were at home waiting for us. Barbara was totally exhausted after a long day at the wheel and after unpacking we had an evening of unwinding.
Monday morning I had to go to work. I started off the morning with a run on the beach front with Adrienne, Pat and Ronel. We did the promenade run all the way to the old Flat Rock. The Boardwalk has now been repaired and one is able to jog along the beach front for an extra kilometer. That evening we started a series of Bridge evening with Michael and Lene. They have become quite proficient at bridge and Lene in particular has become bold and will call well.
Tuesday morning I had a short (early) visit to Grahamstown and stopped off at Nanaga on my way home I stopped off at the Nanaga Farm stall. This farm stall was established in 1969 as a fresh cabbage stall from the boot of a bakkie by Lynn MacKenzie and is now run by Leigh Anne at the relocated (29 November 2008)shop. As ususal the shop was very busy.
The pies, roosterbrood and bread are delicious. I enquired as to the meaning of the word Nanaga (Nanara - Xhosa) and was told it meant clover leaf or interchange. This evening we went to the beach for a walk and Jessica & ALly did their Jboarding. This is a new experience for Jess but she managed well. We did this a couple of times this week. Jessica improved her J Boarding and Ally makes it look easy despite a fall or two.
Wednesday morning we again did our beach front run and Thursday we had a special run as this was New years eve. We took some champagne and orange juice with Anne DuRand bringing some really delicious cakes. The running group was: Suzanne, Adrienne, Pat, Ronel, Gerald, Adrian, Annie and John for a short while. Adrienne's family joined us later: Jennifer from UK and friend, Danielle and Matthew.
The Hobie beach area was cordoned off so we had our little gathering opposite bird rock. I had a swim and Adrienne's group went to swim at Hobie beach. The morning runs have been a treat for me and I am going to miss them next week when everyone has to be back at work.
31 December 2009. New Year's Eve. Barbara and I spent the evening with Charles and Ingrid. Charles and Ingrid treated us to a cheese platter for starters. We sat outside on this balmy evening. It was really a stunning little get together. We had a Filet Steak braai, potato bake and a Charles famous salad. We played bridge and if Barbara had not been feeling poorly we may even have made Midnight.
Ingrid made us a delicious pudding which we enjoyed before our final coffee. We left an hour before the new year started. Nicky and Stefan had been at a Wedding and would spend the night at Ceres with their family. Michael and Lene, Ally and children spent the evening at Lene's sister Mariska. They arrived home well after Midnight.
And so ended 2009.
This has been and interesting and challenging year for all of us. Barbara had major changes at School with Xoliswa on Maternity leave and then resigning. Suzanne being retrenched and leaving earlier than expected as she found full time employment at the pharmacy where she works. Barbara has now cut her school intake to a manageable number of 18 children.
I had this new job of Financial Services GM at JDG and had a lot more travel than I previously had but have coped and adapted fine. I am now really enjoying the job and feel that I make a positive contribution. While I spent nearly 25 years at Morkels in a variety of positions including Manager, Regional operations, Regional Credit and Regional Personnell manager this move to Cross Chain has opened my eyes to new cultures and new personalities. It has been quite challenging to try to get to know people in 80 shops in the Division.
Jacqui, Michael, Emily and Anabelle spent their final day in London this week and have now moved to their new home in Israel near to Hiafa. Michael had a tough year with a work colleague who accused him of harrassment. Jacqui has had to live within the confines of her flat and the London weather. They now have the opportunity for a fresh start in Israel.
Michael and Lene have had to move from their home in Target Kloof, Walmer when Mike was not feeling that he could cope. He left his job in Russells where he was well respected and liked by the people around him. He joined Furn City and soon realised that this was not for him. He left this company and remained unemployed for the rest of the year. He starts a new job selling insurance with Liberty Life where his good friend, David, works. They will live with us for the next period until they feel that they are again ready and able to be independent.
Cathy and Saul found themselves a new place to live after living in Woodstock since they met. They new flat was much more secure and sunny. They seemed to love this home but have now bought a small house and will be moving there in the new year. The tenant that I had at Montreax left and we have had a period with no tenant and have had to fix the flat up as it had deteriorated both internal and external. Cathy has handled the whole job and has found a tenant for us.
Nicky and Stefan have had their fair share of work and home difficult situations. Christian had an operation to try to cure the drooling that is symtomatic of Distonia. Nicky now has the horse to ride and has taken part in competition. Stefan stays fit and is keen to run half marathons in the new year. The Little Pink Book is a huge project with the Western Cape and the Gauteng editions taking up a big part of their time and focus. The Wedding photography business is their core but they appear to be branching out with other ventures.
Wildcliff has been our common ground in both interest and time spent there. I have been able to visit Wildcliff a good number of times this year. I have had the pleasure of taking friends: Ron twice, Ron and Lynn, Peter and Elmarie, Fred Kohler twice and our family had the priveledge of being there as a whole family (19 people) over the Christmas weekend.
.
Sunday, November 8, 2009
NIPPERS PLETT CARNIVAL NOVEMBER 2009.
PLETT NIPPERS CARNIVAL 7TH AND 8TH NOVEMBER 2009
Report and results
We had the most awesome carnival at Plettenberg Bay this past weekend. As usual the organisation was excellent with the combination of Plett and the official from EPLSA. In particular people like Sean, Nick, Ant, Clint, Paul's new computerised result program, Administrators, Scorers and recorders and every coach who spends hours of their time to assist in all kinds of ways from being in the water to marshaling to supporting their teams. There is not a parent or sibling who does not participate in some positive way.
Then there are the Nippers: These are the most hardy of all children. Thomas made the comment that there is no other sport like it for the way that our children are prepared to brave the toughest of conditions, the most arduous of oversize surf conditions, the most demanding of both their physical and their mental abilities. Just imagine how they must feel when they are eliminated in the very first round of a flags heat! And yet the next time they are called upon to participate they will do so knowing that there may be a recurrence of the same emotional stress.
Imagine starting an Iron Nipper event and watching the big sets of waves as they come pounding into shore. And then as you look out to sea the distance that you are going to swim, body board and then Malibu. This would be enough to put off the strongest of wills. Well done to every Nipper who was there this weekend. This type of event for a child between the age of 8 to 14; over two days, is like the Comrades or the Ironman is to a seriously trained athlete. Every participant is a winner.
Barbara and I left PE midday on Friday and Barbara dropped me off as she and Ally headed off to Oudtshoorn for a Gala there. Joining her were John and Cheryl Kotze with their child, Greg. From our Nippers Team were Lara, Daniel, Rogan, Jamie Lee and Ally.
Saturday morning started off with a run for Jacqui, Lisle and myself. We met in Plett village and jogged down towards the beach. We crossed the Piesang River and headed towards the N2. This route, for those who don't know it, takes the runner up a really long and steep hill with three or four switchbacks. Up to Castleton and onto the N2 where we crossed the main (Shell Garage) entrance to Plett and ran downhill to the bottom entrance at the Engen garage. We found a tap and then carried on up and back to Plett village. The run had taken us just over an hour and was really worthwhile.
I later learned that Alec and Graham had run 20kays to Robberg and back while Hannes and Jacques had gone out on Mountain Bikes. Hannes had taken a tumble and had bruised his leg and arm so badly that the next day he was battling to walk.
Terry phoned to say that he was on his way into town and I met his vehicle at the beach. We off loaded the trailer and set up the tent. Once the tent was up and Nippers started arriving the Carnival started to take shape.
A couple of Nippers from Hobie Beach and Simone from Summies had to do the swim part of their level test. They were due to have done their level test on Wednesday but the high seas, white water and strong rip current made swimming impossible. So what Ant Cox did was to conduct all the theory and beach exercises, leaving the swim for the morning of the carnival. This morning everyone passed their test. It also gave me the opportunity for an early morning swim. I did not envy the children as the water was quite chilly and long swims would take some heart today.
This morning was the first time that our new sponsors, ADT would be displayed on our clothing. Jacqui had brought the new kit for the Nippers to wear. ADT would have been pleased to see their exposure. We need to have some ADT feathers and boards with their logo and branding to give real exposure to the extent of the sponsorship.
Dianne Nelson is presently our Chairman. John has been offered a job promotion in Johannesburg and they will now be moving. This is most unfortunate for Summerstrand. We will struggle to find a person who is as committed and as hard working as Dianne has been in the few months of her taking office at Summerstrand.
The running of the days events went well. Taplin Relay, Long Run, Flags, Body and Malibu Relays all took some organising. At one stage there was some fears that a shark sighting may put the event off for a while. But the shark sighting was a lot further out to sea and the fears were soon calmed. Events proceeded as planned.
By 16.30 everyone was happy to end the afternoon off with a beer on the wonderfully designed new deck that Plett has added to their club house. This deck is the simplest of structures with steel girding and wooden floors making up a stunning lookout area for the Nippers and Lifesaving clubhouse. Talking to Nick later, he told me how he had started the Plett Nippers organisation and how it had grown from just 20 Nippers to its present size and structure in just 7 years.
There was one particular event which took everyone by surprise. It was the U10 Malibu Relay event. The Summies team were placed at about 5th place when the final tag was being done. And the Nippers headed out into one of the biggest sets of the afternoon.U10 Nippers were being wiped out all over the place. Coaches rushed to the assistance of the Nippers. The only poor soul not being assisted, was Corrick, of Summerstrand. He powered out on his own getting battered but persevering. Finally he made it past the breakers and somehow kept his lead and won the event for his team. This display of courage and strength will be remembered for many years.
Sportsmanship took on new meaning as I saw, time and again Nippers staying together when out in the water with a friend, who may not have been as strong as they were. There was an instance of a Nipper who realised that she did not have the strength to carry on to the flags finals and so when they were running for a flag she “allowed” a team mate to catch the last flag. There are so many examples of team support from both parents, coaches and team mates that it almost chokes you up with emotion when you see this positive behaviour on display.
Of course there are also cases of aggression. Nippers is a tough sport and being able to deal with being “unfairly pushed aside” is what builds character that is going to be so very important in the lives of the Nippers as they grow to young adults. I think that it was Deon who described Nippers as a whole set of life skills that our children have the opportunity to learn in an environment that is healthy and has the support of parent and peer groups.
As we sat and had our first beer, after the last event of the day, we saw Barbara and Ally arrive on the beach. They had left Oudtshoorn earlier than expected and we were all pleased to have them join us.
While at the Oudtshoorn Gala Ally had managed to win two medals: A Gold medal for the Medley relay in which she swam the final leg of Freestyle and a Silver medal for the Freestyle relay.
This evening we were pretty exhausted. Walking on soft sand for a day with little to eat and lots of exercise meant for tired bodies. I am pretty sure that most of us were asleep fairly early.
Sunday morning we were down on the beach shortly after 7.15am. Ally, Daniel and Rogan did their swim for their level test. The day began with a variety of disciplines and a combination of heat and hard work had us all looking tired within a few hours. The stride of parents on the beach was decidedly less energetic than it had been the previous day. People sought out the shade and wore more clothes than yesterday, as they had clearly been sun beaten on Saturday. I am also fairly certain that there were some dads who were quietly seeking out Panado's.
The U14 and U12 Iron Nipper events were stunning to watch. I parked myself out on a Malibu board at the furthest point and watched as these brave Nippers swam, body boarded and Malibu Boarded out and around back to the shore. It was quite humbling to see what our children are prepared to put themselves through. A particular: “Well Done” must be accorded to every participant in Iron Nipper events.
Barbara & I were particularly proud of Ally who was placed fourth after a grueling event in which she overtook at least one other U14 in the final stages of the Malibu section by taking a wave to shore. This is Ally's first year in U14 and she looks like she has a great year ahead of her.
We were pleased to be able to watch Ally competing in the Run Swim Run in which she held her own. Ally had missed out on competing in the team events as these had all been held when she was in Oudtshoorn.
The final event on Sunday was the Flags. Clint started this event and had to be quite strict when it came to false starts. My opinion is that the Nippers took their defeats in good spirit and I overheard one Dad saying to his children: “See how the losers smile as broadly as the winners”. Yes, it is all about learning to be a winner in losing. There are something like 50 participants in an age group. There can only be one winner. So 49 Nippers have to have the ability to accept defeat.
Once the final Flags event had been run the scorers had the task of trying to sort out teams, age groups and individual winners. Tough but they got stuck in just allowing us enough time to pack up our trailers, grab an ice cream and soon we were gathering around to listen to the final results.
Provisional Results:
U10's
1 Kings Beach 423 points
2 Summies 242 points
3 Plett 219 points
4 East London 109 points
Nipper of the competition:
Summies Girls
3 Meg (Goosie) Nelson.
Summies boys
1 Corrick
U12's
1 Plett 317 points
2 Summies 316 Points
3 Kings Beach 252 points
4 East London 92 points
5 Hobie Beach 14 points
Nippers of the competition
Summies Girls
2 Jamie who was there for Sunday only
1 Simone who has only recently joined Nippers.
Summies Boys
3 Craig
U14
1 Kings Beach 417 points
2 Plett 297 points
3 Summies 264 Points
4 Hobie beach 17 points
Nippers of the competition
Summies Girls
1 Christie
Summies Boys
3 Luke H
Full Team results:
1 Kings Beach 1092 points
2 Plett 833 points
3 Summies 822 points
4 East London 210 points
5 Hobie 31 points
A full set of results should be available on the website of Kings Beach shortly. I will let you know when this is available. Meanwhile I apologise in advance for all of my errors. I wrote the names and results in my own particular set of shorthand and hieroglyphics.
Peter Giddy
Sunday 8.11.2009.
082 550 3174
peter@wildcliff.org
Report and results
We had the most awesome carnival at Plettenberg Bay this past weekend. As usual the organisation was excellent with the combination of Plett and the official from EPLSA. In particular people like Sean, Nick, Ant, Clint, Paul's new computerised result program, Administrators, Scorers and recorders and every coach who spends hours of their time to assist in all kinds of ways from being in the water to marshaling to supporting their teams. There is not a parent or sibling who does not participate in some positive way.
Then there are the Nippers: These are the most hardy of all children. Thomas made the comment that there is no other sport like it for the way that our children are prepared to brave the toughest of conditions, the most arduous of oversize surf conditions, the most demanding of both their physical and their mental abilities. Just imagine how they must feel when they are eliminated in the very first round of a flags heat! And yet the next time they are called upon to participate they will do so knowing that there may be a recurrence of the same emotional stress.
Imagine starting an Iron Nipper event and watching the big sets of waves as they come pounding into shore. And then as you look out to sea the distance that you are going to swim, body board and then Malibu. This would be enough to put off the strongest of wills. Well done to every Nipper who was there this weekend. This type of event for a child between the age of 8 to 14; over two days, is like the Comrades or the Ironman is to a seriously trained athlete. Every participant is a winner.
Barbara and I left PE midday on Friday and Barbara dropped me off as she and Ally headed off to Oudtshoorn for a Gala there. Joining her were John and Cheryl Kotze with their child, Greg. From our Nippers Team were Lara, Daniel, Rogan, Jamie Lee and Ally.
Saturday morning started off with a run for Jacqui, Lisle and myself. We met in Plett village and jogged down towards the beach. We crossed the Piesang River and headed towards the N2. This route, for those who don't know it, takes the runner up a really long and steep hill with three or four switchbacks. Up to Castleton and onto the N2 where we crossed the main (Shell Garage) entrance to Plett and ran downhill to the bottom entrance at the Engen garage. We found a tap and then carried on up and back to Plett village. The run had taken us just over an hour and was really worthwhile.
I later learned that Alec and Graham had run 20kays to Robberg and back while Hannes and Jacques had gone out on Mountain Bikes. Hannes had taken a tumble and had bruised his leg and arm so badly that the next day he was battling to walk.
Terry phoned to say that he was on his way into town and I met his vehicle at the beach. We off loaded the trailer and set up the tent. Once the tent was up and Nippers started arriving the Carnival started to take shape.
A couple of Nippers from Hobie Beach and Simone from Summies had to do the swim part of their level test. They were due to have done their level test on Wednesday but the high seas, white water and strong rip current made swimming impossible. So what Ant Cox did was to conduct all the theory and beach exercises, leaving the swim for the morning of the carnival. This morning everyone passed their test. It also gave me the opportunity for an early morning swim. I did not envy the children as the water was quite chilly and long swims would take some heart today.
This morning was the first time that our new sponsors, ADT would be displayed on our clothing. Jacqui had brought the new kit for the Nippers to wear. ADT would have been pleased to see their exposure. We need to have some ADT feathers and boards with their logo and branding to give real exposure to the extent of the sponsorship.
Dianne Nelson is presently our Chairman. John has been offered a job promotion in Johannesburg and they will now be moving. This is most unfortunate for Summerstrand. We will struggle to find a person who is as committed and as hard working as Dianne has been in the few months of her taking office at Summerstrand.
The running of the days events went well. Taplin Relay, Long Run, Flags, Body and Malibu Relays all took some organising. At one stage there was some fears that a shark sighting may put the event off for a while. But the shark sighting was a lot further out to sea and the fears were soon calmed. Events proceeded as planned.
By 16.30 everyone was happy to end the afternoon off with a beer on the wonderfully designed new deck that Plett has added to their club house. This deck is the simplest of structures with steel girding and wooden floors making up a stunning lookout area for the Nippers and Lifesaving clubhouse. Talking to Nick later, he told me how he had started the Plett Nippers organisation and how it had grown from just 20 Nippers to its present size and structure in just 7 years.
There was one particular event which took everyone by surprise. It was the U10 Malibu Relay event. The Summies team were placed at about 5th place when the final tag was being done. And the Nippers headed out into one of the biggest sets of the afternoon.U10 Nippers were being wiped out all over the place. Coaches rushed to the assistance of the Nippers. The only poor soul not being assisted, was Corrick, of Summerstrand. He powered out on his own getting battered but persevering. Finally he made it past the breakers and somehow kept his lead and won the event for his team. This display of courage and strength will be remembered for many years.
Sportsmanship took on new meaning as I saw, time and again Nippers staying together when out in the water with a friend, who may not have been as strong as they were. There was an instance of a Nipper who realised that she did not have the strength to carry on to the flags finals and so when they were running for a flag she “allowed” a team mate to catch the last flag. There are so many examples of team support from both parents, coaches and team mates that it almost chokes you up with emotion when you see this positive behaviour on display.
Of course there are also cases of aggression. Nippers is a tough sport and being able to deal with being “unfairly pushed aside” is what builds character that is going to be so very important in the lives of the Nippers as they grow to young adults. I think that it was Deon who described Nippers as a whole set of life skills that our children have the opportunity to learn in an environment that is healthy and has the support of parent and peer groups.
As we sat and had our first beer, after the last event of the day, we saw Barbara and Ally arrive on the beach. They had left Oudtshoorn earlier than expected and we were all pleased to have them join us.
While at the Oudtshoorn Gala Ally had managed to win two medals: A Gold medal for the Medley relay in which she swam the final leg of Freestyle and a Silver medal for the Freestyle relay.
This evening we were pretty exhausted. Walking on soft sand for a day with little to eat and lots of exercise meant for tired bodies. I am pretty sure that most of us were asleep fairly early.
Sunday morning we were down on the beach shortly after 7.15am. Ally, Daniel and Rogan did their swim for their level test. The day began with a variety of disciplines and a combination of heat and hard work had us all looking tired within a few hours. The stride of parents on the beach was decidedly less energetic than it had been the previous day. People sought out the shade and wore more clothes than yesterday, as they had clearly been sun beaten on Saturday. I am also fairly certain that there were some dads who were quietly seeking out Panado's.
The U14 and U12 Iron Nipper events were stunning to watch. I parked myself out on a Malibu board at the furthest point and watched as these brave Nippers swam, body boarded and Malibu Boarded out and around back to the shore. It was quite humbling to see what our children are prepared to put themselves through. A particular: “Well Done” must be accorded to every participant in Iron Nipper events.
Barbara & I were particularly proud of Ally who was placed fourth after a grueling event in which she overtook at least one other U14 in the final stages of the Malibu section by taking a wave to shore. This is Ally's first year in U14 and she looks like she has a great year ahead of her.
We were pleased to be able to watch Ally competing in the Run Swim Run in which she held her own. Ally had missed out on competing in the team events as these had all been held when she was in Oudtshoorn.
The final event on Sunday was the Flags. Clint started this event and had to be quite strict when it came to false starts. My opinion is that the Nippers took their defeats in good spirit and I overheard one Dad saying to his children: “See how the losers smile as broadly as the winners”. Yes, it is all about learning to be a winner in losing. There are something like 50 participants in an age group. There can only be one winner. So 49 Nippers have to have the ability to accept defeat.
Once the final Flags event had been run the scorers had the task of trying to sort out teams, age groups and individual winners. Tough but they got stuck in just allowing us enough time to pack up our trailers, grab an ice cream and soon we were gathering around to listen to the final results.
Provisional Results:
U10's
1 Kings Beach 423 points
2 Summies 242 points
3 Plett 219 points
4 East London 109 points
Nipper of the competition:
Summies Girls
3 Meg (Goosie) Nelson.
Summies boys
1 Corrick
U12's
1 Plett 317 points
2 Summies 316 Points
3 Kings Beach 252 points
4 East London 92 points
5 Hobie Beach 14 points
Nippers of the competition
Summies Girls
2 Jamie who was there for Sunday only
1 Simone who has only recently joined Nippers.
Summies Boys
3 Craig
U14
1 Kings Beach 417 points
2 Plett 297 points
3 Summies 264 Points
4 Hobie beach 17 points
Nippers of the competition
Summies Girls
1 Christie
Summies Boys
3 Luke H
Full Team results:
1 Kings Beach 1092 points
2 Plett 833 points
3 Summies 822 points
4 East London 210 points
5 Hobie 31 points
A full set of results should be available on the website of Kings Beach shortly. I will let you know when this is available. Meanwhile I apologise in advance for all of my errors. I wrote the names and results in my own particular set of shorthand and hieroglyphics.
Peter Giddy
Sunday 8.11.2009.
082 550 3174
peter@wildcliff.org
Sunday, November 1, 2009
NOVEMBER 2009.
NOVEMBER 2009.
THIS MONTH
ALLY GALA IN OUDTSHOORN
NIPPERS PLETT CARNIVAL
INCOME TAX GETS DONE
WILLOWS 10KAY MARSHALLING
TRIP TO JOHANNESBURG TO FETCH THE MERCEDES
BAFANA BAFANA PLAY JAPAN IN PE STADIUM
BRENDA GOES FLY FISHING IN CANADA: AIRPORT EXPERIENCE AND RESPONSE.
JACQUI ZIVOR ABOUT TO MOVE TO ISRAEL AFTER A HOLIDAY IN RSA.
MICHAEL GOES TO HOLLAND TO COLLECT IAN'S BICYCLE.
WILDCLIFF TRIP WITH FRED KOHLER.
CATHY FIXES UP THE MONTREUX FLAT AND PUTS A TENANT IN.
BARBARA HAS A MISS PIGGY STAYING WITH US
ALLY AND PETER DO THE ENERGADE TRIATHLON.
PAULA REPORT ON WILDCLIFF
The month started off with the Plett Nippers Carnival. And Ally had a Gala in Oudtshoorn. Her team won a Gold and SIlver medals for two events. One she swam freestyle and another she swam Butterfly.
I had a full week travelling through the Transkei to Lusikisiki, Flagstaff, Bizana and Mount Frere. It may not sound like much but these are such interesting places and the staff too are interesting. While I dislike being away from home, I try to make the most of these trips.
The following weekend the poor weather that we were to experience over the next two weeks, began. THis was not my excuse but on SUnday morning I realised that I had just one week left to submit my income tax forms. SO I sat down and got stuck into doing the neccessary efiling. I also tried to do Barbara's income tax but did not succeed and finally had to use a consultant Leon Gerber who did her tax last year. I have never met him and neither paid him.
Saturday morning: I met up with Adrienne and a small group at 05.30 at Hobie beach and we did the 10kay circuit. From there I drove to WIllows where I assisted with Marshalling at the WIldside 10kay. THis afternoon I went to watch Bafana Bafana SA soccer team playing against Japan at our new NM stadium. This was my second visit to the stadium but my first experience to watch the National Soccer team that has been playing so badly recently. THe game was slow and defensive in the first half but in the second half Bafana became more agressive and tried to score a goal. Japan were all over the place and very aggressive. Unfortunately neither team scored a goal and it ended up a draw. I had gone with three men from work. Elby, Mumbulelo and Vukile. A good experience.
Monday morning I flew to Jhb for a meeting. After the meeting I took the Mercedes Benz which had 166 000kays and drove back home to PE. I left at around 3pm. It was a long afternoon and I managed to drive for 650kays to Colesberg at 21.30. Crossing the Vaal RIver driving right through the Free State and across the Orange RIver.
Here I found a B & B (La Provence) which Barbara had prebooked for me. The next morning, after I realised that there was not water in the taps,I brushed my teeth with a dry brush and pressed on at about 04.30am. My next stop was Cradock where I was able to buy coffee and use the bathroom. i had driven the 1090kays from Jhb in around 10.30 hours. I arrived in PE at about 08.30am, had a shower and spent a busy day at work as we had a FSAM meeting in East London the following day. I was fortunate to have the Tom Tom GPRS to assist me with directions. Especially leaving Jhb.
Thursday morning I finally had a bit of normality as I met the MPRG for a run to Walmer and back. Good to be home.
Hi Barbara
I have been on line to get the new price list for various wines. The "effe soet" Colombard - slightly sweet is the one Dawn and I drank.... I suppose this is what they call semi-sweet. Any way this is R270 a case and then there is a transportation charge which last year was R60 per case. at the present time this is the unknown cost.
I would have liked to buy the Cabernet Sauvignon.... I know Peter has had some of this .... and it was very good. Ask him if he would like to share a case with me.
I shall send the wine list in a separate e-mail.
BRENDA GOES FLY FISHING IN CANADA:
NASTY AND NEGATIVE AIRPORT SECURITY.
here is the account of my travails at the hands of the security personnel in Canada. The last paragraph was suplied by Dawn and just as well as I would have been total negative and nasty.
Brenda
I am a retired 67 year old woman with white hair and a passion for fly fishing. I have spent a glorious three weeks with friends fishing, touring and viewing the wonderful natural beauty of areas relatively close to Calgary, such as fishing the Bow, Oldman's River and Livingstone Falls.
Last night when I was supposed to fly out of Calgary the gilt was taken off the ginger bread.
I was one of the first people through the boarding gate. Initially the security people after going through my hand luggage said it was illegal for me to carry fishing flies in my hand luggage and thus on to the plane. What followed can only be described as a comedy of errors:
First I was told that I could retrace my steps and go and submit the small packet of flies to Air Canada for shipping separately... which I did only to find all the counters closed and no-one there.... in fact the International side of the airport was closed; so I went back to the security area and then I was told that I could mail them to myself if I filled in a postage form.
This I started to do only to find that I could not pay for the postage with cash and anyway the postage counter was now closed. At this point I was seriously concerned about missing my plane and two connections back to my home in South Africa, so I abandoned the flies to the devices of the security crew, and tried to move through to catch my flight, but no this was not to be.
My luggage was again subjected to a second screening and physical search by a young man named Leon who then turned his back on me for several minutes. Eventually he turned back and said "Oh, you can go". This person has serious issues with megalomania.
By this time I was almost running down the passage to get to my plane - when, guess what, I was called back and my luggage was again subjected to an open case search by Leon apparently on instructions from "upstairs", whereupon he found some more flies!
Why didn't he make a good job of it the first time around? I was repeatedly told that I should have consulted the on-line regulations, which I have since done without gaining any clarity. I was then subjected to a second full body search in front of the ten or so security personnel who had collected for the show..... by that time my plane was on the runway and about to depart.
At this point several Air Canada personnel appeared to find out what was going on, and I learned I had been given the run-around for forty-five minutes. In fact my first words to the senior Air Canada official were "I have been harassed". Once he took over some semblance of normalcy returned and he and a magician named Wade were able to book me on a flight the following day (today) which would connect through to my home area.
This unpleasant incident has left me with two questions:
Firstly, with the large number of anglers arriving in Calgary every year to fish the Bow River, shouldn't there be some clear indication that trout flies (most of which measure 2 to 3 mm across the gape, and are covered with feathers, beads etc.) are not permissible in hand luggage, and,
secondly, would it not be possible to provide security staff with some training in public relations.
ND HERE IS THE RESPONSE FROM CANADIAN FLY FISHERMEN
The most incredible thing has happened. On Tuesday I had a cancellation of a school visit (teacher sick), and I was at home attending to all sorts of odds and ends, when the post office van arrived with a parcel for me.
I read on the parcel that it had come all the way from a shop caled Fish Tales in Calgary that we had patronised for flyfishing equipment, and to find and hire a guide.
Anyway I opened it there were six boxes of fishing flies with a minimum of 50 flies in each box, and a message to say they had heard about my"situation" at the airport and the flies had been collected with the hope that "this gesture helps ease the harsh memories you might have about our airport".
When I went on line to thank them this is the response that I got.
That collection of flies is from many different people from the fly fishing community from Alberta and British Columbia. Someone had seen an article on the internet about your experience and posted onto the forum and it went from there. We offered to do the collecting and shipping since you were in the shop several times and had fished with Terry.
I would like to be able to post a note from you on the local internet form that organized this. So if you could send me something that I could put on that site that would be great. Let us know which flies work.
Incredible isn't it!
Brenda
19.11.2009.
JACQUI IS IN HER LAST TWO MONTHS OF LONDON BEFORE A RSA VISIT AND A MOVE TO ISRAEL.
Hi Everyone,
The weekend is on its way!!! Yippi! Michael is off to Amsterdam this
weekend to fetch Ian's bike. Funny story really. Michael's friend is
coming from Israel and then they are flying to Germany to meet up with
another friend. They are then all driving to Amsterdam to fetch the
bike of my dearly departed uncle...not really knowing what they are
going to find, may be a gem, but probably a clapped out junk of
wheels?? :) Doesn't really matter, people of done stranger things for
stranger reasons. Anyway, so I will be home with my girls, finishing
up some final shopping, packing, saying some goodbyes. The count down
really begins, 2 weeks. Can't wait to get moving, very itchy itchy
feet.
Hope you all have a good weekend.
have a look at my blog if you want some more of my babbling on.....and
on......and on......
www.zivor.wordpress.com
lots of love
Jacs
Jacqui and Ally are on Skype and type out this message:
Jacqui askes Ally:
hmmm, sorry, typing with annabell on me...what i was trying to say is: any news for me?
Ally Responds:
haha ammmmmm we got a pig, josh has lost 2 teeth, daniel is just daniel, jessica likes 3 boys, i am full of joy and awesomness, mom is nervous for the Christmas play, michael went for an entaview, lene is at work and ya dad is giddy
Jacqui replies:
hehehehehe you are hilarious
This week Cathy has been trying to get the Cape Town Montreux flat sorted out: The previous tenant left a number of months ago and we have not been able to put a new tenant into the flat until some work was done on painting and fixing the bathroom. Cathy has been hard at work only to discover that there is no electricity in the flat. Stefan had to go to the Civic Centre where he spent an hour before finally completing all of the forms.
Later in the day the electricity man phned me to say that there was no one there to open for him. It turns out that the lady with the key only works to midday. The following day she was also not there as it was a Muslin Holiday. Cathy had workmen who were not able to compelete the work with no electricity and only on Saturday did she finally get the power switched on. Cathy is so busy at work. She has recently received a promotion and can hardly afford this kind of worry. Added to this Cathy and Saul have bought a house which they are trying to finalise and get all of the paper work and expenses sorted out.
Friday 20th November 2009.
We had a Wildcliff trip planned for this weekend. Ally had decided to stay at home. On the Friday evening she had a Guild Function with her friends and stayed over with Amber. I wanted to take the Toyota to Cape Town for Jacqui to use when they arrive next month. Fred Kohler would drive it down. We left PE at a leisurely pace at around 2.30pm with Fred following in the Toyota a little while later. We drove straight through and arrived in Heidelberg at about 20.30. Nicci and their friends Marius, Melanie and two children were already settled in. They had a fire going and had a braai for supper.
Saturday morning 21st. Fred, Stefan and I left at about 6 for a run. We ran to the main Wildcliff gate and then turned left. We jogged down to the bridge and up the other side. This is Kallie Engelbrecht's farm. He farms cattle and we saw some cows being moved around. Just then Kallie drove past and I was able to meet him for the first time. He complained about the Working for Water people and how they worked. While it is still quite dry in this area there has been some rain and the streams were flowing. We jogged up to where the T junction of the start of the Gysmanshoek pass is and then turned back. We tried a turn off that looked like it would lead us back to WC but had to turn around. When we got back to Kallies farm we cut across his fields and up along the Eskom line back to the Fynbos road of WC. we then went on a little to the Rain Frog dam where we had a cooling off swim before heading home again.
I was expecting a visit from the Overberg Water people who represent WFW in Heidelberg. Zanay and a colleague came to visit and it turned out that Zanay is a school friend of Stefan's. Keith, Zanay and I had a long conversation regarding the effectiveness of the work that has been done. Zanay tried to explain the way that they were supposed to operate with certain sections of land having been cleared three times before they finally hand over to the land owner. While I was not satisfied with their answers it appears that they are a whole lot more effective than the previous people who were there (Davie and his successor who only lasted a short while).
These two ladies say that they walk the area's before they start and before they sign an area off. The meeting ended up with us signing off a section of the reserve that they will work to finally clear. We will have to see how effective the work is and the results. One of the things that is really of concern is the fire hazzard but Zanay says that we cannot consider burning until winter - June or July. We will have to clear a fire break, buldoze a section and then get professional fire fighters to come and do the work.
Later this morning the whole gang of us went up to rain frog dam where Fred, Stefan and I tried out the Tree Poppers that we had bought. There were a number of stumps and saplings that had not been cleared and it is a really satisfying activity to clear these invasives out. Pullling a whole stump or sapling roots and all! Its a tiring activity and a swim later was quite welcome.
This evening Paula and Keith joined us for one of Stefan's famous potjie suppers. We ate quite late and flopped into bed with everyone quite exhausted. Sunday morning I woke up stiff and sore from the previous day's run and excersize. Fred seemed to be fit and headed up the Fynbos Road for a run. He ran all the way up to Barafu in 30 minutes and back down in 25 minutes.
After a slwo start to the day we took the Bushpig and drove up to Barafu. THe ride at the back of the vehicle is very bumpy. THe children do not seem to mind but it is quite uncomfortable for an adult. We walked around the area for a short while and then headed back with Stefan jogging behind us.
Back home we packed up and left at about Midday. Barbara had her Miss Piggy with us and she likes to stop for regular breaks. We bought ourselves a Sweet potato muffin at the Tsitsikamma shop where the mother and daughter owners were quite taken with our Yorkie and Porkie. Throughout our drive to WC and back, whenever we stopped the Piggy would draw attention as people would wonder if this animal on a leash was a dog or a pig? We made good time and were home by about 17.00.
Monday morning I was still too stiff to go jogging with the MPRG but the rest of the week I ran each morning. Saturday morning I collected Pat and Adrienne and we drove down to Hobie beach where we met Annie, Adrian, Suzanne, Susan, Jacqui, Mike dean and his daughter Debbie who is back from CT University where she has completed her Honours in Property Management and has now signed up for a three year Law Degree doing the first two years in one year.
We did the 10 kay circuit up Walmer Boulevard, Strandfontein Road and second ave. Adrienne and Pat did the full route down Admiralty. I wanted to swim as this would be my second swim in training for the Energade Triathlon on Sunday. The water was cold to get in but the body adapts quite quickly and I had a good, if leisurely, swim. Jonti and Jessica Daniels had Paddle Ski's and did a paddle around the Bird Rock. Looks so good to see a Father and Daughter doing this together.
After our run and swim I spent the morning at Work and then in the afternoon Ally and I cycled down to Summerstrand to register for the Triathlon. Unfortunately the SMS that we had received to say that registration would be at 14.00 was incorrect and registration was only at 16.00. Barbara had driven down and we loaded the bikes into the bakkie and drove home. I took the old bakkie to the tip to clear out some of the rubble and bushes that Barbara and her gardener, Kevin had cut. Michael was having a Braai with some of his friends: David, Chris Wilkie, Alta and Brian James.
The Springboks were playing rugby at Dublin in Ireland. It must have been freezing cold there with a mist covering the field. We did not play well despite an early try by Bryan Habana we lost the game mainly due to an inability to convert penalties while the Irish had an excellent young kicker who converted almost everything that he was given. This has been a most unsatisfactory tour by the springboks with losses to two league teams, the French and the Irish and a consolation win over the Italians who are coached by Nick Mallet.
Later Ally, Barbara and I registered for the Triathlon. It was not a pleasant afternoon as Ally was concerned that she would not be competing in the age group allowed to her. There are some age group events but Barbara likened them to Iron Kids at the Ironman event. Short events that would not do justice to Ally's ability.
ENERGADE TRIATHLON
Sunday morning: I think that both Ally and I were nervous for this event. It is a long time since I last did a Triathlon and it would be Ally's first attempt. We loaded up into Barbara's Opel Corsa Bakkie. Triathlon is a fussy sport and you have to remember a host of things. Helmets, gloves, water bottle, bathing Cap Running shoes, Goggles and of course the Bikes must have tyres pumped and be serviced to go.
I must have been really nervous as I ws feeling quite car sick by the time we arrived at Summerstrand. Gerald, Pat and Ronel were there. Hannes, Jacqui and Calvin were doing a team event as was Jonti's children Ashleigh and Jessie together with Jamie Engelke and Amber Zeelie. Ally and I had our numbers kokied onto our legs and then registered our bikes into transition.
The Kiddies triathlon was in progress. I am so glad that Ally was not part of this as it would have been "childs Play" for her. We did not see the swim but we heard that the children had not really had a swim at all. They had basically run through the water.
I asked around and Rob Ermes had a spare pair of Goggles which he was prepared to lend to me. I was really grateful as the sea looked quite rough with the East Wind blowing. The Girls event started 10 Minutes before the men. Ally had a good start. Nippers has certainly built a huge amount of confidence for her in the sea. As we stood waiting for the mens start we could clearly see Ally with a bright green cap.
As our race started I could see Ally was in the front group of the girls and she was just finishing the sea swim as I was starting. The surf was reasonably large. There was a rip pulling from East to West and the first buoy had moved considerably off course for the girls and had to be pulled back for the mens event. I felt really sorry for the back markers of the girls as they would have had to swim an extra 50 meters or so and would have been fighting to catch a moving buoy.
I had decided to take it easy. I am not a strong swimmer but was confident that I could do the swim if I did it in my own time. I thought that I was last but heard later that there were one or two men behind me. (I am not so sure about that) The team event had started 5 minutes behind us and before I rounded the first Buoy I was already overtaken by most of the team swimmers.
I am not good at my directions when I swim and found my self heading out to sea a couple of times. Finally I rounded the second buoy and the last section was quite easy with big swells pushing us in. Strangely enough the one of the toughest parts of the swim was exitting the water. There was a strong current that prevented us from running out and there were rocks in the sea that had been exposed after days of East Winds.
Into transition and finding my bike was one of the very few left. Snapped on my helmet, fitted the gloves and put the running shoes on that I would use on the mountain bike as well as for the run. You have to push the bike out of transition and then off I cycled. If I am bad at swimming, I think that I am even worse at cycling and I had hardly climbed on the bike when the first cyclist passed me. I saw Jonti walking back. Jessie had had a puncture and he had given her his bike to finish the event. I passed Ashleigh and Jessie Daniels and only one other person. The people who had been in the water with me passed me despite my best efforts to stay ahead.
I saw Ally heading in the opposite direction. I shouted that I would catch her but in fact doubted that I would be able to catch her on the Bike as I was already Bum Sore and tired. We turned and headed back into an East head wind. This lasted all the way to the University back entrance. Finally the last three kays was with the wind and I could pick up some speed. Still the few remaining people in the event seemed to pass me. I saw the runners all on their way home while I still had to complete the cycle and then start the run.
Just as I was about to finish I saw this man who I has seen all along on the swim and then who had passed me on the bike section have an accident with a car just as he was about to enter the transition area. I was not able to see the extent of his injury but it did not look good. This high lites that this event deserves ROAD Closure for the cycle section. Motorists did not behave well. I saw a number of motorists speeding and misbehaving generally.
Barbara was standing at the entrance and shouted that Ally had a fall and cut her leg. She was out of the run section and had cycled the back ten kay with a sore leg and a broken brake. I racked the bike and headed off to do the final leg of the triathlon: the five kay run. My legs felt all wobbly. I could not seem to get going. Jacqui passed me as she was finishing, Ronel was also finished her event. Rob Ermes finishing stronly. And I still had to do the full five kays with wobbly legs. But as I reached the two kay mark I started to establish a rythm and was able to pass a few chaps on the last few kays. Keith Reading, an ex Achillean was battling with the run and I was able to beat him in the dying stages. The Daniel and Zeelie teams were just behind me and finished strongly.
Ally had pulled out of the run but I am still proud of her attempts and the fact that her swim was so strong and that she had completed her first ever 20kay cycle. Jacqui Zeelie collected a prize for her team. Ally was happily sitting with her friends and I walked down to Nippers. Varrin had the U14's doing sprints and flags. I joined him for a short while. Ally and Barbara bought burgers and we loaded the bikes back into the bakkie. They went home and I stayed to help with Nippers clean up. Rob Mitchley gave me a lift home.
PAULA PEBSWORTH REPORT FROM WILDCLIFF
Hello All,
It was a short week for us as Thursday and Friday were spent in Mossel Bay for Keith's shoulder surgery. I think he filled you in, but just in case you didn't hear his news. He tore his rotator cuff some years ago and finally had to do something about it. The surgeon reattached the muscle with anchors to the bone. It will take about a month for it to heal. For some time, however, he'll have to be careful about lifting anything.
Additionally, a female juvenile from the big troop was electrocuted on the high voltage wires outside Talari (near the eucalyptus trees) on Monday morning. She died instantly, but was stuck in the wires. We called Eskom right away to come and take her down - it is considered a fire hazard. They didn't come on Monday. We called again on Tuesday - still no one by 2pm so I asked Peter to place a call for us. They were out by 4pm and after blowing the fuse, finally had her down by 5pm. Thanks again Peter - you are my hero! Needless to say, it was a sad time for me and the kids. We buried her below Xairu under the oak trees. I plan to wrap some barbed wire around the pole - perhaps this will prevent it from happening again.
The baboons were over near Nick's yesterday and have been a bit difficult to follow. It has also been quite warm this week and they have been swimming and hanging out at the kaoline mine and the Plattekloof. While I was at the KM I photographed a lovely female bushbuck, who seemed naive to humans. She was gorgeous and stood staring at me for the longest time.
The collaring project is on target. The baboons are readily coming into the trap for corn, raisins & an energy block. The challenge is getting the males out and females in. My mom is hand carrying the collar from the states and will arrive on December 3rd. I hope to have a female collared in December, but have a lot of people's schedules to work around as well as the holidays.
We celebrated Thanksgiving yesterday and were happy to introduce Marlei to a coveted American tradition. We have much to be thankful for - thanks again for the opportunity to live on Wildcliff & conduct research here! Attached are my favorite photos for the week.
Much love,
Paula
THIS MONTH
ALLY GALA IN OUDTSHOORN
NIPPERS PLETT CARNIVAL
INCOME TAX GETS DONE
WILLOWS 10KAY MARSHALLING
TRIP TO JOHANNESBURG TO FETCH THE MERCEDES
BAFANA BAFANA PLAY JAPAN IN PE STADIUM
BRENDA GOES FLY FISHING IN CANADA: AIRPORT EXPERIENCE AND RESPONSE.
JACQUI ZIVOR ABOUT TO MOVE TO ISRAEL AFTER A HOLIDAY IN RSA.
MICHAEL GOES TO HOLLAND TO COLLECT IAN'S BICYCLE.
WILDCLIFF TRIP WITH FRED KOHLER.
CATHY FIXES UP THE MONTREUX FLAT AND PUTS A TENANT IN.
BARBARA HAS A MISS PIGGY STAYING WITH US
ALLY AND PETER DO THE ENERGADE TRIATHLON.
PAULA REPORT ON WILDCLIFF
The month started off with the Plett Nippers Carnival. And Ally had a Gala in Oudtshoorn. Her team won a Gold and SIlver medals for two events. One she swam freestyle and another she swam Butterfly.
I had a full week travelling through the Transkei to Lusikisiki, Flagstaff, Bizana and Mount Frere. It may not sound like much but these are such interesting places and the staff too are interesting. While I dislike being away from home, I try to make the most of these trips.
The following weekend the poor weather that we were to experience over the next two weeks, began. THis was not my excuse but on SUnday morning I realised that I had just one week left to submit my income tax forms. SO I sat down and got stuck into doing the neccessary efiling. I also tried to do Barbara's income tax but did not succeed and finally had to use a consultant Leon Gerber who did her tax last year. I have never met him and neither paid him.
Saturday morning: I met up with Adrienne and a small group at 05.30 at Hobie beach and we did the 10kay circuit. From there I drove to WIllows where I assisted with Marshalling at the WIldside 10kay. THis afternoon I went to watch Bafana Bafana SA soccer team playing against Japan at our new NM stadium. This was my second visit to the stadium but my first experience to watch the National Soccer team that has been playing so badly recently. THe game was slow and defensive in the first half but in the second half Bafana became more agressive and tried to score a goal. Japan were all over the place and very aggressive. Unfortunately neither team scored a goal and it ended up a draw. I had gone with three men from work. Elby, Mumbulelo and Vukile. A good experience.
Monday morning I flew to Jhb for a meeting. After the meeting I took the Mercedes Benz which had 166 000kays and drove back home to PE. I left at around 3pm. It was a long afternoon and I managed to drive for 650kays to Colesberg at 21.30. Crossing the Vaal RIver driving right through the Free State and across the Orange RIver.
Here I found a B & B (La Provence) which Barbara had prebooked for me. The next morning, after I realised that there was not water in the taps,I brushed my teeth with a dry brush and pressed on at about 04.30am. My next stop was Cradock where I was able to buy coffee and use the bathroom. i had driven the 1090kays from Jhb in around 10.30 hours. I arrived in PE at about 08.30am, had a shower and spent a busy day at work as we had a FSAM meeting in East London the following day. I was fortunate to have the Tom Tom GPRS to assist me with directions. Especially leaving Jhb.
Thursday morning I finally had a bit of normality as I met the MPRG for a run to Walmer and back. Good to be home.
Hi Barbara
I have been on line to get the new price list for various wines. The "effe soet" Colombard - slightly sweet is the one Dawn and I drank.... I suppose this is what they call semi-sweet. Any way this is R270 a case and then there is a transportation charge which last year was R60 per case. at the present time this is the unknown cost.
I would have liked to buy the Cabernet Sauvignon.... I know Peter has had some of this .... and it was very good. Ask him if he would like to share a case with me.
I shall send the wine list in a separate e-mail.
BRENDA GOES FLY FISHING IN CANADA:
NASTY AND NEGATIVE AIRPORT SECURITY.
here is the account of my travails at the hands of the security personnel in Canada. The last paragraph was suplied by Dawn and just as well as I would have been total negative and nasty.
Brenda
I am a retired 67 year old woman with white hair and a passion for fly fishing. I have spent a glorious three weeks with friends fishing, touring and viewing the wonderful natural beauty of areas relatively close to Calgary, such as fishing the Bow, Oldman's River and Livingstone Falls.
Last night when I was supposed to fly out of Calgary the gilt was taken off the ginger bread.
I was one of the first people through the boarding gate. Initially the security people after going through my hand luggage said it was illegal for me to carry fishing flies in my hand luggage and thus on to the plane. What followed can only be described as a comedy of errors:
First I was told that I could retrace my steps and go and submit the small packet of flies to Air Canada for shipping separately... which I did only to find all the counters closed and no-one there.... in fact the International side of the airport was closed; so I went back to the security area and then I was told that I could mail them to myself if I filled in a postage form.
This I started to do only to find that I could not pay for the postage with cash and anyway the postage counter was now closed. At this point I was seriously concerned about missing my plane and two connections back to my home in South Africa, so I abandoned the flies to the devices of the security crew, and tried to move through to catch my flight, but no this was not to be.
My luggage was again subjected to a second screening and physical search by a young man named Leon who then turned his back on me for several minutes. Eventually he turned back and said "Oh, you can go". This person has serious issues with megalomania.
By this time I was almost running down the passage to get to my plane - when, guess what, I was called back and my luggage was again subjected to an open case search by Leon apparently on instructions from "upstairs", whereupon he found some more flies!
Why didn't he make a good job of it the first time around? I was repeatedly told that I should have consulted the on-line regulations, which I have since done without gaining any clarity. I was then subjected to a second full body search in front of the ten or so security personnel who had collected for the show..... by that time my plane was on the runway and about to depart.
At this point several Air Canada personnel appeared to find out what was going on, and I learned I had been given the run-around for forty-five minutes. In fact my first words to the senior Air Canada official were "I have been harassed". Once he took over some semblance of normalcy returned and he and a magician named Wade were able to book me on a flight the following day (today) which would connect through to my home area.
This unpleasant incident has left me with two questions:
Firstly, with the large number of anglers arriving in Calgary every year to fish the Bow River, shouldn't there be some clear indication that trout flies (most of which measure 2 to 3 mm across the gape, and are covered with feathers, beads etc.) are not permissible in hand luggage, and,
secondly, would it not be possible to provide security staff with some training in public relations.
ND HERE IS THE RESPONSE FROM CANADIAN FLY FISHERMEN
The most incredible thing has happened. On Tuesday I had a cancellation of a school visit (teacher sick), and I was at home attending to all sorts of odds and ends, when the post office van arrived with a parcel for me.
I read on the parcel that it had come all the way from a shop caled Fish Tales in Calgary that we had patronised for flyfishing equipment, and to find and hire a guide.
Anyway I opened it there were six boxes of fishing flies with a minimum of 50 flies in each box, and a message to say they had heard about my"situation" at the airport and the flies had been collected with the hope that "this gesture helps ease the harsh memories you might have about our airport".
When I went on line to thank them this is the response that I got.
That collection of flies is from many different people from the fly fishing community from Alberta and British Columbia. Someone had seen an article on the internet about your experience and posted onto the forum and it went from there. We offered to do the collecting and shipping since you were in the shop several times and had fished with Terry.
I would like to be able to post a note from you on the local internet form that organized this. So if you could send me something that I could put on that site that would be great. Let us know which flies work.
Incredible isn't it!
Brenda
19.11.2009.
JACQUI IS IN HER LAST TWO MONTHS OF LONDON BEFORE A RSA VISIT AND A MOVE TO ISRAEL.
Hi Everyone,
The weekend is on its way!!! Yippi! Michael is off to Amsterdam this
weekend to fetch Ian's bike. Funny story really. Michael's friend is
coming from Israel and then they are flying to Germany to meet up with
another friend. They are then all driving to Amsterdam to fetch the
bike of my dearly departed uncle...not really knowing what they are
going to find, may be a gem, but probably a clapped out junk of
wheels?? :) Doesn't really matter, people of done stranger things for
stranger reasons. Anyway, so I will be home with my girls, finishing
up some final shopping, packing, saying some goodbyes. The count down
really begins, 2 weeks. Can't wait to get moving, very itchy itchy
feet.
Hope you all have a good weekend.
have a look at my blog if you want some more of my babbling on.....and
on......and on......
www.zivor.wordpress.com
lots of love
Jacs
Jacqui and Ally are on Skype and type out this message:
Jacqui askes Ally:
hmmm, sorry, typing with annabell on me...what i was trying to say is: any news for me?
Ally Responds:
haha ammmmmm we got a pig, josh has lost 2 teeth, daniel is just daniel, jessica likes 3 boys, i am full of joy and awesomness, mom is nervous for the Christmas play, michael went for an entaview, lene is at work and ya dad is giddy
Jacqui replies:
hehehehehe you are hilarious
This week Cathy has been trying to get the Cape Town Montreux flat sorted out: The previous tenant left a number of months ago and we have not been able to put a new tenant into the flat until some work was done on painting and fixing the bathroom. Cathy has been hard at work only to discover that there is no electricity in the flat. Stefan had to go to the Civic Centre where he spent an hour before finally completing all of the forms.
Later in the day the electricity man phned me to say that there was no one there to open for him. It turns out that the lady with the key only works to midday. The following day she was also not there as it was a Muslin Holiday. Cathy had workmen who were not able to compelete the work with no electricity and only on Saturday did she finally get the power switched on. Cathy is so busy at work. She has recently received a promotion and can hardly afford this kind of worry. Added to this Cathy and Saul have bought a house which they are trying to finalise and get all of the paper work and expenses sorted out.
Friday 20th November 2009.
We had a Wildcliff trip planned for this weekend. Ally had decided to stay at home. On the Friday evening she had a Guild Function with her friends and stayed over with Amber. I wanted to take the Toyota to Cape Town for Jacqui to use when they arrive next month. Fred Kohler would drive it down. We left PE at a leisurely pace at around 2.30pm with Fred following in the Toyota a little while later. We drove straight through and arrived in Heidelberg at about 20.30. Nicci and their friends Marius, Melanie and two children were already settled in. They had a fire going and had a braai for supper.
Saturday morning 21st. Fred, Stefan and I left at about 6 for a run. We ran to the main Wildcliff gate and then turned left. We jogged down to the bridge and up the other side. This is Kallie Engelbrecht's farm. He farms cattle and we saw some cows being moved around. Just then Kallie drove past and I was able to meet him for the first time. He complained about the Working for Water people and how they worked. While it is still quite dry in this area there has been some rain and the streams were flowing. We jogged up to where the T junction of the start of the Gysmanshoek pass is and then turned back. We tried a turn off that looked like it would lead us back to WC but had to turn around. When we got back to Kallies farm we cut across his fields and up along the Eskom line back to the Fynbos road of WC. we then went on a little to the Rain Frog dam where we had a cooling off swim before heading home again.
I was expecting a visit from the Overberg Water people who represent WFW in Heidelberg. Zanay and a colleague came to visit and it turned out that Zanay is a school friend of Stefan's. Keith, Zanay and I had a long conversation regarding the effectiveness of the work that has been done. Zanay tried to explain the way that they were supposed to operate with certain sections of land having been cleared three times before they finally hand over to the land owner. While I was not satisfied with their answers it appears that they are a whole lot more effective than the previous people who were there (Davie and his successor who only lasted a short while).
These two ladies say that they walk the area's before they start and before they sign an area off. The meeting ended up with us signing off a section of the reserve that they will work to finally clear. We will have to see how effective the work is and the results. One of the things that is really of concern is the fire hazzard but Zanay says that we cannot consider burning until winter - June or July. We will have to clear a fire break, buldoze a section and then get professional fire fighters to come and do the work.
Later this morning the whole gang of us went up to rain frog dam where Fred, Stefan and I tried out the Tree Poppers that we had bought. There were a number of stumps and saplings that had not been cleared and it is a really satisfying activity to clear these invasives out. Pullling a whole stump or sapling roots and all! Its a tiring activity and a swim later was quite welcome.
This evening Paula and Keith joined us for one of Stefan's famous potjie suppers. We ate quite late and flopped into bed with everyone quite exhausted. Sunday morning I woke up stiff and sore from the previous day's run and excersize. Fred seemed to be fit and headed up the Fynbos Road for a run. He ran all the way up to Barafu in 30 minutes and back down in 25 minutes.
After a slwo start to the day we took the Bushpig and drove up to Barafu. THe ride at the back of the vehicle is very bumpy. THe children do not seem to mind but it is quite uncomfortable for an adult. We walked around the area for a short while and then headed back with Stefan jogging behind us.
Back home we packed up and left at about Midday. Barbara had her Miss Piggy with us and she likes to stop for regular breaks. We bought ourselves a Sweet potato muffin at the Tsitsikamma shop where the mother and daughter owners were quite taken with our Yorkie and Porkie. Throughout our drive to WC and back, whenever we stopped the Piggy would draw attention as people would wonder if this animal on a leash was a dog or a pig? We made good time and were home by about 17.00.
Monday morning I was still too stiff to go jogging with the MPRG but the rest of the week I ran each morning. Saturday morning I collected Pat and Adrienne and we drove down to Hobie beach where we met Annie, Adrian, Suzanne, Susan, Jacqui, Mike dean and his daughter Debbie who is back from CT University where she has completed her Honours in Property Management and has now signed up for a three year Law Degree doing the first two years in one year.
We did the 10 kay circuit up Walmer Boulevard, Strandfontein Road and second ave. Adrienne and Pat did the full route down Admiralty. I wanted to swim as this would be my second swim in training for the Energade Triathlon on Sunday. The water was cold to get in but the body adapts quite quickly and I had a good, if leisurely, swim. Jonti and Jessica Daniels had Paddle Ski's and did a paddle around the Bird Rock. Looks so good to see a Father and Daughter doing this together.
After our run and swim I spent the morning at Work and then in the afternoon Ally and I cycled down to Summerstrand to register for the Triathlon. Unfortunately the SMS that we had received to say that registration would be at 14.00 was incorrect and registration was only at 16.00. Barbara had driven down and we loaded the bikes into the bakkie and drove home. I took the old bakkie to the tip to clear out some of the rubble and bushes that Barbara and her gardener, Kevin had cut. Michael was having a Braai with some of his friends: David, Chris Wilkie, Alta and Brian James.
The Springboks were playing rugby at Dublin in Ireland. It must have been freezing cold there with a mist covering the field. We did not play well despite an early try by Bryan Habana we lost the game mainly due to an inability to convert penalties while the Irish had an excellent young kicker who converted almost everything that he was given. This has been a most unsatisfactory tour by the springboks with losses to two league teams, the French and the Irish and a consolation win over the Italians who are coached by Nick Mallet.
Later Ally, Barbara and I registered for the Triathlon. It was not a pleasant afternoon as Ally was concerned that she would not be competing in the age group allowed to her. There are some age group events but Barbara likened them to Iron Kids at the Ironman event. Short events that would not do justice to Ally's ability.
ENERGADE TRIATHLON
Sunday morning: I think that both Ally and I were nervous for this event. It is a long time since I last did a Triathlon and it would be Ally's first attempt. We loaded up into Barbara's Opel Corsa Bakkie. Triathlon is a fussy sport and you have to remember a host of things. Helmets, gloves, water bottle, bathing Cap Running shoes, Goggles and of course the Bikes must have tyres pumped and be serviced to go.
I must have been really nervous as I ws feeling quite car sick by the time we arrived at Summerstrand. Gerald, Pat and Ronel were there. Hannes, Jacqui and Calvin were doing a team event as was Jonti's children Ashleigh and Jessie together with Jamie Engelke and Amber Zeelie. Ally and I had our numbers kokied onto our legs and then registered our bikes into transition.
The Kiddies triathlon was in progress. I am so glad that Ally was not part of this as it would have been "childs Play" for her. We did not see the swim but we heard that the children had not really had a swim at all. They had basically run through the water.
I asked around and Rob Ermes had a spare pair of Goggles which he was prepared to lend to me. I was really grateful as the sea looked quite rough with the East Wind blowing. The Girls event started 10 Minutes before the men. Ally had a good start. Nippers has certainly built a huge amount of confidence for her in the sea. As we stood waiting for the mens start we could clearly see Ally with a bright green cap.
As our race started I could see Ally was in the front group of the girls and she was just finishing the sea swim as I was starting. The surf was reasonably large. There was a rip pulling from East to West and the first buoy had moved considerably off course for the girls and had to be pulled back for the mens event. I felt really sorry for the back markers of the girls as they would have had to swim an extra 50 meters or so and would have been fighting to catch a moving buoy.
I had decided to take it easy. I am not a strong swimmer but was confident that I could do the swim if I did it in my own time. I thought that I was last but heard later that there were one or two men behind me. (I am not so sure about that) The team event had started 5 minutes behind us and before I rounded the first Buoy I was already overtaken by most of the team swimmers.
I am not good at my directions when I swim and found my self heading out to sea a couple of times. Finally I rounded the second buoy and the last section was quite easy with big swells pushing us in. Strangely enough the one of the toughest parts of the swim was exitting the water. There was a strong current that prevented us from running out and there were rocks in the sea that had been exposed after days of East Winds.
Into transition and finding my bike was one of the very few left. Snapped on my helmet, fitted the gloves and put the running shoes on that I would use on the mountain bike as well as for the run. You have to push the bike out of transition and then off I cycled. If I am bad at swimming, I think that I am even worse at cycling and I had hardly climbed on the bike when the first cyclist passed me. I saw Jonti walking back. Jessie had had a puncture and he had given her his bike to finish the event. I passed Ashleigh and Jessie Daniels and only one other person. The people who had been in the water with me passed me despite my best efforts to stay ahead.
I saw Ally heading in the opposite direction. I shouted that I would catch her but in fact doubted that I would be able to catch her on the Bike as I was already Bum Sore and tired. We turned and headed back into an East head wind. This lasted all the way to the University back entrance. Finally the last three kays was with the wind and I could pick up some speed. Still the few remaining people in the event seemed to pass me. I saw the runners all on their way home while I still had to complete the cycle and then start the run.
Just as I was about to finish I saw this man who I has seen all along on the swim and then who had passed me on the bike section have an accident with a car just as he was about to enter the transition area. I was not able to see the extent of his injury but it did not look good. This high lites that this event deserves ROAD Closure for the cycle section. Motorists did not behave well. I saw a number of motorists speeding and misbehaving generally.
Barbara was standing at the entrance and shouted that Ally had a fall and cut her leg. She was out of the run section and had cycled the back ten kay with a sore leg and a broken brake. I racked the bike and headed off to do the final leg of the triathlon: the five kay run. My legs felt all wobbly. I could not seem to get going. Jacqui passed me as she was finishing, Ronel was also finished her event. Rob Ermes finishing stronly. And I still had to do the full five kays with wobbly legs. But as I reached the two kay mark I started to establish a rythm and was able to pass a few chaps on the last few kays. Keith Reading, an ex Achillean was battling with the run and I was able to beat him in the dying stages. The Daniel and Zeelie teams were just behind me and finished strongly.
Ally had pulled out of the run but I am still proud of her attempts and the fact that her swim was so strong and that she had completed her first ever 20kay cycle. Jacqui Zeelie collected a prize for her team. Ally was happily sitting with her friends and I walked down to Nippers. Varrin had the U14's doing sprints and flags. I joined him for a short while. Ally and Barbara bought burgers and we loaded the bikes back into the bakkie. They went home and I stayed to help with Nippers clean up. Rob Mitchley gave me a lift home.
PAULA PEBSWORTH REPORT FROM WILDCLIFF
Hello All,
It was a short week for us as Thursday and Friday were spent in Mossel Bay for Keith's shoulder surgery. I think he filled you in, but just in case you didn't hear his news. He tore his rotator cuff some years ago and finally had to do something about it. The surgeon reattached the muscle with anchors to the bone. It will take about a month for it to heal. For some time, however, he'll have to be careful about lifting anything.
Additionally, a female juvenile from the big troop was electrocuted on the high voltage wires outside Talari (near the eucalyptus trees) on Monday morning. She died instantly, but was stuck in the wires. We called Eskom right away to come and take her down - it is considered a fire hazard. They didn't come on Monday. We called again on Tuesday - still no one by 2pm so I asked Peter to place a call for us. They were out by 4pm and after blowing the fuse, finally had her down by 5pm. Thanks again Peter - you are my hero! Needless to say, it was a sad time for me and the kids. We buried her below Xairu under the oak trees. I plan to wrap some barbed wire around the pole - perhaps this will prevent it from happening again.
The baboons were over near Nick's yesterday and have been a bit difficult to follow. It has also been quite warm this week and they have been swimming and hanging out at the kaoline mine and the Plattekloof. While I was at the KM I photographed a lovely female bushbuck, who seemed naive to humans. She was gorgeous and stood staring at me for the longest time.
The collaring project is on target. The baboons are readily coming into the trap for corn, raisins & an energy block. The challenge is getting the males out and females in. My mom is hand carrying the collar from the states and will arrive on December 3rd. I hope to have a female collared in December, but have a lot of people's schedules to work around as well as the holidays.
We celebrated Thanksgiving yesterday and were happy to introduce Marlei to a coveted American tradition. We have much to be thankful for - thanks again for the opportunity to live on Wildcliff & conduct research here! Attached are my favorite photos for the week.
Much love,
Paula
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