MARCH 2015 CORPORATE TRIATHLON; HIKING THE ISLAND AND MAITLANDS TRAILS;

MARCH 2015..


WEDNESDAY HIKING GROUP WITH ROBIN HOLMES
ALLY HOCKEY TRIALS FOR EP SQUAD
NIPPERS EAST CAPE AND LIFESAVING EAST CAPE CHAMPIONSHIPS AT KINGS BEACH
COLLECT MY PDP FROM ALEXANDRIA
VISITING ENA IN PLETT -- FOR THE FIRST TIME THAT I CAN REMEMBER SHE APPEARS TO BE LONELY.
TRYING TO WORK OUT PENSION BENEFITS AND OTHER FINANCIAL MATTERS
STUDY FOR TOUR GUIDING
CORPORATE IRONMAN AND IRONKIDS
IRONMAN

BOSBOK HIKING TRAIL AT THE ISLAND
I join Robin Holmes' Wednesday Hiking group for the first time. This week I meet at his home and he, Dave Rayner and I drive to the Island picnic area near to Seaview. We meet up with 8 other hikers and walk for around two hours. Although it is not a physically taxing hike, you need a certain amount of strength and fitness. There are 5 different sections that can be hiked. Each section leads back to the start making this an easy family hike for all levels of fitness. We hike the first three sections. On the hike I meet up with Paul Roth (longbow); Jenny the leader; Ray the Biker; John the doctor and four other people whose names I still have to get to know.

THE GROUP OF 11 HIKERS AT THE ISLAND -- PAID R20 TO HIKE WHICH WAS UNACCEPTABLE TO THE HIKERS. ALL PENSIONERS. 

AFTER ABOUT 2K YOU WALK UNDER THE ROAD AND MAKE A RIGHT TURN. 

THERE ARE A TOTAL OF ABOUT 5 TRAILS. YOU CAN CHOOSE AS YOU GO ALONG THE DISTANCE YOU WOULD LIKE TO HIKE. YOU CAN EXIT AT TRAIL ONE AND IMMEDIATELY GO BACK TO THE CAMP OR YOU CAN CONTINUE AS WE DID TO TRAIL THREE WHICH IS ABOUT A TWO HOUR WALK. 

THE ROAD FROM COWS CORNER TO SEAVIEW IS ABOVE US HERE.

A BEAUTIFUL FLOWER ON THE TRAIL.

Scadoxus puniceus, commonly known as the paintbrush lily,^[1][2][3] is a species of bulbous plant native to southern and eastern Africa. It has been reported from Ethiopia, Tanzania, Malawi, Mozambique, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Swaziland, and South Africa.

Scadoxus puniceus can be found in cool, shady habitat such as ravines and forests, where it is often found in moist leaf litter. Other common names include snake lily, royal paintbrush, King-of-Candida,^[1] African blood lily (English),^[2] rooikwas (Afrikaans),isisphompho, and umgola (Zulu).^[3] There are nine species of Scadoxus of which three, S. puniceus, S. multiflorus (with 2 subspecies) and S.membranaceus, occur in South Africa.

WE EXITED AT THE END OF TRAIL THREE

This week I had three dentist appointments ending in two extractions. Not fun time in the chair. I visited Garth Slatem of Old Mutual to try to get my Pension Stuff in line for the end of the month when I am officially retired. I have a couple of hard financial and mental decisions to make as this time rushes up at me.

Saturday morning: Our normal beach front run with Suzanne; Adrian: Adrienne; Annie; Candice and Michael. Also Ronel who we somehow lost on the run. I ended up with Stuart and Brett and Kelly.  Brett had to cut short as his knee was playing up. We completed the full distance past the airport and Admiralty way. I finished off with a beach run. By now my legs were really tired and both my Achilles tendons were painful.

Adrienne and I stayed on for the Parkrun and volunteer duty. Today was my 49th. Most of the others who started with me have completed their 50th but I seem to have been quite busy over the past few months.
Ally and I had Lifeguard duty for the rest of the day. Although the sea did not appear to be rough, we had a very busy day with a strong rip pulling swimmers and surfers across to the Pollok rocks. One man was nearly badly hurt as he was washed over the small gap on the east side of the rocks. His surfboard was dinged but amazingly he suffered not even a small scratch.
Later this evening Ally had Miss Pearsonality which Barbara and Lene watched.

Sunday morning is Nippers |training. A Beautiful morning. Plenty of time in the water swimming and boarding. Sunday evening church with Barbara.

Monday morning 9th.  Barbara and I drop Ally off at Lene and drive to Oudtshoorn where I have to do some work for about two hours. Then we drive on to George and finally Plett where we stop for Tea with Ena. She is not in a good place at the moment as she becomes depressed at the fact that she is not able to move around. Although she is able to walk with the aid of the Walker.  Violet is with her during the day and Dolores comes in the night.

Tuesday after my morning run I drive to Alexandria where I collect my new drivers Licence and PDP.
I stop off on the way home at Nanaga for a Lemon Meringue pie.  It is Ronels birthday so I buy a pie for the Scheepers Family as well. Tuesday evening Ally has a Hockey match against NMMU which they draw 2=2.

MAITLANDS HIKING TRAIL WITH 16 PENSIONERS. ROBIN HOLMES AND JENNY ARE THE LEADERS OF THE GROUP.  WE START OFF ON A SHORT CLIMB UP A JEEP TRACK AND THEN TURN INTO SINGLE TRACK. THIS HIKE IS ABOUT 7K AND TOOK US 2.5 HOURS. 

 MAITLAND HIKING TRAIL... HIDDEN IF YOU DO NOT KNOW ABOUT THE TRAIL.  NO COST AND NO REGISTRATION.

 THE TRAIL MAP. WE HIKED IN AN ANTI CLOCKWISE DIRECTION.  ALTHOUGH THE FIRST PART IS UP HILL. FROM THERE ON IT IS A CONSTANT UP AND DOWN WITH SOME GREAT VIEWS OF THE MAITLANDS RIVER MOUTH DUNES.

 THE NAMES OF  THE HIKES THAT CAN BE DONE .  I am not sure of the name of our hike today

 THE GROUP WAIT FOR THE REST OF THE HIKERS TO CATCH UP. THIS IS AN ETHIC OF THE GROUP.  THERE IS NEVER MUCH OF A GAP BETWEEN THE BACK AND THE FRONT HIKERS.

WE THINK THAT THIS IS A BOERBOON TREE FLOWER.

SLOW GROUP ON THE FIRST HILL

 WE THINK THAT THIS IS A BOERBOON. THE FLOWER GROWS ON THE BRANCHES OF THE TREE.

LUNCH BREAK. I TAKE A BANANA AND WATER. THIS SEEMS TO BE ABOUT WHAT THE OTHERS TAKE AS WELL. SOME CHAPS ALSO HAVE A BEER AFTER THE WALK

PORCUPINE LAIR?
Cape porcupines are the largest rodents in southern Africa and also the world's largest porcupines.
Each pair may inhabit up to six burrows, jointly defending their shared territory,^[8] although they typically forage as individuals.^[5]

WE WERE PROBABLY ON THE DESTADES TRAIL FOR MOST OF THE TIME. BUT ONLY AROUND 7K NOT 9KM

Wednesday Morning we run the Park route and back to Mill Park. Later I meet up with Robin Holmes and Dave Rayner and we drive to Maitlands River mouth where we hike the trail. This is a 7k loop with a number of hills and narrow pathways. Low branches pose a threat to hikers and I become careless and give myself a real nasty crack on the head as I walk into an overhanging branch -- one of those with stumpy thorns on the branch. There are 16 hikers and I try to meet some of the people but it is not easy as we walk in single file and talk to someones back. Walking 7k with a light back pack is not that tough but I certainly work up a sweat and  need the water that I have brought. It is a 2.5hour walk.

Wednesday evening -- We are still at Alpha for a few more weeks.
Thursday Morning -- Target Kloof run. My shirt is saturated with sweat when we get back. I have a couple of things advertised on Gumtree which we try to sell. And we are looking our for cars. I can buy my car from the company.
Ally and I buy three packets of groceries and hand them to three people following the \Sunday evening sermon in which Tim spoke about being Blessed to be a Blessing to others. We tried to explain the concept of Pay It Forward.

Friday 13th. Patrick's birthday.
Parkrun and swim afterwards with Liesl and Andrea.
Saturday 14th and Sunday 15th.
Ally has Hockey trials for EP this weekend. And I have a full weekend of Nippers Eastern Cape Champs at Kings Beach..
Ally is in the first team Hockey for Pearson. They play 5 games over the weekend and win all five.. The game against Collegiate is probably the toughest 1;0 and the final game is against Woodridge on Sunday afternoon.  I am on Kings Beach for Nippers East Cape and miss all but one of the games.

Saturday morning we run from Hobie: Mike; Stuart; Andrienne; Adrian' Annie; Suzanne; Joan; Stephanie; Marilyn and Ronel. I cut short as I have a sore Achilles tendon. Today is my first time to be an Official at a Nippers Competition. I am still a Summies Supporter but have to wear a neutral White shirt. This is hard work as you are on your feet non stop. Summies has a small team but we do well where we have representation. We win a number of gold medals and some of our Nippers really outdo our expectations.
Sunday afternoon I leave the beach at 1.30 to be at Theodore Hertzl by 2.30 for Biathle. We run the grassy course around the field and my time is slower than the last two outings. The strong westerly does not help either.. Later that evening I am on duty at church.

Monday 16th. I run the Langenhoven route. I am able to keep up with the front group until the bottom of Mount road and then I am on my own up Dias and up Langenhoven. Some of the group cut short at Westview but I decide to continue around Linkside and so am on my own for most of the run this morning.
Tuesday -- Raining so I take a break from running. spend the morning sorting out car, computer, Ally project, and visit Ron.
Wednesday 18th. I have given Baubie back her phone so am now using the phone that Cathy gave me. It has no back and at this stage no Whats up and not able to take pics. I run with the group around park drive and back; drop Adrienne off at her home and run home.. Later is our Wednesday hiking group walk with Robin Holmes and 15 others.  We meet at Sardinia Bay where the dunes have completely overrun the road access to the lifesaving clubhouse. Climb over the dune and head in a westerly direction for an hour and then back to the car park. I take Lene's two computers in for repair.
Thursday 19th. Target Kloof run.
I drive to Plett to visit Ena. Have lunch there with Anne and Violet. Drive home. Tired and fall asleep early.

Friday 20th. Meeting with Shirley Naude regarding the tour guiding course and then start studying. Ally and Jessica have their Adventure day at school -- Willows along Marine Drive.

Saturday and Sunday -- full weekend of Lifesaving East Cape at Kings Beach. Ally does well winning the Sprint and second in the Flags. And her sprint team wins a second place as well. In total Ally comes home with five medals for the weekend.

Wednesday 23rd.
We hike the Stukens trail. Meet at the water tower at the top of Lovemore Heights.
See the Chapel; The Retreat; The Stukens grave site and the Arc of the 30th Meridian

Friday 27th. Ally leaves for East London Hockey tour. I load up Julia and Katie bikes in Barbara's bakkie for corporate ironman.
Saturday 28th  Meet up with Julia and Katie for Corporate Ironman. Race starts just after 8am. It is a PERFECT day for this event. We rack the bikes and get ourselves ready. There is a slight drizzle but nothing to put us off. We see a huge group of PE people who we know: Brett Holmes. Andrea Dyer and her friend, Debbie Dean, Kevin. 

PETER AND ANDREA AT THE START OF THE CORPORATE TRIATHLON. ANDREA HAS DONE NO TRAINING WITH BUSINESS COMITTMENTS AND I HAD TO TALK HARD TO GET HER TO TAKE PART.

NERVOUS ANTICIPATION BEFORE THE TRIATHLON

First the teams go off in two waves and then it is the Men and lastly the Ladies individual. I have a relaxed swim. Not sure how long it takes me but I am feeling good. I use a pair of goggles that were washed up at Nippers East cape. These do not have darkened lenses so I am able to see a lot better than when I use Allys Goggles.
Out the water and up the stairs to the transition. I always struggle with this change of putting on a vest and the cycling shoes. Helmet and gloves. Run out with the bike and then off we go towards Willows. I feel that I am cycling well and get into bunches and pass people. The stronger ladies come past me and I am able to jump onto the back of a small bunch. I kind of stick with this group for most of the ride. It is only 18k and seems to go quickly. One of the ladies that I am with is Yolanda who has a son at Biathle. There is virtually no wind at all and we have a great cycle.\
Back to transition and put on running shoes and set off towards Kings Beach. I am feeling good and run hard the whole way.

 JULIA COMPLETES HER FIRST TRIATHLON. AND HER FRIEND FROM AMERICA, KATIE, TAKES PART IN ANOTHER SOUTH AFRICAN ACTIVITY.

UNCLE AND NIECE. JULIA IS FEELING GOOD AFTER THIS EVENT.
Waiting at the end for Katie and Julia. Debbie Dean is just behind Katie and then Andrea and her friend and lastly Julia comes in. It is Julia's first triathlon ever and she completed it strongly. Well done Julia!.
We load up the bikes and drop them off at their houses. I go home to shower and then back to Mc Arthur baths for Ironkids. I have borrowed John's wetsuit .. So warm and comfortable. He comes later and takes over from me. In all around 1000 children have registered and around 20 lifeguards and about 50 other volunteers are there to assist the children. Some swim well but others have no ability in the water at all and it is those we have to assist.
Results
Peter   Pos 116/359.  Time 1.16..  Swim 9.27; Transition time 5.21;  Cycle 39.52; 2.25;  Run  20.27
Julia  Pos  130/162  time  1.39
Andrea  Pos  126/162   time 1.38
Peter 2014   Pos  136/399  Time 1:14  Swim  8.41;  Cycle  44.58;   Run 21.12
Peter 2013   Pos  234/ 392   Time  1.26  Swim  11.52  Cycle  47.19   Run  27.01
Seems like I will have to speed up both my swim and the time taken to change from swim to cycle gear.

Sunday 29th.
Watched the cycle leg of Ironman from 3rd Ave Walmer where I spent many hours as Traffic Cop trying to get cars to NOT have an accident with a cyclist.

Monday 30th: Monday Route Running about 8k.


THE FOLLOWING FROM THE INTERNET DETAILS THE TREE / FLOWER THAT WE FOUND ON THE MAITLANDS TRAIL.

Schotia afra

(L.) Thunb. var. afra

Family: Fabaceae subfamily: Caesalpinioideae
Common names: Karoo boer-bean, Karoohuilboerboon (Afr.)

This delightful, small, water-wise tree is a must for the home gardener who wants an attractive evergreen tree. The tree is not messy and does not have a destructive root system. It is ideal for attracting nectar-seeking birds during the hot, dry, Western Cape summers. The trees look spectacular when in full flower next to the drabness of the surrounding summer vegetation.

Description and Ecology
The tree is small in stature (max. height 5 m), evergreen, with rigid branches and has a gnarled trunk. The flowers are numerous, bright red to pink in colour and are borne in small clusters during the months of February to March. They are distributed throughout the tree.

Flowers produce copious amounts of nectar which attract birds, especially the Lesser Double-collared Sunbird and Malachite Sunbird. The butterfly Deudorix antalisbreeds in the tree.

Flowers are followed by attractive, large, lime green to pink seedpods which turn brown when ripe. The seed is dispersed through an explosive seedpod, which when dry, catapults the seeds great distances from the parent plant. Seeds are produced in May and June of each year. Under normal circumstances the seeds would germinate in moist soil in late spring after the winter rains.

Distribution
The trees often occur along the banks of dry streams and small rivers in the Little Karoo, the drier areas of Eastern Cape and the southern part of Western Cape.

Name
The genus Schotia was named in honour of Richard van der Schot, chief gardener of the Imperial Garden at Schönbrun. The name boerboon was given to certain indigenous seeds that are edible. The word huil (cry in English) is due to the nectar that drips or weeps from the flowers.

Schotia afra var. afra is in the subfamily Caesalpinioideae. All the members of this subfamily have pinnately compound, alternate leaves. Leaflets are more than three terminally. The stipules are present.

Uses
This tree can be used as a shade and ornamental tree. The leaves are browsed by stock. The seeds are edible either green, or mature. They can be used as a meal if roasted and ground. The bark, if ground and soaked in water, can be used as tannin.Schotia afra can be pruned to shape and can be grown as a bonsai specimen.

Growing Schotia afra var. afra

Schotia afra var. afra seed is easy to collect. One has only to look a few metres away from the parent plants to see the masses of flat, light brown seeds lying on top of the soil.

Use flat plastic or wooden seed pans (seed trays). Sow in a semi-shady area about 40% shade. Seeds should sown in well-drained, loamy soil. The general rule for the sowing depth is the same as the thickness of the seed (about 3-5mm). Sow the seeds in late spring, September till mid-October. Water well once a day. Make sure the seeds are not crowded in the pan (this should prevent damping off). The seeds will swell with moisture and should germinate within 7 days. The seedlings should be allowed to develop a tap root and be in their third set of leaves before they are transplanted into planting bags. If they are given enough water and are planted in a rich, well-drained soil, they will develop rapidly.

Tips for planting in the home garden: dig a good hole, 1 m wide by 1 m deep. Use plenty of well-rotted compost and good loam soil in the hole. Add a handful of agricultural lime, super phosphate and 2:3:2 to the soil. Mix it all up well. Plant the sapling. Water well once a week especially if conditions are dry. Stake the tree to stop wind damage. Under ideal conditions you should be able to sit under the tree within five years.

Pests
Watch for aphids/greenfly attacking the new foliage, especially in spring. Spray with a recommended approved aphicide, at least once a week for three weeks to break the insects life cycle, or use environmentally friendly Sunlight liquid soap, about 10 ml in 5 litres water will suffice. Spray liberally on affected parts.

FEBRUARY 2015 HERALD MTB AND ROAD BIKE EVENTS; RIVER MILE; ALLY LEARNERS LICENCE.

FEBRUARY 2015
HERALD MTB AND ROAD BIKE EVENTS WITH DAVID.
COMING TO ACCEPT THE FACT THAT I AM NO LONGER IN FULL TIME EMPLOYMENT.
COLONOSCOPY -- YUK
PROFESSIONAL DRIVERS LICENCE
AND ALLY GETS HER LEARNERS LICENCE
ENA IN HOSPITAL WITH HIP REPLACEMENT
A COUPLE OF BIKE RIDES -- MTB WITH CHRIS AND GERALD AND ROAD WITH DAVID\
BELL BUOY CHALLENGE
JOHN AND YOUNGSTERS GET THEIR LIFEGUARD AWARD
RIVER MILE WITH JULIA AND KATIE
REGULAR RUNS UP LANGENHOVEN AND TARGET KLOOF
CASSIES 15K WITH ANDREA AND HANSON
BARBARA BIRTHDAY AND BREAKFAST WITH FAMILY.

NEIL AT THE START OF THE 55K ROAD BIKE EVENT. NEIL HAS A PERMANENT NUMBER AFTER RIDING THE 106 FOR MORE THAN 10 TIMES. 

THIS IS DAVID'S SECOND BIKING EVENT EVER FOLLOWING YESTERDAY'S MTB AT ADDO. TODAY WE RIDE INTO A WESTERLY AND RAIN TO START OFF WITH BUT HAVE A GOOD SECOND HALF. BY THE TIME WE REACHED THIS POINT ABOUT TWO HOURS LATER WE WERE BOTH NICE AND TIRED.

Sunday 1st Feb
Herald cycle weekend
David had such a successful first attempt at cycling at the Addo 30k on Saturday that he asked to be able to compete in the Road Bike event today.
We fitted slicks to his bike and set him up for the road 55k event.

This morning we are up and ready to go early. Our event starts 7.30am and we are ready to enter the chutes at 7am. We parked at the Boardwalk and cycle to the start. It is a chilly overcast morning at Hobie beach when we are ready to leave. And just as we set off the rain starts to fall and we head into the West wind and the rain into our faces.
Up Walmer Boulevard -- David goes ahead and I do not expect to see him again. But he waits for me at the top and we continue all the way up Heugh road and up past Builders warehouse and to Mount Pleasant. I am riding with Rene who also competed yesterday. . I am not at all strong on hills and battle to keep up with the group. We crest at Boundary road and turn right to the Old Seaview road. Now we have three more serious hills where I gear down to the lowest Granny gear that I have.

Then we pass Apron Strings where Jacqui had her reception and past the Lake Farm turn off and onto the New Seaview road. This is not too bad as the hills are not that steep and now we have the Wind behind us. What a pleasure. There is a water table where I fuel up with Powerade. And then turn right towards Sardinia Bay. The Sardinia bay road seems quite long and some of the fast 103k groups which had started about an hour or more before us start to come past. We are then along the Schoenmakers Kop road when I see David on the road. He has a slow flat so I stop and we pump up the Tyre.

We cruise down to Schoenies and onto the Marine Drive. David again slows down and we realise that we will have to change his tube. It does not take us long and we set off again, All this section we have the West wind behind us and so even though we are getting leg sore and tired, we are able to maintain a good steady pace. I stop at the University Entrance to say hello to Sheena and then David and I complete the final 5k into the wind. I am able to jump onto a bus for a while but this is not to last and I fall off again.

We reach the finish section and after grabbing a cold drink we load our bikes and head home.. A hot shower and a bit of horizontal positioning and I am ready for the afternoon Biathle.
It is still raining when we are at Theodore Herzel school with Joshua; Daniel and Julia for our respective events. This is our second Biathle and the course changes slightly. We all have a good afternoon work out. From here I have church duties and am really happy to get into bed later this evening.

Monday 2nd morning.
I meet up with Adri who was also at the Biathle on Sunday and we run Dias road and Langenhoven together. I am happy to have company and to be able to introduce a fellow Achillean to some of the MPRG.
Friday 6th. Ena had a fall again this week and is in Hospital and will have to have a Hip Replacement operation. We drive through to see her. Patrick comes from Plett. We see Ena in Hospital. She is in a great deal of pain. Alice; Gunvar; Patrick; Violet are all there to visit.

Thursday is Target Kloof morning run.

CHRIS AND LINDIE ARE REAL STALWARTS OF THE MPRG NOW. 

GIRLS WAITING AT CHURCH ROAD. FROM HERE I AM ON MY OWN AS I CANNOT KEEP UP WITH THEM. NICKY; LYNNE BENDING; JOAN AND JOAN AND LISA.

Saturday 7th\; I am on Marshalling duty for the Achilles Marathon and 10k. From there I am on Lifeguard Duty with Ally for the rest of the morning. Then Saturday afternoon we have a combined Nippers Carnival at KB. This carnival is for all ages and is Team events. There have been a number of Bluebottle stings and an east wind which brings up a bit of a turbulent surf.  Summies is well represented and our Nippers do well.
After the carnival I have a Savanna with Grant. Bad idea as I cannot drink alcohol in the day. I have to fetch Ally at Summies where she has been on duty all day. It is too much for me and I promptly fall asleep. A combination of the days events knocks me out for the rest of the weekend. The next time I leave the house is for Church on Sunday evening.
Monday 9th. I have two days sick leave. I try to run but end up walking with Adrienne and Helouise. They walk too fast for me and this has the effect of giving me lower back pain for the rest of the week.
Today I have to drink three Sachets of stuff that makes me run to the toilet all day and night. I stay at home for most of the day. Tuesday I go into the Doctor at 2pm. He knocks me out with a drug which Adrienne later refers to as the Date Rape Drug.  I later hear that I am able to talk and know what is going on during the procedure but when I wake up it is as though this hour of my life was wiped clean.
Barbara is waiting for me and we have the good news that I am "all Clear".
Today Ena has the Hip operation and comes out as chirpy as ever.  Stays in ICU for a few more days before being released.
Wednesday I am able to run a short (around the park) run and then do not do much for the rest of the day.  Wednesday evening is Alpha.
I visit Paddy for the second time in about a week having a Whitlow. Sore finger due to an infection on the side of the nail. It is a miserable and painful infection. I am taking anti Biotics to clear it. I also have a sore mouth -- my lips have been sore for about two weeks after a long day in the sun one Sunday on duty.
Thursday 11th. I really enjoy the Walmer / Target Kloof runs. It is a cool misty morning and I run to 12th ave before turning around.

JOAN REACHES THE TOP OF TARGET KLOOF AFTER GOING ALL THE WAY TO 14TH AVE

 WELL DONE TO ADRI WHO ONLY RECENTLY STARTED WITH MPRG

 THE FAST GROUP -- SO FAST I ONLY SEE THE BACK OF THEM  -- I THINK IT IS MARYKA; BENITA; JOHN; NICKY AND DUNCAN

 JOAN AND AMANDA

 KOBUS AND ANDY. THESE TWO AMAZING MEN HAVE JUST RUN THE 42K ACHILLES EVENT LAST WEEKEND.

 KELLY AND ANDREA -- SOLID FRIENDSHIP.

 RONEL; LIESL AND ADRIENNE HAVING FUN.

 RONEL WAS QUITE TIRED AT THE TOP OF TARGET.

ADRIENNE IS ABOUT TO TRY TO CONVERT THE ROCK OVER THE BUS STOP.

Today I am also able to swim 2000m in the Newton Park Pool. And I have registered for the River Mile and am feeling confident that I can swim the distance.

During this week I am applying for a Professional Drivers Permit (PDP). I visit Paddy for the Doctors Certificate. I visit first the police and then a private company to obtain the Police Clearance. And then on Friday I drive to Alexandria for the licence application.. This goes so smoothly: complete a form; Produce the required documentation; Drivers Licence; ID book; One Photograph. Do the Eye test which is an E that you have to indicate in which direction it is pointing as well as the left and right Light test. Finally pay the R350 for the application.. I am told to come back in 4 to 5 weeks although I can phone in three weeks to check if it is there. Having paid R350 for hte doctors visit; R125 for the Police Clearance and now another R350. I really hope that this PDP is a wotthwhile exercise.

Later this afternoon I have Nippers Level Tests at KB with our last two Nippers who want to Qualify for East Cape.
One is the son of Sally Marsh (Baisley) Erin. He has taken to Nippers in a short space of time. They are from the UK but Sally is the daughter of Malcolm Marsh who used to be the Stipe ( something to do with horseracing) in PE. And an Achillean. He and Jenny moved to the UK with their family many years ago. Now Sally is also a runner having completed the 42k the previous weekend.

Sunday is the River Mile at Sundays River. I drive through with Julia and Katie her friend from America. I walk to the start with the girls and back with their stuff and then walk up to the start for my own swim. I have a great swim. Not as good as some but I love this particular event each year.

KATIE AND JULIA AT THE START OF THE RIVER MILE

 UNPACKING BAGS AND GETTING READY FOR THE START. IT IS TRADITION THAT WE WALK TO THE START. BUT THE THORNS MAKES IT NECESSARY THAT WE HAVE SOMEONE TO CARRY SHOES BACK..

JULIA; PETER AND KATIE AFTER A SUCCESSFUL RIVER MILE

PETER FINISHING IN ABOUT 35MIN. JULIA ABOUT 30 AND KATIE ABOUT 22MINUTES.

Sunday afternoon I drive to Plett where Ena is in Hospital and I take Edie Dore with me for a visit. Monday morning I drive to George where I work for the day and then back to Plett where I collect Edie and drive home..

EDIE DORE AND ENA AT THE PLETT HOSPITAL

PETER AND ENA AT PLETT HOSPITAL.
This week I am able to run Tuesday; Wednesday and Thursday. Wednesdays I have Alpha in the evenings. Tuesday is our Pancake evening at church -- we do not stay as we are watching Daniel at Athletics at Settlers Park school.
Tuesday Morning I drive to Alexandria with Ally where she does her learners Licence Test. I am so proud of her as she had very short notice and yet still passed the test with flying colours. Three sets of questions -- 8/8; 25/28 and 26/28 gave her an overall of  59 / 64. We left with her Learner Driving Permit which is valid for two years.

TRAFFIC DEPARTMENT IN ALEXANDRIA

ALLY EMERGES WITH HER LEARNERS LICENCE.. WELL DONE ALLY!

Friday 20th afternoon -- Ally has an athletics meeting -- interschools -- at Gelvandale track. She competes in heats for the 100 and 200m sprints. And makes it into the finals for both events.

Saturday 21st.  I start the morning with a beach front run in a strong west wind. I run with Adrienne; Adrian and Annie who slow down shortly after we start.  I then run with Andrea and Kelly. We meet Stuart and complete the Long way around via the airport and back via Summerstrand making it about 17k. Adrienne and I do not stay for the parkrun.  Ally has the next leg of the running this morning. where she runs 6th position in the 100m.
Then later in the day we go back to the track and Ally runs 4th in the 200m and her 100X4 relay team run second place.
This means that Ally will compete in the next level for the 200m sprints.
\
Sunday 22nd I start the day on the beach where the Bell Buoy challenge is taking place. I see a number of people who I know including Ronel Scheepers; Markus and MC Burri; Catherine Fisher; Caylee van Vuuren.  It is a perfect morning and the non wet suite swimmers go off first followed by the Wet suites.

 START OF THE BELL BUOY CHALLENGE WITH MC AND MARKUS BURRI

 MARKUS AND KATIE. START AHEAD OF THE WETSUITE GROUP. KAYLEE VAN VUUREN IN THE BACKGROUND

 DALEN AND RONEL. DALEN WON HIS AGE GROUP THIS MORNING..

SUSAN AND PAT WAITING FOR THEIR FAMILY AT SUMMERSTRAND ON SUNDAY 22ND -- BELL BUOY 5K CHALLENGE

KATIE; DIANNE; THEIR FRENCH FRIEND WHOSE NAME I CANNOT REMEMBER AND JULIA AFTER THE SWIM.
I then watch as John and Bradley and other Lifeguards do their LA award test. This morning there is also a Surfing competition and a training camp for Triathletes on Summies beach. The beach is Buzzing with activity. I stay for Nippers coaching. The U14;s do some short in and out with boards and swimming before we all get onto boards and paddle around to Bird Rock. Some of the Nippers do not take Chaff vests and end up with sore tummies and arms.

 JOHN COMPLETING THE RUN SWIM RUN PART OF THE LIFEGUARD AWARD THIS MORNING.

 AMBER WAS "FORCED" INTO BEING A LIFEGUARD BY HER BROTHERS .... I SPOKE TO HER AFTERWARDS AND SHE WAS SO PLEASED TO HAVE COMPLETED THE TEST. IT REALLY WAS NOT THAT TOUGH AFTER ALL. BEING A LIFEGUARD IS NOT A PICNIC BUT ALSO NOT SO TOUGH THAT YOU HAVE TO FEAR IT

 JOHN AND BRAD RELAXING AFTER THE RUN / SWIM /RUN.

SUNDAY AFTERNOON 22ND. WE ARE AT THEODORE HERTZL SCHOOL FOR BIATHLE. DANIEL IS ABOUT 10M AHEAD OF CONNOR HUFKIE AND HAD TO WORK HARD TO STAY THERE.

This afternoon I fetch Daniel and Lene and we go to the Biathle. Daniel is first in his age group. I am trying to improve but fall short in the swim again..
Later we attend church at the Anglican corner of Church road where Mark Derry is the pastor. Matthew Calitz is the preacher.

 MONDAY MORNING RUN 23rd -- DOWN MOUNT ROAD; UP DIAZ ROAD AND THEN UP LANGENHOVEN FROM MERCANTILE HOSPITAL. THIS MORNING WE HAD A GOOD NUMBER OF RUNNERS. ANDY BOLTON IN FRONT.

OTHER RUNNERS ARE TOO FAST FOR THE SLOW SHUTTER OF THE BLACKBERRY PHONE

Monday morning -- after a Langenhoven run I drop Ally and Jessie at school.. Then go to the University where I put my name down for possible lecturing or assisting with invigilating or moderating of papers. Damelin is having an open day so I do not get to see anyone there. I spend some time in the office wrapping stuff up.
I am trying where ever I am able to put my line in the water and will see if I hook up with anything.

Friday 27th \\Feb. Barbara's Birthday.
Gerald and Chris invite me for a cycle at Norm Hudlin. The course is a completely changed one from when I last cycled here a couple of years ago. I enjoyed the outing. Many twists and turns and Turnstyles which I am not yet able to ramp.

GERALD IN THE NORM HUDLIN FOREST. THIS WAS MY FIRST MTB RIDE HERE FOR ABOUT TWO YEARS. LOVED EVERY MINUTE. LOOK FORWARD TO MORE OF THESE WITH THESE TWO CHAPS

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CHRIS HAS BOUGHT HIMSELF A SMART BIKE AND LOOKS GOOD ON IT. HE LEADS OUR GROUP -- RAMPING THE SMALL BRIDGES AND SKIMMING AROUND THE TWISTS AND TURNS.

Saturday morning:
I fetch Andrea and Hanson and we drive to Hunters Retreat Hotel where we register for the Cassies 15k. Hanson is an interesting man (Achillean) who was not able to swim 4 months before his first Iron Man and was inspired and coached by Paul -- He has now done 8 full and 8 half Ironman events.
The race takes the runners up the Old Cape road for about 7k then there is a short right hand turn and a loop which takes you straight back to the start. Andrea and I ran the first half together. As we approached the 5k mark; the front runner was at the 10k. He had run double our distance. We later heard that he had run 44min for the 15k doing the last kay in just 2.50min.
Andrea and I ran a solid but steady pace for the first half and then when we turned we increased the pace. At 9k we caught up to Tania Smith and I then decided to work hard over the next 6k. I was slightly ahead of Andrea but (unknown to me) she too picked up the pace and finished just behind me. I ran 83minutes for the 10 and was a 2 pointer for the participation league. It is some time since I last earned the club 2 points.
Hanson ran a 59minute

NICKY STROOTH AND ANDREA DYER AFTER THE CASSIES 15K. 

 ADRI WHO RECENTLY STARTED RUNNING WITH THE MPRG HAD AN EXCELLENT RUN THIS MORNING

PETER. ANDREA AND HANSON. HANSON RAN UNDER 59 MIN WHILE ANDREA AND I RUN UNDER 90 MIN.

This morning we had a Brunch for Barbara's birthday. Delene and Matthew; Gail; Karen; Lene, Jessica, Joshua and Daniel; David; Brenda all joined us. It was a simple breakfast and a most successful morning.

Sunday morning David and I cycled around the |Marine Drive. I must confess to being quite exhausted by the time we got to Walmer. I had to steel myself to cycle up Target Kloof.

WE STOP FOR A QUICK WAQTER BREAK ON THE MARINE DRIVE . 

AN OLD PIC FROM THE BEACHFRONT 21K WITH MARIE LOUISE 

ALLY IN A WHITE OVERALL IN THE RAIN   -- SOME PARTY I THINK

 ALLY IS OFF TO A FANCY DRESS PARTY WITH MEGAN DERRY.

 WAITING FOR MEGAN AT THE DERRY'S HOUSE

 OUR BALERINA IN ACTION.

 WHEN WE APPLIED FOR ALLY'S LEARNERS LICENCE IN ALEXANDRIA; WE HAD TO WAIT IN A LINE TO GET EYE'S TESTED. ALLY DOES NOT LIKE WAITING IN LINE.

 MONDAY MORNING RUNS. IF YOU TAKE A SHORT CUT YOU END UP RUNNING UP TRICHARDT ROAD TOWARDS COLLEGIATE. NOT AN EASY HILL. JUST A LITTLE SHORTER THAN LANGENHOVEN

 SATURDAY MORNING RUN WITH ADRIENNE; KELLY AND ANDREA. STUART HAS PRESSED ON TO MAKE IT A LITTLE UNDER A 3 HOUR RUN

PROTEA CRICKET TEAM WAS IN TOWN LAST MONTH. LOST TO WEST INDIES AT ST GEORGES PARK. ONE DAY INTERNATIONAL GAME.

JANUARY 2015 BIATHLE TRIALS WITH DANIEL AND JOSHUA; RETRENCHEMENT FROM WORK IS ANNOUNCED. ALLY ATHLETICS SPRINT TRAINING; BLUEWATER BAY 15K.

JANUARY 2015
No pics as I lost my good Samsung phone and camera.


My Laptop; Phone; Cards and various other stationery items were stolen on 31st December. This was a bit of an upset for me but I have decided to immediately put this behind me.

Thursday 1st
I am on Lifeguard duty all day at Summerstrand. The duty is HECTIC with thousands of people coming to the beach. There is an easterly blowing and the Rip current is pulling people in a Westerly direction towards Pollok Rocks. We have the issue or people who have been drinking the previous evening and through the night and also people who bring alcohol to the beach. Ally joins us in the afternoon and this is good experience for her... Trying to deal with a large numbers and people who should not be swimming.
By the end of the day we are exhausted and ready for a shower and bed.

Saturday we have a good run of about 17k up Walmer Boulevard and along to Admiralty and back to Hobie beach. Helouise; Shannon; Elmarie. After a swim; I am no longer a director of Parkrun, I am able to go home for a relaxing afternoon.

Monday morning is a tough day for me as I am hardly able to walk / run. My knees are all swolen and my Achilles tendon is hurting. I take a short cut with Adrienne and Annie. They are quite gracious and walk with me. The following day is the same so I walk around Grey with Chris. We bumb into Svenje who is taking Lucas for a walk. She suggests that I should try Anti Inflamatories. As soon as I get home I take one and on Wednesday morning I am able to run again.

Wednesday 7th I drive to Plett in the afternoon and then on Thursday morning I go to Oudtshoorn where I advise our staff that we will be closing this shop by the end of the month.
That evening I am back in Plett and Friday morning drive to Mossel Bay and Then George where I conduct stock counting.  Friday evening I am back home.

Saturday 10th. I enjoy another long run of about 15k and then do the parkrun making a total of 20. I help Adrienne doing the scanning and we have a total of about 550 runners .... The most we have ever had.
I have a swim and then go to Pollok where I am on duty for the day. Ally is already there and we spend the whole day until 6pm on the beach. It is busy with bathers and beach goers. It is hot and I get a bit sunburned. From the beach I am home for a quick shower and then we are invited to have supper with Bobby. A great and relaxed evening where he braai's a most delicious filet steak and pork sausages with some roased veg and he neighbour makes us a potato bake. This is finished off with Ice Cream and fresh rasberries. With us this evening are Gary and Sue Hageman; Melissay and Rory Riordan and Margaret the neighbour.

Sunday 11th.  I am at Nippers for the morning. We are able to go for a bit of a paddle on the Malibu boards to the Pipe and back as well as doing some swims and run. I love Nippers and the Children who take part .... each time I see a growth in their ability and confidence it gives me a huge boost.
Joshua and Daniel have started Nippers and seem to be enjoying their group As long as they are not forced to swim too deep then they are fine.

This afternoon Barbara and I drive to Woodridge where we have Lunch with Delene and Matthew and Liz. A delicious meal of Kudu Stew and veg. Unexpected as we had anticipated coming for afternoon tea.

Having no computer makes life at work a bit difficult. I dont have the same ability to move around as the desk tops continually are "full" and I have to save to the desktop where I am currently working and hope to be able to find the information at a later stage. Head Office does send me a Laptop but I am not able to get it connected and have to return it for set up.

Week starting 12th. I have a week at home. Run Langenhoven on Monday and Target on Thursday. Monday afternoon Ally, Daniel, Joshua, Jessica and Ryan all go to Grey where we do some sprint training. This is part of Ally's training program. Later this week Ally and I do some hill training in Mill Park.
Friday morning I take Michael and Liesl down to the beach for a 5k run and swim.
Saturday morning there is a 15k race at Bluewaterbay.
I pick Elmarie Botha up and we drive to BWB together. We register for the race and then line up but get pushed back as the start line is about 10m behind where we are standing. The last time that I ran this event was when I had the heart problem and had to pull out. The following Monday I had a stent put in an artery that was blocked. Today the race had some significance for me.
Two years ago the run started at  the school while today the run started at the Spar shopping center. Very popular with a huge contingent for the 15 and the 5k events. Meanwhile at Hobie beach - I later heard - they have over 600 participants which is the highest number ever.

At the start I meet up with the Achilleans; Bob; Percy; Bruce' Paulette; Gail; Liz; Ken and his son; Graham; Shane; MoF Michael Botha; Michael Bester; Robin and a number of newer members whose names I dont know I start off with Percy. Percy had an operation about 18 months ago and is not able to run at the same pace that he used to. Difficult for a talented runner like Percy to be at the back of the field running at a 6min pace.

We run along the ridge and then down Tippers. Turn right to the loop where we see some of the front runners come charging along already a kay or two ahead of us. We run the loop and head back towards the Club house on the beach. Under the Freeway and past the first water table at the Lifesaving club. The road is clear of sand which is quite a bonus as it is a difficult road to keep clean with the east wind blowing sand across the road.
There is a slight incline up to the T junction where we again see a number of our talented runners going past us. We turn left and do the loop until we are heading towards Bluewaterbeach. Run past the turn left back to the start which the five kay runners use. We still have a loop of the suburb to do. I have met up with Barbara Foot and we run together for the second half.
Barbara says to me that she wants a negative split. I dont wear a watch so I do not know what our time was for the first half but I do know that we are going to have to work hard as we still have the Tippers Creek hill to climb.
I kind of urge and push Barbara to run harder. Maybe a bit too hard as, when we get back to the clubhouse, she starts to walk. From there we work together to keep up with Robin and Chris and get to the bottom of Tippers. I know that it is going to be slow but to walk is not a Leg thing but more a Mind thing. I continue at a jog to the top and wait for Barbara. Then I force her to run as hard as possible to the finish which we do in about 86minutes.

At the event I see Herman who is 70 years old and still going strong... I know Herman from doing these races and from Biathlon. He tells me that he is doing Biathle on Sunday afternoon at Theodore and I agree to meet him there.

Elmarie comes in a minute later and we leave for home. She has some chocolate Steri which is supposed to be good for replacing sugar. Tastes good..
This afternoon I dont do much at all. Later this afternoon Barbara and I drive to Woodridge. Meet Matthew and Delene to look at a possible house to stay in but the layout does not suite Barbara so we kind of put that Idea on the back burner.

Sunday morning; David and I cycle around the Moffet and up to Builders.
Then I have Nippers Training. John is going for his lifeguard award with his son Bradley.. I take some of the U14\s for a paddle on Malibu's to the Bird Rock. It is a perfect morning and we have a good time.
Sunday afternoon we all go to Theodore School where we take part in the Biathle Trials. Daniel; Joshua; Ryan; David and myself. Daniel and Josh have to swim 50m and run 500m. It is a run/swim/run event; One of the good things of this event is that it is quick and once you have completed your event you are able to leave immediately. Registration is at 2.30 and the first trial is at 3pm with the very little children Yolanda and Martin are the organisers. Ryan Peter is the local champ and his dad is Graham who is injured but could be a challenging competitor.

Danny is first off and runs an excellent race. His swim slows him down a bit but he manages to run the full distance. Then Josh and Ryan go off and they too slow down a bit on the swim. They are not fit for a full 500m run and stop to walk once or twice. That will change with a bit of training.
Then it is my turn and I have a 1000m run and 100m swim -- I enjoy the event. Last is David. He runs well but the swim slows him down. He has to run 1500m and swim 200m He finishes but will have to do some swim training if he wants to continue with this sport.

Sunday evening I have church duty. It has been a busy weekend.

Monday 19th I run Langenhoven again. It is raining and I am on my own after falling behind in Diaz road. This evening we have our first Cell Group meeting of the year.
Tuesday to Thursday I am in the Garden Route for work. Stay in Plett.

Saturday 24th: Achilles has the \helpers run from behind builders warehouse. I run the 10k and stay with the back markers and end up running with Lauren (nee Collier) and Samantha. During the run I was alternately with Graham Nel and Michael Botha.  From there I go straight to the Parkrun where I assist Adrienne with Scanning.
Sunday 25th Morning: cycle the Moffet up to  Builders warehouse with David. Our final training before next weekend Herald cycle. Then I have Nippers. It is a competition for all age groups at Kings Beach. The water is cold but our group of Nippers does well and competes against some strong KB children.  Joshua and Daniel take part and do well in their age groups.

RETRENCHMENT
Monday 26th. fly to JHB and Head Office where we are told that Electric Express is no longer and we are all going to be retrenched. Certain of the Regionals are given positions but I am retrenched and am no longer -- as from 60days employed in JDG. This process takes two days and we finally go home on Wednesday afternoon. I now have a changed future ahead of me. Challenging and exciting.
While this is going on -- Cathy is also possibly changing career and will go for an interview the following week. And Nicky has just concluded a deal for Public Relations Officer on a contract basis for a company in Cape Town

Thursday morning I have a wonderful run through Target Kloof and back
And then I go to work with no real future in mind. It is difficult for me to focus on the business as my mind is actively planning my own future.

Ally is training hard for Athletics and goes to the NMMU track where she trains with Andrew. On Friday afternoon they are on the grass track where she has to pull a weight as she runs.. Ally is getting fitter and feeling better about the running.
I go to Coimbra and buy Slime Tubes for Davids bike. I really do not want to struggle with punctures on the MTB ride on Saturday.
Friday afternoon I conduct my second level testing of the Nippers. This is at Kings Beach. I take the Level Two group and enjoy doing it.

This afternoon David and I ready the bikes and set up for our ride out at Addo in the morning. We will put the bikes in the back of the Bakkie.

Saturday Morning 31st January 2015
\We load up and check our gear. Make sure that we have a Helmet, gloves, Water bottle, Tyres pumped up, Spares and tools, Some porridge and fruit. All set and we leave home around 5.15am. Later I realise we should have left about 30 minutes early. We drive at a reasonable pace and get to the Addo Polo grounds about 6am. Our leg of the race -- 30k -- starts at 6.30am sharp. We only just have time to off load and set up and get into our lane before our start.

We start off on a reasonable narrow road with a lot of dust and jostling for position. David goes ahead and waits for me. Then we are on a narrow jeep track and that is the last I see of David as he is strong on the hills. We work our way along the track and past the irrigation channel. Here I am with Neville and Cathy who I seem to see at this event each year. Also at the start were Pat and Gerals; Chris and Elmarie; Cathy and Husband and Julien Nel.

This is David's first event and he is going strong our ahead of me, We climb the only real hill and then there is a nice fast down hill where you can really let go. At the bottom is a refreshment table where I grab a Powerade.
Here I ride for a while with Warren Collier and meet up with Kevin Campbell -- The next section is a long district road before turning back onto farm tracks where we ride through a muddy water section which just adds to the fun of the event.

From here we ride along a road before turning at the farm and then a long straight section of farm roads again. Finally with about 10k we reach the second water table, It is an overcast morning and I do not have my annual waterpool swim. But I do grab some sweets before setting off again. I am not exhausted but am reasonably tired as we reach a sign saying five kays to go. I am glad that I choose the shorter route and have had fun..
As is tradition we finish with a cycle through the packhouse and then up to the polo field again and into the finish, David is waiting there and after a short chat and greeting friends we leave for home.

I have a busy afternoon; Fetch a couch for David and wash bikes and then finally am able to put my feet up. Now I am tired.
This evening David and Charlotte have invited some friends over for supper which Charlotte has prepared. A delicious meal of Curried chicken and curried lamb on rice with amazing chocolate brownies to follow.

David had so enjoyed the MTB event that he wanted to sign up for the Road event as well. So we put slicks on his bike and set it up for the Sunday ride.

Sunday Morning 1.2.2015 we again set off early and got into our chute at the front of the AM section. The first of the 55k riders.

DAVID AND PETER AT THE START OF THE ADDIO HERALD 30K EVENT.  

K