Les & Sharon's travels

At home- at last

2010-11-14T17:24:00.007+02:00

Living in the Land of Promise

Yes, we have moved into our home - above is the view from our porch...
..... but to backtrack a bit

While still in the rented house, we were visited by a group of hikers, syping out our freedom in the promised land. Yes, that's Shirley Swart on the right.

Our house being finalised, Trevor & Gerald Richter starting the porch screed.

Tiles being laid

Our bathroom during tiling

and after...

When it was all nearly over, we made a braai for the team, sirloin steaks for all!

Kitchen, with granite tops just completed:

And the view from above just a day or two before moving in:

The colt is in it's stable.

The MAERSK in the background of the kitchen window is the builders' toolshed, which will shortly be removed, just in case you thought we were packing up again.

Living room towards kitchen:

Living room towards porch/patio/stoep:

The guest bathroom :

Our bedroom:

View in from front, with stacking/folding doors open

For those who may want to see a few video clips of the house - you can take a peek at the wall of my facebook site (the one I seldom visit, so don't know how to point you there)

Yah, now we're in, it's back to mundane jobs like washing the beast, after Sharon got it stuck in mud.

Other mundane activities, like surfing with mates....

But, thank goodness, this blog post is not just about our fancy schmancy house, in case you were getting bored.

After 3 years of drought in this area, and much prayer by farmers and churches, we had plenty of good rains. So much so that the Buluga river, which is in front of our Glen Eden church building, was almost flooded. Being in the service last Sunday felt like being on Noah's Ark.

The river mouth opened just in time, maybe with just a little help from locals..

Later on Wednesday afternoon, it was flowing a little stronger, but has now settled to it's 'normal' level after 3 years of shrinkage.

Parting shot: An ad-hoc stone sculpture spotted at Queensberry Bay a few days ago. The wind toppled it overnight.

Cheers for now ... !

Whales, windows & waves

2010-10-04T18:03:00.014+02:00

Whales, daily we watch them splash around in groups of 2 or 3. At any time in the past 2 weeks, if you looked out of a window from our rented house for 3 minutes or so, you would be sure to see a splash, tail flapping or some other whalish misbehaviour.

Hey, he's waving hello to you! Photo, from the abovementioned window, overlooking our new home's braai chimney.

Kelvin, a surfing buddy in Glen Eden church is involved with Sonsurf, and they ran a contest at East London's Eastern Beach on Saturday. He was on my case to enter, as they had a shortage of entrants. After much arm-twisting I entered - as it was a fun event.

The 2-man first heat, Phil Malherbe praying that I would show him some mercy.

The event was not looking for my (above) fluid and graceful style of surfing :) - you had to do a rad aerial, snappy re-entry or something, then claim your move.

Conditions were nice & glassy in the early morning.

Roy Harley - Sonsurf director, showing how to bash the lip!

The judges - I think they are biased against ballies. I was the only older gentleman and they showed me no respek!

I think I should appeal to the CCMA or MMWC (Main Manne What Counts)

Joking tho - it was good fun and an amazing good vibe, in and out the water.

Scorecard - see first heat H1 - I came 2nd in that heat!! - and third in the 4-man losers round. (Contestant 4 didn't pitch for that heat)

My buddy Kelvin Zhemke throwing some spray

Prizegiving. 1st place won a big Bar One, runner up a small Bar One. There were lucky draw prizes too: a new surfboard, weekend away, restaurant vouchers - I won a Lizzard 'hamper'. Leash, towel etc.

So that was whales & waves. What about the windows in this post's title?

Well, our house is going well, and we would probably be moving in now, but there was a 3-week delay in the windows being delivered, holding up tiling, painting & cupboards. Our builders - the Richter brothers have been fantastic though, using the spare time to do some landscaping and other tidying up.

The paving bricks arrived today & I got involved heping today the first few sq metres of paving.

As you may see, weather is overcast, and we had about 20mm of rain on Sat eve/Sun am, to the delight of locals - drought here has been long and many farm dams/tanks etc are dry

Our solar hot water system is installed, and cooks!!!

Amazingly effecient.

all for now.

love from the woods

House nearly done

2010-09-15T08:50:00.006+02:00

Hello Dear Friends & Family,

Wed 15 Sept. Theresa & Ted leave for Auzzie this morning for a month or two.

We have been kept quite busy keeping up with these energetic builders, & running in to town to sort out bathroom fittings, pipe for our greywater system, light fittings etc...
A week ago, the roof tiles arrived:

Me (the one with the beautiful head, no need to hide it with a cap) chatting to Garth, the electrician. (why are so many electicians called Garth?)

Roof still going on...

Yesterday was a splendid day weather wise, with a break from a lot of beasterly easterlies. It was hot, went for a wave and was joined by Nathan Gernetzky, who is visiting his dad. Waves were cooking, Nathan got two cracker barrels, I got tired.

Me showing Nathan how it should be done (when you are a ballie)

Nathan in the green room. - Photos courteousy Sharon Woods (on the rocks)

Last night, went to the 'nearby' church - Ministries Alive, where we doing some training on worship leading, sound desk & projection.

A pre-dawn shot of our house this morning, with roof, gutters etc completed.

I think our next posting will prolly be of a completed house - In 2-3 weeks time!

Parting shot! Cheers for now.

As Jack Johnson would say, "Thanks for reading"

Visited by Jen & Dane

2010-09-06T13:28:00.010+02:00

So you all thought that we had given up on our blog, but, surprise, surprise we are back. This time around it is me, Sharon giving you an update. Maybe Les is running a bit dry on writing which I don't think is the problem at all but he is having a break and giving me a chance to chat to you all.

Jen and Dane came for a visit and here we are all taking a hike across to Glen Eden beach, just to show them the sights of the area.

Enjoying the view from the deck of Michaela's resturant. (I know I look bored but- 'hey let me know when you are taking a picture'). Michaela's is set on a high sand dune overlooking Chintsa West and East beaches. From here you can see the surfers, dolphins in the surf and whales blowing in the distance. You have to take a funicular to get to the top. We had a great lunch, each one having something different and of course sharing to taste it all. What a taste sensation.

One of the views from Michaela's.

Jen in our growing house

Dane at Michaela's

Dane fishing at the mouth of the Kwelera River (pronounced kwelega) after a day of surfing and canoeing up the river.

Les trying his hand a fishing. I tried and lost one of his favourite spoons (this is a lure that you use to fish with when not using bait).

A night on the rocks fishing. We had great fun, some bites, but no fish that night. Later, we had another night when we caught 4 small sharks, 2 Karanteen (strepies) and Jen took home a shad which we shared for breakfast.

Me giving it a go........

Jen on a hike from our house to Chintsa East. God gave them some really good summer days to enjoy.

We went for a few days to show Jen a bit of the Transkei. We stayed at a backpackers called Mdumbi. It has it's roots as a mission station and has made great inroads into the community. They have a pre-school run by the locals with input from a missionary couple who are on a 2 year assignment from New Zealand. The locals are trained up in many other areas of litracy, computer skills, small business development. The locals also run the backpackers, the little restuarant there and one of the ladies gives massages just for that extra need to relax. What to do other than just blobbing there.... Kayaking up the river (run by a local), hiking, swimming, surfing (one of the best spots in the 'Kei), snorkeling and of course fishing.

Dane at Mdumbi

Jen and Dane on the way back from a hike up the river.

Can't go to the Transkei without a visit to Hole in the Wall, just south of Coffee Bay.

Dane holding up the world - or is he just hanging from it?

Dane at Hole in the Wall.

This is Paulie who we know from Cape Town, who we ran into at Mdumbi. He and Les were surfing at Whale Rock - very shallow over the rocks. Sorry folk this was the only picture I got of the surf session.

Just had to put this one in to let those who surf see what we have on our door step. This is a picture from the house that we are renting. No that is not Les in the surf...........

As far as the building is going.....

We just wanted to bless the guys building as they work so hard and diligently and it was just a small thanks to the guys. That day we ended up braaing for 18 guys on site.

Les at work, even tho retired?

The walls to window height and the garage being built.

From the front of the house to our braai being built.

The roof trusses are on!

What the builders do on their lunch break. Yes we can see them all the time...

Anyone for a head shave....... the barber shop is open, from the temporary power to the site.

So you see it's not all work for them.

The beginning of laying the sheeting under the roof tiles.

Taken today.

Plumber doing all the pipes in the right hand corner. House roof waiting for the tiles which arrive hopefully tomorrow and the garage roof being prepared for the undertile lining. Today we arranged for a solar water heating system to be installed later this week.

As they say in the movies "that's all folks"

Until next time.

Love - Les and Sharon

Trouble in Paradise

2010-08-07T17:13:00.002+02:00

No, not really trouble. Just today, after a few weeks of really great weather, the first real 'beasterly easterly' - the east coast onshore wind arrived. Made the sea look ugly, and not as pleasant to be outside. Of course, nothing like the Cape's south-easter, which can blow for a week or more, this one usually drops overnight, and stops after a day or three, or suddenly - in the space of an hour, switches to the SW offshore. Had a good day anyway - starting with a men's breakfast at the church, and helped some friends move house.

Cold front being delivered fresh from Cape Town, arriving monday, Women's Day. Hope it's cold, looking forward to a late sleep-in. Haven't done that here yet with builders normally here early, or fish to catch, tiles/fittings to choose or whatever else seems to keep us busy. Pretty active with church things too!

Other than playfully grumbling over today's weather, everything's really good - the building going great, expect to finish the end of Sept!!

Some photos, gotta snap them quickly, before it's all over!

Richter Brother's Construction - Trevor & Gerald, great guys and really good builders

The Inspector arrives on site

View from our bedroom side window

Looking from the living room over the patio

Front Entrance

Braai and worktop slab - cast yesterday, curing over this long weekend.

Livingroom with kitchen in background, entrance on right

Will keep you posted !!

The 'P.S. photo'. Awoke this morning (Sunday) to this sunrise, with a hot berg wind, and has switched to a cool SW, as the front pulls in.

Swell, Transkei ministry & Home foundations

2010-07-22T17:37:00.010+02:00

Hi all ye peepils !
Last week we had some major swells pull thru. All very good for the Billabong Pro, which I wanted to watch, but the conditions were so good, it ran immediately and was over by Sunday, while we wuz ministering at Mazeppa. More about that later.

This photo of Queensberry Bay ( the bay directly in front of our new home, henceforth QBay for the sake of my typing fingers) was taken from about 600m away. The sea was THICK with dolphins, below you can see one leaping out of the wave with joy because of the lekka wave ( or maybe all the fish in the water)

cropped & zoomed in:

On Friday, we went with a bunch of guys from the church to Mazeppa Bay in Transkei, via some badly eroded roads. The Colt enjoys them! Below is the 'church', an ex trading store which a local guy Eric has allowed us to use for meetings.

4 guys from Fountainhead church, Bloem joined us to check out what this kind of ministry entails. They are on the back of the bakkie returning to the 'church'....

..where the rest of us were leading a worship meeting...

with Pastor Welcome and myself providing some 'tunes'

The children here (some wearing beanies & scarves knitted for them by the church) are very sweet and not shy at all, preparing a song & dance item for the Sunday meeting

I taught a bit on Jesus being our very best friend, who wants the best for us, and loves to continually chat with us

One of the guys did a session on 'Farming God's Way' using biblical principles to increase crop yields dramatically. This was very well received by the community.

On the home front, our builders are 'cooking on gas'. Very organised, always on site, laying bricks alongside the workers. The foundations were dug, laid, and now the sides built up (because of the slope) in prep for the floor slab, which should be cast early next week

The view of progress this evening from our rented home above. Note the flat sea in contrast to the opening photos. Yesterday Sharon & I went to the fishing spot in Qbay and dived out about 25 sinkers. Maybe a few were previously strategically placed there by me, using only a rod & reel...

Love to y'all

Thanks for reading.

Bonus pic .. QBay yesterday evening. It's tough living here, but someone has to do it.

Exciting First Week

2010-07-10T10:23:00.015+02:00

What an eventful but enjoyable first week here in paradise –oops, I mean Glen Stewart..

The rented house in now fully sorted inside, no longer tripping over cardboard boxes and wondering “where did we put that?” or “Sharon, where do you think the xxxxx is?” We even have the satellite TV working – so haven’t missed the soccer, although we watched most games with friends or at the church on projector.

Sharon inside - with kitchen in background

Have had meaningful times with the church at various meetings – feel fully integrated into the daily life of the body. Also, met so many nice folks in the complex here – no reason to ever feel isolated. Even fishing or surfing, everyone introduces themselves and chats – people have time for each other - I suppose it’s not possible to be more like that in crowded cities.

One evening in the week I fished with our Dominee (Graham) - caught nada, but lots of bites, early the next morning I caught 3 shad ( and a strepie which I used for bait) – of which 1 was fried brunch, and we smoked the other two – yummy!! I even cleaned them myself - no fishwife required.

As promised in last posting - Breakfast from 'On the rocks'

On Thursday morning – Trevor & Gerald Richter, our builders, arrived – and we spent the morning measuring and locating plot pegs.

Photo of Q-Bay point, with some distracting building activity in foreground

Eventually found the one important one – and by ‘tjila’ on Friday - yesterday, the foundation trenches were dug!

Cold front being sent up from you guys in CT tomorrow, but yesterday & today - warm berg winds, which made Queensberry Bay’s point go off – so after the workmen left at 3pm yesterday, I was in the surf, with my own professional photographer (and shark-spotter) Sharon, on the rocks. .

In the water also were local mates, including Brewer, another builder who lives here, who had also quoted for us. Somewhat different to Cape Town, company is always welcomed in the waves – I think maybe ‘cos it reduces the ‘being nibbled at’ probability ratio. Usually the problem is finding someone else to surf with.

Rugged coastline, looking NE from Q-Bay point.

On walking back home, we saw a local couple, Kobus and Joy, catch a nice sized ‘Silver’ - white musselcracker.

Kobus' 'silver'

Our pastor Graham was on the rocks with them and helped him land it. Graham’s comment afterwards “ Hey, did you see - I just pulled a fish out of the ocean with my bare hands !! - So much excitement I’ll have to change my pacemaker’s battery!”

Graham, standing next to Joy, after barehandedly pulling a fish out of the sea and putting it on Kobus' hook :)

That about sums up our week – so much excitement and activity - yet relaxed and fun.

This is home now..

2010-07-05T21:41:00.001+02:00

The beautiful house we are staying in

By Night

Inside

Front Garden

Dawn view

On Sunday, at the nearby Inkwenkwezi Game Reserve, the annual Jikeleza festival was held, and our local Glen Eden Church held the Sunday service as part of the festival, in a beautiful outdoor setup.

Driving into town is a rural experience,

and with our close proximity to the beach, it feels like we are on holiday, waking up each day ‘in paradise’. So far, the weather has been great, Saturday was 30degrees with a light berg wind, today was calm and T-shirt weather.

I’m overwhelmed at the friendliness and openness of the people here. I met Nick Pike, the local fishing and surf reporter in the nearby Spar while I was shopping for a shad spoon, and that was when we went surfing together. So, I have survived my first Queensberry Bay point surf yesterday evening, with Nick & 2 other local guys, with shad jumping, dolphins chasing them, fishermen on the rocks nearby. The ocean is so alive, and I’m also glad to be..

Went fishing twice today, learning to tie knots, cast, and ‘do the knitting’, sorting out tangled line. I smell of pilchards, and although tomorrow will probably yield my first shad, I had plenty of bites, the sardines stripped off my hook. I’ve had good fishing mentors - Steve Moss, and fished with (our pastor) Graham Gernetsky this evening, who showed me how to secure a tasty pilchard onto a fat hook. One guy next to us pulled out about 5 shad in about 5 minutes, and another guy came walking down the rocks with a healthy +/- 60cm silver steenbras, I think it was. Beats the Tableview ‘fishing’ where I’ve never seen a fish pulled out in 20 years or so.

Also did some sorting out of our storage boxes in the garage, so now we can access those we may need, as well as being able to fit the surfboards, fishing rods etc into the garage. This evening, after the walking, fishing, yesterday’s surf and moving about 30 boxes around, my back is tired (tho not sore) and I’m as happy as a piggin. (a pig in mud)

Hope my next post is of a fat fish hanging out of a pan..

PS: Our cellular internet is dreadfully slow here, no 3G, just Edge, and even that is painful. I have applied for a landline & ADSL, but that may take a month or more. ( so please, no large attachments or junk emails.)

The Great Trek

2010-07-05T20:19:00.000+02:00

Leaving the Cape, we had a leisurely drive as far as JBay, where we stayed with Muzz & Mish, had a wave with the dominee..

and watched Muzz doing his domestic thing.

Wednesday morning, en route to East London, we got the call from Ronelle, our conveyance that the transfer on the Cape Town house was through, and five minutes later!! an sms from Russell Inc, that we are the proud owners of an empty plot in Glen Stewart. God's hand in all this has been miraculous .. to think just 3 months ago we started marketing - and since then Everything - the sale, plot, plans, and all the personal interaction with buyers, conveyancers, removals etc - has been beyond what we could dream of.

View from our house

After our first night in the spacious rented house, we awoke to a beautiful dawn, with cooking waves off Queensberry point in front of us!

Tempting as it was, I had to wait for the imminent arrival of our furniture. Due to some confusion with another nearby delivery, it was only about 11am befor the offloading started, but then everything went quickly and smoothly – no damages, and we soon had our stuff installed.

Leaving Cape Town

2010-07-05T12:05:00.000+02:00

Just 3 amazing months after putting the house on the market, we were moving. House sold to a wonderful family, a few weeks of packing, and we were A for Away. The tough part was leaving family & friends, knowing we would not see y'all as often.

Life Changers Church gave us a wonderful send-off, a picnic in Malcolm & Cecilia's garden, and on the Sunday, sent us off with encouraging words from God and prayer.

While this was happening, Afrovan from East London were loading up our belongings, and with help from Jen & Gus they managed to leave by about 4:30 pm that Sunday (27 June)

At about 5:30 the next morning, Sharon & I left, driving the Opel, the Colt with caravan, connected by 2-way radios.

J-Bay & Homecoming

2009-11-22T15:56:00.000+02:00

J-bay was literally a blast – quite a bit of wind, but at least some of it was offshore, and in the 2 weeks we camped there, we moved around inside the municipal campsite for wind shelter.

Had delightful times with Muzz ( Murray) & Mich, much of it in the water – Muzz’s surfing has taken off, and he sez howzit to all!

He entrusted his congregation to us one Sunday where we led worship and taught – that week in Hennie’s home (kitted-out garage as the hall was unavailable).
They are a great bunch of believers, and the following week we also joined them in their regular venue, Newton Hall.

Of the surfing highlights was riding Seal Point beachbreak together, (me above) and one morning Muzz & I hit a 5am empty lineup at Supertubes just to be joined by a chuckling Andrew Selley from Josh Gen!
Hitting the road again, our last stop was at Vic Bay, a week with our friends Gareth & Lyn – Gareth’s the restaurateur at the ‘Blue Olive’ in Wilderness, great Mediteranean cuisine – don’t pass it by!

Trying to sneak in home was to no avail, as we pulled in at Bloubergstrand for a posed homecoming photo, Harold the ardent blog follower spotted us – and took this photo.

If at any time you cannot find Les & Sharon – check out this blog – it’s not called les & sharon’s travel, but travels, and this was not the end of it!

Stayed in 5 countries, drove 24 000km, camped/slept in 62 different places, including 4 different "bush/wild/on the road camping, visited 11 Game reserves/National Parks.

Thanks to all of you for reading, for the encouragement, and being a part of our adventure.

We were not alone.

Eastern Cape Gnus

2009-10-22T16:16:00.000+02:00

Eastern Cape Gnus

Hello to y’all, ‘specially those whingeing about tardiness of a latest update.
I just felt SA is so familiar, the things we do and see are so ordinary compared to those beyond the borders, that the gnusworthiness is somewhat lacking, bordering on boring and me having to work up the enthusiasm to write, but looking at the pix since last time, suddenly felt a flash of spark, resulting in long sentences like this, which, if you are still reading, will shortly come to a full stop.
On our last day of Natal S Coast, visited Beaver Creek coffee estate, drank too many cups of Java, and looked over the Mtavuna gorge towards the ‘Kei - a world heritage site.
The rain and lack of sun drove us to skip 'Kei this time and head inland to Burgersdorp – near Aliwal North, to visit dear friends John & Karen Herbert who are leading a warm & vibrant congregation – Burgersdorp Family Church. Despite 3 days of chatting, eating together & exploring the town and meeting several of their friends, we forgot to take any photos of them – sorry guys, missed your 5 min of fame on this blog. But I have one overlooking the town, and loking north, taken when Karen & I were comparing cameras, landscape & sunset shots.

On the way to the coast, we stayed over at Mountain Zebra National Park, near Cradock. Campsite a bit full because of the Fish River Canoe Marathon, but quite a different park. Here’s where we saw some gnus, which gives this dissertation some gnusworthiness.
These gnus are black wildebeest, differing from their blue wildebeest cousins with white tails andforward-pointing horns. Nice picnic sites with swimming pools too!

From there, to our favourite Yellowsands, which has constant surf, birdsong and stunning outlook over the lagoon & sea

. This time, tho’ we waited a week, had mainly overcast weather and some rain. Bev n Anne, Lindy’s inlaws, joined us for an overnight camp.
Some expert surfers showing off in front of our campsite,
And another who should reconsider his activities, and maybe stay on the beach!
Lovely landscapes in the area – this one towards Glen Eden, we just love this place. Met and had good fellowship with several of the Glen Eden Church folk, who made us feel right at home.
Then , on the way to PE, we had 2 great days & nights at abovementioned Bev & Anne on their smallholding in Southwell, inland from Port Alfred.

Now in Port Elizabeth, camping near the beaches at Pine Lodge, and spending tme with my sister Theresa and hubby Ted. So far no surf here, but a fair bit of beasterly easterly (onshore)

Attempted a self-timer shot on the beach, but the stairway where I balanced the camera was a bit far from where we were posed, the 10 sec timer a bit too short,

but eventually got there in time….

J-Bay next week…

Drakensberg & KZN South Coast

2009-09-26T19:05:00.000+02:00

After a really relaxing stay at Don & Joy in Randburg, we set off, recharged and with Colt & Xcape happier at having enjoyed some TLC.
Headed for the Drakensberg, where we camped at Injisuthi, a relatively rustic camp between Monk’s Cowl & Giant’s Castle.

Went for a ‘walk’ to the viewpoint, which was more strenuous than expected, but were rewarded with great scenery at the top.

After 2 days, hit the road, and made our way to the coast –

First night at Rocky Bay was windy, ... then next few days at Kelso (Happy Wanderers camp) were cloudy & rainy.

Since then have travelled south to Trafalgar – Port o’ Call camp, which must be one of the best in the country. Thus far only 1 surf on KZN coast in nearly a week. Mainly windy & rainy, so no pix. Another front of 3 days rain expected tomorrow, so gonna hibernate into our ‘van at T.O. Strand til it stops, then to the ‘Kei. However, front brings SW winds = offshore :-)
so maybe score some waves…

Can’t moan about the weather now, after having nearly 5 months of stunning African sunshine.

Tot siens!

Back - in the RSA

2009-09-16T17:29:00.000+02:00

Moz – Jburg Last report was sent from our ‘casita’ (above) in Tofu beach. Realised I hadn’t shown an actual picture of Tofu beach, so here it is.

Nearby town Inhambane has great architecture, and since we’ve last been here, much renovation and painting has really given the town a brighter feel.

From Tofu we moved down to Ponta Zavora, a beach with an excellent reef for snorkeling, and seeing more fishies. Harold, last year we camped near the gate with the crappy ablution – found out there is another lekker camping area on top of the dune, overlooking the beach.

Just to show you it’s not all beer & skittles, working in the sand at the campsite, readjusted Colt’s front wheel bearings ( which, as we speak, are being replaced here in J’burg)

On route to Maputo, popped down to Mar de Sol near Quissico, where there are these turquoise lakes just inshore of the beach dunes. Beach looks like the SA wild coast.

Slept over at Casa Lisa near Maputo, then spent a harrowing hour or so thru 5km of Maputo’s hectic, intense rush hour. On a single lane road, there are 3 lanes, one proper one on the road, buses & taxis 5cm away on the left hand verge, dodging pedestrians, shops, stuck vehicles, and on the right hand ( in the approaching traffic lane), more of what’s on the left. These all push into one lane when a cop is seen.

After the border, we decided on Kruger’s tar roads, but the park was 38 degrees and packed with the older generation ( a pensioner discount period being in force) and we struggled to get a campsite.

Anyway, seen enuff animals, so next morning, which arrived chilly & misty, went via Pilgrim’s Rest to camp at Dullstroom which was freezing.

Nearing Pretoria, on route to Don & Joy’s in Randburg, Colt started rumbling and shaking. Found a universal joint on the propshaft knackered.

So had that fixed, treated the old girl (Colt, not Sharon) to new front wheel bearings, caravan to a new axle in Vereeniging, so all is good & clean & fresh for the upcoming section – Drakensberg, then Natal south coast & the ‘Kei.

We’re getting soft here at Don & Joy’s, what with sleeping in a house, the bleedin’ luxury of showers, tea & biscuits and meals all day, so before we lose our nerve, we’ll have to hit the highway again…

Papaws, Prawns, Palms, Pansy Shells, Peachy days, Perfect waves..

2009-09-04T15:48:00.000+02:00

Gently does it!
Leaving Beira, ‘popped in’ at Zim border 300km away to get TIP ( temp import permit) extended. Taking it slow now with caravan, don’t need more complications.
Long drive south next day to coast, great road until the last 100km or so of really vrot potholed and broken tar. Stayed over at Inhasorro, with a nearby night club pounding all night. At 1am moved caravan into lee of nearby building to reduce volume level and try & get some sleep.

Then about 50km or so of sand road to Pomene Lodge – which is Stunning wif a kaptil S.

Pomene is situated on a sand spit, with a conservation area estuary on the inside, where we snorkeled around sunken trees, seeing the biggest tropical angelfish I’ve ever seen, zebras, moorish idols, pencilfish, squid, pansy shells, and all n all.

Had some good surf days ‘somewhere in the area’ too. Say No More, nudge-nudge, wink-wink, know what I mean?

Further south at Morrungulo, a lovely campsite with ripoff pricing, really enjoyed the beach, papaws, and prawns on the barbie.

Leaving Morrungulo on another sand road, some serious knocking started from the caravan on every bump - found the shock absorber in the towhitch A-frame broken. I remembered an entry on the 4x4 forum which mentioned the “Very Basic Mechanic “at nearby Masinga. Sure enough, the Tracks4Africa map on the GPS had the “Very Basic Mechanic “ listed and shortly we had the shock welded up sharp sharp!

Then on to Tofu beach area, where the little camping there is, is really dreadful, oh so awfully unbearable. So, as we’ve done twice before, scouted the area and cut a deal with Nordin’s Lodge on the beach. A sweet little casita, with a basic en-suite and our Jurgens Xcape is looking lonely, parked outside, sleeping on it’s ownsome for 4 nights.

Tofu beach! – a really great beach – complete with vendors trying to sell you handbags, bracelets, shells, prawns, squid, paintings etc, etc – too many times every day.

A good escape is the next bay, Tofinho, which is probably Mozambique’s best-known surf break. Cooking this morning, and after my second surf today, arms & shoulders too sore to paddle out again, typing is a lot less strenuous.

So here I sit, outside my casita, overlooking sunny beautiful Tofu beach, Sharon next to me reading ‘Emma’s War’ – about Sudan..and life doesn’t get much peachier!

Tomorrow, off to fairly nearby Ponta Zavora for a few days, then to the Republic of South Africa – heard it’s a beautiful country too.
We were going to go in via northern Kruger Park, but latest info I can find says the part of the road is quite corrugated and stony – which we’ve had enough of until I get the ‘van permanently repaired with a new axle- so we’ll take the boring tar road via Maputo to Komatipoort. Prob a short detour via southern Kruger’s tar roads to Joburg to visit Don and Joy.

Thereafter, God-willing…
.. not gonna tell you - you can read it on the next blog.

That’s enough about us and our indolent, hedonistic lifestyle. How about you? How are you, and what are you doing?

More at Bernadette’s & The Beira Experience

2009-08-19T22:02:00.000+02:00

At Osivela wa Yesu, the children brushing teeth ...

....before they move into their classrooms.

Some of the women learning new skills – sewing classes, and their latest produce: dolls.

One less job in my self-imposed job-jar – sorting out the drains

Sunday 16th, Sharon was invited to teach at a local AOG-based church in Mocuba - she did a great job!

On Monday morning, after 3 ½ weeks with Bernadette, the time came to leave. For both Sharon & I it was a tear-filled experience, as we’d had such a good time and drawn close not only to B & Heleen, but to the staff on site Ernesto & Betina, their sons, Balita, Jose and others. Just before we left, the staff spontaneously gathered round, prayed together with us, then sang a blessing as we left. It was so moving that the first few kilometers went by in silence, just reflecting on what great people these all are, and how God joins our hearts so quickly. A few hours later we crossed the recently inaugurated new bridge – 2 to 3 kilometers wide, spanning the Zambezi. No more waiting for the ferry!

Then, around 1:30pm on the sandy road to Beira- we had a heart-stopping ( and vehicle-stopping) experience. After a not-so-bad bump, and checking the camper in the mirror, something looked squiffy. Right-hand side wheel angled outwards !

A feeing of utter helpnessness. Jacked up van, and could see something serious bent on axle – impossible to fix on the road. And then, self-capable Les suddenly needing to depend on others.

Fortunately, a check on the cellphones, surprised to find signal, so several calls to Moz contacts, and we had some English-speaking Beira people making arrangements – and a promise by Dieter Koch to rescue us the following morning. So a night camping at the roadside, heard poachers’ AK gunfire at dusk, and a restless rainy night.

Mid –morning Tuesday, the Mercedes truck with crane arrived, we discussed & sorted out hoisting,

then followed the "house-on-wheels"-on-wheels for 6 ½ hours for 112 km of sandy road, then another 40 tar road to Beira Cables, Dieter’s civil works company.

Put up our tent in the yard, and this morning (Wednesday) they "downloaded a caravan", and started the repairs.

A forlorn looking Xcape caravan

We are being wonderfully treated by the Mozambican engineering staff, who jump to assist us with the smallest things we do, and have made us feel like honoured guests.

We are sleeping in the axle-less van on the site ( clean toilets, a shower, power connection at our disposal – much better facilities than the only beachfront campsite)

I am so used to being ‘in control’ and helping others, that being helped in such a gracious way at first is very awkward for me – but have a sense that God has a hand in this – teaching me to depend more on Him, and demonstrating His love to me through people.Tomorrow being a local city public holiday ( Beira City Day) we will still be here on Friday, to finalise repairs and try and get my TIP ( temporary import permit for vehicle) extended.

One of Beira's crappy beaches (due to outflow of Pungee river with it's effluent)

Looking forward to the beautiful beaches further south - Maybe from Saturday onwards...

With Bernadette in Mozambique

2009-08-09T11:38:00.000+02:00

Arrived at Mocuba, setup our camp next to B’s house under the cashew tree.

What change since we were here last June! Clinic finished – I just completed the wiring of lights & plugs.

Veg gardens flourishing.

Heleen who is out from Holland for 8 weeks has been painting around the new buildings.

Bernadette invited 10 guys from various churches in area to attend the electrical course, held over 3 days, and on the last day they fitted the last light needed in the clinic.

But not all work – time to relax too

We were invited to share in Ernesto’s church nearby – taught on living from the heart to God, and not just following laws & routines.

On Monday we took B & Heleen with to Ilha de Mozambique, about 600 km away – a scenic island connected to the mainland by a 3km bridge.

Once the capital of Mozambique, now a photographer’s paradise with ancient forts, churches, mosques, Mediterranean-like streets surrounded by a turquoise sea populated with dhows, people picking seafood off the rocks and more islands.

Kids are naturally drawn to Bernadette ....
Then ‘bush camped’ for 3 nights nearby on a point close to Chocas Mar, ...

.....where we swam, snorkeled in the sea and a lagoon – saw beautiful fishies ( including firefish) - braaied lobster, steak and generally lived like kings ( kings without running water or toilets etc)

Now back at B’s for another week or so – having a good time eating & chatting together, doing odd jobs, .....

...and shopping in Mocuba. ( Water, food for the kids, milk formula and 12 sheets of roof sheeting on top of the car!)

Renewing our passports, Temp Import papers for vehicle etc for an extra 30 days so we can explore Moz coast at leisure when we leave Mocuba.

Malawi to Mozambique

2009-07-25T16:24:00.000+02:00

Arrived at Bernadette in Mozambique last night – 4th country, on day 79 of our trip.

Our last blog was of Cape Maclear, from where we went a bit further south, near Mangochi, bottom end of lake.

Met a sweet couple, Henry & Maggie,

who had planted a church a few weeks prior, who invited us to teach at their Sunday meeting.

This was held in a nearby welding shop, with the metal, gears & bits of scrap swept aside for the few hours of the meeting. After a vibrant time of worship – accompanied by a single small homemade drum, I taught on prayer & faith using examples of seeds from a large local Nsango tree. It was a good time & great fun too.

...Then moved to Liwonde National Park, which is really beautiful – rocky hills, mopane forests and grassland, swamps and a river runs through it (the Shire, which is the only river draining Lake Malawi.)

At the Chinguni Campsite, managed by Mariska & Pieter, who is restoring Land Rovers out a ‘graveyard’ these vehicles in the camp. Pieter is currently driving the 100th Landy he has owned. Look out for article on him & Landys in the latest ‘Drive Out’ and SA 4x4.

Watching the sunset from a ‘the tree house’ platform overlooking the Shire

Bridge being rebuilt at Liwonde.

One of several homebuilt welding machines seen in Malawi- and it’s connection.

Seen in Blantyre.

Stopped in to Blantyre to stock up with supplies, camped at the NCMI church base overlooking the city, then left yesterday, crossed the border at Milange, and here we are….

Next instalment…. What’s potting here at Bernadetteville.

Clear lake at Cape Maclear

2009-07-17T06:46:00.000+02:00

After the blustery weather and windblown waters of the northern lake, driving south to Cape Maclear – the typical road scenes of Malawi.

At last – no wind, a beautiful clear lake – hot weather. Last night 29˚ at 8pm.

Found the popular spots ( Fat Monkeys, Eagles Nest etc) at Maclear very cramped, noisy with very restricted frontage to lake. Being told by some that there was no camping at Golden Sands inside the National Park area nearby, we checked it out and found it is indeed possible to camp there. After Park entry fee 5$ US pppn, the camping fee was only an extra $1 each, so still ok. The downside – a bit scruffy, no running water, 1 toilet which you fill the cistern from the lake – but, plently of space, hiking trails, good snorkeling with little fishies all around. Bliss.

Sharon taking evening bath in the lake.

The only disturbances were constant vendors of fish, firewood, boat trips & curios popping in say “hello, how are you?- what is your name?- where are you from?, and making much conversation before stating their purpose , only to be disappointed by our low budget approach…. followed by monkeys & baboons waiting for you to let down your guard for a moment.

Score -

Monkeys: 1 loaf bread, 1 packet chips

Les: 3 monkey’s bum hits with catapult, 6 rubber-snake shocked baboons!

The usual suspects

Also had some kids spend time hanging around our camp, learning & practicing engrish, and sponging food & rubber snakes off us.

What did we do in the 5 days we stayed there?

Swam a lot, looked at multi-coloured fishies underwater, fed them bits of bread, took a kayak and rowed around the nearest island. Took several hours, and looked at more fishies along the way.

Paddled my surfboard for excercise ( no swell, it was as flat as a lake)

Chatted to locals and befriended the only other party camping there, hiked and found our own private beach

A parting shot from Cape Maclear this morning was being stung on my finger by a scorpion as I was packing our camp chairs. Wasn’t fatal; I suppose a scorpion sting is preferable to a bite from a hippo.

Now a bit further south, near Mangochi, bottom end of lake for a few days, then plan to visit Liwonde National Park, (on the Shire river which is the only outlet of the lake) stock up with supplies in Blantyre, then on to Mozambique, Bernadette …

But that’s another story....

Nothern Malawi Muzungus

2009-07-08T10:27:00.000+02:00

Hey Mzungus !*

Malawi is full of people.
The lake doesn’t always look like the brochures.
Nyika plateau is cold
Lake Malawi is warm
Road up to Livingstonia is not to be missed

We are at the most northerly point of our planned trip. At a spot called Sangilo on NE shore of Lake Malawi, next town up is the border to Tanzania, and we can see it’s mountains on the distant shore.

Malawi is full of people. – Most densely populated country in Africa. Wherever we’ve driven, there are always people in view – bustling villages & towns, and between villages, huts with veggie gardens, bicycles and pedestrians always in view.

Taxi rank in Selima

Very friendly, always greeting pleasantly – apart from some kids who delight in shouting ‘hey mzungu’, or ‘hello mzungu’ (*African word for white people) sometimes followed by ‘gimme pen’ , ‘gimme sweets’ or ‘gimme your money’. Mzungus are seen to be endlessly wealthy and the solution to poverty and all their need.
Being here, surrounded by such need, gives a new perspective to our possessions and diet. When we sometimes make a breakfast of bacon & eggs, it’s more animal protein than many see in a month. They do have fish & occasional pork or beef, but the daily staple (and for many, the only) is cassava, beans, tomatoes and other veg.
We are learning not to respond purely to need, but as we sense the Holy Spirit would lead us to, usually more in the direction of friendship, and treating people with dignity – as many are overly deferential & acquiescent =meek, for those who haven’t been playing Scrabble as often as Shalon & Res. Malawians have the odd habit of transposing l’s and r’s, even in signage. We’ve seen professionally painted signs such as’The Good Samalitan’ and heard that in Senga Bay during elections, some signs indicated directions to Erections or Erection Point !
Back to responding to need… I think this is a lesson for Shalon & I as we consider the future, not to be need-driven, but led by His Spirit.

The lake doesn’t always look like the brochures. During June/July the wind blows SE most days up the lake, making the central and north western shore choppy with poor water clarity, and not as pretty as the usual travel photos. We arrived from Zambia at Senga Bay via Lilongwe, to be greeted by a stormy sea (2ft choppy waves) and gloomy sky. Moved up the coast to a beautiful spot, but after more wind started, decided to divert to Nyika National Park for a while.

Nyika plateau is cold. You mzungus in the Cape were warm, compared to us. It was 6˚in he morning with a freezing wind blowing. Some game, we mainly saw roan antelope & bushbuck, but breathtaking views over Zambia and the start of the Great Rift Valley. Met two great new friends, Jim & Adam from UK, intrepid ‘skrik vir niks’ hikers, and explored Nyika with them in the Colt.

Lake Malawi is warm. Returning to thaw downstairs at the lake, where we are now, had some great swims in the lake – really pleasant, and a bit of snorkeling – but no great visibility. May hire the lodge owner’s catamaran and have a sail on the lake today, dependant on the wind strength, Shalon & Res not being expert sailors. (oops – just started raining, maybe only sail if weather clears- but at least it’s washing the thick dust off car & caravan)

Road up to Livingstonia is not to be missed. Yesterday we went up an amazing rough track, 20 hairpin bends, up 700m in about 10km, to the historically significant mission settlement of Livingstonia, with awesome views over the lake. There is a museum of Livingstone and the guys who started the churches, built schools, translated the bible into Chichewe and fought against slavery.

Tomorrow we’re probably off back south, heading for Cape Maclear area at bottom of the of lake (southern end, not underwater, you wiseguys) where, as any surfer would know, the wind will be offshore, so less chop and probably better diving conditions.

Catch up with you later, mzungus!
Love,
Res & Shalon

Chilling in South Luangwa warmth

2009-06-27T17:33:00.000+02:00

Saturday afternoon- camping on the banks of the Luangwa river, been here nearly a week already. When we arrived here at Wildlife Camp, which is across the river from South Luangwa National Park, it looked like the place to take a break from all the driving. So we’ve been reading, watching the family life of a pod of hippos directly in front of us, swimming in a pool overlooking the river in the heat of the afternoons, Scrabble in the evenings after the “de rigueur” braai.

Met some really interesting people here too – various lodge owners & guests, several medical students doing prac at hospitals in Zambia & Malawi, a trio of pensioners (not fake ones like us) with a huge caravan who have been on the road for 8 years!
Took an evening and a morning drive thru the park, not lucky enough to see leopards & wild dogs for which this area is famous – but what was interesting was the amazing range of terrain – from riverside to mopane forests, dusty plains to marshes with hippos munching their way thru waterplants. Outside the park, ( and some in the camps at night) hippo, crocs, elephant, impala & puku ( similar to impala).

Every evening is a picture-perfect sunset
( stopped taking pix of them now),
and as I’m sitting in a camp chair
pecking at the laptop, the setting sun is
again reflecting a rich orange off the river,
highlighting the yawning hippos.
They must get pretty tired sleeping all day!

We’ll probably still relax here tomorrow, (can’t do more than a Sabbath day’s journey on a Sunday) and duck early Monday morning, through Chipata/Mchingi border into Malawi, thru Lilongwe for supplies and to the lake at Senga Bay. See you there!

Seen on the road from Lusaka to here….( 2 missed calls? )

The Road Less Travelled

2009-06-20T18:35:00.000+02:00

Just watched Zambia lose 2-0 to Algeria, in a kind of pub full of Zambian supporters. Even though losing, what a cheerful and happy nation – there was no gloom, just laughing and enthusiasm even after the match. Huge load-shedding power cuts here in Lusaka ( in fact all of Zambia) stays off for about 6 hours at a time, most days.

After expensive border crossing ( about R1000 for us & our vehicle to enter Zambia) – we took the track upstream ( 4 ½ hours /130km) along the Zambezi,

staying over a few days near Ngonye Falls, Sioma, where we had a wonderful swim, where some local women found it safe to bathe. Nevertheless kept all eyes open for crocs. Not nearly as high as Vic Falls, but about 8 different falls coming in from all sides. The Zambezi splits into many sections just above the falls. Difficult to get near to main falls. Picture below makes them look very small and low, but is pretty impressive.

Sharon 'on the rocks' after the swim

Next day, crossed the Zambezi further up on the ‘pontoon’. If all goes ok, we should be crossing it again on the way down in Mozambique in a few months time.

Some fish caught by locals in the Zambezi at the ferry. I asked what kind of fish, the answer "Just fish"

Following the ferry was the most tiring section of “road” ever. At a puddle with a stuck Landy, some guy pointed a course, and without hesitation (no going back from here!) we just went thru, -thanks be to God- water over bonnet, Colt & caravan bouncing over the unseen holes and sandbanks. The local told me afterwards “ You drive like military!”

Some guys appeared out of the bush with planks ( which didn't help) at this washed away bridge.

One view ( near Mongu) of the HUGE Barotse floodplain - the source of the Zambezi

Barbershop in Mongu. I didn't try out their haircuts.

After several hours we found ourselves at Mongu, and the next morning visited and stayed over at Mutoya, an AOG church base where we met many old friends – a lovely community of believers who are there for varying lengths of time, from months o many years – doing beautiful things for Jesus in the community and surrounding areas, from schooling, healthcare, training pastors and growing the church in the area. Check out their website: http://www.zam.co.za/home/Vision/vision.html

Lihana van der Merwe at her house at Mutoya

On leaving Mongu, our dear hardworking Colt complained of stuck rear difflock, and also noticed oil leak from front diff. After several hours work, managed to get it driveable and got a proper fix at Mitsubishi when we got to Lusaka.

Leaving Mongu late in the afternoon, drove for a few hours, but no campsites or an such thing to be found. Pulled off the road at a 'ZAIN' cellular mast, complete with guard and he alowed us to camp there. Shared our supper of toasted cheese & tomtato sarmies with im & his friends, who were intruiged by our house on wheels. By 5 am next morning, from nowhere, there was quite a group of people sitting around his fire, waiting for the 'aliens to open the hatch'.

Helped some guys get their truck tow-started - at dawn at a town, Koama, a town a bit further down the road.

Tomorrow morning ( Sunday) we leave the smoggy and traffic-jammed Lusaka, and head east, to stay near South Luanga National Park

A Tale of 3 Rivers.

2009-06-12T07:39:00.000+02:00

Reached the end of Caprivi, at Katima Mulilo, camping on the banks of the Zambezi. Have driven just over 7000km since home, & the beast recently clocked over 200 000 km – still going like a boeing.

In our last post, we were in Rundu, on the banks of the Okavango, after which we moved to the ‘Popa Falls’ (more like just popa rapids) area, still on the Okavango. Stayed at a really special campsite Nunda, with great hosts, who have spent years touring Africa and who shared some advice etc with us

Popa & Moma @ Popa

While there, we heard that our next river, the Kwando, was in flood. ( Kwando becomes Linyati, then becomes Chobe) Our first choice of venue was a bush camp, but inaccessible due to track under water. Met some friends who spent 9 hours recovering their vehicle from that road. Stayed at nearby Namushahsa whose access road was only partly under water.

Lovely views over swamps & network of wandering river sections. While there, our non-stop sunny days were interrupted by ‘freak’ unseasonal rain – almost non-stop thunder, lightning & showers for 2 nights & 1 ½ days. Scrabble and comfortable caravan came to the rescue, and only 1 awning pole damaged when a cloudburst & wind caused it to collapse. (mcGyvered a fix today, no spare poles for sale here).Did a partial explore of 2 parks Mudumu & Mamili but gave up due to excessive dampness & thick mud.

As already said now on 3rd river, Zambezi, which we still plan to cross three times – in a day or two as we cross into Zambia, going up to Sioma (Ngonye) falls, then higher up nearer the source of the Zambezi in Western Zambia, (if the ferry is working at Kalangola on the Barotse flood plain), then again in Mozambique on our way down. Not very confident that we can go via the ferry as the rain has been heavy and over a large area- all the way from Windhoek to Caprivi, and into Zambia too..

Tonight we had quite a unique experience. At this camp Namwi, there is a young hippo bull which is known to roam the campsite and graze at night, nicknamed ‘Stompie’. Well this evening, he came out earlier than usual, and spent the night grazing under our neighbour’s table, whicle they were cooking, then around us as we were eating. Sharon, myself & Mattie next tent, were all nuzzled by a hippo, as a dog would sniff and rub his nose against you. Sharon had hippo saliva on her sandled foot. To be honest, it was a little scary as this is still a wild animal and could do anything, but we felt quite sorry for it as it has probably been isolated from its herd, flock, pod, school of fellow hippopotami.

Have met and had good interactions with so many people – from lodge & camp owners, campsite staff to fellow travelers. At times it feels like the trip we are doing is nothing special, as there are people from so many countries travelling in the area, doing similar trips, some of which are more extravagant, others far more scheduled & mundane. What is great for us is the lack of any schedule, not having to be anywhere by any date.

A bit of a ramble…

.....been reflecting on the greatness of creation, the varied terrain from desert to bush to forest and swamps, each with its own beauty, special plants and incredible birds & animals and how grand this whole scheme is. However, I’ve had the increasing sense of a much grander scheme “behind” it all, grander than rivers & animals, space & the stars, which are all ultimately going to pass away – but there is this awesome God “hidden” behind creation, who loves us simple people with a love greater than all of creation, as He revealed in Jesus, who jealously wants all of us, with us not holding anything back from Him. In the words of (I think) Kim Walker: “I wont relent until You have it all” – and God will not relent to get all of our hearts & attention, and we should not relent until we’re giving it all to Him. What’s this got to do with travelling anyway? As I said, when we travel, we see so much more of what He has created, but furthermore, it seems a few of the people we’ve met regard the travel experience as the ultimate purpose in life, spending their savings & lives at the altar of travel, and just having to see & experience more & more, which can be a trap as much as being caught up in work, a career, sport, or making money, or whatever – just somehow missing the point of it all..

.......we ramble on

Well, MTC, my mobile service provider in Nam, had given pretty good coverage over all so far, making email and internet possible, will have to see how Zambia compares. Til next time – probably via ZAIN (ex Celtel Zambia)

Rundu special report !

2009-06-03T18:02:00.000+02:00

Hello all you faithful followers! Was only going to do an update at end of Caprivi, but since we are spending 5 nights in Rundu, which was to be more of a stopover, felt it deserved a little special report of it’s own. The word ‘naked’ in the Spitskoppe has stirred not a little comment in emails etc…. Mmmm, how can we be a bit norty in his one – will have to see…

Left Etosha a little disappointed with lack of game, only saw the bum of an ellie besides springbok, impala, gemsbok, giraffe, villabees and birds. (Hey Mum, Les said ‘bum’!)

The Rundu area feels a bit like parts of Mozambique, with basic huts, little spaza shops & pubs in the bush, and very open & friendly local people, who respond warmly to smiles & handwaves. It makes us feel quite ‘at home’ and less touristy.

Had oportunity to help some guys stuck with 2 flat tyres and buckled rims that wouldn't seal.

The first night we arrived in Rundu, Sat evening, just after sunset , stayed at a camp in town which was clean, well run and could hear Sat night party sounds wafting in from across town and from the Angolan side of the Okavango river. Wanted to be a bit more out of town so moved camp to Kaisosi Lodge, a really great place with each site having own shower, toilet etc, a stunning deck & pool overlooking the river, and really friendly hosts, Chris & Mercedes.

Still seemed too soon to move on so we moved to a campsite west of Rundu, with campsites directly on the Okavango bank, with a lovely rural feel. Went canoeing to an island, within metres of 2 crocs, had a swim in a pool and thought of all our dear friends enjoying the cape winter…

Typical scenes on the river - locals fishing from mokoros ( called wetu ?? in this region) even a pro surfer giving it a go!

Some lazy ones have other uses for these traditional watercraft. Braaied for the 24th time in 26 nights. What a schlep :-)

Sharon’s been reading Hybels’ ‘Just walk across the room’ – and I’ve been enjoying Yancy’s ‘The Jesus I never knew’ – borrowed from Thinus, (thanks ) which is very thought-provoking and forces you to re-examine much of what you think you have settled with respect to His nature on earth, and His extreme & 'offensive' teachings & claims.

Lot of evidence here of the March flooding – a couple of ‘refugee-type’ tent camps, all of the campsites we have visited or stayed at here were previously flooded to greater or lesser degree.

Have been hearing much of the area we’re planning to tour next – Mahango Reserve area in central Caprivi – with nearby camps like Ngepi, Nunda, Bum Hill Campsite ( oops, said it again) and how unique the area is.

Hot & sunny in Damaraland & Etosha

2009-05-29T22:29:00.000+02:00

After leaving Swakop, camped at Spitzkoppe for 2 nights. Wonderfully remote & quiet – naked mountaineering possible. Sorry, no photos. Amazing rock formations, eagles, deep blue skies, sunsets & dazzling stars just above your head.

Then to Brandberg, and on to Twyfelfontein area, where we camped at Aba-Huab for 3 nights. The one day we took a drive to ‘Doros Crater’ which was 30 k’s after Burnt Mountain, left at dawn, expected to be back for breakfast. Turned out to be a gruelling 4wd route, 2 hours rocky driving each way. The scary part was little evidence of other vehicles having recently travelled, and so we felt quite isolated – no coms or contact should we break down. Got to what GPS called viewpoint, nothing much there, so figured a short walk to see the crater. Took a 500ml water bottle to sip while admiring the view – anyway after about 5km hiking thru an unending valley we eventually gave up, & returned thirsty & exhausted to the car for another fun drive back to camp, got back about 2pm, just in time for breakfast, and relax for a day and ½ .
Lessons learnt – don’t trust GPS comments explicitly. Take enough water if you may be tempted to extend your ‘little walk’. Even if you don’t reach your expected destination, the trip can be exciting enough . If you don’t go, you won’t know!

Had a great drive via Palmwag, Grootberg pass to Outjo, bushcamped ( didn’t like some of the campsites outside Etosha…)

Now at Namutoni in ‘fairly tame’ Etosha. Got cellphone signal!, hence update possible.
Tomorrow via Tsumeb, then on to Caprivi. Enough of this dust, we want to see water, rivers & jungle.

Have met so many people from Germany, France, England, USA, Switzerland, Morocco…and a few South Africans. Namibia really feels like a global tourist village.
Have met so many people from Germany, France, England, USA, Switzerland, Morocco…and a few South Africans. Namibia really feels like a global tourist village.

We are sinking !!!

- Yes, ve are sinking of you guys, and missing you some...

Leaving Swakop

2009-05-22T07:42:00.001+02:00

Had a great day yesterday, was foggy much of the day - did laundry, sat & read, then strolled thru Swakpmund streets - quiet, was public holiday - Ascension Day, like we used to have in SA. Had coffee mini croussants & apfelstrudel at Cafe Anton. Wonderful!

Woke up with mist again, looks like it's receding, but swell is still flat, only picks up next Wednesday sez winguru.com, so we're packing, hitting the road to camp at Spitzkoppe, then into Damaraland. Probably a week or so until next update.

The road from where we are now ( Langstrand in background) looking from Swakop. We'll go to Swakop thn inland to Spitzkoppe .....

Namib-Naukluft: Keetmanshoop to Swakopmund

2009-05-20T22:41:00.001+02:00

Left Keetmanshoop, via Aus then up to the D707 ( garden route of Namibia). Amazing scenery, grasslands as far as the eye can see and random outcropsof red sand dunes or blue, brown, red or black mountains.

Beginnings of the Tirasberg. You can see the fields of “Marienfluss”, the grasslands - like wheatfields waiting to be harvested

Our campsite At Koiimasis Ranch. (Thanks Duncan & Rose for recommendation) We had started to climb a mountain where black eagles are nesting on the cliff but could only make it about a third of the way. Each campsite is quite private. Two campsites share a bathroom which has been built onto the rock face, quite luxurious, beautifully tiled with the rocks as one of the walls. Water heating and lighting are solar powered. The bird life here is incredible. Also had some wild horses around, klipspringers, dassies and mice and even a rat wanting some morsels to eat.

View from up the mountain of the ranch, Koiimasis, across the valley

Further up the D707. Mornings were a little chilly

Didn’t like some of the campsites’ price/quality near Naukluft – so we chose out own – a small river bed next to the road, and had h best camping experience of the trip so far – absolute solitude and silence, you could almost hear the stars, with occasional owl & jackal calls.

Thru the Namib.

Currently camping at Long Beach Resort “Langstrand” between Walvis & Swakop, where we stayed in ’97 with LindyJen&Dane – still great sunsets. Had a lousy day yesterday -my cellpohone was stolen I Swakop while shopping,had to buy another for comms - but it was a great insight of how material things can so easily be replaced - yet important things like love, people, and knowing Jesus as a friend are irreplaceable and cannot be bought.

Breakfast today on the beach on a ‘looking for surf ’ safari. A very good day today !

In a few days, we'll be moving north to Spitzkoppe, into Damaraland & southern part of Koakoland - probably no comms for awhile...

Love to y'all

Arrived in Keetmanshoop, Namibia.

2009-05-14T21:51:00.000+02:00

Thurs 14 May 6pm.

Kgalagadi was less exciting this time – saw no predators or anything remarkable ( most fellow campers felt the same. Plenty of eagles, falcons, owls , etc..Had a great time anyhow – swam 3 days inaro at the camp sites – weather great, nights cool, early mornings cold.
Colt’s main battery died – bulging, bubbling & spewing acid , mcGyvered the bakkie to run on the fridge battery until we replaced it today at Keetmans.

Left the park through Mata Mata border post, pleasant, no hassles, this morning, via Koes on great gravel roads.

The sudden change of scenery from rolling red, grassed dunes to flat landscapes with shrubs, to boulders looking like a giants playground, the quiver trees and back to flat landscape as far as the eye can see - then suddenly – Keetmanshoop!

Were gonna stay in municipal camp, but it’s an (expensive) dump, so camping 5k’s out at Lafenis.
Bought some juicy lamb loin chops to braai tonite – R42/kg at the Spar!
Tomorrow off to Koiimasis on the D707 ( Tirasberg) north of Aus – exciting – no comms probably for another few days..
Thanks to all for the sms messages we received today when we got coverage. Sorry we can’t reply to all individually.
Love Les and Sharon

PS - Working thru Nam's MTC cell network is extremely slow & frustrating. Uploading this post took 25 minutes!

Arrive In Kgalagadi

2009-05-09T21:28:00.000+02:00

Left early 8 May – thanks to all who sent us off with prayer, encouragement, padkos bag, fudge, biltong, home-baked bread, love & hugs ! Have enjoyed samples of each already Had a tasty Moreesburg breakfast hosted by Greg & Lyn – which sustained us ‘ til evening.

Camped at Oranjerus, near Upington – which has bathrooms like a 5-star hotel!
Arrived this arvie (Sat 9th) at Kgalagadi (Gemsbok Park) – quick game drive – springbok, gemsbok, ground squirrels and a bat-eared fox.

Tomorrow – to Nossob camp, then 3 days at Mata-Mata camp, where we leave Kgalagadi, and into Namibia and head for Keetmanshoop, where we hope to have comms again. No signal once we leave here tomorrow.
For the petrol (diesel) heads’ interest, got my worst ever consumption yesterday - Calvinia to Upington 6,6k/l, pushing it a bit at 110kmh, long drive. But today, best ever, even though towing, we took it really slow (80km/h) on the straight 260km Upington to Twee Rivieren – 9,1 Km/l !!
Les & Sharon - Living the Dream

Trial Run with XCape

2009-04-13T23:12:00.001+02:00

Took Xcape on W Coast trail 7-10 April 09, with Lindy, Duncan & Rosemary Barson, Ian & Ann Furgeson. Had a grand time together, and learned some things about towing in thick soft sand, and water tank breather pipes.