A weekend of socialising, sun and spectating

This weekend was welcomed by drinks at Barney's, a pub on the foreshore overlooking Algoa Bay, with Kiren & Phillipe.

Saturday was a day of relaxation with some shopping, afternoon drinks at the wharf and a swim to cool down. Jen's mouth was salivating as the boys drank ice cold beer and ate delicious looking sushi & oysters at the wharf... not long to go now!

We woke up early on Sunday and cycled to watch the Ironman competition which PE was hosting. It is an international event so many professionals were competing. We soon discovered how insanely fit they are. After a swim of 3.8km in the ocean, a ride of 180km (no drafting allowed) and then a marathon of 42.2km, it was a wonder they could still move at the end. We cycled to various stages around the course to get the best vantage points and to cheer the competitors on. Unfortunately no Australians were competing though. The winner finished in a time of 8hrs 15min- incredible!

Pete turned into the unofficial ironman Mechanic for one stretch of the cycle course. As the competitors turned a corner to commence a steep incline, a few experienced tyre punctures or derailed chains. In stepped Pete to assist!! Unfortunately we both got flat tyres on the way home so 2 tubes were also required to be replaced!

The finish of the swim leg of the Ironman

Mechanic Pete...!

And assisting again... this time a Belgian

Cheering on the straggling cyclers and faster runners

Spectators seeking relief from the 35c heat at Hobies beach

Luxury 'camping' at Toorfontein

The Little Karoo is a broad valley stretching east to west hemmed in by the Swartberg mountain range to the north and the Outeniqua mountains to the south. Whilst the environment appears very vast and arid, the windswept plains are broken by mountains with deep ravines and breathtaking passes. Jen put on her 'travel agent' hat and found stunning accommodation at Toorfontein tented camp which would offer a completely different African experience for Jackie & Stu. To break the drive we stayed at The Fernery on Friday night- the only hotel at the base of the Tsitsikamma Mountains which has views of the rugged coastline, deep gorges and surrounding forests. Our lodge was nestled against a small waterfall of the gorge which made for pleasant background noise as we braaied on our patio. On Saturday we meandered along the Garden Route, breaking for coffee at a French cafe in Plettenberg Bay and a picnic lunch in Knysna. We continued over the spectactular Outeniqua Pass from George...

Camping at Monks Cowl, hiking the 'Berg

Due to this weekend being a long weekend in SA (and also to celebrate our birthdays), Pete & I along with British expats Gareth & Sophie decided a weekend getaway trip was required and the Central Drakensberg Ranges was chosen as the destination. We camped at Monks Cowl which is nestled in the picturesque Champagne Valley at the base of the Central Drakensberg Ranges in Kwazulu-Natal. In training for the Mt Kilimanjaro hike that we all hope to hike whilst we are based in Africa, we ventured off on Sunday for a long and hilly hike. We first headed to Blindman's Corner, an 11km return route from the camp. This route takes you steeply up a berg to The Sphinx and then along a flat and meandering grassy plateau to the base of the summits. However, upon arriving there we felt like a further challenge so subsequently climbed 1/3 of the way up Sterkhorn Mt. And up we climbed... at times the hill we were climbing had a gradient of >55 degrees! We rested for lunch perched precari...

First impressions

Thought it time we touch base and let you know that we are still here!!! We have been very busy since Jen's arrival. Mainly involves trying to lease/buy cars & getting the necessary documentation, sorting out my work VISA, sorting out housing.... We are getting an Audi A3 which we should have by Friday. We can't wait to drive it! Second car to be confirmed (but hopefully purchased by early next week). I have been dropping Pete at work each day so that I can use the hire car... looking forward to sleep in's in the near future and really being a lady of leisure- enjoy it while it lasts I say! I have met with Charles Orbach (accounting firm) and am now in the process of obtaining documentation for VISA (copious amount) and then getting it processed ASAP. They are lovely people and I look forward to starting (probably another 1-3 months though due to length of time to get VISA). I seem to fill my days quite easily with daily food shopping, lunches, breakfasts, gym, organisi...

Chandler's Overseas

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