News

Tues - Thurs. October 5 - 7
On Tuesday I took Dad to the airport while Bev went window shopping down at the Waterfront. I received a surprise visit from Zak Pretorius, my old schoolfriend from Messina High School. His Mother was my English Teacher and I remember always being in trouble with her because I would rather be reading Wilbur Smith than trying to follow along with the lesson! Later that afternoon we were joined by my Skydiving friends Langes, Anton, Terryl, Jeffrey, and Ronel. They presented me with a 20 year old picture of us linked in freefall! What a moment to remember!
We also received a surprise visit from Susan Staak and Mrs Louw. Susan was one of Bev's students at the Mary Kihn School. They had a great time remembering past students and activities in the good old days! We were joined by Douglas and Jennifer, two deaf friends that we made at the Royal Cape. Douglas sails as well and is a member of the RCYC as well. Man - what a busy day!
On Wednesday morning, I saw Jack and Amy at the Waterfront, working on Lady K and we arranged to have a meal together before Bev's departure back to Texas. I paddled around on I while Bev finished her shopping. It started to rain, in fact it poured with heavy winds. I checked the lines on IT before Bev and I left for Supper at Toni and Dalene's home in Durbanville. Deon and Susan joined us. Thanks guys it was a great evening.
On Thursday morning, Bev and I drove to the Mary Kihn School for the Partially Hearing, where I had spent my Elementary years. Marjolyn is still there and so is HB! It was great to see them after all these years. The school has changed a great deal, and Bev and I were sad that the Philosophy and teaching methods had changed so very much. I visited with the 3 upper classes and using a map of the world, gave them a brief outline of my voyage thus far as well as my reasons for attempting such an endeavor.
We rushed back to the Yacht Club to meet with another TV crew! They interviewed both Bev and myself and copied some of my action videos for a 30 minute Super Sport program. That took three hours and I was exhausted from concentrating on the English questions which, I might add, were different from the usual questions that I have been asked. Pity I will not be there to see the program when it shows.
Finally, Bev and I were packed and ready to leave for Swellendam, where Nico and Jean live. We arrived at about 6 in the evening and there were Eric and Alma waiting for us as well! What a lovely surprise! We spent a great evening together - lots of laughter and even an indoor "braai" (BBQ). Jeanne is still the same, children Nico, Riana and Annette have grown of course!
We slept soundly in a warm bed and, Bev tells me, to the sounds of a farmyard!

Monday October 4, 2004
On Monday morning, Dad and I, having no transport, walked and walked and walked! We had breakfast at Wimpys. After that we finally reached Avis and rented car. We picked up Bev and Mom and drove to Gordons Bay where Terryl (good friend of ours) joined us. We went to visit Oom Pierre Volschenk and Tannie Marie. Even managed to have my eyes tested by Pierre and Marie 's son. Then I had the privelege to meet the famous yachtsman Bertie Reed. He signed a print of his dramatic rescue of John Martin in the 1993 Single handed round the world race and gave it to me. Wow! Lunch with Oom Pierre and Tannie Marie was delicious! Man I am going to hate my food when I am back on the water!
On the way home I went to see the dentist! Johan Meyer my dentist from Messina days lives in Somerset West now and I went to see him. After a quick visit there we went back to the Marina.
There it was a quick shower and change and Bev and I rushed upstairs where we had been invited to join the RCYC meeting introducing the new members. Russell introduced me as a special visitor (I felt very proud indeed) and then presented me with a burgee. It will hang with pride in a special area that Bev has prepared for all my "goodies" from the trip. Thank you Russell.
No - the day has not ended yet! Soon we were off to my cousin Susandra's restaurant, The Cattle Baron. Must be the best steak ever! All the cousins were there - great Family reunion. We got home very late. What a busy day!

Sunday October 3, 2004
Since my last entry, Miss Martha Schemper came over on Sunday morning and we had a wonderful reunion. Miss Schemper was my Principal and teacher at the Mary Kihn School in Cape Town. I know Bev will tell you all about it in her weekly letter! I showed her IT and we posed for pics together. What memories!She is so proud of me and that means more than words can tell. Miss Schemper, with your prayers and support, I know I will complete this mission! Thank you for visiting me.
What a surprise when Margie and Rob Johnson arrived to look for us. They hosted our wedding reception in their beautiful garden in Rondebosch 20 years ago! They had seen us on the news and decided to hunt us down! Kate, their daughter was our Flower girl! How time flies and yet it was as though time had stood still as we chatted and shared memories as though it all happened yesterday!
Jane and Steve Theron (you remember Jane and Bev went to school together) held a get-together at their home in the evening, especially for us, and Cherry and Peter, Mike Young and his wife, Rob, Margie and Kate, Mom and Dad and us were all there. Delicious lamb chops and chicken and all the fixings! Thank you Steve - excellent cooking. Thank you Jane and Cherry for the fixings. Jane how do you manage to fit so much into one day?!

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