Mini vs Maxi Tour #2 - BUNGEEEEEEEE

I was sitting in the quiet comfort of my office this morning, when a Facebook message from Susan Wilson, organiser of the “Mini vs Maxi Tour” popped up, with the question, “HOPE YOU DON"T HAVE A FEAR OF HEIGHTS???”

Do I have a fear of heights? How do I put this delicately? It is not really the height that I am afraid of; I am terrified of the drop, especially if there is nothing restraining me from plummeting into the abyss.

My mind quickly jumped into gear and considered the possibilities. My first thought was of bungee jumping. “Ai Chihuahua,” I thought as the sweat trickled down my forehead, “do I have the stomach for that?”

Of course I can do it; my cardiologist just told me my heart is very strong.
Then Susan came to the rescue with a convenient way out, “You could always volunteer to manage the video camera capturing your team mates’ adrenaline rush.”

“Nah,” I quickly dismissed the idea. For the last twenty years or so I have been threatening to ride the big roller coaster that comes to Port Elizabeth every year. This year Sue persuaded me to put my money where my mouth is and I took the plunge – literally – proving to my family who STEADFASTLY REFUSED to join me that I am not a wimp after all.
This is an adventure challenge, so bring it on and I’ll do the plummeting, as long as that elastic band is securely attached to me.

But then I thought, it may just be abseiling down a slight incline or a gentle canopy tour in the forest – that is enough to scare many people off.
Whatever it is world, I’m ready for it.

PS:  I had no sooner finished writing this when Susan well and truly committed me to my fate, “Great news - I think you then well and ready for the BUNGEEEEEE”

MOMMMMEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

From my archives: Bloukrans Bridge bungy jumping - if you use a microscope you will see the victims ready to take the plunge from the centre of the arch

Mini vs Maxi Tour

I feel really privileged - and excited - to have been invited to be part of the Mini vs Maxi tour, which starts on 25 August.

The tour is brilliant initiative, launched by the Eastern Cape Parks and Tourism Agency, to promote tourism in the Eastern Cape, during Tourism Month and if it goes well it will become a regular event.

The concept is for the two teams to set off on an adventure tour to different parts of the Province, to enjoy two vastly different experiences in the Eastern Cape. I do not know what is in store for us, but I am really looking forward to the trip - not only for the sheer pleasure of touring the Eastern Cape, but being the designated driver of "the maxi" car.

We will be travelling in a VW Polo sedan, "the mini" and a VW Amarok twin cab, "the maxi" - two really superb cars. Can't wait to get behind the wheel - it will make a change from my tired old bakkie (truck. ute, van for those who are not familiar with south African speak).

Watch this space because when we start our journey I will be giving a blow by blow account of our travels and adventures.

Skywatch Friday - Cloudy skies and boiling seas

The sea was boiling, the sky was cloudy and the wind was howling and there in the enormity of the vista is a fisherman. I pity the poor fellow, not because of the weather, but because I know what these rocks mean to fishermen. I lost many kilogrammes of lead sinkers while fishing along this shoreline. But then I remember......... I recovered the sinkers from these rocks during spring low tides and merely returned them, from whence they came. So what's new? The cycle continues.

Visit Skywatch for many more great pictures from around the world.

Gone feral

The feral pigeon has gained notoriety for their total disregard for statues and they are so common we often overlook them, but they are quite attractive  birds.

Residents of St Phillip's Church.

They are also very opportunistic and can be seen here popping in for food at Richmond Park.

Skywatch Friday - Maitland River Mouth

The Maitland River mouth is one of my favourite place's in the Port Elizabeth area, with its wide unspoilt beach. A visit here is never disappointing and last Sunday was no exception. It was a warm and sunny winter's day and when the sun started going down, we were treated to a magnificent sunset.

A group of model aircraft enthusiasts were out in full-force flying their model aircraft and gliders. A few of them can be seen flying into the sunset.

For more wonderful pictures from around the world visit Skywatch.