Volume 2

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Vol2 June 2012

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Hunting Eland

Stillwater Trout Techniques

Unforgettable

Victoria falls

Featured Species:

Brown Trout Eland The Swainson’s Spurfowl Boabab

Overcome your fear of diving

Tel: (013) 712 3070

Get your new Ford Ranger now at Barberton Ford!

Contact Pieter van der Linde 076 421 3665

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3

Letter from the editor With the first edition a distant memory, it is with great excitement that I can share with you the positive feedback and response we’ve received.

Finding myself alongside a camp fire with my family, I realised that my journey as a nature lover has just begun. The call of an African Night Jarr is a reminder of the vast and diverse opportunities that are there to explore.

I invite all of you to embark with me on this journey of discovery. Please share with us all of your memorable experiences. Capture the moment and let it live on through posting photos on our website or submitting articles for our readers to enjoy.

With winter whispering in our ear, we realise that the time to open those safes and putting the final touches on that fly has come. Winter also means Sardine run and spotting the Big Five in the Kruger.

Whether you are one of the young ones that is about to catch your first Trout or shoot your first Impala or an old hand just applying your trade, remember to treasure the moment and to treat nature with the greatest of respect.

Editorial Publisher: African Adventures Magazine (Pty) Ltd. Editor: Johan Viljoen Advertising: Lizel Stavast

For advertising enquiries contact: Lizel Stavast 073 777 9524

For distribution details, contact: Johan Viljoen 083 469 4347

Letters to the editor info@africanadventures.co.za

Editorial submissions info@africanadventures.co.za

Advertorial inquiries lizel@africanadventures.co.za

ADMINISTRATION

Cobus Steyl cobus@africanadventures.co.za

Design and layout Media Chef 012 346 5252 www.mediachef.co.za

I thank all of you who submitted your letters and invite you to visit our website at www.africanadventures.co.za May all the goals and dreams that you set out for yourself become a reality in the month of June.

Enjoy the read and I look forward to your company next month.

Remember, in the great race called life, there is always the opportunity to be the pacesetter.

Johan Viljoen 4

June 2012

Disclaimer and Copyright While all precautions have been take to ensure the accuracy of advice and information given to the readers, the Proprietor, Publisher, Editor or writers cannot accept responsibility for any damages, inconvenience or injury that may arise whatsoever from incorrect information. We take every reasonable precaution to deal only with honest and ethical advertisers, however neither African Adventures Magazine Pty (Ltd), nor its editor, publisher, agent or employees can be held responsible for any harm, loss or damage arising from a transaction entered into pursuant to any section in this magazine. African Adventures assumes no responsibility to return graphics, unsolicited editorial or other material. All rights in unsolicited editorial letters, emails, graphics and other material will be treated as unconditionally assigned for publication and copyright purposes, and material will be subject to African Adventures unrestricted right to edit and comment editorially. The publisher accepts no responsibility for the contented advertisements. Opinions expressed by contributors are not necessarily those of African Adventures. No part of this magazine may be reproduced without the written consent of the publisher.

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June 2012

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Contents / Inhoud Regulars Letter from the editor Letters to the editor Events Featured species: Eland Brown Trout The Swainson’s Spurfowl Boabab

4 8 34

17 27 45 55

Celebrity Profile Saam met Robbie die dieptes in

47

Resep van die maand Thai Marinated Fish

49

Hunting The challenge of hunting Eland SA Hunting Eerste rooibok vir Aussie

10 20 22

FISHING Stillwater Trout Techniques Kajakhengel – hoe nou?

28 32

DIVING Overcome your fear of diving The value of a good dive buddy

38 42

Lizel Stavast 073 777 9524

LIVING Unforgettable Victoria Falls Travelling Tight – Part 2

To advertise in this magazine contact

50 59

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June 2012

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Letters to the Editor Dit is hoog tyd vir so n tydskrif! Baie dankie. Ek en my hele familie beoefen al die afdelings wat julle onderskryf maar duik is ons groot liefde. Al julle artikels is geweldig interessant maar “te kort op Tekamedabos was n bietjie kras”. Moes een of twee goedjies aan my seun verduidelik het. Ons het ‘n baie groot liefde vir fotografie en wil graag voorstel dat julle so ‘n seksie in die boekie sit waar lesers hulle fotos kan plaas.

– Pieter en Amanda van Randburg.

Baie dankie vir n baie interessante tydskrif.

As n gretige kampeerder was dit tog baie interessant gewees om Hengel vir Galjoen te lees. Ek sal verseker Desember in Buffelsbaai dit proebeer. Kan jy my asseblief ‘n aanduiding gee van waar die boekie elke maand beskikbaar sal wees?

Baie sterkte met julle ander uitgawes.

Ek kyk uit daarvoor.

– Roelf van Witbank Goeie dag Roelf, Baie dankie vir jou brief. Jy kan op ons webwerf ‘n lys kry van al die verspreidingspunte. Sterkte met daai galjoen in Desember.

Wenbrief Hallo julle, Ek is baie jammer as ons enigiemand geaffronteer het met van die artikels. Ons het dit al oorweeg om ‘n fotogallery te skep, maar as gevolg van ons wye lesersbasis kan ons dalk mense ontstel wanneer ons van die fotos publiseer. Ons het wel op ons webtuiste voorsiening gemaak daarvoor. Daar is geleentheid vir almal om hulle fotos in die vier spesifieke afdelings te plaas.

Besoek ons gerus by www.africanadventures.co.za

Prys Pieter en Amanda WEN ‘n naweek vir 2 ter waarde van R 1000.00 by Shosholoza Bowhunting & Lodge.

As an outdoor loving family, we all enjoyed the read. My son and I are very eager hunters. I understand that the hunting community is mostly Afrikaans speaking but will you please try and publish English articles every now and then?

- Daniel from Garsfontein

Dear Daniel, Thank you for writing to us. We try our best to keep a fair balance in the magazine. But we also need to look at our reader base. It is a fine balance but we will publish English articles in our hunting sections from time to time.

A monthly prize will be awarded to the winning letter.

Send your letters to info@africanadventures.co.za 8

June 2012

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June 2012

9

Hunting

The challenge of hunting Eland

by Thorsten Meier

Hunting eland is a challenge – for the hunter and for the PH. It was Antoine’s first opportunity to hunt in Africa. And a fair hunter he was indeed. He set his goals high and looked for rewarding walks and stalks through the African bush. These expectations were based on experiences of his hunting mentor back home and the classic African hunting stories in the books he read all his life. Hunting typical Namibian antelope was his challenge.

A step down on the species list was eland, due to the more difficult hunting of the biggest of antelope.

The first day of the hunt passed with the obligatory target shooting, to check the sighting of the rifle after the long haul over

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the Atlantic. With two rewarding stalks on a gemsbok and blue wildebeest, this aspiring African hunter was introduced to the fauna and flora of Namibia. A relaxed hunter recounted the day’s experience around the campfire that evening. We told stories, Antoine asked questions and I gave information and explanations before we retired to the sounds of a silent bushveld.

It was early morning in north-western Namibia. We were driving along in the open jeep as the sun was breaking the horizon and a fresh breeze was blowing in our faces, an atmosphere unique to the Mopani savannah in September when the trees have few leaves after a cold winter. This is prime

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Hunting

hunting land, with lots of game. Animals utilise the cool morning to feed, as moving around during the heat of the day means a loss of energy. We were planning to reach the eastern part of the concession and to use the granite outcrops or koppies as vantage points to spot animals for a possible stalk.

We were still driving along when Jonas stopped the Jeep, pointing excitedly to several pairs of horns just visible above the low Mopani trees. Eland bulls. All five of them took off immediately, ‘steamrolling’ in a fast trot upwind towards the mountains. What a sight! Antoine looked at me and we realised there was a chance for this dream of his to become a reality. But we couldn’t waste time.

“Lets go!” I said, confident that we would be

able to catch up, because it was early and the bulls would calm down shortly, walking and feeding again. We headed towards the mountains, tracking the clear, round tracks left by these heavy creatures.

We stopped to listen for the distinctive clacking sound of their hooves. All we heard was birds and the whining of a Hartmann zebra stallion in the mountain. We spooked them when they paused for the first time.

The tracks lead us through a valley, up the mountain. We split up. Jonas climbed higher up on a hillside to try and spot them in the Mopani bush. Antoine and I continued, tracking slowly – every sense in our body receptive and alert. Jonas caught up with us, shaking his head. We communicated silently,

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Hunting deciding to leave the tracks, go up and over the mountain to scout the next valley. This was our best choice, because catching up with this herd of eland bulls within the next mile undetected in the thick Mopani without spooking them again seemed unlikely. The wind was in our faces as we climbed the mountain. Mountains in this part of the country are covered with loose granite rocks, but centuries-old game paths crisscrossing through and over the mountains, make stalking quite pleasant.

Resting for a few minutes, I explained to Antoine that our plan was to intercept the eland bulls in the next valley. We were hoping they would be close to the mountain. Our great advantage was that we knew the area. There were some smaller koppies we could use as an elevated shooting position.

Antoine asked the question I was hoping he wouldn’t! “Why should the eland bulls make a ninety-degree turn at the foot of the mountain and walk right back into our shooting range?” Good question. Jonas already started walking. He knew the answer.

I explained to Antoine that it was a gut feeling. The eland would keep the wind in their nose until they reached the open plain on the other side of the mountain. My guess was that, having been spooked twice in the past hour, they would turn away from the plain ahead, preferring the cover alongside the mountain, and that that was where we were heading. Antoine nodded as we turned and followed Jonas.

On top of the mountain we used every rocky outcrop to scout the bush below. Suddenly we heard the clapping sound of hooves closing in, over the mountain from the same direction we came. With a short whistle to Jonas, who was clinging to the side of a big rock, I alerted him to keep very still.

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Antoine and I dropped to the ground between the rocks as a herd of zebra stallions appeared within 15 yards, probably the same ones we heard whining earlier. The first stallion stopped, scanning the valley below. He turned his head in our direction and looked straight at us. We froze. I could hear Antoine’s breath racing and could imagine his heart pounding. We were well camouflaged – our clothes dark khaki, ideal for these surroundings.

Unperturbed the stallion stepped forward and descended down the mountain.

Seven more stallions followed in a relaxed trot. They were so close.

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Hunting Antoine was breathless, his eyes wide. That’s what I like about hunting – those special moments of close encounters. Sitting around campfires, recalling your emotions to friends and fellow hunters – to people who will understand.

Moving closer to the edge of the mountain, the terrain sloped up higher. There was a movement two hundred yards below. The wind came from the side. Through the binoculars I spotted the herd of stallions moving upwind in the valley. As I followed them, I spotted another shape under a Mopani. A huge dark spot in the shade sent a chill down my spine as I realised that silhouette could only be an eland bull. Moving back down and in behind some rocks, I indicated to Jonas that he should climb the furthest outcrop on the side of the mountain to look for the rest of the group. Antoine asked me if the eland bulls could have split up. Yes. Although our gut feeling was right, a lot could change.

There are always so many possibilities. It is hunting on a fair chase principle. This concession was large and they could have moved anywhere. Jonas spotted them and signalled with one hand, fingers spread wide.

Five eland bulls. We left the rifles and shooting stick below and got up behind Jonas on the rock to identify them. Four mature trophy bulls and one sub-adult that must have recently been kicked out of the breeding herd. They moved to the right, one by one, upwind from where they had come, feeding, while scanning the mountainside. They must have sensed something from our direction. I pointed to the rocky outcrop ten yards to the side, indicating to Jonas and Antoine to keep their heads very low as we collected rifles and shooting stick, climbing up again for a better view.

Staying in the shade of the rocks we assessed the situation. One bull was exceptional. He was feeding on a Mopani, moving his head from side to side selecting the sprouting, juicy leaves, but his chest was hidden behind branches. Another old, mature bull stood closer, his horns shortened from years of scrubbing, breaking and fighting in the Mopani savannah. Although he was broadside, we waited for the other bull to move on.

Antoine caught his breath, steadied into a comfortable shooting position and waited.

It is impossible not to become excited, but I told him to relax. “Time is on our side.” To distract him and prevent him from actually taking a shot within the next few seconds, I recited the shot placement again.

“Wait! The broadside. Behind the shoulder.

Shoot!”

Silence returned to the valley. The younger bull stood still, confused, trying to figure out the disturbance, before trotting off down the valley, following his mature and wise companions. Antoine looked straight ahead, saying nothing. Through the binoculars, I confirmed it: the shot was perfect.

Antoine’s expectations were fulfilled. The words of his mentor made sense. One has a responsibility to select the right animal and when you eventually, with patience and perseverance as in this three-hour stalk, succeed in the hunt, it will always be a special moment in your life as a hunter.

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June 2012

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Arisdariof offers Kudu, Blue wildebeest, Waterbuck, Eland, Oryx, Red Hartebeest and much more.

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June 2012

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Featured Specie

Eland

- Compiled by Johan Viljoen

The scientific name of the common Eland species is Taurotragus oryx, composed of three words: tauros, tragos and oryx. Tauros is Greek for a bull or bullock, meaning the same as the Latin Taurus. Tragos is Greek for a male goat, referring to the tuft of hair that grows in the ear and its resemblance to a goat’s beard. Oryx is Latin and Greek (generally orygos) for pickaxe, which focuses at the pointed horns of North African antelopes like common eland and scimitar-horned oryx. The common name eland is Dutch for elk.

Physical Characteristics The cowlike eland is the world’s largest and slowest antelope and is the animal most often depicted in the early rock art of East Africa. Even today, it still holds an important place in the mythology of some southern African tribes.

However, it has the endurance to maintain a trot indefinitely and can jump an 8 foot fence from a standstill. Both males and females have horns that spiral tightly, though female horns tend to be longer and

thinner. A tuft of black hair grows out of the male eland’s prominent dewlap, the loose fold of skin that hangs down from the neck.

Adult males also have a mat of hair on the forehead that grows longer and denser as the animal ages. Usually fawn or tawnycolored, the eland turn gray or bluish-gray as they get older; the elder animals become almost black.

Habitat Eland is found in grassland, mountain, subdesert, acacia savanna and miombo woodland areas. They distance themselves from deserts, forests and swamps.

Behavior The social organisation of the eland is somewhat different from that of other antelopes.

The older the male, the more solitary its tendencies, while younger animals may form small groups. Males are also more sedentary than females, who may travel widely, especially during the dry season. Females and their young are found in loosely cohesive groups.

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Featured Specie Calves spend a lot of time grooming and licking each other, developing bonds even stronger than those of a calf with its mother.

The attraction calves exhibit towards each other probably developed as a defense tactic, as herds with calves are consistently larger than those without.

More action opportunities Eland young are born year round. Females with young calves come together in nursery groups, where the young spend a lot of time grooming and licking each other and developing bonds even stronger than those of a calf with its mother. After the young are weaned at about 3 months, the mothers rejoin the female herds and the calves remain together in the nursery group. With year-round births, some adult females are always present in a nursery group and they defend all juveniles present, not just their own. Juveniles usually remain in the nursery groups until they are almost 2 years old, when they begin to wander off and join other loose groupings of their own sex.

Did You Know?

The eland’s size and docility as well as its rich milk, tasty meat and useful skin have encouraged research on its use in game ranching. Eland has been semidomesticated in some areas.

Although eland groups are not very stable and animals move from one to another, a dominance hierarchy that is usually based on size, strength and age does exist.

Diet Although the eland is often considered a plain-dwelling animal, they browse more than graze, feeding in areas where shrubs and bushes provide the leaves they prefer and using their horns to bring twigs and branches into reach. They also consume certain fruits, large bulbs and tuberous roots.

Predators and Threats Due to the eland’s size and docility, as well as its rich milk, tasty meat and useful hide, it is becoming an increasingly popular ranch animal. However, its need for a vast range to find sufficient browsing and its low density in number create game management problems and this new idea may not be viable in the long term.

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Hunting

SA HUNTING.CO.ZA Aimed at the local hunter www.sahunting.co.za (“SA Hunting�) is a website dedicated to addressing the needs of both hunters and game ranches. The goal of SA Hunting is to be a booking agency that brings together hunters and game farmers.

SA Hunting has a database of hunting opportunities where game farmers can advertise free of charge.

These listings include information such as: species available, where the ranch is situated, what facilities are available and what the prices are. On enquiry their consultants also provide availability on these hunting opportunities.

SA Hunting will extensively market and advertise this website and the services offered to hunters, with the objective of acquiring bookings from them.

South African hunters mostly have the same needs; to hunt on game farms that are in good condition, have reasonable facilities, have quality game and to hunt at reasonable prices. SA Hunting has proven that they can provide this to local hunters as the numbers of hunters that return constantly keep increasing.

Pieter Goosen (links) en Gehan Saayman van www.sahunting.co.za

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Hunting For the hunter the following is offered by Sa hunting: • • • •

• •

Hunting opportunities at rated game farms at local prices; They give the hunter all the relevant information regarding the hunt or ranch; facilities, species, pricing etc.; They also handle the booking for the hunter; The hunter can also rate the ranch after the hunt and post comments on the ranch which will be published to ensure all hunters get value for money; Their consultants are available 24/7 and have a good working knowledge of the ranches that they make bookings for; SA Hunting does all of the above at no additional cost to the hunter.

For the Game Ranch the following is offered by SA Hunting: • • • •

Advertising and marketing of all hunting related activities; Sourcing of good reliable hunters; Securing a deposit that potentially covers 50% of the hunting cost; SA Hunting will take care of everything up to the point of guests arriving at the ranch; adverts lands PRINT.pdf

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2012/04/09

•

At the conclusion of the hunt the ranch will be requested to rate the hunters and this record will be available to ranches on future bookings. Undesirable hunters/ groups will be blacklisted.

SA Hunting is focused on providing an excellent service to both hunter and game farmer.

Most of the ranches listed with SA Hunting also offer Eco-tourism; this has proven to be a great opportunity for nature lovers to get out in the bush even if they are not hunters as the facilities on most of the listed ranches top notch.

Here they can experience the African bush while going on game drives, quad biking or horseback riding while staying in a wellequipped camp where the whole family can relax.

Furthermore SA Hunting also publishes relevant information on hunting in South Africa on their website www.sahunting.co.za (<http://www.sahunting.co.za>).

SA Hunting has friendly and knowledgeable consultants to assist hunters in finding the ideal hunting opportunity, custom made to their specific requirements.

Please visits www.sahunting.co.za or contact us on 011 024 2296 or 084 604 5595 for further 9:05 PMinformation.

C

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Y

CM

MY

CY

CMY

HUNTERS

contact www.sahunting.co.za to book your hunts. GAME RANCHES contact www.sahunting.co.za to receive hunters from us Contact us on 011 024 2296 or 084 705 2699

K

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ER OFF g WE n i nt • Hu unting wh sm • Bo -touri o c E •

June 2012

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Hunting

Eerste rooibok vir AusSie Vyf jaar gelede het my seun, Francois en sy gesin besluit om na Australië te emigreer.

My kleinseun Gerbrand het toe al saamgegaan op jagtogte en dit baie geniet. Hy was op daardie stadium al ‘n baie knap skut met ‘n windbuks, al was dit met die kolf onder die arm.

Sy ouers het besluit om hom te laat gaan, ongeag die koste en het besluit om iets te doen om hom te motiveer. Daar word toe ‘n vliegtuigkaartjie na Suid-Afrika belowe om te gaan jag, mits hy onder die eerste vyf eindig. Vol vertroue behaal hy toe die vierde plek!

In Australië presteer Gerbrand goed in sport en gimnastiek en het hom begin toespits op die trampolien en die dubbel-minitrampolien.

Beide is Olimpiese sportsoorte.

Oom Deon was dadelik opgewonde oor die voorgenome jagtog en besluit hy sal ‘n rooibokram borg en natuurlik oupa ook een. Die jag sou plaasvind gedurende hulle winterskoolvakansie.

Gerbrand en ‘n maatjie het goud verwerf in die onder 11 nasionale kampioenskap vir gesinkroniseerde spronge. Hy het voortgegaan en verlede jaar weer goud verwerf, op die dubbel-mini vir onder 13. So kwalifiseer hy dus vir die wêreldkampioenskap in Birmingham Engeland, waar vanjaar se Olimpiese spele ook gaan plaasvind.

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Gedurende Februarie laat weet Francois, dat hy Suid-Afrika toe moet kom vir ‘n kursus die einde Maart en dat ma en kinders saamkom!

Nou was dit ‘n probleem, want dit is nog nie jagseisoen nie. Baie plase met vrystelling laat ook nie so vroeg al jag toe nie. Dit was ‘n geskarrel en gebel, maar ‘n dag na hulle aankoms in Suid Afrika, kom oom Deon tot die redding en kry ‘n plek.

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Hunting Daar word dadelik begin met die voorbereiding. Eerste was vuurwapen veiligheid, dan gaan skiet op die skietbaan. Kry die tegniek en akkuraatheid reg met die .22, dan die .22 Hornet en dan die .270.

Tuis word hy ook geleer hoe om die gewere skoon te te maak en die .270 word reggekry vir die jag. Oornagtassies word gepak en Ouma Lynette en Ma Theresa pak die nodige tjops, bykosse en padkos in.

Hy skiet dooierus en dan van die ‘stokke’ af.

Ons konsentreer veral op skootplasing en ook die belangrikheid daarvan. Hy sluit die oefening af op 25 m, met ‘n drieskoot groepering wat met ‘n 20-sentstuk bedek kan word en oupa was hoogs tevrede. Hy het natuurlik die teiken gehou om vir Pa te gaan wys.

Op die plaas aangekom, pak ons dadelik af en klim terug in die Landcruiser. Met die aard van die plaas en die tyd tot ons beskikking, sal ons dit nie te voet kan doen nie. Gou kry ons ‘n mooi ram, maar hy het ‘n kenteken in die oor wat beteken dit is nuwe gene wat ingebring is en ons gaan verby.

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Hunting Verder aan sien ons ‘n mooi alleenloperram, maar hy laat spaander die bos in. Ons soek verder en sien net ‘n trop ooie, op ‘n afstand in die oop veld. Ons keer toe terug na die bebosde area waar ons die ramme gesien het. Intussen is ons tyd besig om uit te loop.

Terwyl ons deur ‘n vlei ry, sien ek vlugtig net ‘n kop met horings en ons ry met ‘n kort ompad om sodat die bok in die rigting van die vlei moet beweeg. Dit gebeur toe so en kry hom plankdwars op so 140 m anderkant van die vlei. Ek vra vir Gerbrand om net aan te lê en te kyk of die kruis stabiel genoeg is.

Dit was nie, dus was ons nie naby genoeg nie of dalk was dit bietjie bokkoors...

Die bok gee pad en ons beweeg nader.

Skielik kry ons die bok op so 70 m, maar hy staan met sy boude na ons toe. Toe is dit maar wag dat hy hopelik sal draai. Na ‘n hele paar minute van wag, draai hy, maar staan reguit na ons toe. Geduld is maar die jagter se beste vriend. Na nog ‘n paar minute draai hy half dwars. Weens die takke sien ek dat ‘n hartskoot nie wenslik is nie en dat Gerbrand hom voor en hoër op die blad moet skiet, nogtans ‘n dodelike skoot.

Ek sê vir hom so en hy laat waai. Toe die skoot klap vlieg die bok weg en hardloop so 50 m tot agter ‘n bos en gaan lê. Ons gids, JB, gryp die stokke en stap met ‘n draai nader.

Die bok spring op en hardloop weer tot agter ‘n bos en gaan lê weer. JB vra of Gerbrand ‘n kopskooot van die stokke af kan skiet. Ek deel hom mee dat hy net vir hom moet sê waar in die kop na gelang waarheen die bok kyk. Ek bly agter en laat opvolg. Toe die tweede skoot klap, toe weet ek, dit is die einde, en stap nader.

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June 2012

Daar kry ek my kleinseun wie se glimlag net deur sy ore gestop word! Dit was ‘n ou knypkop met ‘n besonderse groot lyf aan hom.

Ons het dit veral agtergekom toe ons hom na die voertuig toe moes sleep en hom laai!

Gerbrand het met groot belanstelling die slagproses dopgehou en gesien hoekom skootplasing so belangrik is en syne was op die spreekwoordelike tiekie.

Na ete het ek hom vertel dat sy Pa en oom Deon hulle eerste rooibokke in 1986 op 13 jaar oud, met dieselfde geweer geskiet het.

Oupa moes toe nóg jagstories vertel en al sy vrae beantwoord.

Die volgende oggend toe ons opstaan, wei daar ‘n ramtrop so 300 m van die rondawel, maar toe hulle ons sien, laat spaander hulle.

Gebrand wil nogtans weet of daar nie dalk ‘n kans is dat ons hulle kan gaan soek nie. Die jaggogga het ernstig gebyt. Tyd was weer ons vyand, want ons moes die vleis oplaai en laat verwerk. Buitendien verjaar oupa die volgende dag en sou ons moeilikheid optel met die pantoffelregering.

Die volgende oggend kry ek my verjaarsdaggeskenk wat ‘n geraamde foto van Oupa, Gerbrand en boetie Paul is. In die kaartjie was die volgende boodskap van Gerbrand: Oupa, so far I had the best time of my life in SA. It was awesome being able to shoot my first rooibok, but I would not have been able to do it without your coaching. Lots of love: Gazza (dit is sy bynaam in Australië).

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June 2012

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Featured Specie

Brown Trout Salmo Trutta The brown trout was introduced in South Africa from Scotland in 1890 even before the more common rainbow trout.

Trout belong to the group of fish known as Salmonids. Salmonids are cold water fishes, and species cultured include Atlantic Salmon (Salmo salar), pacific salmon (Oncorhynchusspp.), rainbow trout , brown trout and brook trout. Salmonids are characterized by the presence of a small, fatty adipose fin on the back between the dorsal fin and tail.

The Brown trout lives in rivers and lakes with moderate water temperatures but water quality is of utmost importance.

The Brown’s fiscal characteristics makes it easily distinguishable from it’s cousins. The sides have a light brown or yellow cast with black spots and usually some orange or red spots. The spots have whitish to bluish halos.

The tail generally lacks spots, but may have a few.

The Brown is a strong fighter on light fly tackle. Not as acrobatic as the Rainbow but puts up a mighty tussle. It is the wariest of all trout species and normally the big ones feed at night. They utilise the turbulent river environment for concealment, making them difficult to catch. Browns can be taken on several patterns ranging from dry flies, ants, crickets, grasshoppers and woolly buggers.

- Compiled by Johan Viljoen

Best fished at dusk and dawn, it makes for a memorable experience.

Trout requires a range of temperature for survival from between 4 to 26°C, optimum growth and spawning of trout between 12 to 16°C. They hide in undercut banks, in stream debris, surface turbulence, and under rocks.

Brown trout are carnivorous, and prefer to feed at dusk or night. The young feed on aquatic insects. Food is carried to them by the river or stream current. As they grow in size their diet changes. Adult brown trout are voracious and eat food items such as worms, crustaceans, crayfish, molluscs, and salamanders. Some of the larger fish feed on the younger, smaller brown trout, frogs, birds, and mice, if available.

South Africa produces approximately 1400 tons of trout per annum, of which the Western Cape contributes some 450 tons and Mpumalanga about 600 tons. Sport fisheries make up an important component of the South African industry, with some 75 000 registered sport fisherman.

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Fishing

Stillwater Trout Techniques There are numerous ways to fish for trout in stillwater and more are being developed regularly.

On any weekend on Trout Stillwater you will find anglers fishing, sinking lines utilising one of the killer patterns (Walker’s Killer, Mrs. Simpson, Hamill’s Killer etc.) as well as Woody Burglars of various descriptions. The fly is cast out, allowed to sink and retrieved quite rapidly. This method is fairly successful and I believe that dragon fly nymphs and baitfish are being imitated as these are the only two food forms that can move at the speed that the line is retrieved.

Attractor patterns can also be very effective and especially so at certain times of the year.

Flies like Kent’s baby rainbow, Micky Finn, Strip leech and Zonkers are employed. These are baitfish imitations and will be fished on intermediate or sinking line. The retrieve should be rapid as baitfish can move very rapidly.

Dragon and Damsel flies are flavoured trout food forms and these imitators can be very effective.

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Flies like the Lake Dragon, Hover Dragon, FiloPlume Dragon, Scud Back Damsel and Red Eye Damsel are well loved by Trout.

When fishing these patterns the retrieve is very important. The Ashnidae Dragon Fly nymph swims in rapid bursts so that when imitating it, the line should be retrieved in short strips. Damsels on the other hand swim very slowly and therefore these imitations need to be retrieved very slowly. These patterns should be employed on floating or intermediate lines. With these flies we talk about matching the patch as they take on the colour of the weed bed that they are in. It stands to reason that in spring and summer we will use olive or green flies and in winter we will move to browner flies.

Nymphs on a floating line is a deadly technique for trout. Longer leaders are generally employed and the fly is moved by using a long, slow and even retrieve. What effectively happens is that the fly sinks down and as the floating line is retrieved, the fly is moved upwards in the water column thereby imitating a rising nymph. Flies that can be employed here are Peacock Woolly Worm, Gold Ribbed Hares Ear

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For the best advice contact us on 012 809 3334 5 Graham Road Pretoria East

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29

Fishing and Pheasant Tail Nymph.These nymphs can be tied with various numbers of lead wire wraps and this allows one to fish on various levels.

One of the newer techniques is to employ a large dry fly or hopper on a floating line.

Attached to this fly we have a dropper line attached New Zealand style. On this, nymph are attached and by using nymphs of different weights we can fish on three different levels.

Suitable dry flies are large DDD, Kaufman’s Stimulator, Dave’s Hopper etc. The flies are simply cast out and allowed to drift in the wind.

Dry flies by themselves can be very effective on still water. As trout becomes feeding specific during a hatch, one must be able to “match the hatch”. This is often difficult especially if the hatch consists of small mayflies. Caddis are easy to imitate and a DDD, Goddard Caddis or Elk hair Caddis will produce results.

When the fish rises to the fly it is important not to tighten too quickly as this results in the fly being pulled out of the fish’s mouth.

The old British Anglers used to say that when you see the rise you were to say “God save the Queen” and only then tighten.

Buzzers and emergers can also be very effective and should drift in the surface film.

These are also fished static or allowed to drift in the wind lanes. Some anglers use a large dry fly and fish a buzzer attached to the dry.

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June 2012

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Contact: Thinus Cell: 079 142 7813 Tel: 012 653 4294 Fax: 012 653 5698 Info@alloutangling.co.za

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June 2012

31

Fishing

Kajakhengel - Willem van Rensburg

– hoe nou?

‘n Paar jaar gelede het ek die spit afgebyt en vir my ‘n kajak aangeskaf. As ek nou stil raak en my gedagtes laat dwaal, voel dit soos gister.

Verskeie uittogte speel oor in my geestesoog, maar daar is altyd die eerste vuurdoop. Dit het begin met al die intense voorbereiding– waentjies pak, kajak vastrek op die Prado’s se dakrakke en steeds ‘n eindelose regverdiging aan die vrouens.

Met dagbreek nog net ‘n gedagte, kies ons pad na ons welbekende buurland Mosambiek.

800km van vrae. Is daar haaie? Hoe groot is die golwe? Is daar haaie? Is daar vis? Is daar haaie? Wat sê die weer? En ja, is daar haaie?

Na ‘n veilige rit en ‘n goeie nagrus het die oomblik van waarheid aangebreek. Meteens voel die kajak wat ek moeiteloos van die bakkie tot op die dam gedra het soos ‘n swanger seekoei wat nie ge-abba wil word nie.

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Op die strand gaan ek gou deur al my hengelgerei en sê nog, wat ek geglo het, my laaste skietgebed op. Van hier af onthou ek net dat ek soos n “pro” gevoel het. Agter die branders met my lyne uit, is my enigiste vrees vir haaie dat hul moontlik die Curriebeker kan wen. Ek vang my eerste Cuta nog voor die sweet loop en die satisfaksie is meer as die van daai ou op die Lexington advertensie.

Die res van die verhaal en baie ander stories deel ek graag op ‘n ander geleentheid met julle, maar sal graag meer vertel oor die toerusting wat benodig word om mee af te skop.

Met enige nuwe uitadaging is daar altyd ‘n paar belangrike benodighede. In die geval van kajakhengel is die eerste seer sekerlik die kajak self.

Stealth Kajakke het twee basiese ontwerpe, die Superlite en die Evos.

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Fishing Gestrand in Gauteng vind ek persoonlik die Superlite die beste. Sy hanteerbaarheid en stabiliteit in die golwe maak dit baie makliker vir ons binnelanders wat nie so baie by die see kom nie. In my opinie is spoed nie vir ons so belangrik nie aangesien ons baie dryfaas en dropshot hengel en nie kunsaas teen ‘n hoë spoed moet sleep nie.

Die Evo Reeks is baie vinniger as gevolg van sy vaartbelynde neus, maar maak die golwe baie uitdagend vir minder ervare roeiers. Dit is die ideale tuig vir die langasems om kunsaas vir roofvis oor langer afstande te sleep.

Hier is ‘n paar modelle in Stealth se reeks: Gewig Supalite

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Evo 495

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In die volgende uitgawe sal ons die hengelgerei in diepte bespreek en julle meer vertel van roeitegnieke.

Sonder om te veel lyne af te sny wil ek met my tong in die kies met julle deel dat die kajakke ‘n slag of twee die Jetski’s en skibote die spit laat byt het. In ons laaste kompetisie het ons vier marlyne, twee sailies en verkeie roofvisse gevang terwyl die Jetski’s maar gesukkel het. Ek skryf dit aan twee redes toe, ons is baie stiller op die water en die spoed waarteen ons roei maak die elektroniese toerusting meer effektief.

Vir enige verdere inligting kontak: Willem van Rensburg by Angling Africa 083 294 3996/012 663 1560 Kajak Groete.

COME JOIN THE 1.2 FISH KAYAK CLUB HOSTED BY ANGLING AFRICA Tel: 012 663 1560 Fax: 012 663 1561 Email: neels@anglingafrica.co.za 1288 Heuwel Rd, Centurion

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June 2012

33

Events

Gauteng

Jurgens 60-Jarige Kampnaweek

Magaliesberg Kunstefees

Kameeldrift Laerskool, Pretoria 2 Junie

“Saam op reis” Karnaval

NG Kerk Magalieskruin, Pretoria 2 Junie

Oester-, Wyn- & Voedselfees

Brightwater Commons, Johannesburg 2 – 3 Junie Xtreme Buitelugskou

Badplaas 7 – 9 September Limpopo

Hoedspruit Wildfees 2012

Hoedspruit 13 - 15 Julie

Inni-Berg Fees 2012

Louis Trichardt 24 - 25 Augustus

Apiesdoring Karnaval

Meyerton 2 – 3 Junie

Thabazimbi 6 Augustus

Toeka-fees

Nafco Landbouskou

Kemptonpark 1 – 2 September

Groblersdal 1 – 3 September

Afrikaans is Groot Konsert

Moreletapark Gemeente, Pretoria 11 – 13 Oktober Mpumalanga

Innibos Kunstefees

Nelspruit 27 – 30 Junie

Vaalwater 22 – 24 September

Tubatse Chroom Fees

Komatipoort Garnaalfees

21 – 23 Junie

Waterberg Wildsfees

19 - 20 Oktober Wes-Kaap

Greyton Genadendal “Classics for All” Fees

Horingfees

1 – 3 Junie

Loskopdam 24 – 26 Augustus

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June 2012

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Events Kwazulu-Natal

Greyton Klassieke Musiekfees

3 – 5 Junie

Aand Familiemark

Robertson Wacky Wine Weekend

7 – 10 June

Durban-Noord Kollege 1 Junie Wildsfees

Durban-Noord Kollege / Toktokkie Kleuterskool 2 Junie

Winter Wynfees

Durbanville 23 – 25 Junie

Melmoth NG Kerk Karnaval

Breedekloof Soetes & Sop

22 – 23 Julie

2 Junie

Newcastle Lugskou

2 Junie

Kalfiefees

Hermanus 4 – 9 Augustus

Pioneer Wilds-& Lentefees

Vryheid 31 Augustus – 1 September

Agri Megaweek

Bredasdorp 13 – 15 September

EastERN Cape/Oos-Kaap

Agri Megaweek

Absa Kirkwood Wildsfees

Seisoen van Sauvignon

Castle Lager East Cape Biltong Festival

29 Junie – 1 July

Bredasdorp 14 – 16 September

Durbanville Wynvallei 1 – 2 Oktober

Breedekloof Buitelug- en Wynfees

Breedekloof Wynroete 7 – 9 Oktober

13 – 14 Julie Eastern Cape/Oos-Kaap Somerset-Oos North West/Noord-Wes Magaliesberg Sitrusfees

25 – 27 Mei North West/Noord-Wes Buffelspoort Bosrumoer Zeerust

28 – 30 September

If you would like to advertise your event in our magazine, please send details of event to:

info@africanadventures.co.za

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Tel: 012 663 1560 Fax: 012 663 1561 neels@anglingafrica.co.za 1288 Heuwel Rd, Centurion

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June 2012

37

Diving

Overcome your fear of diving Are you one of those who are afraid of scuba diving? Or perhaps you know someone who has a fear of it?

Then this article is meant especially for you.

The entry may be useful not only for those who are afraid of diving but also for those who want to help such people.

No matter what other people say, and no matter what kind of professionals may surround you while diving, it takes courage for someone to do something he is really afraid of. That means that first of all you have to find courage in yourself to take the step. In order to have the desire to dive, you should first of all understand the joy of scuba diving. If you realize that you really want to dive to enjoy yourself fully and not just join your friends in their dive, youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll more easily find courage in yourself. As you know, a strong internal wish can overcome any phobia.

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June 2012

- by Jack Gortoza

If you feel that you really have that internal wish of diving, start looking for a good instructor. The role of the instructor is very important in learning to dive. The instructor should be caring and understanding. Tell your instructor everything about your fears so that he knows how to treat you.

Always avoid proud and conceited instructors.

They will never be able to help you. So, before starting, ensure that the instructor believes in you and is aware of your fears.

Many male students prefer female teachers and vice versa. Some people say that this helps students become more purposeful.

However, that doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t mean that you should overstrain yourself. Never be ashamed to ask the instructor to go slower or to stop, so that you can have some rest.

If you see that other students are more apt, you may take private lessons not to get depressed from their presence. The instructor will give lessons to you individually according to your capabilities.

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Diving A good instructor will always let you bring out your abilities and potential. You yourself should decide how much and how fast to dive.

If you feel uncomfortable to learn diving with an instructor, you may turn to a friend who is a diver. No one will understand you better than a friend of yours. Besides, you will never be ashamed of your failures and momentous weaknesses. He will willingly share all the diving secrets and tricks with you. So if you have a friend who is a diver, don’t look around for some other instructor.

If you have already learned diving, that doesn’t mean that you may start diving in the open waters straight away. I am sorry to remind you that you can’t be compared with the starter who has no fears of diving.

Besides learning to dive, you should also learn to control your fears. Dive in shallow areas for the first three or four times. Your buddy is still of great importance for you.

Stay close to him while diving.

Elaborate gestures with your buddy to stay in constant contact with each other. After two or three dives, you’ll start enjoying the whole thing. The moment you start getting pleasure from diving, all your fears will disappear.

Now, imagine another case. You are a great diver, and the underwater life means everything to you. However, your spouse or friend, with whom you’d really like to scuba dive, is extremely afraid of the whole diving process.

What can you do in this case?

If you are not the one to give diving lessons, then do not interfere with the process. Try to stay away from your friend, while he’s taking diving lessons. Just constantly ask him how he is doing. In case of a slight success applaud him, encourage him, ignoring all kinds of failures. Do not constantly remind him that he can do it. It’ll be a great pressure on him.

If you see that your friend is not fond of the whole thing, ask him to quit the lessons.

That’ll deprive him of the sense of duty in front of you. Most fearful students reach success after they feel free from the sense of duty.

If you notice that your friend becomes engaged in scuba diving process, offer him to take extra lessons with you. This way, you’ll help him get used to his diver-buddy.

After your friend gets certified, do not get relieved. Realise that now he needs you more than ever. While diving, do not show him how attentive you are towards him. Let him feel equal to you and responsible for himself. However, don’t forget to show him that he’ll get your help and support whenever he needs. If you manage to do all this, you’ll greatly help your friend in overcoming his fears and becoming a good scuba diver.

Scuba diving is something really worth trying. Why then let any phobia deprive you of the opportunity to admire the underwater wonders?

In my opinion, you can do a great deal. A lot depends on you in this case. Always treat him/her with understanding and never put stress on him/her.

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For more information: Tel: 039 973 2542

Fax: 086 603 6819

E-mail: umkomaas@netactive.co.za www.aliwalshoalscubadiving.co.za

To advertise in this magazine contact

Lizel Stavast 073 777 9524

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Dive in Style

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June 2012

41

Diving

The value of a good

Dive Buddy...

One of the first things you learn when you do your entry level diving course, regardless of which training agency it might be, is that you always dive with a buddy. Accompanying this is the all too well known saying “Dive Alone, Die Alone”. Of course this saying portrays the ultimate extremity and outcome of what happens when you don’t dive with a buddy, however what one should consider is that your dive buddy is not just there to help you out of such an extreme case as being out of air but with the simple little things that make diving that much easier and more fun.

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June 2012

By Oliver Stutz

When I go diving, regardless of it being a huge group or just myself and my buddy, I believe there is nothing better than having that extra set of hands to help out. Your buddy may be able to help you in a variety of situations, the most common being to help zip up your wetsuit, or even get it on in the first place. From here it moves to helping you get your SCUBA gear on your back and getting to the water where one further relies on each other to help put ones fins on, do a pre-dive safety check and get in the water safely. Naturally this is a two way street and you should help your buddy with whatever

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Diving

they need as well. It doesn’t matter if you need more help than what your buddy does or even the other way round, it is all about helping each other where it is needed.

Considering the season change now, I have changed my exposure protection and added a chicken vest. For those unaware of what this is, it is basically an extra chest and back section attached to a hood made of neoprene. Much like a sleeveless hoody that one might wear. This makes my diving much more comfortable and fun as I am a lot warmer in the water, however if it were not for my buddy to help me take the chicken vest off afterwards I would be stuck in it! A lot of people are able to take off a chicken vest without much trouble but here I really struggle. So my buddy helps me pull it off and two seconds later it’s all sorted.

Matters like the above are prime examples why one should dive with a buddy. It’s all about the little things that make a change in your day of diving. Buddies are also not only there to help you get kitted up, but it is also someone that you can enjoy the dive with. Can you imagine that you go and do this magnificent coastal dive on your own, and you see manta rays, whale sharks, tiger sharks, dolphins, turtles and much more.

Now to me this sounds like an amazing dive, really it does, however, if you are on your own, who do you experience this with? There is nothing better than relaxing after a dive and exchanging stories from which side you saw the marine life and what interaction you had, showing each other the sights underwater. This all makes the diving that much more fun and exciting.

So to recap, the value of a good dive buddy is enormous! For you to have someone that is interested in what you are, willing to help you when you need it and for you to do the same for them and if it may occur that you for some reason need more serious help, that you know you can rely on them and they can rely on you, there is nothing better than having that buddy if for anything than just to enjoy an amazing dive with. I appeal to you to go out and make friends with and become buddies with one or more fellow divers for all the reasons I have listed, I promise you it is worth it!

www.urbandive.co.za http://wafflingability.blogspot.com/ http://www.facebook.com/pages/Love-forour-Oceans/114490708661094

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Featured Specie

The Swainson’s

Spurfowl

(Bosveld fisant) - Compiled by Johan Viljoen

The Swainson’s Spurfowl or Swainson’s Francolin (Pternistis swainsonii) is a species of bird from the Phasianidae family. It is found in Angola, Botswana, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, Swaziland, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.

Chicken-sized, brownish francolins and spurfowls are quite common in Namibia. Vaguely similar in size and build, closer examination quickly divides them up into several different species. The Swainson’s spurfowl distinguishes itself from its relatives by being brown overall, streaked with black, its bill dark above, red below; its face and throat red; its legs black. Sexes are alike in plumage, although the males are bigger than the females.

Swainson’s is a very common near-endemic resident of Southern Africa, and one that has managed to expand its range through its tolerance of humans and by adapting to areas under cultivation; it is now to be found in Namibia, Botswana, South Africa, Mozambique, Zambia, Angola and Malawi. In Namibia it is found mainly in the northern half of the country, and prefers the highlands.

Usually found in pairs or small groups, they are bold and quite conspicuous. The male calls very loudly, especially at dawn and at dusk; a harsh crowing, krrraa krrraa krrraa, repeated 6 to 7 times and reducing in volume towards end of the series. He often calls while perched conspicuously on a fence post, tree stump or other elevated spot.

They are found in grass and thickets, on cultivated lands, in riverine bush, and around vleis and dams, in pairs or in small coveys of up to 8 birds. Generally the Swainson’s feed in open fields on seeds, berries, shoots, roots, bulbs, insects, snails and slugs and will seek cover in dense vegetation when disturbed.

They usually drink both in the morning and the evening. In spite of spending most of their time on the ground, they fly strongly and are quite agile in flight.

Swainson’s spurfowl are monogamous and territorial. The females lay a clutch of 4 to 12 eggs in a hollow in the ground in the grassveld or bushveld that is lined with dry grass and leaves. The eggs hatch after an incubation period of about 24 days.

The scientific name for the Swainson’s spurfowl is Pternistis swainsonii; pternistis from the Greek meaning “one who trips from the heel”, perhaps referring to the spurs of the male; and swainsonii after William Swainson (1789–1855), the British naturalist, artist, and author.

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As jy nog altyd belang gestel het in boogskiet, maar dit nog nooit gedoen het nie, is jy altyd welkom om n paar toets skote met van ons top boĂŤ te kom skiet.

Ons doen funksies, spanbou, partytjies, kinderpartytjies en jaar afsluitings.

Kom maak gerus`n draai.

Besigheidsure: Ma - Vry: 09:00 - 17:30 Sat: 09:00 - 15:00

Redge Grant: 082 378 0539 Dp Bierman : 082 838 5017 Bradley Matthysen: 071 603 2677 800 Wekker straat, Moreleta park, Pretoria www.archersedge.co.za redge@archersedge.co.za 46

June 2012

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JOH 3:16

Celebrity Profile

Saam met

Robbie die dieptes in Het jy as kind al besef dat die vermaakliheidswêreld vir jou gemaak is?

Ja, ek het as kind altyd vir my ouers gesing en gedans soos Michael Jackson. Ook ruiter van die windjie gesing soos Bles.

Waar lê jou groot liefde? Musikant of akteur?

Ek is lief vir beide, maar ek dink ek is meer akteur. My liedjies is ook meer stories.

Jy verwys in verskeie liedjies na Bronkhortspruitdam, waar kom dié konnetasie vandaan?

Ek bly tans daar en het baie van my stories daar geskryf. Ek is ook lief om in die somer daar te gaan kuier saam met vriende.

Is jou lirieke gebaseer op werklike gebeutenise en is die karakters in jou liedjies fiktief of werklik?

Dis iets van albei. Sommiges is stories wat in my kop afspeel, ander is gebaseer op ware verhale.

Wat is die grootste uitdaging vir n jong musikant en akteur in SA? Ek sou sê om nie ingesluk te word deur die bedryf nie. Dit is ‘n baie sosiale wêreld en mens kan maklik perspektief verloor. Ek dink dis ook goed om deel te wees van ‘n gemeenskap buite die musiekbedryf.

Wat is die waarheid agter Leeuloop?

Ek het ‘n paar jaar terug op Parys in die Vrystaat gaan sing en toe vertel ‘n vriend my van ‘n boer en ‘n voorman wat laataand mekaar dare om die leeuloop te doen.

Hulle vra dan eers hulle vroue toestemming om dit te mag doen.

Wat is jou voorkeur tussen jag, visvang, duik en kamp? Wat is jou rekord?

Ek sou sê duik en kamp. Ek het nie regtig ‘n rekord nie.

Wat sing jy die graagste langs ‘n vuurtjie?

Diep liedjies. Ek sing al my diepes en hang af wie dan vra vir ‘n snaakse enetjie.

Wat is heelbo op jou “bucket list”?

Ek dink voor ek aan so iets dink moet ek miskien eers ‘n meisie kry en trou.

Is daar iets in die pyplyn wat ons lesers na kan uitkyk?

Kyk uit vir ons nuwe fliek, die 100 meter leeuloop.

As jy een sangeres kan kies vir ‘n duet, wie sal sy wees?

Daar is ‘n nuwe meisie met die naam Zahara saam wie ek graag sal wil sing.

In ‘n super hero rolprent, al jy die goeie of die slegte ou wil wees?

Ek sou sê albei een of ander tyd.

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June 2012

47

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Ingredients:

Thai marinated Fish

1 medium-sized white-fleshed fish, cleaned and scaled π cup, chopped fresh coriander leaves 2 cloves garlic, crushed 25 ml soy sauce 25 ml fish sauce 25 ml sweet chilli sauce 30 ml sesame or olive oil 3 spring onions, finely chopped 10 ml grated fresh ginger 15 ml lime juice 15 ml soft brown sugar

Method: • •

•

• •

Fill fish cavity with the coriander leaves.

Combine the garlic, soy, fish and chilli sauces, oil, spring onions, ginger, juice and sugar. Mix well. Pour the marinade over the fish. Cover and refrigerate for 2 – 3 hours.

Braai the fish on a hot lightly greased steel plate or on a fish grille for about 15 minutes. Take care not to burn the skin of the fish.

Frequently brush the fish with the marinade until cooked through.

Serve with baked potatoes and fresh garden salad.

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June 2012

49

Living

Unforgettable

Victoria Falls - By Sonia Kolver

When friends invited me to spend a week with them at the Victoria Falls, my first thought was “What are we going to do there for a week!”. What a lovely surprise when the week flew by and a wonderful time was had by all.

We flew via Livingston, Zambia, which by the way is half the price than flying directly to Victoria Falls. SAA, 1Time and Kulula fly to Livingston. Don’t expect too much of the airport – it’s a little “dorpie” but the queues moved quickly enough and your luggage waits for you on the other side of immigration – you can actually see your luggage – no fancy carousels. But it’s Africa, and we love it!

Remember to arrange for a transfer to your hotel if your hotel does not offer this service.

It takes about 20 minutes. There are numerous companies offering this service and they usually do all the leisure/adrenaline activities too. Zimbabweans seem to like us South Africans, as we apparently make up about 35% of their tourists – according to the different guides.

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We negotiated all the prices and asked for SADC discounts or if that didn’t work, South African discount as we were paying in South African Rand. Remember, there are no more Zimbabwian Dollars available as legal currency, but are sold by vendors on the street as memorabilia. They’ve even made jewellery and Christmas decorations out of the money! Lovely gifts to take home, but remember EVERYTHING is negotiable on price, especially on the streets.

Beware of “guides” approaching you in the street to sell excursions – only make use of reputable companies in the different shops.

We were confronted by one of them, but the Tourism Police was on the scene and arrested the guy. The Tourism Police are almost everywhere and very quick to assist and prevent you from being harassed by illegal traders. But needless to say, the same guy approached us again within an hour...

We stayed at a self catering lodge just outside of Victoria Falls town, very close to Elephants Hills Hotel. There was a complementary shuttle service between the resort and town every 20 minutes. On the first day we went into town to do some shopping.

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Living There are two supermarkets in town – TM Supermarket, which is fairly big, about a block or two out of town as well as Jays Spar in town. We did some shopping at TM to get some fresh meat and veggies. The manager was kind enough to let us use the trolley to the main road where we unloaded and waited for our shuttle.

Shopping can be hard work, so stop at the local tavern for a beer – USD1 each and ice cold. Beers in the hotels and lodges are between USD4 to USD5 each. I recommend you take along US Dollars and/or your credit card. A glass of wine was about USD6 and a bottle of wine was about USD25 and that was a cheap one. Spend your beer money at Hunters Bar in town!

The next day we went to the Victoria Falls and what an experience that was. It’s one of the things everyone should have on their “todo-list”. All visitors from SADC get discount, so don’t forget your passport when you go.

We had a guide, which wasn’t really necessary, but he was very friendly and informative.

Most hotels and lodges’ have a shuttle service that go all the way to the Victoria Falls, which is just out of town – you can walk to the Victoria Falls from town. It gets very wet, so take along a raincoat but then you should also get the effect of the spray – be warned it is WET!!!

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Living On the third day we went for a Sunset Cruise on the Zambezi. What a wonderful experience – Africa cannot get any better than that.

We were picked up at our lodge, on time, and driven by a friendly driver. We had our own boat set up for the five of us. We got to see elephants, crocodiles and hippopotamus.

Seeing it in the water or on the river bank made a nice change from a game reserve.

The drinks and snacks were served and our captain and skipper were both very friendly.

After all the excitement of the previous two days, we went for dinner at the Boma. Once again, don’t forget to negotiate on price – we South Africans must try for a discount where ever we go. On arrival, they give you a piece of cloth to drape over yourself and a couple of dots are painted on your face. A photo is taken of your group which you can purchase at the restaurant. Once at the table you are served a small mug of their traditional beer.

I have tried the beer 3 times before and I still don’t like it. But we all had a sip – do in Zimbabwe as the Zimbabweans do. There are also some Mopani worms to taste and you get a certificate once you’ve eaten one.

The food was very good, but remember, the drinks are pricey.

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You can take your own wine – corkage is about USD5. You can visit the local Sangoma, who charges USD1. Traditional dancing as well as an acappella choirentertains guests in the evening.

Up early the next day for our helicopter tour of the Victoria Falls. Include this on your “must do” list while there. We were picked up on time by our driver and taken to the helicopter pad, which is very close to the Elephants Hill Hotel. The helicopter flip gives you a stunning view of the Victoria Falls and the surrounding area. Before you get on the helicopter they weigh you – so ladies, be prepared, but don’t worry, no one else except the person weighing you gets to see your weight. A CD of your trip can be purchased for about R250.00.

Other trips to include during your stay is high tea at the Victoria Falls Hotel and the local Wine Route. The plan was to go for High Tea, but at USD25 for two people, we decided that a drink would go down better, not forgetting it was very hot and we walked to the hotel (from the main road which is about 200 m). You get a lovely view of the bridge from the hotel, which is a must see.

www.africanadventures.co.za

Living The Wine Route is not what you’d expect.

Local wine is served while you are paddled in canoes on the Zambezi river. Beer was also available, for which we were ever so grateful, as please be warned, the Zimbabwe wine is horrible, and you can quote me on that. Halfway through the trip snacks are served on an small island. What a lovely way to experience the Zambezi River.

A few things to remember before you go: • • • •

A yellow fever shot is required if you fly via Zambia (at least 10 days before you go) No harm in taking malaria tablets and don’t forget the Peaceful Sleep and suntan lotion Take US Dollars and SA Rand – eating and drinking is expensive, so be prepared Fly via Livingston – half the price Contact A2B2Z Journeys to book your trip. sonia@a2b2zjourneys.co.za www.a2b2zjourneys.co.za

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June 2012

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June 2012

700cc UTV Double Cab R97 500.00 Water cooled, 4-stroke, 1-cylinder Max. power – 25kw(33.5hp)5000-5500rpm Max. torque – 49N.m/5000rpm L x W x H – 3950mm x 1440mm x 1900mm Wheelbase 2870mm Ground Clearance – 279mm Fuel Capacity 31 L

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Featured Specie

Boabab (Kremetart) Adansonia digitata

- Compiled by Johan Viljoen The baobab usually grows as solitary individuals and are large and distinctive trees on the savannah, in the scrub, and near settled areas, with some large individuals living to well over a thousand years of age. The tree bears very large, heavy, white flowers. The showy flowers are pendulous with a very large number of stamens. They carry a carrion scent and researchers have shown that they appear to be primarily pollinated by fruit bats of the subfamily Pteropodinae.

The fruits are filled with pulp that dries, hardens, and falls to pieces which look like chunks of powdery, dry bread. The fruit is edible and contains one of the highest concentrations of Vitamin C of any plant, while the leaves are rich in Vitamin A. The powdered seeds are given to children as a hiccup remedy. African honey bees (Apis mellifera) often utilize hollows in the baobab to make their hives.

The baobab disappears rather than dies. It first rots from the inside, then dries out to the point where the whole tree becomes completely brittle. It continues so appear entirely intact until the day it implodes, leaving behind

nothing but a pile of dust and fibre â&#x20AC;&#x201C; as if it had disappeared rather than died. The tree also has phenomenal longevity powers.

The baobab is one of the oldest trees on earth. Being around for over 2 000 years, it lives for hundreds of years and it can survive extended droughts because it stores great quantities of water in its giant, sponge-like trunk.

Its water-storage capacity has proved a human life-saver through many a drought as its trunk hollows with age, forming a natural water reservoir. Rainwater often collects in the clefts of the large branches and travelers and local people often use this valuable source of water. It has been recorded that in some cases the centre of the tree is purposely hollowed out to serve as a reservoir for water during the rainy season. Once such reservoir was recorded as holding 4 546 litres of water.

A hole is drilled in the trunk and a plug inserted so that water can be easily retrieved by removing the plug. The roots of the baobab can also be tapped for water.

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June 2012

55

Featured Specie

When the wood is chewed, it provides vital moisture to relieve thirst. The baobab is a slow-growing tree, increasing in size by less than a quarter of a meter each year, which means in twenty years’ time you will have a tree the size of a human adult.

•

The baobab was declared a protected tree under the Forest Act in South Africa in 1941.

•

A number of significantly large, historical baobab trees can be seen in the Limpopo Province: • The Sagole Baobab is recorded as being the biggest tree in South Africa with a stem diameter of 10.47 m, a height of 22 m and a crown spread of 38.2 m. It grows east of Tshipise.

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•

The Glencoe Baobab near Hoedspruit is probably the second largest and bears several trunks. It has a stem diameter of 15.9 m, a height of 17 m and a crown spread of 37.05 m. This tree has dates carved on the stem from 1893 and 1896.

The Platland Baobab that grows near Duiwelskloof, today houses a pub. It has a stem diameter of 10.64 m, a height of 19 m, and a crown spread of 30.2 m.

The Buffelsdrift Baobab which is in the Makopane District, has a distinct trunk with a diameter of 7.71 m, a height of 22 m and a crown spread of 30.2 m.

“Knowledge and wisdom are like the trunk of a baobab tree. No one person’s arm span is great enough to encompass them.” Saying from the Volta region of Ghana.

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June 2012

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Fabrication of bumpers, rock sliders, bash plates, drawers systems, solar panels, fitment centre, general metal fabrication, CNC plasma cutting

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Living

“Travelling Tight” Deel 2

- Yolandi Strydom

Interessante mense langs die pad...

Die afneem van besienswaardighede maak ons kamerakaarte vol, maar mense wat jy padlangs ontmoet skep ook blywende indrukke. Om ‘n land se argitektuur te sien, sy kos te proe en sy geskiedenis te beleef deur ou geboue en museums, gee jou nie naastenby soveel insig oor wat werklik in ‘n land aangaan soos sy mense self nie. En dan is daar natuurlik die ander kreature – die medereisigers.

So het ons toer afgeskop met ‘n baie aangename 10 dae in Nederland by ons Kroasiese vriende se tante. Tannie Dragica het amper 20 jaar terug uit Joegoslawië gevlug tydens die oorlog. Baie Europese lande het vlugteling gehelp, en so het sy in Nederland werk en verblyf gevind. Vandag bly sy en haar twee seuns, Bruno en Danio, in ‘n huis wat hulle van die staat huur in ‘n buurt met vlugteling uit baie oorde, veral mense uit die onlangs geteisterde lande van Irak en omgewing.

Hulle praat vlot Nederlands en het heeltemal by die kultuur aangepas. Behalwe vir die mengelmoes Bosnies-Nederlands wat in die huis gepraat word, is hulle nou Nederlanders in murg en been. Dit was heerlik om saam

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Living met Dragica fiets te ry winkel toe, vir klein Danio skool toe te vat, ook op die fiets, koffie te drink soos net hulle kan en kaas en nogmaal kaas en brood vir ontbyt te eet.

Ons ‘n soortgelyke stop in Duitsland gemaak in ‘n pragtige klein dorpie wat ek nooit weer op die kaart sal vind nie. Daar woon nog ‘n tannie van Ivan en Dajana (ons medereisigers), tannie Radmila wat tydens dieselfde oorlog ook gevlug het. Daar was ons bederf by ‘n spoggerige restaurant en vir ontbyt die volgende oggend is ons bier en bratwurs gevoer, ook ‘n bewys hoe die kultuur na soveel jare aangeneem is.

In Macedonië het ons die laaste keer die oud-Yugoslaviërs gegroet toe ons tannie Dragica weer daar raakgeloop het tydens ‘n

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vakansie saam met haar vriende van Nederland wat nou weer uit Macedonië gevlug het.

Macedonië het ons minder beïndruk.

Eerstens moes ons 25 Euro betaal by die grens vir mediese versekering wat ons dek tot en met...wag vir dit...20 Euro se mediese uitgawes. Dit omdat ons Suid-Afrikaners is.

Hulle het ons ook gevra of Suid-Afrika in Wes-Afrika is! Nooit het hulle opgetel dat ons eintlik vanuit Engeland kom nie. Sekerlik het hulle gedink as jou paspoort groen is is jy baie meer vatbaar om die varkgriep virus te dra as wanneer jou paspoort rooi is en jy ook vanuit Engeland kom, want Ivan en Dajana het nie versekering nodig gehad nie.

Om in Macedonië toilet toe te gaan of dan nie, is ‘n storie.

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Living

Hulle het van die gat-in-die-grond tipe, maar ons weet nou nog nie regtig waarvoor die gat is nie, want hulle mis dit ver. Party van ons het besluit ons sal wag tot in die volgende land, ander was desperaat en dra met groot trots die titel “ek het in Macedonië toilet toe gegaan”. Maar weereens kon ons met die boorlinge gesels, saam tee drink en lekker kos saam met hulle geniet. ‘n Ontmoeting met ‘n vorige werkskollega van London in Istanbul het vir groot opwinding gesorg. Ufuk het gesê as ons in Istanbul is moet ons hom bel dan ontmoet ons vir ete.

Vroeg die dag het ons al probeer kontak maak met hom by ‘n internetkafee. Ons het hom laat weet dat ons rondloop en as hy klaar gewerk het ons hom weer sal kontak.

Laat middag het aangebreek. Ek spring toe gou uit die kar om ‘n voorafbetaalde simkaart te gaan koop sodat ons vir Ufuk kan bel. Dit neem toe bietjie langer as beplan want die naaste selfoonwinkel is heelwat verder af in die stegie as wat ons oorspronklik gedink het.

Ek kon nie regkom nie, want jy moet ‘n bewys van adres kan toon. Oppad terug kar toe loop ek my man raak. Hy sê toe die polisie het gekla omdat ons dubbel parkeer en Ivan het solank om die blok gery, hulle sal ons nou weer op dieselfde plek kry. Klein Meinhardt is by hulle in die kar.

Ons loop rustig terug en begin wag, en wag en wag. Later word dit twintig minute, wat later veertig minute word en geen teken van Ivan en Dajana. Ek is semi-histeries op daardie stadium, want ek het nog nooit vir ‘n oomblik my baba alleen gelos nie. Tipies met ‘n eersteling dink by jouself hoe baie hy al na sy mamma moet verlang. ‘n Uur later stop die wit Land Cruiser weer voor ons. Dit was toe nie net om die blok ry in Istanbul nie. Ivan sê die verkeer was baie erg en daar is soveel eenrigting strate, EN, hy sê as hy nie op die GPS die punt gemerk het waar hy ons gelos het nie, sou daar geen manier gewees het wat hy ons ooit weer sou vind nie.

Nodeloos om te sê die herontmoeting met my baba was prysloos. Ons het vir Ufuk

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Living probeer bel met Skype en probeer verstaan waar ons hom moet ontmoet.

Met die grootste toeval het Ufuk verby ons gery oppad huistoe en gedink daar kan net een so voertuig in Istanbul wees en dis ons, en daar vind hy ons tussen al die duisende motors! Ufuk het ons na ‘n baie goeie Turkse restuarant geneem en genooi om die nag by hulle oor te slaap. Oorspronlik van Turkye, het hy net vir ‘n paar jaar in Londen gaan werk en is terug Turkye toe waar hy steeds vir dieselfde bank werk. Toe ons sy woonstel sien wat oor drie vloere strek was dit duidelik hoekom hy die leefstyl van Istanbul bo dié van Londen verkies.

Tot vandag toe verwys ons na die seun as Michael Schumacher, want hy het dit reggekry om teen 120km/h deur stilstaande verkeer te vleg! Taamlik bewerig is ons die inkopiesentrum binne, rondgeloop en al die dinge bekyk. Dit is baie soortegelyk aan enige groot sentrum in Suid-Afrika, die enigste verskil is dat die winkels oop is tot middernag. Die volgende oggend is ons ontbyt gegee, ook ‘n wegneemete van ‘n aard. Toe ons die eienaar groet nooi hy na sy huis wat bo-op die winkel is. Goeie genade, dit was ‘n kleinerige paleis! Ons het bietjie gesels en is toe verder op ons reis. Soveel gasvryheid het ek nog nooit in my lewe beleef nie.

Ons mees geliefde herinnering was in Jordanië.

Iets het foutgegaan tydens ons grens-oorsteek tussen Sirië en Jordanië wat Ivan se bloed laat borrel het. Alhoewel ek nie die feite kan onthou nie was dit iets met geld te doen, waarvoor hulle ons ekstra gevra het.

Ons is Jordanië in met absolute stilstuipe in die kar. Laatmiddag het ons die geweldige besige hoofstad Aman binne gegaan. Omdat niemand praat en Ivan bestuur het, het ons maar net gesit en kyk hoe die gebeure afspeel. Ons het voor ‘n paar hotelle gestop, Ivan het uitgeklim en vinnig weer ingeklim en verder gery (ons kon net aanneem die hotelle was te duur).

In Luxor het ons in ‘n hotel gebly met ‘n Bob Marley tema. “Ja man” dit was ‘n vreemde plekkie. Mia, die eienaares, is getroud met ‘n Egiptenaar. Alhoewel sy vol geklee is in Moslemdrag met net ogies wat uitsteek, kom daar ‘n sterk Australiaanse aksent by haar mond uit. Sy was jare terug as toeris oor Egipte toe, iets het foutgegaan en sy is met ‘n Egiptenaar getroud en hulle het ‘n hotel begin in ‘n poging om beter diens te lewer as ander hotelle in die omgewing - wat nie vreeslik moeilik kan wees nie.

Ons stop toe voor ‘n winkel waar drie Arabiese mans op die sypaadjie sit en tee drink. Ivan het weer uitgeklim, met hulle gesels en later saam tee gedrink. Alles terwyl ons vir baie lank in die kar sit en wag. Na ‘n hele ruk is Ivan terug en gee ons instruksies om ons beddegoed uit ons tente te haal en saam te kom. Die eienaar van die winkel het sy kantoor tot ons beskikking gestel vir die nag.

Ons het bietjie rondgesit in sy kantoor toe sy seun inkom met hulle weergawe van KFC. Later word ons aangesê om saam te kom en die eienaar se seun het ons met sy Jeep Cherokee geneem na ‘n groot inkopiesentrum.

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Maar, wat die plek nog meer interessant gemaak het, was die Fransman wat al vir ‘n klompie jare permanent in die hotel bly.

Hy het ‘n rugbesering by sy werk opgedoen en kan nie meer werk nie. Die versekering wat maandeliks uitbetaal is nie genoeg om ‘n bestaan te maak in Frankryk nie. Nou bly hy teen ‘n redelike billike prys in die hotel en skryf gedigte om hom besig te hou. Daarby rook hy soos ‘n skoorsteen en drink koppie na koppie koffie. Sy dokter het vir hom gesê as hy sy pyn medikasie los sal die ontrekkingsimptome so geweldig wees dat hy van sy kop af sal gaan, maar as hy begin rook en baie koffie drink sal dit die simptome verminder, daarom sy rook- en koffiedrink gewoonte want medikasie is ook te duur.

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Living ‘n Ander persoon wat ook ‘n blywende indruk gemaak het was Christan. Hy is Noorweër maar het met ‘n pelgrimstog begin stap uit Oostenryk, ons het hom in Egipte ontmoet.

Hy het letterlik elke liewe kilometer gestap.

Hy doen sy toer met die minimim geld. In Egipte het sy geld opgeraak en het hy vir vir ses maande viool gespeel in Kaïro se operahuis. Dit was vir hom ‘n groot eer om in die gepaste Aïda opvoering se orkes te kon speel. Hy is saam met ons op die veerboot na Sudan.

In Sudan aangekom het ons almal in ‘n taxi gespring, maar Chirstan, getrou aan sy missie, het gestap tot by die volgende dorp waar ons hom ‘n paar ure later weer ontmoet het.

Ons moes vir ‘n paar dae daar oornag terwyl ons vir ons voertuie gewag het wat op ‘n aparte boot gekom het. Christan was intussen oppad.

Ons het hom later met ingehaal. Hy was geweldig honger en dors en was so dankbaar vir die koue water en blikkieskos wat ons hom kon gee. Hy het in ruil vir ons twee kartonne vol lekkergoed gegee wat van die plaaslike mense vir hom gegee het. En so kan ons sê, oor die algemeen was mense oral vriendelik, baie vriendelik.

Klein Meinhardt, ons babatjie, het soveel geskenke ontvang, van klere en speelgoed tot lekkergoed en piesangs. Veral in die Arabiese lande sou mense ons stop as ons verby winkels loop en vir hom ‘n lekkergoed in die hand stop. In Kaïro het ‘n wildvreemde man verby ons geloop, omgedraai en ons op die skouer getik en gewys ons moet wag. Hy het in sy rugsak gekrap en ‘n klein flitsende sleutelhouer uitgehaal en vir Meinhardt gegee en weer verder geloop. In die Wadi Rum woestyn het ‘n plaaslike man toeriste rondegewys. Hy het Meinhardt gesien toe hy al begin wegry. Hy het omgedraai en uitgeklim, Meinhardt opgetel en bietjie met hom gespeel en weer verder gery. Ivan het tot ‘n skaapvel gekry nadat hy ‘n man gehelp het om sy motorfiets se bande te pomp.

Die Arabiere met klein winkeltjies het altyd bietjie ekstra gegee as ons by hulle vars kos koop. Hierdie mense maak toer deur en deur die moeite werd.

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June 2012

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