April 2015 Newsletter

Year end Adventure – Namibia here we come.

Exciting times ahead for the Namibia trip. Naomi, Jan and I discussed the pricing and because the option is available that we can share costs by travelling together, it will work out cheaper than doing a holiday in SA. This opportunity is real special as we will be seeing another part of our planet as a group of friends. For many of us this will be the 1st time to travel to Namibia and doing it together with great friends, are priceless. Please let us know who is interested in going with. We would like to get together sometime to discuss this trip.

Herewith a breakdown of what you will need to go on the Namibia trip:
1.  Passport – Please get this ready asap as it takes a while to get it back
2. ZA Registration for your vehicle - not sure about this, will get more info and let you know
3. Spending Money – Whatever you want to take with and can afford
4. Petrol Money – see breakdown below
5.  Accommodation – see breakdown below

Jan says that the approximate distance we will travel is about 3500 km. This breakdown is not cast in stone.
Depending on the petrol price at the end of the year it can either be a bit more or a bit less. I am using R13 per litre for this exercise.
Petrol: 2 couples sharing: 4 people per vehicle – it can even be 3 people per vehicle. The costing here is for 2 couples sharing.
Working on 10km per litre for travelling – 350 litre @ R13 per = R4550 per vehicle
Split over 2 families – petrol will be R2275.
Accommodation: For 9 days: R1550 per person. Per couple: R3100
A 25% deposit for the accommodation is payable by the end of May 2015 to secure the booking. All monies must be paid up for the accommodation by end of October 2015.
Total per couple sharing: R5375 – this is just an approximate figure and can change depending on petrol prices.

DATE	REGION /AREA	SERVICE	BASIS
28.12.2015	South Africa	(own arrangement)	-
29.12.2015	Orange River	Felix Unite River Camp	Campsite Only
30.12.2015	Orange River	Felix Unite River Camp	Campsite Only
31.12.2015	Richtersveld	Ai-Ais Campsite	Campsite Only
01.01.2016	Richtersveld	Ai-Ais Campsite	Campsite Only
02.01.2016	Luderitz	Luderitz Backpackers	Room Only
03.01.2016	Luderitz	Luderitz Backpackers	Room Only
04.01.2016	Keetmanshoop	Maritz Country Lodge	Campsite Only
05.01.2016	Fish River Canyon	Canyon Roadside Campsite	Campsite Only
06.01.2016	Fish River Canyon	Canyon Roadside Campsite	Campsite Only
07.01.2016	South Africa	(own arrangement)	-

29 & 30 December 2015
Orange River, Namibia
Felix Unite River Camp (18 km from border)

Welcome to Namibia! After crossing the border and going through customs, you only have a short drive until you reach the Felix Unite River Base Camp. The Richtersveld area with the majestic Orange River flowing through is so beautiful and refreshing. Set up camp, sit back, relax and have a cold one. Tonight you can share stories around the campfire and fall asleep under the stars.

Optional Half Day River Trips are available from the base camp. Cost is N$425.00 per person. For more information and bookings please visit the reception area at camp.

Campsite information:

• Power point
• Ablution facilities
• Grass campsites

    

31 December 2015 & 01 January 2016
Richtersveldt Transfrontier Park, Namibia
/Ai-/Ais Hobas Campsite (104 km)

After breakfast you can pack up camp and make your way north towards the Ai-Ais Hot Springs.

Meaning ‘burning water’ in the local Nama dialect, /Ai-/Ais is in reference to the natural thermal springs found at the base of the mountain peaks at the southern end of the Fish River Canyon. It is popular with tourists, who come for both the hot springs, and the challenging 85 km Fish River Canyon hike. The area has rugged and beautiful scenery and diverse flora, containing elements of both the Succulent Karoo (winter rainfall) and Nama Karoo (summer rainfall) biomes.
You will overnight at the Hobas Campsite which is a small oasis situated at the northern end of the Fish River Canyon.

Activities include hiking, bird watching, star gazing, photography opportunities and the hot springs & spa.

Campsite information:

• Power points
• Ablution facilities
• Shop/Kiosk
• Laundry facilities
• Swimming Pool
• Braai facilities
• Gas Station

    

02 & 03 January 2016
Lüderitz, Namibia
Lüderitz Backpackers (505 km)

Today you travel west towards the coastal town of Lüderitz. You will be staying at Luderitz Backpackers as Lüderitz is well known for its extremely windy conditions and camping can end up being a windy disaster.

Lüderitz Backpackers are conveniently located in town and offers comfortable accommodation. The lodge is self-catering with a fully equipped kitchen, communal television room, table tennis table and braai facilities for relaxation.

Activities include Kolmanskop Ghost Town Tour, Diaz Point, Boat Trips and the Shearwater Oyster Factory.

    

Lüderitz
The sheer isolation of Lüderitz, the curious way in which the colonial-style buildings cling to the rocks overlooking the bay, on some days a deep iridescent blue, on others grey and stormy, the crisp fresh climate, fishing boats bobbing up and down on the Atlantic horizon, penguins and seals diving beneath the waves, give the town a curious other-worldly allure.
Lüderitz was initially referred to as Angra Pequena, meaning Little Bay, by the Portuguese, whose navigator Bartolomeu Dias erected a stone cross on Dias Point on 25 July 1488. The Lüderitz Peninsula is characterised by numerous bays, lagoons and unspoilt stretches of beach.

The Desert Horses
An intriguing feature of the Sperrgebiet is the legendary desert horses seen from the road when travelling between Lüderitz & Aus. There are several theories regarding their origin. One is that they are descendents of the horse stud belonging to Baron von Wolf, who built Duwisib Castle, 160km north east of Garub. A more likely theory is that they are descendents of horses left behind when the German Schutztruppe abandoned Aus during the South West African Campaign in 1915. About 100km east of Lüderitz, a signpost indicates where to turn-off to Garub, a maintained water point where the wild horses can be observed and photographed as they come to drink.

04 January 2016
Keetmanshoop, Namibia
Maritz Country Lodge (335 km)

Wave goodbye to the Atlantic Ocean as you move inland towards Keetmanshoop today. Maritz Country Lodge will be your stop-over destination tonight a mere 5km south of Keetmanshoop.

Activities include Quivertree Forest and Giant’s Playground Trips and Mesosaurus Fossil Site.

Campsite information:

• Power points
• Ablution facilities
• Restaurant & Bar
• Swimming Pool
• Braai facilities

  

Quivertree Forest & Giant's Playground
A much-favoured topic for photographers, the Quiver Tree Forest can be viewed on the farm Gariganus, some 14km north east of Keetmanshoop. About 300 specimens of this prehistoric tree, Aloe dichotoma, also referred to as Kokerboom, reach skywards with graphically forked branches. On average about 3-5 meters tall, the trees are rewarding subjects to photograph, especially at sunrise or sunset. They product bright yellow flowers during the winter months, and their trunks are smooth and shiny with light silver-grey bark, which peels and forms intricate diamond-shaped patterns as the tree matures.
Across the road from the Quiver Tree Forest is Giant's Playground, an impressive jumble of massive dolerite boulders between 160 million and 180 million years old. Wandering through the maze of boulders is an interesting excursion, but care must be taken not to become lost in the extensive rocky labyrinth.

Keetmanshoop
Keetmanshoop was founded in 1860 by the Rhenish Mission Society, the town retains vestiges of its original German buildings as well as several dating back to the arrival of the first Europeans, who trekked across the Orange River to trade, hunt and explore the land. The first of these expeditions was in 1791.
In 1866 preacher John Schroder of the German Missionary Society built a canvas shelter from which to operate, he approached the rich industrialist Johan Keetman for funds to build a church and dwelling fro himself and his family. Keetman was rewarded for his generosity by having the settlement named after him.
Eagle's Monument, built between 1897-1907 in remembrance of the casualties in the battles fought with the Bondelswarts and the Namas and declared a National Monument can be viewed in the Garden of Remembrance.

05 & 06 January 2016
Fish River Canyon, Namibia
Canyon Road Campsite (260km)

Tucked behind Canyon Roadhouse, Canyon Road Campsite offers shady camping on the bank of a dry riverbed against a backdrop of rocky hills. Before you fall asleep tonight listen to the Fish River Canyon’s call a mere 14km away.

Activities include hiking and amazing viewpoints of the Fish River Canyon.

Campsite information:

• Power points
• Ablution facilities
• Restaurant & Bar
• Swimming Pool
• Braai facilities

    

07 January 2016
Namibia

Today brings an end to your tour in Namibia. After packing up camp, make your way towards the southern border post Noordoewer and carry on home towards South Africa.

END OF TOUR

Previous Run: Mitch and Kareen’s Pot Luck Run. 12 April 2015

Our run was called Pot Luck because we didn’t know what we were going to do.
I wanted us to join the CMA (Christian Motorcycle Club) on their charity run to the children’s home in Tulbagh but Ouboet decided to have his birthday on our run and it was obvious that this was of “eperdemise proportisie” to celebrate with our brother instead.

It’s always nice to meet at a place where we are visible. Then again, when you need to meet up at 8am on a Sunday, you do tend to get the best spot.

Early birds were Christo in Pink Floyd (unfortunately without Sandra who had to fetch Maxi) and visitors Christo and Karin.
The rest followed shortly after that:
Anton & Naomi, Dugald (was awesome to see you again dude), Hennie, Yolandi & Ethan, JP, Karen, Justin & Kyle and Niel & Marie.
Miguel decided at the very last minute to join us – teenagers!!

We had more visitors – Jeremy and Nicky as well as Vernon, Karin and Lilly.
I certainly hope we will see much more of all our visitors. I know Vernon is furiously scanning Gumtree for a bug.

We had a very interesting conversation regarding names. There were 2 Karin’s, 1 Karen and 1 Kareen.
Then there were 2 Christo’s. We decided to make it easy, all men would be Christo and all women would be Karin. Easy peasy!

6 buggies and 4 cars set out towards Riebeek Casteel via Malmesbury. It was pretty misty and cold but I was too anxious to get to Riebeek Casteel on time (as we had a surprise planned for the Birthday Boy at a secret location at 10am) to feel the cold. Also, Christo’s enlightening chatter kept me focused.

We met up with the Tulbagh and Ceres Buggers outside the Riebeek Hotel (Markus & Michelle and Ouboet, Liana, their family and a friend, Tobie).  Another 2 bugs and 1 car.

We were eventually on our way to the secret venue. What an awesome sight - 8 buggies and 5 cars in convoy. The weather definitely played an important role in the days outing.
Mitch and I had been there the previous week to arrange the necessary – balloons and cake for Ouboet. The owners had everything ready for him. And can you believe it?? They knew each other! 
We all had breakfast and refreshments. Eventually Ida brought out the cake with the Guy Fawkes sparklers. We all sang the usual birthday song and took lots of pics. I hope you had an awesome birthday Ouboet. Luv you stukkend my bokka.

Thereafter we made our way to the Jan Smuts Museum near Riebeek Wes. This is where General Jan Christiaan Smuts was born. The history lesson was very interesting. He owned something like 10 farms. He had various titles: Prime Minister, Field Marshall, General and was even a Chancellor of Cambridge University. If I’m not mistaken, he even stood in for Winston Churchill as President for a day.
He was the only man to sign both of the peace treaties ending the first and second World Wars.
I can honestly say that I am embarrassed I don’t know much about our history.

It was eventually time for cake - where I proceeded to cut the cake with the blunt side of the knife….really Kareen??

We had the famous looitjie trek and then we were on our way to the hotel in Riebeek Wes for refreshments.
Everyone left in dribs and drabs.
JP decided to visit Paarl on the way home…. duh 
Christo & Karin ran out of petrol but Dugald came to the rescue and took Karin to Malmesbury for petrol. We stopped and waited and then rode back home with them.

Thanks to everyone that made our run so special. Thanks especially to Ouboet!
I’m just glad this newsletter is done for another year !! 

Kareen.

 

 

To see all the photos of this run: https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.869868166384870.1073741892.141560805882280&type=3

Next Run – Niel Beer se Run. 17 May 2015

I have decided to keep this run as simple as possible due to the weather factor that can change at any moment in Cape Town in May month.

If the weather is fine we will go play Put-Put and go for something to eat at "Tyger Valley Golf Village".

If it rains or if the weather is mislik we will go Ten Pin Bowling (hopefully their computers will be fixed this time), have something to chow at Spur and those who want to can try their luck with some gambling at Grand West Casino.

Regards
Niel Beer

SWOP SHOP

Members can advertise their business here or whatever you want to advertise here for free. Just mail me your add: anton@kleynbegin.co.za

Our Clubs preferred and recommended qualified and professional motor mechanic - from a complete engine overall to minor service and repairs. Contact Mitch Dantas 082 820 6060 (Bothasig)

Accounting Services: Personal TAX & Provisional TAX, CC's, PTY's, Books & Statements, Special letters, VAT etc. Phone Sandra 084-3589 846 or E-mail sandra@smitaccountants.co.za or see her website at www.smitaccountants.co.za

Heir of Distinction Trading in Collectable, Vintage, Antique and Rare Furniture as well as Quality 2nd Hand Solid Wood Furniture. Contact JP email: heirofdistinction@gmail.com  Mobile: 083 324 5672. To see some of my merchandise:   https://www.facebook.com/pages/Heir-of-Distinction/238747536322135?sk=timeline

Biltong & Droë Wors, honey, dried Fruit & Nuts can be bought from Kleyn Begin. Contact Naomi – 08 28 48 68 55. Or E-mail them at info@kleynbegin.co.za or see their website www.kleynbegin.co.za

ONLINE - SWOP SHOP

Other great Club places you can use to buy or sell your Beach Buggy or Air-cooled parts that will be viewed by 1000’s of people.

http://www.facebook.com/beachbuggyclub

Grappie grrrrr
Two policemen (Constable Ken & Bob) call the station on their radio. "Hello. ..... Is this the Sarge?" "Yes?" "We have a case here, Sarge. A woman has shot her husband dead for stepping on the floor she had mopped." "Have you arrested the woman?" "No sir. The floor is still wet."

Gatiep: Gammat, wasse honne het djy?
Gammat: Haskies.
Gatiep: Ek vra wasse honne het jdy man....
Gammat: Haskies!!!!!!!!
Gatiep: Ag voetsek - Djou dowe d@#&*!

Mike vra Kallie - Is Portugal ver? Kallie sê nee, hy glo nie, want daar was Portugese saam met hom op skool en hulle het almal met fietse skool toe gery!

Vrou wat rondkuier se man vermoed dit en sê vir haar:"Dit lyk my ek speel nou 2de viool. Vrou sê:"met 'n fluitjie soos joune kan jy nog bly wees jy is in die donnerse orkes!"

Gatiep lê in die hospitaal na 'n moerse ongeluk. Hy vra vir die dokter:"Sal ek darem kan kitaar speel?" "Ja" sê die dokter. "Dis fantasties" sê Gatiep, "want ek kon nog nooit nie!"

Twee brommers sit op 'n drol. Een poep kliphard en lag. Die ander een sê geskok:" NEE maggies man, ek eet!"

Sitting in the local tavern one evening, the husband leans over and asks his wife, “Do you remember the first time we had sex together over fifty years ago?  We went behind this tavern where you leaned against the back fence and I made love to you.” “Yes,” she says.  “I remember it well.” “OK,” he says.  “How about taking a stroll around there again and we can do it for old time’s sake?” “Oh, Jim,” she grins.  “You old devil, that sounds like a crazy, but good idea!” A police officer sitting in the next booth heard their conversation and, having a chuckle to himself, he thinks, ‘I’ve got to see these two old timers having sex against a fence.  I’ll just keep an eye on them so there’s no trouble.’  So he follows them.  The elderly couple walk haltingly along, leaning on each other for support aided by walking sticks.  Finally, they get to the back of the tavern and make their way to the fence.  The old lady lifts her skirt and the old man drops his trousers.  As she leans against the fence, the old man moves in.  Then suddenly they erupt into the most furious sex that the policeman has ever seen.  This goes on for about ten minutes while both are making loud noises and moaning and screaming.  Finally, they both collapse panting on the ground. The policeman is amazed.  He thinks he has learned something about life and old age that he didn’t know.  After a quarter hour of lying on the ground recovering, their shaking stops.  The old couple struggle to their feet and put their clothes back on.  The policeman is still watching and thinks to himself, ‘this is truly amazing.  I’ve got to ask them what their secret is.’ So, as the couple passes by, he says to them, “Excuse me, but that was something else.  You must have had a fantastic sex life together.  Is there some sort of secret to this?” Still shaking a bit, the old man is barely able to reply, “Fifty years ago that wasn’t an electric fence!”