April 2016 Newsletter
Previous Run: Namibia hier kom ons!!!!!
DAY ONE, 19 March 2016
Today was a great day for the beach buggers, as we conquered the great distance (700 km) between home, South Africa ( western cape to be specific) and Namibia ( one of our neighbouring countries )
After the longsome drive, we arrived at the border around 14:00. At the border, fellow bugger Emiel and Ouboet came to sudden realisations that the papers for their cars were not in order and became quite nervous, but luckily we experienced no difficulties.
We left the border 2 hours after arrival, and finally started our journey into the great Namibia. We later arrived at our first camping accommodation venue, Felix Unite. The first thing I personally noticed of the place was the impressive solar power plant that powers the geysers for the bathrooms and I assume a number of other necessary appliances.
The well-known Orange River also flows right next to Felix Unite. Here there many canoeing and river adventures take place, the buggers have been speaking of going for a canoe ride tomorrow.
Overall we had a successful and enjoyable day even though the border was a pain to get through and the drive here was quite tiring.
DAY 2, 20 March 2016
“If we all go it will be cheaper!” Bugger Jan exclaimed as he tried to convince the less eager buggers to go canoeing on the river this afternoon.
After a great deal of convincing, we all agreed to take on the thirteen kilometer canoe adventure, which turned out to be quite fun. The trip took us around three and a half hours to complete, including a quick break on the sandy side if the river (trespassing into South Africa). Two fellow Buggers participated in the canoe trip who are not able to swim, and this was their very first water based sport experience. They did exceptionally well at it considering it was their first time.
After a physically busy day, we all had a nice braai under the cozy shelter on the lapa near to where our tents are pitched and settled in early for a good night’s sleep.
DAY 3, 21 March 2016
Unlike yesterday, today was quite a restful day for the buggers. We stood all packed and ready to go around 7:20 and left Felix Unite for the next campsite around 8:00. After a short (but sandy) 100km drive, we arrived at Ai-ais hot water springs reserve.
After pitching our tents and camping equipment, we settled for a laid back, peaceful day with good friends and lots of conversation.
Buggers Emiel and Katja cooked up a storm in the outdoor kitchen and managed to create a great tasting veggie pot, accompanied with some beer bread. Extra braaipap was made to compliment the smoor also served for dinner.
A while after dinner (around 9:00) a few of us decided to go swimming in one of the hot water swimming pools. The water in this pool reaches to a temperature of 64 degrees Celsius (the optimum temperature of the human body being 37 degrees Celsius). The buggers found this late night swimming experience refreshing and enjoyed it very much.
DAY 4, 22 March 2016
Today was our second day at Ai-ais hot water springs reserve, near the fish river canyon. The buggers had a relaxing time under the comforting heat of the warm Namibian sun.
Many of us decided to go exploring around the campsite and found a small, old abandoned stage with some stone seats laid out in front of it, as if a theatre. (Buggers Katja and Emiel believe that this “theatre” used to be a church and has quite some potential as a small performance venue) The exploring buggers also found a dam wall controlling a large river. The sight was quite beautiful with the sound of the water falling from the dam wall.
DAY 5: 23 March 2016
Rising as early as the sunrise, the buggers were packed up and ready to leave Ai-ais for a town on the skeleton coast of Namibia named Lüderitz.
The drive was quite long and the distance an incredible 500km. We completed the trip in roundabout 6 and half hours.
Our accommodation for the next two nights would be a local backpackers. We found that the owner of the backpackers is a very nice and welcoming gentleman. The backpackers are located in a beautiful part of Lüderitz with an alluring view of the cold Atlantic ocean.
When abroad, you are guaranteed to meet new people. Today we became familiar with an interesting number of people. A wonderful Brazilian couple and a bikers club originally from South Africa, although including two Americans and a Frenchman.
The buggers had a merry time with our new exotic acquaintances. I believe some of us learned quite a bit by speaking to our foreign friends.
DAY 6, 24 March 2016
Kolmanskop (Afrikaans for Coleman's hill, German: Kolmannskuppe) is a ghost town in the southern Namib desert, 10 kilometres inland from the port town of Lüderitz. It was named after a transport driver named Johnny Coleman who, during a sand storm, abandoned his ox wagon on a small incline opposite the settlement. Once a small but very rich mining village, it is now a popular tourist destination run by the joint NamDeb (Namibia de beers.).
As afternoon greeted the Wild Buggers we took off to see the spectacular tourist attraction which everyone we came across advised us to go see. We actually learned quite a bit about the place thanks to our awesome Afrikaans tour guide, Janie.
DAY 7, March 2016
Heavy hearted we said our goodbyes to our recently met acquaintances and left warm and welcoming Lüderitz backpackers and headed to our next camping destination, Maritz lodge. (The buggers were quite spoiled with the accommodation at Lüderitz backpackers that we hoped to find an open cottage at the lodge, but unfortunately there weren’t any)
Although a huge distance of 338km from where we were in Lüderitz, the drive to Maritz was quite enjoyable with no dirt road (at least Sandra was glad)
The buggers pulled off at a stage along the way for we spotted some wild horses. We all were quite disappointed at 
the sight, because the beautiful bold wild horses we heard so much about weren’t exactly as we imagined they would’ve been. They were rather tacky and malnourished. I think we all felt some sympathy for the creatures.
DAY 8, 26 March 2016
This morning some of the buggers were not very happy to leave the Maritz lodges camping premises. The place was welcoming and we had a really nice stay, even though we did not have the opportunity to spend the night in one of their beautiful little cottages and had to camp. The camping grounds are an attractive bright green (with no thorns in sight!) and we hope to experience the satisfactory accommodation at our next designated camping site.
After we left the campsite we made a quick stop at wimpy for a delicious breakfast to prepare us for the day ahead.
The buggers all arrived at Cañon Lodge around 12:00. The accommodation is nice, although not as nice as that of which we had at the Maritz lodge. There’s a sweet little tourist shop with a coffee bar and a restaurant serving delectable artisan goods. Old cars and parts decorate the shop and restaurant, making it a definite “must love” for the Wild Buggers club for we all have a passion for cars, (especially VW’S)
DAY 9: March 2016
As the buggers packed up their tents and other bits and bobs a light and happy atmosphere lingered between us. (Personally I believe this was because of the fact that we are soon leaving for home)
It is another distance of around 200km from Cañon Roadhouse back to the exact location we spent our very first night in Namibia, friendly Felix Unite.
We arrived early in the afternoon, and we all decided to have a relaxing evening before we take on the Great Drive again back to Cape Town tomorrow, luckily we are situated right next to the border tonight so it would not be much of a struggle to get through border control if we leave early enough. (Unlike the first day when we had great difficulty to enter Namibia for there were an enormous amount of people who also needed to enter.)
DAY 10, March 2016
Excitement and happiness filled the air as the buggers took off for the border this morning. We arrived at border control and entered South Africa easily and surprisingly quickly with very effective and friendly assistance.
We took on the Great Drive of around 700 km from the border back home, and on the way we saw some beautiful parts of our home country and also some drastic changes in landscape. From rivers to sea, from desert to vineyards.
To conclude, we are all glad to go home. We saw great places and met amazing people. I believe we all learned quite a lot through the course of this enlightening trip around the beautiful desert and rock like landscapes of Namibia. We experienced many new things and situations which will only count in our favour regarding experience throughout our lives.
I am personally hopeful to have such a trip again soon for traveling along with the buggers is a whole lot of fun!
Katja Swart
To see all the photos of this run:
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.1041797805858571.1073741903.141560805882280&type=3
Next Run: Oppie Plaas Sleepover. 9-10 April 2016.
We meet at +/- 2:30pm at the Big garage on the left hand side of the road on the N7 just after the Melkbos turnoff. On Saturday the 9th of April. From there we leave a 3pm.
We are having a sleepover Oppie Plaas. Bring your tent, or just bring bedding and sleep on the undercover stoep. There are springbokke, zebras, pink flamingos to see.
This is really a nice run for all to enjoy – Young Buggers and Old Buggers.
It is only about 15 min drive from Melkbos.
When we get there we can unpack and go for a lekker drive and sit around the campfire the evening met n lekker doppie en n tjoppie (and I am not referring to me as the doppie). Sunday morning we make lekker breakfast and go on a buggy run again.
What do you need to bring: Something for the raffle, Tent, whatever you want to braai, Something for Sunday mornings breakfast or left-overs from previous night, Camping chairs, your cooler bag with all the goodies you might need like dop, glasses, plates, dop, eating utensils, dop etc. Whatever you need on a one day camp (like dop).
If you are only going to join us on Sunday, I suggest you rock up early, like 8am or so.
Continue past the garage on the N7 towards Malmesbury for about 5 min. On the right hand side you will see a moerse big white wall with a gate in-between. It used to be a chicken farm. That is where you turn in and then you should see us on the left-hand side at a house not far from the gate.
BUT
I hope to see everyone there on Saturday otherwise you are going to miss all the fun!!!
Anton Kleyn
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
Klein Jannie en sy gesin eet Sondag middag by Ouma. Net toe almal aan tafel is, begin Ouma die kos opskep. Toe Jannie sy bord kos ontvang, begin hy dadelik eet. "Jannie, asseblief!!" sê sy ma. "Wag asseblief tot ons gebid het." "Ek hoef nie," sê hy dadelik. "Natuurlik moet jy!" antwoord sy ma. "Ons bid altyd voor ons by die huis eet." "Ja, maar dit is by ons huis" verduidelik Jannie. "Maar hierdie is Ouma se huis, en sy weet hoe om te kook."
ITALIAN MOTHER
Giuseppe excitedly tells his mother he's fallen in love and that he is going to get married. He says, 'Just for fun, Mama, I'm going to bring over three women and you try and guess which one I'm going to marry.' The mother agrees. The next day, he brings three beautiful women into the house, sits them down on the couch & they chat for a while. He then says, 'Okay, Mama, guess which one I'm going to marry?' Mama says immediately, 'The one on the right.' 'That's amazing, Mama. You're right. How did you know? ' Mama replies: 'I don't like her.
Dominee: 'Hoekom so hartseer broer?' Man: 'My hond is dood. Sal Dominee hom begrawe asseblief?' Dominee: 'Nee broer, ons begrawe nie diere nie. Probeer die AGS oorkant die straat.' Man: 'Goed, dink dominee hulle sal 'n donasie van R50 000 aanvaar?' Dominee: 'My magtig broer, kom sit, pleks jy sê dis 'n NG hondjie!
An admiral visited one of the ships of the line under his command. While eating breakfast with the crew he was impressed to see the Naval insignia stamped on every biscuit. He went to the Chief cook to ask how this feat was done, so it could be used on other ships under his command. The Chief replied, "I’d be glad to share that with you, Admiral. After each biscuit is cut, I just slap it here against my belt buckle which bears the Navy insignia. Horrified the Admiral exclaims, "That's very unhygienic!" The Chief shrugs and replies, "Well, If that’s the way you feel, sir, I suggest you avoid the donuts."
Gatiep staan buite voor 'n kafee en sien in die venster hoedat die hoenders binne lekker bruin gebraai word. Hy is baie honger en toe die eienaar sy rug vir ‘n oomblik draai, steel hy 'n hoender. Voordat hy die kafee kan verlaat haal die eienaar hom in. Die eienaar besef hy kan nie hierdie hoender meer verkoop nie, maar wil nogtans Gatiep 'n les leer sodat hy nooit weer sal waag om in sy kafee te kom steel nie. Hy sê vir die Gatiep: 'Alles wat jy met die hoender gaan aanvang, gaan ek aan jou doen. Breek jy n vlerkie af, dan breek ek jou arm en as jy n boudjie afbreek, dan breek ek jou been!' Gatiep staan so vir 'n oomblik die eienaar en aanstaar. Hy vat sy wysvinger druk dit in die hoender se agterent op, trek dit uit en lek dit af. Die eienaar kyk hom aan en sê toe: 'Vat daai bleddie hoender en maak dat jy uit my d*####se winkel kom!"
Koos maak 'n ongeluk. Hy sê vir die polisieman: "Ek vermoed die bestuurder van die ander kar is dronk." Polisieman: "Ai meneer, die ander kar is dan 'n koei.....!"
What do you call a Mexican dwarf......a paragraph, cause he's not a full essay....
