Busy Times

Friday was up to a chilly day again with Travis. We had our morning cuppa together before we fed the dogs and made breakfast. I cleared all Travis’s washing and put it out to dry before going outside with Travis. He was tired and fell asleep about eleven and I quickly did some cleaning and made him lunch before he woke at half twelve. He ate his fish fingers but just poked disgustedly at his vegies. After he had finished eating Diane took him for a walk while I packed his things ready to leave for Ali. We left just after one and were lucky to have a clear run through again. Before we got to Ali we stopped at KFC for some food which we ate when we got to her. After eating Ali made us a drink and we sat outside with Travis while he played. It was just after three thirty when we left for home – what luck – another clear run through on the highway. Our arrival coincided perfectly with time for a glass of wine. The peace was pleasant but I was already missing Travis. We spent the evening alternating with cleaning and working on the computer going to bed fairly early around ten. When I went to let the dogs out for the final time of the evening the outside dogs were going mad at the fence and the next door dogs were also carrying on. I checked but could see nothing. Hubby went to check on things while I phoned the neighbours to see that all was OK. Can you believe it! They hadn’t even noticed the noise. We went to bed after setting the alarm for three forty five. I took ages to fall asleep as the dogs carried on with their noise for quite a while.
Saturday early morning was absolutely freezing when the alarm woke me. I quickly made coffee and teas before waking Hubby and Diane. I got dressed and then fed the dogs while they got themselves ready. We left about twenty to five and stopped to put petrol in the Deke and buy sandwiches for the road. Diane was all cosy on the back seat with her duvet and pillow while I wrapped myself in a little blanket. We arrived in Alberton about five fifteen and as we drove in Hubby remarked that we were a bit early. When I asked what he meant he informed me that the meeting time had been changed from five to five forty five. I was really p**d off as we could have stayed asleep about an extra half hour. After sitting waiting and freezing I was relieved when we were joined by the other two Dekes and we carried on to the next meeting point just past Kempton. I tried to doze but was so cold and Hubby kept talking so it was impossible. After leaving the next Meeting Point there were five Dekes in convoy. Just before Pretoria the leading Deke pulled into the Petroport where we had another meeting point. Going in Convoy can be a real pain when there are so many different meeting spots as they waste so much time. Diane and I went into the Quik Shop and got ourselves and Hubby a rusk and cappuccino. We drank it outside in the sun while saying Hi to all and sundry. We left not long after eight and now had fifteen Dekes in the convoy. After turning off at Bela Bela we had another wait for two more Dekes coming from the Polokwane side. It was a relief when we eventually arrived shortly after nine and parked all the Dekes together. Diane and I immediately went exploring after saying Hi to those DKW club members who had stayed overnight. Klein Kariba was an absolutely stunning spot with spectacular scenery. After our exploration we went back to the Dekes where an urn for coffee and tea with rusks had been set up. After having our drink we joined Hubby and friends for a chat before we went on another walk around. Hubby joined us and we climbed up a path through the trees on the Kopje above the cars. At the top were a group of Dassies sunning themselves. Diane managed to get some pics of them before they disappeared. We walked around the top of the kopje making our way back down to the cars. Several people went off to swim in the hot baths – there were four of them plus an indoor pool. Hubby rejoined some friends and Diane and I decided to walk down to the little dam where there were pedal boat rides. We had our pedal around for half an hour. It is amazing how long half an hour can be when you are pedalling almost non-stop. We only had a few brief stops for Diane to take pics. I told her we must keep pedalling to make up for the rides we had missed during the week. Hubby phoned while we were on the boat to see if we minded if he joined his friends for breakfast. Silly question! Of course we didn’t. We finished our pedal and made our way back arriving about a quarter to twelve. Hubby and friends were just finishing their meal. After chatting a while Diane and I went in to quench our thirst with rock shandies before ordering something to eat. Diane got herself a plate of chips while I had chicken schnitzel and chips with a glass of red wine. Diane finished off with a strawberry cocktail while I had a coffee. Outside the restaurant was a swing bridge across to the waterfall and we made our way over it to go take more pics. There was a steep stairway up to the next level and we felt the effects of our pedal as we neared the top. We took a breather at the top while taking pics before making our way back down to the bridge. Crossing the bridge Diane decided to jump up and down in the middle to set it swinging. When I eventually managed to get over it I couldn’t believe the effect of it. My head felt as if it was next to me as I tried to walk. It was the most weirdest feeling. We joined the others back at the cars where Diane took pics while Hubby and I chatted to friends. We left soon after going for a drive around the place before making our way out. Near the entrance were some bokkies and a group of zebra. Diane got out and took pics. The zebra were very tame and didn’t even worry about her being so close. Going home was so much quicker seeing that it was only us and no convoy. We stopped to get salads for supper and food for Sunday on the way. When we got back I went and had a nap as I was feeling very tired. I was up just after eight to watch ` Eragon’ with Diane followed by `Suspect’. It was about midnight when I went to bed. Diane had gone while `Suspect’ was on and Hubby had gone to sleep hours ago.