I am making the most of the South African Lifestyle and hope with my blog to share some of the adventures my husband and I are having in our retirement. We live at the Southern Tip of Africa in the small coastal town of Struisbaai. Earl and I have a Gecko off-road caravan and we travel around South Africa frequently. We are bird and wildlife enthusiasts so are often in game reserves.
When we were kids, you could get into the drive-in free if you were under 12 years of age. I was under 12 for a lot longer than 12 years. My siblings and I were small for our age!
2. Is there any time in your life you would like to relive?
Not really. I would like to take another 30-day cruise because I enjoyed the one I did in 2019 so much but I would not choose to relive any part of my life. I am quite good at moving on toward the future and all it holds.
3. Do you own any antiques?
I have some old stuff. A box camera and brass bell and a few other things but I’m not particularly attached to them. I might have been able to sell lots of valuable stuff if I had hung onto them but once things have used their usefulness, I get rid of them.
4. Would you like to know some of the history of places you’ve visited?
Yes – I am always interested in the history of places I visit. I will be visiting some historical sites next month and will do research before I go.
Gratitude:
I am grateful that I have made it to the age I am.
The final scores were in and the medals were presented at a formal dinner at The Struisbaai Harbour Cafe.
Those who helped in the organisation as well as those who had special duties during the tournament were thanked. Roger Marais, Struisbaai Deep Sea Angling Club’s Chairman, and Sonja Marais, Western Province Angling Association’s Secretary presented them with tokens of appreciation.
Click on the first photo in the gallery to enlarge and then use the arrows to view the slide show.Press escape to return to the blog.
The captains of all the teams who did not win medals were called up to receive participation blazer pins. Some are pictured below.
Western Province Sonja Marais, Mark Rode, Chris Schorn Gauteng Sonja Marais, Janes Wasserman, Chris SchornEastern Province Sonja Marais Brian Gerber Chris SchornSADSAA U21 Chris Schorn, Janes du Plessis
In the Ladies’ Bottom Fish Nationals Section, Bronze was presented to SADSAA, Silver to Eastern Province, and Gold to Border. Mable Liebenberg was the top lady angler in the National Ladies’ division.
SADSAA Ladies Jennifer Nelson, Mable Liebenberg, Sheena Gerber (captain) Chris Schorn – SADSAA PresidentEastern Province Ladies Lisa Coetzee (captain), Maggie Kolesky, Kim Burdett Chris SchornBorder Ladies Chris Schorn Dale Webb Tara Roux (captain) Adelle Lunt
In the Men’s Bottom Fish Nationals, Bronze medals were presented to SADSAA Seniors, Silver to Natal and Gold to Border. The angler with the third highest score was Ian Peinke, second, was Sayed Cassim, and first was Fred Clarke.
SADSAA Seniors Nick Nel (SADSAA Tournament Officer) Ian Peinke Riaz Hussain (captain) , Christopher Gerber Chris SchornNatal Nick Nel Sayed Cassim, Graham Doman, Robert Shepard (captain) Chris SchornBorder Men Nick Nel Fred Clarke (captain) Andrew Harris Gary Lunt Chris SchornIan Peinke and Chris SchornSayed Cassim and Chris SchornFred Clarke and Chris Schorn
The International competition was very close. Bronze went to Gibraltar, Silver to SASACC and Gold to the Proteas
Gibraltar Nick Nel Charlie Bear, Charlie Lara (captain) Michael Bosio Chris SchornSASACC Nick Nel Francois Beukes (captain) , Kevin Clark Kobus Koekemoer, Chris Schorn.Protea Nick Nel John Luef, Allen Ford (captain), DP Burger Chris Schorn
The International Angler with the third highest points was Protea Lady, Jacqui Luef, Second was SASACC’s Francois Beukes and First was Protea DP Burger
Nick Nel Jacqui Luef Chris SchornNick Nel Francois Beukes Chris SchornNick Nel DP Burger Chris Schorn
The angler with the most meritorious fish was Protea Lady’s Michelle Richards who caught a 12.25kg yellowtail in the competition and it is a pending record for her province, Natal.
The maximum number of fishing days in the bottom fish tournament is four. Weather conditions allowed for only two days, namely Monday and today. Thus Monday was Day 1 and today, Wednesday, is Day 2.
The boats started arriving at Struisbaai Harbour at 05:30. Take-away breakfast and coffee were served at the Struisbaai Harbour Cafe and there was an air of anticipation and excitement amongst the anglers as they collected their boat boxes filled with snacks for the day.
Boats lined up and waiting to launchHot coffee and toasted egg sandwichesWe are looking forward to a good fishing day!
Unlike Monday, there was no mist today and the boats could launch just after 06:00. Lines-in was called at 07:00. Lines-up was at 15:00 giving the competitors time to get ready for the closing function.
Below is a gallery of photos depicting the launch which went smoothly thanks to the drivers who helped get the boats in the water as quickly as possible. (Click on the first photograph to enlarge then use the arrows to view the slide show. Press escape to return to the blog post.)
Lines up at 15:00 was called and I headed to the harbour to welcome the first returning boats. I became aware that a man standing next to me was slightly anxious. Rapidcat was the first boat to appear. The man called out to the skipper and told him that two young men on a rubber duck were having trouble with their motors and were stranded just opposite the last house at Langezandt. Brian asked me to inform his driver that he would be delayed and he raced off on a rescue mission. He also called SkiBoat Mobile to inform Andrew of the situation. It was just a short distance away and soon he reappeared towing the rubber duck with the two grateful young men on board.
Rapidcat towing the rubber duckIt was an adventureThank you Brian!The Rapid Cat Heroes
At first, the boats returned in drips and drabs, and then they came thick and fast towards the end.
Most of the fish caught were measured and then released but special catches were brought to the scales.
Michelle Rchards (Captain of Protea Ladies) Record Yellowtail on 6Kg lineWayne Gerber (SADSAA Men) with a lovely cobGraham Doman (Natal) with his Red Roman
At 19:00 everybody, dressed in their highest colours, gathered at Struisbaai Harbour Cafe for the closing function. The report on this will be in my next post.
Weather conditions dictated that competitors of the International and National Bottom Fish Tournament could not go out to sea until today. Everybody started gathering at the harbour at 05:00. It was still dark and there was a thick mist but there was still an air of excitement and the anglers were looking forward to a good day out at sea.
(Click on the first photograph in the gallery to enlarge and then use arrows to watch the slideshow. Press escape to return to the blog post.)
Earl and GrahamTara and AdelleWhat do you mean it’s cold?In Iceland this would be a warm day!Chris and GrahamLisa and Maggie
The sea was calm enough to allow the boats to launch between 06:00 and 07:00. Luckily the mist started lifting and by the time all the boats were launched the sun was out and the day looked promising.
As the sun rose the boats headed out to the deep, waiting just outside the harbour for all to be launched and the signal to move to the fishing grounds was announced by SkiBoat Mobile. Lines in was at 07:00 and Lines up at 17:00
Booby Trap heading outHaven heading outThe fleet waiting for the signal to move into deeper waters
Some commercial boats did not go to sea today as they feared the cold temperature of the sea would put the fish off the bite. However, all turned out well and all the competition boats caught fish today. Below are some of them coming into Struisbaai harbour after a wonderful day out at sea.
All the teams were split up and assigned to various boats. SADSSA lady, Sheena Gerber was on Wee Nanya skippered by Bryan Fitchat, the smallest boat in the fleet and she landed a possible record Hottentot. Well done Sheena!
SADSAA Lady – Sheena Gerber Captain of SADSAA Ladies, Sheena Gerber weighs her Hottentot.
In the evening, the competitors, skippers and committee members were treated to a lasagne dinner at the Struisbaai Harbour Cafe.
Some fun was had when a few naughty competitors were called up for ‘straf dops’ – for misdemeanours and mishaps including losing keys, not releasing the trailer tie-on buckle before launching and just because the judge decided it would be appropriate to give out such punishment! (No captions to protect the privacy of the guilty!)
The JudgeWho will come to trial?The judge takes his own medicine
Today was registration day for The Bottom Fish International and National Tournament, hosted by Struisbaai Deep Sea Angling Club.
An amazing brochure filled with information regarding the events of the week, the rules of the competition and details of the boats, skippers and competitors was given to each competitor.
Each angler received a goodie pack filled with some amazing treasures and the skipper of each boat received a cooler bag filled with gifts.
Thanks to the generous sponsors without whom such a tournament would not be possible. The following sponsored this year’s Bottom Fish Tournament.
Harcourts, Afrimat, Africooler, Body Zone, Sceptre Fishing, Harbour Café Struisbaai, Fresh Stop Struisbaai, Astron Struisbaai, Khulu Projects, NSRI Station 30 Agulhas, Viking Fishing, Glenwood Wines Franschoek, Struisbaai Angling Shop, Link Sports, Hugeunot Valley Natural Spring Water.
This morning the International Teams registered and received their brochures and goodie bags, Click on the first photo of each gallery to enlarge, then use arrows to see a slide show. Press escape to return to the blog.
Protea Ladies Jacqui Luef Michelle Richards (captain), Belinda FischlProtea Men John Luef, Allen Ford (Captain), DP BurgerGibraltar Charles Bear, Joseph Charles Lara, (captain) Michael BosioSASACC Kevin Clark Francois Beukes (captain) Kobus KoekemoerIceland Gunnar Jonsson Arnar Eythorsson Thorir Sveinsson Skarpheoinn Asbjornsson (captain)Barbarian Gunnar Jonsson Wayne Gerber (captain) Gary Truluck
At 4 pm it was the turn of the National Teams to register. Some were already dressed formally for the opening function later in the evening while others were still in casual attire.
Border Men Fred Clarke (captain) Andrew Harris , Gary LuntGauteng Janes Wasserman (captain) Deon Wasserman, Jannas HendrikszEastern Province Ladies Elizabeth Coetzee (captain), Kimberly Burdett Magdalena KoleskySADSAA U21 Jan du Plessis (captain) Divan Burger Alex TyldesleySouthern Cape Bertie Stewart (captain) Jannie Stewart Robin CorkerEastern Province Men Brian Gerber (captain), Gerhard Els Francois KoleskyNatal Robert Shepard (captain) Graham Doman Sayed CassimWestern Province Men Mark Rode (captain) Albert Burger Ossie SauermannSADSAA Ladies Sheena Gerber (captain) Jennifer Nelson Mable LiebenbergFamilies who fish together stay together! Mother and son Sheena and Christopher GerberSADSAA Seniors Riaz Hussain (captain) Ian Peinke Christopeher GerberBorder Ladies Tara Roux (captain) Adele Lunt Dale Webb
Before the Opening Function began all the teams gathered together on the pier and with their respective flags held high they marched in procession to Struisbaai Harbour Café who catered a delicious dinner. As they entered they planted their flags and then took their seats at the beautifully set tables. It was really a grand affair.
Below are the photos of the parade Click on the first one to enlarge and watch a slide show.
Once everyone had found their places they stood to attention while the National Anthems of South Africa, Gibraltar and Iceland were played.
Roger Marais, the chairman of the Struisbaai Deep Sea Angling Club, welcomed everybody to the International and National Bottom Fish Tournament, said grace and then introduced some dignitaries who each gave a speech.
Andries Maree SASACC PresidentChris Schorn SADSAA PresidentPaul Swart Mayor of Agulhas DistrictDP Burger Western Provice Deepsea Angling Association President
Chris Schorn and Nick Nel (SADSAA Tournament Officer) then began the capping ceremony. It was touching to see how many members of the same family were representing their province or country and the fathers were invited to help their sons or daughters into their blazers for the first time. The Gerber family had three members participating this year. Dad, Wayne was in the Barbarian team, Mom, Sheena captained the SADSAA Ladies’ team and son Christopher fished in SADSAA Men’s Seniors. John Leuf has certainly had a great influence on his daughter Jacqueline’s fishing career and it was his honour to help her into her Protea Blazer.
Nick Nel Michelle Richards Chris SchornNick Nel, Jacqueline Leuf with father John, Chris SchornNick Nel John Leuf Chris SchornNick Nel DP Burger Chris SchornNick Nel Allen Ford Chris SchornProtea Men’s Team Dp Burger, Allen Ford John LeufAllen Ford SpeechProtea Ladies Jacquline Leuf Michelle Richards, Belinda FischlBarbarian Gary Truluck receives Protea colours Barbarian Wayne Gerber receives Protea coloursSASACC Andries Maree Francois Beukes Kobus Koekemoer Kevin Clark Chris SchornSADSAA Ladies Nick Nel Mable Liebenberg Jennifier Nelson Sheena Gerber Chris SchornSADSA SENIORS Nick Nel Ian Peinke Riaz Hussain Christopher Gerber Chris SchornWayne Gerber, Magdalena KoleskyChris Schorn helping Robin Corker into his new Southern Cape BlazerWestern Province DP Burger Albert Burger Ossie Sauermann Mark Rode Chris Schorn
Special mention was made about Earl Fenwick who received Springbok colours for fishing in 1971 and 1972. He is approaching his 80th birthday but is still actively involved in the fishing fraternity. The dress code insisted that one wear their highest colours and he proudly wore his Springbok blazer.
An original Fishing Springbok
Once the honours had been presented dinner was served and the party began. Old friends reconnected and a great time was had by all.
I did a first aid course when I was studying for my teaching diploma.
2. Apart from grazed knees and applying a band-aid, have you ever applied First Aid?
Despite having taught on and off for 40 years, I never needed to apply First Aid. Nobody suffered serious harm on my watch.
3. Are you squeamish about the sight of blood?
I’m not squeamish but somebody bleeding or in pain is not something that I handle well. I find medical procedures fascinating but I don’t like looking after sick people.
4. How far away is the nearest hospital?
The nearest hospital to us is 30 km away. It is a government hospital. Our nearest private hospital is 120 km away.
Gratitude: Home is where the love is. Meme from Vanda
The above is so true. I am thankful for my caravan and my house. In every home I have had there has been love and that is what makes life so special.
1. Regardless of whether you had them or not, can you remember three popular toys from when you were a child?
Tinkertoy, Meccano and Walkie-talkie dolls come to mind.
I remember that the ultimate toy for girls was a ‘walkie-talkie’ doll. For boys – Dinkie cars were the rage. My brother had many and when he deigned to play with my sister and me he shared them out equally – one for sister 1, one for brother, one for sister 2 one for brother, one for sister 1, one for brother, and so on. We could not figure out how he ended up with more! He was the smart one in the family!
In 1959, I was six years old but was quite unaware of the launch of Barbie! She became a thing when I was in my teens and my younger cousin had an array of Barbies. My sister and I would go and play with her so that we had an excuse to play with dolls which, of course, we had outgrown years before!
Original Barbie
2. Did you ever want something specific as a child, but never had it?
We did not grow up with many toys but in retrospect, I realise what an awesome childhood I had. More than games and toys we had freedom, a mountain, and a beach. There were a few things I really wanted and in the end, I usually got them. When I was twelve I begged for a tiny transistor radio and my dad got it for me for my thirteenth birthday. It was my prized possession for many years.
It was very similar to this one
3. Do you still have any toys or games from your childhood?
I don’t. The baby dolls that my sister and I received when our baby brother was born were with us until we were adults but I have no idea what happened to them.
My sister-in-law keeps a suitcase full of her children’s toys (they are in their 40s and 50s now). Her grandchildren and great-nieces and nephews love playing with them now.
My grandson, Josh, and granddaughter Shannon playing with some old Fisher Price toys kept by my sister-in-law, Barbara. (Shannon is now married!)
My child adored Barbies and for a few years running, she asked for the latest one for each birthday until she was 11. I tried to persuade her not to get one for her 11th birthday as she was already losing interest in childish things. But she insisted that she would play with it until she was sixteen. Of course, I gave in and it was indeed the last one she requested. I kept many of the toys but when we packed up our family home of over 40 years I donated them all to good homes. My cousin, I think, still has hers and I believe they are worth quite a lot of money!
The last Barbie my child received
When my daughter was nine years we visited my brother in London. He bought her a Padding Bear. She is now in her forties and still has that bear.
My daughter allowed Paddington to attend a Teddy Bear’s Picnic when I was teaching Grade 1
4. I think I’ve asked this before, but what was your favourite toy as a child?
In photos of myself as a very young child, I am holding a teddy bear so I guess that was my favourite. As a primary school child, I loved playing with cut-out dolls. My needs were simple! I was a bookworm and if I was not outside riding bikes or playing on the beach, I would be curled up with Enid Blyton.
Gratitude: Memories are with us forever. May the good ones far outnumber those not so good.
For many years I have kept a journal and it is full of all the good and all the bad times. The good times certainly outnumber the bad, and for this, I am eternally grateful.
1. We all make mistakes, but what was the worst one you ever made?
My worst mistake was not fighting harder to get what was rightfully mine when I divorced my first husband. But I actually have no regrets. My life after 1982 has been amazing.
2. Do you enjoy walking in the rain?
I know that if one is carefree and adventurous one is supposed to love walking in the rain but given the choice I’d rather not! I have walked in the rain many times. I have been mad enough to go jogging in the rain because I was so addicted to running that even the pouring rain would not stop me from going out. I don’t regret those days but I certainly wouldn’t walk or run in the rain today! Oh – it is raining here today and I did dash to the car in a shower, and it wasn’t so bad.
3. Have you ever been to a Fancy Dress Party? What did you go as?
I have been to a few fancy dress parties and have dressed up in the required theme for special evenings on cruise ships.
This was for somebody’s 21st birthday in 2013- the theme was EasternIt was Arabian Nights on the Costa Victoria in 2019We were on Flock to Marian in 2022 – a bird-watching cruise so of course we had to dress up like birds!
4. What was the first thing you saw when you woke up this morning?
My lovely husband sleeping next to me. Then my phone to check the time. Then my dishevelled self in the mirror!
My granddaughter, Shannon, and her groom, Jordan, met while on holiday when they were teenagers in Grade 11 and Grade 12 respectively. But there was a problem. He lived in Queenstown in the Eastern Cape and she in Plettenberg Bay in the Western Cape, so they could only see each other during school holidays. But distance did nothing to deter these two from forging a strong and loving relationship. They would move mountains to spend time together while never neglecting their studies. Shan worked on a teaching degree through UNISA while Jordan was apprenticed while studying to become a Millwright. He is now qualified and she has just a few months to go before her final exams. They are now 22 and 23 years old respectively. Young, you might think, but not too young. They both know exactly what they want and are truly committed to each other.
Because the two families are from different towns they decided to get married at The Woods, Humansdorp and all the wedding guests booked accommodation at nearby St Francis Bay.
For us, it was a six-hour road trip but the garden route drive is always beautiful. We stopped for breakfast in Swellendam and then for a leg stretch at Bon Jour Petro Stop just before Mossel Bay.
We shared our awesome accommodation with our two daughters, Lisa and Lollz and our grandson, Josh. Our sister-in-law, Barbara, from Kokstad joined us too.
Friday morning breakfast on our patio – Fig and Berries.
The weather for the whole weekend was awesome. The entire weekend was wonderfully organised with something happening each day.
On Thursday evening we had sundowners at the bride’s accommodation and then walked to the restaurant where the entire wedding party had a section of the restaurant to themselves.
Sundowners – aunts and uncle of the bride – Lisa, Nicoline, Lollz, SeanGroom’s Family – Ettiene and Charlene (parents) on the left Grandparents on the rightHaving funGrandparents of the Bride
On Friday we all gathered at Sunset Beach with our glasses and drinks. Platters of delicious snacks were provided and we socialised and got to know each other while watching the sun go down. What a perfect evening it was. Not a breath of wind and no need for jackets or jerseys.
Brother and cousin of the bride – Simon and JoshThe Bride with her GrandfatherLollz and ShanShan and Great-Aunt BarbaraBridesmaid, Robyn with some friends from St John’s where Shan spent three years before moving to Glenwood Mother of the Bride and Bridesmaid’s mother – Best of friends who raised their kids together.Brother (groomsman) and Father of the Bride
Saturday was Wedding Day and the festivities began at 3 pm and lasted well into the night.
The groom’s uncle is a pastor, and he married the happy couple under the canopy of a Bedouin Tent overlooking a beautiful dam. It was a tad windy and at first, the bride’s veil blew into her face but she cleverly swapped places with the groom, her bridesmaid arranged her train and then all went smoothly. What a beautiful ceremony, with the gentlest, wisest words on love being given by the pastor. The bride and groom wrote their own vows which were sincere and beautiful and most eloquently expressed to each other.
Paster Goosen having a word with his nephewBridesmaids lead the bride inFather walking the bride down the aisleHere comes my bride!A lovely place to be marriedMaking VowsThe mothers waiting to sign the register
As the happy couple emerged from the tent a bell rang out its joyful noise. We all showered the couple with natural leaves and the family members gathered for a group photograph. A drone was involved in this and we all had to look up and say cheese!
While the wedding party was having photographs taken the rest of the guests were treated to snacks and drinks in another Bedouin tent. This was followed by a dinner in a beautifully decorated venue next door.
Grandparents in their finery
Jeff the MC ensured everything ran smoothly from getting the guests to the right venues in time to introducing each speaker most eloquently. The Father of the Bride brought tears to our eyes with his excellent speech, the best man and bridesmaid read out messages from absent friends and then both the bride and groom gave heartwarming speeches. I was so proud of them both but especially my granddaughter. Who knew that she was so good at public speaking! The groom, too, said that he had not spoken in public since doing English orals at school, yet they both spoke so confidently.
The Dinner VenueLauren (mother of the bride) and Bridget (friend)Master of CeremoniesBridal TableCharlene, Jordan, Shannon, AllanJordan giving his speechShannon giving her speechCutting the Cake
And then the dancing began. We just loved watching the littlest members of the guests enjoying the music and dancing together.
The Bride and GroomRobyn dancing with her dadYou couldn’t get this tot off the dance floor!The Earl teaching Charlene’s niece to danceYoung cousins of the groom enjoying the dancingJenna getting the party going
The weekend ended with breakfast at the Lighthouse at a restaurant called Nevermind! We packed up at Fig and Berries, drove to the venue, enjoyed a delicious brekkie on the veranda, and then said our farewells to the other guests.
The LighthouseBreakfast at Nevermind
After breakfast, we made our way to Plettenberg Bay where we spent the night with Lauren and Allan, A few of Shannon’s school friends were also accommodated on mattresses in the family room upstairs. There were in fact 12 of us altogether. The girls left very early the following morning but the rest of us left later that morning.
And the Happy Couple? They flew to an island in Mozambique for a week-long romantic honeymoon!
After a brief absence, I am participating in SYW again, Thanks to pensitivity101 for the questions.
Here are this week’s questions: 1. Did you wake up in a good mood this morning?
I am recovering from a bout of diverticulitis which had me laid low for a week so when I awoke this morning (Friday – not Monday) I felt on top of the world for the first time in a while. I have been living on broth for a week and not missing food at all! This morning I was full of energy and quite hungry but not dumb enough to indulge in a big breakfast! That will have to wait another week. It’s clear liquids, jelly (jello) and mashed food for the next week or so.
2. What was the first thing you thought of when you awoke?
Yay, I’m better in time for Shannon’s wedding! She is getting married on Easter Saturday which involves a six-hour road trip and a weekend in Saint Francis Bay. I need to be well because I am —
3. Tea, coffee, or fruit juice/smoothie for breakfast?
I had my first cup of coffee in a week yesterday! Yes, Coffee is my choice of beverage in the morning. While I was sick it was clear apple juice.
4. What topping do you prefer on your toast?
I don’t eat toast and generally limit processed foods – bad for my above condition. For breakfast I usually have eggs done in various ways with various accompaniments and no toast is required.
Most foods, that are served with carbohydrates such as rice and pasta, can be enjoyed without them. I substitute cauliflower, courgettes (zucchini) eggplant or cabbage.
In the days when I did eat toast, I liked soft fried eggs on top for breakfast. Another favourite was toasted bacon and banana. Melted cheese with apricot jam was another treat I very much enjoyed but I have not eaten that for eight years!
This is what Earl thinks of Opal’s substitutes!
Poor long-suffering Earl!
Gratitude:
I am grateful that I have not had an attack of diverticulitis for over a year and that I have recovered well after this bout. It is unknown what brings it on but from experience, I know that if I have not been eating my usual healthy diet, I get sick! It is also stress-related. I felt it coming on during our week in Cape Town to do Visa applications. We were rushing around catching up with friends and family so our diet went south and so did my gut!