I'm the kind of person that loves challenges and help wherever I can. I enjoy side projects of all kinds and love to create, write and teach. My work orbits around the objects in our lives may it be the things that we buy or the things that we discard via illustrations, words, events, public documentation, projects, social media, and the Internet.
I wanted this blog to be about all the wonderful hikes I am taking or going to take. I wanted to share the adventure and the fun I was having. Then COVID-19 started and I thought it will end and then I can do that hikes on my bucket list for this year. Now we are in 21 days of lock-down and if to believe the media or the government – this is going to take awhile. This is my way in coping with the 21 Days of Lockdown as this is going to be the new norm. We have to flatten the curve and the only way to do that is:
Washing your hands.
Social distancing.
Wash Hands
There is a method to washing hands so that it is effective (who would have thought) Adam Welch explained it in an excellent step-by-step guide – click here for more information. The CDC explained the science behind washing hands. They also informed us that soap and water works best and that you can use cold or hot water. Please find more information here.
Social distancing
Social distancing or #flattenthecurve as the media likes to call it is the next step but what does it entail and why. I understand that if you don’t get into contact with other people then you can’t infect or get infected. The Digital Rainmaker with Simone Zanettit explained it very well in a youtube video. How the early call for lock-down put South-Africa in a good place to flatten the curve, how the curve works and the impact it will have on us. For more information please click here.
The lock-down includes no selling of alcohol or cigarettes, no outside riding your bike, hiking or taking your dog for some exercise. You can only go out for essential items, like food, medicine, social grant, see medical attention, get petrol and do some banking. Please find more information here.
From the Desk of the President: “It is now abundantly clear that the most effective way for a society to contain the spread of the disease is for the population to remain at home and physically isolated from each other for at least several weeks.” Read Cyril Ramaphosa’s full newsletter here.
Today we are in Day 4 of lockdown and I wanted to share the quote of Marcel Proust.
Day 4
Day 5 of lockdown: Fear is our greatest enemy, it is not the same as danger. Adhere to the lockdown rules, flatten the curve but do not be afraid.
Day 5
Day 6 Of Lockdown: April Fools Day – let’s dance.
Day 6
Day 7 of lockdown: Let’s exercise.
Day 7
Day 8 of Lockdown: Wash the dishes the old fashion way.
Day 8
Day 9 of Lockdown: Enjoy your weekend.
Day 9
Day 10 of Lockdown: Spend some time with the kids, they are always hungry.
Day 10
Day 11 of Lockdown: Manic Monday.
Day 11
Day 12 of Lockdown: Make the best of it.
Day 12
Day 13 of Lockdown: It could be worse.
Day 13
Day 14 of Lockdown: We will be in lockdown until the end of April.
Day 14
Day 15 of Lockdown: Happy Easter.
Day 15
Day 16 of Lockdown: Keep the balance, don’t let despair get you under. There is always hope.
Day 16
Day 17 of Lockdown: Believe.
Day 17
Day 18 of Lockdown: Hope
Day 18
Home schooling. This is a new level of interesting, I have to tell you it has been a while. I am going through the grades again this year it is grade 3 and 8. Helping with homework, speeches and making projects is fine. Teaching the subjects or explaining what the book means – that is the challenge. I have to read the explanation first, go through the examples and then try to do an exercise and then explain it. Naturally this subject is not computers, history or English for that matter. NO you guessed it, it is Mathematics!
There are a lot of information out there, the schools and government do provide links you can follow and connect to assist. It is just that most of these links are in English which is not a problem in itself however again I have to watch the video translate the mathematical terms to Afrikaans and explain. I am lucky in this regard that if I understand something I can explain it to almost anybody, as I am a trainer myself. It just take a little bit of time and it seems I forgot the basics… Here are a list of COVID-19 school help tools, to assist.
Day 19 of lockdown: East some cake, better yet make some cake, let the kids help, they will learn adding and subtracting, reading a scale, finding out how temperature works and the best part have the satisfaction on a job well done when eating the best cake ever!
Day 19
Keep save friends.
If you think you have been exposed to the COVID-19 virus, please call the government’s 24-hour hotline on 0800 029 999.
For more information on COVID-19 and how the lockdown influence us here in South Africa please click the government’s official website here.
Loadshedding time and we decided to enjoy breakfast in Blouberg. We took the scenic road parking almost on the Beach and enjoyed the fresh sea air while trailing along the sea with the ever-present Table Mountain in the background.
Bloubergstand
A lot of people had the same idea on that Tuesday morning and we side stepped our last restaurant deciding to look for a new one.
Selfie with Table Mountain in the background
Ons Huisie greeted us with friendly staff and a spectacular sea view with a cross on the rocks.
In memory of Heather Bam, drowned, 15 December 1911.
Heather Bam
As the history geeks we are, we tried to find out more about Heather Bam. This is not a story in the history books that we knew about. There are a lot of information on Bloubergstand, a very historical town.
“Ons Huisie” is a Provincial Heritage Site which was the first dwelling of Frederick Louis Stadler. (Hence Stadler Road is the original street.) Shortly after the Battle of Blouberg in 1806, he became owner of almost all the farm property that is now known as Bloubergstrand.
From the 1940s a well-known writer of illustrated Afrikaans children’s books, Helena ‘Mollie’ Lochner, lived at the end of Stadler Road in “Die Groot Withuis” or the Lochner House, on the southernmost tip of the promontory. Her ashes are buried under the front step of the house.
The large wooden cross out on the promontory rocks was erected in memory of Heather Bam who lived in the same house before Mollie and who drowned off the point in 1911.
There were not a lot of information available about Heather Bam, just that she had drowned. Did she go for a swim and the treacherous sea current swept her away to the depths of the deep blue? Did a wave swept her feet from under her and the sea pulled her in? Did somebody tried to help her but because of the many rocks weren’t able to reach her? So many questions in this sad reality.
Rest in peace Heather.
For More information on Bloubergstrand click here.
These tips have been tested by me and some tips are just good, sound advise and is a way to make life a little bit easier when taking on that big adventure. I will add weekly new tips & quotes and you can see it all on my Facebook page.
Please check in when going on your adventure, sharing is caring after-all…
I have written before about the Pipe Track that makes a beautiful Sunrise hike but this time we took the Diagonal Route and had a breather in the open cave with a magnificent view of Camps Bay hiding beneath Lion’s Head.
The Pipe Track was built in 1887 for the purpose of servicing a pipeline that used to supply Cape Town with water from the Disa Gorge.
The route started at Kloof Nek Parking with a quick inclined of stairs.
Pipe Track Starting Point from Kloof Nek
Along the route the pipes indicated the way with drainage and even water meters.
Pipe Track PipesDrain PipeWater meter
Following the Pipe track for about three (3) kilometers you will make your way through a very easy but lots of loose rocks and sand trail. Where hikers and trail runners greeting you around each corner. The track has plateaus of beautiful orange and yellow Leucospermum cordifolium (Speldekussings) as well as fynbos showing you the one way and on the other side Camps Bay with its beach and sea. We reached the Diagonal Track sign board.
Diagonal Sign
Up the mountain we went for about one (1) kilometer taken a breather every five minutes.
Diagonal Route
A spectacular view followed us up to the cave. This is actually very exposed especially for people that has a fear for heights and I would advise caution here but it is worth the effort.
Rock Shelter
We turned around once we have reached the Cave and came back the same way. However, you can follow the Diagonal route further up the mountain and we will definitely do that next time.
Information:
Place: The Pipe Track. Parking at Kloof Nek parking, Tafelberg Rd, Table Mountain (Nature Reserve), Cape Town.
Length of Hike: 8 kilometers round trip.
Fee: Free
Easy hike up until Diagonal Route where there is some exposure and that one (1) kilometer to the cave was quite steep for us that were not that fit.
Do this hike early in the morning or later in the afternoon as it can get extremely hot. Please take enough water and some energy drinks as well as a Bar-one for that extra energy spike up to Diagonal cave.
As with most hikes up Table Mountain a rain jacket is a must as well as a hat or buff and sunscreen. Wear comfortable hiking shoes with a good grip. Because of all the loose rocks and sand your feet will need the extra protection. Tip: use thick socks for this adventure.
Peak is the flag ship product of My Daily Choice. It combines the highest grade of Deer Antler Velvet with antioxidants from some of the most nutrient-rich super foods on the planet.
Peak Oral Spray
Oral Sprays from My Daily Choice, is believed to be the most effective delivery system as it is absorbed right into the bloodstream.
Taking a look at the Ingredients of this Oral Spray:
Deer Antlers Powder
a.Deer Antler Velvet Extract: Is used to boost strength and endurance, improve the way the immune system works, counter the effects of stress, and promote rapid recovery from illness. As per Best Health Magazine people with osteoarthritis take chondroitin sulphate as an anti-inflammatory and velvet antler contains a high concentration of this compound.
Maqui Berry
b. Maqui Berry: Is rich in anthocyanins, potent antioxidants that have been linked to a healthier heart. Though more definitive research is needed, maqui berry extract may also help reduce heart disease risk by lowering blood levels of “bad” LDL cholesterol. As per Healthline maqui berry is marketed as a “superfruit” due to its high antioxidant content and potential health benefits, including reduced inflammation, blood sugar control and heart health.
Goji Berry
c. Goji berries: Are also known as Lycium barbarum. Goji berries contain high levels of healthy antioxidants, especially zeaxanthin. Goji berries also contain large amounts of vitamins A and C and it also contains beta-carotene. As per WebMd Beta-carotene is used to decrease asthma symptoms caused by exercise; to prevent certain cancers, heart disease, cataracts, and age related macular degeneration (AMD); and to treat AIDS, alcoholism, Alzheimer’s disease, depression, epilepsy, headache, heartburn, high blood pressure, infertility, Parkinson’s disease, rheumatoid arthritis, schizophrenia, and skin disorders including psoriasis and vitiligo.
Acai Berry
d. Acai berries: High antioxidant content, have many potential health benefits. They’re loaded with powerful plant compounds that act as antioxidants and could have benefits for your brain, heart and overall health. They also deliver healthy fats and fiber, making them a generally healthy food. As per Healthlinethis fruit is nutrient dense and contain some other trace minerals, including chromium, zinc, iron, copper, manganese, magnesium, potassium and phosphorus.
Raspberry Ketones
e. Raspberry ketones: Sometimes called rheosmin or frambinone, is the compound that gives raspberries their distinct smell. As per LifeScience a 2005 study on mice fed a high-fat diet found raspberry ketone prevented weight gain in the liver, and gains of visceral fat (“belly fat”) that surrounds organs.
Resveratrol Strain
f. Resveratrol: Is part of a group of compounds called polyphenols. They’re thought to act like antioxidants, protecting the body against damage that can put you at higher risk for things like cancer and heart disease.
Mangosteen
g. Mangosteen: Is a rich source of antioxidants and vitamins. As per FoodNdtv Mangosteen is the Queen of Fruits. It boots immunity and helps with menstrual problems, regulates blood pressure. Mangosteen’s high antibacterial and antimicrobial properties and the star component Xanthone can bring down the risk of many skin diseases to a great extent by repairing the damaged cells.
Noni
h. Noni Powder: Is native to Asia, Australia, and the islands of Polynesia, is a small, shrubby tree. Noni has traditionally been used for colds, flu, diabetes, anxiety, and high blood pressure, as well as for depression and anxiety. As per Drugs.com ancient healing manuscripts cite the fruit as a primary ingredient in natural healing formulations.
Yerba
i. Yerba Mate: Proponents of yerba mate said that it can relieve fatigue, promote weight loss, ease depression, and help treat headaches and various other conditions. As per Wikepedia Yebra Mate can be found in energy drinks.
Considering all the active ingredients Peak can increase performance, it can help you to have more energy throughout the day. My Daily Choice recommended Peak to be added to your daily routine to support a healthy lifestyle.
For more information on Peak and My Daily Choice please click here.
Normally when you go on a day hike you will take about 2 liter of water and a 500 ml Powerrade or energy drink per person. Teenagers need a lot more than that – at least 5 liters of water and a 500 ml powerrade or energy drink frozen. I let them carry their own food and drinks but I always have an extra frozen powerrade in my bag. Rather have too much than too little. I also leave an extra powerrade/energy drink in the car frozen with ice so when we finished our hike we have cold energy to drink.
HAVE SNACKS
Teenagers in my experience don’t eat as much as smaller kids on the hikes. That is why I make sure they have enough snacks. I normally pack at least one bar-one, two energy bars, one packet of nuts & raisins, 1 packet of biltong/droë wors and one banana as well as one orange/naarjie.
WATERPROOF CELLPHONE OR CAMERA
You can put the cellphone in a waterproof bag that will give you peace of mind – that the phone will not be scratched or will not get wet. The teenagers can then take the beautiful action packed photos. You can also use a waterproof camera or put the camera in a waterproof bag.
DISCUSS THE MAP
Discuss the map beforehand so that they will know what the route looks like. My teenagers like to run ahead not only to see all the breathtaking sites first but also to see where they will have to assist their mother… Make sure they not ahead more than 20 minutes and discuss with them where they will wait for you. There they can take a break, take some photos and eat a snack.
EMERGENCY NUMBERS
Make sure they know the emergency numbers and what to do should there be an emergency.
Remember you can rather have not enough food than not enough water. Take extra water and make sure you stay hydrated. Always take a rain jacket and have a fully charged cellphone as well as informing people that you are going on a hike.
I am part of a whatsapp group here in Cape Town where they track you for more information click on Safetymountain.
Let the adventure begins and remember to have some fun!
Lion’s Head is a distinctive shaped mountain slope found alongside Table Mountain in Cape Town, South Africa adjacent to the Twelve Apostles Mountain Range. It offers a breathtaking view from its 669.9 m summit.
Starting and ending point Karmat on Signal Hill Road, at the base of the Forestry Road Duration 2 – 3 hours
Grade 2B Ladder Route / 2C Chains Route
Need to know You will have to do some climbing, however there are handholds and chains to assist you. If, you’d prefer to avoid the climbing, a roundabout route (that’s still quite steep) adds half an hour to your hike. This is a very popular hike so if you want to do the Sunrise hike be early. Take lots of water and have a picnic at the summit. Child-friendly? Yes, although they’ll probably want to avoid the climbing chains (and rock scrambling near the end of the trail) Dog-friendly? No Contact 021 422 1601 (Kloofnek Office). 021 712 0527, Table.Mountain@sanparks.org TMNP emergency numbers: 086 110 6417/ 107 or 021 480 7700
2. Pipe Track
This trail is not only mesmerisingly beautiful, it also has an interesting history, in that it was built in 1887 for the purpose of servicing a pipeline that used to supply Cape Town with water from the Disa Gorge.
Starting point The junction of Tafelberg Road and Kloof Nek (you can park your car in the Kloof Nek parking lot) End point Camps Bay Duration 4 hours. The route is easygoing, although it becomes slightly tougher after passing by Slangolie Ravine.
Grade 1A Good to know There are a number of trails that lead off the Pipe Track, but these should not be attempted without the assistance of a knowledgeable guide. Many of these trails are not beginner-friendly, and they are not recommended for children or dogs. If you do have a guide, it’s recommended to visit Tranquility Cracks, a hidden gem that Capetonian hikers have only recently discovered. These are narrow, labyrinthine tunnels through the rock, formed naturally through erosion. Need to know The Pipe Track can be tough on hot days, as large portions of it are exposed to the afternoon sun. Child-friendly? Yes Dog-friendly? Yes, although the Table Mountain National Park is under the jurisdiction of SANParks, which requires that dog-walkers have a Level 1 My Activity Permit (R270 for a year). Contact Tokai Plantation Office (021 712 7471) for more information. Contact 021 712 0527, Table.Mountain@sanparks.org TMNP emergency numbers: 086 110 6417/ 107 or 021 480 7700 Location Table Mountain National Park
3. Maclear’s Beacon
At 19 meters above the Upper Cableway Station, Maclear’s Beacon is the highest point on Table Mountain, 1 086 meters above sea level. This cairn was build by Sir Thomas Maclear in 1865, the cairn was not built to mark the height of Table Mountain, it was to assist in measuring the curvature of the earth. Plaques at the Upper Cableway Station point you towards the beginning of the hike, and from thereon the trail is marked by yellow footprints. If you do the Platteklip and Maclear’s Beacon trails in one go, then you can truly say you hiked from the bottom of Table Mountain to the very top. Starting point Upper Cableway Station End point Maclear’s Beacon Duration 1 hour
Grade 1A Need to know SANParks does not recommend attempting this trail in cloudy or misty weather, as it becomes more difficult to find your way in such conditions. Child-friendly? Yes Dog-friendly? No Contact 021 712 0527, Table.Mountain@sanparks.org TMNP emergency numbers: 086 110 6417/ 107 or 021 480 7700 Location Table Mountain National Park
B. Some mild rock scrambling, but no worse than climbing a short ladder
C. Moderately exposed; those with serous fear of heights should not attempt this walk
D. Very exposed; not for those with even a mild fear of heights
Hiking in Cape Town especially during the summer can be very hot. Please take enough water. Take a Hat, Sunblock and a Rain jacket. The weather is very unpredictable one moment it is sunshine and very next moment the wind is blowing and it starts to rain.
Please do not hike alone.
Choose your route according to the ability, fitness and experience of the group.
Use a guidebook, or go with someone that knows the way.
Ensure at least that one member of the group has a fully charge cellphone.
Your brain is the most powerful organ in your body. When your brain functions correctly, it can mean the difference between a day that is stressful and hectic, and a day that is joyful and calm. BRAIN Spray contains ingredients such as Cognizin, Senoril, L-glutamine and Grape Seed Extract to support cognitive function, improve memory and maintain focus.
Let us look at the Ingredients:
Cognizin
Sensoril
L-Glutamine
Grape Seed Extract
WHAT IS COGNIZIN?
Cognizin is a proprietary form of citicoline:
That is clinically studied to support mental energy, focus and attention.
Cognizin is a Choline base supplement, Choline is a vitamin-like essential nutrient that plays a critical role in brain development, muscle movement, metabolism, liver function, and nervous system function. Choline is found in several foods common to the diet including eggs, beef, salmon, liver and Brussels sprouts. Due to the importance of choline plays in development of the bran and nervous system, it’s one of the many nutrients supplied in a mother’s breast milk.
In Japan Citicoline was developed for treating strokes and in several European countries it is prescribed as a treatment for addressing circulation issues in the brain linked to thinking problems.
Cognizin can provide the brain with everything that is needed to function optimally. It is a patented form of citicoline that is vegetarian and allergen-free.
WHAT IS SENSORIL?
Sensoril is a multi-patented, all natural, standardized extract of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera)
With the highest, most potent levels of stress-fighting, cognition-enhancing Aswangandha bio-active constituents in the industry.
Ashwangandha is an incredibly healthy medicinal herb. It is classified as an “adaptogen” meaning that it can help your body manage stress. Sensoril boost brain function including memory and the ability to perform tasks.
WHAT IS L-GLUTAMINE?
The mucous membrane blocks bacterial infiltration during digestion.
L-glutamine can also boost immune cell activity in the gut, helping prevent infection and inflammation as well as soothing the intestinal tissue.
L-glutamine can be produced naturally in your body, in fact it is the most abundant amino acid in the blood and other body fluids.
WHAT IS GRAPE SEED EXTRACT?
Grape seed extract:
Is a very rich source of beneficial plant flavonoids know as Proanthocyanins (OPCs). These flavonoids give the plants their flavor, colours and aroma, but they also give the grape seed many of its health-boosting qualities.
OPCs improve micro-circulation in the brain and improves the production of nitric oxide, which acts as a neurotransmitter, assisting with memory and learning. OPCs can also improve visual performance, healthy skin and are potent antioxidants.
BRAIN Oral Spray is an advanced brain nutrition that uses clinically proven ingredients and other natural ingredients to support cognitive function, improve memory and maintain focus.
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SUPPLEMENT FACTS:
Disclaimer: This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
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The Springbok’s world cup rugby started with a friendly against Japan where we did what we had to. The official first game was against the All Blacks and although we dominated and played most of the time in their half we were unable to capitalize on territory and we lost. The game against Namibia although winning with a high score was not really executed with precision which you would expect from a Springbok team. We did dominate the scrums and the forwards played very well but the rest of the team made little mistakes. Not all penalties were successful which included kicking for goal and for territory.
The fourth of October we are playing Italy, a team that is excellent in scrums, rugs and malls and their defense have been good lately. This is a crunch game for the Springboks and we must win. South Africa and Italy have met on 14 occasions were Italy has only win once.
Tattoos in Japan is connected to gangsterism it is associated with the Yakuza, the fierce local mafia. Rugby teams are willing to respect Japanese tradition and the players will be covering up.
Cornelia 