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.
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.
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.
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.
It is that time of year, time for the pumpkins, Dracula, zombies, eating sour hands, watching scary movies and having lots of fun. YES, it is Halloween Time!
I love the idea of Halloween, the fun part and for this purpose I am not going to mention the other part… In South Africa, Halloween is not really something that is celebrated much, the “trick a treat” part anyway. Something that is greatly bemoaned on my kids’s side. So we try to have our own fun.
I am fortunate enough that Cape Town loves to celebrate Halloween and we try to do the Zombie walk each year. This Halloween event is in its eighth run this year and returning on the 28th of October. There are no age restrictions and even pets are allowed. The Zombie walk is an one hour stroll starting @ 18:00 at Madison Avenue in Cape Town’s city center. It is an alcohol free zone but there is an after-party should you which to celebrate (over 18 years). The Zombie Festival raises funds to support charities such as the Luck Lucy Foundation.
Cost: R100
Contact: Call 0609961477 or email zombiewalk.capetown@gmail.com.
Location: Madison Avenue in Cape Town’s city center.
The Full Moon Picnic at the Taalmonument in Paarl is also starting on 12 October 2019. The Taalmonument is located on a hill overlooking Paarl with the most beautiful views in the Western Cape. It was build in 1975 to celebrate the Afrikaans language.
You can bring your own picnic or pre-order one from the Volksmond Coffee Shop (R300 for two people; R400 with a basket).
Feeling like dressing up on Hallows Eve and going for a run in the dark forest? Then The Halloween Forest Night Run is just for you.
Starting from Muratie Wine Estate (Stellenbosch) following the single track while testing your nerves with this exciting work-out on contour trails for an unforgettable Halloween evening.
Finding hiking shoes can be an intimate experience. Hiking shoes should fit snugly everywhere, should be tight nowhere and offer room to wiggle your toes.
It depends why you need the shoes, on what sort of hike you are going? Will there be water, sand, mountains or will it be cold or hot? The elements and temperature plays a big role in selecting the right product and price.
You should know the length and width of your foot as well as what socks you are going to use.
There are Three Types of Adventure Shoes:
Walking
Hiking
Multi-Sport
I prefer a walking, hiking and Multi-sport shoe, a shoe that is stylish enough to go to the mall should I want to or to climb Lion’s Head.
The following considerations must be taken into account when buying Hiking shoes:
COMFORT & FIT
This is the most important consideration when choosing your footwear. The shoes must fit correctly it must be comfortable.
WEIGHT
This is very important, the weight carried on your feet take about 4-6 times more energy than weight carried on your back. Light weighted shoes help to prevent tired feet and muscle fatigue, that means less stumbling and avoiding knee and hip problems.
PRICE
You do get good quality shoes for not so expensive.
SIZING
Feet tends to swell over long days of trail, so it is import to buy footwear at least half a size larger than normal shoes. To balance this out your socks play a major role.
TRACTION
Traction is always very import, keeps you from slipping on the narrow ledge and on shifting gravel.
WATERPROOF
Hiking in wet boots, is terrible and definitely not part of our motto ‘to have fun’ Wet shoes can get very heavy and your feet are cold, soft and prone to blisters.
BREATH-ABILITY
Your feet will be sweating especially in warm weather so you need footwear that will breath. Breathable shoes are normally not waterproof but they tend to dry faster.
DURABILITY
Hiking shoes should last for about 1000 kilometers and Hiking boots for about 1600 kilometers.
SOLES
Hiking shoes and boots have more rigid soles so that it can last longer and feel firmer under the feet. However I prefer that the foot-bed must be cushioned and therefor use the memory foam.
ANKLE SUPPORT
There are a lot of people that is for ankle support again I think it depends on the hike and on your preference if you tend to have bad ankle control and you use high footwear and lace it tightly then yes buy the ankle support.
WALK-IN YOUR SHOES
This should be logical, you cannot go on a long hike with shoes you just bought, first test it out.
WEIGHT* 318 g | 11,2 oz (SIZE UK 5.5) • 365 g | 12,9 oz (SIZE UK 8.5) UPPER synthetic • Textile • Women’s specific last • Protective heel cap • Protective rubber toe cap • Optimized
Do you feel that it is that time of the year again? Tired to get up in the morning wishing you could snooze that alarm just one more time. Thinking about taking a benelyn day?
You need Boost!
Boost is the natural way vs energy drinks.
It’s healthy energy in a spray, easy to take and you can even use it when going on a hike.
Cornelia 