AN EPIC JOURNEY

We are Liani Broodryk, Maria Botha, Dante and Katryn, the Ripples for Good team.  Before we called ourselves anything we were just 2 girls and 2 Jack Russels who, in the spur of the moment, decided to pack up a life that did not seem to make sense and trade it in for the road less travelled. In October 2004, we started our journey by cycling out of St Lucia, with heavy laden bicycles and a dog in each basket, making our way to Cape Town. 

The spontaneous nature of our very first expedition left us with no definite route, no backup vehicles, and no support or sponsorships. We were merely equipped with a fierce desire to make a difference and a dream of purpose. We thought that if we let go of our fears, our need for security and our opinions, we might experience life differently and become in sync with our DESTINY.

Thus far we have managed to cycle, hike and kayak over 15 000 kms through South Africa solely on this fierce desire and dream of purpose.  Along the way we have learned to sketch out rough "guideline" routes, managed to find support and sponsorship in the most amazing people that believed in what we do and have been even further inspired by many people and organizations who do so much for the conservation and preservation of all life. We have been actively involved with awareness campaigns with great emphasis on child abuse and anti-animal cruelty. 

In continuing on the next chapter of our journey we seriosly want to help make a difference in the water crisis that is plaguing the world we live in at an alarming rate.  Today, water pollution and water scarcity, is one of the greatest threats to humanity. We want you to join us on our next big adventure - circumnavigating South Africa, parts of Namibia and Mozambique, unaided and using various different means of transport in our passionate mission to motivate change in the waterways.
It Starts With You...

Sunday 25 January 2009

VENTERSKROON, GHOST TRAILS & FABULOUS PEOPLE




Today was a day off the water for us. A lot of catching up to do, and blogging, blogging, blogging. I am so far behind, but with a little effort, I'm sure I'll catch up soon enough. Francious and Leane invited us to dinner tonight and Smittie offered to make us special seats to go on the canoe's which would elevate us a little. He quickly went to town to get the materials, and to get us some fresh supplies. These guys are quite amazing to say the least.
A very nice surprise when Christo joined us for dinner at the Tea room. I had such a good time. Francious and Leane were the perfect hosts, and made a phenomenal feast for dinner. We had good wine, and exceptional company. Christo Meyer entertained us with stories of times gone by, of Venterskroon back in the day, of ghosts that walk here, and so many more fascinating stories. It is rare to find someone who knows so much about the community he lives in, and who actually cares enough to make a constant contribution towards making it possible for others to enjoy its wonders.
We were exchanging ghost stories until we all went our separate ways. Francious and Leane invited us for a quick coffee at their place before we walked home. Walking home was quite the experience. We had to walk by the old hotel, which is supposedly haunted, because a lot of killing took place here, executions, etc. Dante walked in front and Katryn behind us, all the way home, like two little angels, keeping the evil at bay.
I think they also had a fabulous time, because Francious' Boerbull, Sheila and Dante took a liking to each other. Odd combination, but cute as ever! Katryn was growling for a long time, sitting underneath the table, wanting to attack any dog that came close. Their Jack Russel, Seun, tried desperately to get Katryn's attention, but it was only towards the end of our evening that she warmed up to him a little.
The minute we got back, I hit the sack!!!
Thank you so much guys for a wonderful, wonderful time spent here...











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