METSI-PEPA

We woke up tired, after another night of freezing our asses off. The hut we were sleeping in, had no furniture, because they had just built a few, and they were, I presume, scared of robberies, as there was nobody there to look after the place 24/7. As you well know by now, our sleeping bags are built for summer, which it clearly isn't, and the cold came creeping up from beneath the wooden deck which was our bed.
We spend most of the morning exploring the place, and it was absolutely beautiful
We went down to the hole, or otherwise known as 'Die Gat', which is the origin of the Mooi River. Never have I ever seen such crystal clear water.

Dante and Katryn were loving every minute and couldn't get enough of the water especially. They played for hours on end, as we waited for Francois, the game ranger, to take us on a tour of the conservation.
It was at this point that my mother phoned to say that my dad was back in hospital, for an emergency procedure on his knee, which had been operated on only a few days earlier. All of a sudden I felt nauseous, because he had been in and out of hospitals and rehabs for the last 8 months, and I didn't know how much more of this either of them could take, or me for that matter...
We arranged that my sister would fetch us early the next morning, so that I could go and see him.
The rest of the morning seemed stressful, but with surroundings such as this, one couldn't help but feel somewhat positive about an otherwise desperate situation.
Water Lilli's as far as the eye can see, and my babies playing, oblivious to the change in atmosphere.
I suddenly knew that everything would be fine, and that all is good...

DERBY TO METSI-PEPA

It was getting late, and we started to look out for a good place to camp, but we kept pushing it a little, not knowing how far Welverdiend was. Eventually we had to stop and discuss what to do, because the sun was about to set, within the next 30mins.

By now we were all feeling the strain of a long day. We've covered a distance of about 45kms, but considering that we only got moving late, it was a long way.

Dante and Katryn were also getting tired, but mostly I think it was time for all of us to put our feet up and relax.

Where we stopped was a dilapidated fence with a sign board that indicated a development to our right. There was a number on the board, which we called to confirm that we could actually camp here or anywhere near here.

Turns out that this development was at the origin of the Mooi River, which, according to the developer and conservasionist, was something really special and a sight to behold. They had already built a couple of tented huts on the banks of the river, and suggested we stay there for the night. The owner of the establishment also offered to take us for a tour around the conservation area.
We made our way to the huts, and were in awe of what we found. We weren't quite prepared for the beauty and luxury that we encountered. Neither were we prepared for the unbelieveble hospitality that we were welcomed with. Our day just couldn't get any better. It's amazing how not a day goes by, where I have to get down on my knees and say thank you for all the kindness that is bestowed upon me...

JUST ONE OF THOSE BLESSED DAYS

We woke up early, but took our time packing up, because I find that I'm still getting the hang of what goes where. The dogs don't like having to stay indoors too much, and this is a good thing, for we have a way of forgetting otherwise. We were starving, and didn't feel like preparing breakfast, so we headed out to the Fast Foods joint next door. We had the same sandwiches as yesterday - devine.















We made a couple of stops on our way out of town, and away we went. It was already pretty hot by the time we left, and there was a couple of uphills waiting for us. It was a beautiful day however, and having had a good nights sleep, made it quite enjoyable. About 10kms outside of town, we stopped to stretch a bit, and let the dogs out to play.
















We pulled into a dirt road heading towards somebodies home probably, and a little while later the most precious family stopped alongside us. It was a lady and her 3 kids, and she had just fetched them from school. We had a bit of a chat and they invited us for something to drink, but unfortunately we had to decline, because we had already taken our time, and it was just after 2pm. We had to get on with it.




















The rest of the way was magnificent, because soon we turned off to Welverdiend, and all of a sudden the heavy traffic was no more... The landscape is absolutely beautiful in these parts. Long rolling hills, the odd dam here and there, a lot of cattle and lusern and maize crops. Beautiful and peaceful. I felt like I was on top of the world, and I cycled with very little effort. I didn't even feel the uphills, on the contrary, they were a delight. Amazing how one's state of mind can alter one's abilities...

EVERY CLOUD HAS A SILVER LINING

I was exhausted when it was time to get up. We scattered around, trying to fit everything into it's rightful place, but it took a while before we were good to go. Dante and Katryn urged us on, because during all this commotion, we were kind of trapped in this barn, with a very big dog on the other side, and they were developing a serious need to relieve themselves of excess fluids.
We left without having breakfast, because the look in those eyes made me feel almost guilty. We weren't even 100m away when Katryn decided that she had had enough and so we stopped and waited while they did their thing. It was so nice to be outside again. The sun was out, and it was turning into a lovely warm day.

From word go, I was challenged with all sorts. It felt like I had nothing with which to help me up those steep hills, and they kept on coming. The traffic was absolutely mad, and there was no shoulder to the road, so when the trucks would pass, it felt like I was being sucked in underneath the never ending chassis. Everything just seemed more impossible, I guess, because I had no energy to speak of.

I soon saw that Maria had the same difficulties. We pushed our bikes up most of the serious hills, having to stop every now and again to catch our breath. We only had one energy bar between the two of us, and not so much water either. Dante and Katryn also seemed less playful. We hoped that Derby would be just beyond the next hill, but no. I soon started to imagine a coke with lots of ice, or juice, or anything, as long as it had ice. A farmer stopped beside us, and told us that Derby was about another 6kms away, handed us an ice cold juice and wished us luck, because another big one was ahead.
It took every last ounce of determination, to push/bike that last kms. Derby is a very, very small town, consisting of a petrol station, butcher, hotel, pub, liquor store, general dealer, and only the main road is tarred. All the stuff I was imagining wasn't quite possible, but what we ended up with wasn't half bad either. Our first stop was Sampie Motors, the petrol station, when a very friendly lady named Corrie welcomed us, and offered to buy us a coke because she said that we had triggered her interest, and by the looks of it, we deserved it. We chatted for a while, and headed out towards the hotel, only with one goal in mind, food, bath, sleep!
The shop manager invited us to stay over at their house if we weren't lucky at the hotel. Outside the hotel we met a very nice man named Willem and his 5 year old son George who also offered to help us out if we didn't get sorted. There was a room in the hotel, and they allowed the dogs, but warned that the resident Ridgeback was a bit grumpy and didn't like other k9 friends in his territory, so as to keep them out of harms way. The hotel is cheap, only R180 per night, but leaves nothing to be desired. Luckily we were so tired that it didn't really matter. There wasn't any food available at the hotel, so we headed out to the fast foods place next door.
There was the most delightful little girl that kept us company while we waited for some toasted sandwiches and chips. In a little town like this, there is not much else if you're vegetarian. She told us all about her life, walked the kidz, although they didn't like being dragged around very much, but entertained her nevertheless. Aaagh, the sandwich was magnificent, and just what I needed.

Once back at the hotel, I collapsed on the bed, while Maria had the first go at a bath. The water was a shocking dark pink color, which we figured must be rusty pipes. I don't know, but it sure didn't look very inviting to me. I put some of my equipment on charge, and we chatted for a while, but then I fell asleep, the sleep of the dead.

THANK YOU TO EVERYONE AT THE WATERGLEN GUEST LODGE

My mother and all the guests, who have become family, missing you already


Girls, you have done so much for us. Love you always

Thanx Royal Canin

For suporting our adventures and keeping our diet balanced

IT'S OFFICIAL, WE'RE LEAVING TODAY - 1 SEPTEMBER 2008

I woke up this morning with such mixed emotions, I almost didn't want to get up out of bed. There was no turning back, and no procrastinating, anymore. That which is sorted, is a bonus, that which is not, will find it's own time. The time is now, so best I seize the day! This I kept telling myself, but I couldn't completely shake the feeling of fear which was growing inside. There was so much that had me scared. Firstly, I was thinking of all the comforts that we'd be giving up, like a warm bed, hot shower whenever, food and drink of any kind at any time and whenever I need anything, there is no real mission in acquiring it, just get in the car and go. I lay there for a while, absorbing everything in that moment! Suddenly all anxieties disappeared as I thought of the freedom I feel when all I need is with me on my bicycle, and that I'm in no hurry to get somewhere. It's quite fantastic when one's needs becomes so small that it doesn't really matter either way. When one doesn't need anything, it's quite possible that you will only receive that which you should have to continue along Destiny's path. Maybe...
We've been here before, and it's like it's all happening all over again. Only this time, things are different, we are different, so our challenges are different. It's amazing, this gift us humans have, to transform ourselves, to adapt to any situation. The only pity is, that we forget that we have these abilities, and therefore we sometimes stay put, finding 'better' alternatives. Well, at least I do, or I wouldn't have such an intense need to break free from my comfort zones.
Sarah and Maria prepared the most amazing breakfast. We had vegetarian strips, scrambled eggs with melted cheese, and toast, juice, coffee, the whole nine yards. The morning was confusing and rushed, so I can't elaborate on that, but saying good-bye was hard. We have lived at the Waterglen Guest Lodge for over 8 months now, and I fell in love with each and every individual all over again. It's hard to leave behind friends and family, especially when they are such extraordinary people. They go everywhere with us though, because we stay in touch, and I carry them in my heart, wherever...
When I knew it was time, my heart skipped a couple of beats. I had to compose myself a bit before I could get on my bike. Once mounted, I was cool! It was a bit scary at times, because the traffic was super crap, and my lungs had shrunk to the size of a peanut, but other than that, I was in my element.
It wasn't long, before I remembered a couple of valuable lessons which I have forgotten, about riding, packing, balancing, etc., but it was duly noted, and on the to do list for the immediate future. When dusk set in, we started looking for a place to set up camp when Hannes and his son Ruan stopped beside us, and invited us to sleep over at their house. He also offered his barn if we would prefer, which we did, because they had one huge dog, and it just seemed easier with the dogs. Hannes and his family was lovely, and helped us with everything we needed. Little Ruan seemed to enjoy our company and hung out for a while. He is only two and speaks fluently and has an amazing sense of humor.
We had the toasted sandwiches that Leya and Christina prepared for us, for dinner. It was devine, I was so hungry, I could eat a horse. Strange how things work hey? I was just saying the other day, that this winter was a breeze, I never really felt the cold. Well, tonight, my words came to bite me in the ass, because I cannot remember being this cold. I was shivering and shaking like a leaf all night long, thus never really sleeping. I spent my hours hanging somewhere between sleep and severe discomfort, always aware of the bitter cold. This in Spring. I vaguely remembered some techniques to warm myself through meditation, but nothing made sense at this point, so I suffered the consequence.

THE ADVENTURE CONTINUES...

It was 3 weeks ago when the 3 of us: Maria, Petro and myself, sat at The Place (restaurant) in Menlyn, and decided our fate. September the 1st, on Spring Day, we would be embarking on a whole new adventure, and it was phenomenal! It has been 8 months since we came back from the Wild Coast, since my father got sick, since we went home, since we've had such a breakthrough and at the same time the worst blow ever, with our project For Good. All of these are stories for another day though, but it was great to know that in a very short while, we would resume our travels.
The last week, has been so hectic, my head's still spinning. For some reason, and I seriously don't know why, we always give ourselves the minimum time in which to put together something huge. I know that I get lost in the moment otherwise, and then nothing gets done, and this is why I have to thank my friend Maria for always staying focused and for getting things done. You are a super-star chiki, and it's amazing how we're getting closer and closer to our goals. Thanks for never losing faith, and for persisting, no matter what!
There's also a whole bunch of other people who have contributed to making the next leg of our journey possible, in fact, people who have despite the limited time frame, come through for us and are now part and partial of Go4Good. Petro, girl, I don't think I have ever told you this, but you ROCK! We met Petro through the team at Riverwalk Productions, and she has since performed some miracles. Amazing to have you on board, and thank you so much for all your efforts, despite the fact that you were 8 months into your pregnancy. Oh and congratulations on your baby girl who was born on the 1st of September, Petro and Coenie!
Michael and Karen at Sony, you guys were brilliant, and thanks for your support. Fraser at Garmin you are the coolest, thanks for your support. Manual and Sheena at Swift Cycles who have in no time at all, made brand new baskets for Dante and Katryn. Eugene at Karrimor for your continued support. Tarryn at Royal Canin who looks after our dogs brilliantly.
Last but not least, I have to thank my mother Irma, without whom, none of this would've been possible. I love you madly and appreciate everything you have done for me ever.

PETITION AGAINST STRIP MINING ON THE WILD COAST

Please download, print, sign and submit this petition:

http://www.swc.org.za/petition.pdf

The contents of the petition follow below. Please also add your comment on this site using the add comment link below this article.

WHY MINING THE WILD COAST IS A VIOLATION OF HUMAN RIGHTS

By John G.I. Clarke

The Department of Minerals and Energy has announced that it intends awarding a mining licence to Australian mining company MRC on 31 October 2008 to mine the Kwanyana Block of the Amadiba Tribal Administrative Area, on the Pondoland Wild Coast. This announcement has been made before the SA Human Rights Commission has completed its investigation into human rights violations lodged by local residents allegedly perpetrated by agents of MRC.
If the Minister of Minerals and Energy signs the mining licence and Environmental Management Plan on 31 October, we believe it would be in gross violation of the Constitution of South Africa, notably the Environmental Right enshrined in Section 24 which states.....
“Everyone has the right to an environment that is not harmful to their health or well-being; and to have the environment protected, for the benefit of present and future generations, through reasonable legislative and other measures that prevent pollution and ecological degradation; promote conservation; and secure ecologically sustainable development and use of natural resources while promoting justifiable economic and social development”.
We believe the Minister will be in breach of the oath of office she made to “uphold the constitution of the Republic of South Africa” upon her swearing as a cabinet minister because the Xolobeni Mineral Sands venture has been shown to fall very far short of “justifiable economic and social development”, for the following reasons.

Seven of the fundamental human rights enshrined in the South African Constitution have been violated by the mining company and its supporters. The attached report by the HRC includes the complaint, and reports on its observations and conclusions. The allegations have not been contested by any party named. The report explains that in the process of investigating the allegations, the HRC found that the Departments of Minerals and Energy and the Environmental Affairs and Tourism “were not on the same page with respect to the proposed development”, and that the “overwhelming majority” of the approximately 3000 directly affected local residents “were opposed to the venture”. Since the HRC report was published in November 2007, it was further found that the public participation process for the conduct of the EIA was grossly biased in failing to ensure those residents most affected by the mining proposal were capacitated to participate meaningfully. Besides failing to educate the local residents, meetings were held some distance away from the mining area. In one instance when a local resident Nontle Mbuthuma raised objections to this, she was forcibly evicted from the meeting by an employee of the mining company (see report by East London Daily Dispatch). All relevant authorities have not been in full compliance with the relevant statutes: the Mineral and Petroleum Resources’ Development Act (MPDRA), the National Environmental Management Act (NEMA), and the Interim Protection of Indigenous Land Rights Act (IPILRA). The HRC asked for documentation from the relevant Departments (DME, DEAT, and the Department of Land Affairs). The departments only responded after the HRC was forced to issue the respective ministers with a subpoena compelling them to respond. They complied hours before the subpoena hearing was due to start, forcing the Chair Commissioner Leon Wessels to adjourn the hearing to give the HRC time to study the 11th hour submission by DME. Shortly before the Ministerial Subpoena hearing, an evaluation report on the EIA by DEAT officials was obtained by SWC, in terms of the Promotion of Access to Information Act, which in fact revealed major contradictions between DEAT and DME interests. The DEAT report has advised that “The mining is a short-term economic activity with long-term negative impacts whereas the ecotourism in the area has an unlimited life span,” concluding with a strong recommendation that the mining licence should not be awarded, given available information. It emerged that the DEAT report had not been submitted to DME before the 21 Dec 2007, deadline, and would have been disregarded, had SWC not obtained it. The mining venture is in both its parts and its whole a wasting activity in that it entails the use of and impact upon eco-system services provided by nature (water, energy, and soils) for the extraction of non-renewable mineral resources for industrial applications, in such a manner that these eco-systems will be degraded in their capacity to provide for sustainable livelihoods once the minerals have been extracted. It will thus destroy the local resource base upon which community based sustainable development is absolutely dependent. The mining is serving the short-term vested interests of a few local elites and a foreign corporation, and the impacts will result in greater poverty and social disintegration in the area due to the very limited benefits it will bring to alleviate material poverty and raise basic living standards. The mining venture will not only hamper the viability of lon-term sustainable development initiatives, but will also continue to negatively impact upon already existing eco-tourism enterprises, and destroy fledgling community development processes along the Wild Coast. The mining venture is in conflict with several of South Africa’s agreed international obligations to sustainably conserve and manage our biodiversity and ensure benefit-sharing from such use, including under the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD). Suggested mitigations of environmental impacts are not viable or possible (given the available data and information on which they are based), which will therefore result in the destruction of a unique, internationally recognised centre of endemism – with the risk that this will push a number of threatened (red data) endemic species to extinction due to their restricted ranges within the centre of endemism. Mary Robinson, former UN High Commissioner for Human Rights and former President of Ireland, while visiting South Africa last year, advised civil society to heed the words of Eleanor Rooseveld.

“Where, after all, do universal rights begin? In small places, close to home - so close and so small that they cannot be seen on any maps of the world... Unless these rights have meaning there, they have little meaning anywhere. Without concerned citizen action to uphold them close to home, we shall look in vain for progress in the larger world.”

Support the Sustaining the Wild Coast NPO by donating here:

http://www.swc.org.za/make-a-donation/

MRC granted right to mine along SA's Wild Coast

By: Christy van der Merwe
Mining Weekly: Published on 4th August 2008

The Department of Minerals and Energy (DME) has granted ASX-listed mining junior Mineral Commodities (MRC) the mining right for a portion of the Xolobeni Mineral Sands project, along South Africa's Wild Coast. The company was awarded a mining right for the Kwanyana block in the Xolobeni project, representing about 30% of the original area applied for. The mining licence was awarded to MRC's South African subsidiary, Transworld Energy and Minerals, and the remaining areas in the Xolobeni project would be held under prospecting right valid until 2010, which could be extended until applications were made to convert the remaining areas into mining rights on a block-by-block requirement.
DME spokesperson Sputnik Ratau told Mining Weekly Online that it was not yet possible to tell whether further licences would be granted, as the areas were still under consideration owing to environmental concerns. He remained assured of the feasibility of granting a licence for the smaller area. The Kwanyana block contains some 139-million tons of heavy titanium producing minerals, including ilmenite, zircon, leucoxene, and rutile. Of the four blocks making up the Xolobeni project area, the Kwanyana block had the largest measured resource. The mining right would be signed and issued on October 31, along with the Environmental Management Plan, and thereafter the company has said that it would fast-track the development of the Kwanyana block into a mining operation to produce heavy-mineral concentrate to supply the local South African producers and international markets.
It was not stated whether or not the mine development would include a beneficiation plant. Initially, MRC had indicated that it would build a smelter, which would also boost the number of jobs created in the relatively poor region of the Eastern Cape, however, the company later said that the plant would not be a part of the project. Ratau could not immediately clarify on the question of the beneficiation plant was put forward.
The project has long been met with resistance from environmentalists and those concerned for the human rights of people living in the area. The project is located in an ecologically sensitive area, dubbed a "biodiversity hotspot", and it was felt by many that eco-tourism in the area could bring more benefit to locals. The mining company's black economic-empowerment structures have also been drawn into question. However, MRC has stated that the project would do much for the development of the area, as the mine would bring with it associated infrastructure, such as roads and electricity.
Nongovernmental organisation Sustaining the Wild Coast (SWC) said it considered the fact that mining licences were not granted for all the areas "a substantial, although clearly incomplete victory", and added that interested and affected parties "await to be officially informed by DME of their decision". Ratau said that the department did not issue statements every time a mining licence was granted.
In a statement, SWC said that it did not share MRC's optimism that its grip on the prospecting rights was as tight as it would like investors to think, "because the newly enacted Integrated Coastal Management Act has come into play, which gives the Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism (Deat) unquestioned jurisdiction in records of decision that impact on coastal areas".
Ratau said that the Deat had been involved in the granting of the Kwanyana block mining right, as was required by law. This was, however, a contentious issue as Deat officials had previously indicated environmental objections to the proposed mining in the area. SWC called on all interested and affected parties to respond with objections as soon as possible.

Editor: Mariaan Olivier

DOGS, WATER AND FISH

Well, there's no guessing what these two are up to. There are many fish caught in the pools between the rocks, waiting for high tide to wash them back to sea. These pools are crystal clear and anything that moves, is highly visible.

Dante and Katryn would literally spend hours chasing them up and down. They have both perfected a dive whereby they jump in, head first, and stay under for as long as they can, trying for better results.

SHIPWRECKED

This is a sight frequently seen along the Wild Coast - Shipwrecks. This specific wreck is that of the BBC China, a freight ship, which due to stormy weather and treacherous waters were thrown against these rocks like it was nothing. This happened in 2004, and we were here a few days later actually. This is not called the Wild Coast for nothing...

Dante was too busy fishing to pay much attention.

AMAZING ENCOUNTERS

Leaving Lupathana, we came across some extraordinary individuals, not to mention the sights. This little boy, for instance, we met early morning, where he was camping under a canopy of trees, with his parents. They had been robbed the night before, and was making arrangements to go in search of their lost goods. He seemed an amazing little man, as was his parents. We had coffee and biscuits before we moved on.

Also something you see a lot of on the Wild Coast, is various animals sunbathing on the rocks.

RAINY DAYS AND CAVES

It started raining fiercely, and the rocks were a little slippery, so we found this little cave by the pools on top of Waterfall Bluff, and waited for it to calm down.
The dogs seemed happy to chill for a bit. We had a lovely lunch consisting of energy bars and coke.