-- Log 24 --

 
Nairobi – Rangi’s Site – 25/09/02 – 26/09/02

Having caught up on our washing, delivered a letter to the EU for a chap in Moyale and visited the Ya Ya Centre once again (we stocked our fridge to capacity), it was time to move on.

Hunter’s Lodge – 27/09/02 – 29/09/02

We had the lovely grassed (and mowed) lawn to ourselves. Tranquil and peaceful, a great place to kick back and take in the beauty of the surroundings. Once again ‘Dr Doolittle’ befriended a bird – this time a goose – the stupid thing also allowed him to pat and stroke it!

Sunday morning, over a leisurely breakfast we discussed our children, and the fact that Gareth’s 21st Birthday was fast approaching. The issue of what would be the best gift parents in a far off land could give their only son was discussed. Finally we both had to agree that the only option was actually to go and visit him – a surprise visit! We promptly broke camp, packed up and headed back to Nairobi. Rangi was extremely surprised to see us back – and a little concerned that something had gone wrong – but as always we received a hearty welcome.

Rangi’s Site – 30/09/02

We had in our grubby little paws, 2 tickets for Johannesburg, huge smiles and lots of favours to ask. Rangi and Annamic babysat MR W and our well stocked fridge, while we were away. They also took us to the airport at 5.00 a.m. and collected us again when we returned. Where else would you get such brilliant service?

Thanks very much! We look forward to seeing you in South Africa – you have good reason to visit.

South Africa - Lynne’s Place and Bayman’s Hostel – 01/10/02 –13/10/02

The whole idea of our going to South Africa revolved around the element of surprise, so once we had landed at JIA we hired a cute little Corsa and set off to find our first ‘victim’ – Lynne. We eventually found her office and asked the Security Officer to announce that she had visitors. Lynne is always busy so an intrusion of this sort was not at all welcome – my, was she surprised! We thought she was going to pass out!

Having recovered from the shock – she was pleased to see us and we had such a lot to catch up on. We absolutely loved Dustin’s response ‘explain yourselves!’ We visited all our local haunts – like Pick ‘n Pay, and Shopping Malls. We spent a couple of days at Lynne’s place, before setting out to find the main ‘surprise victim’ – 1 600 kms away.

It did occur to us when we were half way to Riversdale that Gareth may have decided to go to Johannesburg to spend time with his friends – that is a risk one has to take when surprise is your motive. The Corsa was brilliant – only problem was that we are accustomed to a 2 000 km range (MR W) and so we ran out of petrol – 7 kms from Bloemfontein. (E is for Empty NOT ‘Enough’). Dennis had a nice walk – well not too far as he was fortunate to get lifts both ways. On the road again – what a breeze, no potholes, nor Police checks at every town – even good tar roads – and this was on secondary roads! Good stuff! We really enjoyed our drive.

Due to the delay at Bloemfontein we arrived at Riversdale after sunset, we managed to find Keith and Cheryl’s place, getting there in the dark. As luck would have it all the Baymans were out and there was only one soul at home – Gareth. To say he was surprised would be an understatement! Initially he carried it very well – the usual ‘Mr Cool’, until it really sank in that we were there! Wow! He was surprised!

Now we were on a roll – this is so much fun – time to hit Cheryl, Keith and Gran (hope she survives)!

Back in Johannesburg – Sue went to visit her family in Pretoria – once again – it was great fun and really good to see everybody again. To our family in Durban – sorry we could not make a turn around there – your turn next time – BEWARE – we could turn up at any moment!

It was brilliant seeing everybody again and being able to spend a very special Birthday with our boy! Thank you to everyone who made it possible – we appreciate everything that you did for us.



Gareth’s 21st Birthday – 08/10/02



Keith and Cheryl



Vincent



Dustin and Lynne – Randburg

Rangi’s Site – Nairobi – 14/10/02 – 15/10/02

Back home again – MR W and the fridge still in one piece – thanks Rangi!
We had a whirlwind 10 days in South Africa – travelled over 3 000 kms and managed to shock everybody we came across – it was great!

All good things have to end, and it was time to hit the road again – maybe we will get past Hunter’s Lodge this time …..