Le Mans 2010

Yet another trip (#14?) to La Sarthe for a week of cold drinks and watching motorcars.

We had a decent crew of attendees this year, 6 in our sub-group who camped which 6 of Marshy's comrades plus meeting at the weekend with Dickie, Lucy, Martin the Plumber etc.

Despite forecasts of rain we managed to time movements so we were indoors or under canvas when the heavens opened.

Photos include Friday roadtrip out to the Classic British Welcome at St. Saturnin and the Hotel de France in Chartres-sur-le-loir.

We race itself seemed like it was going to be a Peugeot whitewash after they got the first four places on the grid, but dull German reliability won out with Audi taking the whole podium as each French car dropped out.

Le Mans 2010

South Africa Trip Day Twelve

Today we went to Ngwenya Glass to watch some glass blowing (no cameras allowed for some reason) and then to Malotja reserve for a pootle around the tracks and admiring the view whilst eating petrol station pies.

According to the entry log at the reception we were the only two visitors inside the 4,500 acre park today.

South Africa 2010 - Day 12

South Africa Trip Day Eleven

Just a touristy day today, went to the Swazi Candles site to check out the tat and eat the world's biggest piece of carrot cake.

Didn't take any photos during the day, so thought I'd not break the chain and get a couple of shots of the evening cooking and the politically incorrect KFC billboard that leers over the back wall.

South Africa 2010 - Day 11

South Africa Trip Days Nine & Ten

Day Nine

Visited the Swazi Cultural village for dancing and a guided tour of the pretend village.

South Africa 2010 - Day 9

Day Ten

After a slight delay whilst we jump started the pink pajero after Timothy left the doors open all morning, we went cycling through the Mlilwane reserve amongst several zebras. It was very hot, and Timothy was lying when he said it was all flat.

South Africa 2010 - Day 10

South Africa Trip Days Seven & Eight

A trip to Hlane Game Park for camping and driving about looking for animals.

We had a couple of close encounters with some rhino, and saw some lions from a distance behind a fence but no sign of any elephants this time around.

We had the campsite to ourselves other than the tame ostrich that seemed to live there.

The next morning (Saturday) we went a few miles up the road to another game park to meet up with some of Tim and Heidi's friends who'd rented a lodge. Again we camped up without any neighbours.

South Africa 2010 - Day 7

South Africa 2010 - Day 8

South Africa Trip Day Six

From Golden Gate National Park to Manzini, Swaziland.

Another long trek in overcast weather.

South Africa 2010 - Day 6

South Africa Trip Day Five

The long drive from Grahamstown to the Golden Gate National Park

The roads varied from world class driving roads to ones with huge potholes. Whilst we passed a couple of road crews filling in the holes, they were using dirt rather than tarmac.

South Africa 2010 - Day 5

South Africa Trip Day Four

Drove down to Port Alfred in the mist and rain, stopping off at Bathurst to via the Toposcope monument to the original settlers to the area in 1820, some of whom arrived on a ship called the 'Weymouth' . No-one was on the beach.

Wandered around Grahamstown and Rhodes University (where the students are known as Rhodents), there are also several high schools where it seems the pupils must to say 'hello, sir' as they pass you in the street.

Just about to plan the route for the next couple of days back to Swaziland via Clarens.

South Africa 2010 - Day 4

South Africa Trip Day Three

Managed to get a good night's sleep, it is amazing how much it helps to utilise an actual bed.

Today's trip was to the Addo Elephant National Park, about an hour's drive from Grahamstown.

Jonathan said that we saw much fewer animals than usual, but as the photos show there were elephants to be found.

South Africa 2010 - Day 3

South Africa Trip Day Two

Slept badly yet again. Lack of pillow was the problem this time around, and then the neighbouring pitch's fishing rod alarm went off at 3am. Not had a full night's sleep since Wedsnesday.

We went off bicycling at 05h30 to check out the dam itself.

We were out for nearly 2 hours and only got overtaken by 2 cars.

We left the campsite around 9am for the 4hr drive down to Grahamstown in the Eastern Cape to see Heidi's parents. Other than the last 20 miles that were excellent it was tedious straight roads. Very little traffic. Saw several monkeys.

This afternoon has seen a braai luncheon and some swimming.

South Africa 2010 - Day 2

South Africa Trip Day One

[Introduction for those I haven't mentioned it to... I am visiting my brother and his family for 2 weeks]

My Friday night flight on Branson's airline left 2 hours late due to a French air traffic controllers strike. Then the screenback entertainment centres stopping working properly, so it was a bit of a dull flight. Luckily there were several empty seats and I'd chosen one with a space next to it, so I could lift the armrest and have loads of room (in the style of Kevin Smith)

On landing it took a bit of effort to find the area of baggage collection where they dump the 'fragile items' eg. golf clubs, kiddies pushchairs and Timothy's bicycle.

Next step was to catch the courtesy bus to the Southern Sun airport hotel for a wash and brush up. The 'independent' porter thought Tim was my son :-(

The hotel's bellman helped us assemble the bike and for a fat tip took all the bubble wrap and cardboard off our hands.

Then onto the road. Driving across the Free State to Gariep Dam. About a six hour drive. Timothy only had to pay off one Police man in cash.

Our camping spot is beside the reservior itself and I'm writing this sat on the grass under a full moon, using a 3G dongle to connect to the outside world.

South Africa 2010 - Day 1

Snow 2010

By law, one has to photograph any snow that falls in southern England.

Snow2010