|
Hi ,
Queen Elizabeth once referred to an "annus horribilis", being a horrible year.
July 2021 will go down as a "mense horribilis" (horrible month) in our countries history.
The devastating restrictions and suffering from Covid, being aggravated by shocking violence, death and destruction caused by factions of our population with very different agenda's, and some of the coldest weather recorded in decades.
If there has been any slight silver lining to this very dark cloud, it has been the resolve of the people. South Africans, once again, showing that they are a breed apart when it comes to fortitude.
Our rugby players compounded our woes, by getting a klap from the poms and throwing away a certain medal at the Olympics.
One small consolation is that the Covid restrictions have been relaxed for the time being, and we can resume some sort of quasi normalcy with regard to our paddling activities.
The most exciting news is that the Berg is definitely taking place.
The announcement that Hank has tossed his name into the mix, making it all that more exciting. An Andy, Hamish and Hank showdown, with numerous other stars in the wings is almost mouth-watering. The good recent rains guaranteeing some pleasant conditions for the 60th running of the event.
Spare a thought for Giel Van Deventer who will be attempting to complete his 50th Berg. A truly remarkable achievement. We will keep the race covered on our Facebook page.
Spare another thought for Esti and Chrisjan as they get to watch the sprinting at the Olympics which starts on Monday, knowing that under different circumstances they would be on the start line.
Our Olympic medallist, Bridgitte Hartley, is at the games lobbying for votes for her nomination to the athletes commission, as is Alan Witherden who is officiating at the sprints.
With almost the entire country still in the grips of some freezing weather (the Durban paddlers have had to resort to short sleeve T shirts instead of vests), it is surreal to think that the river season is about to start again in some of the provinces, and to continue in others.
The Cape season will begin to wind up with the Breede on the 4 -5 of September. After a number of years with very little water, and being cancelled last year, the organisers are looking forward to a Breede of old to rejuvenate the race.
The popular Tugela 20's has been postponed until the 24 - 26 of September.
Our marathon paddlers head over to Romania at the end of September, and rush back for the Fish, which is being held at the beginning of October.
With the Dolphin Coast ski race doubling as the KZN championships on the 14 - 15 of next month, we have an exceptionally busy calendar.
Let's hope that we aren't afflicted by the 4th wave too soon and that the vaccination program starts to make small inroads to reaching an all-round immunity.
More admin stuff next week.
Your SG
Copper
1111
Billy stops Paddy in Dublin and asks for the quickest way to Cork.
Paddy says, "Are you on foot or in the car?"
Billy says, "In the car."
Paddy says, "That's the quickest way." |
