Louise_Gerhard
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Posts posted by Louise_Gerhard
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Skielik het die raadsaal van die ou afrikane net 4 stemme in die groot saal. Dan is daar wragtig nog 'n ou wat engels ook wil praat. [
]Op 'n ernstige noot met die ego om my.
Ek dink die volgende moet op die tafel gaan op die agenda.
1.
EK dink sterk dat die cache van Ginger moet ook vervang word wat in die slag gebly het. RedGlobe het 'n paar caches wat baie goeie inligting gee en direk verband hou met die tema en waar hy baie werk ingesit het. Ek het dit geniet om sy ander boere caches te doen. As hy instem kan hy dit maklik omskep as 'n plaasvervanger tonteldoos en dan bly die series nog aan die gang. As hy nie instem nie dan moet ons ander kry wat kan deel hiermee. Die leidraad van Ginger moet dan oorgaan na hierdie een en die tema bly behoue. Net 'n voorstel.
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Ek is bereid om te help met die maintenance van die caches hier in die omgewing - finale een ingesluit. Ek kan geen geen rede sien vir aanneming nie. Ek ry enige tyd uit na die finale tonteldoos en ek doen wat gedoen moet word om te keer dat die finale een van die baan gaan. Selfde met olifant tande. Maar dit doen ek slegs as die eienaars my versoek. Dit is sy cache en hy doen wat hy dink wat goed is. Ek sal graag wil sien dat die oorspronklike eienaars nog deel het in hierdie reeks. Tye en omstandighede verander en as die skatkis oop is vir aanneming sal ons die weeskind aanvaar. Ek plaas my naam op die lys as dit so moet gebeur. Olifant tande jy moet praat - ek moet "cache maintenance" gaan doen op een van my caches daar by Constantia Cherry Farm en ek gaan so skuins verby jou ry so dit is op my pad.
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Ek dink dat daar moet een of ander aansporing wees vir die spanne wat die finale een gaan soek anders gaan die manne nie meer hierdie series doen nie. Ek dink aan iets soos 'n uitreik van 'n geocoin. As net 10 lede R20 bydrae dan het ons die geld vir een coin. Byvoorbeeld twee manne doen die series in 2011. Name in 'n hoed en ons trek. Almal het gelyke kans en daar is so 'n klein aansporing om tog die reeks te doen. Daar is mense soos Ginger wat nog steeds streef om beter te doen as haar TB en hulle doen moeite om hulle te kry as die kans daar is.
Maar net my beskeie mening - 1/18 van die totale mening.
Gerhard
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Sorry I can not agree with the above. The final tonteldoos is exclusive. When it comes to adoption the cache owners of the series will decide as a group the outcome as they are all role players in the final one. At this stage adoption is not on the table and the process can only start with the cache owner. This should be followed by a volunteer/s for the maintenance of the cache and then the decision of the cache individual owners.
You have to find the clues or you need to bend some arms to get the clues. It represents something that needs effort. Madson will have to walk the path and do the talk and have to get to them all. It is too easy to take a shortcut to the final one this way with adoption. Please read my log on the listing. I am still prepared to attend to this cache if a cacher wants to do the final one. I will take care and act on behalf of the owner if maintenance is needed and if he requests my assistance. But again this for the cache owner to decide if he wants to go this route or another.
I am running a query on the tonteldoos series and if a cacher gets close to the final one then I will contact him via e-mail and an e-mail to the cache owner to spring into action what is needed to do as he pleases.
Gerhard
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Good idea. We are three that will visit for sure, you now need 490 people. How do you eat an elephant? Very tiny pieces at a time will do it. You now have 10 pieces so the rest should also go the same way.
Gerhard -
Count on me for the 16 December 2010. Day of freedom for the cachers. Only me will attend. Gerhard
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At least someone else also thought along the same lines. Best of all is that the reviewer can have a free trip to Cape Town to it sounds like a win win strategy for cachers and reviewer.
Gerhard -
The keyword will be commitment. One have one year to plan to attend such an event. Bottom line is – to do one of these events you have to get on a plane and you have to spend a fortune to attend them. If you do you meet with cachers you never met before. But we can do it here in RSA at much least costs. The positive spin off of such an event is that the caching community could experience a quantum leap in cacher numbers and this could be the plaster that holds the bricks together. I think there are enough cachers that have the will, the ability and leadership to help with the arrangements. One person will not be able to deal with the issues. The best way to deal with this is to get all the info from every angle and one will have to test the waters to see if the idea is feasible or not. Maybe a voting process must be done to test if cachers are willing to participate. It will be a real pain to start the process and to realise that they do not support the idea. At present uncharted waters are ahead and one need to eliminate the surprises that could await one. Bruce you are going to be busy from now on. Gerhard
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Maybe this is going to be a big stone in the bush. But I always like to face controversial topics and to see how people react. So here we go.
I always wanted to know more about the tools the reviewer uses and the process they follow behind the scenes. I am a curious person and I want to know what happens behind the scene and how things work. Maybe it is the engineer inside of me that wants to take things apart to see how it ticks. But in RSA this is a secret guarded by the reviewers. By accident I notice the following event educating the cachers in the reviewer process and the tools they use.
I think this is a brilliant idea and it could help the geocaching community in understanding what the reviewer is busy with and why for example certain caches take so long to get publish. Sometimes it is the cacher that is trying to get the cache published and that could push boundaries without realising it.
Maybe this is the type of event where the newbie can meet the reviewer and try to understand the difficulties the reviewer faces and how we can assist him. This is the type of event where the newbies and the older hands can gain a mutual understanding of the difficulties the reviewer have. A platform where the questions can be raised. Also the type of event where the do and do not can be done by the reviewer. For example we are getting lighters in caches in Pretoria again. This is the platform that can help them. It is so much better than to draft a list of things that must be done in pages and pages of information which no one reads. To hear the words and to discuss it in the South African context will be great and that is something you remember.
Ok, this is open for discussion. I am busy negotiating to join that Alaska event via link to hear what they have to say. I think it is must be quite interested to hear their view points of a different country and to see the tools they use. If you have to comment – do not throw stones; we all live in glass houses and I only am trying to get an open discussion with no rights or no wrongs. Is this a good idea or is this a wild idea for the reviewer to hold an event like this? Gerhard
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Some good advice is given in the link below. Your chance of getting struck by lightening is much greater than to get bitten by a snake. I could be wrong but I read somewhere only 15 people died last year of snake bites. You have to study the details given on this web page and you will have all the tools needed. A good reference that you need to keep somewhere. Download the details and load it on your cell phone – if you are in trouble then refer to these notes. You are the master of your destiny – if you get bitten; make sure you have something you can use to help you. If needed keep the photos of the poisonous ones on your phone. Do not get bitten and then try to find the data on the internet. The risk is small but the consequences could be death so be prepared. Rather have the info with you and never use it then to go into panic mode because a snake such as a berg adder got to you. If you get bitten by him you will cry like a baby but you will survive, get a heart attack for nothing and you will not survive. Cachers are at risk and it is a real risk makes sure you are covered. All cachers have all the notes about every cache in RSA with them but yet they do not keep notes about the things that can hurt them and that can change their life in an instance.
Advice, identification, medical help, avoidance of snake bites.
Snake bite and assistance in what to do…
If your friends run away from you while you get bitten three times consider new friends. Just to show that you can survive even with a 3 km run for help.
The following links contains pictures of the effect of snake bites and it could be offensive to certain people. But this is the real pictures and just maybe it will force someone to make sure the needed info is with him.
I hope it make a difference in reducing the risk to cachers.
Gerhard
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You can not do caching in isolated areas without looking from right to left. If you do - you will miss the cache and you will not see the snake. This technique is easy to proof and I can not emphasize this enough. A cacher must be aware of this method and must practice it. It could make a difference when you are alone and you have to be aware of details and your surroundings. Not for snakes only but also the little surprises that can surprise you such as the guy waiting for you in the bush. While driving down the street, do the same – look from right to left and you will see details such as the name board, the child with the dog, the pot hole.
Go sit in your garden. Look from left to right. The eyes will just glide across the scene with no details. Now look from right to left. The eyes will now start to jump from item to item and it will focus on certain things such as “Where did that come from?”, “hell but I have to remove the weeds”, “grass needs a trim”, etc. If you do this you will discover the key why certain people see the snakes, cache and other details why others can not do see it. To enjoy anything beautiful always look from right to left – later on you will recall the scenery and the mind will have it stored as details.
This technique came part of me when I was in the bush. The actual technique is much more complex, you have to divide the complete area in three zones, always scan from the bottom to the top from right to left, look for patterns at the same time and forms, etc. We are so used to read from left to right and from the top of the page to the bottom of the page that we use this very same method when we walk in the bushes. But turn it the other way and the eye is confused and he is trying to focus on each and everything. But that is what you need.
I met a couple of snakes and each and every time I was aware of him. The last one was with Bakgat in the Botanical gardens – a black mamba.
If one do the basics you will be ok. Do not stick your hands in that dark hole without probing around the cache first. If he is there he will move. The danger is the puff adder he is a lazy bugger and in most cases he will stay where he is. You have to see him first before you feel him. If you use the wrong technique you a miss him.
The chance of getting bitten is low if you wear the right clothing and you are aware. Do not just sit down and relax, first look and also look in the little bush behind you and then sit down. I hope someone will learn something from this.
I will upload the link to snake bites tonight.
Gerhard
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In most cases in RSA snakes have no interest in human beings. You are not on his food chain, maybe we taste bad. (lol) In most cases he will try to escape or he will hide. The bad part of this play starts when you step on him, when you trap him and you hurt him. He will hear you coming down the path long before you see him. He will always be aware of you before you are aware of him.
Always wear boots and long pants when you are in the bush. Most bites are on the lower part of the leg. Watch where you step. If there is a big rock in the path, do not step over the rock to place your foot on the other side when you can not see. Put your foot on the rock and then you will see the other side when you step off. If you place your hand on a tree watch where you place it. If there is a lot of grass hanging into the path way use a walking stick to lift the grass and keep the stick in front of you. The snake will go for the first moving object. In this case the walking stick and not the body.
Most important it is always good to learn how to “read” the terrain. Human beings are used to read from left to right. Only problem is that if you do this in the bush the eyes will just glide over the terrain without seeing anything. If you walk in the field, always but always learn to read any area in front of you from the right to the left. While walking down the foot path look at the right hand first then move the eyes to the left. You will see more detail. If you are in tree then look at the right hand side first then move the eyes to the left. It sounds crazy but trusts me. If you use this technique you will also see the cache hide more quickly.
If you do meet with a snake and he is ready to strike – move away slowly with no fast movement as quick as possible. The snake only wants to get away and he wants to be left in peace. If he diseaper in the bushes leave him alone and go the other way but keep your eyes open.
Just recently we found a snake in one of our production sections, everybody tried to kill it and he got into the cable trenches. They called me and I asked my men to move the covers. It was quite big but a normal brown house snake. As I lift it people scattered in all direction. The black people were more frightened than the white people. I told them that it is harmless but no one wants to touch it and everybody wanted it dead. I took it to the field next to the factory. So make sure you know snakes – there is plenty of books on it and make a point of studying them. If you meet one try to identify him – go home and verify your finding. If you can not remember the details carry a snake book with you. They are small and not that heavy.
If you get bitten the snake must go with you to the hospital. Boom slang is more dangerous. It will burn like hell but then it will stop and you could think you are ok. About 12 hours later it will be too late to save you. If bitten get to the hospital as fast as possible. The only real challenge is the black mamba. You have about 5 minutes for your last log if this one gets hold of you properly. He is also faster than you and you will not outrun him. If you are more than one person and a snake bite is experienced try to carry the person to a point of safety. Get help as fast as possible. Phone the ambulance before getting down the path. They must be ready when you down and back in civilization.
In serious places carry a serum with you but watch the expiry date and you have to know snakes to make sure you do not inject the wrong one. If someone needs more info when and what to do when a snake bite is experienced then I will add a link to the web page I use. But what to do is much more complex and it is easier not to get bitten than to deal with the actual snake bite.
Gerhard
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Wazat,
The listing stated that it is not possible to do the twin yourself. But it is possible. You need to study the devices and to record your observations. Use a spreadsheet and try to make sense of everything. I battled with this one and even with a twin we were in the dark. This is one of the best caches I came across. Well done to the real twins for a good idea and a real cache.
Luckily a good friend pushed me into a direction. On the other hand I know that you have the ability to crack it in a jiffy. So I will be watching you .... like a hawk...eish...where did that come from?
Gerhard
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Hi,
Nadia is the daughter of veer-ini-hoed. There is a cache at her parents house. If you need to drop a friendly e-mail to them as a reminder. Hope this helps. gerhard
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Timberflakes just completed a very important log at "Mikes Pass #5". With his log the find number of my caches reached number 1000 finds on my caches. Well done to him and to all the cachers that visited my caches. I received only good logs and I do appreciate it. Thanks. Gerhard
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Some great numbers were achieved recently. Well done to all.
Today Wazat have number 850 on his name. I am really starting to loose track on his finds. Well done, one of these days I am back in Gauteng and we still have one challenge left but now it will be easier to be done. Gerhard
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I ran the following pass Drix for his input before publishing - I do not want to blow on a horn that I do not own. He is happy with what was stated.
Well done to all with the good finds and personal records. I sat down and I analysed the route that was followed to get to the new record of 111 caches. It appears like an impossible record. However, it can be broken if you do good planning, have two GPS’s - one with the route and one on off-road. Keep snacks and drinks with you. This team set the pace and they laid the foundation for some more magic in this area. I am sure there will be another event and another attempt to set a new record.
For those interested in breaking this record the following is done to assist you and to motivate you. The average terrain rating for the record of 111 was at 1.6 and the average difficulty was at 1.82. It was easy to track the actual route as there is record of the caches in sequence. I ran a macro to get all 111 finds; from there I ran another macro to update the listing. I then appended the find number to the front of the cache name. From here an export was done to Mapsource and the route, planning and effort that went into this trip started to appear. I included a photo of the tracking and if you need a track log then I will forward it to you. Also very interesting is that you can use a macro with Google maps to optimize your route with this record. I only used the fastest possible way to the cache and it could differ from their actual route but it is a good start. There is also a very good macro that will analyse the cache density in this area and it could serve as a method to fine tune your main focus area of searching.
So what did this calculate to? They started to cache at 00h00 and completed the cache route at 19h00. This specific route calculates to a travelling distance of about 503 km. At the normal legal speed limits, with a little bit of grace time, the travelling time calculated to 9 hours 57 minutes 50 seconds. This leave about 597 minutes for cache finds out of 1140 minutes available time. This then calculate to 5.3 minutes actual time per cache which is quite reasonable. The actual average is less because of a couple of DNf’s they had.
Basically here we a 50/50 ratio. About 50% of the time was used for travelling and 50% was used for cache finds. The real percentage for finding the caches was 52% but leave this at 50% to set worst case scenario. If we now assume the same ratio for a 24 hour cycle then 12 hours is available for caches and 12 hours
are needed for travelling. There are many caches in Bloemfontein and you should be able to improve this ratio with careful planning. Your find per cache should also improve as the caches are quite close to each other. But stay at an average of 6 minutes per cache and you should be ok. Anything less than that and you are building a reserve. So how many caches can be found in 12 hours at 6 minute per cache based on the record that was set? This calculates to a future record total of 120 caches. Because of the cache density you could even experience a total of about 140 caches if you really move and I do mean move. I assume that Oom Louwtjie is not finished with his cache hide spree so more can appear soon.
A record of 111 can thus be broken but the impossible is only in the head and you have to beat that first. A while ago 64 cache finds was set by an experienced cacher team and it sounded like an impossible task. But now a record of 111 was set and the bar was lifted to beyond believe. But it is in the maths – it can be beaten and a higher record can be set. It is not going to be easy – you have to break the barrier first and you have to get an “I can” attitude as demonstrated by this team. The higher the record the tougher it is going to get passes the mental block. But you are what you think you are - you have to beat your own attitude and you have to get your mind correct. To support this you will need a positive team that have the will. You will need one specific person with his eye on the clock and a precise plan of action.
Again, well done. We will see Bloem again - I hope.
Gerhard
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This will be great to have this accuracy and just maybe my GPS will be more than happy. It also indicates that I have to go back to all of my caches to recheck the waypoints but that will be good. I tried to see a completion date but none was found. At least we know that it will happen sometime in the future. Gerhard
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Some feedback.
Thanks Team Huskies, good to hear from cachers with experience, this is valued input. I noticed that this team done a previous trip as part of the Overland challenge and was in this area during July 2010 again. Please forward me the waypoints to my e-mail. Also if there is any accommodation that needs to be mentioned by any cachers at the proposed stops as per route please forward me the details and contacts if possible.
Just another question. Did anyone receive any hepatitis A/B or yellow fever injections for trips to the African countries? To me this is a big grey area. I would like my family to get them as quick as possible, but naturally this is not without resistance. My friend that done these trips many a time thinks it is one crazy idea. However, another friend of mine Tony Sturgess, has a huge problem today with no answers. He used to accumulate his leave, every two years he will do the remote 4x4 tours. On his fifth trip after an outing in northern Namibia for 4 weeks his wife is not the same anymore. It started as a flue and she is suffering from abdominal pains and dizziness and all other strange sicknesses and the doctors are battling to find any reason for this. All tests and scans proved to be negative but she is sick today. It is no longer possible for them to these remote trips. To me the sickness and the trips have something in common and it started about two weeks after the last trip – not coincidence and today his view point on the injections is different but I think it is too late.
If I remember correctly then Hepatitis B is about 50 to a 100 times more infectious than the HIV virus because this virus can live up to 7 days outside of the body while the HIV virus dies outside the body. The deeper you go into Africa the higher the chance to get strange problems. At present this is not in force and not a requirement in Zambia, Zimbabwe, Namibia or Botswana but only a recommendation. But if you are exposed to these viruses then you are in serious problems so to me it is easy. Get it done. Prevention is better than the cure which does not exist at present.
During my army days we had to use the water resources that were available and we used the same water and the same dams the locals used to wash themselves and many of them did carry some nasty sickness but our injections made sure that we suffered no consequences. I remember many a time where we had to brush away the animal droppings from the water just too get some sort of water for us. We used this water as is without sterilization but we are still alive and healthy today. (Touch wood) To me this is the same with this trip except we will not be subjected to these extremes and in all probability you will revert back to your own mineral water that you will have in the vehicle.
However, the risk is still there in the populated areas such us Livingstone and Kariba. Many people today do illegal border crossings from the Congo where it is a problem and they do use the same facilities that we use. You can control it by not using any ice blocks with your brandy and coke or any other drink. Use your own water. You can control by washing your hands after the toilet is used and if someone has shaken hands with you or after visiting public places. Stay away from food at any street vendors. If you can not peel it or you can not cook it then leave it alone. If you do attract diseases mentioned then the consequences is high so it is better to do prevention than to cure - which do not exists.
No – my name is not Monk but I need to inform cachers of all the risks. Their well being on this trip is important to me and I would like all to enjoy it and to chill for a while and to find 25 caches without a worry. This could spark a debate or frighten the daylight out of some cachers. I am not a doctor and if any cacher wants to support or choose not to support these injections please feel free to do so but speak to your GP first. If he feels as an objective person you need to get the injections than do it now. Do not wait until the event is published. The yellow fever injection must be done 6 to 12 months before the trip date. According to international standards you need to have the yellow fever certificate for at least 12 months before you are allowed to enter or exit any epidemic regions which is not applicable to where we go. Also your GP can not administer this yellow fever injection and it must be done at an approved facility. Your doctor will assist you. But again you are the decision maker and maybe you will feel that this is overkill but please again speak to the GP which knows your medical history and who can advise you as a professional.
For those that are thinking about this caching trip - remember you can join the trip at a later stage. You can also remove the Kariba dam visit and you can remove the trip to Kuba Island. The event is fixed and you will use the event/s if you need to rejoin the group so you can plan your accommodation around it.
Botswana is a relatively safe country and you can go higher up with very little risk with a normal vehicle. That will give you a trip time of 10 days and less. Please do not be scared to enter Botswana on your own. Do not go via Labotse border post. Too many people and it could be busy and it will take longer and too many places to go to. Go to waypoint S24 52.300 E25 52.924. (Ramotswa) Get there and stop inside to the left as you enter directly at the wire fence. Go to the first office on your left as you enter, fill in the little arrival form, pay and go to the right hand side for your vehicle entry. You have to pay in Pula and there is an exchange point at the border post. Just ask permission to enter the Botswana side first at the policeman at the gate to get some Pula and you are ok. Maximum is 10 minutes and you are done. Before entering they will ask you for your driving licence. No fuzz and painless. From there you will find a little river running across the road, no panic it is suitable for any vehicles. From there you will find the main route and Gaborone is next on the list. Do not speed and stop at any stop street and give way to pedestrians and taxis and you are ok. Yes it is strange but true, the taxis do not cut in front of you – you have to give them time to get back into the traffic. Not need for fear and you can enter on your own without me. I have a contact in Gaborone that will assist you if there is any problem.
I received no negative feedback for the event idea so I assume it is acceptable.
Gerhard
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Anton, more details on Planet Baobab below. This can be confusing.
http://www.botswana-direct.com/makgadikgad...s/planet-baobab
I do not believe that cachers will follow me exactly on the route as published. If your target is less than 10 days than you will have to skip the Kariba trip and you are back on target. I selected the route in such a way that the trip can be shortened for example the trip to Namibia can also be removed. But this is the base map and everyone will have to calculate their budget, requirements and needs. Even the trip to Kuba island can be removed and cachers can go straight up to Kasane. I will play catch up at the next event.
I would love to receive feedback on the following issue. I planned to do 6 events on this route. The motive is that it will enhance the cacher experience and for the benefit of the cacher and good for the community. The event points is selected in such a way at the areas where cachers could part or intersect with our route and that value can be added at that point. The event point is the official mark on the route where anything can be discussed such as the further details, border crossings, etc. Do not get me wrong – I will not do school class methods. I want to relax and if the questions are raised I will answer them. No need to write examinations on this one. The focus is on the gathering and not official info sessions. I would love to hear the experiences from other cachers and the way they enjoy it or things that they do not enjoy. I am away from civilization and I want to chill so that is what I want to do – but at the same time I do not want to loose cachers somewhere, if input is needed to assist then these official checkpoints must exist – if help is needed. My approach will be hands off so the cacher can do his own thing but in a safety Net. At least he is not alone. At least if he planned to pitch for the next event then we can start to search for him.
I am not that sure anymore, it starts to bother me. Is there any value in this approach? There are cachers that do read me wrong sometimes and they could interpret this as someone with a control freak method even when the motive is pure. Am I wasting my time – should I just go and forget about the other cachers and do the trip on our own with the exception of a couple of cachers. Now that the plan is unfolding I can see negatives and positives. On these extremely difficult events one can easily turn anything to the negative or to the positive. On the positive side we can introduce geocaching to others and on the other side maybe there is no one so why hold the event. On the one side we have cachers with their own ideas and their own route and with the events we could disturb them and plans must be adapted. On the positive you are not on your own but you have a group of cachers that can assist. On the negative side cachers could feel that they want to chill and they do not need interaction. On the positive side they could enjoy the company of the cachers and on the negative side they want to be alone. I am easy. Events is in or out - I am still going on the trip. (DV) Please give me you personal feedback and all input will be valuable as there is no right or wrong at this side. Should we hold the six events.
I contacted Groundspeak to obtain permission and I hopefully we will have some sort of positive consideration. If not then I will just bypass the rule with another method where cachers can be warned/informed. This is complex.
Gerhard -
This is our proposed route with planned dates; open to discussion. We tried to shuffle the locations to balance the distances that need to be done. We also included some rest periods. I believe that cachers will not follow our exact route and that they will deviate from this and that they will plan for intersection at certain events/points.
If you have a better plan please feel free to discuss it on the forum but we need to finalize the route in the next two weeks to get the accommodation resolved. Any must to do item please feel free to include them.
After a long discussion with my own family they still do not feel safe to travel through Zimbabwe and the route was adapted and the route to Beitbridge was removed. If you feel you can add value by recommending certain accommodation locations feel free to forward them to me or publish it here. Exact event points will be published as soon as we have the acceptable route to all.
Day 1: 27 Jun 2011 (sunrise - 06h51 ; sunset – 17h31, 4 days until new moon )
Cachers, ok if any, gathers at Palapye. Here the different access routes are covered. Nearest border post is 116 km. (Bwa Martin’s Drift/Za Groblers Bridge). We will have a braai that night and we will share route info and planning that is needed or done. This is our first event point and it is more or less a gathering point for the trip. Maybe this is going to be an easy count.
If you are planning to go your own way please feel free to give me your cell/sat phone and traveling details. I would prefer this in writing. This is not compulsory but at the same time I will only keep an eye on those that have gave me their traveling plans. Day 2: 28 Jun 2011 (sunrise - 06h54 ; sunset – 17h49, 3 days until new moon )
At sunrise we leave Palapye for cache called c.cimum and then a trip to Planet Baobab. Distance is 524 km. The complete trip is about 6 hours and 30 minutes if all go well and if no roadblocks or stoppages are encountered. I am not in a hurry and will take it slow. If cachers want to go faster please feel free to pass me. I will find you at the next stop.
Day 3: 29 Jun 2011 (sunrise - 06h54 ; sunset – 17h49, 2 days until new moon )
Today is a rest day at Planet Baobab and feel free to do a quad drive on the pans, go for a walk, game drive, visit the area and/or do anything you like best. My team will not rest and we will be on our way to Kubu Island early the morning to explore the area. In all probabilities we will get stuck but the chains is going with so I should be able to get out with own recovery. This is 4x4 terrain only.
Day 4: 30 Jun 2011 (sunrise - 06h50 ; sunset – 17h54, 1 day until new moon )
On our way to the North. From Planet Baobab we will leave for Kasane and will stay there for the night. Distance is about 407 km with a time of 6 hours. Slow driving and I will stop during this trip. I am not going to fly down any tar road.
Day 5: 1 Jul 2011 (sunrise - 06h53 ; sunset – 17h59, new moon )
We will leave Kasane and we will be on our way to Katima Mulilo. On our way we will visit a cache called “William’s place” if available. This is 4x4 only to this cache. Total distance for the day is about 128 km without the travel to William’s place. More or less 4 hours is planned for this trip. We will overnight at Katima Mulilo. That night we will hold event 2. Some cachers could proceed from this point to different locations and please inform me of such plans. It is not compulsory to give me your traveling plans but if you need a backup plan please I am available. I hope to go for a trip on the Zambezi.
Day 6: 2 Jul 2011 (sunrise - 06h47 ; sunset – 17h52, 1 day from new moon )
We will cross the border near the little Sesheke Airport and we will enter Zambia. Our final destination is Livingstone. Distance is 208 km and expected total time is about 4 to 5 hours with stops/crossings. That night we will hold event number 3 – at this point cachers could also decide to go in all directions. I need to hold this one in a proper location with a real nice meal to celebrate our trip. We could meet foreigners at this point.
Day 7: 3 Jul 2011 (sunrise - 06h48 ; sunset – 17h52, 2 days from new moon )
A rest day. I will cross the Zimbabwe border and will visit the area to see more. Or cachers will stay on the other side as nothing is prescribed. We need to be back in Livingstone that night to prepare for the next trip. Here you can do what you want to do. I am planning to join a walk with the lions in the reserve. Luckily they feed them before the walk. I am just worried if they need a snack. Bottom line if you want to go with me and you feel any fear or you experience any trembling of the hands and/or feet please do not walk next to me.
Naturally my wife and daughter refuse to do this walk. Visit the devil’s pool, go down the steps to the bottom, go to the boiling point, go for a bungee jump, and go for a slide. Do it in a group or do it alone. The world is yours to discover. That night we will hold a braai, event number 4, just to share info for the next extended trip and to see if anyone is missing after the walk with the lions. Also just to chill and to hear the stories and the experiences of the cachers. Hopefully we will attract some muggle attention and have some of them with us. Day 8: 4 Jul 2011 (sunrise - 06h34 ; sunset – 17h43, 3 days from new moon )
A drive to Kariba. A total distance of about 562 km. probably in the region of about 9 hours to do with the cache finds. We will visit the Petrified Forest and we will stop along the way. If time permits we will try to get to the caches called Twin Giant, Boogie with Baboons and Monkey lookout. This is 4x4 only and I did use Google to determine access and terrain. Later that afternoon we will cross the dam and we will enter Zimbabwe again.
Day 9: 5 Jul 2011 (sunrise - 06h34 ; sunset – 17h44, 4 days from new moon )
Rest period again. Discovery time, sleeping time, relax time, family day – you call it what you like. Go for a trip with the boat on Lake Kariba. One of the last events will be held here the afternoon with a braai and to check if all cachers are there. No need to attend but safer to have this check point to make sure all is well and a great time to share the different experiences among each other and to share some photos. Many things to visit and I will also do a visit to Namsowa hill to have a great view over the lake. I will also go off-road in this area and feel free to join. If I am not at the event please send recovery, try to find the vehicle and then look for the biggest tree - I could be in there at the top.
Day10: 6 Jul 2011 (sunrise - 06h50 ; sunset – 17h56, 5 days from new moon )
Time to head home. This is the longest leg of the trip. Use of the ferry will be done. No need for swimming lessons.
About 632 km back to Kasane with few stops. After all you had a day of relaxing. Time with border crossings should be about 9 hours maximum. We will stay for the night. Day 11: 7 Jul 2011 (sunrise - 06h47 ; sunset – 17h41, 6 days from new moon )
We will leave for Francistown at about 08h00. But there is no haste. Trip is only about 499 km and at an estimate traveling time of 6 hours and 30 minutes. This is the final event point and wrapping up will be done here. Probably a braai that night or a fancy meal all depends how cachers want it to be done. We could find some cachers at this point from there various trips. Also a stock taking night to make sure that all is well and that everyone is accounted for and to resolve any issues if any such as rebuilding your vehicle on the sidewalk and in the sand.
Final time to say goodbye and to share your last thoughts before we go our own separate ways. Also a time to beat the trip organizer in an attempt to voice your dissatisfaction with the trip. If more than one please stand in a row – hopefully the row will be short. Check on TB’s – if you lost any at Kariba then it is time to go back. Day 12: 8 Jul 2011 (sunrise - 07h01 ; sunset – 17h41, 7 days from new moon )
From here I will leave for Gaborone but it is no longer consider as part and parcel of the trip – from Francistown cachers could be going into different directions. I will stay over at Gaborone and I will show the wife our factory and we will visit the caches that side. For me a distance of about 493 km and about 5 hours drive. We will visit the shops, Burgher war memorial and the info Centrum. We will stay for the night.
Day 13: 9 Jul 2011
Back to RSA – hopefully in one piece. A drive of about 419 km, total time of about 5 hours and 30 minute.
Day 14: 10 Jul 2011
Time to relax, time to check the vehicle, wash the car, complete the logs and to note the bad and good things and how to improve on this trip. I added this day to make sure I do not end at day 13 – I do not like 13 as you will realize.
Gerhard
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I do like the designs. The one from Hesamanti give a good feel and it does represent something unique from Africa and people can relate to it in all countries. The last one from Bruce is very useful. So is there anyone that want to select a specific one.
I studied the info given by FE and if there is less than 20 then permission is automatically granted based on the requirements they spelled out clearly. So it appears as if we do not have to request permission.
I had a long chat yesterday with Kuda one of our managers from Zim that have the farm at Kariba. His father is well known and they have the necessary contacts. He will prearrange anything we need. If we need fuel in Zimbabwe then he will arrange the price and where. When you arrive at the garage you just need to tell them you are so and so and they will hand you the fuel. He will also arrange for accommodation on the Zimbabwe side. If there are any problems with accommodation we could stay on his farm for free. If we have any serious problems at a roadblock we will contact him and he will phone his father and they will resolve this with the Police Commissioner. I thus have two contacts in Zim for use. To him the safety risk on the road in RSA and in RSA is greater than in Zim. During last year when there was a lot of trouble and a lot of problems with fuel and food in Zim this man organized the trip for our MD. He went through without any problem. There was enough fuel arranged for him and he even stayed over at Harare without any hitches. To him it was just an ordinary trip.
So during the weekend I will publish the intended route. The route back is the problem. I would like to go though Zimbabwe to Beitbridge, but then again the cachers will have to decide. They can also return through Botswana. This route is not cast in stone and it is open for debate. Maybe shorter, maybe longer, maybe an alternative but it will be a good start. With this I will indicate the check points in the form of events. The route will form the basis for the rest.
To bypass the event publishing rules for now, I will publish a word document on Google that will contain the full requirements. Medical, injections, times and dates, what we will do, where we will be, traveling plan, caches that will be visited, preparations, accommodation and contact details, border requirements, distance of travel , rest periods, backup plan, dates, time, etc. In this way I do not have to wait for permission but we can still proceed ahead of time and the listing is then just a formal something we do in due time. As soon as we agree to some sort of plan then I will start to pay for my accommodation to get that pinned down. Then it is a matter of time to see if cachers are going to join us. We could have some cachers that will do different trips but could intercept with us at the events which will be good. Thanks for all the input. This is one trip I always wanted to do but I never had the time to sit down and to plan for it. I guess now is the time. Thanks. Gerhard
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Yep, a small problem to get the events listed. But there is some hope in this tunnel. We have to wait for a decision. If I can not sell this idea probably and it gets rejected then I have no option. I will publish the proposed events in list format - the place, date, time, gps point for those interested. I need to ensure that everyone is in a position to arrange accommodation. I will also upload the proposed route. At least with this you should be able to plan.
I am also under pressure to forward the final design to groudspeak for approval. Can we place our bets? Can we vote on the designs? Which one is the one we go for? Bruce you have the creativity, what appended to Anton? Pressure and pressure – please give me more. I work better while my back is aching.
Gerhard -
Thanks Besem, I am glad you are watching. We still have the 2000 finds bet, but I think I should start to bet on you from now on. By the way I did not forget about the coin. Battle to find one with a broom… It will get to you when least expected.
Is there any caches that need special tools- please do not say all of them? Something like a ladder, money to bribe the cache owner, patience, Internet, rope, small children to get things out of its place, dynamite, etc.
Gerhard -
Ok, it appears as if all is resolved and I will attend. I will be in Bloemfontein the Friday. I hope to give Besem a surprise; he is now getting too close to my finds.
No cacher accepted the free lift offered so I am on my own. Maybe someone brave enough to cache for 12 hours non stop will join me. Wazat what happened to you; why are you hiding under the bed? Bakgat why are you running?
Please take care, I will not sign the log but I will stick a label. Ok, not on the container but in the logbook. Do not stand still too long I could place it on your forehead.
I have a couple of TB’s with me and I hope they move to the Cape Town area. See you when I see you. Gerhard
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Hi RedGlobe, in all probability my wife and I will attend. I volunteer to supervise – just to make sure all rubbish is collected and that the event organizer is bending properly without strain.
We will do this one with no camping. This will be my first CITO. Thanks for organizing. Gerhard & Petra
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Final time to say goodbye and to share your last thoughts before we go our own separate ways. Also a time to beat the trip organizer in an attempt to voice your dissatisfaction with the trip. 
Gerhard
Tonteldoos
in South Africa
Posted · Edited by gerhardoosMPsa
Hier is die werklike prent van die skatkis soektog - slegs die wat 5 leidrade en bo het is deur gegee. Danie is sterk op pad en Team Ginger doen goed. Ek dink dit gee al die inligting wat nodig is en dit gee die hele prent in woorde van cachers en caching met verhouding tot die finale een.
Al die skatte wys jou iets uniek voor die finale een. Jy leer iets van hulle almal. Dit is die fokus gewees van die begin af. Om 'n kortpad te gaan loop gaan jy iets mis en die finale een is dan net 'n nommer op stats met geen betekenis nie. Anders is al die ander skatte 'n zero op hierdie lys. Die voorwaarde van die finale een moet dus wees om al 18 te he of om dit te verhandel met die wat jy gevind het met leidrade van die ander cachers. Dit is logies as jy net twee caches gevind het dat jy dit baie moeilik gaan vind om almal te kry. Alle series werk so - ek kan die finale punt kry en hom gaan soek en dan net se dat ek hom gekry het uit ongeluk. Selfde hier. Met alle series moet jy die pad stap om die finale een te kry. Met die twins caches is 'n man se naam op die "wall of shame" geplaas toe hy per ongeluk die cache gekry het. As dit daar so werk dan werk dit hier ook so. Jy moet die 18 kry. Ek kan die finale punt vir almal gee wat ek ken maar dit is 'n lee blik en wys jou niks. Slegs my siening. Lees mooi die eerste twee paragrawe van die listing en jy sal sien wat ek bedoel. Gerhard