"HIMSELF"

    Dear Diary,

    I am constantly amazed by the powers and adventures that we, the ageing can get up to..............

    His Lordship, my adored spouse, decided in a wild moment a few weeks ago, that he and I, now that we were sufficiently adept enough (at riding long distances on our motors bikes) to partake in a "bikers rally"! OY!

      Remembering that we live a pretty quiet life, for the most part, and that riding some 700 kilometers, is unlike the normal "breakfast-runs" that were are used to..........I agreed. I mean Mpumalanga ??? who could resist??

      Suffice to say, that the packing of clothing presented many logistical problems.......his bike has these panniers along the sides, and one at the back. My bike could not be taken, as there was insufficient room aboard the train, which was part of the journey.......we set off in the pouring rain.

      Much hilarity, at the meeting up of friends who were coming along......three shiney Harley Davidson motor bikes set off for our first stop ...Port Elizabeth. There, we met, and stayed overnight with more mad bikers, who partied till dawn.....and a rather subdued SEVENTEEN people, managed to get bikes tied down, find carriages and settle in for the journey.......it was wonderful! The newly met 'friends' were great, and the atmosphere of adventure, which prevailed made all the discomfort of our ageing South African railway system easier to cope with.....err......almost........

      I won't bore you with the most frightening ride (pillion) of my life through Johannesburg's rush hour traffic! Nor the hair-raising ride to get to our destination...we were hours later than other riders.......I mean there is this glorious place called the "Long Tom Pass" which is out-of-this-world! ........but at night? I have never been so frightened in my life..........do you know that after promising me, while riding here, that HE would not 'drop' me........when we got to the resort, he was so tired he did just that! Taking off, after the manager had welcomed us, poor darling dropped the bike with me on it at the tiny stop sign!

      aaaaaahh.......amazing whata hot bath and a tall glass of 'Sour Mash' on ice will do for the very sore-assed riders..........then to 'sup' in Africa??? EAT YOUR HEART OUT!

    Yes, I must say, that even with a very sore bum, an aching back, and tired beyond belief, after this kind of hospitality, this setting, the hippos under our balcony, the thatched cottages, with feather mattresses, and 5 star service.....all was forgiven.

    Our rally, as such, was magnificent rides into the country side, millions of Harley Davidson motor bikes wizzing around, scenery to die for and friendships made, that bring a lump to ones throat. Places that have to be seen to be believed! Blyde river Canyon........God's Window.....Pilgrims Rest......Have you heard the contented rumble of an elephant's stomach while drifting by a herd drinking at the water's edge? Have you heard a lion's roar echo through the valley at night when the stars come out to hunt? You.....enter a world where the sublime peace and tranquillity is broken only by the plaintive calls of the wild....all this on the back of a bike?? OH YES!!!!!!

    Fortunately, although the bike ride back to catch the train was FAST.....we took a lessor route very early in the morning........back to the train, and sadly, a day later, after many hugs and kisses, waved goodbye. *sigh*

    One asks oneself at times.....if one was spoilt all the time would this mean as much?

    Panda Matenga..............lovely!

    PLEASE LOOK AT THIS!! its out of this world!

    *sigh* and this................

          Support the Endangered Wild Life Trust

          more coming when I can get the pics developed...lol....

          GUESS WHAT?? if you click here........you will see that we have been on ANOTHER wild ride.......


          rEaD all aBoUt it!!

          HARLEY MANIA IN THE CAPE!!
           
           

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