Today I had the privilege of guiding a class of Grade Three girls, whose teacher is an ex-colleague of mine, on a bird-watching excursion. Each year she does a theme on birds which includes an outing to The False Bay Nature Reserve. I know this park and its birds very well which is why the teacher asked me to be their guide. Of course, I took my ‘driver’ along with me and he enjoyed it just as much as I did.
Yesterday, we visited the park to get an idea of where the various species were likely to be found. For the past week, the weather in Cape Town has been stunning – perfect for bird-watching. We were delighted to find that the feathered creatures had not packed up and left the area.
Last night, however, I woke to the sound of strong winds and heavy rainfall! Oh no – our outing! But I needn’t have worried. The ponds were crowded with huge flocks of birds and the wet weather did not dampen the spirits of our young explorers. Fortunately, it did not rain continuously and the little ones were able to get out of the cars to get a better look at the birds. One of the dads had brought a telescope and that made everything even more exciting. What we noticed today was that the birds had gathered in larger flocks than yesterday. There were literally hundreds of little grebes, stilts and ibises flocking together.
I do not post photographs of other people’s children without permission so I am only posting birds today. Some are from the outing and some are from yesterday’s pre-visit. Unless otherwise stated the girls saw all these species. And they needed very little help in identifying them. It was awesome to see how excited they were to see and identify the different species and happily tick them off on their lists. “The only one on the list we didn’t see was an African Black Oyster Catcher,” they declared. The reason for this is that the part of the park where it is usually seen is no longer easily accessible and also the ponds in that area have dried out.
Photo from yesterday – Yellow-billed duck, Red-knobbed Coot and Cape Teal – all in a clump togetherCape Shovelers were in the mix too and they all made an appearance for the girls today too.And the Swift Terns were in their usual spot tooA Rock Kestrel made an appearance for us but not for the childrenBlack-headed Herons were everywhereYesterday the pelicans were there in great numbers – not so many today but a few were seen.The iconic bird of False Bay Nature Reserve -Greater FlamingoWhite Storks are supposed to have flown north but this one prefers South Africa and has chosen to relocate permanently, I think. The teals, gulls, stilts and ibises don’t seem to mind his company. We did not spot him today though.Great Excitement when the flamingos took to the skyA dried-out pond attracted hundreds of sacred ibises Huge excitement when the purple swamphen appearedLittle EgretWhat a lot of black-winged stilts. Spot the Hartlaub’s gulls too.We almost missed the pied avocets right on the edge of the group of stilt – Thanks to the dad with the telescope for pointing them out to us.One little girl recognised this lapwing by his call before she saw him – I did my oral on the Blacksmith Lapwing, she declared!And there were very many Cape Teals and Red-billed teals tooRed-billed teal and Cape ShovelersA special sighting was the fulvous duck which is not often seen at FBNR
Many other species were seen but the photos are not post-worthy. This is the list of the birds the girls were able to tick.
Avocet Pied
Coot Red-knobbed
Cormorant White-breasted
Duck Fulvous
Duck Yellow-billed
Egret Cattle
Egret Little
Flamingo Greater
Goose Egyptian
Goose Spur-winged
Gull Hartlaub’s
Gull Kelp
Grebe Little
Heon Black-necked
Heron Grey
Ibis Glossy
Ibis Hadeda
Ibis Sacred
Lapwing Blacksmith
Spurfowl Cape
Moorhen Common
Pelican Great White
Shoveller Cape
Sparrow Cape
Starling Common
Starling Red-winged
Stilt Black-winged
Swamphen Purple
Teal Cape
Teal Red-billed
Tern Swift
Wagtail Cape
What fun it was to be with a class of children again – it’s been a while! Their excitement over each bird observed and ticked off was a joy to behold. Bird Watching is a hobby for life – you’re never too young to start nor too old to stop. I can see that now that these children have had a taste for birding they will be noticing them whenever they’re out and about.
A few weeks ago our daughter called to invite us to join her on a cruise. MSC does a summer season in South Africa but at the end of April, they return to the Med. MSC Orchestra was offering a pre-departure special – 2 nights – balcony cabin – at half the normal fare. We said, “Yes, we’re in!” The only problem was they refused to let us bring the caravan so we had to sleep in the cabin! Our son-in-law Allan couldn’t make it and our Plett grandchildren had other commitments too but all three of our daughters, the two Cape Town grandsons, and the best friend of one of our girls joined in on the fun. Lauren and Wendy have been best friends since Grade 8 and although they lived in different provinces for many years, Lauren in KZN and Wendy farming with her now late hubby, Bryn, in Elgin, Western Cape, they have remained close. These two were joined at the hip and did everything together as teens. Wendy was like another child to us as Lauren was to her mom. Lauren has now moved back to the Western Cape and although still five hours apart, (Wendy is still farming in Elgin) they are able to see so much more of each other. They both have kids in their late teens and early twenties now.
Our 25-year-old grandson, Jay, is heading to Europe to seek greener pastures later this month so this was a lovely opportunity to spend some quality time with him before he leaves next week. So we were a party of eight – Our oldest, Lisa shared with our youngest, Laurie. Our middle daughter Lauren shared with her bestie Wendy, and Jay 25 shared with his brother Josh 24. And of course, the Old Fogies left their caravan at Chapman’s Peak Caravan Park and settled for a balcony cabin on Deck 10.
Now cruising might not be for everyone. But for us, it was an opportunity to bond with the kids, relax and have fun. On board ship, there is something for everyone. The boys had never cruised before and did not know what to expect. But they certainly now have a taste for it. Our girls are still young enough to enjoy the nightlife and we all enjoyed the restaurants, the theatre and the entertainment in the various bars and lounges.
The boys took good care of their grandfather – At the cruise terminal Spot our family in the queue which moved very quicklyFinally on board
We opted not to take drinks packages as on such a short trip we didn’t think we’d finish the vouchers. So we loaded our cruise cards and bought as we needed. Champagne for the girls at dinner, wine for the Earl and me. The boys stuck to coke and water. (I’m so proud they don’t drink except for the odd glass.)
Goodbye Table Mountain – Note the FNB Portside Building on the extreme right – where Lisa and Laurie workAn exciting experience for JoshWendy, Lauren, Jay, Joshua, Laurie, Earl, and Lisa – ready to go down for our first on-board dinnerThe Fab Four ready for Fun!My grandsons and me – I used to hold one on each hip – Look at them now!Me and Laurie – as the ship leaves portEarl and Lollz
We love cruising and thoroughly enjoyed a month-long cruise from Mauritius to Italy in 2019. This was nothing like that but the two days were awesome as it was like spending a weekend with family and simply enjoying each other’s company without having to worry about cooking, cleaning, and finding activities that everybody would enjoy. We enjoyed all our meals together, went to the theatre together and enjoyed the musical entertainment in the lounges. We also spent time in the sun on the deck but while the younger ones danced till the early hours, the Earl and I retired to our beds! We also indulged in a couples massage at The Spa – bliss!
Breakfast – and yes they ate the lot!Fun exploring the ship on Day 1Fun Photo – Josh, Lauren, Lisa {Mother of those big boys!), JayShall we gamble?Now where is that dealer?What were the chances of meeting someone we knew!Josh enjoying the sunJay acting cool!Lauren – our middle child Wendy who is like another daughter to usLaurie – our youngestLisa our oldest – and celebrating her birthday on boardJay our oldest grandson – soon to be seeking adventure in far-off landsJoshua – handsome as everEarl the amazing patriarch of this awesome family of oursMe – a very proud Mother and Grandmother – How awesome that our kids wanted us to cruise with themThese three love their champers!The restaurant staff bade us farewell with song and danceThanks Ibiscus Staff for an awesome timeNot too old to put on the dancing shoesWe should really do this more often
In conclusion, we had an amazing time on this short cruise. There were a few issues but nothing could spoil this time for us. As you can see from the photographs, our grandsons are tall and skinny but they have enormous appetites so the availability of food was a huge plus for them. They ate an enormous breakfast but were still hungry at lunchtime when they went to the buffet and once again filled their plates with a variety of amazing food. They laughed when I told them they’d spoil their appetites for dinner. Ha – they got through all the courses and still had room to feast at the midnight buffet – after disco dancing of course!
We also enjoyed the food on board but of course in much smaller portions! The service in the restaurant was a tad slow so patience was required. But when you are enjoying good company the wait is not so bad!
If you decide to cruise with MSC you won’t be disappointed. The theatre performances are excellent and there is always something entertaining happening in the bars and lounges at night. During the day there are deck activities as well as indoor activities you can join in or just watch and of course when the weather is good the pool and sun tanning is just the thing.
Longer cruises are even more fun as you get to go on shore excursions and visit exotic places. In 2019 we had the most awesome time on The Costa Victoria which sailed from Mauritius to Venice. You can read about our cruise here
Do you celebrate the Easter holiday and if not, do you have an alternative?
Yes, we do. When the grandchildren were younger we would have an Easter Egg Hunt in the garden. This year we did not celebrate with our own family.
Do you exchange gifts or have a traditional meal?
Our friends Sonja and Roger who live just around the corner from us had their family come to stay for the Easter Weekend. We helped accommodate some of them and joined them for their festivities too. We also had a visitor who arrived on Sunday and was happy to sleep in our caravan! On Good Friday we ate pickled fish for lunch and had hot cross buns for tea.
Our wonderful hostess, Sonja and her nieces looking gleeful at the spread she is preapringThese chocolate chip cookies were baked and served with ice cream – delicious
On Saturday we had a bring-and-share braai – I did a potato bake, broccoli salad and bacon and butternut savoury tart.
The Braai!Me, The Earl and our host Roger.
On Sunday, fourteen of us sat down to a beef fillet done on the braai. My contribution was a Greek salad.
Cousins playing a game together
On Monday everybody left except for our visitor, Tommy. We invited our exhausted friends over for braaied yellowtail served with potato salad, broccoli and red cabbage salad and spinach and butternut salad. After a weekend of entertaining such a huge crowd every day, Sonja was relieved to just relax. It was a good end to a wonderful Easter Weekend.
How many Easter Eggs (or alternatives) did you receive/give?
I gave all the children at the dinner a small packet of mini-Easter Eggs. There were four of them aged 5, 14, 16 and 18. I also gave Easter Eggs and treats to my domestic helper’s family. The adults did not exchange Easter Eggs but we certainly ate some!
This little one comes to work with her mom every week and she’s like another grandchild to me. She loved her special Easter treats
Was Easter a Bank Holiday in your country or did you have to work this weekend?
Good Friday was a holiday as was Easter Monday. Our seaside town of Struisbaai was very busy as it was also the school holidays. Many people were making the most of the warm weather before winter sets in.
Gratitude: There are only 24 hours in a day…….. don’t waste any as they cannot be replaced.
I love the above quote and am grateful for all the small pleasures in my life.
Yes, I do. I very much enjoyed reading the book – 84 Charing Cross Road by Helen Hanff and then caught the movie quite by chance on television. I could not imagine the book being made into a movie as it is mainly a series of letters exchanged between two people on different continents just after WW11. Well, I just lapped it up and enjoyed it as much as I did the book. I have watched it several times since and I enjoy it every time.
Anne Bancroft played Helen Hanff and Anthony Hopkins was Frank Doel. The rest of the cast had very famous names too so it could not fail to be excellent.
Who is your favourite actor and actress?
Quite difficult to answer this as there are so many talented people out there. Julie Andrews, Judy Dench, Jane Fonda, Meryl Steep, Julia Roberts the list goes on. My favourite actress is without a doubt Barbra Streisand. She plays her parts with such passion and her singing of course is amazing. I loved her in Yentl which comes a close second to my favourite – 84 Charring Cross Road. Richard Gere has to be my favourite actor – he is gorgeous and I loved him in Pretty Woman! Julia Roberts is also one of my favourite actresses.
Do you attend or have you ever attended a live theatre production?
I have attended several theatre productions. The first live play I remember attending was “Crown Matrimonial” – I was about thirteen years old and my mother took me. I absolutely loved it.
Have you ever wanted to be an actor/actress?
Yes. I act all the time but not on a stage or in the movies. Most of my acting has been done in front of a classroom. It helped keep the children interested and amused. Making a fool of myself got them learning!
Gratitude:
I am grateful for all the awesome people around me and the blessed life that I lead.
On the weekend of 31 March to 2 April 8 Gecko Caravans gathered together at Eikebos near Greyton in the Western Cape. You always take a chance with the weather when booking a venue well in advance. Had it been last weekend we would have been flooded out. But the Gods were with us and we had glorious Autumn weather. The mornings and evenings were cool, but the days were warm and full of sunshine.
The picnic area – no caravans allowed on the grass.The indoor facilities were awesome but as the weather was good, we didn’t need to use them.
Eikebos Camp Site was lovely. The caravans set up under the oak trees in a semi laarger formation and made sure to keep off the grass. The oaks provided lovely shade, but we all had to be careful that the falling acorns didn’t land on our heads! During the night those of us who were light sleepers were shocked awake by the odd one dropping down loudly onto the caravan roof!
No grass under the oaks but lovely lawns in front – 🦎109 and 🦎81
We all arrived by mid-afternoon on Friday and enjoyed catching up with those with whom we camped last year, and it was also good to meet some new members. Victor and Maria 🦎19 are new to the Cape after living many years in Haenertsburg, Limpopo (where our lovely caravans are manufactured). John and Jane 🦎196 were the newest owners amongst us.
Some more 🦎s under the trees
On Friday and Saturday night we enjoyed a communal braai together.
Getting the fires startedJohnnie, Karen, Maria, Victor, John, JaneMaria, Victor, John and JaneAfter the braai the fire was moved to the ground and this kept the party warm
On Saturday morning most of us headed to Greyton which is a delightful town to explore and we also checked out the market where there was a variety of crafts to peruse and some delicious eats to buy.
Cathy, Alec and Earl and I had breakfast at 4U and enjoyed excellent omelets – mushroom, cheese and bacon for them and spinach and feta for me. Earl had Eggs Benedict – also excellent.
We bumped into almost everybody else from camp as we wandered around. Earl and I particularly enjoyed the chocolate shop. I have a friend who lives in Greyton so we went to the market with her. Afterwards we popped over to her lovely home and also had a chat with an ex- colleague who also lives nearby.
Greyton is an arty townEarl and my friend Marilyn having some fun with the clownThe Greyton MarketPerfect day for it
The weekend was really awesome. We had some great laughs around the fire and it was just good to be with like-minded people who love caravanning as much as we do.
Pottie enjoying a broodjieJohn and Jane keep up their standards with candles, tablecloth and fancy goblets.Left to right – Cathy, Helen, Colin, Diane, Karen, Johnny, VictorLeft to right – Coin Diane, Karen, Johnny, Victor, Maria, Susann, GeorgeSusann and George clearly enjoying the fun – Maria on the left
Thanks to Colin and Diane for the excellent organisation and to everybody who attended for making this such a fun weekend.
Susann cannot go anywhere without having a blow dry! Last time Francois helped her out. This time Colin ably took on the task!
This week Di asks questions about being part of a group. Here are my answers.
Did you attend Sunday School at your local church as a child?
Yes – I went to a protestant Sunday School when I was very small. My parents then decided that we should return to the Catholic church and as we attended a government school my siblings and I went to Catechism on Wednesday afternoons. In my teens, I went to a protestant youth group and did not attend the Catholic church again. As an adult, I don’t attend church having become disillusioned with the hypocrisy but I do consider myself a Christian and have my own faith. I have no regrets about attending protestant or catholic churches. They were all part of forming my character. My main reason for nonattendance is that I dislike being told what to think and do. Christianity is about faith, not rules.
Did you attend after-school classes ie. drama, sports, as a teenager?
Yes – sport was compulsory at the schools I attended. I played social tennis and netball. I wasn’t any good at sports but in my early twenties I started playing squash and I loved it. In my early thirties, I started jogging and loved that too. I stopped at around 55 years of age but continued walking and aerobic gym.
Did you go to evening classes after you had left school?
I went to a sewing class but sucked at it. Later my neighbour taught me to sew and for many years I made most of my own clothes and those of my kids. I no longer sew.
In my forties, I attended a creative writing class which I was part of for about 10 years. Maybe if I hadn’t gone I would have finished my book sooner? Just joking – I really enjoyed those classes.
Do you now belong to any groups/meetings (ie WI, single (not dating), young Mums, slimming clubs, young wives, Men’s hobbies )
I belong to The Cape Bird Club and was secretary for 10 years. I am now 200 km away so am not as involved as previously but have done an online beginners’ course for them. I don’t attend the monthly meetings unless I happen to be in Town. Because I’m a member, I can go to the outings and/or camps when I’m able to.
A Group of CBC members on an outing
The Earl and I are also members of the Cape Boat and Ski-boat club in Cape Town and here in Struisbaai, we are members of The Diepsee Angling Club. Hubby, being the fisherman, is involved more than I am. We go to all the social functions. I am mostly involved when asked to take photographs for competitions or to write reports on them.
A collage of participating boats in one of the competitions
The class of 1970 from Fish Hoek School was meant to celebrate 50 years since Matric in 2020. COVID restrictions made this impossible and so we were a little late in having our gathering. About forty of us matriculated in 1970. Most of us started school together in 1959 at Fish Hoek Primary and continued together right till Standard Ten. Ronald, with a great deal of effort and perseverance, managed to find every one of our past classmates and some who had matriculated elsewhere but were with us for most of their schooling. Only about 15 managed to make it to the reunion week. Some of our number have passed away, many are just not able to travel anymore, and those who are far across the oceans, simply could not make the long journey.
Not all of us are in this photo – Can you find yourself, pupils of 1970?
One of our classmates who now lives in Port Macquarie, Australia, did the great trek back to her homeland and hometown to catch up with us all. Anne was also part of our planning committee and would zoom with us at what was stupid o’clock for her but simple o’clock for us in South Africa! Others came from different parts of the country too and it was really wonderful to get together again after so many years.
On Monday 21 February, the weather was really stormy and we had planned two outdoor functions! But the gods were kind and we had a beautiful day on Tuesday and our evening bring and share function at Trish Thompson Richard’s house was awesome. The infamous south easer did not blow and the outdoor ambiance of her garden and patio was just perfect. Everybody brought a platter to share and it was all totally delicious. But best of all was catching up and reminiscing about our school days. We had so many laughs especially when Ken regaled us with his hilarious stories.
Don Mac Alister, Ken Welthagen, Neil Crawford (Head Boy) Ronald MeakerTrish Thompson Richards, Evelyn Field Gould, Theresa Thomas Haslam (Head Girl) “Oh that was funny!”Anne Anderson-Dennet (all the way from Oz) Linda Sanders Pickels, Val Johnston de Munnink, Marilyn CableAnne Anderson-Dennett, Helen Pnematicatos Fenwick, Don Mac Alister (Photo Heather Mac Alister)A wonderful outdoor ambianceTwinkling Candlelight – Loadshedding didn’t spoil a thing
We had a lovely fire pit around which we all sat and shared stories. Ronald gave a brief speech and we toasted our teachers, absent classmates and those who have passed on.
Ronald giving a speech
We especially remember those of our classmates who have already passed on. RIPBoetie Bester, Frances Eastern, Anne Garden, Garick Lotze, Jean Rix, Heather Soloman and John Willis. Also from Primary – Linda (Bierman) Harrington
Back row Ronald Meaker, Don Mac Alister (Pink Shirt) Evelyn Field Gould, Trish Thompson Richards, Neil Crawford Second row Ken Wlelthagen, Helen Pnematicatos Fenwick, Marilyn Cable, Theresa Thomas Haslam, Anne Anderson-Dennett, Linda Sanders Pickels, Val Johnston de Munnink
On Wednesday morning we hoped to sit outdoors at The Bistro at Fish Hoek Beach but after staying away for the evening function the South Easter could not hold it in anymore and it came gusting in with a bit of a chill too. A few of us sat outside for a while and then went to join the less robust indoors! We had a few more past pupils who could not make it the previous evening join us and what fun we had catching up with them too.
Colleen Walker Mc Dougall, Anne Anderson-Dennett, Marilyn CableLinda Sanders Pickels, Barbara Bauwer, Raymond BauwerDenise Chant Laker, Alan Laker (Also an old FHHS boy a year ahead of us) Neil Crawford Helen Pnematicatos Fenwick, Earl Fenwick, Trish Thompson Richards, Anne Anderson-DennettTrish, Barbara, RayEvelyn and TheresaColleen and MarilynLinda, Barbara, Raymond, Alan, Denise
Our final function was a dinner at Dixie’s in Glencairn. This was a really special time. We were seated in a secluded area of the restaurant and had wonderful service from our waiter, Jason, and the food was excellent. Thank you Dixies for helping to make this a memorable occasion.
Ken – still the class clownThe rest of the class ready to laugh at his anticsTrish and Ron having a giggleAnne from Oz and Theresa who often travels to see her scattered kids and grandkidsMarilyn came from Greyton, Linda came from Addo and Evelyn still teaches music at Star!Helen a very local girl now living in Struisbaai and Neil who is visiting from Port ElizabethStill very much bonded – Trish Thompson Richards, Ronald Meaker, Theresa Thomas Haslam, Neil Crawford, Evelyn Field Gould, Linda Sanders Pickels, Kenneth Welthagen, Helen Pnematicatos Fenwick, Marilyn Cable, Anne Anderson-Dennett.
The bond you have with the kids you grew up with runs deep. You think you will be friends forever but life happens and you drift apart. You might be on the same path for a while, watch your kids together at the beach, mix in the same social circles then drift off again. We change in different ways and become teachers, naval officers, administrators, school principals, librarians, businessmen and women, etc not to mention taking on the role of, parents, aunts, uncles, and grandparents and then suddenly we’re seventy and invited to a school reunion. Will we still have anything in common with those long-ago teenagers? Hell, Yes! It’s like no time has passed. We have a shared history and we simply pick up where we left off. We want to know how each other’s lives have panned out. We listen to each other’s stories and our hearts soar with joy at their highs and break at their lows. We cannot help but feel for these wonderful people we grew up with. Although we have all gone in different directions and achieved different things, the foundation for each of us is the same, thanks to growing up in Fish Hoek and attending the two awesome schools.
Each and every one of us at this delayed Fiftieth Anniversary of Matric had the most amazing time. We all want to do it again very soon! No waiting another ten years! Please, everyone from the Class of 1970, keep in touch and try to join us at the next reunion.
A few more photos taken by Marilyn and others.
Trish and RonaldLinda and EvelynRonald, Marilyn, Ken, EvelynAnne and TheresaHelen, Marilyn, Neil, Trish Hubby and me!
Day Four of the tournament proved to be the most exciting of all. Here are the exciting stories from Chris Hepburn Brown, John Leppan, and Willem Skein all crew members of John Graeme , Werner Kotze of Indigo and Hannes Smuts of Bayswater.
First Fish of the Fourth DaybyChris Hepworth Brown(John Graeme)
Wednesday the 15 February was a day I will never forget. We got onto a bumpy sea early and we were all well aware of what we had to do. At the 12-mile bank, the colour of the sea was a deep gunmetal and the temperature was close to 23 degrees C.
After catching some Bonita which we put out as live bait the action started. Just after 8 am out the first line went. It was my turn on the rod and I settled in with a big black marlin. Being my first marlin, this was a daunting fight ahead. The fish jumped early in the fight and then went deep. After 30 min we brought the fish to the side and managed to measure and successfully release
This was probably one of the best experiences I have had. Catching this magnificent fish and then successfully releasing was a moment of extreme joy. I thank our skipper Chris Goatly and the crew for making this possible. Long live the marlin.
A Day I will never forget/ ‘n Dag ek sal nooit vergeet nie – Werner Kotze (Indigo)
Thank you Werner for your very exciting story and for writing in both English and Afrikaans. Ons waardeer dit baie.
Ek kry n uitnodinging vroeër die jaar van Eugene om met hom op die boot Indigo wat deur die legendariese Gawie Bruwer besit en geskip word te kan gaan deelneem aan die TOMT. Die 4e dag se besluit was gemaak, nadat Serge Wessel ons eerste gestreepte Marlyn die vorige dag suskesvol gevang het om weer ver te ry op soek na n suksesstorie.
Radio calls came in of several Marlin being fought and even successfully released from the complete opposite direction from where we found ourselves. Although our water looks great and we lost hours to reach our GPS coordinates, it feels like the Marlin gods have turned yet again against us, could it be true…absolutely not!
Ek draai na Eugene en vra vir hom ; “Het jy dit ook nou gesien?”
Terwyl ons na die “spread” kyk sien ons hoe n Stripey die starboard outrigger slaan en vas is ons. Met die knip van n oog slaan daar nog n Stripey die portside outrigger en dit verander in ‘n malhuis op die boot. Ongelukkig verloor ons altwee visse, maar ons weet ons besluit om ver te hardloop was reg. Vinnig is al die stokke sommer weer in die water en ons bespreek wat moontlik verkeerd kon loop, bad luck is die gevoel en fokus skuif na die mooi water en so paar verdwaalde voëls. Elke persoon op sy pos in afwagting op die volgende strike.
And so it happened – sitting on a beanbag next to the portside outrigger (aka the ugly one) a similar sound to a .22 gunshot broke the silence. The tagline’s elastic band broke off, a Penn International starts screaming insanely and a black Marlin starts jumping and dancing off the stern of Indigo. Teamwork is the key! Clear the rods, clear the deck, get in the chair, and start filming! Twelve years of trying and even losing marlin, I could only think of one thing, ‘DON’T F… THIS ONE UP! ‘
With precision skippering and excellent crew members, we managed to release a beautiful black Marlin that lives to fight another day. The fight and release lasted about 40 minutes, and with Lourens Odendal filming everything, I will always remember 15 February 2023 as a day full of excitement, adrenaline, and conquering my nemesis. Thanks, team Indigo!!!
Third Fish of the Fourth Day by John Leppan(John Graeme)
Having boated the first fish on the 4th day our skipper nominated me to be next in the chair. After locating the bonnies we set about catching two fresh baits and getting them rigged. All the while we were listening to the radio as Indigo had just hooked their second fish. Our job at hand was clear, we needed that third fish!
Fifteen minutes after setting our baits the ratchet on the starboard reel brought us all back into focus. No sooner had it started than it abruptly stopped. As the realisation of this lost opportunity sank in, silence befell the crew. Fortunately, this didn’t last as a portside rig exploded into life and brought us all back to our senses.
Turning off the ratchet to calm the situation we allowed the fish to peel off line whilst I got into the harness. Still not knowing what we were dealing with I tightened up the drag and on cue, a beautiful black marlin surfaced 200 metres off the stern and walked in search of freedom. Having set the hook I then got as comfortable as possible and tried to concentrate on the job at hand.
The John Graeme crew have always been generous with their advice. Knowing that we needed to boat this fish to get back pole position we all set about our jobs working hand in hand with our very able and calm skipper Chris. We tried to subdue a fish that was having none of it. Spending more time in the air than in the water this majestic beast tried every trick in the book to throw the hook. At times I had brief thoughts about being the guy who lost the fish. During this epic battle, and knowing the fleet was listening closely, we finally got hands on the leader and brought the fish alongside. As we were getting ready to bill and measure, the line parted, allowing the fish to swim away strongly back to freedom.
The celebration ensued with high fives all around and with man hugs that could be disturbing in different circumstances!
I would just like to thank the crew and especially our skipper, Chris for his kindness and generosity.
My First Malin by Willem Skein(John Graeme)
As was our usual custom we were taking hourly turns to be on rod duty.
All three of my crewmates had caught their first marlins ever in this tournament. The last two were caught a mere four hours before it was my turn. And the pressure was on to try to catch my first marlin and complete an unthinkable hat trick of three blackies in a day for John Graeme.
As we set out from the harbour earlier that morning for what was to be the last day of fishing, I told Hepburn-Brown confidently that we were going to catch 3 fish today.
At that time we were neck to neck with Indigo, and the competition could still go either way. Everyone on board could sense the tension of the possibility of getting pipped at the post, as had happened to John Graeme two years ago.
The two earlier fish took line around 8h00 and 10h00 respectively.
Shortly after noon I quickly brushed thoughts of doubting my own prediction out of my mind.
At 12h25, my heart rate instantaneously skyrocketed to the urgent sound of my reel’s screaming ratchet.
Excited shouts of, “Come on Doc, your fish is on,” urged me into action.
The fish stripped 200 m of line in no time, entertaining us with several impressive acrobatic aerials.
Thankfully I saw it was not such a heavyweight as my crewmates had to deal with. And by this time our skipper had advanced to the next level of marlin skippering, making me look even better on the rod.
Twenty minutes later a beautiful black was craftily ushered to the side of the boat.
I felt a kind of humble gratitude towards this beautiful fish when I stroked it before it was eloquently released to go and reign the oceans again.
Then the relieving and joyous thought that this fish gave us a likely unsurpassable lead started to descend on all of us.
What a privilege it was to have been part of this incredible crew and to continue the legacy of love for the ocean and fishing.
An Amazing Team with a love for fishing and the ocean
Last Fish of the Fourth Day by Hannes Smuts(Bayswater)
On Wednesday 15th February 2023 at 14:45 we had the first strike on the boat. Piet called it in and we got extra time. I was the angler on the rod. The fish jumped out of the water at least six times which was the most beautiful site ever! I had it on the line for one hour and forty-five minutes. This was the strongest fish I ever had on a line and probably the biggest! I had the fish right next to the boat and Kokkie was on the leader and according to him, this was at least a 300 kg fish.
Two anglers have sent in reports of their exciting experiences catching marlin in this year’s Marlin Tournament. Thank you Serge Wessels from Indigo and Grant’s tells how Jacque got his first stripey
Serge’s Story
I was on the boat, Indigo, skippered by Gawie Bruwer. Being a novice to Marlin fishing, I did not realize what a team activity it was, and what experience was required by the other crew. Without the skipper keeping the fish correctly positioned in relation to the boat, the crew member pulling in the leader and grabbing the bill, the member removing the hook and importantly the camera person confirming the catch, there would be a very slim chance of successfully catching and releasing such a magnificent fish. I was fortunate to catch a striped marlin and be part of the crew to catch a black marlin thus, being able to witness the glorious colours of both excited fish as they lit up close to the boat. The black Marlin gave us a fantastic aerial display, making for memorable moments.
Stripey caught by Serge of Indigo
Jacque’s Fifth species of Marlin – Story by Grant van der Westhuizen
From zero to complete pandemonium can best describe the sensation of raising a marlin and enticing it to strike in the 2023 Two Oceans Marlin Tournament. The hours of preparation, maintenance, planning, research, and monies that go into catching one of these beautiful creatures of the deep and extremely vast oceans all become worth it when you finally see the silhouette of one of these majestic beasts in the spread.
The skipper and crew of Mojo had managed to raise a couple of Striped Marlin on day one and two of the tournament and to the frustration of all aboard the fish just wouldn’t commit to what we had to offer. The fish on these days seemed well-fed, lethargic and hesitant to strike. After careful deliberation, we decided to stick to our guns and fish the same area as we did the previous day, after all, we had seen the fish.
Now let me paint the scene for a more than typical day in the 2023 TOMT. Generally, the day starts out full of optimism and as the day grinds on without any result or worse, disappointing results the mood can change, and combined with a little sun, wind, salt, and doubt it can become a mental marathon.
At the start of day three, we reached our fishing grounds and started setting the spread running two teasers short (starboard and port) with a flasher in between with two short Konners, two long and the Japan running way back. The usual tweaking to get the Konner’s running at their optimum and the continual adjusting to keep them running at their optimum in the ever-changing conditions is a responsibility bestowed on Mojo’s fishing master (Gareth Beaumont) and myself.
It had been pre-arranged that be it a Striped marlin skipper Jacques “Mojo” van Niekerk would be on the rod after all the man has a Pacific Blue, Atlantic Blue a Black and a White marlin under his belt and it would only be befitting to give him the opportunity to catch his fifth specie of marlin here in his local waters.
We had been trolling for a half an hour when one of the competing boats literally five hundred meters away from us went tight on a Marlin. As in the nature and the spirit of the 2023 TOMT we were happy for them, but it was disheartening to say the least. Not long after the vessel Indigo and skipper Gawie Bruwer and crew had successfully caught and released a healthy-sized Striped Marlin. The pressure was on.
We kept grinding away and at 12h00 under the watchful eyes of Beaumont and me we spotted the dorsal fin and shoulders of a Marlin protruding from the beautiful purple blue colour of the ocean behind the Long. As per usual the adrenalin shot threw my veins just in time to see the fish disappear and just before the disappointment could set in the fish was back. The anticipation of a screaming rachet was short-lived as the fish disappeared again and before all hopes were crushed the fish was back behind the same Konner for a third time. Surely this was the moment but to everyone’s despair the fish vanished again just to reappear, and this is when the fish decided to commit. Within milliseconds the unmistakable screaming of a Marlin reels ratchet blasted the silence.
Enter the well-oiled crew of Mojo kicking into action to man their designated stations for the day. Skipper Jacques van Niekerk stayed behind the wheel as fishing master Beaumont very carefully and patiently set the hook. As the fish took of Beaumont moved to the wheel and Hannes Schreuder leader man and vocals, Anthony Tait cameraman and I scurried to bring in the lines, clear the deck and to get the skipper in the fighting chair. This was it the moment we had all been waiting for. The skipper was a couple of minutes into the fight when this beautiful Striped Marlin breached and showed herself in all her majestic glory. From here it is hard to say how long the fight lasted but after what always feels like an eternity the fish was leadered by Hannes Schreuder and after a quick measurement and tag with the hook removed the fish was released to fight another day. High fives and congratulations all around and the Konners were back in the mix.
What an absolute privilege to see the speed, strength and agility of these animals. See you in the 2024 TOMT.
First Stripey for Mojo!
Watch this space for the final results and Prize Giving as well as more stories from the anglers.
Thank you to Wayne Cooke of John Graeme for his story of how he bagged his first marlin and the first one of TOMT 2023
It is Day One and we are lines in for my 5th Two Oceans Marlin Tournament Struisbaai. I must admit I do not have high expectations as I have yet to catch a Marlin or even be part of our team catching one. As normal the Bonnies are set and ready for action. As has happened over the years the boat gets quiet as the day starts to drift on.
After a while, I’m told that it’s my turn for the next hour to watch the rods. Around mid-day, one reel starts to slowly give line and there is something eating my Bonnie. The next minute our other rod also goes stiff and starts giving line.
“SHARK,” one of the crew calls as surely it’s not possible to hook two Marlins especially as I have never even seen one live.
Hylton Goatley takes charge of one rod and I take the other. I promise myself that I am going to give whatever is on the other end time to swallow the bait, and I give free line for about 2 minutes.
At the same time, Hylton goes tight on the drag and a big black marlin jumps clean out of the water. There is now total chaos on the John Graeme. Some run for the black magic and others just run from sheer excitement.
I then decide to tighten up the drag on my reel, still not believing what is happening. I am happily looking out the back of John Graeme expecting whatever was on my line to show itself as not too much line is being taken. Well, if I bother to look ninety degrees to my left, I will see a massive Marlin jumping and going crazy.
All attention is now on me as I hear skipper, Chris Goatley, radioing that we have not hooked the first Marlin but are still hooked up on the second. I have never had so much attention from the crew before. I am offered water and asked if I am feeling okay. The doctor on board is even happy to inject me if I require a boost at any stage.
I am pumped with excitement as I realise that it is up to me to catch this one for the team. This fact is mentioned to me more than once by my team mates!
“Don’t F **k it up, Cookie,” I hear one of them warn.
Well, with great skill from our skipper Chris Goatley and 55 minutes of hard fighting, my first Marlin shows itself next to the John Graeme and with all the skill of the crew and lots of shouting the fish is measured and released to fight another day.
It is a day I will always remember but most importantly the pleasure it gives us all to see it swim away is just magical.
John Graeme proudly flies the “Caught a Marlin” flag.
The John Graeme is on the scoreboard, but little do we know there is much more to come……..
Adventuring into Retirement 