Golden City Champs

Brent, Craig, Lynn, Sean, Richard,
Estelle & Darryl

The year has drawn to a close as far as hand gun shooting is concerned.


There were medals and lunch and then friends that we have spent the year shooting with.


I would rather not like to remember my score for the day but I always enjoy the company we keep.

Limpopo Open Shotgun - Al Thandiwe Safaris

Last weekend we traveled to Mokopane where Richard shot the Limpopo Open.

It is always lovely to get back to the bush-veld.

The entire Limpopo Province is really in need of rain. The bush has a grey tinge to it, it is so dry.

Al Thandiwe is lovely to shoot at and all the ranges that were used had lovely back drops.

Once again the wind pumped and everyone battled but for some reason Richard was zoned in and shot his best scores since we had the farm attack and it looks like all his hard work is finally paying off.

Saturday he shot a 90 and on Sunday he added 94 to his score. He had two straight 25's which was lovely to watch. It was like old times sitting and watching him shoot these scores.

Well done Richard - I loved watching you shoot.

Safari Outdoor @ Wattlespring Shooting Club

The monthly Safari Outdoor Clay Target competition took place at
Wattlespring Gun Club and 95 guns took part.

Beautiful weather and in our detail some new faces we did not know. That's what is so lovely about this sport. We started off quiet and reserved and after the third stage there were cheers, encouraging remarks and loads of laughs.

I finished with a massive bruise to my face - didn't feel it at any stage - but very pleased with what I had accomplished as far as shooting both eyes open. Please remember I am a new clay shooter. Richard had a good laugh when he realized what I was doing and correcting this made a big difference in my score.

Richard of course always does well.

Loved it.

Central Gauteng Leaugue -- Mpumalanga League

So this is one of those two in one posts again.
I have no idea where time goes.
This week was the unpacking of Northern Lights new shotguns that arrived from Italy so it was checking serial numbers and seeing that everything was entered for inspection on Thursday.
We had some very satisfied customers who ordered their left handed shotguns that fir perfectly.
I really did have a very valid reason for not posting Central Gauteng League earlier.
So - Central League on 3 October was a lovely day with good friends. I started off like I hadn't shot for ages but slowly it fell into place. Only snag was there was a bottleneck at stage 7 and 8 so we sat for about an hour and a half.
10 October and we decided to take a drive out to Trichard.
We followed our GPS and landed up in a mielie field but after a phone call to the club they soon put
us on the right track.
Never been there and what a blast we had.
Everyone was so welcoming and making us feel at home.
Six stages that you could test your speed a bit.
Thanks Teks Shooting Club - we really enjoyed.

Holingsberg Fly Fishing - Oom Org's Chalet.

Oom Org's Chalet

Loved It

On the spur of the moment we decided to take a break and
recharge our batteries.

Found on a google search was an amazing out of the way Trout and Nguni Stud Farm in Dullstroom.

They have a few chalets on the farm but Oom Orgs has no electricity so we thought this a good way to switch off from everything - computers, laptops, cellphones.

We spend two days catching up on our reading. Richard did some catch and release fly fishing which

Middle Of Nowhere

he has been dying to do again.

Richard Hasn't Lost His Touch

The cabin was beautifully furnished, always had hot water and a cold fridge even though that that was gas operated.

The linen was crisp and clean.

The silence was really golden - I really miss that part of farm life.

The nights were adorned with stars from one horizon to the other.

This was what we needed to restore our souls.

#holingbergflyfishing

Central Gauteng Rifle League & Northern Gauteng Handgun League & Safari and Outdoor Clay Competition at Wattlespring Gun Club

Once this shooting business gets into your blood it is very addictive.
You think about it, you talk about it, you plan around it, you dream about it.
No matter how or why - shoot you must.

Colin, Johan, Gerald, Jose, Daan, Terrence, Tyrel, Remi

Daan Our RO Making Sure

Richard went off to his first ever Rifle league on
Saturday with a brand new gun and no idea of what to expect. I only saw him later in the day as I had a family commitment - all ladies - out in the country - which I really enjoyed, Thanks family.

That's How Much Gerald Enjoyed It

Back to Richard and his first rifle shoot. He was like a child with his first toy ever. He couldn't stop talking about it. The detail he shot in helped all the newbies through their paces and now he can't wait for the next rifle shoot. I think he was too busy enjoying so sorry, no photos.

Colin In Action

Not often do we go our separate ways but this Sunday Richard
went off to the Safari & Outdoor Clay Shoot at Wattlespring where he is showing Aike the ropes with his new Redolfi Shotgun that he bought and I spent the day at Magnum United Shooting Club for the Northern Gauteng Handgun League.
I battled a bit to find the club but got there in time to gear up and find a detail.
As always there is camaraderie from everyone you meet at a shoot. I had never shot with these guys before and we had an absolutely fabulous time.
Thanks all.
#cgpsa

Central Gauteng League and Cullinan Harley Outing

Our Little Squad

Saturday was Central Gauteng League run by Roodepoort Club
and was it a swinging, rocking flipping affair. It was loads of fun with swingers and disappearing targets that we have never seen before.

Stage Swinging, Rocking & Spinning Things

We had a super little squad with Sean hope that graced us with his company while he is on break from Myanmar. Lovely to have shoot with you again Sean - we missed all the jibes and jibes. Hurry back. Also joining us was Lionel Marks and Brent Aspden.
Loved shooting with you guys.
Sunday was a road trip to Cullinan. Always a good ride and in Cullinan we landing up at the Cullinan Trading Post. They do specialized coffees and I was treated to an espresso class. Bought some yummy coffee and now going to try my hand at those delicious espressos that the Italians so enjoy.

Classic Arms Auction at South African Museum of Military History

BMW With Sidecar

It's amazing how unique each individual is and what their
interests are.

Military Displays

Today the Classic Arms Auction was held at the Museum of Military History.
Collectors gather and exchange or purchase their books, badges, dog tags, etc.

Private On Time Out

They exchange advise and tell stories of old - just enjoying a day out in the sun reminiscing about days gone by.
You can sit in the sun and have a Prego roll and a beer and take in all the uniforms and vintage items on display.
Then comes the time for the auction and this is where Richard enjoys himself the most.

Army Shelter

Choices!! Choices!!!!!

He had every intention not to buy anything - tut-tut - but I must admit he was very strong, he came away with only two items today

Well done Ditch - I'm proud of you..

Golden City Club - 30/31 July

Craig, Lynn, Albert, Riaan, Aike, Frikkie, Alex, Estelle, Richard

This past weekend was a double whammy of shooting for us.
We started off on a chilly Saturday and finished on a chilly Sunday.
What went on between the start and the finish, well that is another story - good and bad shooting - squibs for me - mikes and hostages shot all over the place - plates that would not stand still - lots of jesting - loads of fun - old friend back on the range - good company.
What more can we ask of a weekend.

Nationals at Komatiepoort and July News

Braai  At Figtree B&B

The 8th July we packed up and were off to Komatiepoort for the second leg of the Nationals.
I never knew Komatiepoort was so far other side of Nelspruit. It feels like a forgotten part of the country. Beautiful in between the mountains on the way but dusty and windy that weekend.

On The Way

Guns, mags and ammo had to be cleaned constantly.
We stayed at Figtree B &B on Marloth Park Reserve. I always thought it was quite a larny place from what we were led to believe but I would not like to live here. Security was a big no no and the residents are quite indifferent to the subject when brought up.

Our Squad 15

There was an incident of an RO's gun being stolen but they still turned a blind eye to their own risks.
Wattlespring Gun Club has new management and so this month saw a new Club Competition day sponsored by Liquor City which we attended on 16th July. Only about 15 - 20 shooters but with some advertising should grow.
Safari and Outdoor has now taken over the Maglite shoot and on Sunday the were 105 guns taking part.

Our Time Back Home After The UK

Central Gauteng League

Orazio - AKA The Godfather

Now I am playing catch up again with news since we returned from our holiday in the UK and
Europe.

After returning on the Thursday we could be found at Golden City Club Shoot on the Saturday 17th June. I was so slow I think my muscle memory had checked out on me and I had to think of every movement.

Relaxing At Pretoria Botanical Gardens

We then had Orazio's daughters wedding on the 24th June which was such an elegant affair to attend. A really special chapel ceremony and then a very elegant reception all on the grounds of Memoire Wedding Venue. Lovely food, good company and excellent wines.

Our Newly Christened Ryan

So the weekend did not stop there. On Sunday morning it was off to Pretoria for Ryan's Christening and seeing that Warren and them are building and in a bit of a mess, we did a family day at the Pretoria Botanical Gardens after the church service. That was lovely for the kids ro run around and enjoy a bit of the winter sun.

First weekend in July was the Central Gauteng League at Golden City so guess what we were doing? I'll leave that to you.

San Marino 7th - 11th June

I have spent my days ambling about this enchanting city.
There is no end to the alleys and lanes that twist and turn in every direction.
The history that dates back to the year 301 and then the Towers that were built in the 13th Century and something that I will always fondly remember.
We would walk to one of the highest restaurants on the mountain where we could look out on the valley and drink house wine and eat pizza.
Every day we learn a new Italian word and I am sure if we stayed long enough we would be able to have a decent conversation.

One morning I could even explain to the lady that I wanted a fried egg and not scrambled as they usually do. I get a special breakfast each morning as I come down after all the shooters and jury have left and she is just full of smiles to see if she can improve her English with me.
Thursday morning we woke up to fog (or so we thought) right to our balcony door but we are so high that it was the clouds passing. It is damp weather but it cleared a bit as the day went by. Did not stop me from wandering off into the town.
Thursday Evening we also had a special invite to a fancy restaurant in town. We took a walk and as usual it was ups and downs to the restaurant. We were met with champagne and cheesy flat breads and then it was just wine and food after that. There were seven courses in all and they were all fish except for the desert. Every now and then a sorbet as a palate cleanser and then more fish and more wine.
Everyone really battled to get up for the last day on Friday after we only got to bed at midnight. Again it was a long day for them as the the finals took them to after seven 'o clock.
Saturday all was packed up and we are taken back to Bologna for our flight to London.
It's been beautiful but very long, as you can see the entire city in five days but I did get to relax and just chill.
British Airways is nothing to write home about and after an hour delay because they could not line up the tube with the plane they brought some stairs and shooed us all out as they were then running late. Customs took forever and we were so lucky to get onto the last tube to Debdon. Only got to Clint after one in the morning.
It's been lovely, even though our weather was up and down but it is good to be on our way home.

San Marino 5 & 6 June

Some Of The Flags

Richard Doing His Job

On Monday I went with to the shooting for the Mens Double
Trap.
There are approc 400 shooters from 78 countries taking part over these 10days.

Electronic Scoreboards

Shooting Range Seen From Hotel

It is a loooong day for this jury. If you are a referee you are at least busy most of the day but the jury they just keep
checking all is in order.
Scoring is done electronically and at any time you know exactly
what you have shot.
 The sun was out and there was some very good shooting and then a black cloud came over the mountain and the heavens opened.
The final was delayed for an hour.
We only got back to the Hotel at about 7:30 and didn't even go out for supper we were so bushed

San Marino - 2 - 4 June

Supper At The Hotel

The Shotgun Jury Members

Richard had to get straight to work this morning so he has
breakfast on his own and I amble down a bit later.
There are so many winding paths to explore and each time a new view pops up on another side of the mountain.
Last night we ate at the Hotel Cesare were we are staying but it is awfully expensive, especially when we convert. Our portion of the meal was 70 Euro,

Falconry Show

Falconry Show

making it R 1 207. That was not splashing it just a main meal and we had a glass of wine.
We have a lovely room with a balcony overlooking the
countryside of San Marino. We do have the smallest shower I have seen in a long time and Richard has quite a battle with the walls and the shower door - all you hear is the banging and the cursing when he bumps his elbow and doesn't have anywhere to put down the shampoo. I just have a good giggle.
Thursday evening we went to the official opening ceremony held at the shooting grounds. All the dignitaries from Tourism, Olympic Committee Members and ISSF Presidents gave speeches that had to be translated. There was also a Falconry display and we had buffet at the Club

San Marino - 1st June

Scene In Town

The Alps From The Plane

We were up and about early and off to Heathrow on 1st June and then at the airport we had an upheaval about our hand luggage. The top zipper pocket was too fat to fit into the luggage sizer so they wanted us to let it go into the cargo luggage but then we would have to pay 65 pounds extra for each bag. We did a bit of repacking, went back and all was okay and then she tells us to let it

View From Our Balcony

Taking A Walk

go into cargo anyway. Didn't understand that!!
We sat on the runway for about  45 minutes before take off but we
are on holiday so.......
ISSF staff pick us up at Bologna Airport ad it was a 2 hour drive (Italian style) to San Marino.
It is absolutely fairy tale stuff. This town that was built on Mount Titano is seen from miles and the climb to the top is spectacular.
San Marino claims to be the oldest surviving sovereign state and constitutional state in the world, as the continuation of the monastic community founded on 3 September 301 is still functional.

Loughton - Heathrow - 28 to 31 May

I don't think you could pay me to immigrate to the UK.
I think we had one good day where we could sit outside - let me remind you we had to have our cardigans on all the time.
One thing that is true is that the countryside is absolutely beautiful.
It rains and is overcast all the time and my clock says it is time to go to bed but the sun has not set????
Please let me see the South African sun and feel it on my face.
Today - 31st May - we are at the Heathrow lodge for the night as we fly to San Marino in the morning.
We are really looking forward to being spoilt at the shoot and meeting interesting people from all round the world.

Notgrove - up to 27th May

Bourton-On-Water

Notgrove

Now I think we have had enough of a motor home and the rain and Sudoku, so we are looking forward to checking the vehicle in and getting to Loughton for a rest before we get to San Marino.
We did a big clean up on the Motor Home
The trip from Upminster to Loughton is a cab ride, then a tube ride with a change even though they are just 15km apart as the crow flys.