Eastern Cape Open - Clay Target Shooting - Graaf Reinett

Gariep Dam On the Orange River

We have a nice little trip arranged to coincide with Richards Universal shoot down in Graaff- Reinett.

This morning we were on the road at 6.00 am. Everything was packed and organized last night so here we come Graaff Reinett.

Our first stop along the N1 route was Gariep Dam.

The Gariep Dam was originally named the Hendrik Verwoerd Dam after the first prime minister of the Republic of South Africa Hendrik Verwoerd on its commission in 1971. However, after the end of apartheid, the Verwoerd name was considered unsuitable. The name was officially changed to Gariep Dam on 4 October 1996. Gariep is San for "Great water", the original name of the river.

Gariep Dam Wall

The wall is 88 m high and has a crest South African English, 'dam' refers both to the structure and the lake it impounds. Gariep Dam has a total storage capacity of approximately 5,340,000 megalitres (5,340 hm³) and a surface area of more than 370 square kilometres (140 sq mi) when full. The hydro-electrical power station houses four 90 MW generators, giving a maximum output of 360 MW of electricity at a water flow rate of 800 m³/s.

Norval Pont Concentration Camp Cemetery

length of 914 m and contains approximately 1.73 million m³ of concrete. The Gariep Dam is the largest storage reservoir in South Africa. In
The structure is a concrete gravity-arch hybrid dam. This design was chosen as the gorge is too wide for a complete arch so flanking walls form gravity abutments to the central arch.
It was built by Dumez, a French construction company.

The Norval Pont Hotel Built in 1895

Ten kilometers further is is the little town of Norval Pont where we went to the Anglo- Boer War Concentration Camp Cemetery. The concentration  Camp housed 5192 women and children and during that time 494 people died there. The Norval Pont Hotel that was built in 1895 still stands today.

Only His Own Entourage - Shame

Next stop was Graaf-Reinett and as we drove up Caledon Street where we are staying everything was cordoned off and Black BMW's, Merc's and SUV's (AKA The Blue Llight Brigade) blocked our way in. The reason - Zuma was having lunch at a local B & B. I thought I would hang around and catch a glimpse of him and expected crowds to line the streets, but except for his entourage and a few by passers, not a soul out to greet him and not a cheer to be heard.

Golden City - Leaugue Qualification

Thursday we went off for a practice rounds with our newly loaded ammo using our .40's to get a feel and see if they met power factor. All is well.

We also took the 9mm with just because we haven't fired them for ages. We had to have a good laugh because that first shot shooting with double action took us off the target a few times until we got used to it again.

We thought we were ready for Friday to qualify for League shooting.
Friday we pitched up at the club and as it neared 3.30pm I started thinking everything was way too quiet.

I made a real boo boo.

Normally the qualifying is done on a Friday but I did not read the email ( that will teach me a good lesson) and everything had been changed to Thursday so we will just have to wait for the next League shoot.

Idiot me.

Golden City Club Shoot

It was a slightly overcast Sunday morning, it actually felt like Natal Coastal weather - and we were ready to shoot at Golden City.
OK, now don't have a laugh. Because we were out the entire day yesterday at the auction, I saw to it that everything was packed before we went to bed last night. Rig, magazines, glasses, caps, etc - half way on our way this morning we realize we don't have our guns with us. So quickly home to load them up.

Karen on the Line

We weren't late and this morning it was a lazy Sunday shoot with everyone very relaxed. I think because they all have the Nationals behind their backs and just going to enjoy the shoot.
8 stages - 148 minimum rounds - swingers - pop-ups - plates - hostages - loads of moving backwards - all in the days shoot.
Loved it as usual.
Thanks to Alan, Steven, Karen, and Stuart that shot in our detail. It was super fun.

Then I would like to wish Karen all the best. She is going to the States to shoot in Florida in October. Enjoy it and do well.

Classic Arms Gun Collectors Auction

It was the long awaited Classic Arms auction and Richard is very excited and happy about his collection today. He bagged two of the best guns on the auction today, both of them being very rare.

D 84 - Used in the Spanish Civil War and WWII

D 28 9mm Luger Artillery Pistol

D 73 - 9mm Walther P38 Pistol

D 19 - 9mm FN High Power and D 22 - 6.35 CZ Pistol

E 95 - 7.65 CZ Pistol

E 112 - 9mm CZ Pistol

Good day for our WWII  and CZ Collections.

Now for all the paper work the licenses but I'm getting good at this.

Tomorrow is Golden City Club Shoot - Can't wait.

Flora Arms

Last week Friday was a public holiday and we decided to go for a ride on the Harleys so  Richard decided to give them a quick clean but this quick clean became a car clean, a bakkie clean and then a quad clean so no riding on Friday.

Saturday we were of to Flora arms to have a look at their collection as we are still building on the World War II collection. This was a good opportunity to kill two birds with one stone. Guns and Harleys.

This was a particularly good practise run on the Harleys as it was Saturday morning traffic in the heart of

the northern suburbs.

The collection at Flora Arms was not that impressive and nothing of interest was found for our collection so we will have to wait for the Classic Arms Auction.

Middelburg Trip on the Harleys

It might seem to you as if Guns and Harleys is in hiatus but actually we have been very busy.
We have been working on the paperwork for the collection of World War II. It has been so interesting doing the motivation for Lowveld Firearm Collectors Association. We have had to research each pistol and going back in history and seeing where they were used, where and how they were designed and manufactured has been fascinating.
We are now on the last leg of getting all copies of documents certified and accumulating all this information in the order that is required of the authorities.
We have not been able to do a long ride on the Harleys as we have had more than two

Middelburg with Ada and Loggie

weeks of consistent rain. Everything is waterlogged and it is virtually impossible for the garden service to mow the lawns and see to the flower beds.
The weekend though the sun broke through and we made the most of it.
After church on Sunday we decided to hit the highway, destination Middelburg in Mpumalanga. We called old friends we have not seen since we left the farm last year and told them we would drop in for a cup of coffee.
This was the most kilometers (300 round trip) in one day done on the Harleys so far and we could feel it in the backside so when we got to Middelburg and Ada and Loggie who will spoil you to bits when you visit had a braai (barbecue) with all the trimmings - even home baked bread and jam.
I loved the ride - I loved the lunch - I loved the people we were with - I love life.

Warrens Birthday

Last week was Warrens Birthday and for the first time in many years we were able to spend

the time with them.
 
It was lovely seeing the girls together. You two are beautiful.

We had a three in one celebration.

It was both Warren and Channel's birthday and then also their Wedding anniversary.

We wish the two of you great Blessings from God and may you two and your home be filled with love.

Wew must do this more often.

Golden City Club Shoot

Coert in Action

Wayne on the Swing Bridge

With torrents of rain pouring down last night we thought Golden City was going to be muddy and wet this morning but due to them only having a light shower everything was good to go this morning.

8 Stages with a minimum of 175 rounds.

We shot with a detail of ten shooters which we thought was going to be too big and take loads of time but Wayne kept us on our toes as far as time was concerned and with everybody picking up and patching we did good time.

In our detail there were the Open and Standard division shooters and then there were the shooters who love their Classic guns that I feel for when it comes to so many mag changes.
You can see they just love to shoot.

Standard targets, poppers, a swing bring, plenty of hostages but no swingers today, and no

Support From The Wives

I did not bribe anybody.

Our Scorer Taking Some Timeout

Thanks to our detail - Wayne, Mark, Chris, Sean, Coert,

Keith, Alan, Mossie and Richard.
I really learn when I shoot with you guys.
All the wives that scored and supported made the shoot as well.

I just loved it again

Good luck to all at Nationals next month

Klip and Kristal - Bela Bela

Gertrud, Elize, Leonhard

What an absolutely wonderful time we had at Klip and Kristal Guest House.

Elize and her team pampered us and we even had Muffins packed for us on our departure. She thought of everything. Thanks a million you are a star.

Pool Side All To Ourselves

We had time to catch up on our reading and in between the pages and the lazing in the sun, it was in and out of the pool to cool off.

This is just what we needed.

We met a fabulous couple from Munich, Germany - exchanged addresses and when we are in Europe next year as planned we have decided to get together again.

Leonhard and Gertrud, we had super conversation and laughs last night.

It was great meeting you.

We are safely back home after some exhilarating riding and ready to plan the next Road Trip

Harley Road Trip to Limpopo

And We Are Off

I had butterflies in the tummy last night I was so excited.

We were all packed last night and had to be very careful with what we packed as space is limited, but my hair dryer had to go.

Our departure was delayed for an hour as we received a call from Jubilee Home because they were in a quandry with their babies bottles but we soon sorted it out and were ready to hit the road.

We set off at ten o'clock  and had a brunch

Klip and Kristal

at the overhead One Stop and then off again.

There is a load of roadworks on the way so we were extra weary.

Our overnight is at Klip and Kristal Bed and Breakfast in Bela Bela which is just lovely.

Aircon, extra length king size bed and a beautiful bathroom with an enormous bath.

We had a braai and spent the afternoon in and out the pool with a good Chardonnay at hand.

I love this life

Golden City and Central Cauteng Shooting

Our Squad

This was a weekend of shooting, shooting, shooting.

On Saturday I went one way to the Hand gun shooting at Golden city and Richard was off to the Central Gauteng Open at Wattlespring Gun Club.

Golden city was an eight stage shoot with loads poppers with the hostages stuck behind them. This was my stumbling block this shoot. I was so careful not to shoot the hostages that it affected my time but still, as long as I am shooting I am happy.

On My Way

Thanks Demi, Candi, Arthur, George, Alex, Peter, Mathew, Jose - super shooting with you.

I missed Richard though - it was not the same without him.

Richard went to shoot the second leg of the his Universal trials on Saturday and Sunday so that both can count and had a massive improvement on his last trial.

There was a total of 350 guns shooting the different disciplines which is a fabulous turnout for Central Gauteng.

Next on the list is Kwazulu Natal Open.

Sunday Drive to Cullinan.

Main Street

"The Cockpit"

On Saturday night we had decided that we were going to ride down
to the Vaal River on our Harleys and have lunch somewhere along the river after the church service on Sunday.
When I woke a had a real bad feeling about riding the bikes. The more I pushed this feeling aside the more it surfaced in my mind.
Eventually I discussed it with Richard and we have always agreed that if things don't feel right we would not ride so after church we decided to have lunch in Cullinan.
The last time we were in Cullinan was during the week and it was like a ghost town in comparison to Sunday.
Everyone was browsing through the quaint shops now occupying the old mine houses. You can go on a tour of the Cullinan Diamond Mine which is the only operational diamond mine in the world open

First House Built In Cullinan

to tourists. They still mine on average 80,000 carats of diamonds a month and the Hole on the mine is four times larger than the famous Kimberley Diamond Mine Hole.
There are art galleries and old bric and brack stores, Lovely little pubs and coffee shops and this time we found the beer brewery "The Cockpit" open so we popped in for a tasting and stayed for lunch.
We had a lovely day and and I am pleased we went with our gut feeling.
Even though I love being out on the road on our bikes I will always be super cautious as far as safety is concerned.

Saturday Shooting Practice at Wattlespring Gun Club

After three weeks of waiting I finally have my bike back. It is still not complete but after the first disappoint ment with the black carrier and the high sissy bar I think my bike looks good. I now just have to wait for the piillion seat that is on order and it will be done.
At least I can now carry my own luggage.
On Saturday we decided to combine our riding with Richard's shooting practice.
We made sure we could transport the Shotgun and the ammo and not make it too obvious what we were carrying and off we set.
Richard was riding in front of me and it looked like he was a musician with his flute stick out the side of his bike bag.
It is only a 30 - 35km trip out to Wattlespring Gun Club but the roads are quite busy with big trucks and taxis. Many bike riders also use this road as they visit Que Serra which is located just a few kilometers after the turn off to the shooting club.
Much of a surprise to many of the shooters we rolled onto the ground amid stares and frowns until they realized it was us.
Richard did some good practice rounds where he and Oratsio shared their tips and advise.

Richard is real determined to get back into the Universal Trench with a vengeance and I think he is on the right path

Nan's Quilts No 16

Another quilt out there to see if we can make a change in someones life.

Nan's quilt No 16 has been delivered to John Beare who is a gentleman who serves on many commitees and heads a group of people whose hearts are drawn to to helping communities.

Nan's Quilt No 16 will also be raffled to raise funds and this time it is to assist "Casa Caritas"

Casa Caritas is a residential care facility providing life-long care to physically and mentally handicapped persons who are unable to be trained or educated.

The centre is administrated by a Controlling Body which consists of Professional people from the community.

The centre is dedicated to providing a warm and nurturing environment for all our residents.

See their website Casa Caritas

We will keep you up to date with news about this project

Logan's Christening

A Feast

Isn't She Gorgeous?

On Sunday we shared a special moment with our youngest
member of the family.

Dressed up in her beautiful outfit should looked an absolute angel                                                                             
    

 We attended the church service in Pretoria and then spent the day with Warren and Chanel  where Chanel put up a stunning table fit for a feast.

Two Beautiful Sisters

May you be Blessed all your life Logan and may you live knowing we all love you very much.

Second Golden City Club Shoot

Sean, Peter and Sebella Getting Ready on the Range

Temperatures today were well above 30 deg and all shooter felt the discomfort.

Estelle, Alex,   Richard and Erwin

Seven stages today with swingers, paper targets pop ups and a good few plates.

A large percentage of the stages were set where the shooter had to work his was from the front of the range to the back.

Jose, Peter, Sean and Sebella

The 180 deg rule had to be well observed today.

This was a good test for all taking part in the Nationals in March.

Today only 30 shooters were up for the challenge as there is a provincial shoot in Stillfontein that took some of our members.

Thanks Alex and Erwing that shot in our detail - Had loads of fun.

Northern Gauteng Open - Clay Target

The Air Force Base in Valhalla, Pretoria is the home of Northern Gauteng Clay Target. The Open was held on 18th and 19th January.
Most of the disciplines where there to be entered into and I reckon more than a hundred guns participated each day.
This is part of the trials for Universal for the team that will be competing in Italy. After five years of no competition shooting it's heads down and concentrate for me.
Lovely to be back with the big guns again.

First Maglite Shoot of the Year

Making it another all shooting weekend.

Sometimes Richard does not want to go and shoot the fun shoots on his own and I get invited just for the laugh.

Maglite shoots are always super fun where most of the shooters don't take the competition too serious and just enjoy their sport and the company of their old pals.

The Wattlespring members must have been really hungry to shoot as 63 shooters turned up - more than a third more than was expected.

Richard shot a good 95 after some silly stunts to see who could let the clay drop to it's lowest point before breaking it and to their surprise I shot my personal best - wait for it - 61.

Winner of Quilt No 14 Keith Falkes on the right

We also had the opportunity to give Keith Falcke his quilt that he won in the raffle of "Nan's Quilt No 14"

Thanks fors supporting Nan's Quilts

1st Shoot of the Year at Golden City

It felt good to get back to the anticipation of a day of hand gun shooting at Golden City again.

I think most of the shooters felt the same as it was a full house shooting on Saturday.

Most of the ranges were from a previous national shoot so they were really interesting.

From standing on a swing bridge reading a book as your starting position to starting seated with your gun on one table and your magazines on another. One range required that you

 transfer a suitcase from one end of the range to the end while shooting one handed to shooting through windows.

Loads of fun and strategies all day.
Thanks Demi, Arthur, George, Terry and Alex who were in our detail for a most enjoyable shoot.

Jubilee Home Fun Day

Once again we had the privilege to visit the Kids at Jubilee Home and handed them their Christmas packs while they were having lunch.



Thank you to all that were involved in this project.



It was a great success and we enjoyed it tremendously.