Journal Comments - Tiny step 2: A week in the Karoo - CycleBlaze

Journal Comments

From Tiny step 2: A week in the Karoo by Jean-Marc Strydom

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Mike Ayling commented on A short week.

Absolutely the correct decision J-M.

2 years ago
Bill Shaneyfelt commented on A short week.

Well, it was fun while it lasted. Thanks for posting!

2 years ago
Jean-Marc Strydom replied to a comment by Mike Ayling on a photo in Bucklands

I'm afraid to say his wait was in vain.

2 years ago
Mike Ayling commented on a photo in Bucklands

I bet he was waiting for a bit of wors!

2 years ago
Mike Ayling commented on a photo in Echoes of the Baviaans

Hi Jean-Marc
Most Eucalypts including E Globulus (Blue Gum) have very shallow root systems, a large root plate rather than a root ball so that they can harvest all the surface water after rain. The down side to this is that if you have a wind storm after good rains the tree can blow over with the shallow root plate visible to all who pass by.
Another thing about Eucalypts is that they frequently drop large branches without warning in perfectly still conditions so it is not a good idea to pitch your tent in the shade of an Eucalypt.

Mike

2 years ago
Jean-Marc Strydom replied to a comment by Bill Shaneyfelt on a photo in Bucklands

Thanks Bill!

2 years ago
Bill Shaneyfelt commented on a photo in Bucklands

Nice photo!
Matches fairly well with thick-toe gecko.
https://www.ispotnature.org/communities/southern-africa/view/observation/728581/large-gecko

2 years ago
Scott Anderson commented on a photo in Steytlerville

Wow, what a grim image.

2 years ago
Susan Carpenter commented on a photo in Echoes of the Baviaans

The last line needs no translating!

2 years ago
Jean-Marc Strydom replied to a comment by Scott Anderson on Steytlerville

Arbitrary boundaries can be terrible things. Thirty is noticeably hotter than twenty nine as well.

2 years ago
Scott Anderson commented on Steytlerville

Yes, I can see your point. 39 degrees does sound much more pleasant than 40!

2 years ago
Jean-Marc Strydom replied to a comment by Rachel and Patrick Hugens on Back in South Africa

Leana is a bit of a legend in cycle touring circles. I have never met her personally but have chatted with her on FB. She spends most of her time in Thailand these days - if I remember correctly she owns a house in Pattaya. She still has a website at http://www.leananiemand.org.za/.

2 years ago
Rachel and Patrick Hugens commented on Back in South Africa

Hi! We've cycled in Africa twice and the first time in the Karoo. And have stayed with Warmshowers hosts in western SA. We are wondering if maybe you know someone from Capetown who stayed with us in Boise, and then we stayed with her family on our last trip: Leana Niemand.
Racpat

2 years ago
Jean-Marc Strydom replied to a comment by Steve Miller/Grampies on Back in South Africa

Hi Steve

I was shocked to read of Dodie's accident. I hope she is mending quickly and that you will be able to resume traveling sometime soon.

With regards to the COVID situation in South Africa, life is as close to normal as it can be, especially when compared to the rest of the world. The 4th wave has clearly peaked although hospitalizations and deaths are only flattening out now. Large gatherings are still prohibited and the curfew that has been in effect since March 2020 was only lifted a few days ago. Mask wearing is still mandatory everywhere (mostly adhered to) and I think that has helped significantly. Wearing a mask now seems as natural as donning a pair of trousers. Scientists estimate that more than 80% of South Africans have been infected at least once so there is some element of herd immunity. I also suspect that by far the majority of Omicron cases here have been so mild that they have not been tested and therefore detected. Even though overall vaccination rates are low and booster shots for the general population were only started just before Christmas, more than seventy percent of the older age groups and the vulnerable have vaccinated (low when compared to the West but stratospheric when compared to the rest of Africa). Quite honestly, I feel a lot safer here than I think I would feel in most countries right now. Of course, that could all change as fast as one could utter the next available letter in the Greek alphabet.

Incidentally, I tried my hand at our my version of Poc Chuc on News Year's Day. My son and his family certainly enjoyed it although Leigh said the refried beans that I made on the side tasted nothing like Mexico :-(.

Stay safe !

Jean-Marc

2 years ago
Steve Miller/Grampies commented on Back in South Africa

Wow, what a change from tropical Yucatan!

We learn in the news that Omicron is now collapsing in South Africa. Here in Canada, everyone is freaked, as case counts skyrocket and curfews have been imposed. In Yucatan in December we felt quite covid comfortable, but now we are hiding under our beds. What is the scene like where you are?

2 years ago