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The Highs (many) and Lows (one) of the week-end away.

Setting the meeting point for the weekend-away at Millys on the N4 @ 11:30 was the brilliant idea of Brian Viljoen - this negated a convoy of cars TRYING to snake their way out of Jo’burg and Pretoria in the Friday morning traffic. 

The drive from Millys to Silver Mist Country Inn at Kaapsche Hoop became more beautiful with every km traveled. The climb from Ngodwana up to Kaapsche Hoop is a real driver’s route with few straights and many inter-leading curves that allow one to get into a rhythm that is Driving Nirvana. (THIS ROUTE WAS DONE TWICE DAILY, HEAVEN!).

After arriving at the hotel, a light finger lunch was served in the bar before we left on an afternoon drive. The Recce trip done to plan the route on the occasion was traffic Free, had no Stop & Goes, a perfect route for a beautiful drive. But that was the Recce trip! Things Change! 16 Cars set off and only 3 managed to do the entire 265km trip. Once everyone returned and relayed their stories, the afternoon drive was taking on Legendary Status. 

A delicious dinner was served in the main dining room and as soon as desert was over Brian started his evening surprise games. We were divided into teams consisting of two couples each and the first game was a quiz about the area. Everyone started out vigorously but soon Google was the only one with any answers! It was then explained that the sheets would need to be handed in the next morning and we moved onto the 2nd game. The same groups were challenged to appoint a “Runner” who had to take a “Called For” item, taken from their teams and get it to Brian as quickly as possible. Socks, Shoes, Laces, Earrings, Rings and many more weird and wonderful items were soon laid out on the dining tables. The final item called for was a Bra. Cindy was off the mark quickest and in no time a bra was pulled out of her shirt sleeve which Martin quickly placed in front of Brian to Loud Applause and laughter from all present.

The Birthday Boy on the trip was Tony Vilaca who had a raucous  “Happy Birthday” sung to him and everyone enjoyed a most delicious Chocolate Cake.

Saturday morning was the ritual Shine and Show. Thankfully the weather was warmer than that left behind in Gauteng and by 08:30 all the cars present were ready for the judging. Glenn Lugg had been appointed Chief Judge and he gathered around him a team of experienced and novice judges who went from car to car meticulously examining each and scoring them according to their appearance.

With the judging over, everyone drove back down our favourite route and regrouped at the Ngodwana Engen (business was certainly brisk for them over the three days). Our lunch destination was Petena Pancakes in Sabie. The route was the N4, R539 Sudwala Cave road, R37 and left onto the Long Tom Pass road. When one looks at this route one can see why it is so enjoyable to drive.

Lunch at Petena Pancakes was One Savoury and One Sweet each. VERY FEW people had the capacity to enjoy both. I was fortunate enough to choose a waffle with cream & ice-cream instead of the pancakes on offer. It’s THE BEST WAFFLE I HAVE EVER HAD.  

The low point of the week end happened on our drive back to Kaapsche Hoop. A motor biker rider had come off his bike about 3km out of Sabie and due to the traffic being directed onto the wrong side of the road to pass the incident, a young German tourist who had landed at ORT hours earlier remained on the wrong side of the road after passing the accident. If it were not for Gerrit Roux’s lightning fast reaction this could have been a fatal accident. His Cayman was hit on the left front fender and the offending car came off a lot worse. Thankfully, Gerrit and Ronel, as well as the young tourist and his companion came out of the incident unscathed.

The evening’s Wild West theme was enjoyed with good food and refreshments, and a DJ that kept the dance floor filled with a group, who after the event of the afternoon realized that we need to enjoy this One Life we all have.

Glenn & Hetta Lugg were declared the BEST DRESSED couple of the Evening to a unanimous cheer. “Birthday Boy” Toni Vilaca won a hotly contested Shine & Show. “Fast Bra” Cindy & Martin Venkov with Lynette & Bryan Strydom won the Kaapsche Hoop Quiz.

On Sunday morning an enthusiastic group walked to the Escarpment to see the sun rise at 06:34, while a less enthusiastic group first had breakfast and then had their walk to the escarpment to see the view in full sunshine. The sponsor banners were taken down and packed into cars and everyone made their way back home.

A very special THANK YOU must be extended to Brian & Ina Viljoen who did the Recce a few weeks earlier and ran the weekend while we all sat back and enjoyed ourselves.

A big thank you as well to Gerrit Roux who brought the Sponsor Banners to the event, as well as Dick Lucas who again, tirelessly helped Gerrit putting the banners up, as well as collating the Shine & Show score Sheets.

And last but not least to Glenn Lugg, Gerrit Roux and their team of judges - a Shining Thank You.