The Addo Extreme is really an event with a difference. I have been on versions of this event where it has been hot and windy, then there was the time it was SO wet the 4×4 vehicles could not even get onto the ridge and we had to redeploy our entire setup when the organizers redesigned the course. But this time was amazing too! Oh and hot – they even stopped the race at one point. And there was lightning, and Kevern, and…ok, read for yourself rather!
Glen (ZS2GV) and myself have done a few of these together and this time were going to be doing our “usual job” running the cross-band repeaters linking the parks guys with the JOC, the medics, and other hams. This is a vital point in the communications network and the furthest to reach by 4×4. No complaints here.
This year we had the pleasure of having Kevern (Kevin ZR2BK) join us. Kevern was interesting and fun and added to the mix very nicely. Glen and I have the understanding that we are always posted together because I don’t know how to setup a radio and he needs adult supervision! Kevern made us think deeply philosophically and we still can’t figure out what he did wrong to have been dumped with us.
Now it might sound like I’m going on a bit when I say “dumped with us” but you must understand you go in on the Friday and camp out in the back of Addo – in a camp not even open to the public – until Sunday morning. All you have for company is each other, the marshals at the race check point and the odd passing runner.
Needles to say, Kevern survived and even thrived! ZR2BK – yay!
Nothing much to mention about the event itself, except to say it was awesome to work with such a varied bunch of competent people! The event medics, the Western Cape Mountain Rescue, the Park Rangers, the event organizers and the local suspects all operated seamlessly. I was impressed in particularly with the guys from the Western Cape Mountain Rescue who were there in the valley just below our position. We had to relay messages between VOC and their team on several occasions and the radio discipline they have is on a par with anything I have seen as a radio ham! Kudus to you guys! I will always be prepared to work with these guys.
One thing worth a mention is the Saturday evening thunderstorm. Lightning on the ridge behind us and all around. The antenna came down as soon as we could – but we were the last to do so because it we had to link the valley below with the VOC and the medics. Entertaining to watch, but do prefer a bit more space to be comfortable. ZS2GV was with me during the lightning storm on Cockscomb too – just saying!
Before I get all soppy and tell you about the sunrises and sunsets, I need to point out that the ridge we were on runs basically east-west. A few years ago I took a series of photos facing east in the morning and west in the afternoon from the same spot. It is an amazing spot to loose a few hours of your stress!
As usual, the pleasure of the outdoors, the sunrises and sunsets, and the company is all part of something truly magical. Thank you!
