Microlighters

Hi folks. As I was not able to login in due to my stupidity, I was unable to post this.
Some of you might remember Riaan Manser circumnavigated africa on a bicyle, and has since writen a book of his epic journey. It took him two years, two months and two weeks to complete the 37000kl. He has now started his next adventure. Paddling around Madagascar in a kayak. He hopes to complete it in ten months to a year.
I will be posting his progress and when I find out how to post pics, I will do so as and when I get.
Here is the start of the journey.

Cheers,
Vernon.

Here is the start to my journey. I arrive at Antanarivo airport. While filling in my form my cell phone is stolen. Then when waiting for my baggage I am informed that mine is not on the plane and they do not know where . 5 hours later , after filling in all the forms, i am sent alone into the darkness of a wild city. Geez only the shirt on my back and a bag full of electronics.
The next day I phone every hour to see if my bags arrive. During this time I get a call from SA, from vasti , saying that SAA have now refused to take my kayak because it apparently is too long. But after confirming with me that it would be no problem a week back.
Geez. the adventurer began sooner than I thouggt. I thought it would take structure only once I hit the sea water.
Anyway Vernon. Im looking forward and think Ive got a great job

Good luck and may God bless you on your travels !

Strongs Riaan

I hope africa does not put you off your quest.
Keep the pics coming.


glad to see you are also sorted Vernon

geez . its been adventure from word go. Ive actually just arrived yesterday at my starting point . Tamatave on the east coast . not as planned before on the west side. weather and timing etc were reasons.

boat is quite damaged from its flight from sa through mauritius to here. im starting repairs today and probably can test in water trow afternoon.

its very pretty here. i cannot wait to fish a bit too.

Do you know how we can find the microlighters club in Madagascar. I want to book a few flights for the camera man who will come over. the shots they can get from the sky while I paddle past the huge whales here will be spectacular.

Doese anyone know of any microlighters in Madegascar?
Cheers Vernon.

Sorry Vernon, searching for any recreational or any private flyer and no luck.

Good news is relocate and you've got an unchallenged market.

Try the other (boat/ diving) operators, theyt should know more.

Thanks.
will pass that on to Riaan.
Cheers.

HONESTY , with yourself.



Without lumping too much philosophy on my journey this early on I have to admit that the last 10 days away from people, electricity and combustible engines were invaluable for putting my head space into the appropriate/necessary area. This task I’ve allotted myself with (Circumnavigating Madagascar by kayak) is a serious, dangerous and a lonely one. I can honestly say that I had not been honest with myself up to this point. I didn’t corner myself as decisively as I did on the Africa Circumnavigation as to what I was willing to offer up, in essence in exchange, for conquering Madagascar . Am I willing to risk my relationship, my health, my financial welfare and in all truthfulness; to myself; am I as willing as before to offer my life ?



The last week had some hardcore reality which certainly helped me digest and process the above thoughts. The most telling of those was being caught in a violent storm 8km out to sea. I decided, as I had done many times before to cut across a bay instead of more safely hugging the coastline. The sea was choppy to start out with but in an instant the wind doubled in speed, bringing with it 2 to 3 foot chop in between the already sizable 6 to 8 foot surf ! The kayak became uncontrollable while with every wave that broke over us, she starting slowly taking water. No to the above latter question, I don’t want to die and I tell you what , the determination within me; even amid a scenario I had never vaguely even encountered ; was burning inside to finally be utilised. As I was been engulfed with these waves, unable for any reasonable period to remain on my kayak, being thrown from side to side, I can remember loudly speaking to myself. “If youre not willing to be determined now you never will be.” I started “Nobody can help you here except yourself. Do something and start with your attitude! “ Geezlike , only three hours later, recovering on a beach , did it hit home to me what risk I had been in and secondly and probably more importantly the huge mental boulder I’d just managed to roll out the way; You see , I am all for the verbal clichéd hype pertaining to one overcoming difficulties with a positive attitude; but I’m first in line when it comes to subscribing to the theory that one has to prove oneself first. Sort of a case of ‘actions do speak louder than words’ I think. The lesson I really learnt from this ordeal was to time my big bay crossings more accurately and not give in to my ever nagging, stubborn and impatient spirit; Ever!



For the fishermen back home I have a reality story that I think will send shivers up your waders. I landed my first Cuta ; an extremely powerful and aggressive fish with a set of gnashers resembling a chain saw. The first one I caught I had to release as it was to big for my kayak. I estimated it at about 10kg. The second cuta of about 5kg fought just as fiercely but was destined for the dinner table. As I was bringing him closer to my kayak; my feet dangling casually on either side; I chose my time careful to abruptly hoist him on to my shin area. A good place I thought to pin it down and finish it off. This though did not end up as I imagined ! The fish still had lots of fight left and as I brought him nearer for what I presumed his final passing he put his foot down on the gas again. Now for those who know what a rapala looks like , it is basically a plastic fish that you tow behind your boat or kayak to attact a predatory fish. This lure has two treble hooks attached to it. One under the belly and the other trails on the rear of its cigar shaped body. This fish was only hooked by the front hooks which meant the rear hook was totally open and hanging free. Free to imbed itself solidly into my left heel as the fish swam under my kayak at speed. With blood pouring from my heel I raised the fish slightly out of the water; to the left hand side of my kayak; it was shaking furiously now ; and grabbed at its head.. In this motion my hands were bitten open by the equally desperate fish. Eventually after getting a firm grip around the top of its head with my fingers sliding into its gills I used the other hand, which now had found the pocket knife I keep in the front pouch of my lifejacket, to stab away at the fish’s head. All I could see in my mind were images of me tipping over the kayak and this fish been set free while still attached to my body in this manner. My goodness me !. The adrenalin was pumping at a furious rate, so much so that I literally ripped the one hook from the cuta’s lower jaw and followed this action with similar vengeance in removing the other treble hook from my heel. Jislaaik, just writing this story has got me all worked up again ! Needless to say I have been way more cautious in landing the fish after that incident and again, needless to say, he tasted better that any other fish I’d ever eaten.



A heck of a lot more has happened to me in this last 10 to 14 days . Space doesn’t allow for all my stories to be relayed though.



Windhoek Lager, who people know are my head sponsor, will produce the highlight of my trip thus far by bringing my girlfriend over to visit me in 7 days time. Are they good guys or what ?

Hi All

Here is a News Letter i got to post on behalf of Vernon.

http://www.africa365.co.za/

Congrats,

What an adventure!!!