Team Diary Sunday 29th March 2009

Today was a day that started considerably later than any we have or will have on this tour. Predictably, there was a late showing from the members of the team that had only found their beds in the early hours of the morning but by 10 am, there was a general gathering and people began to think about their plans for the day off. Alex Williams decided to tuck into the chicken nuggets that had been presented for breakfast as he awaited the assembly of a group who wanted to go for brunch – akin to the “herding cats” as the expression goes. A number of the team were perhaps still drying out their clothes from the evening’s dip in the pool only hours earlier. After what (at least to a hungry Willy) seemed like an eternity, a group set off to have brunch at the waterfront (a shopping centre around a small puddle near downtown Bloemfontein). A later bus decided to do some shopping first (Holly found the rather apt T-shirt shown in the photo) before tucking into much needed sustenance.

For many today, it was very much a day of rest – aside from a small party who went to a game park (more later) very few ventured away from the lodge. The afternoon was spent lounging around the pool interrupted only by a very large, but brief thunderstorm. Others pushed ammo for the rest of the week but all enjoyed a touch of England as James Lothian, now known as “Pimms wallah” circulated with jugs of refreshment.

Holly produced another quote of the day: Whilst sitting in front of the Hong Kong Sevens, she remarked “oh my god, I am turning into a bloke…. I am talking about Formula One whilst pushing ammo..”

The Captain had again disappeared, whilst everyone else slept, to get to a butcher early to buy meal for our evening meal – cooked over wood and very much a team effort. He had, we later discovered, managed to find some very large steaks, cut off a side of beef whilst he watched, along with far more meat than the team and guests could possibly eat.

During the afternoon, the team entertained (or was entertained by) Emil Praslick (one of the American shooters) as he popped by for a few drinks and some banter. He also taught James Watson how to clean a rifle – something that James already appears to have forgotten!

The team hosted a BBQ in the evening which was attended by Emil, Tim Clarke, Tim Webster and the Old Guilfordians. Our usual daily presentations were made for the “mug of the day” since we had not awarded anything on Saturday and a special prize for “horn of the day” went to the Cheetah from the game park as it mistook Mary Boston’s handbag for it’s mate.

Normal routine returns tomorrow as we head back to the ranges for the start of the Grand Aggregate and the build up to the Protea match on Friday.

Day 12 – R & R