It was another fine day, the sun was out and the surroundings are plush due to the recent rainfalls. I went for my 4th and final run up the mountain. I ran much of the same route I did previously in Another day in paradise but did change a few things. I ultimately ran 9.9km which was good and it felt rough to begin with but as I eased into my pace things started to smoothen out quite nicely.
I met about 5 zebras as I came down from the mountain. There were 3 smaller ones and two fully grown ones. I approached with caution as they were heading up the mountain using the same path I was using to go down. They eventually decided to take an off-road diversion and let me pass.
Prior to that, I’d spent some time sanding down the metal pipe that connects the carburettor to the engine. As we recently discovered in A Scenic African run with sensible shoes, there is a hole in that pipe and it caused the engine to huff and puff one day. We were amazed to find no water left in it. After closer inspection, we found it had a tiny hole – about the size of a pinhead.
My dad and I went up to the workshop in the park and we asked for some sandpaper and the worker was happy to oblige. I spend about 20 minutes sanding the pipe down while lying on my back under the front end of the truck. I applied a special paste which consisted of two tubes of substance that when mixed together activate and produce one incredible hold/adhesive – suitable for engine repairs etc. The material is called Pratley’s Steel. I mixed the two parts and applied it evenly to the newly sanded-down pipe and left it to harden. It should be fully set by tomorrow. We plan to take the truck out for a test run tomorrow to test its metal so to speak, prior to me leaving for Ladysmith the next day.
Last night there was a great wind during the night which woke me up, luckily my tent it pretty well tied down. I didn’t think I was going to fly but it did wake me up. There is something quite nice about sleeping outside, perhaps it’s the night rain falling on the tent or the night-time crickets chirping. I nearly fell over a frog that had come out, presumably to feed, after I had finished taking a shower. All these things help me to realise that my feet are firmly flat on the ground and therefore I’m pretty grounded.
Its been a worthwhile break, I’ve done some running in beautiful surroundings and I’ve spent quality time with my folks, I completed and handed in an assignment and I’ve read almost 2 books on C.
Good memories.