One of the things that was really interesting to see this year, was just how much damage has been caused to the coastline, promenade and some property along the Ballito beach front. In fact, the damage was done the day after K and I were last in Ballito in March of this year - I blogged about the turn in weather as I was completing my second nine at Prince's Grant.
These places were lucky to escape the wrath of the tide - quite a few other places were not so lucky.
On Saturday morning we headed down to Salt Rock beach (mainly because the rest of the Ballito beaches are laden with rock, brick, pieces of wall and the odd window frame) and were lucky to stumble upon the start of the Dolphin Coast Sea Kayak challenge. The girls were quite impressed with the "Mens Health cover model" bodies on show - Grant and I tried to compete, but I think it was the lack of tight lycra pants and tops that did us in. Anyway, to say the surf conditions were rough would be the understatement of the month. We watched as the single man kayaks tried to make their way past the breakers and on towards the Durban finish, with one or two lucky guys making it, and the bulk of the teams being washed back onto the beach. Next up were the 2 man kayaks, who were just as entertaining in their quest to conquer the breakers. Some poor guys were out there, paddling their hearts out for 20-30 minutes, only to make it to the breakers and be side swiped by a monster wave, and washed back onto the beach. Ten points for perseverance though.
K has stayed on for a couple of days - she's working out of the Durban office. Me - bought myself some books at Durban International, and am thoroughly enjoying the first of the two - Freakonomics by Steven D Levitt and Stephen J Daubner. Its about an economist who applies economic tools to life's daily riddles, and comes up with some bizarre truths. Very interesting read so far. You can follow their blog here
The other one, Super Crunchers by Ian Ayres follows a similiar line of thinking. Ayres takes a look at the world of data mining and how statistics and data are being used to highlight patterns all around us.
Last week also saw K's mom heading back to Perth after her surprise 3 week visit. She seemed to have had a fantastic time both here and in London, and it certainly was good seeing her in high spirits again. By the way, send our love to the rugby team down there mom :-)
Last week also saw K's mom heading back to Perth after her surprise 3 week visit. She seemed to have had a fantastic time both here and in London, and it certainly was good seeing her in high spirits again. By the way, send our love to the rugby team down there mom :-)
