An essential guide to

ARGUSCYCLE TOURTRAINING

Choosing the optimal

MEDICALCOVER

SummerGETS PEOPLETALKING

Karenis the passportto a teen’sPOSITIVESELF-IMAGE

ESCAPEto utter tranquility

Your guide to a cool West Coast lifestyleDECEMBER 2013

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2.Mariette Greyling Annène van Eeden

1 At Theewater SportsClub, TheewaterskloofDam, more than 100local and internationalbands, live acts, comedians and DJs willperform in SYNERGY LIVE 2013. Cost:R450–R590.

1 A street carnival, performances andpageant will take place in apricot countryat the HAPPIE APPIE APRICOT CARNIVALin McGregor. Cost: free.

1 - 31 New artworksby among othersMakiwa Mutomba,Sol Smook and NicolePletts are on exhibitionand for sale at THEART CONNECTION,Bay Hotel, Camps Bay.

6 - 31 An oldfavourite, HANSEL &GRETEL will delight kidsat the Baxter Theatre.

7 Accomplished acousticguitarist/composer DerekGripper performs atAlphen Hall, Constantia inTHE ART OF GUITAR.Cost R100.

8 Enjoy popular classicalbrass orchestra music atTHE CAPE TOWNCONCERT BRASS, StAndrew’s PresbyterianChurch, Green Point,20h00. Cost R80.

8 Kleinvalleij Estate inWellington hostspopular band THEPARLOTONES.

11 An internationalprogramme of sacred andsecular music incelebration of Advent andChristmas, O HOLY

NIGHT is on at St George’s Cathedral, WaleSt, 19h30. Cost R90.

12-15 Picnic to the sounds of the ROTARYCHRISTMAS CAROLS at KirstenboschBotanical Gardens.

14 Africa’s biggest pink partyfor gays and gay-friendlies,THE MOTHER CITYANNUAL QUEER PARTY,takes place at the Cape TownStadium, 17h30.

14 -30 Shop up a stormat the CAPE TOWNSUMMER MARKET inthe Company Gardens.

18 - 31 Live performancesby Italian acoustic guitar prodigyAndrea Valeri and acclaimed SAguitarist Tony Cox inINTERNATIONAL GUITARNIGHT SOUTH AFRICA atOlympia Bakery, 134 Main Rd,Kalk Bay. Cost R180.

22 Hot Afropopband MANGOGROOVE is on atthe KirstenboschBotanical Gardens.

30 A multi-genre New Year’s celebration,REZONANCE NYE FESTIVAL, features fourarenas with 100 of the best local andinternational acts and DJs, Contermanskloof,Durbanville. Cost R470.

31 Ring in the New Yearto the mellow sounds ofLira and the CapePhilharmonic Orchestra atthe NEDERBURG PICNICCONCERT, Manor House,Nederburg Wine Estate,17h00. Cost R80.

31 Rock and rollat the DevonvaleGolf & WineEstate’s 70sTHEMED NEWYEAR’S PARTY, Stellenbosch, 20h00.Cost R500.

Atlantic Gull is a monthly publicationcelebrating life on the Western Seaboard andWest Coast. It’s distributed to each home onAtlantic Beach Golf Estate, as well as StarkeAyres Nursery, Sandown Nursery, all the Pick‘n Pay, Spar, Food Lover’s Market and Checkersoutlets, several doctors’ surgeries, breakfastvenues, video shops, coffee shops, vet clinics,

liquor outlets, beauty salons and hairdressersthroughout Milnerton, Sunset Beach, TableView, West Beach, Sunningdale, Blouberg,Eden on the Bay, Seaside Village, Parklandsand Melkbos areas.

Deadlines for advertisement bookings andmaterial: Jan 2014 edition – 15 Nov 2013; Feb2014 edition – 10 Jan. Limited space is available;therefore, ads are placed on a first-come-first-served basis. For advertising rates, please phoneMariette Greyling or send an email.

PUBLISHER & EDITOR: Mariette Greyling,Tomar Communications, tel 021 5540442,082 566 7816; mariette@tomar.co.za;www.tomar.co.za.

TYPOGRAPHY DESIGN: Paddy Burke

DESIGN & LAYOUT: Annène van Eeden,Zone One Digital Design, 021 556 6798

PRINTING: Fineline Print Solutions

FRONT COVER PHOTO: Annène van Eeden

To view the magazine online:www.tomar.co.za/publishing

DECEMBER sizzlers

aboutAtlantic Gull

3.

There are no secrets to being a good cyclist.You won’t find any magic workouts, miraclediet or supplements. Plus, no coach or scientisthas a winning secret - not one that’s legal!Contrary to what many people believe, moretraining isn’t always better. Rather do the leastamount of the most effective training, bearingin mind that moderation and consistency arethe key elements for a successful trainingprogramme.

You must ‘overreach’ at least once every 21days and then rest. During rest, especially sleep,your body adapts and grows stronger. If you’rereally serious about cycling, then it’s oftennecessary to train on your own.

Your commitment level is important but yourjob, family and other responsibilities can’t beforsaken just to ride a bike. Restrain yourpassion for cycling so as not to alienate others,or worst still, becoming a ‘psycho cyclist’.

Cycling improvement results from progressivelyoverloading your body and then recovering tobecome stronger. Cross training is great, but

has limited value for the serious bike racer. So,take into consideration that building fitness islike building a house. First you need afoundation and only then can you start layingthe bricks or specific elements required to getfaster. Intervals, ie short maximal and sub-maximal efforts, are the key to fast riding andcontinual improvement.

An effective training programme should consistof: 1. Base; 2. Build; 3. Peak; and 4. Race. Thefollowing is a typical training schedule for TheArgus in each of the above phases:

BASE PHASE (UNTIL END-DECEMBER)

Monday: Rest

Tuesday: 60 min high cadence ride(cadence 90 and above)

Wednesday: 120 min endurance rideat easy pace - ie able to talk while riding

Thursday: 60 min recovery ride

Friday: Rest

Saturday: Endurance 3 hours

Sunday: Endurance 3 hours

BUILD PHASE (JANUARY)

Monday: Rest

Tuesday: Intervals. Warm-up 15 min.Follow with 6 x 4 min hard with 5 min recoveryin between intervals. 15 min warm-down

Wednesday: 120 min endurance ride

Thursday: Intervals. Hill repeats.Warm-up 15 min. Find a hill that takes 2minutes to climb. (8% gradient) Stay seatedat a cadence of 60 rpm. Repeat until you have6-30 min of climbing. Warm-down 15 min

Friday: Rest

Saturday: 3 hour ride on flat course,do 4-6 intervals of 3-5 min each.Keep the cadence at 90 rpm

Sunday: 3 hour endurance ride at talking pace

PEAK PHASE (FEBRUARY)

Monday: Rest

Tuesday: 2 hour endurance ride

Wednesday: Intervals as per Build Phase

Thursday: 2 hour endurance ride

Friday: 1 hour recovery ride (easy spin)

Saturday: Race or 1 hour easy ifrace is on Sunday

Sunday: Endurance 3 hours easyrecovery or race

RACE PHASE (FEBRUARY-MARCH)

Monday: Rest

Tuesday: Intervals as above including8 hill sprints of 10 seconds each

Wednesday: 1 hour recovery ride

Thursday: 1 hour recovery ride

Friday: Easy ride with 3 sets of 5 power jumps(each jump is 10 revolutions of the cranksstanding on the pedals)

Saturday: Recovery ride 2 hours

Sunday: Race 3 hours

RACE WEEKIt’s critical to taper during race-week. Thismeans decreasing the quantity of your averageweekly training but maintaining intensity. Theweek before the Cape Argus I would typicallydo the following:

Monday: Rest

Tuesday: Easy ride with 5 x 90 seconds hard

Wednesday: Easy ride with4 x 90 seconds hard

Thursday: Rest

Friday: Rest

Saturday: 1 hour easy ride

Sunday: The Argus Cycle Tour

Motivation is the most important factor forsuccess in cycling and will determine who’llmeet and exceed their goals. There’s an oldsaying, “What you put into cycling you’ll getout.” You should always enjoy your riding andif it becomes monotonous you’re probablydoing too much.

Gary Ing is an accountant by profession, but followedhis passion and opened a cycle store. In the pastseven years he’s become a league racer and alsocompleted the Absa Cape Epic. He owns Cycles Directin Sunningdale (021 5542128), which is about tobecome the first Specialised Elite Store in Cape Town.

Photos by Jasper Coetzee, 0833263863

Although many cyclists havealready started training forThe Argus Cycle Tour, many morewill start their training this month.

GARY ING HAS LEARNT A FEW SIMPLEBUT IMPORTANT FACTS ABOUTTRAINING AND SHARES THESE TIPS.

4.

Pedallike aPRO

5.

With a plethora of medical cover options,you’ll be excused for being overwhelmed.And, depending on your financial and healthcircumstances, the pitfalls are many. Inchoosing a plan suitable to your needs andbudget, it’s imperative to understand thedifference between the three types of cover:traditional comprehensive cover, a hospitalplan with or without a savings option andmedical insurance.

Medical cover isn’t an issue until the daythat you and/or your dependents need it.Bear in mind that the onset of a chroniccondition could ruin you financially. Plus,joining a medical scheme later could costmore, as you might have to pay a late joinerpenalty. Furthermore, by law you also mightbe excluded from treatment for that particularcondition for a full 12 months and a three-month waiting period while contributing.Other considerations are: your health statusand that of your dependents, availablebudget, a medical scheme’s payment record,a medical scheme’s solvency ratio, benefits,exclusions, hospital limits and chronicdisease cover.

TRADITIONAL COMPREHENSIVEMEDICAL AID

To choose between roughly 44 SA medicalschemes, consult a broker or ask for an onlinecomparison from independent experts.

Today, anyone who can afford the monthlypremiums can become a medical schememember. In some instances, treatment for aparticular condition or medical need may beexcluded for a certain period. For example,you can’t sign up for a comprehensive planwith maternity cover after becomingpregnant. The best time to obtain goodmedical cover is while you’re healthy. Somemedical schemes may charge a late joinerpenalty when joining for the first time atage 35-plus.

Cover options range from comprehensive tolow-cost choices with limited benefits. Oftenthe scheme has an annual limit and sub-limits within. Other schemes may have limitson day-to-day expenses. The lower thepremium of the medical scheme plan, thelower the limit on day-to-day expenses forthe year. Some schemes have hospital limitsand then sub-limits for various day-to-dayexpense categories.

MEDICAL SCHEME HOSPITAL PLANS

Various hospital plans typically only offercover for major medical procedures, hospital

expenses and emergency services. Day-to-day expenses aren’t covered. These arecovered by optional savings accounts whichmembers self-fund.

If you’re healthy and looking for completehealth cover in terms of major medicalexpenses, such as hospitalisation at areasonable fixed monthly price, then ahospital plan is the ideal option.

Often a good hospital plan even will allowfor unlimited in-hospital procedures andusually pays at 100 or 200% of the medicalscheme rate. For instance, if you’re involvedin a serious vehicle accident, hospitalaccounts could be upwards of R100 000 fora single person. In addition, if there arecomplications with an operation, costs canclimb even higher. This is when a hospitalplan is indispensable.

While traditional comprehensive schemesprovide insured medical benefits, a savingsaccount option only, offers some insuredbenefits and the rest is self-funded. Thisallows you control and self-discipline in termsof day-to-day medical expenses. If you don’tspend all that’s in your savings account andyou leave the scheme, the balance will bepaid out or transferred to the new scheme.

The Medical Schemes Act stipulates thatmembers may contribute only up to 25% oftheir contributions to a medical savingsaccount. Each medical scheme option willprescribe how much a member maycontribute to that specific option’s savingsaccount. Some plans also offer thresholds inthat when you’ve spent a certain amounton claims, you again enjoy insured benefitsfor essential expenses.

MEDICAL INSURANCE

As the most inexpensive medical cover,medical insurance is a simple short-terminsurance policy, covering you for a setamount per day for hospitalisation. Typicalpayouts might start at R300 per night inhospital. Alternatively, such policies may payout a set fee for specific procedures. Manyinsurance companies refer to these policiesas ‘hospital plans’. Beware of the small printand make a point of understanding exclusionsand limitations.

Most medical insurance plans provide alocation choice for an operation. What’smore, you may keep any surplus paid out inthe lump sum over and above the procedurefee. Some policies also offer cash-backincentives and no-claims bonuses.

A medical insurance plan is different to ahospital plan offered by a medical scheme.The latter is a product negotiated by medicalschemes with hospital chains, where 100%of the agreed tariffs are covered if a preferredprovider is used.

There also are inexpensively priced medicalinsurance plans available that combinehospital cover with a primary healthcarepolicy covering day-to-day medical expensesat preferred service providers, genericmedicine, passive war incidents up to a statedamount, accidental death cover andemergency medical expenses.

THE CHOICE IS YOURS

Long gone are the days when a medicalscheme, medical insurance or hospital plancovered all hospital expenses. Medical schemeservice providers can charge whatever theywant and a medical scheme can pay at itsown pre-set rate. The member is responsiblefor the difference. Therefore to avoid shocks,you must predetermine the cost and whatthe medical scheme is prepared to pay.

Many schemes, policies and hospital plansalso have specific regulations on organtransplants, cancer treatment, ambulanceand emergency services, dental surgery,medical appliances, HIV/Aids treatment andartificial limbs, among others. That meansyou could run out of benefits halfwaythrough dread disease treatment. It’s essentialto check the regulations on overall limits andtreatments not covered. If you’re unsure,speak to a broker.

Approach the choice of cover responsibly.Good luck!

6.

Navigating theMEDICAL COVER minefield

MERRIMENT AND SUMMER FUNARE KNOCKING ON OUR DOORS,SO MAKE THE MOST OF IT.

Summer is the best time to take an extendedvacation away from it all. The Great Outdoorsbeckons, as do local beaches and the bush.Take advantage of this glorious season toreconnect with nature -- whether it's donerustic-style, or in luxury.

For parents the big thing is getting kids activein this digital age. But don’t despair. Hereare a few ideas. Enlist the help of your kidsto build a tree house; go strawberry pickingin Stellenbosch, sail a dinghy on a calmlagoon or sheltered bay; visit a farm and letthe kids collect eggs, feed the pigs and soforth; teach your kids to shoot a video onyour smartphone’s camera app and post iton YouTube.

If you haven’t made plans for the holidaysyet, consider a camping trip. A few optionsare: Mvubu Campsite at Addo Elephant Park,cost from R100 pn for the first two people,042 2338600; Driehoek Farm in theCederberg, cost R135 pn for up to 4 people,027 4822828; or Tietiesbaai on the WestCoast, cost R116 pn for 6 people,022 7522718.

If you’re stuck at home, liven up your summeractivities by volunteering in a communityproject, taking dinner to a few residents in aretirement facility, identifying stars and planetsin the sky while stargazing in the garden oron the beach, turn sea shells into wind chimes,go scavenger hunting with friends along thecoast, unclutter your house and have a garagesale.

As the Beach Boys sang, “Make it real yoursummer dream.”

A number of people shared their idea ofsummer fun and how they like spendingChristmas and New Year’s Eve.

ESTATE AGENT ANNE-MARIE EVANSOF MELKBOS

“Summer fun: sipping a cocktail at FridayIsland in Langebaan, hearing the sprinklersystem in the garden, buying twirly ice creamsat Tube Wave on Melkbos beach, enjoyinga light meal at the Waterfront watching thepeople go by and jumping in the Melkbos-strand waves clothes and all with my six-year-old granddaughter Mia.

“On Christmas Eve we get together with thechildren and grandchildren for a nice meal,

a swim in the pooland open presentsunder the Christmastree until late. Wespend Christmas daywith my parents-in-law in Pinelands andon New Year’s Evewatch the fireworksover Langebaanlagoon.”

ADVERTISING & MARKETINGCOORDINATOR VANESSA PERKINSOF WEST BEACH

“As a keen amateur photographer, hubbyand I hook up the 4x4 caravan and goexploring some little town so that I canphotograph our beautiful fauna and florafor summer fun. We also love supportingthe locals with their country markets and Ialways buy a home-made bottle of jam.

“On Christmas day we have the kids andgrandchildren over and prepare a huge lunchto enjoy for hours. New Year’s Eve is usuallya quiet one - we go down to Bloubergbeachfront to watch the fireworks – wishingeveryone on the beach a happy New Year.

On New Year’s Daywe find a picnicspot and let thelittle ones run offtheir excess energy,while we chat andreminisce aboutthe past year. Goodto remember thewonderful thingsin life.”

BUSINESSWOMAN LOUANN LAMBERTOF PARKLANDS

"I love the outdoors, so for summer fun willdefinitely be body-boarding, kayaking,mountain biking and hiking. Best is runningwith my dogs on the beach. In our scenicarea, you have to take advantage of all that'son offer. Christmas is always with the family- Christmas Eve party and lunch Christmasday. The emphasis as always will be to

indulge, relax and celebrate. New Year’s Eveis normally party t ime with fr iends.Sometimes we go to a show and have anafter-party. Wishing everyone a Christmasfilled with love and a phenomenal new year."

BUSINESSMAN IAN NORTHINGOF SANDOWN ESTATE

“Mmmm … the smell of boerewors on thebraai as you do a late evening run along thebeachfront promenade while the sun hasn’teven decided to set and it’s already six-thirty,everyone has a gentle smile and greets oneanother like old friends - now that’s a WestCoast summer for you!

“My idea of Christmas and New Year wouldbe spending quality time with my family:braaiing, picnicking on the beach andexercising with the smell of free time andthe sea lingering. I work hard, so anytime,anyplace doesn’t really matter, as long asI’m with my family. Merry Christmaseveryone.”

7.

summerhols!!AH,

The skin's undertone is the warm, cool, orneutral hue that shows through the surfacecolour of skin.

• If you tan easily and don’t burn, you mostlikely have a yellow-to-olive, warmundertone. Some black women with deepebony skin tones may actually have acool (bluish) undertone.

• Those who burn and either tan minimallyusually have a pink, bluish-red, or ruddycooler undertone. Some neutral skintones fall into this category, particularlyif rosacea is a factor.

• Olive skin tones tend to look somewhatashen or grey from the combination ofthe natural yellow undertone everyonehas and the greenish hue particular toolive skin of any depth.

• Neutral skin tones are those with noobvious overtones of olive, sallow, orpink.

The shortcut test: Look at the veins on theinside of your wrist. If your veins appearblue/purple you’re in the cool-toned (bluish)spectrum. If your veins appear green, you’rein the warm-toned (yellow) spectrum. Thosewith neutral undertones will have difficultydiscerning the blue/green.

Your overall colouring includes skin, hair andeyes and there are four categories: winter,summer, autumn and spring.

Winter tones: Prevalent in dark eyes andskin, natural white-blonds and occasionallypeople with strong contrasting colouring,such as black hair and very fair skin. Chooserich colours such as ruby and sapphire orstark colours such as black, white or steelgrey. Bright colours also work: electric blue,red and fuchsia.

Summer tones: Almost all summer peoplehave light-coloured eyes and either naturalblond or dark brown hair, or dark brown hairand very fair skin. You also may have a slightlypink skin tone. Icy and shiny colours areflattering, as are muted grey, aqua and rose.

Autumn tones: Usually blond, brown orblack hair, skin has golden undertones orruddy tones. Choose vibrant warm colours,for instance browns, oranges, warm greysor muted navy. Avoid stark white, true blackor bright colours. Choose off-white orcharcoal as substitutes.

Spring tones: Strawberry-blondes, neutralblondes, light brunettes and fair skinned -usually light blue/green-blue eyes, an evencomplexion with slight yellow undertones.Pick soft colours such as peach, golden brownor bright true red. Greens and browns aregood too.

Ref: http://www.wikihow.com/Choose-Colors-That-Flatter-Skin-Tone; http://www.paulaschoice.com/

8.

TO HAUL IN THE COMPLIMENTS,CHOOSE CLOTHES ACCORDING TO

YOUR COLOURING.

according toskin tone

Dress

Forget your troubles atPAMPOEN FONTEINHigh up on the Olifantsrivierberg, part of theCedarberg mountain range, lies PampoenFontein guest farm. Here you’ll find raw, ruggedbeauty and utter tranquility. Towering mountains,brilliantly coloured sunsets, quietness and pureair are sure to calm your spirit.

There’s a choice of accommodation in fourwell-appointed cottages. Four-bedroomedRestio is built from local stone and featuresa rim-flow swimming pool. Protea sleepseight and is set against a sandstone koppie.With panoramic views across the OlifantsRiver valley, Pelargonium has three bedrooms.And charming two-bedroomed Lilly cottagelooks out over a dreamy dam. All cottagesare kitted out with hand-embroidered bedlinen, towels, wood, coffee, tea and soap.As an extra treat, a swimming pool is builtin to the koppie between Pelargonium andProtea cottages.

To do? Well, where to start? Porterville isthe paragliding hub, then there’s mountainbiking, bird watching, swimming, visitingthe 30 608 hectares of pristine fynbos in theGroot Winterhoek Reserve, splashing in theDie Hel rock pool, hiking, hiking and hiking.And for petrolheads some reasonablychallenging 4x4 fire trails.

Hiking is definitely pure bliss here and youhave a multitude of routes to choose from.Or just scramble up the koppies and rocks –a great work-out!

Although it’s decidedly cooler up on themountain than down in the valley, intrepidadventurers will find the temperature greatfor activities. Mind you, the cottages caterfor the cooler climate with indoor fireplacesto warm the cockles.

Best of all, pets are welcome – but pleasefollow pet etiquette by cleaning up aroundthe cottage and bringing their own beds.

To book phone Gemma Carlsson on 0216897792 or 082 5645500.

As the founder of Code Teen, Karen ispassionate about providing teenagers withinspiration, motivation and empowermentof crucial adolescent life skills. “This is thebest job in the world and I find it utterlyfulfilling,” she said. “When I realised 12years ago that there was nothing out thereteaching teenagers coping skills, I jumpedat the chance to fill this gap. Unfortunatelyin many instances, parents don’t have thetime or know-how to deal with teenageissues or are i l l - informed about therequirements of the 21st century teen.”

Way back in 1988 while managing amodelling agency which she founded aftermoving to Cape Town from Zimbabwe, Karenstarted teaching teenage models by defaultabout self-esteem, eating disorders,substance addiction and skin issues.Subsequently she qualified as a certified lifeskills coach and facilitator for teenagers andreceived an internationally-accredited AAMETLevel 2 Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT)certification, plus a Matrix Reimprintingaccreditation among others.

So successful has Code Teen been that itsGirlology and Guyology programmes haverolled out nationally at 43 FET collegecampuses this year and thus far 11 500 girlshave learnt about self-esteem, boys,relationships, feminine issues and so forth.

Karen continued, “It took me a long time tomarket the concept and for parents toappreciate it, but the fact that we’re now aforce throughout Southern Africa is proofof our success.” She explained that theprogrammes are done in group workshops.“Teens learn better and inspire one anotherin groups. In this way they become their own

trainers.” In 2014, Karen and her team willbe training mini-facilitators to do simplerversions of what they teach and take theprogrammes into townships throughoutSouth Africa.

As if this isn’t enough work, Karen still hasher production company, Planet Productions,which she retained when she sold themodelling agency. This high-profile companystages large events, launches, brandactivations and fashion shows with the helpof four staff members.

Undaunting, Karen lives by what she teachesteenagers, “If you have a passion and dreamfor something, you can make it happen.Don’t take no for an answer.” Her 19-year-old daughter is living proof that mom hastaught her well. She left school at 15 topursue her dream of becoming a dancer andperformer, enrolling at the Waterfront TheatreCompany and will qualify this year.

Karen also has a 15-year-old son. Divorceda long time ago, she lives in Big Bay withher life partner of many years, Gavin. Thecouple took the unconventional step ofexchanging vows and rings privately tosolidify their commitment to each other. “Wedon’t need an official certificate for our veryspecial relationship,” she said.

Working with many raped and abused girls,Karen uses the beach as therapy whilewalking her canine companions. “In additionI do private meditations to keep me inbalance, because these traumatic cases dotake a toll on one. Apart from that, I reada lot.”

Fast FactsSPORT (SELF): Gym

SPORT (SPECTATOR): School rugby

PETS: Yorkie Gucci, plus Border Collies Zorro and Keira

FAVOURITE FOOD: Sushi

FAVOURITE DRINK: Fruit smoothies

BEST TV: Carte Blanche

FAVOURITE ACTORS: Richard Gereand Meryl Streep

Karen Burt can be contacted on 021 5545884,082 8819134 or karen@codeteen.co.za

WEST COAST STARS

9.

Karen is ateen’s dream

Brimming withenthusiasm and joiede vivre, Karen Burt

manages twocompanies, is

raising two humanand three canine

kids, and, and, and.

10.

During July and early August a large brownbird appears in the skies over southern Africa,preferring the wetter parts such as the WestCoast and avoiding the dry Kalahari andNamib Deserts. This is the magnificent Yellow-billed Kite - visiting southern Africa for thesummer breeding season from its winterhaunts further north in equatorial Africa.

Milvus aegyptius, the Afrotropic counterpartof the Black Kite, is more common in higherrainfall areas and rural regions with densehuman populations. This species is extremelyopportunistic in its feeding habits and thediet includes small vertebrates, insects,carrion, offal and dead or dying fish. Thesekites may pirate prey from other bird species,feed on road kills and town dumps, andattend brush fires, sometimes in largecongregations. They spend much of theirtime in low, searching flight, taking prey inflight, or from the ground.

A fairly large bird, about 55 cm in lengthand with a wingspan approaching 1.5 metres,the Yellow-billed Kite is an impressivespecimen. Its plumage is brown overall witha distinctive yellow bill, which, together withits slightly forked tail, is diagnostic. The feetand unfeathered legs are yellow and theeyes brown. When in flight the bird isfascinating to watch as it uses its tail as anactive rudder to guide its buoyant flight,suspended on long wings that are angledbackwards while the yellow bill and legs arevisible. The sexes are alike in plumage, butthe females are slightly larger than the males.

Found singly or in pairs while breeding, theYellow-billed Kite is quite gregarious. Fairlylarge flocks may gather at times. These birdsare usually silent, uttering a ‘quill-err’ mostcommonly during the breeding season.

The kites are monogamous and during thebreeding season they build a well-concealed

bowl-shaped nest of sticks in the canopy ofa suitable tree, lining it with dung, wool andany other bits of soft material. A clutch oftwo or three white eggs marked with brownare laid and they hatch after a 35-dayincubation period.

Of concern is that the population is declining.

References: globalraptors.org;wilkinsonsworld.com; wikipedia

WEST COAST FAUNA

IMPRESSIVE opportunist

Complete your tasks asap so as to enjoy abeautiful garden over the festive season. Thesecond flush of roses and early summerflower annuals are just beginning to open,plus Hydrangeas, Liliums, Day Lilies andAgapanthus add to the garden splendour.

Continue watering, feeding and dead-heading annuals. Meanwhile, the followingquick-growing summer flowering annuals

can still be sown: Alyssum, Bedding Dahlia,Dwarf Marigold, Californian Poppy andNasturtium.

To ensure a succession of flowers, continueplanting Gladioli. For glorious autumn colour,plant indigenous Nerine bulbs this month.

It’s still fine to sow the following perennials:Yarrow, Hollyhock, Michaelmas daisy, Englishdaisy, Begonia, Foxglove, Gazania, Barbertondaisy, Heliotrope, Cat mint, Penstemon, andViola odorata.

Water Delphiniums well every second or thirdday during dry weather and feed twice amonth with a liquid fertiliser.

Continue spraying roses regularly to combatfungal problems and feed with 8:1:5 fertiliseror an organic equivalent. Mulch with well-rotted, old manure around each plant,keeping it well away from the stem.

Fine grass can be mown once a week, whilekikuyu needs mowing twice a week. Lift thelawnmower blades, thus allowing the grassto grow slightly longer. This will give theroots protection from the sun’s heat anddrying winds. To transform your lawn into alush, green carpet, feed with a high nitrogenfertiliser or LAN and water well.

Semi-hardwood or half-ripe cuttings ofHypericum, Fuchsia, Hydrangea, Pentas,Pelargonium and Lavender can be taken thismonth.

Don’t neglect your indoor plants: continuefeeding Amaryllis every two weeks with aliquid fertiliser to build up the bulb for thenext season. Wipe dusty leaves and sprayfoliage plant leaves in hot, dry weather –always in the shade. Don’t wet grey, hairyleaves.

Ref: mweb.co.za/gardening

GARDEN GNOME

Prepare afestiveGARDEN

11.

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Osteopathy can help in treating: Backand neck pain; joint pain; headacheand migraine sinusitis; jaw pain;digestive disorders; period pain andirregularity; pain associated withpregnancy; colic and reflux for babies;asthma and chest complaints; stress,depression and fatigue;developmental problems in children;general ill health

Phone now for an appointment!071 508 6064

www.osteopathpatrick.com

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RE/MAX PROPERTY CENTRE����������������� ����

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ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE

With the change of seasons from winter to summer anincrease in buyer interest is normally quite predictable in theCape. Recently this is again the case - especially on AtlanticBeach Estate, according to Cindy Courtney of RE/MAXProperty Centre.

Now that Atlantic Beach Estate has been in existence for anumber of years there’s always been interest from buyersto purchase and live on the estate. “However, during thepast year or two there’s been increased interest,” said Cindy.“We’re now finding that there’s a shortage of correctlypriced properties for sale and a surplus of buyers wantingto acquire property on the estate.”

It goes without saying that Atlantic Beach Estate is a ‘LifestyleEstate’ built around a community and family environment.Thus more and more people are starting to see the valueoffered by the estate. Within easy reach of Cape Town’scosmopolitan areas, the estate offers residents a uniquelifestyle experience with access to an 18-hole links-style golfcourse, a Leisure Centre with a swimming pool and braaifacilities, tennis courts and a well-run fitness centre. Fun,social events held by the Atlantic Beach management teamfor the enjoyment of all residents add to the appeal. Suchevents provide everyone with the opportunity to meet theirneighbours and share in a community environment. Themonthly Farmers’ Market, which residents consider a bighit, is a prime example of the fun events and is a first fora residential estate in South Africa.

Although the estate has always been seen as a golf estate,it also has become well-known for its world-class security.With a secure perimeter fence, controlled access points with24-hour patrols and a state-of-art monitoring system, itprovides residents with a reliable security solution andcomplete peace of mind.

Another factor contributing towards the estate’s success isthe current management team under the leadership of CEOHarry White. The management style, together with theEstate’s Vision and Mission had a huge impact on the recentdemand for properties as well as a positive reflection ofproperty values. The Vision ‘MY ESTATE - MY FAMILY- MYLIFESTYLE’ will provide all residents with an exclusive lifestyleestate, supported by a sustainable and secure environmentin which to raise families and enjoy retirement years.

The well-appointed contemporary home that exists inharmony with the quiet surroundings is also very appealing.

“Furthermore, the Estate’s recent changes and upgrades havecreated more buyer interest,” Cindy said. “I’ve been workingon the estate for the past 11 years and to date have neverexperienced such a big demand with so few properties forsale. This is all good for the estate and has a positive impacton property values which have been far too low for too long.In time to come I believe there will be an even greater demand.However sellers mustn’t fall into the trap of being misguidedabout their property’s value. Over-pricing can have a reverseeffect on property values and it’s important for sellers toappoint the services of an estate agent who knows the marketand who can inform and guide them correctly.

“With my experience, knowledge and proven sales trackrecord on the estate I’m able to assist or provide sellers andbuyers with expert property information, guidance and advice.I welcome you to contact me should you require the servicesof an experienced Atlantic Beach Estate sales consultant.”

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