KAALVOETSOLO-SA

Kaalvoet Bediening / Barefoot Ministry

2010-06-22T02:58:00.001-07:00

Hi there, Everyone!

I had had my rest, gained some weight, started on my book about Kaalvoetsolo and is starting off with my first engagements under my Ministry, Kaalvoet Bediening/Barefoot Ministry. From beginning of July, I am undertaking my first "Testimony Tour" for July, and I am using the N2 as my route-foundation. (From Stilbaai enroute Eastwards via PE, Eastern Cape, KZN and Mpumalanga.) As my Ministry will still be "barefoot", I am driving this time! ;-) Anyone who wish for me to join their congregation/church, youth groups or schools with my testimony, are welcome to contact me directly on my cell phone 079 922 8603. Or reply to kaalvoetgetuie@gmail.com and Yzelle will pass it on to me.

Love in Christ
Jaco

Conclusion

2010-05-05T05:19:00.000-07:00

It has now been nine days since my arrival in Cape Town. I am currently on a short working holiday in Ermelo with Yzelle and her parents. When I say "working" holiday, I mean mostly resting while planning the future. After living on faith for more than a year, and looking back at how God has carried, lead and taught me, it is hard for me to even consider NOT continuing on this path... not literally walking, but sharing my testimony as a full-time ministry.
We have already been invited to speak at a number of schools and churches, while here in Ermelo. Whether this is the instrument that God has planned for me or not, He will show in time, but for now, I will grab every opportunity to honor His name.
Some other options that we are considering and working on for the future, include youth camps, family adventures and practical worship workshops.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank each and everyone who has supported and encouraged us during the past fifteen months. We are continuing with this web-site and after a little bit of rearranging, it would serve as the website for Kaalvoet Ministries, so please keep checking for further developments. We will also send a regular newsletter to those interested, so if you would like to receive this, let us know and we will add you to our mailing list.
Please be patient with me, because I would probably have to do most of this myself, since my manager/PA/PRO/agent has resigned, to further her interest in being full-time spouse of yours truly... while also running her own business.
I am, of course, always available to share my testimony and experiences at any occasion, whether formal or informal, so please feel free to contact me via e-mail (kaalvoetgetuie@gmail.com) or telephonically on 0799228603.
But please keep in mind that I am NOT a motivational speaker, my talks are ALWAYS spiritually focussed with a Christian message of God's Love and Glory.
Yours
Jaco

6014 KILOMETRES BAREFOOT, BUT NOT DONE!

2010-04-27T11:38:00.000-07:00

26 April 2010

What a finish!

6014 km and 467 days later, Jaco arrived at the Castle. Family and friends welcomed him back. There were tears, congratulations, laughter and sighs of relief. He has fulfilled his promise.

Jaco would like to thank Thinus Dippenaar from "Die Burger" for the great article he did. (It was in this mornings' paper - 27 April 2010)

Last night, Jaco stayed over with family. Yzelle says that the beard and the hair flew in one shoosh of the old minora blade razor.

This coming week Jaco will be in Stilbaai. Spending some time with his wife, sons and mother. Jaco and Yzelle will be in Ermelo the week following - spending some quality time with the new in-laws. And Jaco thought 6000km barefoot would be tough!! (Don't worry all you big Jaco fans - he couldn't have asked for a better set of 2nd parents.)

Jaco will be returning to Stilbaai and "will carry on with Kaalvoet Ministries with or without shoes."

RSG had an interview with Jaco this morning and will be broadcasting it tomorrow morning(28 April 2010) between 6 and 8am.

When Jaco is in Ermelo, he will be doing the correspondency himself.
Please feel free to contact Jaco or Yzelle at any time.
Jaco 079 922 8603
Yzelle 076 428 5980

Follow this space!!
Mandi

BLUE PETER HOTEL

2010-04-25T11:29:00.001-07:00

Thanks to old Gimmie, Lourens de Kok, Jaco will be sleeping in the Blue Peter Hotel in absolute luxury.
Today, Hansie Louw, from Herbalife, kept Jaco company for most of the walk. He has walked an amazing 5997km!!!! Let's just put that down in words - FIVE THOUSAND NINE HUNDRED AND NINETY SEVEN KILOMETRES BAREFEET!!!!!!

Jaco has between 17 and 20km to go and will arrive at the Castle at about 4pm tomorrow afternoon.

Jaco would like to thank Sodwana Prep School for all their sms's. He would like you guys to know that it warmed his heart in the cold and soothed away the aches and pains. Thanks a million!!

Jaco, tonight we give thanks to our Lord, for keeping you safe on this remarkable journey.
Mandi

LAST NIGHT CAMPING

2010-04-24T13:43:00.000-07:00

This morning, Jaco had breakfast with some fisherman he met on the beach. The breakfast kept him going for 21km, 2km before Koeberg, where he will be spending his last night on the beach. Tomorrow, the last night of his walk will be a bit more comfortable and warmer.
Jaco is freezing, and the 17kg's he has lost, since December, is really not helping!
He had a piece of biltong for dinner, because it was too cold to start a fire and prepare something hot - that is according to Jaco. Yzelle's version:" When it comes to preparing food, Jaco is just lazy!" To tell you the truth, if I was Jaco, I wouldn't feel like preparing food either after I've spoken to Yzelle and she told me about the wonderful homemade soup that they were enjoying tonight. I'd rather just get the eating over with and go to bed.
Ironically, it is that same homemade soup that Yzelle is using to lure Jaco home with. For that will be his first meal at home. Just the way it should be: coming home to family and friends, celebrating a remarkable feat and feasting on a lovingly prapared bowl of homemade soup.
Mandi

SIGHTS ON TABLE MOUNTAIN!!!

2010-04-23T12:13:00.000-07:00

Early this afternoon, Jaco had his first glimpse of Table Mountain. A sign that his long walk is coming to an end, but that this was just the first step of the real journey he has undertaken.
Tonight, 20km south of Yzerfontein, Jaco is in his element, as he will be sleeping on the beach. Happy to know that every step he took, changed someones' life and every step he will take will bring him closer to changing another.
Mandi

YZERFONTEIN

2010-04-22T12:10:00.000-07:00

Although things didn't go so smoothly today, Jaco arrived in Yzerfontein. He was 'kicked' out of the West Coast National Park. Luckily they dropped him off at the gate closer to Cape Town than the one he came from!! How that would have ruined Yzelle's plans. He is sleeping at the Yzerfontein Caravan Park and thanks to his neighbouring campers, he had a hearty dinner.
Mandi

Langebaan

2010-04-21T12:20:00.000-07:00

Jaco arrived in Langebaan, at the home of Willie and Marissa van Dyk. He did 21km today, and finished on 5904km. Jaco estimates that he is going to hit 6000km just outside or in Cape Town. I'm sure he is already on the lookout for our biggest landmark in the area: Table Mountain. And this time he will feel much better when he sees the Cable Car! His first week of the walk was torture for him, since it took him 6 days to exit Cape Town, and about 3 days to loose sight of the cable cars!

I'm leaving tomorrow for Cape Town with my little Corsa, not so suspicious looking this time. Now we'll ferry the man, who we dropped off 15 months ago at the caste, back home. The website will be in the very capable hands of my best friend, Mandi Hugo, who will answer any emails arriving from now on and pass the messages on to me, since I will only have my cell phone on hand for the next few days.

Yzelle

Juffroushoogte, near Vredenburg

2010-04-20T09:25:00.000-07:00

Jaco arrived at Juffroushoogte, a guestfarm close to Vredenburg/Saldanha. This is of course as well where we got married at last year December, and he is thrilled to be there, in more ways than one. Jaco is now only a few days away from Cape Town.

While I'm on the topic of our wedding, I would like to give a heartfelt thanks to Philip Sulaiman and Misha Miles for attenting the wedding with our friends and family. It was a very blessed, special day for us. Thanks to Jacqui Strydom, manageres of Juffroushoogte, who attendend to everything gracefully even though I suspect she must have had more than a few frowns about my ideas! Also to Kobus and Lynne Kotze,owners, and manageres Leentjie of the Whispering Whale in Jacobsbaai where we spend our short honeymoon in great luxury and were spoiled rotten! It was brilliant and we thank you!

Yzelle

Laaiplek

2010-04-19T10:00:00.000-07:00

Jaco spend today at the Theart's home. We were calling and planning over the phone. As Jaco has only 150km left to go, we (or rather me) decided that Jaco should head on straight to Cape Town rather than slowing down for this coming two weeks. Jaco will now arrive in Cape Town at the Castle on the 26th of April (next Monday) at his regular pace. He should arrive in the afternoon, round about 4pm.

Yzelle

Dwarskersbos / Laaiplek

2010-04-18T04:33:00.000-07:00

Jaco passed Elandsbaai on Thursday, and arrived in Dwarskersbos where he was picked up and taken to the home (?) of Willem and Karem Theart in Laaiplek where he spent the weekend. Jaco finished on 5860km. There is a reunion of the High School Paarl Gymnasium's old students' bond, where Jaco is having a blast meeting up with old school friends, teachers and such. He'll set off again tomorrow morning along the west coast.

Lamberts Bay

2010-04-14T09:16:00.000-07:00

Don't have much info at the moment, but he just arrived in Lamberts Bay.

Lutzville

2010-04-12T10:32:00.000-07:00

Just had a quick chat with Jaco, who arrived in Lutzville today. Seems that he has wings under his feet, since he is currently standing on 5733km. Jaco estimates that he has about 350km left to go. At the moment he is walking so fast, that I have to force him to take some days off, to give me time to organise my things at home and meet him in Cape Town. If he walk any faster, he'll have to camp on Bloubergstrand for a few days while waiting for me! We're getting a bit nervous now, our lives has been planned around Jaco's walk for almost 15 months now, we'll have quite a bit of getting used to when our lives change 180 degrees again soon.

Groenriviermond (?)

2010-04-09T10:58:00.000-07:00

I got a call from Jaco last night from a landline, just to say that he is ok and staying over with a local family. Jaco said he did 73km so far from Hondeklipbaai, and still has about 4 days walk to Lutsville. Jaco says it is quite a challange walking on the thick, sandy beaches again with his backpack. He says he has pain everywhere else except his feet! But he is making very good progress!

Hondeklipbaai

2010-04-06T10:37:00.000-07:00

Jaco left Hondeklipbaai today, the network was really poor and it was hard to understand Jaco most of the time, but I have received this update today from Jaco's host. Thanks Stanley!:

Jaco is in Hondeklipbaai, by die Cierenberg Gallery. Dit gaan heel gaaf goed met hom. hy bly by Stanley cierenberg in die gallery. Wat 'n ondervinding om hierdie wonderlike man te ontmoet. wat 'n voorreg om hom in my huis te he. ek buig voor sy voete, was dit en sing Halleluja, want hierdie man kom op 'n mens se pad met 'n doel.....Jaco Rocks
stanley cierenberg

Kleinzee 2

2010-04-01T10:48:00.000-07:00

Jaco is still in Kleinzee. He got a lift for his trolley to Cape Town, so he spend most of the day sorting his stuff and packing is backpack, as he is going to continue from now on only with his backpack and stick again, so that he can walk along the beaches rather than roads.

Jaco was also nominated by OUT THERE magazine's Adventurer of the Year 2009, which should feature in the issue coming out this April. I think is is under the "Achiever" section.

Yzelle

Kleinzee

2010-03-31T10:48:00.000-07:00

Got a message form Jaco that he arrived in Kleinzee, but I also received a message from Cassandra, Jaco's host from Port Nolloth:

Hiya
So we dropped Jaco off at the Kleinzee turnoff at 2pm, the wind was BLOWING!!!! Right before he left, he did an interview with Morgan from The Eland newspaper and he organised an interview with NFM (Radio Nama).

Oh shoot just remembered we forgot to stop and get more cigarettes!

Have organised that he stays with Veronica (tomorrow night??)of The Houthoop. It's a guesthouse situated just outside Kleinzee and she has a local newspaper called the Kleinzee Kletz. She's organising the clearances for the De Beers roads.

The kids absolutely enjoyed him. It was so awesome meeting him and hearing all the stories. Anytime you're in the area whether on wheel or on foot LOL, you're more than welcome to stay. It'll be great meeting you and Phillip one day.

God bless,
Cassandra

Port Nolloth

2010-03-29T10:47:00.000-07:00

Jaco has been to the doctor today, got some antibiotics and have to hang around town for today and maybe tomorrow, just to make sure he isn't getting any fever or invection. Thanks, Cassandra, for organising Jaco's stay in Port Nolloth!

Port Nolloth / Kleinsee

2010-03-28T11:42:00.000-07:00

Jaco arrived in Port Nolloth this morning. I actually got a call from Jaco early this morning, telling me that he is in Port Nolloth at the Emergency Pharmacy for treatment, due to a vicious attack on his neck and hand during the night by something - sounded like something just short of a tiger! - and he has to get treatment soonest possible. Well, just after I almost fainted, the sms came through assuring me that it was just a few bites by a tampan - like a tick - and he just wanted to get it looked at incase he develops tick fever again. Jaco is just fine and full of smiles, looking forward to hitting the road again tomorrow. Jaco is staying over at a guesthouse in Port Nolloth, but I do not have the detail at the moment. Jaco is starting tomorrow again from Kleinsee. Jaco also has an interview with Radio Pulpit just before 7am tomorrow morning.

Yzelle

Die mooiste e-pos wat ek gister gekry het van HJ Cronje. Dankie!

2010-03-25T09:22:00.001-07:00

Groete en Vrede!!!

Weggesteek agter 'n klompie helderrooi sandduine lê die klein plekkie en broei in
die laatsomer se agtermiddag sonnetjie. Los wolke wat laag oor die westelike verste
sien lê, hang rustig en wag om hulle unieke bydrae in die skepping van nog 'n
asemrowende hemelruim skildery te maak. Vanuit 'n oorvol gelaaide Genadewa wat so
halflyf in die bietjie koelte van 'n peperboom geparkeer staan, bekyk ek en die
Mooiste Mooi 'n vaalbont werfhoender wat al te pronkerig met haar geelwit donsagtige
kroos so skrop-skrop Sy voorsienigheid opsoek.

Met haar tingerige skouertjies vooroor getrek en maer armpies wat woes heen-en-weer
swaai, kom sy met kort treetjies doelgerig al nader en nader aan ons. Verward spat
die werfhoender en kuikens onder haar se voete uit en soek elders skuiling.
Onverwags steek sy vas, gooi haar se twee handjies waarvan die vingertjies jare
gelede al van oumenssiekte inmekaar getrek het in die lug, trek haar se geplooide
gesig op 'n kreukel en beloer ons met haar se vaal katarakoë. 'n Vaalpienk tandlose
glimlag verhelder die dorre gesiggie en dan waai sy ons nader. Eers word ek met die
groetslag geïgnoreer terwyl die klein, maer ou vroutjie haarself liefderik onder die
Mooiste Mooi se blad inwurm al asof sy haar nooit weer wil los nie. "My se gebed is
gehoor, die Djere het my se gebed gehoor en Hy het voorsien want onse Pastoorgoed
het tog weer hier by ons kom oorstaan," kook dit oor vanuit haar se binneste-binne.
Styf met haar een armpie om die Mooiste Mooi gevou, stap die twee baie stadig na
haar se opslaanhuisie terwyl sy belangstellend uitvra oor onse welstand.

'n Rukkie later het die woord dat ons daar is gou-gou deur die hele gemeenskappie
versprei. Daarmee saam word vertel dat vanmiddag 'n uitdeeldag, 'n weggeedag, 'n
bederfdag is want 'n vernietwinkel het hier kom oorstaan. 'n Vernietwinkel vol
klere, blikkieskos, meel en ander eetgoed selfs ook sporttoerusting, skryfbehoeftes
en speelgoed. 'n Vernietwinkel waar betaling gedoen word met 'n opregte dankiebrief
vanuit die skatkamer van jou se hart. 'n Vernietwinkel oorlopens toe vol van genade
vir diegene wat daarvan wil hê.

Een vir een staan hulle nader; nader aan die Genadewa en nader aan Vader se genade
voorsienigheid. Gretig sit die meeste handjie by om die Genadewa se vrag af te laai
en gou-gou is alles op die grond uitgepak. Dan begin die uitsoek in alle erns om
kort daarna items trots eenkant weg te bêre. Al harder en harder word daar gelag,
gehuil en gekuier. Kledingstukke word een vir een gemeet, gepas, uitgeruil en selfs
vir mekaar gemodelleer. Die jong klomp daarenteen het net oë vir die sokkerballe en
kort voor lank is daar 'n spontane wedstryd aan die gang. Selfs van die ouer manne
speel so-hande-op-die-knieë saam.

Stil-stil staan ek en die Mooiste Mooi eenkant toe om dié vergete en eensame groepie
Kalahari bewoners se ekstatiese vrolikheid en dankbaarheid te geniet. 'n Groepie
mense wie se eens dowwe oë nou sterhelder blink en nuwe plooie vou van al hulle
gelag, gekoggel en geskerts. 'n Groepie mense wat selfs met krummels tevrede is. Met
my se arm om die Mooiste Mooi se skouers luister en kyk ons na hierdie groepie mense
se dankbaarheidsgesang met melodie. Rustig waggel die oumatjie nader en kom druk
haar se maer lyfie so styf tussen ons in. "Pastoorgoed," sê sy nadat sy haar se maer
armpies styf om ons geslaan het, "die Djere is vir ons al te goed. Kyk net al die
mooi goedjies wat vandag hier uitgedele is".

Terwyl ons die laaste klompie minute van 'n betowerende oranje en rooi sonsondergang
met sagte pienk wolke geniet, eggo Sy vroegoggend wakkerwordwoorde onophoudelik in
my se ore "My hartsmusiek kan gereeld tussen die sandduine van die lewe gehoor word,
want 'n dankbaarheidsmelodie word slegs gekomponeer uit jou se daaglikse doendinge."

Wel vanuit die Agter-Kalahari tot 'n volgende keer, mooi bly, lekker slaap en onthou
.........................

Êrens tussen die duine woon mense wat jou waardeer omrede jy kosbaar en spesiaal is.

Die Kalahari Cronjé's

Steinkopf

2010-03-24T11:16:00.000-07:00

Jaco arrived n Steinkopf today, and booked in Kookfontein Bungalows. Tommorow is the 10th year rememberance day of Jaco's accident, and he is taking the day off as before. Jaco's cell phone blew the wistle and he lost all his contact numbers, but he is still using the following number: 079 922 8603. Thanks to Pieter Wortel for passing a cell phone on to Jaco to use for now! Jaco finished on 5367km today. Jaco is just about 3 days' walk from Port Nolloth now.

En route to Steinkopf

2010-03-22T10:51:00.000-07:00

Just got a few sms's from Jaco. He is about 2 days before Steinkopf. Jaco didn't say much, but he expects to be in Port Nolloth by next Sunday. I am so excited, then it really is just straight down back home! If all goes according to plans, (with current estimates) Jaco should arrive in Cape Town by the end of April.

I have added some more pics of Jaco on his photo-album.

En route to Pella

2010-03-18T11:23:00.000-07:00

Jaco covered vast ground the past few days, he finished on 5201km yesterday in Pofadder. Jaco spend last night at the home of Pieta, Jackie and PJ van den Heever,(Brother of Sakkie van den Heever) and the night before on the farm Konkonsies with the their other brother, Fanie, Magda and Tannie Gloudina van den Heever. Jaco and Fanie did some much needed maintanance on his trolley, which has become a laughing matter for me, since the trolley is nearing a look alike of a slave cart. Jaco has been picking up rocks for son Philip's collection, which he is determined to bring home with him. JJ Weilbach added some photo's of Jaco on the Kaalvoetsolo-SA Facebook group, which shows that Jaco is still in good condition. Jaco started of after the wedding on a hefty 91kg, but he fits back in all his clothes and is back to his regular 80kg.

Nous to Pofadder

2010-03-15T10:58:00.000-07:00

Jaco passed Nous yesterday on his way to Pofadder. He spend one night in the flat next to the NG Church, last night at the home of Karel and Tieza Claasen on their farm Swartmodder (near Nous)and tonight at the home of Sakkie and Jena van den Heever on their farm Schuitklip. Jaco is still waiting for confirmation of travelling via the Orange River, otherwise he will be heading straight on to Port Nolloth by road from tomorrow onwards. I speak under correction, but I assume it would be very difficult trying to keep as close as possible to the border. As I understand there isn't really any path to follow due to overgrowth (?). Jaco finished on 5146km today.

Yzelle

Vrede Valley

2010-03-10T08:27:00.000-08:00

Jaco passed Riemvasmaak and stopped in Vrede Valley (Vredevallei) where Jaco is staying over at Sicelo's home, who is running a vegetable community project. Jaco had a tough day today, and it will be tougher tomorrow, climbing up and down hills with his trolley, starting off with a 11km newly tarred road! Jaco finished on 5042km today. His signal is still uncertain mostly, but should be fine around the Onseepkans area.

Yzelle

En route to Kakamas

2010-03-05T10:52:00.000-08:00

Jaco finally have some cell phone reception and I just managed to get hold of him, where he is camping 10km outside of Kakamas. Jaco hit is 5000km mark today, and finished on 5011km this evening. Jaco sounds great, he said he had a tough time walking the past few days, but his feet are feeling much better than a week ago, and he is back on the tar roads again. Jaco will spend the rest of the weekend in Kakamas, planning his route forward with a few experts in the area. After Kakamas, Jaco have to decide whether he is going to walk via the Orange River or head on via tar roads to Onseepkans-area. Two big issues at the moment are the terrain and water supply. Since the flooding of the Orange River a few weeks ago, Jaco have to take into account whether he would manage along the river banks with his trolley, and what the drinking-condition of the water is after the flood. Where as if he takes the road, the terrain is fairly stable for pulling the trolley, as well as getting fresh water, as Jaco carries about 20l of water with him at the moment, and consume half of it in a day walking. Jaco also needs to stock up on supplies in Kakamans for the next 120-400km, which is still a bit uncertain. At the moment he only have his Herbalife shakes, which he says tastes like he addes two tablespoons of salt in as well, since the water in the area tastes like seawater. Jaco also finished his quickest 1000km of this walk, taking him only 45 walking days from Mafikeng to today. For the moment, Jaco deceided that as soon as he reached Cape Town, he is going to take some time off just to sit!

Yzelle

Noenieput and beyond

2010-03-01T10:17:00.000-08:00

I am a bit out of date on Jaco's progress. Last I heard he was on 4866km, just past Noenieput on his way south down the border. Jaco has no cell phone reception, so when I hear from him it is by chance when he stays over with families en route. My sincere apologies for not having the details of where he's staying, but right now I have a pen and note book with me ready for when he calls again. And my deepest, greatest thanks to everyone who let Jaco call me when he's close to a landline, I appreciate is so much! Last time I spoke with Jaco, he was at the home of Barrie Burger, legend of the Khalahari in his own right, and a minister as well. Oom Barrie walked with Jaco one day, and I know all the advice and insight into his walk meant a lot to Jaco. We realise that Jaco's walk has become much greater than the two of us, and it has changed our lives immencely on more than one level. Thank you to everyone and praise God for supporting Jaco on this journey for Him. We would not have been able to do this on our own.

Soonest I hear from Jaco, I'll add some more detail.

Yzelle

Andriesvale / Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park

2010-02-21T03:46:00.000-08:00

Jaco stopped in Andriesvale on Thursday, where friend Nico van der Walt picked him up to spend the weekend with him and Sorina at their home in Twee Rivieren.Jaco had a great stay and is staying over in Andriesvale tonight, from where he would set off again tomorrow en route to Noenieput. Jaco went to church in Noenieput this morning with Nico and Sorina, where he had the opportunity to tell his story.

Jaco asked me to update his current phone number. It is: 079 922 8603.

I also added new photo's to Jaco's web album, just click on the link "Jaco's Photo's" in the lefthandside column of his blog, which should take you there.

Yzelle

Askham

2010-02-17T11:19:00.000-08:00

Jaco arrived in Askam early afternoon, at the home of oom Gielie and Tannie Marie de Bruin where he is spending the night. Jaco spend last night with Johan and Minette Rossouw on their farm, Murray. He also had the opportunity to talk at the little school in Askham after arrival in town.
Jaco is standing on 4727km. Jaco says although Askham is still a very small town, it is the biggest one he's entered since leaving Mafekeng! He is on his way to Andriesvale, where old friend Nico from the Gemsbokpark will pick him up for a visit. Jaco is heading for Noenieput by Sunday.

Yzelle

Loch Broom Guest Farm

2010-02-15T10:41:00.000-08:00

I got an sms from Jaco earlier this evening. He got invited by owners Roy and Maryke Barlow to spend the night on Loch Broom Guestfarm, I assume it is still en route to Askham. Jaco said he did have a very rough time on the road today, but he and both feet are doing great. Jaco finished tonight on 4691km.

Yzelle

Nothern Cape Province

2010-02-13T08:28:00.000-08:00

I had no contact with Jaco since Thursday, but I know he is on his way to Askham. What I did forget to mention, is that Jaco is in his seventh Province, which is the last one of his journey before he enters the Western Cape again on the West Coast! I will only see Jaco again when he enters Cape Town again, and we are speculating at the moment that it would be in April this year.God bless Jaco and his feet on this last leg of his journey!

Yzelle

Leeupan

2010-02-10T07:21:00.000-08:00

I haven't heard from Jaco for days on end, but luckily we mananged to exchange some sms's last night and had a short chat. There is some gaps in the info that I got from Jaco (the network isn't too great) but he did finish this afternoon in/on Leeupan, somewhere passed VanZylsrus. Jaco is standing on 4597km now. I do know that Jaco is spending tonight at the home of Philip and Lorraine de Bruin. I know Jaco camped while out of reach, as well as spend two nights at the home of Kobus & Elzaan Beukes and sons DP and Jaco. Jaco also mentioned the lovely lunch he was treated to at the hotel in VanZylsrus while passing through. This is more or less everything I know at the moment in a nutshell.

Yzelle

Springbokpan

2010-02-04T02:05:00.000-08:00

Jaco spend last night on the farm Springbokpan, with owners oom Frikkie and tannie Ans du Preez. It seems Jaco would return there again tonight, since Jaco is having a bit trouble with the "belt" onto whish he hooks his trolley, and they still have to do some modifications again tonight. Jaco had to replace his original belt a week or so ago, since it got torn off during the
walks through mud, etc. Thanks to Louw and Annette Kruger of Barrange who invited Jaco the night before last to stay over at their home.

Jaco finished yesterday on 4444km!

Yzelle

Taylor'span

2010-02-02T07:59:00.000-08:00

The past week it has been quite difficult keeping in touch with Jaco. By sms last night Jaco said he spend the night at oom Gert and tannie Ria van Rensburg's hom in Taylor'span. His km's stood on 4403km. Unfortunately I didn't get the names of the families where Jaco spend the nights before and on the weekend, but I would like to say to you all a great thanks for borrowing Jaco the Botswana sim-cards just to call me and tell me that he is alright. I appreciate the gestures greatly! Jaco is doing great and he is very healthy and happy. He is out of signal range until he reaches McCarthy's Rest, so hopefully I'll get word from him by Thursday.

Yzelle

Makopong Border Post

2010-01-26T09:28:00.000-08:00

It is going very well with Jaco and his walk. He is covering a lot of ground, but the network coverage is poor and its hard to keep contact. Jaco did phone me from the Posice Station at the Makopong border post this afternoon and it was great to speak with him over a clear connection!
Jaco spoke at the church on Sunday in Bray. I don't have his exact km's at the moment, but what I do know is, from tommorow he is turning downwards and from now in it will be mostly Southwest-wards until he reach the West Coast, and then straight down home! Thanks to the Graubner, Eloff and Prinsloo-families for accommodating Jaco, transporting him back and forth the weekend and all else! It is much appreciated!!

Yzelle

Onwards through the Khalahari

2010-01-21T03:55:00.000-08:00

It seems that whatever the weather in Ermelo is, continues through the Khalahari on Jaco's route. Jaco says that he would have never thought while walking through the Khalahari, he would walk ancle-deep in mud for days. This is of course great, since it is much cooler and Jaco can cover much more distance in a day. Jaco was standing on 4227km when he finished last night. A great thanks to Johan and Rene Kemo from Matoppie, as well as Gert and Annemarie van Rensburg of Tapama Lodge in Bray for accommodating Jaco the last two nights. He is well rested and energetic, has topped his average distance per day of this walk in the Khalahari!

Yzelle

Paddon area

2010-01-19T01:56:00.000-08:00

Jaco has limited cell phone network, but we managed to exchange some sms's.
Last night Jaco was invited to the home of Kassie and Elmarie Kriel, just passed Paddon. And thanks to Frans Bothma who took Jaco home during the storm yesterday. The night before last Jaco spend the night over on the farm Gannalaagte with father and son Heinrich and Hardus Joubert. Much more I do not know, but everything is still going great and Jaco is having a blast venturing through the unfamiliar terrain!

Yzelle

Farm Senegal

2010-01-16T11:18:00.000-08:00

Jaco did very well in distance this past 3 days, he finished today on 4119km altogether. Thanks to Peter and Zelmarie Knipe for inviting Jaco se stay over with them for the night, as well as oom Boet Grobler from Boshoek who accommodated Jaco last night in in bush camp.

Unfortunately I have no idea of where Jaco is located on a map, but I know he is still next to the Botswana border heading west. Soonest he is in a known place on the map, I'll let you know. All in all, it is going very well with Jaco, have a bit of inflammation in his hip again, but soon his body will be used to carrying the load.

Yzelle

Lopopung

2010-01-13T12:39:00.000-08:00

Jaco had a very successful day today, he managed to complete 27km and finished om 4052km. He set up kamp tonight at Lopopung, about 14km west of Mokgobistad. He also had a great visit at the Makgobistad borderpost with the SAPD and Immigration officers where he stopped to fill up his water supply, and got spoiled with breakfast and coffee! Thanks to all the guys!

Jaco is most probably going to loose signal during tomorrow's walk for a few days until he reaches Brei, but hopefully we will be able to exchange some sms's along the way so that I can keep up with his progress. Jaco is in complete new territory, not one of us has ever been further nothwest that Rustenburg, so he is thoroughly enjoying this part of his walk!

Yzelle

En route to Makgobistad

2010-01-12T09:37:00.000-08:00

Jaco did 21km today. Said it is extremely hot - roundabout 42 degrees today - and he is suffering after the long break in cool Ermelo. Jaco also spends midday resting until the worst of the heat has passed. Further, no complaints of pains!

Jaco just asked me to thank the following people for their help: oom Johan Swart and driver Johannes from Pretoria for taking Jaco back to Mafikeng on Monday morning. As well as Leon van der Merwe for his assistance and company along the road. It is much appreciated!

Yzelle

4000km!

2010-01-11T11:16:00.000-08:00

Jaco left Mafikeng early this afternoon and turned off on to a dirt road bordering the Botswana border. Jaco did 26km today and finished on 4004km.
Jaco is camping tonight, very tired but feet are great thanks to the sandy road!

Yzelle

Back to Mafikeng

2010-01-10T23:21:00.000-08:00

Hi there,

Just to let you know that Jaco went back to Mafikeng to continue his walk. I will add detail soonest I have it.

Yzelle

Merry Christmas!

2009-12-25T00:18:00.000-08:00

Jaco will be back on the road in the next week or so, but we would like to wish everybody a blessed, Godgiven Christmas full of joy and compassion.

Jaco & Yzelle

POST WEDDING

2009-12-12T10:53:00.000-08:00

Yes, we did it and we swopped rings today a week ago! It was brilliant and wonderful and the West Coast weather played along greatly! We are still on vacation in Gordon's Bay, but will tell you all and show some pics when we're back home again.

Jaco & Yzelle

Pre-Wedding

2009-11-21T05:33:00.000-08:00

As any married couple can imagine, Jaco and I have sleepless nights trying to get everything ready and in perfect order before leaving for Saldanha.

I just want to say a BIG THANK YOU to the Sodwana Bay Preperatory School for the huge envelope full of letters and drawings for Jaco. I am going to put it all in a scrapbook for him, so that we can look at it as often as possible! Jaco wished you all a very blessed last few days in school, and Merry Christmas as well! He send you a letter back, so you should receive it soon!

Lots of love!
Jaco & Yzelle

Zeerust to Mafekeng

2009-11-01T13:09:00.000-08:00

I struggled a bit with the internet the past two days, but I will update quickly on Jaco's progress. Jaco finished in Mafekeng early this afternoon, did 31km, and ended his day just short of 4000km. Thanks to tannie Hester van Aardt for picking Jaco up, and will bring him back home to Ermelo tomorrow morning, since we are getting the last stuff ready before we can go to the Cape for our wedding. I'll update you on Jaco's plans of when he will be returning to Mafekeng after the wedding, I'm not really sure about his plans at the moment.

None the less, Jaco's last two days as a free man went by Wonderfully. Thanks to the De Bruyn family in Zeerust - whom Jaco stayed with on Friday night again - who surprised Jaco with a Kaalvoetsolo-shirt enbroidered with his route and km's up to date! (This will probably be framed with all his other Kaalvoetsolo-souvenirs and hanged in our house in the Cape) (I will hang all our wedding stuff on the opposite wall! ;->) And to Irene, who did the embroidery.

Thanks also to oom Kosie and tannie Annetjie Marais from Ottoshoop, who accommodated Jaco last night, after meeting their daughter Rosan along his route.

I fetched Philip Jr from JHB airport this afternoon, so things are moving fast and we have much to do in the next days, including writing his last Grade 8 school exam.

Our original plans worked out that we assumed Jaco would finish his walk by end of October. Well, God works in mysterious ways and this year has taken a much more meaningful route which took us both by surprised, but it did illustrate that Jaco's walk to tell his story, would be exactly that. Not just to do the distance, but to follow Jaco's guidance of where He thought Jaco should be every day. And as we prayed, Jaco arrived safely and in great health in time in Mafekeng and he should be back in the next few weeks.

I will update every now and then, but still feel free to email and we will answer. :-) And I will try my best to lure Jaco to the computer to update his long-lost diary in the meantime...wish me luck!

God bless!

Yzelle

Zeerust

2009-10-29T12:05:00.000-07:00

Jaco arrived in Zeerust this morning already, and he rested the rest of the day. He is in very good spirits, he will be in Mafekeng on the weekend. Well, we think he should probably have to continue on from Mafekeng just to reach his 4000km, since it seems he is much closer than we thought. Luckily his lift is very lenient and patiently waiting for him!

Jaco was invited to spend the night at the home of Cobus and Christelle de Bruyn with their children Candice and Renaldo.

Yzelle

En route to Zeerust

2009-10-28T12:32:00.000-07:00

Jaco did 29km today on his way to Zeerust, where he should arrive tomorrow during the day. He finished on 3882km and was invited to stay over with Johan, Wilna and Melanie van der Merwe. Jaco also met some staff from Madikwe yesterday, as well as Shaun and Drienie today, who also work there as guides. Thanks to them for contributing towards the dried fruit and double Redbul. Jaco is walking like on jetfuel at the moment, a little bit ahead of schedule at the moment, since we did not plan for him to arrive in Mafekeng quite so soon. As it is we are dancing on eggs getting Jaco's timing right for the wedding, now we are certain that he would be in time! ;-) None the less, I am very grateful that Jaco has come this far, and that he would be in time. This journey is more blessed than we could have ever asked for.

Yzelle

Tshona Langa

2009-10-27T11:24:00.000-07:00

Jaco did 22km today, and is staying over on the farm Tshona Langa with owners Marius and Marinda van der Merwe. Jaco's feet are much better, and he had some shade along the road today, which helped a lot. Jaco is turning away from the border heading for Zeerust. From there on Jaco will go to Mafekeng, his last big "town" for a long time on his route. Jaco is also going to interrupt his walk again in Mafekeng, since our wedding is around the corner. If he continues on deeper into North West, he will not be in time to find transport back to Cape Town, since no one of us has any idea whether there will be roads, let alone cell phone network to let us know where he is in time. (Please forgive me for interrupting him - but he'll be back again after the wedding!)

Jaco finished on 3853km today. Jaco estimates that he would cross his 4000km around the weekend, before he enters Mafekeng. If all goes as planned, Jaco will be in Mafekeng roundabout Monday.

Yzelle

Kopfontein Border

2009-10-26T09:45:00.001-07:00

I have just heard once from Jaco today, and he was at the Kopfontein Border on the other side of Madikwe. Jaco is officially then in the North West Province, his sixth province on the walk. Jaco just asked me to say thank you to Captain Rassie Erasmus for assisting Jaco with a place to set up camp last night.

Yzelle

Derdepoort

2009-10-25T09:50:00.000-07:00

Jaco's reception is coming and going, but I do know that he finished his 28km for today, and that he was on his way to set up camp for the night. If I hear from him again, I'll add more info.

Yzelle

Long way to Maricodraai...

2009-10-24T11:31:00.000-07:00

Jaco did 27km today, of which 8km was spend being lost looking for the farm, Maricodraai, where he is staying over tonight. Thanks to Jan Grobler for accommodating Jaco for the night. Jaco also had a bit of a miscalculation regarding his km's. He is with today's 19km standing on 3803km.
But, I think we can let this pass, since the man is fried from head to soles by the Limpopo sun and tar roads respectively. :-)

Yzelle

Zanddrift

2009-10-23T11:19:00.001-07:00

Jaco finished at Rooibokkraal yesterday and was invited to spend the night over at Hannes and Andelda Els' home with daughters Elrika and Anke. He finished on 3747km yesterday and set off this morning again. Jaco ended his day at Zanddrift farm tonight on 3774km. Thank you to Andre and Leonie Rebb as well for accommodating Jaco for the evening!

Yzelle

Cumberland

2009-10-21T11:22:00.000-07:00

Jaco did 29km today and finished at Cumberland, on his way to the North West Province. Jaco is currently standing on 3731km. Jaco is staying over on Twee Rivieren, farm of Willem and Hester Beukes again tonight. They have become very good friends in a very short time!

Yzelle

Kaalvoetsolo on his way again!

2009-10-20T10:07:00.000-07:00

Jaco arrived at the spot where he ended his walk early this afternoon, and will resume his walk from tomorrow morning. Thanks to oom Johan Swart for the lift to Ellisras and to Willem for setting Jaco up overnight!

Yzelle

A Tribute to Liezel

2009-10-18T10:34:00.000-07:00

By now, most of you probably know that I have taken some time out to attend a funeral in Port Elizabeth. I am now back in Ermelo with Yzelle, but tomorrow we will be going to Pretoria, from where I will depart to Ellisras on Tuesday morning, to resume my walk.

It is with great sadness that I say goodbye to Liezel Reed, a dear friend to all who had known her. I have first come into contact with her husband, Ralph, a few months ago. He was very keen to join me for a few days, somewhere along the Limpopo river and we had been making plans to meet up, when he was posted to Lephalale (Ellisras) just a few days before I was to arrive in the area. We saw it as a good sign, as Liezel and their 4 month old son, Joshua, had also just flown up from their home in PE, for a visit.

It was the first time that we met in person, but we all felt like old friends from the first handshake. The plan was that Ralph and I would walk during the day and then Liezel would fetch us in the afternoon, to go back to their home for the night. We were to do this for at least three or four days, until the distance became too far from town. After that, I was to bid them farewell and continue my journey alone.

On Monday, 28 September, Ralph had to attend important work meetings and he dropped me off at my starting point for the day, with the promise that he would catch up later in the day. At that moment, we were still joking around, we had no idea how tragic the day would end.

The morning was cool and the walking surface was great, so my progress was fast. So fast, that I reached the 30km mark by 14h15 and decided to call it a day. I was at a junction in the road and thought it would be best to wait there. Ralph would be there within no more than another hour or two.

By 19h00 I was getting worried, but knew that Ralph's meetings could have been delayed. By 20h00 I was convinced that there was a crisis. I was caught in a violent thunderstorm, with no shelter and no raincoat. But my only concern was Ralph and his family. There was no cellphone signal, but though drenched, I was not in danger, merely cold and uncomfortable. However, by now, I knew that something had gone seriously wrong on the other side. By 21h10, I heard a vehicle approach (only the third in seven hours), hooting every few seconds. I knew it was someone looking for me, but it was not Ralph, I recognized the rectangular headlights of an Isuzu, not Ralph's Hi-Lux. Instinctively I knew it was Willem, a local farmer I had met earlier in the day. When he saw me in his headlights, he pulled up and said: "Get in, my Friend, there is big trouble". I went numb, but he could not tell me more than what he had been told: That Ralph and Liezel had had some kind of accident on their way to fetch me, and that Liezel had died.

Upon arriving at Willem's farm, I immediately phoned Ralph. He was in shock, but confirmed what Willem had told me. It was late in the evening and other friends had already arrived to support him, so I told him that I would spend the night on the farm and Willem would bring me into town early the next morning. It all seemed very unreal to me, my mind was refusing to come to grips with the tragedy. It just could not be! But it was.

Liezel was only twenty-four, their firstborn, Joshua, is now only five months old. We can never even begin to imagine why someone as bright, as joyful, as Liezel, had to die so young, so tragically. Why Ralph now has to bring up his son alone, without his beloved Liezel. We will not find the answer in this life.

But when we look at her life and the effect she had on everyone who had met her, we might see why she had lived. And to honour her memory, let us all follow the example that she had set. Let us live fully, with joy and enthusiasm, with consideration and tolerance, with faith and love. Let her life be a reminder to us all, that we only have today. Let us make the most of the life God has given each one of us.

Thank you, Liezel, for being a friend. You will be missed and you will always be loved.

Jaco in Ermelo

2009-10-12T03:39:00.000-07:00

Hi there,

Jaco is still in Ermelo. Jaco didn't really had a choice, since I have to have him with me to sort out the little things like his wedding outfit, the prenup etc etc etc and possible tv interview this week. I can assure you he would rather skip this, but no can do at the moment.

Yzelle

Jaco's leave of absence

2009-10-05T09:21:00.000-07:00

I have been getting mail from followers asking if this is all a scam, since Jaco took some time off. I can assure you that it is not true. Jaco is at the moment in the cape attending a funeral of someone very dear, and he wished to pay his respects. I will pick him up from the airport in Joburg again on Wednesday, and then he will return to Limpopo to continue on his route.

Yzelle

En route to the West

2009-09-29T07:34:00.000-07:00

Jaco decided to interrupt his walk for this week due to unexpected circumstances and will continue again next week. I have not yet received the last detail of where Jaco stopped last night, but I will add it soonest I have it.

Thanks Adele, for copying and sending the photo's on Jaco's camera to me!

Yzelle

Limpopo Game

2009-09-26T13:20:00.000-07:00

Jaco and Ralph finished Thursday afternoon on 3672km at Limpopo Game farm, where Jaco spend the night with owners Danie and Surita Steenkamp. Jaco also had the opportunity to share his story at the New Life Rehabilitation Centre on the farm, which was very inspiring to Jaco. Jaco wanted to say many thanks to Danie, Surita, Marlize, Andries, JJ, Monita, Wesley & Ronel, Charles & Dee, and as well to Ralph and Liezl Reed who come to play such a big role in Jaco's walk, in more ways than one. Ralph and Jaco also have a few ideas up their sleeves on which they are working on the weekend, but I will tell you all about it when I get the say-so.

Yzelle

Setting off from Stockpoort

2009-09-24T10:29:00.000-07:00

Jaco and Ralph Reed, a dear friend who is going to walk with Jaco for a few days, left Stockpoort Border yesterday and continued on along the border towards the west. Yesterday they did 21km and finished on 3661km. I haven't heard from Jaco yet today, but according to plan Jaco was going to stay over on the farm of Danie and Sarita Steenkamp who have been in contact with us for months, making sure Jaco do not skip their gate. As soon as I have any info, I will add it.

Yzelle

Ellisras

2009-09-20T10:50:00.000-07:00

Firstly, let me correct the km's of Jaco, where we added some 100km out of nowhere! Jaco finished on 3640km Friday. Jaco took the weekend off. He enjoyed yesterday out on the game farm and got some expert advise from oom Nico as to where exactly he is on the map. Seems that Jaco was just about 7km outside Stockpoort. A personal thanks to oom Nico for the guidience, because on my map it looks like I am planning a whole new country trying to locate Jaco's position!

Jaco was picked up this morning by Ralph Reed, who we have been in touched with since Jaco left PE. Ralph is going to walk a bit with Jaco as well. At the moment Jaco is at home with Ralph and Liezl in Ellisras - doing their planning for the walk - and Jaco is going to visit some of his family of his in town tomorrow.

Yzelle

Thakadu Safari Lodge

2009-09-18T12:05:00.001-07:00

Jaco met Nico and Trix Terblanche along the road yesterday and got invited to spend tonight over at their game farm on his way to Stockpoort. Jaco did 23km today. I can't get hold of Jaco yet, but I think there is some mishap with his total km's and I just want to check where we went wrong counting!

Yzelle

Tom Burke

2009-09-17T09:01:00.001-07:00

Hi there,

My apologies for not being able to update the blog everyday, but when I have internet connection, we go on loadshedding or something with the electricity here in Ermelo, so Murphy is having a field day everyday this week! :-)

Jaco set off to Tom Burke yesterday after speaking with the ladies at the VLU (I have no idea what it is in English) in town in the direction of Stockpoort. Last night and tonight again, Jaco is enjoying the hospitality of Wim and Natasha Neethling. Jaco finished today on 3717km. I haven't heard from Jaco yet, I know the signal is quite bad where he is, but I will add more info as I get it. I also have received new photo's of Jaco that I will add soon to the blog.

Yzelle

Between Swartwater and Tom Burke

2009-09-15T10:25:00.000-07:00

Jaco started a bit late today, after speaking at the Unitas Primary School in Swartwater and then being spoiled by Nico Putter with breakfast. Jaco did 22km today, finished on 3690km in total and is sleeping over at oom Piet and tannie Tokkie's farm, Adele Engelbrecht's parents. Thanks to his hosts and the kids at the school, as well as the teachers and headmaster for making Jaco's stay so special!

Yzelle

Swartwater

2009-09-14T09:19:00.000-07:00

Jaco arrived in Swartwater yesterday, and he is spending tonight as well with the Engelbrecht family. Jaco took today off, sleeping in a bit, resting the feet and mainly sorting out his backpack so that it balances better. Jaco wasn't too impressed upon hearing about my World Chocolate Day celebrations yesterday, so I think he probably made some time today to find a shop to buy chocolates, and spend the rest of the day eating all of it! (Jaco is a hopeless chocoholic, and his lack of getting the delicious stuff while he is on the road, is sometimes depressing! - he gets terrible cravings!)

A personal thanks from me to all the lovely people sending me emails after meeting Jaco, with reassuring words and photo's, telling me how healthy and happy he is. Sometimes we sit here on the other side and wonder if everything is really fine with him, and this messages give the moms and me great comfort! It is much appreciated!!

Yzelle

En route Swartwater

2009-09-13T02:19:00.000-07:00

I am struggling a lot with the internet at the moment, but I did speak with Jaco yesterday and he was staying with Gordon and Jenny Mundell on their farm near Zanzibar the past two evenings. Jaco is covering a lot of ground these last few weeks, and he finished on 3542km yesterday. He is on his way to Swartwater at the moment, and was invited to sleepover at Alberto and Adele Engelbrecht's home tonight. Jaco's feet are doing very well - he was walking on sandy roads this last few days, and it helped his recovery of his footsoles. I forgot to mention it before, but thanks to all the wonderful people feeding Jaco on his way...Jaco is now just about 1kg lighter than what he was when he left Cape Town in January! (meaning: he gained 12kg back from the 13kg he lost so far).

Yzelle

Platjan Border Post

2009-09-10T23:34:00.000-07:00

Jaco has been staying at the Dumikwa Lodge, courtesy of owners Bertus and Ellene' Gerard, near the Platjan Border Post while passing through the area. Jaco is on his way to Zanzibar (border post?) today. Yesterday Jaco finished on 3501km.

Yzelle

Farm Ratho

2009-09-07T11:02:00.000-07:00

Jaco has been staying on the farm Ratho, curtesy of the owners Johan Boshoff. Seems that Jaco is going to sleep over at their bush camp until Wednesday, while he is walking to his next destination. Jaco said thanks to Jako Nel, Danie, Eugene, Elmarie, Klarissa en Dezzie, as well as his guide Believe for making his stay so wonderful! Jaco did 15,5km yesterday and 19km today, so he is standing on 3441km at the moment.

Yzelle

Roundabout Pondrif

2009-09-05T10:49:00.000-07:00

Jaco still have no signal, but he did call me quickly earlier just to say that he is fine and on Jaco Nel's farm just outside Pondrif. Jaco didn't walk today, but it seems that he had a very busy day with Daniel, his lift. The two of them had their fair share of cehicle trouble it seems and took the whole day to make progress.

As I understand, Jaco is walking from Pondrif tomorrow and will stay at the same farm until Monday while walking. Will add more info as I can get it.

Yzelle

Samaria - camp in Mapungubwe

2009-09-05T00:43:00.000-07:00

I did not have an internet connection yesterday, but I did manage to talk with Jaco before he lost signal again. He did 26km yesterday walking through the Mapungubwe Game Reserve yesterday, and spending the night at the Samaria camp (towards the western border of the reserve). Jaco is in great pain, he was thinking of taking the day off today because his footsoles and toes are torn and bleeding. Please keep Jaco in your thoughts and prayers. I think the next few days will be tough.

Jaco is also going to meet local legend in the area Sunday or Monday, also known as Jaco Kaalvoet! Jaco Nel is appearantly famous for being barefoot except for wearing shoes to Church on Sundays, and my Jaco Kaalvoet is looking very much forward to this introduction!

Jaco also left the Zimbabwe border and is walking along the Botswana border now. He finished on 3406,5km. Jaco asked me to give a thanks to Quin Neethling (who organised his walk through Mapungubwe) guides Postman, College, Eric and Daniel for assisting him yesterday and today on his trip through the reserve.

Yzelle

Mussina to Weipe

2009-09-03T09:34:00.001-07:00

I have spoken with Jaco, he sounds very good but the feet seems to be a bit tender, mostly due to very hot tar. At the moment Jaco is staying over with Danie and Done' Erasmus tonight as well as last night. Tuesday evening Jaco stayed over at a reserve camp with Lourens and Kobus Mosterd.
Jaco also crossed the northern most point of South Africa on Tuesday which is a great personal goal for Jaco.

Jaco finished on 3380,5km today. Tomorrow he is walking through the Mapungubwe Nature Reserve with a guide escourting him and then on to Pondrif.

Yzelle

(Please forgive my poor geography!)

Westwards

2009-09-01T10:13:00.000-07:00

I have not had any contact with Jaco, but I will add it as soon as I know anything. Please keep Jaco in your prayers while he is out of reach.

Yzelle

Beit Bridge and on...

2009-08-31T11:18:00.000-07:00

Jaco set off very early this morning on his way to Beit Bridge border post, which is officially his second mile stone (first was Kosi Bay Border) of this walk, and he took his picture there before heading on west. What his route is exactly, I have no idea and I could not manage to talk to him due to the bad signal he has. He seems to be going to pass quite a lot of farms, so I will add some more detail as soon as I get it. However, thanks to all the friends and farmers going out of their way to help and accommodate Jaco on this route between nowhere, and it is a great comfort for me. Thanks to Burt and Alme who is playing such a big role in this!
Jaco is staying on the farm Maroi with Hannes and Madelaine Nel, after finishinghis 24,5km to their farm. Jaco stands on 3327,5km.

Yzelle

Mussina

2009-08-28T13:19:00.000-07:00

We had quite the Highveld thunderstorm yesterday, so I didn't switch on the computer. But Jaco did arrive in Mussina and is spending the weekend at the home of Burt and Alme de Pradines. Jaco finished on 3303km. Jaco also got a bad case of inflammation in his left foot and ancle, so he is resting the weekend and getting that foot treated and ready to continue on Monday. Jaco also visited both schools and the youth organisation in Mussina, which was very inspiring to him!

Yzelle

Somewhere along the route to Mussina

2009-08-26T10:29:00.000-07:00

Jaco did 27km today, and finished on 3282km. I don't really know much yet about Jaco's arrangements, but he did go to school early this morning before setting off again. Jaco is staying over with his hosts of last night, the Enslin family, on their farm en route.

Jaco also started his first day of his "second half" of the estimated trip (6500km), so I think it is safe to say now that he is on his way home!

Yzelle

Louis Trichardt

2009-08-25T08:57:00.001-07:00

Jaco arrived in Louis Trichardt earlier this afternoon, and got spoiled to a lunch with host Daan Enslin, a friend of Chris Alberts. Jaco did 29km today and finished on 3255km! I make a mark on my very BIG map every evening as Jaco progress, and I cannot believe how far Jaco has gotten so far, if you keep in mind that he more or less walk 1cm on my map per day! We are blessed above comprehension!

Yzelle

Lalapanzi

2009-08-24T10:26:00.000-07:00

My apologies for the draught in comments, but Jaco is quite busy on this trip and we just share short bits of info accross! (Not that profitable for our cell phone service provider anymore!) Whereabouts Jaco is, I don't really know, but it is somewhere on the N1 en route to Louis Trichardt. I know Jaco is spending the night at Lalapanzi, I assume it is a motel/lodge en route. Thanks to owner Marius who is accommodating Jaco at Lalapanzi tonight!

Jaco did 28km today, he said the turf on the N1 is much much better on the feet!

Yzelle

Soekmekaar (Morebeng) on Sunday

2009-08-23T21:56:00.000-07:00

Jaco had a nice old road to walk on today, to make up for the grand uphill he had to do going into Soekmekaar (Morebeng)! He did 21km and is standing on 3197km. His next big town is Louis Trichardt, and then it is up to Musina. Musina of course is the end of Jaco's second leg of this journey, and about half way.

Yzelle

Halfway between Mooketzi and Soekmekaar

2009-08-22T10:30:00.000-07:00

Jaco is staying over with the Middleton family again tonight, so he had a nice light load when hr walked this morning. He did 31km and finished on 3177km, between Mooketzi and Soekmekaar. Jaco did get a piece of glass in his one foot, but luckily the damage is not as bad as I thought, and he will continue on tomorrow morning.

Yzelle

Duiwelskloof

2009-08-21T11:34:00.001-07:00

Jaco arrived safely in Duiwelskloof this evening. 23km and 3146km in total. I haven't spoken with Jaco yet (this seems to be the thing these days :-)but he did text and said that he is staying over with Gary and Juanita Middleton and children Xander, Amelia and Ruben. Jaco is walking on clouds the past few weeks since he got the chance to really get involved with the people, children and their schools, which is what he enjoys the most! Back on earth Jaco's feet are recovering very well and the conditions of the tar roads as well. So far, we are counting our blessings!

Yzelle

Tzaneen 2

2009-08-20T10:37:00.000-07:00

I know Jaco walked the few kilometers into Tzaneen this morning, before going to the local school to give his testimony. Other than that, I know that he had an interview at the school with the newspaper as well, and from what I can gather seems that he had quite the day in Tzaneen! Jaco is also staying over at the home of Alwyn van Niekerk and his family. Other than that, I am patiently waiting to hear all about it!

Yzelle

Tzaneen

2009-08-20T01:28:00.000-07:00

I had no internet connection yesterday to update Jaco's progress, but he did 17km yesterday. Finished on 3107km. Jaco had interviews with three local newspapers in the area, the Maroela Gazette as well as the newspapers in Hazyview and Tzaneen.
Jaco met Alwyn van Niekerk along the road yesterday, and Alwyn organised for Jaco accommodation at the Tzaneen Country Lodge. Thanks Alwyn for getting so involved with Jaco's walk!

Yzelle

Via Letsitele

2009-08-18T12:36:00.000-07:00

Jaco did 24km today, reported back that his feet felt much better after some TLC and a long nights' rest! Jaco walked with plasters yesterday, and he said that it also helped a lot! He is currently standing on 3090km. It seems that it was a chain of contacts that organised a sleepover for Jaco in town tonight, but for one to Ds Jan Truter for organising accommodation for Jaco at the Letsitele Bed & Breakfast.

My apologies that I am pre-occupied with our wedding arrangements, that I completely forgot to mention articles on Jaco in the Lowvelder, the White River Post and the Phalaborwa paper!

Yzelle

En route Tzaneen

2009-08-17T11:06:00.000-07:00

Jaco passed Gravelotte very slowly today, his feet were in great pain and he was very greatful for finishing after 19km, at the entrance of Boabab Private Reserve where he is staying over tonight. Thanks to owner Pieter Oosthuizen for accommodating Jaco as well as spoiling him with a game drive. I'm sure it relieved some of the strain he endured today! Luckily, Jaco is in the best Hands possible, and I'm sure he will feel much better after a long rest to continue ons this journey of his.

Yzelle

On his way to Gravelotte 2

2009-08-16T10:05:00.000-07:00

Jaco had quite an exciting day, that he sounds like he is on some kind of high! He was invited to tell his story to the Methodist and Catholic churches in Phalaborwa
before continueing with his walk. He did 21km and finished just short of Gravelotte.
Jaco will have a very early start tomorrow, to skip most of the heavy traffic. His feet are a bit sore, and his soles are thinning with all the friction on the rough tar roads, so he said that he would probably walk with some plasters tomorrow just to give his soles a bit of recovery time.

Yzelle

On his way to Gravelotte...

2009-08-15T09:21:00.000-07:00

Jaco set off again this morning leaving Phalaborwa, on his way to Gravelotte. Jaco did 25km today and finished on 3026km. Thanks to oom Herman who picked Jaco up from where he finished and took him back to the Engelbrecht's home in Phalaborwa where he will spend tonight and tomorrow before saying goodbye officially to Phalaborwa. Jaco got a bit of sunburn today after forgetting his hat, but otherwise he is sounding great.

Yzelle

3000km and Phalaborwa

2009-08-14T10:41:00.000-07:00

Yes, yes, Jaco has been blessed to reach his third thousand kilometer mark and we are very greatful for being able to come this far. All Praise to the One guiding us on this journey!

Jaco had quite the entrance into town, being escouted by Police the last few kilometers! Jaco had a tough day doing his 14km into town, but the welcome he got, was worth it. He finished on 3001km and was entertained and welcomed at Mica with cold drinks, chocolates etc, etc! Jaco asked me to say thank you to Manie Kriel for all the arrangements, Kingfisher and Phalaborwa Schools for inviting Jaco to the schools and for the gifts he received! As well to oom Ockie and tannie Meisie Franck for their support and visit!

And not the least, a great thank you as well to Chris and son WL Alberts who helped Jaco in more ways than one on his way to Phalaborwa, Pierre Engelbrecht and his son Gerrie for taking care of Jaco while he is around and planning a lot! Then to Anita Roux and Juanita from African Lilly Lodge for opening their doors and hearts to Jaco this two days!

I write under correction, but Jaco had interviews with the local radio station and newspaper, as well as with Jacaranda 94.2 FM. I'm not sure when the last will air, but it seems to be tomorrow. I will update as soon as I get more info.

I am also awaiting photo's of Jaco's milestone, and will add that soonest.

And a special thanks to everybody who has supported Kaalvoetsolo from the beginning, as well as more and more people getting involved! We do appreciate it more than we could ever say!

Yzelle

Yzelle

En Route to Phalaborwa

2009-08-13T10:21:00.000-07:00

Jaco had a great day today, walking on the rail road "through" the Kruger, in part with two Rangers as well. He did 37km in just over 7 hours, which was great! Jaco is short of 13km from 3000km, but he will cross that line tomorrow roundabout noon.

Jaco will start a bit later tomorrow, he has 3 appointments at the local schools in Phalaborwa before finishing the last 20km into town.

I have little info from Jaco at the moment, seems that he has a busy evening as well and I will add the rest of the detail tomorrow.

Yzelle

Rest day in Hoedspruit

2009-08-12T10:31:00.000-07:00

Jaco had a very relaxing and exciting rest day in Hoedspruit today. He fixed up his feet a little, went into town to buy his neccesseties and went off to the local air field where Chris Alberts from Phalaborwa took Jaco on a scenic flight across Jaco's route to Phalaborwa. Jaco will walk next to the railway up to Phalaborwa, where he was invited to spend tomorrow night with the Alberts family on their farm.

And I am pulling all the tricks to get Jaco onto his diary and updating it further...I will keep you posted.

Yzelle

Hoedspruit

2009-08-11T12:31:00.000-07:00

Jaco arrived at Hoedspruit around lunch time, and he spent the rest of the afternoon and tonight at the home of Alan and Sarah McSmith. Alan, Sarah, her mother Val and their children Jake and Meg had been involved with Jaco's walk from the start and it is a great pleasure to finally meet them face-to-face! Jaco had a busy afternoon, having interviews with the local "Kruger 2 Canyon" and the Mpumalanga Beeld.

He did 23km today and finished on 2950km! Jaco is taking the day off tomorrow, but he has some things planned for the day, but I will tell you all about it tomorrow!

Yzelle

Klaserie/Kapama

2009-08-10T09:56:00.000-07:00

Jaco finished tonight at the gates of Kapama Game Reserve. He first plan to find a caravan park, but it was getting to far off his route, so he set up camp just outside the gates of Kapama under the watchful eyes of the Security guards, Sibusiso and Idea.

Jaco did 26km and finished on 2927km. He is in a bit of pain, walking long stretches on hard gravel, so the feet are a bit tender tonight. No less, I think the much needed rest will make all better.

Yzelle

Bosbokrand and en route to Klaserie

2009-08-09T10:36:00.000-07:00

Jaco did much better than he thought and passed Bosbokrand over lunchtime, so he continued on to Klaserie. When Brother Raphael picked Jaco up this afternoon, Jaco did 30km for the day and finished on 2901km. He will spend another night at the Watervan Catholic Church, so a great and blessed thank you to Brothers Raphael and Aldrin for taking such good care of Jaco.

The signal is quite bad at the moment, so it is a bit difficult to speak with Jaco, but he sounds great after a hard, satisfying day.

Yzelle

En route Bosbokrand

2009-08-08T10:35:00.000-07:00

Jaco had a tough day en route to Bosbokrand, but found a place to overnight at the Waterval Catholic Church where Brother Raphael from Spain took Jaco in out of the heavy traffic and high-spirited soccer fans. Jaco did 21km and finished on 2873km in total.

Jaco also crossed into the Limpopo Province this morning, which is Jaco's fifth Province!! Jaco will also cross his 3000km in the next five or so days. Praise God for being with Jaco every kilometer of this journey.

Yzelle

Hazyview

2009-08-07T11:32:00.000-07:00

Jaco had a quick trip back to White River this morning, he had the opportunity to spend the morning at the Primary School and to share his story with the children. Afterwards Jaco went back to Ilios farm to collect his stuff and set off to Hazyview.

Jaco did 26km today and finished on 2852km. Reverend Amos organised for Jaco to overnight at Tatenda Lodge. Thanks to Christelle and Martin for accommodating Jaco!

And a special thanks to all the people stopping to meet Jaco along the way, bringing him cold drinks and a welcome chat! It is much appreciated!

Lastly, there has been some changes to the website to make it easier and more accessable, since quite a lot of people couldn't access the guestbook for one. Now I will use my blog to update Jaco's progress and add some photo's as it arrives! I'm still adding photo's from the past few months.

Jaco's diary will be updated directly on his blog. So, now both blogs will be accessable to all, and still allow anybody to add comment would you like to.

Yzelle

En route Hazyview

2009-08-06T12:02:00.000-07:00

Jaco finished halfway to Hazyview. He did 23km today, ended on a total of 2827km. Jaco is staying on the farm Idios with owners Andy and Nan de Beer. They also have a rehabilitation project on the farm and it is a great experience for Jaco to spend time on the farm.

Yzelle

Heading on and through Port St Johns & Transkei

2009-08-06T04:31:00.000-07:00

1. Jaco, relaxing in Port St John's

2. Winnefred's Lodge where Jaco stayed, Mpande, Transkei

3. Jaco with old collegue Nzuzo's sister in Port St John's
(with her collegues)

4. Jaco with olf collegue Phindile's mother in Port St. Johns

5. Jaco with some Matie students near Coffee Bay.

Photo's en route

2009-08-06T04:18:00.000-07:00

1. Spud & Delene from Raptor's View, Coffee Bay

2. Crossing the river mouth at Hole In The Wall

3. Meeting up with visitor's along the Transkei

4. Some quiet time

5. Owners of Scotia Nature Reserve, Peter & Jenny Bean

Some more photo's

2009-08-06T03:27:00.000-07:00

1. Jaco spoiled to a reserve drive on Scotia Nature Reserve,
Colchester.

2. Jaco with the staff of the Paxton Hotel, Port Elizabeth.

3. Jaco doing a beach crossing.

4. Philip Jr on his way with Dad.

5. Guillaume and Enora from France, walking from Cape Town to
Jerusalem.

Back to Witrivier...

2009-08-05T12:19:00.001-07:00

I haven't spoken with Jaco yet, but what I can gather is that he had a crazy, exciting day and is back in White River tonight! Jaco did 12km though, and finished on 2804. Jaco got invited by Dirk and Antoinette van der Merwe, to spend some time sharing his story with Antoinette's art class, and afterwards have a dinner with the family and friends. Thanks to tme and their boys Dirk-Uys en Pieter-Andre for accommodating Jaco tonight!

Jaco had an interview with the Lowveld News and it will air on DSTV on Saturday 7 and 10am. Anyone wish to listen/see this, are welcome to get the decoder link details on 082 454 3678. Jaco's article in the Lowvelder will be out this coming Friday and the newspaper is available to read on the internet.

And also great thank you to Henry and Annatjie Hopkins for welcoming Jaco into their home yesterday! Thanks to tannie Cathy too, who send word ahead of Jaco's journey!

Yzelle