It's all in the planning...

For almost a year Footsteps to Good Hope was in the planning phase. I am not sure what we are going to do with all the excess time we'll have on our hands as soon as this epic adventure is over!

What was there to plan?

Well, the route for starters.  How to get from Alexander Bay to Cape of Good Hope hiking along the coast? Where will Jacobus be permitted to walk freely and where will there be permits, permission and regulations applicable in the hiking? Restricted areas were a possible hurdle, high cliffs and dangerous tides could be a risk.  So this part of the planning took the longest and was the most intense and nerve wrecking. We literally finished the route planning yesterday evening at around 23:15! For every day of the hike, Jacobus will have maps and photos like these, spelling out everything from coordinates to little rivers and small hamlets.

Part of the planning was the food and water issue. With this Henriette had the help of one of our "old boys", or rather "old girls".  She is a third year BSc Dietician student and was more than willing to help with ideas and guidelines. Thanks, it was an experience to work on the same foot with one of our pupils of years ago. Enjoy your holiday and good luck with your final year!

The planning also revolved around gear, what to take, what will Jacobus really need and what are nice-to-haves. One of the most important things were the tracker and the possibility to have contact with Jacobus - by satellite and mobile: the latter was completely sorted out yesterday afternoon when we purchased a mobile phone with enough data and minutes to help us through. The number: +27 61 008 0935. Send him a message of encouragement.

Planning was also in the details of the projects (see an earlier post). In the finalising of his daily devotions in which Martin de Wit played an enormously important role. In the overnight accommodation of the support team. In getting everything in order for Maricia to join Jacobus from the 27th of December. In getting our T-shirts printed with the logo we mentioned in an earlier post.

So, it all started with a plan. And that plan took a lot of planning.  And now - Lord willing - we can put all these plans to action starting Friday 8th of December. Join us on Facebook and here on the blogspot - we plan to keep you posted!