4th April, 2012
Dear Jeremy,
I do not remember how long we stayed in Bulawayo and I have a blank in my mind until we arrived in Johannesburg I am not sure this was the time when, coming to the first traffic light, a shower of water cascaded from the canoe onto the roof of the landrover. This was water which had collected during the storms we had encountered. The windscreen wipers were going madly to clear the water so we could see when the lights changed. Of course we were hilarious by this time and got very odd looks from other motorists.
Joyce and Dennis had moved into a big double storey house in Johannesburg. We parked in their front garden and spent Christmas with them Joyce took Jill and Celia for a bus ride through the city to see the Christmas lights.
There was much tension between Joyce and Dennis so we moved to a caravan park as Dad was to attend a Quaker meeting. I remember Matthew Parris visiting us there. We must have stayed until after the New Year as i recall how young Afrikaners got into their cars and raced around honking their horns at midnight.
I presume we traveled down to East London and stayed with Pop and Bazil and family at Wilsonia. Pop owned a property there on which were two houses. I remember that he had an open jeep and took us for a ride while I held tightly on to you and Tim.
My next clear memory is camping at Morgan's Bay north of East London, a lovely campsite in the sea bush. We enjoyed swimming in the sea and walking on the beach.
One day we had to make a dash to Macleanstown I think (will check spelling) Celia and Jill were playing outside the ablution block where Jill was giving Celia a swing. Celia squirmed out of her grasp and landed on her head on the stone step. We were alarmed she looked so pale and listless so we took her to the hospital where they kept her in for the night and I stayed with her Dad had to come back again the next morning.
I do not remember if we left from there for Swaziland nor anything of the trip north until we got to Mbabane. We drove up the steep hill curved like a mountain pass to Waterford School. The road, of loose stones, led us through another dip and a steep climb and we were at the Rondavels which were to be home for the next year.
It was very picturesque and gave us lovely views of the mountains.There was a pool near the the back door which Jill remembers as being very cold.
We walked to the top of the peak known as Tom while Christopher climbed up from the bottom with Jonty who made the climb quite hazardous for him. I got very anxious waiting at the top for him to appear over the horizon.
And so a new beginning for the Sadler family.
Love you,
Mum