Umtamvuna Views: Lucky few glimpse passing space station
The station is the size of five rugby fields, carries a crew of six astronauts and orbits the earth 16 times a day.
A HUMPBACK whale was spotted giving birth in the bay of Port Edward at 3pm last Sunday. Soon a small tail was seen next to the proud mom and the pair remained in the area until nightfall. What a privilege to be witness to such a miracle … right on our doorstep.
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Special sighting
Another ‘miracle’ last Sunday – although this one is man-made, was the viewing of the International Space Station as it passed over our coastline at 6.15pm at a speed of 28 000kph.
People who saw the bright star travelling in a southerly direction commented on how fast it crossed the night sky.
The station, which is the size of five rugby fields and carries a crew of six astronauts, has been in space for almost 20 years and orbits the earth 16 times a day. It is a research laboratory that represents a number of countries.
They conduct medical research involving molecular behaviour, as well as the effects of zero-gravity on the human body, equipment and growing plants. The crew is rotated every few months and last week a Russian re-supply craft delivered more than three tons of supplies and cargo to the station.
Leisure Bay residents, Charmaine and Mac Seveney have more than a personal interest in the space station.
Their only daughter, Chantelle (34), met the current serving commander, Drew Feustel, a few years ago on board the cruise ship ‘Disney Wonder’ where she is operational manager and the captain’s personal assistant.
Drew took Chantelle on a tour of NASA, Florida, as well as a trip on the space simulator. She commented that he was very humble and intelligent.
Barry bakes
Jolene Hooper from The Farmstall in Port Edward organised a bread-tasting event at the Port Edward Country Club last Friday night.
Durban-based baker Barry Korb provided the deliciously healthy ‘artisan bread’ for 25 women in attendance and Vicky de Jager displayed her range of unique hand-made lingerie. Jolene is planning another similar event in the near future.
Taking a break
Louis and Pat Fourie from Mbabala Lodge spent almost three fabulous weeks at Eersterivier in the Eastern Cape with their daughter, son-in-law and two grandchildren from Bloemfontein. They stayed at a family cottage right on the beach where they watched whales and dolphins cruising past.
The whole family spent a day walking in the forests of Tsitsikama and around Storms River. Louis complained the fishing was not great and the ‘boys’ managed to catch nine shad on one day only.
They commented that one highlight of their trip was a visit to the protea farm in Eersterivier. They were interested to see the full commercial picture of cutting, sorting and packaging these beautiful flowers for export all over the world.
Back to school
Pupils have just returned to school after three weeks of alternating sunshine and freezing cold. Currently the southern Drakensberg is cloaked in white and ski resorts are experiencing bumper snow conditions.
Your scribe would assume that retail outlets stocking heaters, electric blankets and duvets have enjoyed brisk business. Roll on summer!
All news to Philippa.
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