Young Erik Bernhard taking aim.

The first volley of arrows that hit the target in the Golden Arrow fun event.

Tinus van Staden, on the right, taking aim from his wheelchair

The women's Golden Arrow event.

By Nelius Mostert

My old trusted pickup truck hummed softly on the road while I sat in silent amazement looking at “Hangklip”, a beautiful mountain escarpment overlooking the entire Sterkrivier.

I was on my way for the fi rst time to a prestigious meeting of fellow archers and I really did not know what to expect. I
had known this valley since childhood, as I had grown up in Naboomspruit, but the beauty of the place never fails to amaze me.

At the least I expected a great camping experience, and I was certainly not too concerned about being crowned the winner, so I was relaxed. I knew some of my good friends would be at the event and that I was sure to make a few new ones too.

What took me by surprise as a newcomer, was the 3D-range Henk du Plessis, the organiser, put up for our enjoyment. He had it all, from archery golf and aerial targets to a 3D-pig that ran on a cable. He even provided “pap” and gravy every evening and entertainment for the children. Although the offi cial competition was only held over three days (from Saturday to Monday), we all enjoyed a lovely, relaxed Friday of fun shoots and companionship.

It was just what the doctor had ordered to tune in our eyes and ready our bows for the actual D-days tocome.
During the Saturday it became clear who was in for the real championship, while the rest of us mere mortals simply enjoyed watching how they performed, and had lots of fun trying to beat our own previous scores.

The evening’s campfi re held its own mystique with a full and bright moon, which helped a lot with the singing, while new life-long friendships were forged in the presence of much laughter, drinks and good food.
That Monday afternoon Henk spoiled us all with a “spit-braai” during the prizegiving ceremony. One of the prizes was a bamboo-backed custom bow from Henk on the lucky draw, but that is another story.

Did you miss something by not being there? Most defi nitely! But please, don’t despair, just get the dates of next year’s Sterkrivier shoot, and make sure they are written on your diary, fridge, bathroom door, wallet … For more on this, please log on to: www.adventurousheart.co.za/archery. html.

Pig on the run – one of the more challenging 3D targets.
Yolande Steenkamp shooting a recurve.	Frans Kriek, who won the men's event, and Avril Malan (right).

Updated: Wednesday, May 30, 2007 11:54 AM