IS THAT 'JIM the MEDIC' ON KEYBOARDS
answers at the end of this Post.
Sunday arrived carrying the heavy and persistent rain the forecasters had predicted, confining us once again to barracks. This seriously hampered monitoring of the Moth Traps, but in the event there was little to report so a day of mussing then! Had it not been a 'requirement of employment' for my future 20 year career in the North Sea Oil Industry it is doubtful that a computer would have been part of daily requirements. Now, an indispensable part of life they have their 'downs' (such as the recent repair effected by the Secret Lemonade Drinker) and certainly, since my newly acquired knowledge, UP's! Clocking an old magazine on the Harbins lounge coffee table it quickly became apparent that I had missed what was potentially the most important Rock 'n' Roll documentary ever recorded.
While the memory is somewhat faded, it must have been the early 60's when I first clapped eyes on Peter Edward Baker at the world famous Round House, Chalk Farm, Camden, London who even then was undoubtedly the most obnoxious character performing in any genre of music and obvious candidate for the World Title. Playing at the time for the seminal jazz/rhythm and blues combo
Graham Bond ORGANisation
(l to r G.B. Keyboards, Sax and Vox, Dick Heckstall-Smith wind instruments,
including Flugelhorn, Jack Bruce Bass Guitar and
Peter Edward 'Ginger' Baker Drums and Percussion.)
Guitarist John McLaughlin had been a part of the band but at that time was missing hence this is the photograph that hung on the bulkhead at Slight Return I, Weymouth for many years. Channel 4 News is about the extent of my TV viewing, but was beside myself in the realisation that I had missed an inside and up-close insight not only to the finest drummer the world has ever produced, but also the most reclusive and antisocial character imaginable. Having thrown a suppressive (if there is such a word) bucket of cold water over me, Janet went on to explain that all was not lost and showed me the workings of a mythical creature known as iPlayer after which it was toot-sweet back to Slight Return II to tune in.
After a WARNING reference Foul Language and
Bad Behaviour the title of the Exposé flashed across the screen
the same but not this particular image which is © Bagsy.
Along with the 'thousand memories' of seeing 'Ginger' Baker play, part of which
was his signature solo performance of the time
which in later years he would develop further into the astounding
performed here with
CREAM at the Royal Albert Hall 'REUNION' Concert 2005.
(not bad for a 75 year old Geezer you would have to say)
There will now be a short intermission while I come down!
WHITE RHINOCEROS
the priority
and
BOKMAKIERIE
OSTRICH
with a pack of juveniles
WATER DIKKOP
The driver 'done good' so retaining his services he stopped off at his
home before taking me to
Maputo, capital city of Mozambique.
The intent there was to dismiss the driver then spend a few days wandering
the coast which again was easy hiring taxis on a day to day basis.
Waterbirds of all kinds were mostly in evidence here, including Waders.
BLACK OYSTERCATCHER
CROWNED PLOVER
YELLOW-BILLED DUCK
BLACKSMITH PLOVER
WHITE-FACED WHISTLING DUCKs
AFRICAN JACANA
RED-BILLED TEAL
in company with
BLACK-WINGED STILT
and a lone
THREE-BANDED PLOVER
Public Transport is always favoured on my travels, if only to get down
with the 'locals', and although a little antiquated there the rickety bus
did eventually get us to
where within 3 days
AFRICAN ELEPHANT
several prides of
LION
LIONESSES
seemingly in charge until the
OLD MAN
shows up
and
BIRCHELL'S ZEBRA
were noted.
Another taxi ride took me through some of the highlands of
LESOTHO
more to 'twitch the country' than the wildlife and after an overnight stop
at a way-side inn then back over the border into Orange Free State.
many of the more difficult Larks, Pipit and Koran were also added.
The overnight stay in the city was short lived as there was an upcoming
rendezvous to consider but not before a full day, long-haul by
luxury coach to Cape Town.
There I met up with my Dear Friend
JIM the MEDIC
where we spent a couple of days,
but more particularly nights,
in one of the most vibrant Cities on Earth.
We also visited
TABLE MOUNTAIN
onward to
SIMON'S TOWN
to view the
JACKASS PENGUIN
colony,
Nature Reserve
where
GIANT PROTEA
the National Flower grows in abundance and attracts the 2
Key Bird Species
CAPE SUGARBIRD
and
ORANGE-BREASTED SUNBIRD
FRANCOLIN
GLOSSY STARLING
GULL
attending a nest and
CAPE SPARROW
with the large white C on its head, neck and face
giving a clue as to its identity.
This was followed by 2 full days at the
Strandfontein Sewerage Works
a delight if you had remembered to bring a 'peg' along.
There, among many others we saw
SACRED IBIS
and
HARTLAUB'S GULL
The Meeting of Two Mighty Oceans
while elsewhere on our extensive wanderings we had
BLUEBILLED FIREFINCH
SOUTHERN MASKED WEAVER
ROSY-FACED LOVEBIRD
SPECKLED MOUSEBIRD
WHITE-BROWED SCRUB-ROBIN
VILLAGE WEAVER
and while on our way, just by chance, to the tiny village of
TULBAGH
SMALL COTTAGE
with the desired 'B and B' sign outside
but when the Lady of the House invited me inside it turned out to be a
Veritable Tardis.
Agreeing a price and length of stay I didn't dare disturb the
Skinny Kid
but needless to say he was delighted especially with the
BEDROOM
I had allowed him to occupy.
After a
LIGHT SNACK
Asking of a recommended place to eat that evening our hostess
pointed to the
Passing this property a mile or two outside of town, Jim suddenly slammed on the anchors and yelled "did you see that"? Another addition to the Bird List thought I
as he cranked the car into reverse stopping outside of a huge pair of
Wrought Iron Gates
NOW, WHERE HAVE WE SEEN THAT BEFORE?
Given the content of this documentary maintaining our silence
during this brief encounter was likely the best move we made.
At the end Baker issues a tirade of abuse to the interviewer
then cracks him over the bridge of the nose with his walking-stick.
BEWARE - MISTER BAKER * The Documentary Link
CREAM at the Royal Albert Hall 'REUNION' Concert 2005.
(not bad for a 75 year old Geezer you would have to say)
There will now be a short intermission while I come down!
The second set of memories generated hark back to New Year's Day 2004 which was the start of a spectacular Southern Africa Odyssey starting in Johannesburg. Within a 100 miles radius of the city are a number of small and lesser known Wildlife Reserves of which 3 were on the itinerary, but first there was the matter of finding a Pirate Taxi Driver. Ever present in just about every city in the world, our Hussein Bolt lookalike crept out of the shadows, quickly struck a deal and we were on our way with
the priority
and
SPRINGBOK
a welcome bonus.
Too many other things over a full day to include here but just a flavour of the
Bird Life
SPECKLED PIGEON
were representative.The driver 'done good' so retaining his services he stopped off at his
home before taking me to
The intent there was to dismiss the driver then spend a few days wandering
the coast which again was easy hiring taxis on a day to day basis.
Waterbirds of all kinds were mostly in evidence here, including Waders.
in company with
BLACK-WINGED STILT
and a lone
Public Transport is always favoured on my travels, if only to get down
with the 'locals', and although a little antiquated there the rickety bus
did eventually get us to
LION
seemingly in charge until the
and
Another taxi ride took me through some of the highlands of
LESOTHO
more to 'twitch the country' than the wildlife and after an overnight stop
at a way-side inn then back over the border into Orange Free State.
The direct drive to Bloemfontein would normally take less than 4 hours
but on this occasion there was the priority of the
MARIA MOROKA GAME RESERVE
GREY-HEADED BUSH-SHRIKE
KURRICHANE THRUSH
LEVAILLANT'S CISTICOLA
LONG-TAILED WIDOWBIRD
MARABOU
ORANGE-THROATED LONGCLAW
PLUMCOLOURED STARLING
and
WHITE-FRONTED BEE-EATER
The driver assured me that he knew the way, but........ Given that there was not a single road sign to be seen he could be excused, and congratulated for getting us there, but not the 2 Wardens dressed like 19th Century Big Game Hunters who met us at the lodge. My protestations were taken very seriously even though it seemed the recent high winds had carried the signs away, with compensation coming by way of not only Free Entry to the Reserve but also transport and guidance - Nice One! Along with such goodies as
many of the more difficult Larks, Pipit and Koran were also added.
The overnight stay in the city was short lived as there was an upcoming
rendezvous to consider but not before a full day, long-haul by
luxury coach to Cape Town.
There I met up with my Dear Friend
We also visited
SIMON'S TOWN
to view the
colony,
where
GIANT PROTEA
the National Flower grows in abundance and attracts the 2
Key Bird Species
and
plus a number of other species who's names are prefixed by the word
CAPE
with the large white C on its head, neck and face
giving a clue as to its identity.
This was followed by 2 full days at the
Strandfontein Sewerage Works
a delight if you had remembered to bring a 'peg' along.
There, among many others we saw
and
while elsewhere on our extensive wanderings we had
and while on our way, just by chance, to the tiny village of
TULBAGH
we finally caught up with South Africa's National Bird as well
BLUE CRANE
Since meeting up, Jim had insisted on driving the full time and a good 2 weeks later appeared to be getting a little tired and fractious. There had also been something of a minor disagreement which manifested itself as he slammed to a halt beneath a grove of deciduous trees and politely requested "would you kindly pop down the road ans secure Bed and Breakfast for the night while I take 40 winks" - well it went something like that!
I happened upon what looked like a
with the desired 'B and B' sign outside
Veritable Tardis.
Agreeing a price and length of stay I didn't dare disturb the
Skinny Kid
BEDROOM
I had allowed him to occupy.
After a
Asking of a recommended place to eat that evening our hostess
pointed to the
TULBAGH HOTEL
just a stone throw down the road and which sported an
al-fresco Restaurant under the blooming Acacia Trees.
The scent was heavy, the atmosphere warm and dry while the birds were cheeping as we took our seats and the maître d' arrived bearing a complimentary aperitif and asking if we had decided from the menu. Not for the first time in company with Jim, we simply asked that he brought what he would serve to his Best Friends had we been them. He turned to go but returning as if forgetting something he burst into an Operatic Aria which certainly finalised the setting of the scene. During these travels we had, on 5 occasions now, coincidentally found we were in the company of a middle-aged Irish couple who, in their own country would be describe as Good Craic. Tulbagh was to be no exception as this was their final destination where they were to visit their own 'Best Friends' and owners of this very Establishment. The evening was an absolute joy, with a special mention for the excellent Tulbagh red wine, with chatting, joking a little more singing and when mine host had finished in the galley, they joined us for a lot more of each. In something of an alcoholic haze it was mentioned that Jim and I a sound knowledge of the lyrics of Rock 'n' Roll songs and that there might be a Hero of ours living close by?? We were told that should we visit the small cafe in the next street at 13:00 precisely the following day we would be guaranteed to see none other than the afore mentioned Peter Edward Baker. The advice that followed was a little less welcome but it was also suggested we don't even acknowledge his presence due to his obnoxious nature. That's exactly where we were early afternoon the next day and sure enough 'Ginger' was sat there with his henchman enjoying a drink. Pay regard to the advice after lunch we simply left and continued our journey.
Passing this property a mile or two outside of town, Jim suddenly slammed on the anchors and yelled "did you see that"? Another addition to the Bird List thought I
as he cranked the car into reverse stopping outside of a huge pair of
NOW, WHERE HAVE WE SEEN THAT BEFORE?
Given the content of this documentary maintaining our silence
during this brief encounter was likely the best move we made.
At the end Baker issues a tirade of abuse to the interviewer
then cracks him over the bridge of the nose with his walking-stick.
BEWARE - MISTER BAKER * The Documentary Link
A LITTLE UNCANNY IT IS THOUGHT THAT 'IRELAND' SHOULD APPEAR ON THE 'TOP TEN' STATS LIST ON THIS OF ALL DAYS!
ARE THOSE PADDY'S STILL TUNING IN? - LOVELY!
