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Published: January 9th 2011
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Day 1: Colesberg
Five of us set off on the 30th of November and headed for Colesberg - Myself, Kelly, Jules, Katie and Johno. We got comfortable at the Colesberg Backpackers before heading to the nearest pub. We met a young couple from Durban and enjoyed the rest of the evening.
Day 2: Beaufort West
Most of the morning was spent driving to the tiny town of Beaufort West which is situated along the main route from JHB to Cape Town. We stayed at a Guest Cottage (Birds Nest Guest Cottages) which was a beautiful cottage all to ourselves. The weather made it a necessity to go find the local pool. Much to the surprise of the locals I might add - breaking South African stereotypes - I love it. The rest of the afternoon was spent swimming, tossing about the recently acquired rugby ball and just relaxing. Gareth joined us at 3am the next morning - arriving on the bus.
Day 3: Oudtshoorn
After a beautiful drive through the Swartberg Mountains and some cliff jumping into the clear cool water. Today we spent the day adventure caving in the famous Cango Caves. You walk through a series of
tunnels which get narrower and lower, observing the different rock formations and trying not to slip. There are a few epic challenges along the way like the Devil's Chimney and the Post Box which seem impossible at first glance, but once you are committed you can get all the way through. We spent that evening camping in Oasis Shanti Backpackers - which wouldn't have been too bad if it wasn't raining. Braaing and camping in wet weather is not easy.
Day 4: George
We visited the George Railway Museum and a tiny cafe on our way to Wilderness on the Coast. After getting a little lost we found our way to 'The Beach House' where we would be staying for the evening. The bar had a relaxed vibe with pool and coinage.
Day 5: Wilderness
Today started with a failed attempt to watch the sun rise. After breakfast we all headed off to the beach and went for a long walk on the rickety, old rail way tracks to find the Gypsies.
Day 6: Knsyna
We set at 9am to begin our day of paragliding around Knysna. Kelly went first and got to run off a hill
over looking the ocean. We needed to change location before Katie, Jules and me got to have our turns. Our experience involved catching thermals and paragliding over the Knysna lagoon. One final change of location allowed Johno and Gareth to literally run off a cliff over Knysna Bay. After paragliding we spent some time on the beaches of Plett and then drove through to the Craggs where we would be staying the night at Wild Tongue Backpackers.
Day 7: Bungy
We decided to test our bravery at Bloukrans - the second highest bungy jump in the world. you start off by walking over a metal grate out onto the bridge where they have music pumping and a very good vibe. They explain the process of what's going to happen and then the order. There is nothing like free falling 216m above the ground. With adrenaline pumping, a lack of food and happy hour at Tube 'n Axe Backpackers - it proved to be a good night.
Day 8: J-Bay
Our final activity with the 6 of us was the canopy tours overlooking the Tsitsikamma rain forest. You foofy-slide from one tree/platform to another, over forest, river and a
Bloukrans Bungy
"216m of Pure Adrenaline" few waterfalls. The afternoon consisted of a drive to Jeffreys Bay, a very disappointing reception an Island Vibe which resulted in us staying at Jeffrey Bay backpackers instead, then some body-boarding in the freezing ocean and shopping at the local factory outlets. We even attempted sokkie in the evening.
Day 9: P.E
Final day together which involved saying goodbye to Jules & Katie at the airport and then staying at family friends of ours (the Russells) for the evening. After a wonderful dinner, Gareth, myself, Kelly and Johno headed to the waterfront to explore. Here, Johno won speedy, our little mascot tortoise.
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