The Indian Ocean

Today we departed Oudstroom for the Tsitsikamma Region.  The three and a half hour ride took us to the Eastern Cape of South Africa for the very first time.  

Approximately 2 hours into our ride, the beauty that is the Indian Ocean appeared on our righthand side. 

As soon as the opportunity presented itself, we were off to the beach and the adventurers first opportunity to touch the Indian Ocean. 

And you know how that ended up.

Shortly after our trip to the beach ended and we were back on the road, Roman and Mabret received a Face Time call from Grant and Garrett.  Garrett and Grant are close friends and teammates of Mabret and Roman and we miss them.  It was wonderful to see the four of them connected.  A great use of technology. Thanks to Michelle for taking time from the busy morning back home to make that happen. 

Most of our day was spent on the road.  Our drive was extended by the fact that there are traffic jams in South Africa just like back home.

Chillin and riding. 

We also went through our first South African toll gate which seemed to appear from nowhere and reminded me of the fake toll gate that was set-up in Blazing Saddles.  "Somebody better go back for a ****load of dimes."

The drive had some amazing cliff side views. 

Just after 4pm we turned onto the 10 kilometer extremely bumpy dirt road that led to our destination which will be home for the next 2 nights, The Fernery Lodge.  The feeling of tranquility at the Lodge is immediate and embracing.  It is a good feeling to know that our electronic devices will not receive a signal for the next  2 days and wifi is only available in the reception area of the Lodge. 

The Lodge is home to streams, waterfalls and views of the Indian Ocean. This should not be a surprise as Tsitsikamma is a Khoisan word meaning "place of many waters".

Tomorrow we will embark on a 5 mile hike of the Tsitsikamma Region and will report back on the wonders that we find. 

Oudtshoorn

Today was perhaps our busiest day thus far as we moved through the Cango Caves to Rust en Vrede Waterfall and concluded with a tour of the Cango Ostrich Farm.  The Rust En Vrede Waterfall was an impromptu stop after being tipped off about its existence from another traveler who we met at the Caves.  

Our breakfast was brightened by an email from Coach Strong informing us that our beloved teammates and friends on the Paupack Power brought home a season opening 8 to 4 victory at Riverfront on Saturday evening. Way to go boys. We are proud of you.  Keep up the good work.  

We met a friend before leaving the lodge.

After breakfast, we headed out for the Cango Caves which are located at the foothills of the gorgeous Swartberg Mountain Range.  We decided to take the tour called the "Adventure Tour".  The "Adventure Tour" consisted of crawling through narrow passages and climbing up steep rock formations guided only by small lights.  The smallest passage that we crawled through was the Letterbox measuring just under 6 inches.  One must lay flat on the stomach with arms extended above the head and slide through. 

The highlights of the tour also include The Tunnel of Love, a low passage way that at one point narrows to about one foot in head clearance.  The Tunnel gives you quite a squeeze which is where it gets its nickname. 

The tightest fit and most difficult portion of the tour was the Devil's Chimney.  Peering in you see a steep crawl space about 18 inches wide which leads upwards. You must squirm through the chimney into another larger chamber, only to be confronted by an even smaller opening.  As the guide must stay behind to ensure that all make it safely through, Mabret led the way for the group.  He did an outstanding job with Roman following right behind him and calling back for the next climbers to ascend.

Below, the beginning of the adventure.

A very tight squeeze.

A steep and dark climb.

A natural sliding board.

We would be remiss if we didn't provide Ms. Valerio and Mr. Kromko's classes with a bit of information about stalactites and a stalagmites.  The Cango Caves are home to beautiful formations of each.  They occur in limestone caves. The stalactite is above, and hangs downward like an icicle.  The stalagmite is below and sticks up. They grow in pairs because the slightly acidic water dissolves some of the limestone and carries it downward from the ceiling of the cave. Some of the water does not evaporate until it has fallen through the air and landed on the floor.  This remaining limestone builds the stalagmite from the ground up. 

A stalactite and stalagmite that joined into a single formation.

While touring the Caves, we ran into a family who we had seen on Grotto Beach.  They told us about an off-the-beaten path waterfall which sounded like a perfect fit for us.  Rust en Vrede Waterfall (meaning rest in peace) is situated on a very bumpy and primitive dirt road about 5 miles back toward Oudtshoorn from the Cango Caves.  The path leading to this natural beauty is filled with wild flowers and ferns with the sound of running water in the distance.  This scenic and peaceful trail ends in great reward as the waterfall and pool below are stunning.  Roman and Mabret were well ahead of us before we had the car doors closed.  

The trail.

The payoff.

The extremely cold water did not stop our young adventurers from stripping down to their "sport shorts".  

Roman laughing just after Mabret slipped into the water for the first time.

Good old fashioned fun.  

Crow Pose.

We concluded the afternoon with lunch and a tour at the Cango Ostrich Farm. 

Mabret riding.

Roman standing on an ostrich egg.

Dad about to be kissed by an ostrich. We missed the money shot.

Mom happily feeding the birds.

After returning from our adventures, Roman and Mabret still found the focus to do some school work. If you gotta do school work on a Sunday, this is a pretty good way to do it.

 Family blogging at dinner.

We received a request from Aunt Judy to provide information about the currency in South Africa.  The currency is the Rand.  10 Rand equals approximately one U.S. dollar.  The paper currency has a picture of Nelson Mandela prominently displayed on one side with various animals on the opposite side. 

Our conversion chart.  Although the math is pretty simple, you never know when you might need a helping hand. 

 

We received a comment from Joanna yesterday.  We were having some difficulty with the comments today so we briefly respond here. Joanna, Mabret is from the Sidamo Region and we will be spending significant time there.  Feel free to email us at RLevant@LevantMartin.com with details about your daughters history and perhaps we can deliver a message or photos for you.

If any of you are experiencing difficulty posting comments and have worked through it, please comment with suggestions for others who may be having trouble.

Travel day tomorrow.  Happy Veterans Day.