A Catch 21

We had not even started the hike and Roman was being carried. Well, kinda carried.

Today's hike through the Tsitsikamma Region culminated in a perched view above the Indian Ocean. A sight well worth the 5 mile trek. 

The hike started with a family math lesson about fractions and decimals.  I think that Mom and Dad are finally getting it.  The lesson morphed into Dad teaching about one of his favorite things...gambling.  While dining at Catch 22 in Cape Town last week, we discussed the meaning of a catch 22.   Roman then asked what a catch 21 is.  Dad responded by saying a blackjack.  Since that moment, Roman and Mabret have been asking to learn how to play.  Today's hike was a perfect opportunity and after badgering Dad a bit, the lesson began.  After a few minutes of general rules (and some strategy as Dad will never allow Mabret and Roman to become the guy in the anchor seat hitting a 16 against a dealer's 5), the games began. Each young adventurer was given $50 in "chips" to start and asked to place their first bet. Roman immediately shouted, "I bet $50".  Rather than teach a lesson about the perils of gambling, Dad rewarded him with a blackjack and proudly explained that it pays 2 to 1.  By the time the hike ended, a promise had been made to learn the rules of craps during tomorrow's four and a half hour drive.  

At the conclusion of the lesson, a proud father. 

A good hiking stick.  As our dear friend Tony A. once said in a simple yet profound moment, "people like sticks".  

 

As many of you know, we miss our beloved dogs deeply.  Finding animals to love along the way has been therapeutic.  This is our latest friend, Donut.  She is very sweet. 

A shout out to Ella back home. Dad saying goodbye to his girl as we departed for Newark. They have literally run thousands of miles together. 

The Paupack Power's South African affiliate practicing. 

Late this afternoon, Roman and Mabret were able to Skype with Roman's class. Thank you sooooo much to Ms. V.  for the visit.  The class asked insightful questions and their smiling faces made Roman feel a deep connection to home. We look forward to the next visit.  

We finished the day with a barbecue dinner and great family conversation.

Tomorrow we leave very early for a long drive and then a flight.  Next stop, Addo Elephant Back Safari. We are all beyond excited to live among the elephants for 2 days. Wow. 

Along the way if our signals allows, we will be getting some "Face Time" with Dieter.  Don't forget to set your alarm, buddy.

We had a question from Aunt Trish about the weather. It is headed into early summer here.  The tempatures have been in the upper 70s most of the time. As we move further north, it will heat up further.  Let us know when we should try you guys on Face Time or Skype.