Gap Year Experiences

Bungee Jumping and Middle Earth!

Tuesday 4 March 2008

Bungee jumping..crazy stuff! We set out from Plett early on Friday and were the first people to get to the famous Bloukrans bridge, home of the world highest bungy jump. There were some very nervous faces in the bus on the way there. The jumpers (Annie, Marisa, Maddy, Enzo and Johnny) signed up and we all joined them on the bridge to watch the action. George looked more nervous than anyone. Believe me when I tell you that standing on a bridge 216m off the ground and thinking that you are about to launch yourself off with nothing but an elastic band tied around your feet, is a fairly intimidating thing! Marisa was by far and away the hero of the day. She was so nervous before hand and it looked like she might back out at the last minute. However she overcame it all and jumped. It was honestly one of the most impressive displays of overcoming fear I have ever seen. After seeing her go through all of it, I decided that I would never live it down if I didn’t do it myself. So I made a last minute decision and persuaded my legs to launch me off a bridge towards the valley way way below. Believe me when I say it was awesome! Falling through the air with nothing attached to you is one of the most unbelievable feelings I’ve ever had. The feeling of relaxation when the rope catches and you are hanging in mid air looking at the ground below you is amazing! It’s the sort of thing that should be prescribed by doctors.

After the early morning excitement, we headed up the coast stopping in at the world famous surf spot of Jeffreys Bay. Unfortunately there wasn’t any surf to be had so we settled for lunch and some shopping at the billabong factory shop in town. From there we headed slightly inland towards the little town of Hogsback. It was a long day of driving and we eventually arrived in the dark. The bar was in full swing and we soon felt completely at home. The next morning everyone woke up to the amazing views surrounding us. Hogsback is up in the mountains and is surrounded by indigenous forests, rivers and waterfalls. It is said to be JRR Tolkiens inspiration for the world in Lord of the Rings and you can see why.
Saturday was probably my favourite day of the trip so far. We started off with a little walk through the forests and came out at a beautiful waterfall where everyone swam. On the way back from the walk, we stopped at the local Inn and pub for some lunch and a few beers. The area is unbelievably beautiful, the weather was perfect, everyone was really happy and I don’t think I’ve ever felt so relaxed. It was just the perfect day. In the evening, we had a few sundowners in a treehouse, the girls whipped up an amazing dinner and we then joined everyone at the bar and big outdoor fireplace for a few drinks. Later on in the evening, Annie and Genna managed to take some unbelievable pictures of the stars and sky which I will put up asap.

Sunday was another great day relaxing in Hogsback. We visited an even more beautiful waterfall and watched another incredible sunset over the mountains. Yesterday we said goodbye to the amazing staff at Away with Fairies and moved down to Cintsa Bay on the coast. Andre, Barry, Fortune, Bush and everyone else in Hogsback, you guys are absolute legends and thank you so much for an incredible time!

Today we are at Cintsa and I am off to try and find some surf. Will let you know how it goes.

Vince