South Africa Trip - Day 5: X-TREME!!!! (6/8/10)

Heading out on the road for the long day and early on we get a flat (the 2nd of the trip – first being on way to Gansbaai). After speaking to the rental people, they bring us a new car and we continue on our way. Met up with Jim's friend's parents and had breakfast which was delicious. 

Jim's friends house and view. Absolutely stunning!

The gang having breakfast. This was were I first (and last) tried Rooibos tea. I thought it tasted horrible (I think the gang agreed) but thats what they were serving so we partook as gracious guests.

Left there and took the garden route (scenic highway along the coast) to the Bloukrane Bridge where us guys did some bungee jumping off what used to be the Guinness record holder bungee jump. With my incredible distaste for heights, I was terrified from the very beginning when we had to walk out to the platform on corrugated steel platforms that gave a little as you walked on them; everyone else just walked along, I was waddling my way out keeping my feet as close to the supports as possible. Of course the other 2 seemed completely fine. 

Certificate from Guinness records about the bridge we are about to jump off.

The guys suited up and ready for the jump. Claire was probably the only smart one this day for opting not to do it. 

The bridge and the jumping platform we will be jumping from. 

This was the walkway out to the jumping platform. As you can see, the whole thing is perforated which started the racking of my nerves before I was even out to the platform. This walk was probably one of the longest and most anguishing times of my life. 

Being out there was interesting; the platform had stunning views of the valley the bridge straddled, however once I was off, the fall and experience became somewhat of a blur as everything just flew by. After my jump, I was incredibly happy when the guy came to haul me back to the top as all the anxiety from the fear of heights caught up to me and I just broke down. 

View from the platform of the bay side. 

View from the mountain side of the platform. Both sides were absolutely breathtaking (even if you arent afraid of heights).

The jumping platform. It is go time.

Them fastening the rope to me. This is starting to get real. Anxiety level - 9/10

Dont make me do this!!! Anxiety level - 12/10. Look at how I grip them. I am freaking out. But they will not push me, so... 

Cowabunga!!!! Sometimes you just gotta jump. Free falling is nice. Was cool looking around in the valley with the descent. I was still freaking out but among the freak out, I was able to appreciate the atmosphere. 

Ill never let you go. Seriously I am not letting go. :) I dont know that I was ever happier to be done with something. Nerves still high but I did it and lived to tell this tale. It should be noted that Sean and Jim seemed to have no issues with any aspect of this. I was the wimp of the day. This poor guy probably just wanted to throw me over haha

After I got myself together at the top, just thanking all things holy that I was alive, we got back to solid ground, which was such a fantastic feeling I cannot even begin to describe. Once we were all back on earth, we headed through Port Elizabeth to Addo Elephant Park and check into our room (Forest Lodge 2) then had dinner at the on-site restaurant. I had a burger that had beef, pork, and chicken on it – I am the ultimate carnivore. 

The burger with 3 meats. I have had better burgers before, but i felt like it had to be ordered as it is not every day you get the chance to eat a burger with 3 different animals on it. 

Had some wine hanging out before heading outside to enjoy the cloudless night where stars were  plentiful and amazing. We then headed to bed early to enjoy the safari the next day.