Day 12

Sun Rise in the Wilderness 2, originally uploaded by simongman.

This morning we were once again treated to the splendours of an African sunrise as we prepared for our overland trek to Graham Town. As the boys busied themselves with the packing of the coach, high above in the palm trees outside their rooms we could hear weaver birds as they scurried about constructing their nests. By 9.00am we were on the road travelling through the Wilderness eastward towards PE (Port Elizabeth). Situated along the Garden Route at the Tsitsikamma Forest Village Market, just 40km east of Plettenberg Bay was Bloukrans (Blue Cliffs) Bridge which has the highest bungee jump (216m) in the world, famous most recently for Jack Osbourne (Ozzy & Sharon’s son) adrenalin junky programme on Channel 4. The boys were itching to have a go, unfortunately or fortunately depending on your point of view, we did not have time so just stopped for a drink and snack whilst watching other people dive off the bridge. Back on the road again and another one and a half hours travelling in this vast country we stopped at J-Bay (Jeffrey’s Bay) for lunch and were going to watch the Billabong Pro World Surfing Competition but the Indian Ocean was calmed and the comp was postponed until tomorrow. Another time perhaps?

The final phase of the trek was down through PE then inland some 60Km to Graham Town passing by numerous game reserves where we caught sight of some game that included Kudu, Springbok and Wilderbeest. After checking into our hotel the boys had a short run followed by dinner and early to bed, ready for the big game tomorrow. A few staff were invited out for dinner by the Headmaster and his staff from Graham College who showed them the school and their school club house then entertained them at a local Italian restaurant.