Action in Africa

Whaddup Y’all!

I’m back with another Action in Africa tidbit for you.  If you were wondering where I sorry WE have been well here’s the dillio.  Right now we are in Cape Town at the luxurious Waterfront Village.  Very LARIE Digs (Spelling??).  I’d show you som pics but can’t download so check it out at www.villageandlife.com.  By the way larie = Stoosh = posh = fit for Action!  Anyhow we have travelling from Port Elizabeth along the coast and through the mountains on the famous Garden Route.  It was spectacular scenery.  And I will try my best to get you some pics soon.  Internet access was not available most days since we were doing some intense travelling and some intense adventuring.  We B&B’ed the coast and by the end of the trip we were known as Mr Jackson and entourage.  The folks at the Zambezi Sun still refer to me as Mr Jackson of the famous Jackson family.  They asked and I did not denie a thing I am of the famous Jackson family. 

So back to the adventures.  On this trek led by Karl our personal tour guide we saw and did many things.  A brief history of the cape, South Africa and loads of laughs.  We were inundated with many Karl Klassics.  With Andy gone we needed replacement and Karl was the man.  I will tell you a few later because I for got my notes in the apartment and its a 10 minute walk through the maze of buildings and oh yeah, its raining. :(  Anyhow back to the story.  We decided to do something crazy on Tuesday or was it wednesday???? my mind has not been the same since…  so were on our way to the monkey farm when we stopped at the Bloukrans bridge (coordinates = S 33degrees 58.0957′, E 023 degrees 29.543′), which is home to the worlds highest (Guiness certified) bungie jump in the world!  216 metres above the river below.  Shaun was intense and got out of the car and motored to get information about jumping off the bridge.  The dude had the look of fire and desire in his eyes and there was no stopping him. He quickly buckled in his harness and we were off to the bridge were history would be made and underwear to be soiled.  The walk alone was crazy.  Nothing like walking across a bridge 216 m over the water on a steel grate that bounced as you walked.  The middle of the bridge was full of electricity.  We waited for others to jump and it was finally Shauns turn. Strap him up psych him out and carry him to the edge.  5 - 4 - 3 - 2 - 1 jump! and jump he did.  A spectacular eagle spred winged dive with the grace of a seagul.  It was all great until he tried the summersault when he bounced back up!  Close but he almost lost his boys opn the miscue (and don’t worry its all on video).  Good Superman.  He was pumped and now it was time to pump up Arny to take the plunge. “Abolutely NOT!”  Nutri-Lee likes his new found styles and was not about to ruin what he has worked so hard perfecting.  So then it was common Duane ayou gotta do it the rush, the thrill, the adrenalin, your fans (Skreech!!!).  Yes my fans low blow indeed.  Soon all the guys were pumping me up and not to disappoint you guys it was now an Action Figure moment.  Gotta represent so and keep it real (real dumb!).  So I strapped up and prepared for the plunge.  I had to sign the waiver on the bridge since I was just a spectator and I will have to admit I felt like I was signing my last will and testament.  Anyhow I was up.  I said my prayers and tightened my pants and it was time.  I bounced to the edge looked down which I said I would not do and then 5 - 4 - 3 - 2 - 1 Jump!  And there I was jumping off the bridge with the grace of the American Bald Eagle.  I can’t describe the feeling, except the sudden stopped when you bounce reach the bottom and come to a dead stop.  A little bit of a sensation on the stomach but a great feeling none the less.  For that moment in time (30 seconds) I hadn’t a care in the world my mind was totally clear as I watched the water below me get closer and closer.  Yet I didn’t feel like I was moving at all.   Just suspended in time.  What a feeling we decided to do it a gain but this time backwards and oh what a feeling this was as you look up at the faces of the guys who just through you off the bridge.  And oh what a feeling on the way up as the wedggie is crushing the family jewels! ;( Mr Giggles was definitely not giggling this time round!).

So it was off to Monkeyland!  a rehabilitation centre for monkeys of all sorts.  Shaun was almost beaten up by Elvis an old, mentally challenged mini ape who didn’t like the way Shaun was looking at him.  Not to mention Shaun was sitting beside his bed.  BAd Shaun.  Lots of cute critters here and none of which were in cages.  It was a thrill and even weirder to be followed through a forest by monkeys and lemors everywhere.  Lots of pics too.

Next day it was a whale watching tour of the harbour.  I should have learned my lesson in Australia and stayed ashore with Karl.  By about half way through the tour I was ready to toss my cookies but we had to keep on looking at the those damn whales and seals who I know were laughing at me.  Anyhow I survived and did not give into the rocky wave ride.  And that was not bad enough in the evening we did a sunset cruise.  Luckily in the lagoon and on steady waters.

Yesterday it was a loooong drive with a stop at the ostrich farm.  Interesting but boy are those birds dumb they eat anything and everything they can put in there mouths. 

So here we are today…  This morning we had a wine tasting session at La Motte winery at 9:30am.  I felt like an alcoholic but hey when in South Africa do as the Germans do… drink, drink, drink!  Good wine but now I feel sick.  The guys are out doing a walking/bus tour and I am recovering. 

So there you have it.  We are alive and well and hope to do some rock climbing on table mountain tomorrow.  Thats if we can see it of course through all this fog.  Lets pray for more rain.  Hope the Seeds of Hope crew all made it home safe and sound.  I heard the luggage didn’t make it but lets keep our fingers crossed that it is ion Eric’s possession now.

Conagrats to the McBurneys and your new arrival.  Like you were going to have a boy! The Molinaro genes are too strong brother!

Peace Out!

 Action Out!