Bungee Jump photos

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Heading home

Yesterday went to Cape Point; the most southern tip of the Western part of Africa. Beautiful scenery and very ocean waters. There were signs everywhere for baboons "Baboons are dangers, Do NOT Feed" but unfortunately we didn't to see any :( But as we were driving to the Cape of Good Hope point we had to stop on the road because three huge ostriches were just eating at their leisure. Pretty cool I must say, even though I have seen them everyday for the last two weeks at Kwantu it was great seeing them in the true wild.

Today we begin our trek home!

Cape Town I have could of easily spent over a week here, so much to see and do even though it is not a huge city. This is by far one of the most beautiful places I have ever seen! And at Kwantu the most stars I have seen! '

Table Mountain

Thursday Garrett and I hiked table mountain. O just the most difficult hike one could do without ropes/rock climbing skills. When we stopped to by a map at the base of the mountain the lady was like "I really suggest you do not do the India hike, very ill-advised." I had not done any research on this hike, I left it all up to Garrett and trusted him. Well at one point he even told me prior that you have to use staples and chains to get up certain parts of the rock so I knew this wouldn't be easy. The 'trial' (basically non existent) was marked with yellow foot prints......well very very few and warn away footprints. Ugh that was the worst part. Not gonna lie this was the scariest/most adrenalin rush (well beyond the shark diving and bungee jumping scary) I have experienced. I even got panicked and had to have Garrett pull me up some of the rock ledges and at one point I lost all hope of the trail and had a minor break down freak out. But his calm personality helped me hold it together because going down what we had just climbed would have been complete terrifying challenging. Finally after we saw the repelling ropes from the highest point of the mountain I calmed down because I realized we were on the right path and so close to the top! Then we saw a group of seniors taking photos and I knew we arrived, I was beyond relieved and happy! I have not been so shook up about something like that. I'm glad it was challenging but I definitely understand all the signs saying you should be an experienced climber. Beautiful scenery all along the way and at the top. We took the cable car down for sure after all that. Funny thing is I didn't hurt myself on the climb but after we had a beer and a bite to eat I was walking out of the turning exit thing and nailed my thigh on one of the bars and actually hit it so hard I broke the skin and had blood running down my leg. It was so painful but funny because it was such a stupid klutzy thing to do. Ugh who would have thought of that as a danger. One of the employers got me a couple bandaids and asked me if the exit bars were ok LOL. Great day adventure for sure.

Great White Shark Cage Dive!!

On wednesday Garrett and I did a great white shark cage dive. It was the first trip they did out to sea in three days because the tides were finally calm enough. We set sail at noon and we cruise out to sea. The waves were huge and the boat just dropped at every wave. Such a tummy tickle every single time it was so fun! We then got out to the point where we started chumming the water with tuna fish guts and they tied up the tuna heads to bait the shark and a decoy seal. At first I was nervous no sharks were going to show up but in no time at all there were 2 sharks and then soon enough there were 8 great white sharks circling the boats. Garrett and I went in the cage in the second group of people (8 people in the cage at once and there were 31 people on our boat so suppose to be four groups but only ended up with three groups of people diving). I believe we had the best sharks in our group. We were in the cage very first, right at the point where the sharks were teased up against the cage by the tuna head. Two different times the sharks nose actually ended up in the cage and they latched onto the cage. Such a thrill!!!!!! Garrett has his go pro video camera so I'll be able to edit the footage and have some great video clips. Garrett ended up getting sick in the cage due to his sea sickness from riding on the boat (poor boy, first time at sea). But the nasty part was he ended up puking in the cage and then it floated all around us, ugh! But the fish were well feed then lol. After we had to get out of the cage he continued to puke over the side of the boat and I went back in the cage since not everyone wanted a chance in the cage or they got out early due to being too cold but I gladly jumped at the opportunity to get more time with the great whites. All in all it was an amazing adventure. The clarity under the water was wonderful but the crew was saying above water would have been much much better if the sun would have come out. I didn't care I was just thrilled to be out and have so many sharks circling the boat!!

Elephant Sanctuary

Sunrise

The whole group in the Jeep

Worlds highest bungee jump complete!!

Today I said goodbye to everyone from Kwantu and started my journey to cape town via the garden route. I picked up Garrett from the airport at 11am and my new friend Louise joined us until Knysna where we dropped her at her hostel. But first we made a pit stop at the worlds highest bungee jump!! And yes I did not share this information with Garrett until he saw the sign hehe. I thought he was going to cry lol. And funny thing was they even made him jump first, poor boy but he did it. I jumped third and it was absolutely terrifying!! Such a rush but it is so beautiful and everyone is really cool and gets you pumped up. Definitely a first and possibly a last for me haha. And then to keep the adrenalin going we stopped at an oyster bar and I ate raw oysters for the first time....ok not quite that daring but hey it's was another first.

My last week in Kwantu :(

Thursday June 7Th

This afternoon we went to feed the children. I was quite skeptical about this who kid thing but I decided it was something I should at least try the first week. And it was fantastic!!! The children were so excited to see us and loved their photos taken and playing with our cameras and wrestling. They were ages 7-16 about. Such cuties, I'm definitely going back next week!

Friday June 8th

Today we went to the elephant sanctuary. It was amazing!! Right when we got there we arrived we got to track the elephants through the bush; thorns and all! It was difficult but super fun. Once we found them we tok photos and fed them apples. Then we heading into there pens to make them there beds for the night, mix there food, and then headed out to collect branches for there pens as well. then we had a break for lunch. After we were all able to ride an elephant with a trainer, it was so fun.

Over the weekend we went into Port Elizabeth and did some souvenir shopping, dinning, watched some ruby and then of course experienced some night life. Sunday we said by to four of the volunteers who were finished with their stay here at Kwantu and we get some more volunteers on monday nights. 

On the drive home we faced a lovely South African drive home near death experience. Someone driving opposite direction as us decided that it was a good time to pass (coming into our lane head on) when it clearly was not!!! We had to slam on our breaks because we couldn't swerve off the road

Monday June 11th

We worked in the morning and afternoon chopping and weeding and tonight on the game drive we finally got to see Zulu (the male lion)!!!!! It was great we were so close to him it was unnerving but he was distracted marking his territory and checking out the neighboring lioness. 

We also met the new volunteers, there are 5 of them all from the UK. Two boys and three girls, exciting to get new volunteers.

Tuesday June 12th

This morning we did a ridiculous difficult hike that was awesome!!!! But we had to stop several times for the others to catch up. It was beautiful weather and a great morning. On the game drive it was wonderful! We finally got to see the hippo!!!!! It was running on land and went into the water so we got to see its full body on land, so exciting!! That made my game drive for sure. And then that night it was going to storm and two lambs were born that afternoon so we were going to help Kat put them in a shed. But as soon as we got out there we just stared at them and she decided she didn't want to stress the sheep out by putting her in a separate shelter apart from the other sheep. Ummmm OK, clearly has not grown up on a farm, that was a waste of time. LOL o well it was nice to see brand new baby lambs.

Wednesday not gonna lie was chill and rainy. Moved some scrap metal, lecture on native animals, and half road maintenance but too muddy so cut short.

Thursday we chopped black wattle and then children feeding. Wasn't as amazing as last week. The kids were super mean to each other and it was kinda awkward right away. But then they danced and it was more comfortable but definitely not the same. That night we went on our last game drive. Originally we were going to count blue wilder beast but it turned into a basic game drive. And we finally saw the buffalo (last of the big five except the leopard: Rhino, lion, buffalo, leopard, and elephant). We were all looking left and last minute i turned right and saw them just as we were passing them and they were right beside the road but so so close to missing them all. At the end of the drive we also saw Zulu the male lion just sleeping soundly and then as we were taking photos he got up and came right up to the car and freaked everyone out, Melissa just put ur head down and cuddled me she was so scared LOL. And then he called out super load to another lion in the distance and I got a good video of all the sound!  

That night we went on a game drive after dark. We didnt see much except some eyes of all the different antelope and zebra, they werent too happy us disturbing their sleep.

Friday we woke up early to go on a dawn game drive. So so tired, even though i generally am up that early at home. It was pitch black and the sky was still amazing!!! Didnt see much in the dark but once the sun started coming up it was beautiful and got some great photos. Not gonna lie i did fall alseep early on in the jeep haha. that afternoon and evening we did the elephant sanctuary, feeding them, making there night beds, and then riding them. That night we all packed our stuff sadly (5 of us are leaving) and then had a bon fire. 

Now in Port Elizabeth for the weekend before i leave on monday to start my garden route trip!!!

Currently in POrt Elizabeth

Thursday we planted more trees, went on the game drive and got to see the rhinos and elephants from a distance which was cool. And also me and my small bladder had to get off the truck and pee in the bush. Ugh Rachel!!! But i was dying!

Friday I got some amazing photos of the baby tiger cubs because by luck we noticed they weren't in the den and they were feeding so we ran in and got some shots until the mom came back in hiding them from view.

Now I am in Port Elizabeth for the weekend to have some rainy cold fun. This is definitely winter in South Africa, so glad I brought cold weather clothing - i packed too many summer cloths as well that will not be touched.

photos to come.

Continued Wednesday 6/6/12

This is the second day where we get to work the entire day with all the regular volunteers.  But as an added note the accommodation is amazing!! Except being it is winter is it super cold!!! and we only have two blankets and not heaters except a fire place. But the couches, dinning area, food, and living room is all amazingly well beyond my exceptions!!
Today we went into the reserve to cut black wattle (an australia native plant that sucks up too much water and chokes out the rest of the native trees). I used an ax but they also had machetes and saws. It was an amazing workout and I was so so sore the next day in my obliques, low back and LATS it was great!!!
That evening we did a game drive and got to see the lioness and her two cubs (they look full grow tho). But they were feeding on the mornings kill it was great to see them in there natural habitat.

Finally an internet connection...time to catch up!!

6/4/12
So monday I arrived in Port Elizabeth at 10:30am - i was the first volunteer arrive this day and I had the pleasure of meeting two of the volunteers leaving Kwantu (the place where we will be working and staying) and they gave me a rundown of all the other 8 volunteers at Kwantu while I waited for the other 3 new volunteers to fly in that day. It nice to talk with them because I had no idea what to expect.
Once everyone arrived we headed an hour and half to Kwantu! We got a tour of the lodge area and then had dinner where we got to meet the other 8 volunteers. Everyone is very nice and mostly from the UK except one girl from Scottland, one from Belgium, and then a guy who arrived with us is from Portugal (looks like a model in a perfume ad, so hot, and very very nice man-four year girlfriend hands off!).

6/5/12
This morning I woke up to the alarming sound of monkeys running around on our tin roof! So freaky but luckily we were warned every morning 6:45am sharp and they were right on time LOL
We got our tour of predator camp this morning which is where the lions, tigers, white lions, and cheetahs all going through rehabilitation are kept. AND 5 days before we arrived one of the tigers had two baby cubs!!!! Unfortunately they are keeping the cubs with the mom and dad to see how the male takes to the cubs as she feeds them, so we don't get to play with them.

We then break for breakfast at 9:30am and then we join the rest of the senior volunteers digging holes to plant palm trees.  Now not to brag or just be irritated but I dug 6 holes by myself (through alot of grass and brick and cement-a nightmare but manageable) to the girls (who are paired in two) 2 holes! Ok im mean but come one ladies. But I also got a huge blister this first day which popped of course so a lil rough. Then it was lunch time

The afternoon/evening we went on a gamedrive within the reserve (basically a safari) and we saw giraffe, zebra, many different antelopes. It was quite exciting!! Amazing all the animals we saw and how close we came. This amazing. That night when we got back to the camp and went to predator camp and they head ranger let us see the baby cubs in the tiger den!!! So little and sooo soo amazing!!!!

now I am going to break for lunch and will finish my week updates soon!

I am a CARNIVORE

Well last night I got to really experience Africa. I went to Carnivore and indulged in eating Zebra, Impala, Crocodile, and Kudu! It was tasty (except crocodile) but definitely feel like a carnivore. :(    But it is my last day in Johannesburg and Im off to Port Elizabeth tomorrow morning to start my next leg of this trip!

Arrival in Johannesburg

finally made it to Johannesburg. Of course a little detour on the way to ATL stopping at Detroit. We tried to cut it close as possible on connecting time and I am glad to say our 6min layover went smoothly with one gate over! The first class lay flat bed on our 14hr flight was quite splendid. The flight attendant even noticed my 10hr out cold nap I took (she was impressed with my sleeping skills lol).
While I was reading through my volunteer packet on the plane another flight attendant start laughing and was telling me that there are usually quite a few hunters who come to South Africa - sad but ironic.

But as usual with flying I always have to wonder. WHAT THE HECK ARE PEOPLE DOING IN THE LAV!!!
-a man in the lavatory took (no exaggeration) over 15minutes-yes i timed him after a while since i was sitting across from it.
-next guy took 6 minutes
    -neither one was carrying anything with them and it didn't smell like their morning business (i went to the restroom right after - p.s. i took under 2minutes)

Currently I am checked into the Intercontinental with Avi and it is 8pm and I am wide awake being a just slept 10 solid hours. But I am definitely excited to have just landed on my 6th continent!!! Just missing Antarctica!!

Leaving on a jet plane TOMORROW!!!

I am officially packed and ready to leave on my flight tomorrow for Johannesburg! My flight out of ATL leaves at 7:35pm and arrives June 1st at about 5:30pm. My friend Avi and I will be staying in Johannesburg for 3 nights and then part ways and I head down to Port Elizabeth to begin my volunteer project. But while in Johannesburg we will wing it on things to do for the most part but we for sure will be going out for a dinner at Carnivore http://www.recreationafrica.co.za/carnivore just to get a taste of the native animals (haha before I help maintain there habitats i figure i may want to know what some of them taste like lol terrible). Hopefully flights go as planned tomorrow!

One month till departure!!!!

Vaccines are all up to date. Medical kit is purchased. Airline tickets are taken care of. In exactly 1 month I will be on my flight to Johannesburg!!! I have been in contact with the one other volunteer who I will be going through this new experience with. She is from the UK and is 21 years old has done volunteering in the past teaching children and adults and is doing this for a different experience. After this summer she will begin her career as a teacher! She sounds like she will be very fun. I appreciate everyones support!!

Pre Departure

I, Rachel Nolz, am making my final preparations to embark on June 1st for my month long journey to South Africa to volunteer in Sidbury Plains within the Eastern Cape of South Africa working with the Kwantu park staff. I'd like to thank everyone for the support and I will keep you updated with photos and day to day experiences.