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| Erin's South Africa Journals - 11-18-02 Today was Denise's birthday, so we all enjoyed a lazy breakfast together and got ready for a special treat to celebrate - a canopy tour in the Tsitsikamma forest! Funny thing is, Denise was distracted on another phone call when we were booking this the week before, so now she was beginning to regret this choice of activity! But she gamely put on her secure shoes and clothes and we set off in high spirits. We drove about 45 minutes east of Plett to the Storms River turnoff, and found the adventure tours office where we were given a brief safety talk by our guides. They explained the 4 levels of safety straps that would keep us from falling while zipping across the steel cables between the trees. Then we got strapped up in our harnesses and helmets and boarded a sturdy truck which drove us to the first tree. The first platform wasn't too high, so we listened to another instruction round before the boys went first across the cable. It was also a pretty short one, so we got to practice a bit before anything 'scary'. You sit back in your harness over thin air before kicking off a bit and sliding over the steel cable, using your gloved hand for balance and brakes. It was fun! We all made the first one with no trouble, and the 2nd was a breeze too. The third was harder, as you can't see the platform at the other side due to tree branches! But we all passed each test with flying colors, getting some great photos along the way. After 8 slides, we were happy enough to unhook our lines and step off the last tree to the hike out. We unstrapped and had a pretty good lunch with our guide (included in the package) before getting in the car back to Plett. On the way back, we had to stop at the fabric shop again to pick up something for Glenn's mom, as it was too good to pass up. Then we headed to the condo to rest up before dinner. We'd had a special selection of Weldon Kaya (local Africal restaurant) by Denise for her birthday, so we all dressed up a little. Not that Glenn and I have anything really nice to dress in, but we did our best!!! Around 7, we drove down there, and were the only ones in the restaurant for almost an hour! The food was excellent, however, so that wasn't the reason for the low attendance! After a superb dinner and a good bottle of wine, Glenn and I went to enjoy the night view over town and bay while Denise and Chris talked to the owner about interesting routes back to Cape Town. I was in a good mood, and joked a but with Glenn while we looked at the gorgeous view. Suddenly, he was going down on one knee! He asked me if I was ready to be stuck with him for the next 50 years, if I would marry him, and I had to let a few seconds pass to establish the fact that I was taking this seriously. Then I quickly said 'Yes!' When we rejoined Chris and Denise, we let them in on our big news, and they were honored to share Denise's birthday with our engagement day! We rode home in a state of joy! |
| We look like Tweedle Dee and Tweedle Dum, but the safety harnesses worked! |
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| Erin zips across the wire, looking down! |