Now watch me ZIP, now watch me nana

Jan 3, was hot really hot it was uncomfortably hot even by 8:30 AM.  We had planned a high note finish.  Zip lining and a safari drive through Addo National Elephant Park.  Our driver, Walter picked us up at 9 AM.  A bumpy 1.5 hour ride over the oldest highway in South Africa and still dirt on the section we drove.  It was almost as bumpy as an elephant ride.  The kids mostly chilled out while Walter entertained us with stories from the bush.  He discussed the longest bus drive ever from Port Elizabeth to Cape Town.  It involved chanting, no talking to the passengers and no air conditioning.

We arrived at our zip lining destination relaxed and ready.

Let's go team

After a brief check-in and the obligatory waiver signing we began the hike to our zip line.  It involved a rope raft and a 15 minute hike.

Kids on the raft.  Where is Josey Whales when you need him??

The hike up.  I am the anchor.

View on the hike. Zips faintly visible upper right.

Launch #1: Cougar twin powers activate 

Grace vs.

Abby.

Sophie and Ashley: because the people wanted it.

After that we discovered the lines were both not up to big boy code so

Katie vs Dad.

Troy and Elle went last.  The guide took some video but no photo of the jump.

Great Place - single, long, fast dual zip.  Everyone survived.

After that it was a snack, water and back in the car with Walter. On to Addo National Elephant Park.  We did an open air tour from 12:15 to 14:15.  Covered Range Rover, I rode shotgun again.

#selfienation: the start of dehydration 

It was hot with a hot wind, had to be 100+ degree F.  The troops preserved well.  We were able to see Warthogs, Cape Buffalo, Elephants and a Lion.

No leopard and no Black Rhino.  Overall not too bad, all things considered.  At the lodge we ate lunch and MILKSHAKES!!!!!

A little time in the gift shop and it was home to our lodge for rest. 

Game drive photos 

Everybody needs a cold drink

Warthog 

One of the oldest Bull Elephants in Addo

Female and calf

Pensive zebra?

Ellies on the move 

This baby elephant is a show boat

This lion looks like I felt

#gottogetanap

Cape Buffalo 

Baby warthog at play 

Mom and baby 

In the heat of the afternoon everyone isn't always perfect.

We returned over the oldest highway in SA, again. It is over 200 years old.  We saw the drywall construction where the toll used to be.  We saw the corner where the engineer who built the road fell to his death in a RHWI accident. (Riding Horse while Intoxicated). Apparently, they stopped upgrading the road after his death.  He died around 1816.

We eventually returned to the lodge.  I stiffed TB with the bill for the daily activities and grabbed a shower before our steak fry dinner.  

At dinner we talked about our families and how they make us who we are.  I hope Elle, Ashley and Sophie especially learned a thing or two.  Just like back in the days when I would sit by Dad, Donny, Les, Shorty, Becky and Eleanor and listen to their adventures.  We turned off the light in the bar and everyone's phone and sat under the light of a thousand stars.  We saw Orion's Belt and the Southern Cross.  The kids were tucked in and I was left to ponder where we have been and where we are going.  All I know is this, I will go anywhere with the big and small family I have been blessed with.  They make the journey the best part of the adventure.