Hogsback Via East London

Okay so last I wrote I was on my way to natures valley, since then I have spent time in Natures valley, Stormsriver, Port Elisibeth, and East london. Natures Valley is a really small town in the titsikama(sic?) National Park I woke up and decided to walk to the store to grab some stuff for breakfast. Hmm nobody told me it was a good mile and a half over there. Anyway I got some things for breakfast lunch and dinner, then after dropping those off I went for a nice hike. My jaunt took me up a mountain to a great viewpoint, then around to a tidal river mouth, once again no one told me that I need to possess knowledge of when high tide was to complete the hike. I seem to have a failure in communication. So I ended up getting my feet a tad wet while hopping from boulder to boulder in between the waves. the next day I hike around the lagoon and the first part of the otter trail. I didn't have the permit or the supplies for the full 5 day hike. My next stop was Stormsriver where, Ian I think I beat your 200 ft bungy jump with my 216 meter one, yes I got a video of it. Mom you will really love it. The jump was possibly the most traumatic thing I have ever willingly put myself through but my God, the rush was intense. When they pulled me up I had some serious shakes going on, and even when that ended I didn't come down off the adrenaline for over 6 hours. in the afternoon I went for a hike, probably about 10km total with an english lady, seriously the differances in pronounciation and general terminology between the brits, SAs and americans is hilarious. For example, when the brits say something is brilliant, that means fantastic. The following morning I went into the Titsikamma National Park and hiked to see a waterfall and its accompianing pool. I had seriously high expectations and the scummy water and treacherous trail amounted to one hell of a let down. I had even hiked in my swimming trunks to facilitate the fun I was so sure was awaiting me. While I was at the park, I had my laundry washed. Man it feels good to put on clean clothes, I had forgotten what it felt like. The next day, the 28th of may possibly? I went for a 22km bike ride, even now it feels like I have been beaten accross the behind with a fraternity paddle. The hostel in Stormsriver was my favorite of all the ones I've stayed in thus far. The staff was awsome, and the food they prepared was superb. I decided to eat what they were cooking every night I was there, because I realised that I've been travelling for 3 weeks now and I had yet to sample any authentic South African food. Last night I spent the evening in Port Elisibeth, a gritty industrial city. I was glad to spend a grand total of 10 hours there. The bus ride there is another story in and of itself. For most of the journy my only fellow passanger was a very bookish heavy woman of about 50, who continued to express interest in seeing the ocean. I had to break it very gently that traveling by highway at night was not the best way to enjoy the scenic views the ocean affords. Now I am in East London in a very surfer friendly hostel, my stay here is just so I can get free passage to Hogsback tomorrow. Suposedly the terrain there allows for some spectacular day hikes in the jungle. I'm taking lots of pictures, but I still can't host any to post them on here. I am getting close to the Transkei(sic) and Sanskei(sic), both former home states, part of the complex system of government under the apratheid. As a result I am moving into the poorest areas that I will go through in SA. the internet has been sketchy up till now so if you don't here from me for the next while i'll try to write something when I get to Durban if not before. I love you all.


P.S. I'm working on a wicked tan