The Saturday before we returned to the States, we decided to check out the Mountain Sanctuary. It's basically up in the mountains (just one and a half hours outside of town), complete with hiking trails, tons of boulders and natural swimming pools. I have had this location on my list for quite some time now and so I was very pleased to finally check it off! So we packed a picnic lunch, donned our hiking gear (and swimsuits) and neglected to wear sunblock. (We were in a hurry, it was overcast and kinda cool!!)
As we were exploring, we overheard a small family playing in one of the natural pools. You couldn't mistake their lovely AMERICAN accent....nor their "Cubs" gear. I wanted so badly to interrupt their fun and ask them where they were from...when...the Mom approached us! She said she recognized our accents! Oh, it was grand to bump into fellow Americans out there in the Mountain Sanctuary. Just gave me another boost to hurry up and get on home! We chatted for just a bit and then went on our way. (And all the while the sun would peak through the clouds every now and then...)
The boulders were so much fun! I felt like a little kid again on summer vacation with my family. My Dad would always stop by the big rocks and boulders (mountains to us kids back then!) and let us climb out our energy for just a bit. However, I am quite certain my Dad enjoyed these climbing excursions just as much as we did! And so, climbing those boulders here in South Africa...my yearning for home began to climb higher and higher... We spent a good couple of hours playing on those boulders before we finally stopped to eat our quick lunches. (And all the while the sun would peak through the clouds every now and then...)
Then Chris led the way to the natural pools where we finished our adventure off with a swim. I was the first to take the plunge after we all tentatively poked our toes against the water's surface. It took my breath away it was so cold! But everyone else went ahead and joined me. After all, it was part of the reason we had come! We didn't last long....not to mention it was a little smelly. At least Ben got to pretend like he was a hippo for awhile. (And all the while the sun would peak through the clouds every now and then...)
It wasn't until later (as always) we realized our mistake of no sunblock. Ibuprofen and aloe quickly became my friends. At least we were even closer to going home! WOOHOOO!!!
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