Both Phillipe and me woke up rather excited today as we were heading for a jump off the Bloukran's bridge (http://www.faceadrenalin.com/). This had been on our to-do list since arriving at ADDO national park and today was a culmination of all the effort. The staff at Lungile booked us a taxi and we set off early in the morning. The day was rather gloomy and grey and thankfully we read that the jumps were carried out all weather except in very windy conditions. The ride took us more then an hour and it was a rather thrilling ride as both of us had never done a bungee jump before and had heard about many travellers' talking about the jump off the Bloukran's bridge.
It was thankfully not too crowded when we arrived around 9 am or so and this was just as the taxi driver had predicted. Walking to the booking office, we paid for a single jump each and had to then move to a waiting area, where staff would get us to wear our harness. It was interesting to note that this was not the only site operated by the company and all were displayed on a board at the office.
Our weights and heights were recorded for safety reasons and written using blacker markers on our hand since the bungee cords were meant to be used within weight constraints. Our jump session would kick off around 10 am and we had some time to wait for other people joining our group as well as walk around and see the bridge itself. The viewing area afforded a nice view of the bridge and we joined many others who were contented just watching others jump off the bridge.
The safety briefing started right on time and the small group of us took a short walk to the actual jump site, located in the middle of the bridge, below the level of the road. Having worked as an outdoors instructor, I had gradually weaned off my fear of heights but walking down the see through walkway specially erected to the jump site, some of these fears were rekindled. It was definitely thrilling that I would get a chance to overcome my own challenges again, something that had not happened in awhile. The view was breath-taking and as we reached the actual jump site, the music started, taking our minds off the height we were at. The company does allow just a bridge walk for those less adventurous as well as an option to change and decide to jump if need be. (To view my jump click here)
It was definitely an adrenalin rush completing the jump and even after returning back, we felt so refreshed and awake. The rest of the day was spent unwinding at the boardwalk and confirming our dive the next day. The two of us had a chance to visit Barney's tavern ( http://www.barneystavern.co.za/) with another girl from the lodge who was leaving the next day and the day ended over shots of springbokkies.
As I went to bed, a quote I had read came to mind which seemed to sum up my time at the Bloukran's bridge; "Jump first, think later".
Time for a good rest.
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