In trying to give my mom an accurate take on our life in South Africa, going on a climbing trip over the weekend is quintessential.
After our extravagant tea at Mount Nelson on Friday, we ran home, changed, hopped in the car with Dan and the boys, and headed north for the Cedarberg. We've been to Rocklands with the Davies before, and knew that we'd all have a fabulous time. And indeed, it was fabulous. My mom loved seeing The Homestead first hand, as well as the vast expanse of land and monolithic rock formations at the top of the mountains that is Rocklands. It was such a treat to show off this amazing place.
One thing that I don't have pictures of (Mom, did you take any photos?) is my birthday cake on Saturday night! Dan surprised me with a birthday cake, candles, and a round of Happy Birthday! I had no idea what was coming, and it was so sweet! My birthday isn't until June 7, but since my mom was in town he wanted to celebrate together. This year is my big 3-0. Yep. :)
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| The moon glowing on our first night |
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| Saturday morning we headed for the Cattle Rustler/Rubik's Cube area. It was a long but beautiful hike. |
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| Mom was pretty astounded by the formations |
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| On our way up to the Cattle Rustler/Rubik's Cube area we spotted 6 mules pulling a small wagon down the road. It was such a bizarre sight, I felt like it should have been Santa and all his reindeer. |
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| They dropped a few people off, who would presumably walk the rest of the way to the main road, and then they turned around. Apparently there's a whole community of people who live off the grid in Rocklands. |
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| The kids had a blast with their own personal grandma there to hang out and play with them. :) |
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| We had a decent amount of people there, so several ropes were going at all times. I'm on the left and Esmé is on the right. |
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| It was kind of funny to be right next to each other up there. |
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| Here's Ruby |
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| Here I am leading Andy's 19 (5.10b). He bolted it about 5 years ago and can't remember what he named it. Go figure. :) |
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| I'm almost to the crux here. It's a shame we don't have any pictures of that. I whipped out some pretty cool moves. ;) |
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| And down |
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| Dan's turn! |
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| Another beautiful day to climb in Rocklands |
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| Giving Dan a bee-lay |
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| Happy Gram and Auggie |
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| Time to head down, with a spectacular view the whole way |
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| The red speck to in the left third of the photo is Beth Higgins working a route. She's pretty awesome. |
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| Mom and me |
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| Sunday morning came with fog and light rain. It was the perfect time to break out Auggie and Eland's Christmas gift from their Great Aunt Karen and Great Uncle Marv--animal masks to color and build! |
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| Auggie the pig and Eland the dog.. Hahaha.. |
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| All the kids had a complete riot running around and oinking/barking at each other. |
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| Maia the fox! |
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| Ruby the bear! |
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| Aimeé the hen with Eland dog |
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| The rain lightened up enough to go see the donkeys |
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| These two were making silly faces the whole time |
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| Ruby had the donkey mesmerized |
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