Summer Travels - The Ziegelbaurs

Summer 2016 after Nate’s graduation we hit the skies (not the road) in various directions.

Ben had made plans to attend a soccer camp in the Netherlands with his good Dutch friend. When that friend’s parents took a new position away from Cameroon the trip became their last adventure together… for awhile at least. Ben enjoyed bike rides, windmills, lots of tea, seeing sights and improving his soccer skills.

Ben and his friend were put to work on a family member's remodeling project — Ben and his friend were put to work on a family member’s remodeling project

Five day soccer camp at the stadium in Amsterdam

The camp was sponsored by Ajax, a team known for training youth.

Shortly after Ben flew to Europe, the rest of the family flew to Johannesburg (via Nairobi). It was Nate’s graduation trip and being more or less on the way to the US, didn’t cost much more than a “direct” flight through Europe. It was Nate’s high adventure trip through South Africa!

We flew to Johannesburg along with fellow Covenant missionaries and neighbors for the past 2 years, the Noren family. First stop was the Lion Park

2016-06 2 Lion Park — Petting the lion cubs at the Lion Park

Then we took the Shosholoza Meyl train to Cape Town where we rented a car and the adventure continued.

The dining car -- somehow we always ended up in a station at meal time. — The dining car — somehow we always ended up in a station at meal time.

Cape of Good Hope – yes, it was cold! S. African winter

Diving with the sharks — Nate was the only one who donned the wet suit to enter a cage alongside the boat and see sharks up close and personal.

For the rest of us the view was fine from the top deck of the boat

From there we drove to the southern most tip of the continent of Africa: Cape Agulhas — cold, and VERY windy!

Where the Indian Ocean meets the Atlantic Ocean

Then we drove on aloong the coast to the Bloukrans Bridge — highest (natural) Bungy jump in Africa if not in the world.

The view is breathtaking. So is the 216 meter drop!

"I believe I can fly!" — “I believe I can fly!”

Michelle followed. If your brother jumped off a bridge would you do it too?

Thankfully, they both survived!

Next we headed to Durbin, stopping at Lake Eland Park and zipline (14 ziplines in a row — way fun, but no pictures)
and then up toward Kruger National Park. Along the way we briefly visited our friend Sam (aka Sid) Danforth who is serving in ministry with a South African Church. He gave us a quick tour.

Sam showed us the gardens, clinic, after school program and more

Waiting for our evening tour of Kruger National Park, we spent time hanging out with a couple elephants

The last adventure was an evening tour of Kruger Park. We saw lots of eyes, and got a few good shots with the camera…

Elephant crossed the road in front of us

Leopard also crossed the road in front of us

We listed about 20 animals that we saw. It was a great tour.

Next we headed back to Jo’burg and the airport. From there I flew back to Yaounde on the 4th of July arriving just hours before Ben returned from Netherlands.

Ron accompanied Michelle and Nate back to the US for another adventure in getting ready for college!

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