Chintsa is not far out of East London (the one in South Africa!) but is still in the bush. The countryside had changed significantly from Jeffreys Bay to thicker bush and more hilly country. The backpackers itself is based in the bush on a river and a 5-minute walk from the beach. It is a big piece of land and we were based in two houses which was great to get some 'chill-time', whilst at the same time having a volleyball court, swimming pool, bar and pool table.
So, based here we did our various activities in and around the backpackers and East London. It is easy to get carried away in the day to day activities of the trip and forget that we have a lifesaving and surf coaching course coming up soon! In light of this we did a lot of swimming in East London. There is a great pool there and most of the group had shaved 30 seconds off their time just from surfing. By the end of the week their times were significantly better. Swimming seems to be one of those things that you are either good at or not good at. Personally it isn't my strength but it is a bit of a challenge to turn push it over the line to something I will be good at! It takes practice, like anything else I guess!
And the best part of swimming (for those non-swimmers) was undoubtedly Friesland, the place that makes the best milkshakes on this earth. Yes, you heard me! They use home-made ice-cream and make them to order. Whether you like regular or double-thick, chocolate, mint, banana, coffee, strawberry, caramel or any combination of the above they will make it for you, and make it amazing. Yes, it is that good!
Oh yes, the waves. We mainly surfed straight out the front of the backpackers as there is a good beachbreak right there. East London and the Chintsa area is host to a load of different waves, but they were not quite doing there thing while we were there. So we just surfed in front and had some good waves including a challenging (waves big) dawnie!
Going to the Lion Park is always one of the highlights of the trip. Getting to see these creatures in real life really is incredible and quite scary. It is a good reminder of how powerless we humans are without machinery or weapons when faced with animals like that in nature. it must have been a scary world living in bushman times! Just looking at the lion cubs made you want to take them home and keep them as pets, well until they got big enough to turn you into dinner!
Coffee Bay next and really into the wilderness! Check back soon to see what we've been up to.
Chris