Page 38 - Intra Muros November Issue 2024

TRAVEL

Safety comes first and briefings are every Despite the splendid warm afternoons in because it eventually spits us out, and we
day. They often happen on the side of the the Northern Cape, temperatures drop paddle on, a little battered but still in the
river mid paddle to notify you of the next steadily in the evening and dressed up for game.
rapids and how to navigate them. So, we a day in a ski resort, we settle down by the
are given ample time to mentally prepare. fire, ready for dinner, stories and a laugh. Every morning we wake to clear autumn
Or perhaps that’s just me. I find the rapids skies in our orange world. There is nothing
equally thrilling and terrifying. Shouting The guides are excellent, encouraging rushed about packing up. While kids catch
orders to Wingman M at every turn, I sound and cajoling us along. Especially on day 4, barbel against a rising sun, we dozily enjoy
more like a Sergeant Major than a chilled when the headwinds pick up, and it feels coffee and rusks gazing up at the multi-
paddler as I steer us through, trying to stay like despite our best efforts, we aren’t coloured mountains, turning our faces to
on course and not fall out. moving. At one stage, we just spin around the warm skies. This is Africa at her best.
and around, caught in a whirlpool, taking
Falling out is par for the course, and we in copious amounts of water. All I can do is We are not adventurous enough to sleep
discovered after the trip that the group in shout and scream at the Orange. It listens outdoors like our guides, who don’t seem
front of us had 10 swimmers, including their
guide. One fellow mom commented that
she was so chilled on the rest of the paddle
after she fell in on the first rapids. This may
be good advice. So, fall in and get it over
with. Our group only had two swimmers,
who, despite the shock (the water is cold!),
were picked up quickly and promptly given
more brandewyn at camp.

Afternoons are my favourite part of the
day. Iced beverage in hand, we sit on camp
chairs along the river’s edge and while away
the day, the kids cavort in the water, and we
admire the striking scenery. But as soon as
the sun drops, it is time to don the thermals.

36 | INTRAMUROS NOVEMBER 2024