Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous.

Day 3:

Watching Smith and Haddin save Australia's bacon again seemed to pump the boys up for fun at Sun City and in anticipation of our first game against Soweto CC tomorrow. After another hearty breakfast at the campsite, the boys packed and left the Pilanesberg game park behind.

A short drive had the group at Sun City, but not before seeing one of the more memorable sites of our lives:  a herd of at least 50 elephants, mums, bulls and babies walking along the edge of the game park. Unfortunately, it happened so quickly as we were travelling on the bus, no pictures were captured but I'm sure it will be firmly imprinted in the boys' memories.

Sun City upon approach had the appearance of an oasis in the desert. For the parents old enough to remember, I did expect to hear the theme music to the show "Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous" as we were in the shadows of the Palace Hotel. Boardies on and towel in hand,  the group (even Uncle Thommo) headed for the Valley of the Waves. Thomas, Cam and Max led the charge in lathering up on sunscreen on a day where a guy in orange robes complained to me how hot it was. It was amazing! Activities for everyone. Waves pools for the younguns, whirl pools for the others and the couples pool for the coaches... Parents would be impressed that even while on tour, the older boys were taking their studies seriously with much effort put into maths and language while interacting with the locals. The highlight for many of the boys (particurly Jez who is still talking it up) was the Slide of Courage (picture attached). Not for the feint of heart, it was a 25m drop from top to bottom, but a gentleman holding a bogey board at the end of the slide ensured you didn't fall off the end - OHS hasn't hit South Africa yet.

Entering the Valley of the Waves.

The Slide of Courage tested some in the group and even left some marks on Brad's back.

After lunch and some biltong snacks (which included almost every game park animal from 24 hours previous was an option - I highly recommend the Springbok) to tide us over until dinner, we left Sun City and headed to Bryanston. Luke and James entertained the front of the bus with movie quotes while others took the opportunity for another kip. The three star hotel, City Lodge, greeted us and the boys paired up in some very comfy rooms. The gym, ice machine and restaurant made it a perfect home away from home over the next five nights. Dinner at Spur and a team talk ended the day pleasantly - now it was onto our first game versus Soweto CC.

The world famous wave pool at Sun City. If you look closely, you can see the boys.

JMT