Cape of Good Hope

On the second day of my tour, I toured the Cape Peninsula. The road trip was breathtaking as cliffs, surrounding mountain ranges, and swells of the Atlantic Ocean unfolded before my eyes.

Here I am in front of Hout Bay in Cape Town.

The drive on the Cape Peninsula showed cliffs rising prominently above the Atlantic.

After a 1. 5 hour southwesterly drive, I finally reached the entry to the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve.

A female and male ostrich grazed openly as I passed by.

Rounding the bend, the Cape of Good Hope drew nearer.

Originally named the "Cape of Storms" in 1488, it was later renamed the "Cape of Good Hope" to lend an air of optimism for the opening trade routes to India and the East by Dutch traders who settled Cape Town in 1652.

Legendary folklore identified the Cape of Good Hope as the home of The Flying Dutchman, a ghostly ship crewed by ghoulish pirates that were doomed forever to sail its way on the turbulent waters of the rocky coast without ever succeeding in rounding the cape.

There were manmade steps that led up the cliffs. Regrettably, I didn't have time to climb it.

But more ambitious visitors found their way up its craggy pathways, and was rewarded with a spectacular view below.

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The Seals of Cape Town

Thought it would be kewl to see the Cape Fur Seal colony in Cape Town, so I hopped on a boat and headed out to Duiker Island.

We pulled slowly out of the harbor.

Enroute, I was surprised to see so much sea foam!

20 min. later, my boat neared the cluster of rocks known as "Duiker Island," and saw the delightful mammals that are indigenous to Southern Africa.



The colony of seals were cute and lazy, as they slept undeterred under the warm wintry sun.

My visit was marred when I found out that they were the reason why the Horn of Africa was a reputed draw for Great Whites.

Despite their vulnerabilities, life for the Cape Fur Seals appeared prettttty gooood.

And then it was time to head back to the harbor.

Upon arrival, the harbor was alive with all sorts of activities. These entertainers were performing as we pulled in... such fun!



When I alighted, I had fun shopping at the various booths along the docks.



All sorts of African art and handiwork were readily available for a "special price."

FIFA fever was 10 days away and these "football" (a.k.a. soccer) horns were sold everywhere!

I especially liked these hand carved painted bowls.

Before I left I caught another street performance, which I thoroughly enjoyed. And then, I was off to my next Cape Town exploration!

Table Mountain

I took advantage of a 4-day Memorial Day wkend and traveled south of the equator to Cape Town, South Africa. Primary Mission: Shark Cage Diving. However, my scheduled dive wasn't until Sunday, so I had two days to go before I could stare down Great Whites. In the mean time, I was off to explore Cape Town!

Right before the plane touched down, the view from my window was filled with eye-filling cumulus clouds!

The first sighting of Cape Town was its noted landmark, Table Mountain, a long flat-topped mountain overlooking the city.

The eagle has landed: Cape Town, South Africa!

For my trip to South Africa, I had to dress a little more warmly. It was refreshing to leave the scorching heat of Egypt for the welcomed low 60s F temps in Cape Town.

First Stop: Table Mountain.

I climbed aboard a cable car, and away I went!

Table Mountain loomed prominently ahead.

And the cable car steadily made its ascent to the top.

Almost there!

At the top was Table Mountain National Park. The view was gorgeous!

I love the rugged coastline of the Cape Peninsula!

A view of Cape Town and Table Bay harbor.

Table Mountain National Park had a plethora of walking trails and foot bridges throughout.

Ever see the one-panel cartoon of two chocolate Easter bunnies talking to each other? The first one was whole and said "Happy Easter!" The second had its ears bitten off and replied "WHAT?!?" LOL. Below, it looked like both bunnies had their ears bitten off. WHAT?!?

Devil's Peak below.

And then it was time to head back down to Cape Town .... yep. I'm a feeble poet, and I know it. LOL.