Cape Point Lighthouse

The next stop was Cape Point, the most southwestern tip of Africa where the Atlantic Ocean and Indian Ocean merge. I wanted to visit the old Cape Point Lighthouse, which sits on a promontory on the Cape Peninsula.

The panoramic view on the winding drive on Cape Point was absolutely stunning!

The blue hue of two oceans continued to the skies!

The walk up to the lighthouse was as invigorating as its surroundings.

I found the Cape Point Lighthouse utterly delightful!

These red pincushion proteas grew wildly on the lighthouse grounds, and were the perfect accessories!

I also loved this signpost that was erected near the lighthouse.

The lighthouse cottages were quaint and well maintained.

This was the view from my table at the restaurant on Cape Point.

As I exited the lighthouse I was somewhat puzzled by this sign, because I had not seen any baboons.

Until I came across said baboons on the road! LOL. Needless to say, I didn't feed any of them.

And then I was back on the road in the direction of Boulders Beach in search of Cape Town's resident penguins! Stay tune.

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!