The gondola ride was fantastic. With a capacity of 50 or more but with a weight restriction, the floor constantly revolved to allow everyone the opportunity to take photos and enjoy the view. As we left the city for the ride up, the temperature was a hot sunny 30c while at the top it was 22c and breezy. The one end of the flat topped, mountain top park, had clouds blowing over and dropping down the side like a whispy grey waterfall. The whole area was covered by wild flowers, most of which had blossomed weeks before but there were still several varieties showing some colour.
The views from the mountain top were spectacular. Cape Town below, spread out in all directions. The seaport was bustling, the other mountains poked their mass through the sea of humanity and all this was bookmarked between the Atlantic and the Indian Oceans.
Our drive to the Cape was very enjoyable with thousands of cyclists crowding the narrow road. As we wound our way In a southernly direction we passed some of the most expensive real estate in South Africa. We passed soccer fields with hundreds of children practicing their skills. The encouraging fact that there was a mix of colours playing together, endorsed the reality that times are changing here. We saw this everywhere we went.
The Cape of Storms, as it was originally named before it became Cape of Good Hope, was well worth the drive. The views from the lighthouse above the cape gave proof of the wild seas that meet at this point and allowed us to understand the dangers that early sailing shipwreck would have faced.
Driving further, we spent time watching the African Peguin colony as they returned from the sea or steadfastly guarded their nests from marauding seagulls. They were so enjoyable to watch as they interacted with one another and it upset us to see a gull swoop down and steal one of their eggs that had been left unattended for a moment. The gull flew to a height with the large egg in its beak before purposely dropping it on the beach where it broke, allowing the gull to get its feast.
This was the last day with our group so when we had finished exchanging contact information and saying our goodbyes we headed off in different directions. We have become very close as a group and shared many experiences together over the past weeks. We are hopeful that our paths will cross again some day soon as there are just too many good reasons that they should!
Saying goodbye to Kembo was particularly difficult. He had been so patient with our many questions during the trip and his skills as a guide were extraordinary. But it was as an individual, proudly African, that we respected him so much. His sense of humour, his sparkling wit and his ceaseless teasing kept us always on our toes, usually one step behind him! It is people like Kembo who will be the driving force that helps move the countries of Southern Africa forward.
Table Mountain wildlife
On our drive to the cape the scenery was stunning!
Kembo didn't always get the last laugh...;-)
And the evidence of getting stuck and flat tires has been forever recorded.
The southern seas pounded the rocky shore at The Cape of Good Hope.
But the seals somehow managed to hang on.
More wildlife!
These Africa Penguins were such fun to watch.
But we were saddened to see a gull snatch this egg.
This mother had two chicks.
Trotting up the beach...in search of lady friends!
The Indian Ocean side of the cape was much warmer for the swimmers, however we did see people swimming in an area with a black flag which stated "sharks present". Now why would anyone do that?
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