Cape Town and Beyond

In Cape Town we had some very exciting and interesting tours. The day after we arrived we took a bus and traveled around the Cape of Hope. The whole area is actually the Cape of Hope, but people think of the tip as the actual Cape of Hope. And we went to the southernmost tip of the Cape so we could say we were there.

Later we went to a penguin colony. I made sure I had my binoculars, but didn't need them. The penguins were actually in reach. They had chosen this particular spot to populate, and the colony grew and grew. Of course they were adorable.



Anytime I see these funny little birds in tuxedoes, walking on one foot, then the other, I have to smile We had a good view of some chicks in their gray plumage, particularly one which did not turn or move in any way, while its down was being ruffled by the wind. I got the biggest kick out of one penguin which was standing on the beach while a group of penguins swam in. He stayed there like a Walmart greeter, while they landed and walked past him.

After the penguins we visited a winery. That was a trip to remember. We did not tour the winery. Instead they brought us into a room with four different wines and four different cheeses. The woman showing us the coupling of the wines and cheeses was at her best and very professional. We had degenerated into a group of winos. But, we had fun!!! To show our appreciation, most of us bought a bottle or two. I hope there are more wine tastings ahead.

Then we went to a lighthouse, took the funicular up and walked the last part to fantastic views. Again, what a beautiful coastline, what a beautiful country.

The next day we went to Robben Island where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned. It was very sobering. The hotel shuttle took us to the waterfront and from there we took the ferry to the island. Our guide was a former prisoner and thus had a unique perspective. For a time they kept lepers on the island. They had separated the men from the women because they were afraid if two lepers joined together they would have leper babies. They still had 43 children from secret unions.

We got up early and went to enjoy the buffet breakfast, which we knew we would miss terribly. Then we took a trip up Table Mountain in Cape Town. When you are a visitor to Cape Town, everyone asks you if you have been to Table Mountain. Frequently, it is so windy they have to close the cable car. To me, from down below, it didn't look like it
 was going to be such great shakes, but, once you are up there, you understand why it has been chosen one of the new Seven Natural Wonders of the World. Beautiful views, beautiful scenery. We saw dassies – look a little like a gopher – all over the place. Their nearest relative is the African elephant. That blows my mind.

We also saw some elans and a smaller antelope – name? For 80 years the cable car has been bringing about 800 people per hour to the top of the mountain, which is a geological wonder. They think the mountain may be older than the Himalayas. It was formed under the sea over 600 million years ago.

Then we went to get our motor homes. What fun!!! Our motor home is equipped with everything we need, although we have bought some things or had them given to us to make the trip more comfortable, such as top sheets. It's not the custom in South Africa. We drove about 30 kilometers the first day. I was the one initiating the MH, although it was the leader of the initiation – turned the tables on me. I stalled a number of times getting to the first campground. I'm going to have to get used to the clutch.

The next day we drove around Gordon's Bay and along the shore. The coast here is magnificent. I never expected South Africa to have this type of shoreline. The surf is strong and high. I looked at it and thought I wish I had a belly board or surf pillow. However, I then looked at the rocks, and thought maybe not. It made me think at times of the Maine Coast and other times of Big Sur. We drove just past our campground to the southern most tip of the African Continent. There was a marker and also a lighthouse there. And of course, a beautiful ocean coast.

We saw many fisherpeople at this campground. It made me think of surf fishing, which they all were. Around the time we were leaving, they were coming back. There were sinks there for them to clean the fish, and HUGE signs to tell them NOT to clean the fish at our sinks where dishes were washed.

The next day we drove through the Bontebok National Park. The bontebok were becoming extinct. The Park was developed around a herd of about 30, fed them citrus to keep them staying in the park. Now there are about 1500 roaming the fields. They warn you to refrain from bringing citrus into the park. Some of the older antelope still have memories of citrus and will chase you down if you are eating an orange. We also saw our first African zebra there. That was very exciting.