march
15 | main index | march
17
On
the way to the Cape
Point Nature Reserve, we stopped to get a few photographs of the Kommetjie
lighthouse. Veda couldn't get ahold of the guy that runs the slangklop
lighthouse for an inside tour so we had to settle for a few outside shots.
We then stopped at Red Hill pottery where we picked up two bowls and a decorative plate. After a brief stop to look at some flowering fynbos we stopped again a roadside market with local wood carvings and decorated ostrich eggs. Upon entering Scarborough, Veda wanted us to take a quick photo of this rock that looks like a camel, so we obliged.
Once
we got to the park entrance we stopped a few times for scenic photos before
arriving at Cape Point. Eric and I hiked up to the top for some beautiful
views of the lighthouses, Diaz beach, boulders and clear blue water. The
30 minute hike up was totally worth it, but it was just as hard on the
legs the whole way back down. We spotted a flower called 'April Fool'
in the shadows next to path up to the top. Even in the shade these red
flowers were stunning and the spotted stems made them even more unusual.
After
walking back down to the car, we drove to the Cape of Good Hope and walked
on the beach for a few more photos. The last stop was Olifantsbos Point.
We hoped to see some game animals, but no luck. We did, however, see a
magnificent red candelabra flower in the middle of the brown fynbos. On
our way out of the park, we finally spotted our first open protea flower
and a sugarbird hovering nearby.
At this point, we had to rush to pick Courtney up at school, only stopping momentarily to take a few photos of a troupe of chacma baboons near a picnic stop by Millers Point. Once we got both kids, we dropped them and Eric off at home to change/download photos while Veda and I went to check out the Kommetjie library T-shirts. I decided against the shirts, but bought a laminated watercolor illustration of the town and surrounds.
We
got the kids and dropped by the Solole
Game Reserve for a snack. Unfortunately, we didn't see any buffalo.
The bathrooms are unique: there are huge windows looking into the park
and the buffalo have been known to check you out while you are trying
to do your business.
While Courtney was at her horse riding lesson, we wandered around the Imhoff Farm looking in the little shops. Veda and I bought some oregano and olive cheese which subsequently diappeared by the end of the evening.
When we got to Simons Town, Veda wanted to stop for a drink at the newly remodeled Flukes restaurant. The kids had soda and hot chocolate while we drank more wine.
Our
next stop was Boulder's Beach to see the African penguins. We lucked out
because it was late, so many of the birds were off the beach and in the
garden area by the parking lot for the evening. We saw at least 100 birds
around the gated area and on the rocks below. These birds used to be called
'jackass penguins' and after listening to them for a time, it's not hard
to see why as they sound just like donkeys braying. These penguins are
adorable and although tolerant of people, wary at the same time. Before
leaving, we had to chase two birds out from under our truck.
Eric and I wanted to show our appreciation for all the hospitality and fun the Meyers have shown us, so we took everyone out to the The Polana restaurant, a Portuguese place in Kalk Bay for dinner.
After we returned home, we sent out an email to my sister to wish her a happy birthday.