ausjackaroo sailing: Cape Town Day 3

Day 34: Table Mountain and Cape of Good Hope.

We woke up this morning to be greeted by grey clouds and more grey clouds. Our expected trip to Table Mountain had a cloud hanging over it. (Like the pun?). Ha Ha. A quick revision of plans to allow for the chance the cloud cover tp pass away with the hope we would still be able to cable car up to the peak in the afternoon.

Our drive to Cape of Good Hope took us along the coast line past expensive homes and hotels overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, beaches and coastal pathways. To name a few, Camps Bay, Clifton and Hout Bay until we travelled along a stretch of road famous for the steep cliffs to the side to Chapman’s Peak. One stage of the drive, the road had overhanging cliffs, which sheltered the road users from rock falls.

Today is Saturday and the locals were out in force, bike riding and running, all along this scenic road. Apparently there is a marathon bike ride soon and everyone is out training.

As we have elected to visit Cape of Good Hope first, we were fortunate to be the first bus to arrive. By the time we left there was a long line up of vehicles waiting to pay and enter. This also means we were the first to get to the actual Cape of Good Hope and then the Cape Point where the Flying Dutchman funicular had didn’t have any line ups to ride.

Although the Cape of Good Hope is popularly perceived as the meeting point of the Atlantic and Indian Oceans, they meet at Cape Agulhas, just east of Good Hope. At our first stop we were able to see a seal colony perched on the rocks just nearby. Here is the first of the 200 metre towering cliffs, defining 3 of the promontories. Cape of Good Hope, Cape Maclear and Cape Point.

All set?

On the funicular

Cape Point

Our second stop was at the lighthouse near Cape Point. This is where we rode the funicular for a short ride to a viewing point base. When driving around this wind swept area we saw many native proteas and heath. Unfortunately it was the flowering season for the proteas and I could only imagine how colourful the area would be when they are in flower. Though there were many different delicate daisies of different colours growing in amongst the heath and proteas.

It is now nearly noon and a fine rain has started to fall as we make our way to a restaurant near Simon’s Town called Black Marlin. It seemed to be a popular destination for bike riders to enjoy breakfast. It must have had a beautiful view overlooking the coast on the eastern side of the peninsular but we were not to see. A very popular luncheon spot for tour buses too.

Line of cars entering the Cape of Good Hope National Park.

Happy to know we have already been there. Line up of cars to enter the park.

As the cloud and rain was still hanging over Table Mountain, it was decided we would stop at Simon’s Town for a 30 minute break. This little sea port has been South Africa’s Naval Port for many years, going back to the last century. There are many buildings and infrastructure relating to the navy and a good Naval Museum here. It looks like a really interesting place to stay and discover its interesting past.

On the way back we drove past the University of Cape Town, Rhodes Memorial and Groote Schuur Hospital where the first successful heart transplant was performed. After a quick drive around the city we arrived back to the ship and could see Table Mountain was still covered in cloud.

Early tonight the Captain announced the ship would not be leaving Cape Town until 6-8am next morning. Strong winds were picking up from the North which would make sailing through the protective heads of the harbour dangerous. However our expected arrival in Port Elizabeth would still occur on time.

PS Internet, whilst the ship is at sea is unreliable, depending on satellites overhead to bounce signals.