Today we headed down the Cape of Good Hope, just south of Cape Town, for a series of fun adventures. We stopped first at St. James, and then headed to Kalk Bay. At Kalk Bay, we spotted a whale maybe 30 yards off shore, and a friendly seal sampling fish scraps from the gathered spectators. We then headed to Simon's Town, the main base for the South African Navy. We visited the town museum and were particularly taken with the story of Able Seaman Just Nuisance, a WWII-era Great Dane who became the pet of Royal Navy sailors based there and was awarded a rank in the navy and full military honors upon his death.
We then stopped at Boulder Beach, a wonderful spot full of African, or jackass, penguins. We walked on a boardwalk over the beach and could stand just a few feet from the cute little critters. We heard one of the males braying and understood why they used to be called jackass penguins!
Our final stop of the day was the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve. We walked to Cape Point and took in the breathtaking views. We spotted several wild ostrich in the reserve, and then headed down to the Cape of Good Hope, where we spotted one beleaguered ostrich being chased by a Japanese tourist with camera in hand! Our final excitement of the day was spotting a whole troop of baboons by the side of the road, including several infants. They were adorable.
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2 comments:
So great to read your story, Thomas! I lived in Simon's Town in July of 2005, working at a summer program there. Nice to see that other people get down to those parts. Hope you're having a blast! Anne-Marie
You guys alive? How's the Garden Route treating you?
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