Cape Point Mission

06.09.08

Well, we tried before and didn't get further than the entrance to the Cape Point nature Reserve. This time we were a bit more prepared for the steep entrance fee. Sean organised the day and even though the weather was a bit cold and the wind was blowing a gale across the Peninsula, I joined him, Lina and Serdyn for the adventure none the less.

I thought it the perfect opportunity to take Paul (my feisty VW Fox) for a long drive, so we all went in my car. I was running a bit late, so they were all waiting for me, but we soon hit the road. We took the Mitchell's Plain route, which I had never taken, and headed through Muizenberg and over Boyes Drive. Coming down past Clovelly, someone spotted a few whales in the bay. We stopped in Fishhoek to have a closer look. There were about 5 wales frolicking in the swell and a crowd soon gathered to watch them.

Pushing on past Simonstown, we arrived at the main entrance of the reserve, paid the ridiculous fee and drove on in. Our first stop was Blackrocks and the old Lime Kiln. After taking a few pictures and appreciating the remoteness of our surroundings, we studied the map and made our choice as to where we would go for a walk. I really wanted to walk from there, up to Kanonkop, then across to summit Paulsberg and then take the circular route back down to Blackrocks, but given the windy conditions, I thought it best to leave that trip for fairer weather.

We decided to rather head on down to Cape of Good Hope, the most South-Western point of Africa, and then walk up to Cape Point Peak and back again.

As we left Blackrocks, we were greeted by one of the locals - a very curious Gemsbok. He made no attempt to run as we stopped our car alongside the road to have a closer look. It was really amazing to watch him from so close. After a while he did get bored with us and slowly turned and ambled away over the hill.

We arrived at the Cape of Good Hope, after passing yet another one of the Peninsulas fauna, an ostrich. He was also quite happy to carry on with what he was doing without any regard for us.

At the cape, the parking lot was overwhelmed with Tourists. We parked where we could see the sea and had some lunch. At this most southern extreme of the peninsula, the waves were relentlessly tossed and blown by the stormy winds. It is no wonder that the sailors of old referred to it as the Cape of Storms. What looked like rain, was actually the crests of waves that were lifted by the wind and carried away like mist.

Although the weather made it difficult to find, the sun had in fact moved over the noon position and was now slowly making its way towards the sea. We had to start making our way to the Peak, before it got too late in the day.

The walk up to Cape Point Peak was extremely windy. The chill of the wind made our noses run and at times almost pushed us off our feet. We pushed on, admiring the views of the peninsula and the power of the weather. After a short walk, we reached the main parking lot at Cape Point and headed up the long, steep road to the peak. Many more tourists passed us going in either direction and eventually we made it to the top.

From the old lighthouse, I looked back to see the path that we had walked up the hill. I could also see both sides of the peninsula and the peaks that dotted the headland that was jutting out of the African continent. Another familiar sight was the lighthouse keeper's house where I had stayed more than 15 years ago on one of the many overnight trips on the peninsula that I undertook in my youth. I remembered how the wind blew just as strong that night.

Admiring the views, we took a few photos and decided it was best to start heading back down if we wanted to be home by 5. Lina was not keen to walk back to the car as the wind and the heights were a bit too hectic, so Sean stayed with her while Serdyn and I went to fetch the car. Luckily there was a restaurant at Cape Point, so they were able to enjoy a warm cup of coffee while they waited for us.

We made it back to the car in good time as we had left our bags with Sean and Lina. I was a bit worried about the rain clouds that were moving in. I had only taken my cellphone and car keys, but when we reached the car, I realised that the gear-lock key was still in my bag. Luckily Sean had stayed with Lina and he agreed to run the key down to us.

Feeling relieved after the near disaster of having to go back up to fetch the key, we drove around to fetch Lina. She had already finished her coffee and the rest of us had a quick drink before we started for home.

Leaving the reserve, I decided to go left via Red Hill, instead of right via Simonstown. It's always nice to take different roads. I remember travelling all the different roads on the peninsula with my family when I was younger, so I wanted to see for myself where they went. After stopping briefly to see the Naval base from Red Hill, we headed down the winding road to Fishhoek. Paul (my car) was doing very well until the circle in Fishhoek. As I pulled away from the the robots, disaster struck - the clutch cable snapped!

My dad came to our rescue. He was on his way to tow us to a friend of his who lived in Fishhoek. Stranded on a sunday evening in a strange town, we were cold and hungry. We locked up the car and took a walk to find the nearest eating place. In a small shopping center, we found the most amazing Italian pizzaria. A pukka Italian man made us the most delicious pizza I had had in a long time. I will definitely make a pilgrimage to that little piece of Italy again.

My dad arrived shortly after our meal and we towed the car to his friend's spot. Thanks to Andrew for letting us keep my car at his house overnight. There was no chance I was going to tow him all the way home. It was scary enough towing him over that short stretch.

It was a day of adventure and extremes, but I had a great time with some great people. Thanks to Lina, Sean and Serdyn for a great mission. Next time we go in someone else's car.


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