Cape Town, Part Two

Sunday, April 18 (continued)

Our first day in South Africa turned out to be one of those uncommonly beautiful days that must be savored while it lasts. Our trip south along the coast brings us to Cape of Good Hope which is only a few degrees farther south than Cape Point, making it the most southwestern point of the continent of Africa. HOWEVER ---- Cape Argulis on the southeastern coast is the actual place where the Atlantic and Indian Oceans meet. Who knew? The Chamber of Commerce in Point Argulis is not happy that everyone travels to Cape of Good Hope in search of the southernmost point. We're doing our part for them by encouraging future tourists to South Africa to insist on seeing Point Argulis instead; although Tony tells us it's very windy and rather inhospitable there. Only one way to sort this out. We need to look at a map of South Africa, so here it is courtesy of Google Maps. (You're welcome :) Cape Argulis is the bottom tip. Cape of Good Horn is to the left and farther north.

Our trip south includes stops at vista points, this one overlooking a lovely bay and Sentinel Rock in the distance. This is where an annual "extreme" surfing contest takes place in September. (Think "Mavericks" at Half Moon Bay.)

Our journey south also provides some entertainment with a brief look at an ostrich farm where baboons wait to share dinner with the ostriches. Tony assures us that the baboons are not as cute as they seem. They're actually agressive and pesky. We find out a bit later how right he is.

We arrive at the two capes, first exploring Cape Point.


The historic lighthouse was in service from 1860 to 1919. The white flashing light of 2,000 candlepower could be seen 67 km. out to sea. But, since the cape was often covered in fog and mist, it was ineffective. After the wreck of the Portuguese liner "Lusitania" in 1911, it was moved lower down on the hill.

Jerry is posing in front of Cape Point,

Hanging Rock looking serene in the distance.

Here's Cape of Good Hope, originally called Cape of Storms by early explorers but given a more appealing name by King John of Portugal who wanted sailors assigned to the distant outpost to feel more optimistic about their sea duty.

Our group of twenty posing in front of Cape of Good Hope as Tony, with at least ten cameras slung around his neck, takes a picture for each of us. And that's why we're all laughing. We should have taken a picture of HIM.

Here are the baboons again, anything but cute as they join traffic and climb on cars to have a look around.

The owner of the white car won't be able to drive his car till the baboon (an alpha male) decides he can.

Farther down the road we visit a beach where African Penguins moved in a decade or so ago. They're the same species we see at the Monterey Bay Aquarium, so it's like greeting old friends. We'll take penguins over baboons any day.

A downy youngster waits for his parents to bring him something to eat. Looks as if he's big enough to fend for himself, doesn't he? But penguins tend to coddle their babies.

The following twenty-seven second movie might not seem too exciting as beach movies go until you learn it's been filmed at the Cape of Good Hope. Breathe in the salt air as you watch it.