We went for a drive along the coast today, the Cape of Good Hope being our farthest destination. Contrary to popular belief, this is not where the Indian and Atlantic oceans meet; because of shifting currents, they actually meet Cape Agulhas, which is about 150 miles east of the Cape Peninsula.
We stopped in beautiful neighborhoods along the coves. Some towns are in conservation neighborhoods, which means they have to follow strict guidelines because they either border or are located within national parks.
Signs warning not to feed the baboons and that they are dangerous wild animals dot the scenic coastal road. In an effort to protect people from baboons and the baboons from violent retaliation, people are actually hired to shoot them with paintball guns if they come into neighborhoods from the hills. They can be very destructive, and the aloha males can get violent. These people are easily identifiable because they wear green and carry large, well, paintball guns.
We reached the southernmost tip of the continent and then hiked up a trail along the ridge and up toward the old lighthouse. Stunning views of the ocean greeted us at every turn. We spotted several huge eland antelopes in the distance, the largest antelopes in existence, bigger than cows.
We continued around the coast to the eastern side of the cape and stopped for lunch in Simonstown, an aging, quaint village that also hosts the navy with its one and only submarine. This is also the place to view the protected African penguins. It’s mating season, and we got to see young chicks begging for food from their mamas, some of whom had already outgrown their mothers but continue to follow them around chirping incessantly at them and poking their beaks. The males brayed at each other to announce their presence and territory.
It’s been another stunning day at the Cape.
My Corner of the Village 