Cape of Good Hope

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With no timetable scheduled and no alarms to go off, we slept soundly for a good 10 hours, waking up at 8:30.  Jet lag is finally fading away. Hugh was gone as usual.  We haven't seen him in some time now.  While we were planning the days activities, we decided that it might worth our while and just stay down along the coast.  This means we eliminate having to drive all the way up to Hugh's and then back down again in the morning. Plus, quiet honestly, it was time for a change of scenery.  Took me about 4 minutes to book a very reasonably priced room overlooking Kalk Bay -- where I am peacefully writing from the terrace looking at the sea.  Our room appears to be bigger than the one we paid for -- no complaints here. However, I did have to pick the inn at the top of the hill!

Never did get to say goodbye to Hugh. We left the money and a note with the keys and hit the road.  This was the first overcast day we have had -- with some sun on and off all day.  Lucky for us we went to the mountain yesterday.  So the temps were on the cooler side (70's) - very comfortable.  First stop, Boulder Beach in Simon's Town to see the penguins. The route we planned, took us across the peninsula to Chapman's Drive. A spectacular ride down the west coast.  It seemed like everyone with a road bike was out today.  The views were amazing.

Arriving at  Boulder Beach, we miraculously, scored a parking space in front of the cafe. There is quite  a hefty entrance fee if you  are a foreigner.  We paid our $$ and walked down to the beach.  Our first impression was what the!!????.  There were maybe a handful of penguins among many, many humans.  On our way out, Geoff happened to look up and see a boardwalk full of people and a sea of penguins.

Retraced our steps and ended up at another toll entrance.  Fortunately, we did not have to pay twice. Took a lovely stroll down on the boardwalk and got to see these creatures up close.  A lot were nesting, some were feeding chicks, and others were just plain having fun.  Took a million photos and had to tear ourselves away to get on with our day.  Had a lovely lunch at the cafe and off we went.

Destination Cape Point Lighthouse. Guess what, another hefty fee to enter the park.  I was a bit concerned about the 2km hike straight up to the lighthouse - more concerned about time - it was about 3ish already.  Lo and behold, thankfully there was a funicular!  Plus a lovely gentlemen sold us his unused tix for half price.  Up we went - walked around took pics - came back down. 

Next stop - the Cape of Good Hope.  As we approached, we spotted the universal tourist sign -- tour buses and lots of them.  Parked, walked out to the sign - where the queue was quiet long, to take a shot
behind the sign says "Cape of Good Hope"  That wasn't going to happen.  I managed to snap a shot off in between tourists.  Took in the expanse of the most southern western point of the continent. 

Time to turn around and go find our hotel.  We initially started the route back going through the countryside - must watch out for baboons.  The scenery was getting a bit drab and it was adding to our time.  Aborted that plan, turned right instead of lceft and took a
coastal route to Kalk Bay.  Did all that and arrived here at 4:30 - not bad.  Kalk Bay is a small tourist seaside town - has a P-Town feel with lots of art and antiques.

The sun has decided to come out for good now.  Off for a shower and dinner. 

Just got back from dinner at the Olympic Cafe.  We ran into a couple of local gentlemen who recommended this place -- not a tourist trap.  Which it isn't.  Lots of atmosphere and wonderful food.

Turning in for now.  Have a leisure ride up the coast and then up into wine country for three days.

Cheers!

CLICK HERE: TODAY'S PHOTO ALBUM

Next time.... Stellenbosch - wine country